My kids don't believe I'm On Screen In Ramayan: Swwapnil Joshi

Swwapnil Joshi is ecstatic over the Mythological Re-Run wave as Uttar Ramayan tops the TRP charts!

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has shaken the entire world, having a dastardly impact on everyone's lives. The Indian entertainment industry is no different! With mythological shows marking their comeback during the lockdown, as announced by the Government, the decision to re-run the shows that impacted everyone's childhoods, has been welcomed with open arms by viewers across the country. And, like so many others, actor Swwapnil Joshi has also taken to watching the re-runs of these shows. In fact, two of the actor's really popular shows, Uttar Ramayan and Shri Krishna are also making their way back into people's homes.
Defying all odds, Swwapnil Joshi has proved his mettle and made his mark across the cinematic universe! From a popular child in the Indian television scene to the chocolate boy of the Marathi film and TV industry, Swwapnil Joshi has also marked his foray into the recently trending web-series domain lately with Samantar.
Speaking on the re-runs of mythological shows, Swwapnil avers, “The lockdown takes a toll on the people and everyone needs their calm. Nothing calms you more than shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat and Shri Krishna.” Out of the three iconic shows, the actor par excellence has played pivotal lead roles in two of them; as Kush (of Luv and Kush) in Uttar Ramayan and Krishna of Shri Krishna. "There is nobody in the world who doesn't know about Lord Rama and Krishna,” the actor adds.
Citing that these aren't mere shows and are a part of so many people's childhoods and culture, Swwapnil believes that, irrespective of caste or religion, Ramayana and Mahabharat are shows that every Indian has watched and enjoyed! Swwapnil Joshi has the final word, “This is an amazing opportunity for everyone to relive their childhoods, including me! Personally, I am enjoying the re-runs with my children.” Interestingly enough, Swwapnil reveals that his kids do not recognize him on the show! “They refuse to believe that it's me on-screen. I was 9 or 10 at that time.”

I am all for new tunes, lyrics and songs on my YouTube channel: Asha Bhosle

She has been bestowed with contagious energy, an ever-youthful persona and voice that has mesmerised audiences transcending generations. Now, Asha Bhosle is on YouTube with her channel 'Asha Bhosle Official' youthful original content, albeit with a dash of spiritualism!

What prompted the legendary songstress to go the YouTube way? Necessity is the mother of invention is hardly the reply you think of, but Asha Tai answers with honesty. "Due to the present situation, like all of humanity, I’m cooped up at home. Sitting at home, with my grandkids and observing their net savvy communication skills, a new world opened up for me. Over the years, I’ve been asked by many people to pen down my thoughts, experiences and emotions but I just didn’t have the time. Now, that I am at home, I decided to record my experiences of 86 years and maybe some of them may entertain people, make them think or just have a good time and a laugh." Stating that there is so much negativity around us, Asha Bhosle wants her channel to be a medium where with her infectious energy, she can lighten moods. And of course, leave timeless works for the present and future generations that will have record of people she has worked with.  "I thought YouTube would be a wonderful medium to chat with all my friends out there sitting in far away places."

Zanai Bhosle, Asha Bhosle's 18 year old  grand daughter is her muse. "I am particularly fond of Zanai because she has got an artistic side. She is a song writer, singer, musician and classical Kathak dancer... she reminds me of myself and maybe that is why I feel close to her. Though she is much younger than me, she sometimes says things from which I can learn and educate myself further. I like that." So when Zanai started her YouTube channel, her youthful grandma watched her and got inspired. "Sensing my enthusiasm, Zanai egged me on to have my own channel to record my life’s experiences." Asha Bhosle is sure she is going to put down many stories of her life that can remain alive for posterity.

Talking of the maiden song ‘Main Hoon’ with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Asha Bhosle also reveals her spiritual side. "Sri Sri Ravishankarji is a wonderful person. I have known him for a while. It was a chance meeting in Cambodia when we both were enjoying the sites of Angkor Vat when I felt that he is different from other spiritual people or gurus that I have met. And when I heard the lyrics of the song and the wonderful composition, it brought a certain calm to my soul," she expresses.
The singer wanted to  release the tribute on Sri Srijis birthday. "Now that the day has dawned, I hope the listeners understand the spirituality behind the song," she avers.

Asha Bhosle's YouTube channel besides music will unravel interesting facets of her, replete with anecdotes. "There are so many memories that are lying dormant in my mind. I will bring them alive through YouTube and share it with my listeners."

One can not but think of Asha Bhosle being an amazing cook, the time she wanted to be a nurse or when she sang in Russian or when she danced on stage with a stick or got fired by Lata didi... the singer has always followed her heart...

But there is still more. Asha Bhosle promises to also introduce fresh new songs that viewers can enjoy. "There’s a short trailer on the YouTube channel that gives you a glimpse of what is in store. As we go along, it is going to be an interactive channel with a lot of content," she reveals.

What kind of songs can we expect? "The past is gone. It’s history. I don’t delve nor live in the past. I forge ahead. So, my music too will be modern, fresh and new. Of course my past work will be represented through anecdotes et al, but I am all for new tunes, lyrics and songs," Asha Bhosle enthuses.

What more to expect from the evergreen Asha Bhosle besides this reinvention? "This is just the beginning. You’ll be surprised with what I have in store," quips Asha Bhosle mysteriously.

Any words before we bid adieu? "Music is divine. Life is too serious to be taken seriously," she signs off. Touche!

Link to Song 'Main Hoon' on Asha Bhosle Official...
https://youtu.be/Z_F-KpzNiXw

Gaurav Chanana in 100 hours 100 Stars; A Fever FM initiative in aid of PM Cares

He has a dashing similarity with Lucifer. His handsome persona, carelessly tossed mane, his quirky sense of humour and of course the unmissable green eyes that look into your soul... Gaurav Chanana is also one person who wears many hats, each suiting him. "The pursuit is of sheer happiness," he reveals. This all-heart feel was evident in the candid interview with RJ Aakanksha on Fever Digital, where Gaurav spoke of his venture Lucifer Circus that has made some of the most memorable films recently. The model-actor, in a candid interview on '100 Hours 100 Stars', talks about everything from work, home, family, life et al.

Gaurav took to social media to speak about his familial poetry-shayari recital that encourage a successful lockdown during these trying times! He speaks about the familiarity of his locales and how he is happy reminiscing about it. He explains that there is not much to go forward to but that life is flavourful. Compared to his escaping childhood that lies hidden in these familiar lanes, all of life's problems appear to be minuscule when the aged and wrinkled faces of parents smile at you! He adds that he misses his parents the most during the lockdown.

Gaurav also speaks about the adaptability of the human race! Speaking about the novelty found in new experiences, he reminisces the times when he had newly moved into a sea-facing apartment and he would relish the breeze every day! However, fast forward to today, he doesn't give much importance to it. “Humans survive. We get used to things. During lockdown, I sleep at 3 am and wake up at 12 in the afternoon. When lockdown is over, I will adapt.” He discloses that he is a mountain person as he lives near the beach! He also shares an instance of a man living in a palatial house and a man living in a 6x6 room!

Participating in a fun round of rapid fire, Gaurav discloses a fun fact that he doesn't really read! “People find it odd for a writer to not read,” he laughs it off. He also lauds Shikha Malhotra, an actor turned nurse, who has been helping out as a frontline Covid-19 warrior. He also adds that the frontline Covid-19 warriors deserve a non-stop tribute while the RJ concurs the actor-model's statement!

On the professional front, Gaurav Chanana, who is also an avid writer, is currently working on projects for Lucifer Circus, his production house. He avers, “If I don't feel happy doing something, I don't do it! Even if I lose money. Story-telling, if told from the heart, always works its charm!” Lucifer Circus also has path-breaking achievements to its credit, including a short film where a kid from the slums learns the language of a deaf and mute kid in order to communicate with him!

“The Prime Minister has done a great job so far! We need to do whatever we can and I urge everyone to donate,” signs off Gaurav. The funds raised will go to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-Cares) fund.

Here are some of his production house Lucifer Circus's recent memorable projects...

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/2517247411875708/ (Dairy Day Campaign)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/203391634225447/ (Dairy Day Ice Cream)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/2165864823706506/ (Centre Fresh TVC)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/419309255389060/ (Manyavar Feat. Kartik Aaryan)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/480524575829001/ (Britannia NutriChoice)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/473262903465950/ (Manyavar Feat. Kartik Aaryan)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/606751096434107/ (Duke's Waffy Carnival)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/352938408630141/ (Duke's Waffy Carnival)

Bringing Back The Humane In Humanity – Mukkti Foundation – A Smita Thackeray Foundation

Smita Thackeray helmed Mukkti Foundation has been instrumental in distributing over 8,500 meals to the needy along with 2,000 face shields for our frontline COVID-19 warriors!

Mukkti Foundation, under the aegis of firebrand social activist Smita Thackeray, has always been on a forefront on making a difference in everyone's lives. ….. taking a stand against discrimination and social awareness of HIV/AIDS patients and the trauma they go through, empowerment of women and children, the cause of education, welfare and environment activism, the foundation hasn't shied away from doing the right things in these trying times !

COVID-19 has disrupted everything across the world! Battling a pandemic that no one has battled in their lives before, Smita Thackeray believes that we are suddenly facing a scenario that we could not really fathom. With everyone trying to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty in their lives, many are trying to survive with their limited resources as the earnings are brought to a suddne stop! “At Mukkti, we always step in and contribute in however best way we can. In the past, we've conducted fundraisers for calamities across the country including in Gujarat, Rajasthan et al to survive drought. Mukkti has also raised funds for Kargil war veterans. During Coronavirus pandemic, we are trying to contribute to the welfare of the less fortunate,” she says.

Shedding light to the initiatives undertaken by Team Mukkti, Smita reveals that her son Rahul and his wife Aditi started an initiative in association with the ASBB Foundation. Mukkti Foundation with Association Of Social Beyond Boundaries, is distributing food to the Police, stranded labourers, BMC workers, beggars, sex workers in areas across Mumbai including Andheri, Vile Parle, Khar, Santa Cruz, Bandra, Mahim, Dadar, Mahalaxmi, Grant Road and Kamathirpura ensuring they are fed! “We'd like to thank Sagar Jain, Raj and the entire team of ASBB Foundation. Without them it would have not been possible to reach out to so many people at times. Also, with the increase in the number of cases we have come across among doctors, nurses, paramedics among other medical staff getting infected, we are sponsoring face shields and providing protective gear to several hospitals,” shares Smita while adding, “We have distributed more than 2,000 face shields so far! We are also helping the farmers by sourcing organic fruits and vegetables to people across different areas.” So far, Mukkti Foundation has distributed over 8,500 meals to people across the city!

Mukkti Foundation has raised funds through crowd-funding as well as donors who believe in the initative. Collectively, it has helped with the food distribution drive to aid dabbawalas, shares Aaishvary Thackeray, Smita Thackeray's younger son. He contributed for the food grains for over 100 dabbawalas!

More power to Team Mukkti!

I am an Indian first, an entrepreneur who takes care of a 1000 families next, I will not take armtwisters lightly: Sachiin J Joshi

"I am an Indian first, an entrepreneur who takes care of over a 1000 families next. It is time we stop thinking 'I' and start thinking 'we' . As an Indian I  decided to help give meals to the poor and  to give Beatle for the COVID19 patients. That is what every Indian should do for his nation.
Every company has disgruntled employees and in our case, it is a handful who want to use media for armtwisting tactics. The investigation  of Thinktank dispute  is on in Labour Court and we have full faith in the country's  judiciary..  How can anyone tell me I cannot help COVID19 victims," storms Sachiin Joshi as he confirms that the employees who are trying to  armtwist him using media will be immediately served legal notices.
"Are these people asking me not to feed the poor or not to give my hotel to the government for aiding patients misusing media? How dare they" he thunders.
Viiking Ventures had acquired a company Tugboat and rechristened it Thinktank.
 The deal was that they would be self-sufficient in terms of revenue and we would give them the umbrella and infrastructural support. "But we were left straddled with their frauds and liabilities. There was dual employment, money issues etc.which they have accepted on social media as well  Once the frauds are sorted, the liabilities wil be too. We have details and letter from some employees accepting that they were doing dual jobs. As we were investigating, they (the ex-employees) tried using Mumbai Mirror to armtwist us.Post that came the lockdown.  Now, they are trying to use scare tactics using Mid-Day while the matter is already in court. We are perfectly fine with legal recourse but trying to use media to malign our reputation will only ensure stringent action from our end," he says.
"I am taking care of a 1000 families,literally. Why are a handful not paid? There must surely be a reason. For a bunch of people whom we tried hard to keep on board to take care of a lossmaking company that had a chain of frauds, I can say this reputation tarnishing exercise could well be their best work. If only they had used this intelligence and unity to work, the company would have at least been at break-even."