Sharvari Wagh, Brinda Miller, Sanjog Kabare, Chanda Jadhav, Shashi Bala announce MVP Project winners

The MVP Project initiated by BMC in association with Kala Ghoda Association saw two winners yesterday declared by Sharvari Wagh,  Brinda Miller, Sanjog Kabare -- DMC Special, Chanda Jadhav -- Dy. Municipal Commissioner,  Shashi Bala , Business Head MCGM among others. The 1st prize went to Team Tickle Talkies for the original track The Mumbai Dhanak by Saisamarth Mulay, while the 2nd prize was bagged by Team Thinking Mode for the original track Mumba by Dee MC & D'Evil. RJ Apoorva was the MC, jury members Nirmika Singh -- Editor, The Rolling Stone Mag and Music Director Milind Joshi were present as well.

एक्ट्रेस लवीना टंडन और पलक पर्सवानी एक बार फिर होंगे साथ–साथ! संतोष गुप्ता की शॉर्ट फिल्म '' एक्सक्यूज़ अस बॉयज '' में आएंगी फिर नजर।

टेलीविज़न की दुनिया मे अपना नाम बना चुकी और अपने काम से सुर्खिया बटोर चुकी एक्ट्रेसेस लवीना टंडन और पलक पर्सवानी अब टीवी की दुनिया से एक कदम और आगे रख चुकी हैं। जी हा टेलीविज़न पर अलग-अलग किरदार निभा चुकी ये अदाकारा फिर से शार्ट फ़िल्म में कमाल कर रही हैं । हाल ही में आयी इनकी शार्ट फिल्म '' एक्सक्यूस अस बॉयज '' लवीना टंडन और पलक पर्सवानी  के अलावा त्रिशान सिंह मैनी और पार्थ जुत्शी भी नज़र आये। बात करे एक्ट्रेस लवीना टंडन तो वो जोधा अकबर, नागिन, बालवीर,  प्यार तूने क्या किया जैसे तमाम बड़ेटीवी सीरिअल्स में अपने हुनर का परचम लहरा चुकी हैं।

 पलक पर्सवानी की बात करे तो वो स्पिलट्स विला 7 की मजबूत दावेदार थी साथ ही  सीरियल बड़ी देवरानी, ये रिश्ते  हैं प्यार के और मेरी हानिकारक बीवी में काम कर चुकी हैं। इसके अलावा ये दोनों वेब सीरीज में भी काम कर चुकी हैं।

  त्रिशान सिंह मैनी ने फिल्म सरबजीत में भी काम कर चुके हैं, इसके अलावा कई सीरीज और सीरियल में भी काम कर चुके हैं। वही पार्थ जुत्शी भी टीवी सीरीज 'धुप छाँव , बत्ती गुल मेटर चालू , हर रोज डा लड़ना जैसी सीरीज में अपना हुनर दिखा चुके हैं।

प्रोडक्शन हाउस मेड इन इंडिया और स्काई 247 के द्वारा बनी इस शार्ट फ़िल्म की डायरेक्टर और राइटर हैं रोशन गैरी भिंदर । शॉर्ट फिल्म के प्रोड्यूसर हैं संतोष गुप्ता।

Esha Deol bags Iconic Perfect Achiever Actor-Producer Award

Actor Esha Deol Takhtani, who has proved her mettle of being the chip off the old block  became producer this year with  short film Ek Dua where she was the lead actor as well.

This besides her latest web show on Hotstar titled Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, alongside Ajay Devgn. While the web show is slated to release in early 2022, Esha has bagged the Iconic Perfect Achievers' Award as Actor-Producer for her award-winning performance in Ek Dua.

Says Dr Khooshi Gurubhai, Editor, Perfect Woman Magazine, the driving force behind the awards, "Esha chose a film that brought to light the evils of gender discrimination and skewed gender dynamics that affect Indian families. We are proud of her as an actor, and more proud that she chose such a subject. She truly deserves this award."

More power to Esha!

Anupam Kher joins BMC’s 'Be A Tree Parent' MEGA Vriksha Campaign

Actor Anupam Kher planted trees, expressed solidarity and set an example to citizens by becoming a tree parent. With this move, he became the latest celebrity to join Hon. MP Smt. Hema Malini, Ranvir Shorey and son Haroon Shorey, Anil Kapoor, Amit Behl, Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka, Saniya Saiyad, Ashnoor Kaur, Advait Mote and MLA Shri Ameet Satam who are all proud tree parents!

World Environment Day 2021 marked the start of BMC’s ‘Be A Tree Parent' MEGA Vriksha Campaign. Instituted by the K West Ward Asst Commissioner Mr. Vishvas Mote, along with Anusha Srinivasan Iyer of Make Earth Green Again MEGA Foundation and Vriksha Nursery, the campaign involves and encourages societies and residents to adopt tree pits from the 348 Mumbai locations where trees had fallen in the K West Ward, post Cyclone Tauktae, and replant identified, fast-growing native tree species in those locations.

"I would like to stand next to this tree we planted and get my photo clicked today. As fifty years from now, when this tree is in its full splendour, it will make me very proud. I am here to motivate those who are making the difference. The BMC who is initiating this much-needed move, organisations like MEGA and Anusha Iyer, and the citizens who are taking this movement forward by adopting trees. We must plant at least a thousand trees in this area to make up for those we lost. If you need me anywhere, anytime to plant a tree, I will always be there," enthused Anupam Kher.

Added singer-entrepreneur Saniya Saiyad, "I feel very privileged to be a part of this movement where we strive for a greener planet. I am grateful that Anupam ji, the BMC and Make Earth Green Again MEGA Foundation have enabled me to leave behind greener footprints."

"Vishwas Mote, Asst Commissioner K West Ward is a visionary. It is thanks to his efforts, that we, at Make Earth Green Again MEGA Foundation, are helping make the vital difference of making our ward get back its lost green glory. The celeb participation and the ever-willing citizen support, as well as that of the police who are willingly planting trees, strengthen our resolve," expressed Anusha Srinivasan Iyer.

The campaign has also seen active participation from police personnel and citizens alike. And the numbers seem to only be growing. Check out the adjacent pictures! 

Singer Saniya Saiyad recreates Tujhse Naaraz Nahi Zindagi as an ode to environment

 

Singer Saniya Saiyad is recreating Tujhse Naaraz Nahi Zindagi as an ode to environment on the eve of World Environment Day as she took.it upon herself to.plant trees to save Mother Earth.

The original sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar composed by RD Burman with lyrics by Gulzar seems to echo with the state of trees and plants today. We need to preserve our environment as our future depends on it," echoes Saniya.
However, there will be no change in the vocal style. "I have grown up on Lata Ji's voice. She is my idol.i am also paying a humble tribute to Lata ji with my rendition and I hope she will.hear and love it," says Saniya. "I chose this song as it has the power to inspire millions."

Hema Malini Inaugurates BMC’s Be A Tree Parent MEGA Vriksha Campaign

The recent cyclone Tauktae has battered the green cover of Mumbai, with 2363 trees being uprooted and innumerable others losing their branches. A survey revealed that 70 per cent of the trees lost were non-native species. After studying the local agro-climatic conditions, including soil quality, humid weather, the BMC prepared a list of 41 native trees that can be planted in Mumbai and are part of the trees in the Konkan belt. These are Wad, Pimpal, Umber, Kanchan, Kadamba, Gunj, Palas, Nim, Mahogany, Moh, Bahawa, Sag, Arjun, Ain, Kinjal, Sita Ashok, Undal, Nagkeshar, Champa, Shivan, Shirish, Karanj, Bakul, Bell, Taman, Hirda, Behda, Coconut, Amla, Khair, Tetu, Mango, Putranjiva, Wild Almond, Bibba, Parijatak, Rita, Sandalwood, Phanas and Chafa among others.

On the eve of World Environment Day, the BMC’s K West Ward Asst Commissioner Mr. Vishvas Mote along with Make Earth Green Again MEGA Foundation started the ‘Be A Tree Parent - Adopt A Fallen Tree Pit’ Campaign to involve societies and residents to adopt one of the 348 fallen tree locations in K West Ward and re-plant the same with an identified fast growing tree species.

Keeping in mind the above and to restore the green cover, Asst Commissioner Vishvas Mote avered, “The aim of this campaign is to involve citizens and societies to adopt and take care of a tree at the location of a fallen tree, that will be planted in consultation with the Garden department. It also aims to create awareness among citizens about different native species of trees, their blooming seasons and growth patterns and to build a sense of ownership among residents for green cover in the city.”

Added Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Founder, Make Earth Green Again MEGA Foundation, “The trees we are planting in conjunction with the Garden department of BMC include flowering plants Tamhan, Jamun, Badam and such other native species. We have water levels that are high. Hence the roots do not go very deep in search of water, which is why we think it best to grow species that do not grow above 30 feet. We are requesting the locals to become a tree parent and adopt the trees. Any guidance or help they need at any time, we are there to handhold them. Vishvas Mote ji has always been in the fore for causes that protect the environment. We are very glad we can involve the community to protect our greens. Our future depends on the green footprints we leave behind.”

The inauguration of this campaign was done by planting a Tamhan plant at a pit where a 45 foot tree once stood, at the hands of Hon MP Smt Hema Malini ji along with Local Councilor Smt. Renu Hansraj, Asst. Commisioner MCGM K-West Ward Shri Vishvas Mote, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer of Make Earth Green Again MEGA Foundation and Shaan Lalwani of Vriksha and Nodal Officer of Adopt A Fallen Tree Pit Shri Yogendra Kachhawa and Municipal Staff of K-West Ward. Actor Esha Deol also lent support by gracing the occasion. 

"Each of us must strive to preserve our environment. Our lives are intertwined with Mother Earth and it is our duty to save her. Adopting a Tree is one step in that direction," averred Hema Malini as she launched the campaign.

When Culinary Art Meets Music!

 

Renowned chef, chocolatier and cake sculptor Harneet Jolly surprised composer Bickram Ghosh and veteran playback singer Hariharan for their star-studded launch of ‘Ishq – Songs Of Love’, bumping up the larger-than-life celebration with delectable cakes, a beautifully crafted violin made out of chocolate, and edible photo frames fuelling the much needed celebratory emotion post pandemic!

The industry DOYENS including Anupam Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Sanjeev Kapoor, Roop Kumar Rathod, Kavita Seth, Lesle Lewis, Kaavya Jones, Sandip Soparrkar, Sharbani Mukherjee, Salim Merchant, Akshay Hariharan, Karan Hariharan, Shilpa Rao, Pratibha Singh Baghel, Purbayan Chatterjee, Gurneet Jolly, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Yogesh Lakhani among others made their presence felt for the EP launch at Tap, Juhu, where renowned chef, chocolatier and cake sculptor Harneet Jolly’s live sculpture cake added more energy to the musical evening!

“It’s always nice to have your work appreciated, especially when it is coming from the world’s most acknowledged artists. Bollywood is everyone’s fantasy in India. It is bliss to have my work acknowledged here. I have grown up watching these artists. Being artists, even though from different art horizons, they could deeply relate to my art,” avers Chef Harneet Jolly.

On being appreciated by Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor at the launch, Harneet shares, “It was a grand feeling hearing praises from the top-tier talent in the industry. I had a vision for my sculpture cake and he connected with it. It’s way beyond just the technicalities of it.

It was very reassuring that I am on the right track. We spoke about my cake sculpture, our future plans, and my upcoming book on desserts. I respect Chef Sanjeev ji for holding his legacy for 3 decades and the person he is.”

 

Meet Kabir Duhan Singh, the Raavan of Kunal Kohli's forthcoming Ramyug on MX Player

Kabir Duhan Singh is a award-winning global  actor who is essaying the character of Raavan in Kunal Kohli's Ramayan and is the antihero opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Bole Chudiyaan, both upcoming releases. He is also the lead negative actor in the  Bangladeshi-Turkish film Netri The Leader. He has made his presence felt down south with over 38 Kannada, Telugu and Tamil films with IIFA awards and  nominations including Jil, Vedalam, Pailwan, Supreme, Rekka, Kanchana3, Aruvam, Action among others. He is a mixed martial arts expert and a fitness buff among others.

Excited about his forthcoming release,. Kabir confesses, " villains have always excited me

 And I dreamt to be one with innumerable shades. Kunal Kohli the magician made me into the Raavan who has multitudinous shades. It is an amazing role that is a dream for any actor."

Kabir's physique and martial,arts training were always a plus. But he combined his grandmother's stories with the knowledge of the  books on Raavan that read up. "Raavan is an amazing character to essay. There is so much to him the world does not know and I am glad I am playing him."

 Fantastic videos from MXPlayer

[Ramyug | Trailer | Releasing On 6th May 2021] https://www.mxplayer.in/show/watch-ramyug/season-1/ramyug-trailer-releasing-on-6th-may-2021-online-fa1678cfaa50c894fd45ed92e67ea00c?utm_source=mx_android_share

Niharica, the dil Ka real doctor grooves to song dedicated to frontline workers!

 

 

Miss India UK and worldwide runner up Niharica Raizada, actress of films like Masaan, 6-5=2, Damadol, Total Dhamaal and the forthcoming Sooryavanshi wears many hats.

Very few know that the granddaughter of veteran composer OP Nayyar is also a cardiologist-scientist and has been treating thousands of patients during the COVID crisis. Combining her skills, Niharica is heralding her birthday on April 18 with the amazing song dedicated to her and warriors like her. “In fact, every woman is a warrior,” says the lead actress of international film Warrior Savitri. The French song ‘Bout des Doigts’ which means ‘Till the tip of your Fingers’ performed with Shampa Gopikrishna, directed by Swapnil Kumar and shot by Rishabh Puthran sees Niharica and Shampa in rusty red grooving to the music, their expressions speak of power, empowerment and the softness that only red signifies.

Niharica who speaks and has acted in films in five global languages says, “The lyrics of Bout des Doigts tell you to listen to your heart and not to go by what people say; to live life by your own rhythm and make all the memories you can, and live each moment to the fullest. “Zindagi bhale aapko mukke maare, lekin girkar sambhalna aur sambhalkar utna wohi seekh hai.”

‘’I relate to the song because it gives people the energy and will to carry on and fight in these tough times. Dance has been the light in the darkness for me and has lifted me out of the worst moods possible, and I want to help people see the same light,” echoes Niharica adding that though we are in shortage of vaccines, oxygen and staff, everyone is doing the best they can. “It is such crises that help hearts heal and come together as one,” avers the cardiologist who makes a million hearts go aflutter with her histrionics and moves. Check out the accompanying performance video!

राजश्री प्रोडक्शन्स की अगली फ़िल्म के लिए साथ आये राजवीर देओल और अवनीश बड़जात्या

राजश्री प्रोडक्शन्स  की पहचान देश के एक अग्रणी और प्रतिष्ठित फ़िल्म प्रोडक्शन हाउस के तौर पर होती है। इस प्रोडक्शन हाउस को एक से बढ़कर एक पारिवारिक और लोकप्रिय मनोरंजक फ़िल्मों के लिए जाना जाता है।

बड़जात्या परिवार के नेतृत्व में 74 साल से चल रहे इस प्रोडक्शन हाउस की चौथी पीढ़ी अब इसकी गौरवशाली परंपरा को आगे बढ़ाने, और इसकी कमान संभालने को तैयार है। ग़ौरतलब है कि राजश्री प्रोडक्शन्स द्वारा बनाई जा रही अगली फ़िल्म का निर्देशन अवनीश बड़जात्या करेंगे। उल्लेखनीय है कि इस फ़िल्म के माध्यम से एक डायरेक्टर के तौर पर डेब्यू करने जा रहे अवनीश निर्माता/निर्देशक सूरज बड़जात्या के बेटे हैं। इतना ही नहीं, राजश्री प्रोडक्शन्स की इस 59वीं पेशकश का लेखन भी अवनीश ने ख़ुद ही किया है। अवनीश की इस पहली फ़िल्म में सुपरस्टार सनी देओल के छोटे बेटे राजवीर देओल बतौर हीरो अपना डेब्यू करेंगे।

यूके में रंगमंच से संबंधित अध्ययन करने के बाद, राजवीर ने असिस्टेंट डायरेक्टर के तौर पर भी काम किया है। राजवीर ने रंगमंच के मशहूर निर्देशक डायरेक्टर फ़िरोज़ अब्बास ख़ान के मातहत प्रशिक्षण भी हासिल किया है। ऐसे में पूरी तैयारी के साथ राजवीर राजश्री प्रोडक्शन्स की अगली फ़िल्म में डेब्यू करने जा रहे हैं।

राजवीर के बारे में अवनीश कहते हैं, "राजवीर अपनी आँखों से बहुत कुछ बयां कर जाते हैं। वे बहुत ही मेहनतकश शख़्स भी हैं। जैसे-जैसे हम इस प्रोजेक्ट को लेकर एक-दूसरे से चर्चा करते चले गये, मुझे इस बात का एहसास होता गया कि राजवीर ही हीरो के तौर पर मेरी फ़िल्म के लिए पूर्णतया उपयुक्त शख़्स हैं।”

इस फ़िल्म में एक आधुनिक लव स्टोरी को दर्शाया गया है। इस फ़िल्म‌ में अवनीश और राजवीर की ज़िंदगी का अक्स नज़र आएगा जिसमें आज की दुनिया में प्यार और रिश्तों के मानी समझाने की कोशिश की जाएगी। उल्लेखनीय है कि इस फ़िल्म‌ में राजवीर के अपोज़िट हीरोइन का किरदार निभाने वाली लड़की की तलाश अभी भी जारी है‌।

उम्मीद के मुताबिक ये फ़िल्म इस साल जुलाई महीने में फ़्लोर पर जाएगी और इसे अगले साल यानि 2022 में देशभर में रिलीज़ किया जाएगा।

Dolly Thakore, Shaina NC & Arzoo Govitrikar Grace the Release of Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka's Biography, Uncommon Dreams Of A Common Man

Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka wears many hats! An industrialist, educationist, environmentalist and a philanthropist, he has generously and selflessly contributed to the society through his social awareness organisation, Ample Missiion, with which he works tirelessly to bring a meaningful change in the lives of the underprivileged.

As billionaire Warren Buffet says, “If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%.” Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka’s actions are inspired by the same! As the MD of Mirachem Industriies, he always strives create a positive impact on peoples’ lives. For his invaluable efforts, he has been conferred upon with an honorary doctorate for the same!

With blessings of the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, actors Boman Irani and Dalip Tahil and comedian Raju Srivastava, Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka had officially released his biography, ‘Uncommon Dreams Of A Common Man’ for online distribution. Today, in the presence of theatre veteran Dolly Thakore, fashion designer-social worker Shaina NC and actress Arzoo Govitriker at Crossword Bookstore, Kemps Corner, the book became available for distribution in bookstores across India. The illustrious biography is published, marketed and distributed by Times Group.

Under his Social Enterprise - Ample Missiion, Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka has organized and lauded several heroes who have had the courage to do what is necessary while exhibiting extraordinary feats! In Awards Zindagi Ke, brave martyrs and true unsung heroes of the Indian Armed Forces were felicitated. With ‘Bharat Prerna Awards, those have risen above their condition, whether it be a physical disability, a mental illness or sensory deprivation, and shown extraordinary feats of courage were lauded. With Shoorveer Awards, common people who have done uncommon things were honoured for the same. All in all, a lot has been done by the Ample Missiion to recognize our national heroes.

This man, as his book’s apt title, has lived the uncommon dreams of a common man. “Philanthropy can be our greatest asset, if we let it!” signs off Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka.

Farooq Sheikh helped me pass my third year exams: Kavita Krishnamurti at KGAF 2021

Padmashri Legends Pankaj Udhas and Kavita Krishnamurti come together at the virtual edition of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival on Insider.in. The duo have a long association with Kala Ghoda as  they studied together in St. Xavier's College and used to squat at Elphinstone's canteen The Log Cabin, and then spend time at The Rhythm House to get an opportunity to listen to new records at the booths at the milestone location.

Jehangir Art Gallery's Samovar was another favourite hangout and they still remember the cuisine. "Our Kala Ghoda festival started in 1972," reasons Pankaj Udhas. Unfortunately Rhythm House and Samovar don’t exist any more. Kavita Krishnamurti speaks of her senior Pankaj Udhas and how they all looked up to him at college. "He has seen super stardom but it has never gone to his head. It is so difficult to become a star singing ghazals and it is an uphill task."

Pankaj Udhas talks of the big college gang that used to sit below the trees and eat food from the tin roof canteen. "I was No. 1 in terms of bunking. I was a Science student, required 24x7 in class. My Botany Department would overlook canteen. My HOD Mr. Bhole used to see me laughing and the peon used to be sent to call me up," he laughs.

Kavita Krishnamurti speaks, "Farooq Sheikh was part of our college. One day he saw me with a long face. I told him my attendance is less as I do a lot of jingles and programmes, and had to bunk, but only for music. He spoke to the Principal and helped me. In my third year, he took sessions for me and helped me tide through. It was so nice of him," she recalls.

Pankaj Udhas talks of how the dreamers who were part of Sangeet Mandal and Natya Mandal, used to dream together. "Right from Anuradha Paudwal nee Alka Nadkarni, Kavita Krishnamurti, Nitin Ghat, Priti Moti Sagar Ranu Mukherjee (Hemant Kumar's daughter), Natya Mandal had Farooq Sheikh, Smita Patil, Satish Shah who used to oscillate between Natya Mandal and Sangeet Mandal, Dalip Tahil, Shabana Azmi were senior to us, Anil Kapoor was junior to us... We all owe our encouragement to St. Xavier's," he recalls.

The duo also sang some amazing songs, keeping alive the joy of music that transported them in time. "St. Xavier's has positive vibes that helped us all tide us through," expresses Kavita Krishnamurti.

Santosh Sivan's Mumbaikar to wrap up by Feb 27; set for May 27 release

Director Santosh Sivan will probably go down in history as the director who shot his film Mumbaikar before schedule everyday, with producer Shibu Thameens actually asking him to take more time if he wishes!

Mumbaikar began its shoot after SS  Rajamouli and Karan Johar launched the film, with Karan Johar stating that the film ‘promises to be a stunning cinematic experience’. 

 

Mumbaikar is an action-thriller and director Santosh Sivan's film stars Vikrant Massey, Vijay Sethupathi, Tanya Maniktala, Sanjay Mishra, Ranvir Shorey and Sachin Khedekar in key roles, and is being shot in a start-to-finish schedule in the city at the moment.

The film also introduces young actor Hridhu Haroon to Hindi cinema.

Leslee Lewis Teams up with The ATG - Omar Gooding, Heads For Hollywood!

Leslee Lewis joins hands with The ATG and Omar Gooding to make melody for Hollywood number Entourage. The film, titled Trap City, features this number and, recently, the original soundtrack for Trap City, was partly filmed at one of the best and the most happening night clubs of Mumbai!

Trap City, a Kyyba Film’s realistic musical, starring Brandon Jackson as a young rapper working for a drug kingpin in the face of fame as his song becomes viral! After an attempt on his life, he faces the choice of either going to prison and destroying his career, or testifying against a dangerous crime boss who might not fail the second time! What Brandon Jackson does, decides his future in Trap City! The film is expected to be a musical eye-opener on the abuse of power and how the common man is the real sufferer! 

The driving force behind Kyyba Films, and the producer of Christmas Coupon, Celebrity Crush, Devil’s Night: Dawn of The Nain Rouge and now Trap City, Tel Ganesan has brought together an eclectic blend of International Award-winning music personalities including the ATG, Leslee Lewis and rapper Omar Gooding for Entourage!  

Acclaimed Indian musician Leslee Lewis avers, “Collaborating with new age artists from Hollywood is another learning curve for me! Tel Ganesan is a creative producer in every sense! The ATG has got the groove just about right and the rap verses fill in perfectly! I am excited to be an integral part of Entourage!”

Hollywood based musical new age musical prodigy, The ATG, was seen reflecting on the mood of the track during the filming of the official music video! “Entourage is a contemporary hip-hop and pop fusion song! The song is quite an eclectic array of different musical influences across the globe, both vocally as well as production-wise. Despite the deceptive simplicity, the music production employs an array of interspersed track waves! While being a musically rich record, the music has been produced to be a club banger! Leslee, Omar and I wanted to ensure an unabashedly fun listening experience!

Tel Ganesan adds, “It is a wonderful blend of the Eastern and Western world of music. It is an amazing experience to be working with such talented artists! I remember flying to Mumbai, the heartland of Bollywood and signing Leslee on board for Entourage. It feels like yesterday, and now the song is in post-production! Kyyba Films is looking forward to dazzle you with the upcoming OST!”

Trap City, currently in post-production, is all set for an International release! Keep up with this space for more!

KGAF Makes Virtual Horse Sense! Kala Ghoda gallops head and shoulders ahead of the pandemic, goes virtual! Adds e-stalls this year – bringing artisans online!

THE EQUESTRIAN statue of the Black Horse stands tall yet again. Even the novel Coronavirus could not keep the mother of all art festivals down!

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, one of the premiere iconic arts and crafts festivals of Asia, will now take on a digital avatar from February 6-14 this year, commencing as always on the first Saturday of February, and closing on the second Sunday of February, refusing to let the cacophony of the pandemic drown the annual cultural awakening which will include 70 programs!

For the first time ever, the festival is also set to take its stalls (a huge attraction at the festival every year), online. The Marketplace will open on 6th February, but will go till the end of the month- 28t February. A showcase of an eclectic collection of handicrafts and other products, the Marketplace can be accessed at www.kgaf2021.com

Says Brinda Miller, Honorary Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Association, “Kala Ghoda Arts Festivals has kept its date with Mumbai for the past 21 years. This 22nd year again, we are celebrating art and culture through a different medium that has spurred us on to ‘unlock’ the entire festival and make it virtual, including the much sought after KGAF stalls. Our partners, artistes and collaborators, who have worked with us through the years, have stepped forward this year too, to make this festival a ‘virtual reality’. What is encouraging is that we have well-wishers from around the world who are excited to be part of our festival this year. This has been an opportunity for us to reinvent the wheel!”

Organised by the Kala Ghoda Association (KGA), a non-profit organisation, the festival to be hosted on Insider (www.kgaf2021.com) will reach out to embrace global audiences with discussions, workshops and demonstrations about dance and music, visual arts, theatre, cinema, literature, book launches, tributes to famous personalities -- in short, the festival presents plenty of events which reflect the rich history of art in Mumbai.

Emphasizing on having something for each and every  attendee, the festival showcases numerous programs in films and filmmaking, arts and crafts, prose and poetry, culture, music, dance, storytelling, culinary arts, martial arts and theatre among others.

The 2021 schedule brings forth nine days of programmes and contests, under categories such as Workshops, Panel discussions and Talks, for children and adults alike. Themed under KGAFunlocked and Funlocked, the general and children’s programmes, respectively, promise a week of edutainment for our patrons.

The Kala Ghoda Spotlight features entertaining performances and talks by Leslee Lewis, TM Krishna, Usha Uthup, Ankur Tewari, Rahul Mehrotra, among many biggies, brought by various collaborators including Teamwork, Mahindra Kabira Festival, Team Rewind, Kommune, MAMI and Sula Wines among others, with the highlighting session with #AamhiKon?, a concept that promotes lyrical Marathi Hip Hop and showcases MCs , poets and writers from Maharashtra.

Unlocking Heritage  takes us through the city and its renowned architectural precincts; in association with Art Deco Mumbai Trust and Khaki Tours thought Heritage Walks.

Key Conversations promises engaging conversations with luminaries including Ruth Padel, Devdutt Patnaik, Ranjit Hoskote, Prem Chandavarkar, Swiss-Romanian novelist Dana Grigrocea, TM Krishna, Perumal Murugan, Pankaj Udhas with Kavita Krishnamoorthy, Tahira Kashyap, Neena Gupta and Vikas Khanna, Padma Shri Shubha Mudgal, Shilpa Rao, Dia Mirza with Licypriya Kangujam, and Talat Aziz with Pratibha Singh Baghel, Vikas Khanna and Neena Gupta.

UpSkill features workshops by the Arzan (scissorhands) Khambatta, musicians Gino Banks, Rakesh Chaurasia, Ojas Adhiya, Purbayan Chatterjee, Team M N M Talkies on podcasting, Unlocking Anxiety with Sonali Gupta.

In a similar vein, Shake a Leg features workshops with renowned international dancers such as Bea Dabrabant (for Tai Chi), Laura Kenyon (Flamenco), Tommaso Petrolo (contemporary), Naima Yazbek (Brazilian Samba) and Natya Kalari by Dr. Sreejith TR of Dancity India. Other Indian names include Ashley Lobo.

Laugh Out Loud, as the title suggests, brings forth the best in the business of comedy including Atul Khatri, Aditi Mittal, Sorabh Pant, Vir Das, Rohan Joshi, Sonali Thakker and Kashyap Swaroop.

Kitchen Secrets focusses on culinary specialists’ demos and features Saransh Goila, Zeba Kohli, Pooja Dhingra, Tara Deshpande and Michelin Star Chef Fabio Mazzolini from Italy.

KGAF Specials this year also include a section titled Artists’ Studio that will take audiences into the workspace of artists including Arzan Khambatta, Paresh Maity, Ajay De, Madhvi Subrahmanian, Brinda Miller, Sameer Kulavoor, Sunil Padwal, Dhruvi Acharya, Seema Kohli and Rekha Rodwittiya.

Kashish International Film Festival will also be showcasing cinematic works, both Indian as well as International, and will also be hosting a panel of trans artists in the cinema world!

Funlocked, the children’s section, includes an exciting workshop by Harun Robert, storytime with Kahaani Online, Anand Neelakantan and Shabnam Minwalla, celebrated authors both. Meera Warrier's The Treasure Chest with Maya brings alive the story of the Kala Ghoda for kids, and the talented team at Amar Chitra Katha shares the story behind some of their iconic characters!

This year, KGAF’s partners include KOMMUNE, Kashish, MAMI, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Bangalore International Centre, Nehru Science Centre and Amar Chitra Katha, as also cultural embassies including the  Institute of Italian Culture, Consulate General of Switzerland, the Italian Cultural Centre (Mumbai), the Brazilian Consulate and the Consulate General of Sweden.

The proceeds from KGAF are used for restoration projects in the Kala Ghoda precinct. In the past few years, the Kala Ghoda Association has funded restoration of iconic structures such as the Elphinstone College building, the Institute of Science, the Khyber Restaurant wall mural, the Cama Hall exteriors, garden of the David Sassoon library, the Bomonjee Hormusjee Wadia Clock Tower (located at Perin Nariman street), the Seth Gangalal Nandlal V Mulji Pyav located at the entrance of the Horniman Circle Garden and the Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha water fountain, among many others. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Vaastu Sangrahalaya (The Prince of Wales Museum) ,Elphinstone College,Rhythm House and the Asiatic Library have also been recipients of the Association’s funds and support.

KGAF 2021 will be hosted on Insider. Schedules will be on www.kgaf2021.com

Registrations open on Jan 29.

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 .

My battle is to give hope to many others to fight against injustice: Sachiin Joshi

 “An average Indian believes that an investment in gold passes down generations, more so when a celebrity endorses a company that is offering the said gold scheme. My legal battle is merely a representation of many of the investors of Satyug Gold who might have invested in the gold scheme at a discounted rate, only to never receive the gold,” says actor-entrepreneur Sachiin Joshi, who, after paying Rs. 18,57,870 on March 25, 2014, has been asked by the then Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra promoted Satyug Gold to pay a penalty of Rs. 25,50,000 in order to collect the gold for which an amount of Rs 18,57,870 had already been paid to them six years ago. 

“If I am asked to pay Rs 25 lakh to collect Rs 18 lakh gold after six years of my hard-earned money lying with a company, imagine the state of the common man who must have invested believing a celebrity who endorsed a company as its Chairman! I feel defrauded to say the least. And then I realised that I should stand up against what is wrong as I might be the hope for many others.”

The matter is subjudice through arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 of India. As per the court, Satyug Gold was made to deposit the 1kg of gold with the Prothonotary and Senior Master of the Hon. Bombay High Court, who then took custody of the gold and sealed and secured it in the High Court’s strong-room/vault. As Sachiin Joshi was abroad, his counsel requested that the gold be handed over to his representative. 

As the hearing and final disposal of the arbitration proceedings and for was in a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the Award by the parties and / or their Advocates, the Prothonotary and Senior Master shall continue to retain the gold bar weighing 1.022 kg in the safe deposit vault opened / obtained in his name in the Bank of India pursuant to the directions of G.S.Patel, J. dated 7th September, 2020.

Sachiin Joshi has earlier filed a complaint on January 18th of this year in Khar Police Station, Mumbai, under sections 406, 409 and 420 of the IPC for the alleged fraudulent representation and nonreceipt of gold after six years of making the payment to Satyug Gold at the behest of Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty who  were then, the office-bearers of the company.

 

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!”