Perfect Mrs India' 2020 Season 3 finale sees a bevy of intelligent women vie for the skies!

The simplicity, the social distancing and the small gathering could not hold back the glitz and glamour of 'Perfect Mrs India' 2020 Season 3 finale saw the chosen 12 Top finalists  from all over India prove their mettle to try and win the crown.

Dr Khooshi Gurubhai Thakkar and Gurubhai Thakkar, the driving forces behind the empowering women's pageant  along with Dr Geet Thakkar avered, "There are no barriers of Height, Weight or Age in this pageant.  Indian women give up their dreams and turn four walls into a home. This pageant looks beyond everything and aims to empower them, to help them grow wings!"

The contestants came from varied fields. From housewives to professionals to COVID warriors, the field was open.

Soumita Nandy won the awarded Perfect Woman Of The Show, while there was a tie between Pooja Nishar and Jayanti Gupta for the Second Runner Up, Reema Bahl was the First Runner Up and the coveted title was bagged by Saraswathy Iyer who was crowned 'Perfect Mrs India 2020’. The jury consisted among others,  Philanthropist Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka, Writer-Director and Social Activist Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Journalist Jyothi Venkatesh, Shruti Jain.

The event also saw the Perfect Achievers Awards where the winners chosen by audience choice  included Ranvir Shorey, Sharad Kelkar, Sahil Salathia, Deepshikha Deshmukh,  Sanjay Gangnani, Helly Shah, Madhurima Tuli, Chahatt Khanna, Amol Parashar, Child Artist Dishita Sehgal,  Sujoy Mukherjee, Ojas Rajani, Alankrita Sahai, Shivani Tomar, Kanika Mann, Charul Malik, Riya Deepsi, Donal Bisht, Kaveri Priyam, Ahsaas Channa, Jay Soni, Simran Ahuja and Krishna Bharadwaj among many others.

All in all a perfect evening twinkling with achievers indeed.

My Guru, My Father by Amjad Ali Khan

Ustad Haafiz  Ali Khan was born in a house responsible for giving the Sarod its present shape and structure.  The traditional style of music which today has become somewhat rare is called Dhrupad, where the use of embellishments does not exist. The usage was more of long glides both for vocalists and instrumentalists. He added to it the melodic possibilities of instrumental music in its complete dhrupad form. A rabab oriented Sarod style, more staccato,  more  right  hand  than  left,  more mechanical than melodic was converted  by  Ustad  Haafiz  Ali Khan to a brilliant amalgam of feeling and cleanliness,  heard only in the Rudra-Been and the Sursingaar of the descendants of Mian Tansen. Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan could make his sarod sing. This he did by a very advanced technique of the left hand fingernails and a thorough understanding of the Raga pattern filtered through feeling and Aesthetic   awareness.   He could flower with tonal accuracy even when the string pitch went down by a quarter note or more. He  was  himself  a  great  dhrupad  singer  and  discovered  a brilliantly coordinated  and  synchronized  stroke  sustainability in his sarod.   With this he could translate his vocal dhrupad lines in the otherwise metallic instrument of his ancestors, to a stream of aesthetic melody patterns.

Haafiz Ali Khan lived for Music. For my father, though, there was no question of a life outside music. Life itself was Music and Music was Life. And so I came to inherit from him the legacy of five generations of musicians as naturally as a bird taking to the air. His exquisite music was not just an artistic performance but a form of prayer. He was initiated in the tradition of the Senia Gharana by direct descendants of the line of Swami Haridas, Mian Tansen and leant at the feet of Ustad Wazir khan of Rampur. Ustad Wazir Khan broke the convention of teaching only family members and accepted him as his disciple.  Now a direct disciple of the Tansen School, Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb started flowering under the Ustad’s undiluted teaching.  More knowledge enriched the already exposed brilliance of Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb and his strict adherence to vocal dhrupads made the veterans of his time look at him with admiration.   His performance together with his tonal richness and accuracy from instrumental music a status equivalent to vocal music; The melody rich Sarod got an unthinkable status.

Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan was honoured with the title of Aftab-e-Sarod by the All Bengal Music Conference in Calcutta, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and also received a fellowship of the Akademi. The Universities of Vishva Bharti and Khairagharh conferred doctorates on him. The Government of India conferred the award of Padma Bhushan in 1960. The true Godfather of Instrumental music of his times!  Far ahead of his time, Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan realized the coming of the industrial age, its rapidity and its lack of leisure and want of time.   He believed that rag music in its purity, can only be preserved by precision. Stretching the raga too long will lead to irrelevant phrases, raga dilution and deviation.    Rabindra Nath Tagore also believed in this. Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan was the last musician who stuck to his dhrupad roots. He created the correct raga environment by playing dhrupad lines verbatim and then elaborated and expanded them.   He will also be remembered as the last of the Senia dhrupad greats. Apart from his formidable command over traditional sarod compositions, dhrupad and thumri, he was particularly appreciated in the Viceregal firmament of colonial India for his unique, stylized renditions of "God Save The King" on his sarod.

The Sarod Ghar-Museum of Musical Heritage in Gwalior, is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian classical music, heritage and culture. Under the aegis of Haafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust, through this 'window' to the past, music lovers can gain a better understanding of the evolution and history of Indian Classical Music and can get a deeper perspective and insight into the context of the art as it exists today. The aim of setting up this institution is to create awareness and respect for classical music, musicians and the variety of instruments of India. The road on which the museum stands has been named Haafiz Ali Khan Marg by the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh. The first instruments exhibited were the instruments belonging to his forefathers. Madhya Pradesh has had a whole history of great musical legends down memory lane . The great vocalist Ustad Amir Khan Saheb, Ustad Jahangir Khan Saheb, Ustad Abdul Haleem Jaffar Khan Saheb, Bharat Ratna  Lata Mageshkar-ji are among the prominent aristes who belonged to the city  of Indore. The city of Dewas gave birth to another two prominent personalities. Ustad Rajab Ali Khan and Pandit Kumar Gandharva. The legendary Hindi film playback Singer Kishore Kumar-ji and his brother the famous  Ashok Kumar-ji  also belonged to Khandawa .

A road in the name Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister, Smt. Sheila Dikshit few years ago at PWD Road. This is the 2nd entry road to Nizamuddin Railway Station. This is the only road named after an artist after Tansen and Thyagaraja in the capital city in 2011.  The Kolkata Municipal Corporation also renamed New Park Street as Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Sarani by chief minister Mamata Banerjee in 2013.

Having spanned over 90 years, my fathers was a life that connected the high points of the colonial era to the turbulence of our own times. Born sometimes in the 1880s at Gwalior where his father Nanneh Khan was court musician, Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb took great pride in the fact that it was his great grandfather, Ghulam Bandegi Khan Bangash, who turned his native Afghan rabab into what we know today as the sarod. Yet his thirst for knowledge took him to Pandits Chukha and Ganeshi Lai of Vrindaban, who were stern practitioners of the Dhrupad and then he went on to Rampur, where he became a disciple of the great Ustad Wazir Khan, the descendant of Tansen. My father left his impression not only in that provincial court but, more importantly, also in Calcutta, then the Imperial Capital. It was here that he received the love and adulation that was to endow him with the legendary status. Raichand Boral, who later rose to fame as the music Director of the New Theatres and the discoverer of K.L. Saigal, was more intimate and colorful in his reminiscences always told me that the first time my father came to his house in 1918, the Great war had just ended and a complacence was beginning to set in the music world of Bengal. ‘With his coming, we were suddenly confronted with a genius who almost rudely banished smugness, lethargy and tidy housekeeping.’ He discovered the link between dhrupad and thumri long before it was commented upon by others. To be able to see Haafiz Ali Khan in proper perspective in the words of Dr Narayana Menon was that Haafiz Ali Khan was the poet. Abba Saheb, as I called him, was a born extrovert, held his head high, brooked no nonsense from any quarter and walked the earth like a renaissance prince.

On the occasion of Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb's 48th death anniversary, I pray to my father and guru, like every day. May his soul rest in peace! As I have written in my memoir about Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan (1877- December 28, 1972) that for me, the seven notes of music were him. He was the epitome of music. He was my inspiration, my reason of perspiration and he was my idea of representation.

-Amjad Ali Khan

(Pictures: 1. The concert by Haafiz Ali khan and Amjad Ali Khan after Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan received a doctorate from Khairagarh Universityof music in the year 1964. The D Lit from the same university was conferred on Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on Dec 26, 2016,

2. Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan

3. Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan Saheb receiving the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship from Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Maulana Abdul Kalam looks on in 1952

Czech Republic Consul General Rashmi Jolly-Gautam Patole's Live Art Fest marks newer beginnings amidst social distancing

Post COVID, Mumbai welcomes Art again, after a 9-month hiatus with Art Adda, a unique event at Jolly Board Towers, I-Think Campus E Wing, Kanjurmarg East, hosted by India's Consul General to Czech Republic Rashmi Jolly and master artist Gautam Patole of Art Desh Foundation, in association with Secular Art Movement. The Art Adda, a one-of-its-kind open air, live Art show, with live canvas paintings, workshops and demonstrations sees the participation of noted artists from different cities of India. Actors Preeti Jhangiani, Pooja Bedi and Angela Krislinzki graced the inaugural ceremony that also witnessed the presence of Rashmi Jolly, Gautam Patole, Dr.Agarwal, Bharat Patel, Anisha Jolly, Rupali Patole among various talented artists. People mingled with each other, shared ideas, interacted with visitors and created great works of Art. There were live demos, workshops, discussions etc while strictly adhering to social distancing norms.  

“These have been trying times for all of us and we do not know when this ordeal will get over. No exhibitions, no galleries and no events... Art Adda will be a welcome break,” says Rashmi Jolly who is also Executive Director and Vice Chairperson of Jolly Board Ltd. and an ardent art lover who has graciously offered a beautifully-landscaped office complex of Jolly Board Ltd. for art activities.  

Adds Gautam Patole, “Artistes like to breathe fresh air. Art Adda signifies that. Creativity cannot be stifled; circumstances cannot rule us. We must overcome the hurdles and move on."

The ambience of Art Adda inspires one to paint... With Art Adda providing canvas, drawing paper, colours, tea/coffee snacks and lunch, all the artists and sculptors bring their brushes and their spirit! 

About 15 artists participated in the inaugural event. Artists from Pune and Hyderabad showcased their skills on canvas. This was perhaps the first time that this kind of live painting work was conducted in the city for the public at large. There will also be workshops, demonstrations, classes et al, in the future. 

Says Gautam Patole, “There are many known artists and art professors who live around the campus. There is an organisation called Secular Movement that is doing commendable work for artists living in this area. Mr Bharat Shelke, working President of Secular Movement was thrilled to know that Jolly Art Adda is offering encouraging facilities to the artists.”

All in all, yours to experience, enjoy and be a part of the art celebrations till 24th December. And come home exhilarated this X-mas eve!

Star-studded Mid-Day Showbiz Icon Awards at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

The Mid- Day Showbiz Icon Awards saw veterans Dharmendra and Bappi Lahiri bag the awards for their contribution of 60 years and 50 years to the Indian film industry. While Vivek Oberoi bagged the Iconic Actor Award, Ranvir Shorey won The Most Versatile Actor Award with presence across platforms and media, Shreyas Talpade was awarded for his Contribution to Theatre and Cinema, Nawazuddin Siddiqui bagged the Best Actor Award for Raat Akeli Hai, Kunal Khemu bagged the Best Actor in Negative Role for Malang, Dino Morea won Iconic Health & Fitness Ambassador 2020,

Anupria Goenka won Best Breakthrough Female Performance of 2020  and Nandini Viswanathan of Naarad PR and Image Strategists bagged the Iconic Brand Custodian Award among many others.

Director Anil Sharma, Sunny Leone accompanied by actor- musician husband Daniel Weber bagged awards as well. The esteemed glitterati included besides the awardees,  Suneel Darshan, Leslee Lewis, Raju Singh, Rahul Shukla,  Kavya Jones, Writer Director Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Preeti Soni, Sunny Waghchoure, Sachin Bhau Ahir among many others.

All in all a simple, sophisticated event with minimal guests, yet a star-studded one that made its mark.

Railway Raju On December 18

 

Railway Raju, a love story amidst an action film based on the wrestling gangs of Banaras and directed by international award winning filmmaker Dinkar Rao, is slated for release on December 18, 2020 in theatres in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and New Delhi braving the Covid onslaught.

It creates a beautiful beginning for films to return to theatres like the good old days before Covid struck. “For me, it’s a pleasant surprise that the film is releasing and it’s a UP based film. It’s a film which has interesting elements. When I showed it at the Cannes film market many buyers from South East Asia and North America liked the concept of wrestling gangs in north India.” says director Dinkar Rao whose short film Asthi starring Antara Rao was premiered at Cannes, which he plans to complete it as a feature film with a known Bollywood actress.

Railway Raju has Sunny Shaw & Telugu actress Lavanya Rao in the lead roles and a host of good theatre actors from Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Mumbai, USA and Germany.

The film has managed an all India release after having been released in Mumbai earlier through Vkaao, an arm of PVR and Book My Show. “I am very grateful to our project designer and marketing and distribution consultant S Ramachandran for being the guiding force during the making, censor and release of the film” says Dinkar Rao.

Churning Dreams into Profits

He Is down-to-earth, not pretentious, not overbearing, maybe a little biased towards doing the right thing. 

Christened  Newsmaker by The Economic Times, philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, business leader, investor, speaker, inventor, publisher, Tel K. Ganesan is also a respected Hollywood producer. No wonder he is often called a Bohemian!

Tel Ganesan is definitely not your typical businessman. Three decades in the US, four films set for world release, over a dozen successful businesses and he still spends his spare time writing poetry, brushing up his histrionics and honing his skillsets. Packed with insights, Ganesan as a mentor is a vital resource for small business owners young, budding entrepreneurs and both new and established professionals looking to avoid the pitfalls that threaten fledgling companies. One of the most successful business creators, Ganesan’s easygoing nature, never-say-die attitude, infallible business acumen can actually make launching your own company a cinch. 

To many, Ganesan is a personal hero, a true mentor who can turn your wayward strategy upside down and set you on the right path for a rock-solid business plan of action. Ganesan is known for his fresh perspective and careful approach and his success story is an inspiration. 

Ganesan as a 21-year-old boarded his flight to the US with nothing but his belief, not in miracles but in himself. Every day was not smooth, and there were times that would make him want to go back to the comforts of his hearth and home, but he stuck on. “When you want something bad enough, you push to make it happen. It is as simple as that,” Ganesan says simply.

Tel Ganesan had initially arrived in the US to pursue higher education in engineering, subsequently landed entry-level jobs and eventually earned degrees in engineering as well as a Masters of Business Administration from the prestigious University of Michigan and followed that up with 15 years in Chrysler.

Today, Ganesan runs numerous companies in the tech and healthcare sectors under his Kyyba family of corporations. His production house Kyyba Films is behind Christmas Coupon (2019), Celebrity Crush (2020), Devil’s Night: Dawn of the Nain Rouge (2020), and Trap City (2021), as well as developing new projects including American movies with their roots in India. 

Ganesan is also the proud owner of a patent for a manpower utilization tool. “I realized the need for a service to deal with manufacturing and production problems in real-time scenario; of manpower utilization in complex environment — how to quickly identify who is on leave for any amount of time and the work divided needs to be balanced off. There are many variables involved in the process of maintaining that balance, and so my team and I designed and patented an algorithm that helps decide in real-time, who is to be assigned to which workstation and who is qualified to do what kind of job, etc. considering all factors of production — and quickly. It minimizes the downtime and is the future of innovation. This way firms will efficiently save a great deal of money thanks to discretionary planning.”

In Kyyba Healthcare, Tel Ganesan is developing innovative Software as a Service (SaaS) products. “Our goal is to make wellness available for everyone and not just the celebrities and the nouveau riche.” 

As a publisher, Tel Ganesan wants to see the pen returned to its rightful place—mightier than the sword! “The power of writing is immense and I want to restore the pen to its former glory.” 

Tel Ganesan is also a public speaker, mentor, and provides seed funding for projects he believes in. He was the immediate past President of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Detroit chapter for the second term (2016-2018) and previously the president of the chapter for two consecutive years (2009-2010), successfully chairing 5 mega annual conferences (TiECONs).

Tel Ganesan leaves behind these words for the new generation: “You know you’re successful when you can’t fall asleep, because your reality has become so much more exciting than your dreams. So, love yourself. Believe in yourself. Celebrate successes. Analyse weaknesses. Do your thing. Remember, faith and pride will always hold your head up when everyone else has their head bowed. Don’t look for a successful person and try to emulate them. The real successful personality can always be you!” The entrepreneurial spirit radiates from these wise words. More power to Tel Ganesan!

Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurated the Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award 2020 Trophy.

The Trophy for Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award 2020 was inaugurated by the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. The award show will be on 24th November at Peninsula Grand Hotel, Sakinaka , Andheri East  where the film industry's honorable artists, technician team, media person, NGO and others will be awarded with trophies . 

And for the first time, Lightmen and Spot Boy will receive the award . Well-known social worker of Mira Road, Dr. Ajay L. Dubey , businessman Sushil Yadav , actor Bheru Jain and Founder of Award Kalyanji Jana met Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and discussed the details of Award .

Amazing Ambrosia gifts 1000 ltr Amazing Hygieia to MCGM as mark of respect

Seeking better ways of sanitization with lowest toxicity and least bio burden, Amazing Ambrosia Pvt Ltd (amazingambrosia.com), India’s First Water Technology Platform, founded by veteran water technologist Dr BK Sharma, son Sidharth Sharma, along with plastic industries doyen Mahendra N Patel, and Rahul C Mehta of MentorCap, has decided to combat India's water and sanitation problems by identifying world class technologies, adapting, innovating and manufacturing them locally to have a transformative impact on India.

Their world class products, Amazing Hygieia and HygieiaDent are winners of the Economic Times Industry Leader Awards for Pathbreaking Technology resulting in Exemplary Contribution to Society. 

Recently, Amazing Ambrosia has gifted 1000 litres of Amazing Hygieia to the MCGM for aiding sanitisation of the city. “The MCGM personnel work tirelessly through the pandemic. It is payback time. This is just the beginning,” avers Sidharth Sharma.

Amazing Hygieia is water that disinfects, heals, sanitizes, is effective in disease prevention and maintaining the potential bio loads as low as possible. It assures superior disinfection and sterilisation, is available in a convenient powder form in a 3.2 gm sachet to give up to 10 litres of disinfectant, is 100 per cent nontoxic, non-hazardous and food contact safe, non-alcohol based, non-inflammable, safe for eyes and skin and 100% safe when inhaled.

Amazing Hygieia is the only stable EO water available in pH of 5.5 to 6.5 with zero chlorine gasification. Electrolyzed oxidising water is approved and certified by the Ministry of Health, Japan as a food contact product as well as the only product safe for aerial disinfection permitted by INMAS DRDO, USA FDA, US CDC and US EPA.

Time to rewrite weak animal cruelty laws: Raveena Tandon

Actor-wildlife photographer Raveena Tandon has always been a voracious animal activist. This time around, she is joining hands with actor Ayesha Jhulka to ensure that animal cruelty does not go unpunished. "We have progressed immensely as a nation, when it comes to upliftment of the downtrodden, in causes of the environment, and are steadily progressing towards a global economy. But there is a need to relook at the weak laws that need to be strongly rewritten to protect the interests of the voiceless," echoes Raveena, who has joined the movement by Ayesha Jhulka and Nitesh Khare through SAS India, in association with Pawsitive Farm Sanctuary.

Says Ayesha who is still fighting the battle when her rescue dog, Rocky was brutally killed by her caretaker, "Rocky is the voice of every Indian streetie,  mutely screaming for justice in an uncaring world. Only when laws change will it make the real difference."

Avers activist Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, "Animal cruelty can not be dismissed as crime against an animal. The criminal escalates and when the escalation burns us, we as a society are collectively responsible."

Adds Nitesh Khare, SAS India, "We activists are a minority. This rally is our forces unifying to make our voices heard. The laws have to change to aid the voiceless. This movement is a step in that direction."

THE DRIVE IN HER...

Took her places. Literally. Pretty Purnima Lamchhane makes her mark on the silver screen as  turns director with Tina Ahuja-Mudit Nair starrer Driving Me Crazy on Zee5.

She is a diehard romantic who wears her heart on her sleeve. She is journalist-animal activist Purnima Lamchhane, who has now turned director with her short film Driving Me Crazy.

The slice-of-life romance speaks of online dating apps and the ishq vishk that follows. Purnima who admits finding her soulmate through the app speaks of the online and offline personas of the youth that pours their hearts out on the app, and still conveniently forgets to mention basic facts of their life. "Sometimes, the connect you have with the person drives you crazy. But is the chemistry going to be the same as the one who makes your heart go wild peels one layer after another," grins Purnima, who has aptly cast Tina Ahuja, the pretty daughter of actor Govinda and television heartthrob Mudit Nair of Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein fame.

"Both of them were just the perfect fit. Tina's histrionics are inherited, she is pretty, vivacious and her smile lights up the room. Mudit has a contagious energy about him..and the story could be of you or me. It is so relatable," avers Purnima, whose film is being talked about for its narrative.

Watch out for Driving Me Crazy, directed by Purnima Lamchhane, produced by Surendra Bhatia under the banner Glimpses, the film boasts of Cinematography by Nigam Bomzan, editing by Anurag Singh, music by Satya Kashyap starring Tina Ahuja and Mudit Nair in principal role. Only on Zee5.

When Bollywood admitted to a short driving 'em crazy!

Manoj Bajpayee has lately presented a  short film Driving Me Crazy, calling it "little gem",

Raveena Tandon feels that it is "a mastmast short film,"  Sunil Shetty admits to the film taking him "on a rollercoaster of emotions," while Kailash Kher, celebrity photographers Munna Singh and Vicky Idnani swear by it.

We are talking of Purnima Lamchhane's short Driving Me Crazy that premiered on Zee5,  and is taking the OTT platform by storm.

Starring Tina Ahuja and Mudit Nair on lead roles, the flick takes a look at the online dating romance that makes or breaks hearts, albeit with a beautiful narrative that tugs at your heartstrings.

Considering that Purnima Lamchhane lives in the world or pixies and fairies, her offering has a generous amount of pixie dust that glitters as well. In this case, all that glitters surely has the Tinseltown bowled!

CINTAA Statement Welcoming Maharashtra Government move to formulate comprehensive policy for Entertainment sector and expedite procedure of extending Industry status

The decision of  the Maharashtra Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for the Entertainment sector and expedite the procedure of extending "Industry" status to the sector, has come in at the most appropriate time for the fraternity.  We are upbeat & overwhelmed with jubilation.  This  positive announcement made by Shri Amit Deshmukh Cultural Minister Government of Maharashtra is a welcome move and undoubtedly will bring in progressive ramifications to the sector. 

 Cine & TV Artists association ( CINTAA) , the oldest and most reputed one has strived very hard  to get support  for the betterment of the Fraternity in general and the actors community in particular. Realizing the challenges faced and to be on par with other sectors, the idea  to have an Industry status for us has always been our foremost objectives and our pursuit has always been rationale driven. Our efforts have been truly paid.

We congratulate  the Cultural Ministry and other stakeholders of Maharashtra who have taken this pragmatic decision.

द एटीजी - लेस्ली लुईस आणि रैपर ओमर गुडिंग निर्माता तेल गणेशनच्या हॉलिवूड चित्रपट 'ट्रॅप सिटी' साठी आले एकत्र

हॉलिवूड चित्रपट निर्माता-उद्योजक आणि कॅय्यबा फिल्म्समागील प्रेरक शक्ती  तेल के गणेशन यांचा जन्म भारतात झाला.  ख्रिसमस कूपनचे निर्माता, सेलिब्रिटी क्रश, डेव्हल नाइट: द डॉन ऑफ द नैन रूज आणि आता 'ट्रॅप सिटी' या चित्रपटासह पुन्हा एकदा तयार आहेत आपले मनोरंजन करायला. या चित्रपटाची अजून एक खास गोष्ट म्हणजे गायक-संगीतकार-कलाकार द एटीजी, लेस्ली लुईस आणि रॅपर ओमर गुडिंग यांना एका खास फ्युजन गाण्यासाठी एकत्र आले आहेत.  ब्रॅंडन टी जॅक्सन या चित्रपटात दिसेल. सत्तेचा गैरवापर आणि यातून सामान्य माणूस कसा खरा ग्रस्त आहे यावर आधारित कथा आहे.

द एटीजी-लेस्ली लुईस-ओमर गुडिंग यांची या फ्यूजनसाठी  निवड का केली? ह्या बद्दल सांगताना  दिग्दर्शक-गीतकार रिकी बुर्चेल  म्हणाले, “ट्रॅप सिटी चित्रपटातील 'अवन्त्रोराझ' (Entourage)' हे खास फ्युजन गीताचे बोल आणि हे गीत चित्रपटातील पात्र देशावन (ब्रॅंडन टी जॅक्सन) कॊणत्या स्तिथीतून जात आहे यावर याआधारित आहे. जेव्हा आपण सेलिब्रिटी व्हाल, तेव्हा असा खास लोकांचा गोतावळा आपल्यासोबत असेल.या गाण्यातील पात्र या गोंधळाच्या मध्यभागी आपल्या खास मैत्रिंणीसोबत  काही रोमांचक ‘एकटया’ क्षणांच्या प्रतीक्षेत आहे असे दाखवले गेले आहे. संगीत आणि सादरीकरणाला खूप मजा आणि रोमांचक अनुभूती येते."

संगीतकार-संगीत निर्माता द एटीजी गाण्याच्या मूडवर सांगतात, “अवन्त्रोराझ' (Entourage) हे एक समकालीन हिप हॉप / पॉप गाणे आहे. हे गीत ध्वनी आणि प्रॉडक्शन या दोन्ही वेगवेगळ्या संगीतमय प्रभावांचे निवडक सार आहेत. माझी हेतुपुरस्सर निवड म्हणजे क्लब रेकॉर्ड बनविणे, तरीही हे गाणे अजूनही संगीतामध्ये समृद्ध आहे. लेस्ली, ओमर आणि मला एक नाहक मजेशीर ऐकण्याचा अनुभव सुनिश्चित करायचा होता ”

वरिष्ठ गायक लेस्ली लुईस सांगतात ते  प्रत्येक गाण्यातून काही ना काही शिकतात आणि ह्यात हॉलिवूड गाण्याने आणखी एक शिकवणीची भर टाकली. “तेल के गणेशन पूर्णपणे सहभागी होते आणि प्रत्येक दृष्टीने ते एक सर्जनशील निर्माता आहे. दिग्दर्शक रिकी बुर्चेलची दृष्टी त्याच्या संवादामध्ये आणि गीतांतून प्रतिबिंबित होते, तर संगीतकार-संगीत निर्माता एटीजीने सहजपणे  रॅपचा भाग सांभाळला आहे. सर्जनशील त्रिकुटातील संक्षिप्त तितकेच आवडले होते जितके ते मनोरंजक होते आणि मी अवन्त्रोराझ' (Entourage)'चा अविभाज्य भाग आहे याचा मला आनंद आहे. "

ओमर गुडिंग यांना असे वाटते की हे गाणे त्यांच्यासाठी एक रॅप कलाकार म्हणून चरितार्थ आहे, “मी गाणे पूर्णपणे ओळखतो कारण मी ज्या प्रकारच्या जीवन जगलो  त्याचे प्रतिनिधित्व करते. लेस्ली लुईस यांच्याबरोबर गायाला मिळाले याचा  मला खूप आनंद झाला. लेस्ली लुईस आणि बिग ओ यांचे एकत्र जोडीने येऊन काम करणे हे प्रेक्षक देखील शोधत असतील असे  काहीतरी आहे.

गणेशन म्हणतात, “ही पूर्व आणि पश्चिम यांची सांगड घालण्याची एक छान सुरुवात आहे. अशा अप्रतिम कलाकारांसह आणि जागतिक प्रेक्षकांसाठी जागतिक उत्पादन करण्याच्या प्रवासाचा भाग होण्यासाठी मी उत्साही आहे. हा एक परिपूर्ण आणि मजेदार प्रवास आहे. मला अधिक काही नको! ”

द एटीजी म्हणाले, " हे गीत गायणापासून ते उत्पादनापर्यंत अनेक भिन्न शैलींचे मिश्रण आहे. माझ्या मते  क्लासिक डिस्को रेकॉर्ड्ससारखेच लेस्ली यांचा आवाज आकर्षक आणि गमतीदार होता. अशाच प्रकारे, ओमरने निश्चितपणे कॅलिफोर्नियातील एक अतिशय सुंदर क्लासिक प्रवाह आणला. त्याच्या आवाजात नक्कीच त्यांच्याबद्दल कुतूहल आहे पण तरीही ते त्यांच्यासाठी एक मजेशीर वातावरण आहे. लेस्ली आणि ओमर यांचे आवाज / गायन  नक्कीच वेगळे आहेत, परंतु निर्विवाद हिट आहे."

कॅय्यबा फिल्म्स ’रिअललिस्टिक म्युझिकल 'ट्रॅप सिटी' विषयी. ब्रॅंडन जॅक्सन यांनी ड्रग किंगपिनसाठी काम करणारा एक तरुण रॅपर साकारला आहे  आणि त्याने रेकॉर्ड केलेले गाणे होते. त्याची प्रसिद्धी त्याच्या गुन्ह्यामुळे अजून वाढते,  त्याला तुरूंगात जाण्याची आणि आपली कारकीर्द नष्ट करण्याचा किंवा दुस ऱ्यांदा अपयशी ठरणार नाही अशा धोकादायक गुन्हेगाराच्या विरुद्ध साक्ष देण्याच्या धोकादायक परिस्थितीचा सामना करावा लागतो. यात ब्रॅंडन जॅक्सन काय करतो , ट्रॅप सिटीमध्ये त्याचे भविष्य ठरवते.

'विदिन यू' - बैजू मंगेशकर का अनूठा सूफ़ी एलबम

बैजू मंगेशकर के लिए संगीत का मतलब ताल और राग से कहीं ज़्यादा है. संगीत न सिर्फ़ उनकी आत्मा में वास करता है, बल्कि उनकी रगों में ख़ून की तरह दौड़ता भी है. लता मंगेशकर के भतीजे और हृदयनाथ मंगेशकर के बेटे बैजू मंगेशकर एक अलहदा किस्म के कलाकार हैं, जिनका करियर संगीत और दृश्य कला का अद्भुत समागम है. दोनों ही एक दूसरे के पूरक हैं.

'विदिन यू' बैजू का नवीतम और सबसे अनूठा सूफ़ी एलबम है, जो एक गायक और कम्पोज़र के तौर पर उनका पहला सोलो एलबम भी है. इसे टाइम्स म्यूज़िक द्वारा रिलीज़ किया जा रहा है और इसी के साथ तीन म्यूज़िक वीडियो भी पेश किये जाएंगे.

बैजू की गायिकी का अंदाज़ बेहद निराला है, उनकी आवाज़ सबसे जुदा है और उनके संगीतबद्ध किये गीत बेहद जज्बाती होने के साथ-साथ लोगों पर अपना जादू छोड़े बिना नहीं रहते हैं. 'विदिन यू' में न सिर्फ़ बैजू की गायिकी का ऐसा ही कमाल देखने को मिलेगा, बल्कि उनके संगीतबद्ध किये गीत आपको एक अलग ही दुनिया में ले जाएंगे.

इस मौक़े पर बैजू कहते हैं, "सूफ़ी कलाम लोगों को एक आम इंसान होने से हटकर अलौकिकता, बिना शर्त मोहब्बत और शांति का अद्भुत एहसास कराने का काम करते हैं. वे कालजयी होने के साथ-साथ लोगों को गहरे तक प्रभावित करने की क्षमता भी रखते हैं. आज के नाइंसाफ़ी, बढ़ती हिंसा और हालिया महामारी के इस दौर में ये बेहद प्रासंगिक भी हैं. ऐसी मुश्क़िल घड़ी में सूफ़ी कलाम रूह को मरहम सी तसल्ली पहुंचाते हैं."

एलबम 'विदिन यू' में 6 विविध व मधुर सूफ़ी कलामों का समागम है. इस एलबम की शैली समसामयिक है, जिसमें विश्व संगीत का प्रतिबिंब दिखाई देगा. इसमें 16वीं शताब्दी के जाने-माने भारतीय सूफ़ी शायरों - हज़रत शाह हुसैन, बाबा बुले शाह और ख़्वाजा ग़ुलाम फ़रीद द्वारा लिखे और दिलों के छूनेवाले सूफ़ी कलामों को भारतीय शास्त्रीय संगीत में पिरोया गया है. इस एलबम में दो आधुनिक व समकालीन गीतों को भी शामिल किया गया है, जिन्हें उभरती हुई शायरा अमृता ने लिखा है. इस एलबम के संगीत को भारतीय संगीत जगत के प्रतिष्ठित शख़्सियत जतिन शर्मा ने अरेंज किया है. इनके अलावा, कई और प्रतिभाशाली संगीतकारों ने भी इस एलबम को सुमधुर बनाने में अपना अहम योगदान दिया है.

इस एलबम की एक और बड़ी ख़ासियत ये है कि इस एलबम के संगीत के अरेंजमेंट में अमेरिका के मशहूर जैज़ हार्प वादक सुज़ान मेजर और वुडविंड्स व सेक्साफ़ोन में महारत रखनेवाले डलास स्मिथ ने भी अपना अहम योगदान दिया है. जैज़ संगीत की दुनिया में दोनों की अपनी एक अलग पहचान है और वे फ़्रेंक सिनात्रा, अहमद जमाल, जॉनी मैथीस और आर. डी. बर्मन जैसे दिग्गजों के साथ भी साझेदारी कर चुके हैं. दोनों के योगदान और अनूठी शैली ने इस एलबम और सूफ़ी संगीत की दुनिया को एक नया आयाम प्रदान किया है.

इस एलबम के कुछ गाने आपके ज़ेहन को रोमांटिक गाने होने का एहसास करायेंगे, मगर ये गाने असल में 'इश़्क़-ए-मजाज़ी' और 'इश़्क-ए-हक़ीकी' का अक्स हैं.

बैजू कहते हैं, "सूफ़ी कलामों और उर्दू शायरी में दो तरह के प्रेम का उल्लेख किया गया है - 'इश्क़-ए-मजाज़ी' और 'इश्क़-ए-हक़ीक़ी'. 'इश्क़-ए-मजाज़ी' में कोई शख़्स किसी और शख़्स के लिए मोहब्बत और चाहतों का एहसास करता है. यह अल्प समय के लिए होता है और ये जिस्मानी या फिर जज़्बाती ज़रूरत का अक्स होता है. जबकि 'इश्क़-ए-हक़ीक़ी' में इसका उलट होता है. सूफ़ी कलामों के ज़रिये 'इश्क़-ए-हक़ीक़ी' को विस्तार में समझाया गया है कि कैसे किसी शख़्स के दिल में जगत के रचयिता और परवरदिग़ार के लिए अथाह मोहब्बत होती है. बस इसी तरह का इश्क़ और रोमांस मेरी इस एलबम की भी थीम है."

अगर बैजू की प्रतिभा की बात की जाये तो यहां इस बात का उल्लेख किया जाना ज़रूरी है कि उन्होंने 10 साल की छोटी सी उम्र में EMI इंडिया के साथ एक एलबम पेश किया था. इसके बाद एक वयस्क गायक के तौर पर उन्होंने एक मराठी फ़िल्म के ज़रिये अपना डेब्यू किया था, जिसका संगीत उनके पिता व दिग्गज संगीतकर हृदयनाश मंगेशकर ने दिया था.

ग़ौर करनेवाली बात है कि 2014 में रिलीज़ हुए एलबम 'या रब्बा' (सारेगामा इंडिया) के ज़रिए बैजू ने अपनी एक अलग पहचान बनाने में कामयाबी पाई थी. यह एक ऐसा सूफ़ी एलबम था, जिसके लिए उन्होंने महान सूफ़ी संत हज़रत शाह हुसैन के कलामों को न सिर्फ़ संगीतबद्ध किया था, बल्कि उसे अपनी मधुर आवाज़ से सजाया भी था. इस एलबम में उन्होंने समसामयिक संगीत दिया था और अपनी बुआ लता मंगेशकर की मधुर आवाज़ की ख़ूबियों का भी इस्तेमाल किया था.

देश और विदेश में रिलीज़ हुए एलबम 'विदिन यू' ने पारंपरिक संगीत के साथ आधुनिक संगीत के मिश्रण के लिए युवा श्रोतों से ख़ूब वाहवाही पाई.

पंडित जसराज, बेगम फ़रीदा खान्नुम और सूफ़ी क्वीन के तौर पर जाने जानेवाली आबिदा परवीन ने बैजू की आवाज़ और उनके संगीतबद्ध किये गीतों की तारीफ़ करते हुए कहा था कि उनकी गायिकी और संगीत दिलों को छू जाता है. कहना न होगा कि ऐसे दिग्गजों से मिली इस तरह की सराहना अपने आप में किसी बड़े सम्मान से कम नहीं है.

उल्लेखनीय है कि उन्होंने कुछ मराठी फ़िल्मों और एक टीवी सीरियल के लिए भी गीत गाये हैं. इसके अलावा, हाल ही में उन्होंने कुछ मौलिक सिंगल्स व कुछ कवर वर्ज़न भी पेश किये हैं.

मंगेशकर परिवार की छत्रछाया में पले-बढ़े बैजू मंगेशकर के लिए राग और ताल से नाता और संगीत को लेकर उनकी समझ बेहद स्वाभाविक थी. उन्होंने पंडित तुलसीदास शर्मा, पंडित रमेश झूले और पंडित अजय पोहणकर के मातहत शास्त्रीय संगीत की शिक्षा हासिल की. इस गहन शिक्षा के अलावा बैजू को अपने संगीतकार पिता हृदय मंगेशकर और स्वर साम्राज्ञी के नाम से जाने जानी वाली व बैजू की बुआ लता मंगेशकर का हमेशा से ही मार्गदर्शन मिलता रहा. बैजू ने उनके साथ देश-विदेश में होनेवाले कई स्टेज शोज़ में भी अपनी क़ाबिलियत का मुज़ाहिरा किया.

अपनी पूरी उत्कंठा और ईमानदारी के साथ तैयार किये गये इस एलबम को लेकर बैजू को उम्मीद है कि उनके गाने लोगों को प्रेम, भक्ति और अमन का अद्भुत एहसास करायेंगे.

After Bollywood conglomerate, Sachiin Joshi to sue media who support malafide rumourmongers

Livid at the false malafide news of an alleged arrest and malicious rumours  connecting him to Tollywood drug scandal  being spread in a bid to defame him,  actor-entrepreneur Sachiin Joshi is suing self-proclaimed critic KRK and Spotboye among others who are responsible for spreading this vicious false news.

Joshi who landed in Mumbai from abroad was called for questioning in a totally unrelated case to Hyderabad. The actor who was rushing to Goa to be with his wife Urvashi Sharma and kids to herald her birthday at their Resort had to delay the celebrations by a day, and recorded the statement and left to meet his family.

Sachiin Joshi's legal counsel stated, "Certain malicious elements are trying to defame our client by putting out false stories in the media. Anyone who supports such elements will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. Our defamation notices to KRK and Spotboye will be a strict warning to anyone who tries to defame our client with malfide intent.

"The statement was in a completely unrelated manner. 

To connect his name to any drug scandal is not only defamatory, but also completely false an incorrect and has been spread with malicious intent."

Joshi, in the meantime, is on his way to Goa spend quality time with his family. Never mind the detractors!

Kamala Harris’s rise sends a message of hope to young girls of colour and every immigrant in the US: Tel K Ganesan

US State Senator, politician, lawyer and Vice-Presidential running mate Kamala Devi Harris has scripted history by being the first Indian-American or African-American woman to be appointed as the Vice-Presidential running mate. 

It is a known fact that Kamala Harris has a huge support base in the Indian-American community. Indian-born Hollywood producer, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur Tel K Ganesan is excited at the power push for the senator as it “sends a message of hope to young girls of colour, and any immigrant, for that matter.”

Ganesan, who met Harris at Detroit, Michigan during her political run for the primary race of the Democratic presidential ticket, avers that Harris is “high energy, positive, upbeat and a bubbly person.” Ganesan had an instant connect with her. “We shared wonderful, happy moments. She is very friendly. It is much like talking to a friendly neighbour.” Both Ganesan and Harris’s mother Shyamala Gopalan hail from Chennai. “We very briefly spoke in Tamil – vanakkam and nandri. We did talk about sambar,” he grins. 

Though Harris considers herself black, she has also spoken of her Indian roots. Harris has worked in international development around the world and return to live in villages throughout India in the mid-90s. Her matrilineal family of strong South Indian women has always been her inspiration. Her mother is a Tamilian from Chennai, and had moved to the US for higher studies. Her father is Donald Harris, of Jamaican descent. Ganesan is very proud of Harris’s achievement. “As an immigrant, it is a great inspiration. She already has a track record of breaking barriers. She started off as the first person of color in the office of the district attorney in San Francisco as a tough prosecutor and later as California Attorney General before winning the Senate seat four years ago. Harris is also the first person of Indian descent to ever get on the presidential ticket. Harris amassed more than $35 million over 11 months despite challenges that black women candidates face in raising money.  If the Biden-Harris ticket wins, Harris will be the highest-ranking female US official in the country’s 244-year history. And it is not just that, Biden who would be 78 if he wins, might only serve a single four-year term, instantly making Harris a leading 2024 Democratic Presidential contender. She serves on several high-profile committees in the Senate including the Intelligence Committee and the Judiciary Committee.”

Ganesan believes that such a historic move is only possible in a country like the United States. "Hope fuels life and hope fuels opportunities. This will address the bottom-line issue of under-representation of women and minorities on US public company boards and will match the changing demographics we are experiencing in the country today."

Statistics reveal that 42% of women in the US have faced gender discrimination at work. Even in the military, women represent 16% of the enlisted forces and 19% of the office corps. "Kamala Harris’s rise opens up the dream of women and minorities sharing the same power, privileges, rights and opportunities as the privileged and is a giant stride for women in politics. India and Pakistan have had women in political power, but for the US, this is a first. A person born of immigrant parents running for the second highest position in the land, shows us the impossible is possible. It reinforces that the American Dream is still alive and well.”

CINTAA STATEMENT

 

The Indian Film Industry  which has been in existence for more than a century is a land of opportunity to  thousands of people who have chosen to embark on this career path to take care of their livelihood and accomplish their missions in life.

The Media & the Entertainment Industry has always been a significant  contributor to the economy, and also the served the Nation's interests as its cultural ambassadors.

In times of national crisis and natural calamities, the Media Fraternity has solidly supported the endeavours of the Government, to help by their resources and public influence. 

Actors in particular are the face of the Industry who have enthralled the audiences everwhere with their talent; many are academically accomplished and have chosen this career to satisfy their creative passion. Many have trained themselves and dedicated their lives in pursuit of creative excellence.

Recently, Film Industry in general and actors in particular have been in the Eye of a Storm of invasive media scrutiny, not all of it justified, and in some sections of the Press, motivated for reasons other than fair news reporting. 

However, one feature that has emerged out of this has been the unfortunate reality of the spread of use of banned drugs, in society at large and Film Industry in particular. 

We, Cine & TV Artists association (CINTAA) take this issue very seriously. We simply say NO TO DRUGS.

As an association, we very strongly rebuke anyone involved in consumption of drugs , no matter the name and fame such an individual  enjoys in our fraternity and society. We acknowledge the power and influence many of our Industry have over the gullible minds of the young and we believe that their actions, whether in privacy of their own homes or otherwise, have a great bearing on society at large; they are Role Models for the youth and thus have more than reasonable responsibility  for exemplary conduct..

While we do advocate a strict punishment to those who are proved guilty, our endeavor is always to make the whole system free of drugs and its adverse repercussions and to have a clean working arena for existing and aspiring actors. We would support any individual or institution who furthers this cause. 

In conclusion:  SAY NO TO DRUGS AND YES TO LIFE.

 

Executive Committee

CINTAA 

 

NIO: Creating a Vision of Community Focus

We all are facing unprecedented times these days of COVID-19 pandemic. It is during these situations that we all get a glimpse of how people stand up to each other to help them and try to ease out the situation. Like doctors and paramedics who have been working tirelessly, selflessly for the past several months in fighting this pandemic, we also have seen our police force working endlessly, be it for law and order, or to prevent panic situations or sometimes enforcing safety measures for the public at large! 

National Institute of Ophthalmology, one of Pune’s oldest eye institutes celebrated its 27th Foundation Day on 5th of September.  An eye institute which is committed to serving the poor and needy, thought it befitting that these heroes of today’s times be recognized in some way or the other. 

With Dr. Shreekant Kelkar, and Mrs. Aruna Kelkar at the helm, Dr. Aditya Kelkar and Dr. Jai Kelkar, and NIO family distributed Safety Gears consisting of Dust Free Goggles for Eye Protection, Three-layer Reusable Masks and Reflective Safety Jackets to the Pune Traffic Police and PMC Department Employees.  Team NIO covered Traffic Police stations in the vicinity of Chaturshrungi, Deccan gymkhana, Shivaji Nagar and Kothrud. 

National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) is one of the first JCI Accredited (Joint Commission International) and NABH Accredited Eye Care Hospital in Pune.  NIO Super Specialty Eye Care is known for its ultra-modern facilities, subspecialty clinics, state of the art operation theatres equipped with the ARTEVO  3D surgery platform, FEMTOLASER assisted cataract surgery with the Catalyst system. IntraLase for glasses removal, well integrated diagnostics, imaging and laser systems, daycare recovery suites, educational and research activities with clinical expertise and sophistication of diagnostic and treatment procedures. From General Ophthalmology to super specialty clinics like Cataract Department, Cornea Department, Retina Department, Pediatric Ophthalmology Department, Glaucoma and Neuro Ophthalmology Department, Refractive Surgery Department and Oculoplasty, NIO caters to “Every Why in Your Eye” 

National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) delivers high quality eye care services by annually screening more than 75,000 out-patients and performing more than 60,000 successful eye surgeries 

NIO's CSR wing also runs a regular Charitable OPD in designated rural areas and economically backward patients are treated at concessional rate or even free of cost. 

We hope to continue serving the society and on this 27th year of foundation, we thank all our patients and well-wishers for their patronage and pray almighty to keep everyone safe.

Find peace on September 21 at 8 pm

 

Come September 21 (8 pm) and around 40 million people will be connecting for peace from 8 pm onwards. There will be two virtual events: ‘Celebrate Peace‘ at 8 pm IST, followed by ‘Create Peace’, the synchronized guided meditation at 9 pm.In an event anchored by International film legend Shekhar Kapur, with performances by musicians from Shashank Subramanyam and Mike Hertig to Grammy award winner Ricky Kej, ambassadors and messengers of peace like Daaji, Deepak Chopra, BK Sister Shivani, Bruce Lipton, Bob Boisture, Sharon Salzberg, Thomas d’Ansembourg and Amandine Roche, and sports legends Javier Zanetti, Marta Bassino and Michela Moioli  will transmit the Experience of Peace to 40 million people across the globe.

Daaji, the moving spirit behind Heartfulness says, "At Heartfulness, we will be transmitting on that day throughout the 24 hours. And if you would like to join us in meditation, simply close your eyes and tune into with your innermost corner, where you find love in your heart. We will all be meditating together, for peace, harmony and serenity to engulf this planet.” 

Deepak Chopra, well-known author and speaker, said, “Bring the presence of peace wherever you go, and if you do that the people around you will feel peaceful not by what you say, not by what you do, even, but just by your presence.”

The ‘Celebrate Peace’ event will be broadcasted in over 100 countries and translated into over 24 languages via online streaming platform partners. Similar virtual events organized by the Heartfulness Institute, such as the International Day of Yoga, have been viewed by over 22 million people, and the upcoming event is poised to reach over 40 million people.

BK Sister Shivani, a teacher from the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement said, “It’s time to heal the planet and love is the energy which is a healing energy. So when we all come together for our love for the planet, for our love for each other, and for our love for humanity, and together we create peace, we are going to take that first step towards healing our world.”

'Broken Wings' First Nepali-Hindi Film To Be Made In Darjeeling Post Independence

  Darjeeling-based filmmaker Shenpenn Khymsar makes his directorial debut with the film, Broken Wings, which he says is based on real issues of his land. Khymsar claims that this is the first time in post-Independence India that a Nepali-Hindi language film has been “made in Darjeeling”, though there are many films that have been shot in the hill station.“I am from Darjeeling and I felt it is best to resonate your story and sites of your upbringing in your filmmaking. A lot of people in the Hindi belt and South India aren’t aware that this is a part of India. They know it for the tea and the toy train. Darjeeling is an intricate part of India where Nepali is a spoken language. Nepali is actually also a constitutional language of India,” Khymsar said

CINTAA STATEMENT

 The News Media, an integral part of the Media & Entertainment Industry has been outrageously vehement these last few weeks, in attacking men and women from the Actors fraternity as if they are participants and instigators in an alleged conspiracy that has occupied headlines recently in the public domain. It is important for them to realise that one cannot function as a self-appointed judge, jury & executioner.

 

In an attempt to boost viewership ratings, the catastrophic repercussions are ignored. That itself is reason enough for all to seriously introspect and put an end to the ill-informed debates and personal opinions being voiced by all and sundry. 

Without prejudice, the Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA), which represents the Actors Community for over six decades, thought it befitting to break its silence in retaliation to those who are out to defame and slander its members. 

As a fraternity, we too want a fair investigation but till such time that the truth is not unearthed, a persons reputation should not be maligned, their livelihood should not be snatched away, their self-esteem should not be  trampled upon and their integrity should not be questioned.

 

Actors are cultural ambassadors of this great Nation and the countries core values are shared through them with rest of the world.

CINTAA is one of the strongest Unions in the Film Fraternity. Our ideology is truly secular and it fosters true brotherhood, no matter what caste, creed or religion any member belongs to. As the fifth largest member of the International Federation of Actors-Performers Union (FIA) our voices and statements are valued world over.

 For us it is heartening to say that many of our Actors have been a recipient  of the Padma Shri/Padma Bhushan  awards coupled with many National & International citations. We belong to an intelligent, respectful and educated class and our body of work in the world of Entertainment stands second to none, even in the Global Arena. 

 To add, some members from our community are also Members of Parliament and to defame the whole community is far from acceptance. A retired Army officer who has stood on the Borders is  an actor today. A nursing officer who rendered her services much beyond the call of her duty during these pandemic times is also an actor.  In times of any National Adversities the actors fraternity have stood shoulder to shoulder to mitigate miseries of people, be it financially, emotionally or otherwise.

CINTAA, very strongly advocates upholding the Dignity of all women and hence have put in place all the necessary checks and balances at the work spots. Any instances of disrespect to our female colleagues is a matter of serious concern  and we do adopt taking the severest of actions and punishments to the offenders. Pertinent to add that the Me-too movement that emerged for sexual abuse has been very appropriate. 

 

We, therefore reiterate, that the Industry for the larger part, is a safe haven and yes, we would be the first to acknowledge that like in any other sector, there may exist some bad elements and by recognising and weeding them out, we are constantly looking to improve ourselves. 

 

However, stretching beyond one’s wildest imagination, the exuberance showcased by some anchors to capture eye balls is outrageous and without any hard evidence. We deeply condemn such impetuous topics of debate that tarnishes the image of a whole community. 

Let’s remind ourselves that the Entertainment Industry is in existence for more than a century and through the years has remained a worthy place to be in.

 

Regards

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CINTAA

Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh, Mud Mud Ke… Asha Tai turns 87-years-young! And there is only one way for her. To look forward…

The enchanting songstress who has mesmerised Indian cinema for even decades turned 87 tonight. And Asha tai, with her infectious smile and contagious energy, heralded her coming-of-age with announcing that she is going to get the chefs at her restaurant to try out her new veg and non-veg recipes, created by her during lockdown. “I am very fast at what I do. Whether it is singing or cooking. So when I create recipes, others run out of the kitchen, not able to match my speed!”

Biting into a piece of her favourite Fresh Cream Fruit Cake, made of fruits and dry fruits, specially brought in from Mumbai by granddaughter Zanai, Asha Bhosle who has been in Lonavla with her son Anand, daughter-in-law Anuja, grandchildren Zanai and Ranjai, spoke of how it feels complete to be together with family on her birthday. Zanai also got her favourite Japanese and Chinese food brought down from Mumbai despite lockdown, confided the singer with a contented smile.

Talk of her grandchildren Zanai and Ranjai, and Asha tai’s pride is evident in her speech. “Both the kids are very talented. Zanai sings, and in her, I see myself as a child.”

But the child in Asha tai is very much alive and singing, as she reveals that she has a lot to look forward to in the journey from 87 to 88.

“After listening to over 3000 voices for my talent show #AshaKiAsha, I have a very difficult task in hand to choose the best. Young talents from across the globe have sent their recordings. Some of them are very poor and live in harsh conditions, but are truly God-gifted with divine voices. It will not be an easy task to select one. But this is my change to share my 70 years of experience with youngsters and give back to music what I got. And I am grateful to God every single day for that.”

Asha tai also looks forward to her live concerts, and cooking and feeding people, both at home and her restaurants that have expansion plans, and wants to work to generate employment for the women in Lonavla. “I want to help these women stand on their own feet. It has not been easy for the common man during Corona. And it has not been easy for the poor women from here, whom I have seen during the epidemic. I want to do something concrete for them.”

“Looking back, Asha tai has no regrets. I am happy I have lived and loved,” she says. “I have lived an honest life. I am happy that I stood on my own feet as a 10-year-old singing my first song. Today at 87, I am still singing and standing on my own feet. And I have a beautiful family, and an even larger fan-family. What more could I ask for!”

Dil Hai Chhota Sa, Chhoti Si Asha

 

  Asha Bhosle beats nepotism and embraces young talents from across the globe offering them her social media platform to showcase the best of talent...

 

Her smile makes the world go wow! The youthful effervescence of her voice is mind-blowing and her enthusiasm is contagious. She is 87 years young and has a career spanning over seven decades with over 1000 Hindi films, several private albums, and is a Guinness Book world record holder as the most recorded artiste in music history. Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle also has an amazing repertoire of versatility ranging from Hindi film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical music, folk songs, qawwalis and Rabindra Sangeet in over 20 Indian and foreign languages. 

 

Yet, Asha Bhosle is an icon who keeps reinventing herself. After launching her YouTube channel recently, Asha Bhosle is now coming out with her show titled ‘Asha Ki Asha’. The show seems to be the singer’s musical tribute to the world that gave her the adoration and adulation that she very much deserves. And in this age and era of nepotism and musical shows that thrive on drama more than talent, ‘Asha Ki Asha’ promises to be a show to unearth real talent. “My only interest is in the singers’ musical talent. It is not a show that will highlight his/her life.” 

 

Asha Bhosle has always loved to see talented youngsters get their due. “I’ve always referred young talents to composers, but it is not always that they achieved their dreams.” But lockdown brought with it the big idea. “One day, when I saw my granddaughter singing online with friends and having a blast, it struck me that I could unearth real talent through my YouTube and social media. Hence, I invite aspiring singers to send me two-minute musical videos so that I can review and give a platform to the best."

 

Asha Bhosle is very clear that musical talent is all that she seeks. “I am looking for unique voices. The right pitch and rhythm sense are a must. Looks, dancing talent, age, gender, nationality – nothing matters. But those under 18 need parental consent.”  Also, what's more is that the chosen one will be blessed by Asha Bhosle with 1 lac rupees.

 

Asha Bhosle is humility personified. She suggests that the song be recorded in a place with minimum external sound interference before he/she uploads it on www.ashabhosle.com. The song has to be either in English or Hindi, and the best talent will receive a certificate signed by the ageless diva herself. 

 

Considering that Asha Bhosle faced the mic as a 10-year-old, she is looking forward to guiding many talented youngsters to walk the same path that she did and let the world hear their voice. “The set was very hot and I was singing for the first time, and to add to that, I was acting as well. The temperature and the bright reflectors were so disturbing and exhausting that I fainted.” Asha Bhosle got up and finished the song. Today, she has one advise for youngsters before they pick up the mic to sing for Asha Ki Asha. “This is not a look test. Focus on the song, the pitch, the rhythm and the voice. Sing from your heart. Trust me, the future is yours!”

 

https://we.tl/t-Nn2PtTcBGn  

“Talented artistes should equally be given their due. If not, then we will only get their support after our death” - Vishwajeet Pradhan

His histrionics are such that he can never escape from his character.  His roles always end up being an intrinsic part of his lifetime. When Vishwajeet Pradhan signs a film, he tries to have an inclination for people similar to his on-screen persona. Hence, when the actor felt that the Hindi film industry wasn’t offering him a tidy career that he enjoyed, he took a brief  hiatus and moved Down Under with his family to explore different avenues. This was five years ago. “I became this other person. My career took off in a different direction,” reflects Vishwajeet.

However, theatre and television kept the passion in him alive.

Then came a Red Chillies film offer followed by the role of Sampat in the gangster TV series Aarya on Disney+ Hotstar. “The maker, Ram Madhwani was sensible and I have an instinct to work with such kind of people. It is in me. I just understand them. It was a good role of an entertainer with amazing shades of grey, albeit on the other side. But I knew that in the grand scheme of things, it would not define my identity. It was not a lead role, no big deal. Yet Sampat, he was the brawn to the brain. He was bad, yet good. He was fearsome, yet comical. And he was humane for a hitman. I have never been the type who poses for a contractually obligated red carpet experience. The call had to be from my heart.”

 The maker, the production values, the script, the character visualisation and the cast including Sushmita Sen and Chandrachud Singh excited Vishwajeet. “Sampat had a certain intelligence and elegance and the ability to deflect uncomfortable situations with humour. He provided a different hue to the creative spectrum of actors.” 

Once facing the arclights for Aarya, Vishwajeet reflected on his paths played and lessons learned over 30 years in Bollywood, the pros and cons of mega-fame, and realised an ironic truth: the first photograph that he left at an ad filmmaker’s office that is Equinox Films, hoping for a revert as a newbie was that of Ram Madhwani. 

“It was like coming a full circle. It took him 30 years to cast me and I told him that!  I decided to go the OTT way with the limited series Aarya.” “Quoting George Clooney,” Vishwajeet grins, “’Every actor wants to be a film actor’ But this show was conceived such that it was no less than a film. In that sense, it was a life changer. The show mirrored Ram Madhwani’s heart, soul and sentiment, and this creative energy channeled a part of me to see what is in front of me. “ 

Vishwajeet broke the spell of his five-year acting hiatus with Aarya. “It was such a departure from what I had set out to do with my life. The flip side was that I would not be held responsible for the show itself, and could afford a loofah on myself, something I could not for a long time.” 

When Vishwajeet basked in the experience of a brilliantly conceived show with Aarya, he made up his mind to stay back and embrace creatively daring passion projects. It was as though destiny agreed with him, and COVID struck, bringing his family back to India. 

“With my family by me, I can take offbeat roles, explore unique characters and experience the exhilaration of being liberated enough to escape the straitjacket of movie stardom today. Admitted, I have worked with an incredible list of brilliant directors, writers and co-actors. But in Hindi films, you are restricted by what you are offered, and television is like running a factory. It is about churning out maximum episodes in minimal time.” 

Vishwajeet confesses that he is once again hopeful and hungry for good roles. “The actor in me is a restless, prowling creature. He is a painter who seeks an apocryphal glow with every role. Never mind the size of the canvas!” 

Adds he, “Acting, to me, is practice of patience. I want to be the dreamer and stop being affected by the hardness and coldness of having a superficial career in an artificial world. The power of audio-visual media is not just entertaining today. It affects social change. And that is something that we both want and need. And as realisation has sunk in, I have come to undeestand that it is best to feel things and not bury them. 

“From the era of Shakti Kapoor, Amrish Puri to the actors who sprung from Anurag Kashyap camp, Bollywood tells a chilling story of actors not being considered or ousted from films over three decades. Today, my maturity does not let me bask in the success of an unexpected twist of fate or bother to filter myself, and happily work out of the mainstream glare, if that means searching for something deeper.” 

Shrugs Vishwajeet, “I know these views may not augur well with a lot of people.  But I prefer to live my life, peeling away layers of nepotism and shoot straight from the lip.

“Nepotism made it extremely difficult for me to function. Thirty years later, the industry is still riddled with the same flaws, and trying to make oneself heard is like pleading your case to a blind judge leading deaf detractors. The social media following of an actor cannot define his craft. Talented artistes should equally be given their due. If not, then we will only get the audience's appreciation after our death."