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.

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 .

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."

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.

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.

The ATG-Leslee Lewis- rapper Omar Gooding come together for Producer Tel Ganesan’s Hollywood film Trap City

Indian born serial entrepreneur-Hollywood film producer  Tel Ganesan, 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, has brought together  singer-composer-performers The ATG, Leslee Lewis and rapper Omar Gooding in an amazing fusion number for his film, Trap City, starring Brandon T Jackson, a musical eyeopener on the abuse of power and how the common man is the real sufferer.

Director-lyricist Ricky Burchell expresses why the choice of The ATG-Leslee Lewis -Omar Gooding fusion fell in place. “The lyrics and the song of the song Entourage relate to what the main character Deshawn (Brandon T Jackson) is going through in the course of the film Trap City. When you become a celebrity, an entourage accompanies you. The music and performances have a very fun and exciting feel, more so as the character in this song is looking forward to some exciting ‘alone’ moments with his girl in the midst of this chaos.”

Composer-music producer ATG reflects on the mood of the song. “Entourage is a contemporary hip hop/pop song. The song is quite an eclectic array of different musical influences both vocally and production-wise. Despite the deceptive simplicity, the production is actually quite intricate as it continuously evolves. My deliberate choice was to make a club record, yet ensure the song is still rich in musicality. Leslee, Omar and I wanted to ensure an unabashedly fun listening experience.”

Musical genius Leslee Lewis avers that he learns with every song and the Hollywood number was another learning curve. “Tel Ganesan is totally clued in and is a creative producer in every sense. Director Ricky Burchell’s vision reflects in his communication and lyrics, while composer-music producer  The ATG has got the groove and the rap portions effortlessly in place. The brief from the creative trio was as passionate as it was interesting and I felt very excited to be an integral part of Entourage.”

Omar Gooding feels the song is kind of biographical to him as a rap artiste. “I identify with the song totally because it represents the kind of life that I live. The collaboration with Leslee Lewis is something I enjoyed. Leslee Lewis and the Big O collab will be something the audiences will be looking out for as well!

Adds Ganesan, “It is a wonderful beginning of combining the East and the West. I am excited to be a part of the journey with such amazing artists and producing global fare for global audiences. It is a fulfilling and a fun-filled journey. I couldn’t have asked for more!”

Avers The ATG, “musically, the track is a fusion of many different genres from the vocals to the production. Leslee’s vocals were groovy and funky in a manner I would say is akin to classic disco records. In a similar vein, Omar definitely brought a very classic Californian flow and twang to the table. His vocals certainly have a gruffness to them but they still possess an air of fun to them. Leslee and Omar’s vocals are certainly distinct, but there is an undeniable synergy. Leslee’s smooth vocals combined with Omar’s powerful voice ensures a sure-fire hit.”

About Kyyba Films’ realistic musical  Trap City. Brandon Jackson plays a young rapper working for a drug kingpin, and records a song that becomes viral. His fame intensifies because of his crime, but after an attempt on his life, he faces the choice of going to prison and destroying his career or to face the dangerous situation of testifying against a dangerous crime boss who will not fail a second time. What Brandon Jackson does, decides his future in Trap City.

Within You - Baiju Mangeshkar's path breaking sufi album...

To Baiju Mangeshkar, music means much more than melody, sound and lyrics… it is his soul, and cascades his veins... The nephew of Lata Mangeshkar, and son of Pt Hridaynath Mangeshkar, is an archetypal artist; his is a career where music and visual art seamlessly come together, each reinforcing and reinvigorating the other.

Within You  is Baiju’s  latest path-breaking release which also is his first solo album as a singer and composer. It is being released by Times Music with a presentation of three music videos as well.

Baiju is gifted with a unique soulful voice and his compositions are musically sensitive that leave a lasting impression.   Within You with Baiju’s soulful voice and compositions is a musical inner journey within one’s being.

“Sufi poetry is profound and clearly aspires to elevate ‘being’ from humanity to divinity; into the realms of unconditional love and peace. It is timeless and perpetual, and more importantly always relevant in every era, especially in this bleak age of injustice, escalating violence, increasing irreverence and the unfortunate recent world pandemic. In such a time, Sufi poetry and music are akin to a soothing balm to heal the spirit.,” elaborates Baiju.

The album ‘Within You’ is a soulful bouquet of six songs with the theme based on Sufism. The style is contemporary with inflections of World Music and yet its soul punctuating the Indian Classical traditions surrounding the lyric/kalaam of great revered Sufi saint poets of 16th century India namely Hazrat Shah Hussain, Baba Bulley Shah and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. The album also includes two modern and contemporary songs that are rufiyaa in thought written by an emerging and gifted young poetess Amruta. The songs have been musically arranged by Jatin Sharma, a well-known name to recon within the Indian music industry and with a host of extremely talented Indian musicians contributing to the soundscape.

One of the highlights in the musical arrangements is the collaboration with two brilliant musicians from America; Susan Mazer, a jazz harp virtuosi and Dallas Smith, a master of woodwinds and the saxophone. They are veterans in the world of jazz music who have worked with none other than the great world legends such as Frank Sinatra, Ahmed Jamal and Johnny Mathis to name a few and our very own RD Barman. Their contribution and style have added a unique dimension to the music of this album and to the world of sufi music.

Some songs in the album appear as romantic love songs to the ear and mind but they are subtly disguised with a resonance, reflection and play with the concept of ‘Ishq-e-Majazi and Ishq-e-Haqeeqi.’

“There are two kinds of ‘Ishq’ (love) mentioned in Sufism and in Urdu poetry; Ishq-e-Majazi and Ishq-e-Haqeeqi.  ‘Ishq-e-Majazi’ is the love one feels for another human being, the birth of feelings such as love, desire in ones heart for another person. It is transitory and is a physical desire or an emotional need. The latter ‘Ishq-e-Haqeeqi’ is in contrast; Sufism eloquently elaborates about Ishq-e-Haqeeqi which highlights the concept and feeling one has for the creator or one’s maker. It is a more intense elevation of one’s being, a pure submission to one’s maker/creator in absolute awe, wonderment and gratitude! This love and romance of a higher intensity is the theme in this album,” avers Baiju.

More about Baiju Mangeshkar. He  cut his first record for EMI India at the tender age of ten, and then as an adult made his debut with a song for a Marathi feature film composed by his father, the renowned composer Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

It was in 2014 that he came into his own with the release of ‘Ya Rabba’ (Saregama India), a Sufi album where he composed and sang  lyrics by the great sufi saint Hazrat Shah Hussain with a unique contemporary sound, graced by the dulcet tones of his legendary aunt Lata Mangeshkar.

The album, released both internationally and in India, won critical acclaim from younger listeners for its blend of traditional Hindustani music infused with Soul and Gospel music.

Stalwarts such as Pandit Jasraj, Begum Farida Khanum and Sufi Queen Abida Parveen regaled his voice and compositions as unique and deeply soulful, a rare honour indeed.

He has since also sung  for a few Marathi films and a TV serial and has recently released a few original singles and some covers as well.

Growing up in the hallowed environs of the Mangeshkars, India’s first family of music, rhythm and melody came naturally to Baiju. He trained in light classical music under Pt. Tulsidas Sharma, Pt. Ramesh Jhule and more recently under Pt. Ajay Pohankar. This training has been reinforced by the continued guidance which he receives even today from his father and his illustrious aunt and idol Lata Mangeshkar, whom he has accompanied frequently on stage in India and abroad.

 In all earnestness and sincerity, Baiju hopes his music and this album can transport the listener to enter into a realm of Love, Devotion and Peace. More power to this young man!

Baiju Mangeshkar’s Familial Tribute With Malhaar Baithak’s ‘The Mangeshkar Legacy’, A Digital Baithak

September seems to be a rather cherished month for the illustrious Mangeshkar family of India. Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, who is fondly referred to as the Queen of Melody while Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle, arguably the most versatile playback singer in the history of the Indian film and music industry. Interestingly both the sisters were born in the month of September! Asha Bhosle, who just celebrated her birthday in a familial celebration at Lonavala, while the family gears towards celebrating Lata Mangeshkar’s birthday on the 28th in the coming week! What grabs our attention is what Baiju Mangeshkar, their nephew has in store for us! A musical treat celebrating the legacy of the Mangeshkar family.

Baiju Mangeshkar, the new generation torch-bearer of this illustrious musical family, has been invited to make his presence felt by the Malhaar Baithak to share some interesting anecdotes and back stories! The musical troupe, composed of students from the U.A.E., will pay an endearing tribute to this musical legacy and the family’s famous classical compositions in an interactive session with Baiju! “I am delighted to be invited as a guest to witness such an honourable tribute to my aunts, my father and the entire family,” he avers.

Yours to witness is the digital baithak live on the official handles of Malhaar UAE on Facebook as well as YouTube on the 25th of September, 7:30 PM IST.

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 

 

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.”

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

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.

 

'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!”