Angela Krislinzki loves the desi Bollywood twist!

She is pretty, she is vivacious, she is the heartthrob of millions. Actor Angela Krislinzki, of the film 1921 fame, is on cloud nine.

For the mesmerizing hazel-eyed beauty is now the face of the Udit Narayan-Neeti Mohan video. Currently shooting at Bhubaneshwar for the song, Angela is excited that this 90s feel Bollywood number from the King of Romance Udit Narayan has her grooving in a wedding sequence. “I love the song and the steps,” she says. “And Bollywood numbers hold a special place in my heart. I am so excited.”

It is not just that. The outfit is Indian and that is as exciting for Angela who is half Indian, half Polish. “I simply love my Indian roots and that is why I am at home in India,” she reveals. Here is more power to this pretty woman with immense talent.

                                                          

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale felicitated at 'Mohammed Rafi Awards 2019'

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale was felicitated with the prestigious 'Mohammed Rafi Awards' at the 'Mohammed Rafi Awards 2019', a Spandan Arts and Adv. MLA Ashish Shelar presentation for his outstanding contribution to Hindi Film Music. This award was felicitated by the retired IPS officer and Hon’ble advisor to the Governer of Jammu & Kashmir, Farooq Khan, on the occasion of legendary Mohammed Rafi’s 95th birth anniversary.

‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’ - A Vegetable Vendor’s Tribute To Salman Khan on the Superstar’s Birthday

We have all heard many inspirational tales in Bollywood but here’s one of a unique kind. Selling vegetables on the streets of Surat to turning singer, his journey has been an eventful one. Meet Arun Kumar Nikam, an ardent admirer of Salman Khan, whose adulation for the actor has made him pursue his dream. The fan will be launching his second musical venture, a song titled ‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’, dedicated to his favourite star on the eve of the latter’s birthday. Anyone can be a Salman Khan fan, however, only a true fan gets truly inspired by his idol! Commendable, isn’t it? 

Not knowing that he was meant to be a singer-writer, Arun Kumar Nikam, a Maharashtrian from a middle-class family in Jalgaon, reminisced that one incident, when Salman Khan was accused and people claimed he was a criminal, “I failed in my 12th exams as I could not concentrate at all. People were saying these false things about Bhaijaan.” His family members were not happy with what he was doing as they had spent every penny they saved on his education. When things didn’t work out for him, he was forced to relocate to Surat and start afresh. “When I first landed in Surat, I had no clue of what I was supposed to do. Somehow, I started selling vegetables,” averred an emotional Nikam, whose struggle began in 2001 when he was barely 15. He chanced upon a meeting with Salim Khan, Salman’s father, “With a dream to write a story and Salman bhai to play the lead is how it all started! I met Salim sir and conveyed my wishes to him as well,” he said.

Everyone Arun Kumar Nikam came across back then only told him that he was too young to be pursuing this as a writer. “I met the who’s who of India’s production houses but they all said it was too early for me,” he averred. Being 15 didn’t help, he believed. However, not giving up on his dream to meet Salman, he sold vegetables in Surat on weekdays and tried his luck on every weekend there was, spending everything that he earned during his weekday grind.

Struggling for 14 years, never knowing whether he would meet Salman, Arun Kumar Nikam believed that his luck was running out. However, after a chance meeting with music director Nikhil Kamath, he came up with Nikam’s first music project titled ‘Waah Teri Bewafai’. “This gave me the confidence to pursue what I have always wanted to do. A story for Salman sir. Then at the sets of ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', my dream was fulfilled. I finally met my idol,” he said, while also adding that during those tough times when he tried to meet Salman, he ended up with no money. Situation became that tense that he would often end up eating with beggars on the street! Recalled he, “I asked myself how I ended up there. Then a voice from the inner self uttered, ‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’,” adding that the song is produced by Khyati Bhatt and Jay Tilekar, starring Vinod Soni, and sung by Arun Kumar Nigam, “That’s it… I knew I had the idea for this song.”

Just because he is a huge fan of Bhai is not why Arun Kumar Nikam wants to meet Salman again. He wants to meet him because he is a good writer and has written a special story just for him. “I just need one day! This is the last option I have. If nothing will happen after this, obviously I will have to go back to sell veggies again. My family had abandoned me a long time ago, however, since the launch of that one album, we are talking again as they know I am stable again,” knowing that he is doing something with his life. “Hard work. Just pure hard work has made this possible for me,” said the obsessed fan in Arun Kumar Nikam.

Celebrities who graced the event held at Cinetheque, Hotel Sahara Star, included Mukesh Rishi, Sudesh Bhosale, Pawan Shankar, Santosh Shukla, Abhinav Gautam and Arshi Khan alongside the team that stood by Arun through thick and thin... actor Vinod Soni, producers Deepika Soni, Khyati Bhatt, Jay Tilekar and Jethmal Soni, video director Sagar Sahay, Gaurav Kumar, friends and supporters Ashok Hadia, Manoj Rathod and Ajay Soni, Sunil Mewavala, Festival Director Mohan Das, writer-director Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Suresh Mishra among others. ‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’ has been presented by Anup Jalota.

Mumbai Meets A Maharishikaa

Several Mumbaikars participated in a self-awareness and awakening happening that was held in the city on December 22, titled Presence Day, the full-day session started at 10 am and went on till the evening. 

The event largely included several activities for self-knowing and self-mastery, besides a question and answer session, wherein the participants sought responses for their questions from spiritual guru Maharishikaa Preeti. Addressing the attendees she said, “It’s incumbent on each one of you to invest time, energy and resources in knowing yourself. Its the crucial missing piece in education in the sub-continent”

City-based financial consultant Kavita Bhambani says that the session was like a reminder that the answers don’t lie outside, they lie within us. “As a society, we want to spend money on movies, dates, and going out on a holiday. But I think it’s important to give ourselves an experience like this. Spiritual teacher Maharishikaa Preeti really helped me.” 

Another attendee Harish Kalra said the session was an eye-opener for him. “It felt like I was sleeping for the last 40 years,” he says. 

Priyanka Nalavade, who is into revenue management, says, “I loved Maharishikaa Preeti’s symbol, the Mirror talisman. With its six concentric circles, each representing a realm of consciousness, and the mirror in the centre representing self-reflection, the micro cosmos and the macro cosmos. It had a strong impact on me.”

पाकिस्तानी आउट, हिंदुस्तानी अंदर !

जब देशभक्ति की बात होती है तो भारतीय भारतीय होते हैं। भले ही सीमा पार की प्रतिभा सबसे अच्छी हो, हिंदुस्तानी भावना हमेशा राज करती है। इंडियन आइडल 11 की युवा प्रतिभा सनी हिंदुस्तानी के साथ ऐसा ही कुछ हुआ हैं, संगीतकार शमीर टंडन द्वारा रचित 'द बॉडी' फिल्म का गाना 'मैं जानता हूँ' गाने वाले थे लेजेंडरी गायक राहत फ़तेह अली खान पर पर विशाल दादलानी ने सनी हिन्दुस्तानी के नाम का सुझाव दिया और शामीर ने सनी कि आवाज में गाना रिकॉर्ड किया.

इतना ही नही! खबरो के अनुसार  डरे हुए होने के बावजुद सनी हिंदुस्तानी स्टूडियो में रिकॉर्डिंग एक ही टेक में गाना गाकर शमीर टंडन को प्रभावित करने में किया। इतना ही नही अभिनेता इमरान हाशमी ने भी इस धुन को काफ़ी पसंद किया। “मुझे वो संगीत पसंद है जो आत्मा को छूता जाता है। जब सनी खन्ना ने मुझे शमीर (टंडन) द्वारा रचित इस गीत को सुनाया और सनी हिंदुस्तानी द्वारा गाया गया, तो मैंने इसकी बारीकियों, नाजुक धुन और इसके सार्थक बोलो से प्यार सा हो गया। "

Rabiaz Walk For Social Cause Fashion Show won everyone's heart

Aiming to provide women with a platform and enabling them to make a difference, Rabiaz Walk For Social Cause Fashion Show is back with body positivity and more. The Rabiaz Walk For Social Cause Fashion Show was held at JW Marriott , Juhu, and is the brainchild of Rabia Patel, the woman behind this unique fashion show.

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of much more than you imagine,” says Rabia Patel

Bollywood Enamoured By Ana Singh’s The Christian Vintage Art Collection

Two-time National Award-winning Ana Singh brings to India, The Christian Vintage Art Collection, with Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan, presented by The Charcoal Project.

Bollywood seems to enamoured by the two-time National award winning designer’s collection. And why not? Ana Singh has to her credit, 1101 films, and has worked with over 250 stars. She is also loved and revered by most. In fact friend Sussanne Khan was so taken by Ana Singh’s works that she immediately offered to curate the collection and The Charcoal Project has presented it.

Taking to Instagram, Raveena Tandon says, “The fabulous new collaboration between Ana Singh and Sussanne Khan has me lovestruck.” Confides Disha Patani, “All the best to the most amazing Ana Singh for this beautiful collection. Can’t wait for the launch,” adds Ayesha Shroff, “It is so beautiful, unique and spectacular that it is like entering Alladin’s cave.”

Ananya Pandey expresses in awe, “How beautiful is your vintage Christian collection!” who adorns herself with the stunning cuffs. Bhavna Pandey adds, “I know how hard you have worked and I can’t wait to see all the gorgeous pieces.

Kiara Advani avers, “Absolutely love these earrings. Check out the art & design collective on vintage Christian art,” and Zareen Khan and Farah Khan Ali express their love for it! Farah Khan Ali adds, “Ana has done some great furniture, fashion, jewellery as well as clothing. Can’t wait to see.”

Yours to visit the Charcoal Project, Andheri, Mumbai from Dec 15 onwards (10am-7pm), and be blessed by the divine Christian Art Collection by Ana Singh. Need we say more?

Ana Singh pays tribute to Christ with her Christian Vintage Collection

The stars of Tinseltown and the who's who of Mumbai descended in tribute today to grace two-time National Award-winning Ana Singh’s ‘The Christian Vintage Art Collection’, with Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan, presented by The Charcoal Project. Among the attendees were Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, Neelam Kothari, Ayesha Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Krishna Shroff, Eban Hyams, Pradeep Guha, Malaika Parekh Khan, Laila Khan, Zareen Khan, Madhoo, Kabir Bedi, Ajay Harinath Singh, Sooraj Pancholi, Sonali Bendre, Aaishwary Thackeray and Mihika Naik, Gurdeep Kohli, Kim Sharma, Aarti and Kailash Surendranath, Yash Daga, Kshiraja Surendranath, Chunky Pandey, Bhavna Pandey and Dr. Larra Shah.

 She is one of the most revered creative talents of tinsel town with a repertoire of over 1101 films as costume designer. Two-time National Award-winner and Guinness Book record holder for maximum films, Ana Singh is also known for her 1,70,000 outfits designed depicting the states of India for the Common Wealth Games opening and closing ceremony among others. That’s not all! She also did a wardrobe for Michael Jackson during his Mumbai show.

 But few know that the designer has a special bonding with Jesus Christ since her birth on December 25, Christmas. Hence, as an extension of Ana Singh's artistic persona and her tribute to Christ, the designer brings to India, the Christian Vintage Art collection by Ana Singh Art & Design Collective and Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan, presented by The Charcoal Project.

 Says Ana, “I was born on Christmas, have a Catholic name and am brought up in Bandra. Christian art has always been a part of me. My mother’s dad was a colonel doctor in the British army so mom had lived in British India for a very long time. The influence always rubs off,” avers Ana Singh, adding that her mother could hear nothing but carols when she was born, the day being Christmas, “As I started my creative journey and went to the J.J. School of Arts. Christian art is something I always identified with. As I have travelled through the world, I looked at all the churches and all the other beautiful things and I just love the art and the whole projection of it.”

 The Christian Vintage Art Collection objects d’art are one-of-a-kind, offering a wide range of interpretations of bejewelled Christian art in expressive Byzantine/Venetian/Italian influenced vintage art pieces. Ranging from designer jackets to show pieces, to huge black, white and colourful hand-painted beds, to interior design pieces, Ana Singh’s works are also priced in such a way that there's something for everybody to buy actually.

 “The jewellery begins at Rs 6000 while the artefacts sourced from various parts of the world and crafted into objects d’art with a heritage value transcending generation, are priced from Rs 40,000-Rs 1,50,000. It is simply a project from my heart, an extension of myself,” avers Ana.

 Collaborating with Ana is young Ubaidh Shah who has enabled Ana to source artefacts from around the world. “Ubaid Shah has a very good eye for finding beautiful things. He has sourced some art and artefacts and vintage textiles that I took inspiration from and created an eclectic line of jewellery, furniture and jackets. He is a great asset in making the collection complete.”

 Adds Ubaidh Shah, “Ana Singh is more than an inspiration. She is an institution and there is so much to learn. The way she gave the finish to the old artefacts with her magical fingers in the most breathtaking modern way is something only she can do.”

 Adds Sussanne Khan whose The Charcoal Project presents the collection, “I am so happy to introduce the Christian Vintage collection by my multifaceted, amazingly talented sister from another mother,” she enthuses.

 The duo plan to keep the collection going adding newer works of art. Yours to visit the Charcoal Project, Andheri, Mumbai from Dec 15 onwards (10am-7pm), and be blessed by the divine Christian Art Collection by Ana Singh.

'Mudda 370 J&K' had its grand premiere with talented cast and crew and fellow stars of the industry.

The film 'Mudda 370 J&K' premiered at PVR in Andheri, during which the film's producers Atul Krishna and Bhanwar Singh Pundir, director Rakesh Sawant and actors Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Rakhi Sawant, Gauri Pradhan, Tanvi Tandon, Nisar Akhtar , Sayed Ahmed, Sahil Multy Khan, Deepak Sharma, Raj Zutshi, Saurabh Dubey, Sujata Mehta and other cast and crew members were also present.

Set in the picturesque locations of Kashmir, fondly referred to a heaven on earth and the crown jewel of India, 'Mudda 370 J&K' is about the picturesque locales that have turned red with the battles since 1947. If at times J&K has seen rebels turn the snow red, at other times the lush greens singe with the touch of gunpowder due to cross-border terrorism.

Directed by Rakesh Sawant & produced by Atul Krishna and Bhanwar Singh Pundir, 'Mudda 370 J&K' stars Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Manoj Joshi, Raj Zutshi, Zarina Wahab, Pankaj Dheer, Anita Raj, Mohan Kapoor, Sujata Mehta, Anjan Shrivastav, Shahbaaz Khan, Brij Gopal, Master Aayan and Rakhi Sawant. Introducing two new talents Anjali Pandey and Tanvi Tondon. The music has been composed by Sayed Ahmed, Sahil Multy Khan & Rahul Bhatt, while these soulful lyrics for the songs have been penned by Nisar Akhtar, Seema Bhatt & Shahid Anjuman. Asha Bhosle, Shaan, Palak Muchhal, Asees Kaur, Shahid Mallya, Mudasir Ali, Avik Dojan Chatterjee have lent their mesmerising voices for the songs of the film.

Based on India's most controversial article 'Mudda 370 J&K' is releasing on 13 December.

The Charcoal Project invites you to The Christian Vintage Collection by Ana Singh Art & Design Collective and Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan. Check out two-time National Award winner Ana Singh's Christian Art Collection that has never been done in India before. The artefacts are one-of-a-kind and they range from designer jackets to show pieces to huge designer beds to interior design pieces… all being luxurious vintage objects-de-art, an extension of Ana's persona. The motifs, the figurines, the busts, jewellery, Ana Singh brings to connoisseurs, a wide range of interpretations of bejewelled Christian art in expressive Byzantine/Venetian/ Italian influenced vintage art pieces. Do take a dekko!

For the uninitiated, Ana Singh was born on Christmas and Christ has always had a huge influence on her. In 2008, her collection of Christian Art shirt, Jackets and t-shirts - a 10,000 piece show was a total sell-out. She is currently working on her 1101th film as costume designer and holds the Guinness Book record for 990 films. She is known for her 170000 outfits designed depicting the states of India for the Common Wealth Games opening and closing ceremony among others.

DATE: 15th December onwards into the next year.
TIME: 10 am to 7 pm.
VENUE: The Charcoal Project, Azad Nagar 2, Mhada Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400047. 

हमारे माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री उद्धव ठाकरे और युवा सेना प्रमुख आदित्य ठाकरे ने अपने व्यस्त कार्यकाल से अपना अमूल्य वक्त निकालकर उन डॉक्टरों के पैनल का सम्मान किया और व्यक्तिगत रूप से उनका धन्यवाद किया जिन्होंने  भारत की शान स्वरकोकिला लता मंगेशकर की बहुत देखभाल की और उनका इलाज किया। इस पैनल में डॉ. प्रीति समदानी, डॉ. निशित शाह, डॉ. राजीव शर्मा, डॉ.जनार्दन निंबोलकर शामिल है। लताजी के घर वापस आने कि ख़ुशी मे पुरी टीम  ने उनके प्रति अपना आभार व्यक्त किया।

इमरान हाशमी : "शमीर टंडन का 'मैं जानता हूँ' गाना सहजता से आत्मा को छू लेता है।"

आगामी हॉरर थ्रिलर 'द बॉडी' स्टारर इमरान हाशमी के सॉन्ग्स में मधुर संगीत शमीर टंडन द्वारा दिया गया है।  इमरान हाशमी  पर फिल्माए गए गानें  हमेशा दर्शकों के दिल पर  राज करते है।

इमरान कहते हैं  "मुझे ऐसे गीत पसंद है जो रूह को छुए । मैं भाग्यशाली रहा हूं कि मेरे अधिकांश गीत ऐसे हैं " 'द बॉडी' का नया सॉन्ग "में जानता हूं" जब सनी खन्ना ने शमीर द्वारा रचित इस ट्रैक को सुना, तो मुझे बारीकियों से प्यार हुआ। मेलोडी और गीत के शब्द दिल को छूते है । मैंने तुरंत महसूस किया कि यह एक शांत लेकिन बहुत भावुक ट्रैक बना हैं। यही नही  शमीर के हर गीत  प्रशंसनीय हैं। "

'द बॉडी' वायकौम 18 फिल्म द्वारा प्रस्तुत  इमरान हाशमी, ऋषि कपूर और सोभिता धूलिपलिया स्टारर  हैं और इसका निर्माण सुनीर खेत्रपाल ने किया है, जिसमें टी-सीरीज़ के गानें हैं।

Sudesh Bhosale Voices Mard Maratha of Panipat

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale is all set to be heard by the audience of historical epic war film Panipat. Acclaimed music director duo Ajay-Atul, of Zingaat and Chikni Chameli fame, roped in the singer to be the voice for a key character of the Panipat in ‘Mard Maratha’ song. He avers, “I got a call from Ajay-Atul for an enthusiastic and exciting song,” adding that the song is about victory, “When I reached the studio, Ashutosh Gowariker was already there. He carefully explained the Panipat backdrop for the war of the Marathas.” 

Presuming for it to be a routine recording, Sudesh Bhosale insists that it turned out to be a lot of fun and that the song turned out to be exactly the way it was supposed to. “Ajay-Atul have done a fantastic job with the rhythm. All the singers recorded their part and left. It was only after the promo was out, did I realize how nicely it has been made.”

The song has been earning rave reviews by the masses on social media. Seeing and hearing his own voice played on the big screen, Sudesh Bhosale asserts that its always a good feeling! “I am a Maratha myself. Naturally, singing about our history, our warriors and their greatness fills me up with pride for Maharashtra. This song turned out to be my style too! Power packed and energetic,” he remarks. 

Expressing his gratitude to the music director duo, Sudesh Bhosale is proud to be associated with this mega historical film Panipat. “Today’s youth have been watching historical films like Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani et al with utmost interest. They should be aware of our history and through these films, the awareness is made… The war of Panipat is a very famous war,” he concludes.

Nature is where we belong… Roopkumar Rathod has my blessings: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Mike Pandey, Suniel Shetty, Anil Kumble, Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan among others endorse Roopkumar Rathod’s Photo Book, Wild Voyage

At the opening preview of Meraki, a group photography exhibition at Nine Fish Art Gallery in Byculla, Roopkumar Rathod launched his coffee table photobook, aptly titled Wild Voyage. Inspired by the music of nature in creative pursuits, Wild Voyage flows with an elemental rhythm and tranquillity. It is a journey from the depth of the ocean, unaffected by waves, with the perfect moment just before capturing to the calming chaos it brings with it.

Roopkumar Rathod, veteran singer-music director and now, an author, feels that it is about his passion, the buzz of adrenaline when a picture comes to life! Being a forest lover and a wildlife enthusiast, he loves the jungle-y wilderness and the whispering winds through the trees that tell their tale. “Sometimes, we just need to listen! The jungle transmits the enchantment and mysteries of its surroundings to the questing pilgrim. It is my meditative space. The Earth has magic for those who believe in it!”, avers he, while adding, “I have filled my canvas with moments that feel bona fide, vulnerable and uncontrived. Here I am, stepping off the edge with an open heart and this is my journey into the wild… My wild voyage!”

With a foreword by, none other than, the Shahenshah of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan, the testimonial read, “A lot of research has shown that, although we live in houses or buildings in the city, we are still cavemen at heart. The basic wiring in our brains and how we interact are the same as thousands of years ago. Nature is where we still belong. That’s why we all enjoy a walk in the woods, gazing at the stars, watching a sunset, being on a beach, or going camping.

I thank Rathodji for sharing his experiences with us through his superb photography. He has my blessing for continued joy and success with his love for photography,” states Amitabh Bachchan.

Veteran actor Waheeda Rehman, who is also a co-exhibitor at Meraki says that the world already knows Roopkumar Rathod is a very well-known singer and music director. However, she avers, “Very few people know that he is an excellent photographer. He is really very good with his work.”

Acclaimed filmmaker and wildlife activist Mike Pandey expresses the pleasure it is to glide through and savour magical moments of wilderness. He adds, “Roop's unique perspective opens another door into nature's enigmatic world. The special moments in the wilderness, bathed in equally stunning magical light have been captured and frozen for eternity by stunning images and timing... This has been a work of patience, crafted with care and wonderfully presented. Wild Voyage actually transported me to the wilds, leaving me wanting for more. The Earth needs more Roopkumar!”

Here is what Suniel Shetty has to say. “A musical genius, a soulful singer, a magical photographer and a forever friend. Roop, you always inspire and brighten every room you enter, your energy is infectious. May you continue to breaks your own mould as an artist and keep rediscovering your own talents.”

Padma Shri Cricketer Anil Kumble says that Roopkumar Rathod’s exploits in music is well-known. He also adds that not many are aware about his passion for wildlife photography. “This book is a window to his love for animals; a delightful collection, full of brilliant captures, that takes you on a journey into the magical world of nature. We were aware of Roopkumar's ear for music, and now this book is a testament to his eye for nuance!”

Shankar Mahadevan of the famed Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio believes photography to be an amazing art in itself, especially when a person’s musicality and sensibility comes into it. According to him, the whole picture changes and that is what Roopkumar Rathod’s talent is all about. “There are very few musicians in our country who have immense depth and knowledge about Indian classical music and at the same time can adapt to any genre of music, and Roop bhai is one of them. This depth and knowledge translate in his amazing wild life photos. Every photo looks like a song and every scene feels like a melody. He has been a wild life enthusiast for many years and his passion for the jungle is equal, if not a minuscule more, than music!” Awaiting the launch, he believes that Roopkumar Rathod’s patience, passion and dedication is clearly evident.

Another stalwart in the Indian music industry is Hariharan, a dear friend to Roopkumar Rathod. They have known each other since the 1980’s. Hariharan imparts that, apart from being a talented singer-composer, Roopkumar Rathod is also a Tabla Nawaz. “He is a born artist and his artistry took a turn to another field, photography. I saw musical compositions of the wild being in its surroundings. The wild being took the form of a melody and the surroundings provided harmony. Awesome photographs are clicked when the timing is right and indeed, Roop clicks at the right second,” he avers.

Celebrated bariatric surgeon Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala says that Wild Voyage stunningly captivates wildlife for photography enthusiasts. Bringing the same unbridled passion of Roopkumar Rathod’s singing to photography, he divulges that he had a small role to play in pushing his dear friend to take on photography as a hobby. “In this book, he has brought his artistic aesthete, signature detail and an eye for natural beauty to the fore. I would urge everyone to grab a copy!”

Apart from these dignitaries, royalties of the likes of Maharaj Shakti Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Rajasthan, acclaimed wildlife photographers Sudhir Shivram and Latika Nath, actor-politician Beena Kak, Vijay Darda of Lokmat group, Dr. Jamuna Pai among others also endorsed the versatile Roopkumar Rathod’s Wild Voyage.

More power to wildlife photography with Wild Voyage!

Devaansh S. Barjatya and Nandini Bhattad’s Wedding Reception…A Family Affair

In a private ceremony, veteran filmmaker Sooraj R. Barjatya's elder son, Devaansh S. Barjatya tied the knot with Nandini Bhattad. Close family and friends were present to witness the holy matrimony.

On 29th November 2019, the Barjatya family of Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd, welcomed guests from the film industry and trade to the grand reception of Devaansh and Nandini.

Devaansh heads the reputed Television and Fiction Digital division of Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd.

Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd. was established in 1947 and has given industry memorable films like Uphaar, Nadiya Ke Paar, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Vivaah and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.

Roopkumar Rathod and wife Sunali Rathod were recently seen at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Roopkumar Rathod and wife Sunali Rathod were recently seen at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. They sought blessings of the Elephant God Ganesha prior to the release of Roopkumar Rathod's coffee table wildlife photography book aptly titled 'Wild Voyage'.

'मुददा ३७० जे एंड के' का ग्रैंड म्यूजिक लॉंच

मुददा ३७० जे एंड के इस फिल्म का म्यूजिक लॉन्च मुंबई के रहेजा क्लासिक क्लब में सपन्न हुआ, इस दौरान फिल्म के निर्माता भंवर सिंह पुंडीर, निर्देशक राकेश सावंत, राखी सावंत, हितेन तेजवानी, अंजलि पांडे, अदिता जैन, ज़रीना वहाब, मोहन कपूर, गायक मुदासिर अली,  साहिल मुल्ती खान और निसार अख्तर समेत अन्य कास्ट और क्रू भी उपथित थे।

पृथ्वी पर एक स्वर्ग, कश्मीर के सुरम्य स्थानों में स्थित, मुददा ३७० जे एंड के उन खूबसूरत स्थानों की कहानी बतलाता है जो १९४७ के युद्ध बाद से लहू लोहान हो गया। कई बार जम्मू और कश्मीर में विद्रोहियों को बर्फ को लाल करते देखा है, तो बार नौजवानों ने आतंकवादी बनकर उसकी खूबसूरत फ़िज़ाओं में बारूद बिखेरा।

यह कहानी विस्थापित कश्मीरी पंडितों की है, उनके दर्द और पीड़ा की है जो अपनी ही मातृभूमि में शरणार्थी बन गए थे। कश्मीर दशकों से ३७० और ३५ (अ) जैसे  धाराओं  के घावों से घिर गया है। फिर भी कश्मीर की भावना निरंकुश है, और यह कहानी एकदम सही जगह साबित हुयी,  एक कश्मीरी पंडित दीनानाथ के बेटे सूरज और एक मुस्लिम लड़की अस्मा के बीच की एक प्रेम कहानी के लिए।

यह कहानी १९८९ की है, जहां सूरज और अस्मा का प्यार कश्मीरी सीमा उग्रवाद की सीमा पार कर जाता है। क्या सूरज और अस्मा का प्यार रक्तपात को पछाड़ पाएगा ?  जम्मू-कश्मीर घाटी, राजनीतिक पृष्ठभूमि में  कश्मीर की भावना, आशा और प्रेम की इसी कहानी को बतलाता है राकेश सावंत की फिल्म  मुददा ३७०,जे एंड के ।

इस फिल्म में हितेन तेजवानी, मनोज जोशी, राज झुशी, जरीना वहाब, पंकज धीर, अनीता राज, मोहन कपूर, सुजाता मेहता, अंजन श्रीवास्तव, भंवर सिंह पुंदिर, शाबाझ खान, ब्रिज गोपाळ, मास्टर अयान और राखी सावंत इन उम्दा कलाकारों का समावेश है। अंजली पांडे और तन्वी टंडन  इन दो नवोदित कलाकारों का भी इस फिल्म में परिचय किया गया है। मुददा ३७० जे एंड के का म्यूजिक कंपोज्ड किया है सईद अहमद, साहिल मुल्ती खान और राहुल भट्ट, जबकि गीतों के इन भावपूर्ण गीतों के बोल निसारअख्तर, सीमा भट्ट और शाहिद अंजुमन इन्होने लिखे है। और इन गीतों को गाया है ज्येष्ठ गायिका आशा भोसले, शान, पलक मुंचाल, असीस कौर, शाहिद माल्या, मुद्दसर अली, अविक दोजन चॅटजी ने।

यह फिल्म १३ दिसंबर २०१९ को सिनेमाघरोंमे प्रदर्शित कि जाएगी।   

A BEFITTING ODE

Parvez Damania and Ratan Luth bring to you, at Tao Art Gallery, veteran photographer Shantanu Das, as he captured timeless moments of the Parsi community across time in his frozen frames… Jeetendra, Roshni Damania, Arish Damania, Sharvari Luth, Mickey Mehta, Kunal Vijayakar, Bina Aziz, Kailash and Aarti Surendranath, Kalpana Shah, Anahita Desai, Yazdi Desai, Armaity Tirandaz, Viraf Mehta, Raell Padamsee, Ananya Goenka, Rashmi Khatam and Satish Kishanchandani among others were present to encourage Parvez Damania, Ratan Luth and Shantanu Das.

An avid art collector, curator and an entrepreneur, Parvez Damania along with Ratan Luth of Fravashi Schools, an educationist, social activist and a fervent Parsi food lover, present Parsis – A Timeless Legacy, a photography exhibition by an award-winning photographer Shantanu Das was hosted by the prestigious Tao Art Gallery from November 29 to December 4, 2019.

Heritage:

To be a ‘Parsi’ is to be a descendant of the first migration of Zoroastrians from Persia (Iran), who were granted residence, protection, and safe refuge in India over a millennium ago. To be a Parsi is also to belong to one of India’s most rapidly diminishing ethnic communities. And to be a Parsi is to hold the very precious responsibility of perpetuating the flame of arguably the world’s oldest monotheistic religion.

On the Wane:

With the appeal of migration, the impacts of inter-marriage, and the lure of Western ways, there are now few Parsis left in India. A 2016 statistics showed that their numbers are down to a critical 61,000, and diminishing by the day; another 40,000 are scattered across the world with an even greater struggle to hang on to their distinctive identity. “I have always been fascinated by the Parsi community and I am proud I belong to the same. We thought of this exhibition to enlighten people about the life and presence of the Parsi community, who may be small in number, but have made a tremendous contribution to India.  Few artists have dedicated time to documenting Parsi people, and fewer have had the permission to document what are often very private and personal traditions. We wanted to take this opportunity to share the unique Parsi culture, rituals and traditions with a wider population,” expressed Parvez Damania. Added Ratan Luth, “This exhibition is an effort to document and preserve the culture, rituals and traditions of an ethnic community that is rapidly diminishing in number. It is important that the Parsi legacy is remembered and maintained for the current generation and generations to come, to ensure it is not lost forever with the passing of time.”

Unfolding:

This distinctive exhibition will showcase approximately fifty works by Shantanu Das, an exceptional photojournalist who has won numerous national and international awards, including the Nat Geo Travel Award. Shantanu Das, who was allowed to cross sacrosanct boundaries, has captivatingly showcased the private and personal traditions of the Parsis, bringing out their culture, rituals, and ceremonies in vivid images of a vibrantly alive people at work, in prayer and over celebration.

Shantanu had documented the current exhibits over a period of five to six years and had shot, not only in Mumbai, but also in Surat, Udvada, and Kolkata among other cities. He said, “The Parsis are delightful people. This is my second exhibition dedicated to them. Over the years I have shot and interacted with them, I’ve come to realize that they are a very kind and helpful lot, devoid of any sort of ill feelings for anyone.”

Celebrities and dignitaries from different walks of life attended the opening ceremony of ‘Parsis – A Timeless Legacy’ to express their solidarity and love for the quaint community and its exuberant people. An interesting facet of the exhibition was that the opening ceremony had all the Parsi men and women, including many of the celebrity guests, proudly walk-in, in their traditional attire. The men in duglis and phetas, the women wearing heirloom-like embroidered garas; A classic Kodak Moment!

Each frame brought back fond memories to Damania and Luth, but the one that inspired them the most had been that of two Parsi priests and a Parsi boy on a Jawa motorcycle with a side car. They found it particularly fascinating as the Jawa motorcycle is a rarity, and even more with a side car, thus defining the eternal love of Parsis towards vehicles.

While some things changed, others stayed the same. Despite the passage of time, Parsis have maintained their own unique cultural identity. Yours is to come and experience this special, intimate insight into India’s distinctive and distinguished Parsi community… with their strong noses and idiosyncratic ways and penchant for dhanshak, patranimachhi and akuri among other things… a vibrant community that is both progressive and also deeply traditional, with a social exuberance matched only by their piousness; pursuing their religion’s three central tenets - Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds.

‘Parsis – A Timeless Legacy’ had its opening preview for select guests on November 29th 2019, while the show remains open to public from November 30th to December 4th, 2019, daily 11 am to 7 pm. Venue: Tao Art Gallery, The View, 165 Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400018.

Gautam Rode, Preeti Jhangiani and Angela Krislinzki grace Artival 2019

Actors Gautam Rode, Preeti Jhangiani and Angela Krislinzki graced the opening of Artival 2019, showcasing about 3500 artworks by over 300 artists from different parts of India with diverse cultures and backgrounds, all under one roof. A one of its kind art festival, Artival is a multi-modular national level exhibition with exquisite serene hues of myriad artworks in various mediums and their multifaceted perceptions. The 2019 edition of Artival brings together contemporary artists and old masters exhibits alike offering a wide array of choice for artists and art connoisseurs. 

The eminent artists showcasing their works include Thota Vaikuntam, Laxma Gaud, Seema Kohli, Ramesh Gorjala, Manikandan Punnekal, Suhas Roy, Ganesh Pyne among others. Indeed, a golden opportunity for all to enjoy about expressive works ranging from traditional to modern ones on a common platform by obscure, contemporary and professional artists to landscape, natural beauty, historic and spiritual endeavours et al by Master Artists. 

Artival 2019, organized by Satish B Patil and is a great opportunity for art collectors and patrons, and is on at the Expo Centre, The Arcade, at The World Trade Centre Cuffe Parade till 1st December, 2019.

सिने डांसर्स एसोसिएशन की ब्रांड एंबेसडर सरोज खान सिने डांसर्स की बालिकाओं के लिए मुफ्त शिक्षा लागू करेंगी!

७० वर्षीय डांसर से कोरियोग्राफर बनी सरोज खान सीडीए को फिल्म उद्योग का सबसे बड़ा संघ बनाना चाहती है।

भारत की पहली महिला कोरियोग्राफर सरोज खान को सिने डांसर्स एसोसिएशन ने अपना ब्रांड एंबेसडर घोषित कर सम्मानित किया। इस दौरान सिने डांसर्स असोसिएशन के अध्यक्ष नीलेश पराड़कर, अध्यक्ष जाहिद शेख, महासचिव रवि कंवर, उपाध्यक्ष अल फहीम सुर्ने (राज) और एसोसिएशन की प्रबंध समिति के अन्य सदस्य भी उपस्थित थे। सिने डांसर्स एसोसिएशन के अध्यक्ष ज़ाहिद शेख ने कहा, “उन्होंने (सरोज खान) ने अपने जीवन के ५० से अधिक वर्ष इस पेशे को दिए हैं। और अब हमारा वक़्त है उन्हें सम्मानित करने का और उनहे वह स्थान देना है जिसकी वह सबसे बड़ी हकदार है। ”

७० वर्षीय डांसर से कोरियोग्राफर बनी  सरोज खान अपनी किशोरावस्था में इस करियर में पदार्पण किया था, सीडीए के इस फैसले से अभिभूत होकर उन्होंने कहा, "मैं अभी भी एक ग्रुप डांसर हूं और मेरे पास अभी भी मेरा सीडीए कार्ड है और एक ब्रांड एंबेसडर के रूप में मैं चाहती हूं कि यह फिल्म उद्योग का सबसे बड़ा संघ बने। जब मैं १० साल की थी तब मैंने फिल्मों में नृत्य करना शुरू कर दिया था और अब मैं फिर से अपने घर वापस लौट आ गई हूं। इस समय, मैं उन सभी सुविधाओं को प्रदान कराना चाहती हूँ जो हमारे समय में उपलब्ध नहीं थीं। मैं अच्छे कार्य करने और उन्हें सही दिशा देने का वादा करती हूं। और फिल्म में, नर्तकियों को वह सम्मान मिलेगा, जिसके वे हकदार हैं। ”

सरोज खान की राय यह भी है कि वरिष्ठों के लिए धन जुटाने के लिए स्टेज शो आयोजित किए जाने चाहिए ताकि धन का उपयोग उन लोगों के लिए पेंशन के रूप में किया जा सके जो सेवानिवृत्त जीवन जी रहे हैं और जीवित रहने के लिए धन की जरूरत है। ” वरिष्ठ कोरियोग्राफर का यह भी सुझाव है कि एक निश्चित राशि को डांसर्स से कटवाने की जरूरत है जो पेंशन फंड में जाना चाहिए। साथ ही, संघ सदस्यों की कन्या शिक्षा के लिए शुल्क की जिम्मेदारी लेने के लिए उत्सुक है।

सरोज खान डांसर्स  बनने के इच्छुक लड़कियों और लड़कों को भी मंजूरी देगा। उन्होंने कहा, “जो कोई भी भारतीय और पश्चिमी दोनों करने में सक्षम है, वह एक पेशेवर डांसर हो सकता है और संघ में उनका स्वागत किया जाएगा। मैं किसी विशेष डांस फॉर्म को न जानने के किसी भी बहाने को बर्दाश्त नहीं करुँगी। ” ७० वर्ष की आयु में सरोज अभी भी छात्रों और न्यूकमर्स को नृत्य सिखा रही हैं, और उनके पास वरिष्ठों को सलाह है, बैठो नहीं, नृत्य करो और रिहर्सल करो, और अपने आप को फिट रखो; काम आपके पास जरूर आएगा। ”

सिने डांसर्स एसोसिएशन के अध्यक्ष नीलेश पराड़कर ने कहा, “सीडीए एक कमजोर एसोसिएशन बन गया है। हम इसे एक मजबूत और बेहतर संघ बनाने के लिए एक साथ आ रहे हैं। हम यह सुनिश्चित करना चाहते हैं कि भुगतान उन्हें समय पर दिया जाए और उनके लिए योग्य राशि का भुगतान किया जाए। वरिष्ठ सदस्यों को वित्तीय मदद मिलती है और मैं चाहता हूं कि सीडीए बढ़े और हम जो भी आवश्यक हो वह करेंगे और उनका समर्थन करना जारी रखेंगे। ”