Friday 31 May 2019

World Book of Records Honours Stand Up Comedian Kapil Sharma



Daler Mehndi – International Singer & Brand Ambassador, World Book of Records, Santosh Shukla - Advocate, Supreme Court & President, World Book of Records and Usman Khan - Music Director & Adjudicator, World Book of Records presented the Certificate of Honour to the ace comedian

Stand-up Comedian Kapil Sharma was recently honoured by World Book of Records, London, for being one of the most viewed stand-up comedians in India and abroad, and for standing for and promoting animal rights. Kapil Sharma was bestowed with the Certificate of Honour at Filmcity, Mumbai, by International Singer Daler Mehndi who is also the Brand Ambassador of World Book of Records, Santosh Shukla – Advocate, Supreme Court & President, World Book of Records, Usman Khan - Music Director and Adjudicator, World Book of Records, Mumbai and Dr. Rajeev Shrivastav - President, World Book of Records, Maharashtra.

Kapil Sharma who received the honour in the presence of his mother, at Filmcity, attributed his success to his mother’s blessings. “I sincerely thank World Book of Records, London and the entire team - Virendra Sharma, Dr. Diwakarr Sukul, Santosh Shukla, Daler Mehndi and Usman Khan for giving me this honour. I am in felicity with the love and respect that you all have shown me and hoping you will continue to do the same.”

World Book of Records (WBR) is one of the leading organizations in international certification of world records. It works from UK, USA, Australia, Mauritius and India and has a global network. WBR also honours personalities and lists places of outstanding contribution for humanity and universal peace. The World Book of Records has, in the past, honoured prominent personalities of the world including Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj - Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India, Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan India, Dr. HR Nagendra (USA), Music Director Bappi Lahiri (India), Shri Yogendrasinh Solanki - Chairman, 11th RANA Convention(USA), Yogi Coudoux (France), Mr. Pawan Kailey (UK), Mr. Khooshvin Balgobin Perth (Western Australia), Svetlana Agrawal – Singer-Actor (Belarus), Nepali actress Bhuban Chand and various other personalities from the Public and Government segments. The World Book of Records is all set to honour Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar as well.

Thursday 30 May 2019

Dia Mirza, Asif Bhamla & Swanand Kirkire at Bhamla Foundation's #HawaAaneDe Shoot

#HawaAaneDe - Bhamla Foundation &  Ministry of Environment's Anti Air Pollution Anthem Ahead of This World Environment Day
Asif Bhamla, Dia Mirza and Swanand Kirkire  at Bhamla Foundation's
 #HawaAaneDe anti air pollution anthem shoot

In a joint collaboration with the Ministry of Environment – Government of India, Bhamla Foundation, in association with Dia Mirza, the UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador for India, Asif Bhamla, through Bhamla Foundation, has curated a special anthem, to promote practices healthy for the environment, keeping in line with the UNO’s agenda environment health, at C'est La Vie, Bandra.

Air pollution, the ‘silent killer’ that claims thousands of lives daily, has become a growing concern world over. It is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuel, thereby leading to emissions, finally leading to air pollution as we know it today. Pollution has been around us for decades and it consequences can prove to be deadly. We have been unable to contain the dastardly aftermath of the growing menace. According to the United Nations Organization (UNO), approximately 4.2 million people die prematurely, as a result of exposure to ambient air pollution. 

The #HawaAaneDe video was teased by Dia Mirza while she shot for it with Swanand Kirkire, who has penned for the multi-artiste featuring track. The anthem is written by National award-winning lyricist Swanand Kirkire. The song is set to voice by Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, Vishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan and Ayushmann Khurrana among others. The anthem is an Asif Bhamla led Bhamla Foundation initiative. 

“The members of the entertainment fraternity have come together with our Bhamla Foundation with a hope to make a lasting difference, so our sons and daughters can breathe air that won’t harm them. This is the time now, to make a difference, before the very air we breathe, kills us! And hence the initiative,” averred Asif Bhamla, President – Bhamla Foundation. 

Bhamla Foundation, in the previous year, created the #BeatPlasticPollution anthem on the lines of United Nation’s ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ initiative. The trendy anthem based on the need to curb plastic usage as the name suggests, went viral on media, garnering a lot of traction. Bhamla Foundation, had earlier, also set the environment protection thought in motion through their sapling plantation drive.


More power to such initiatives!  

स्मिता ठाकरे यांच्या ‘मुक्ती कल्चरल हब’ ला लाभला अमिताभ बच्चन यांचा आशीर्वाद. फिल्म फॅटर्निटी ने दिला पाठींबा.


Amitabh Bachchan, Aditi Redkar Thakceray, Smita Thackeray and Rahul Thackeray
 at
 Smita Thackeray's Mukkti Cultural Hub in Model Town, Andheri West 
महिलासशक्तीकरणएचआयव्ही-एड्स जागरूकताएलजीबीटीक्यू अधिकारपर्यावरण संरक्षण आणि इतर अशा वेगवेगळ्या स्थरावर अथकपणे काम केल्यानंतरपॉवर वुमन आणि सोशल एक्टिव्हिस्ट स्मिता ठाकरे यांनी नवीन उपक्रम हाती घेतला आहे. कला आणि संस्कृतीचा प्रसार करण्याचा नवीन भार  त्यांनी उचलला आहे. शहराच्या पश्चिम उपनगरातील सांस्कृतिक केंद्रांच्या कमतरतेमुळे स्मिता ठाकरे यांनी अंधेरी पश्चिममॉडेल टाउन येथे मुक्ती कल्चरल हब चे निर्माण केले आहेजेथे नृत्यसंगीतचित्रकला आणि प्रदर्शन या स्वरूपात कलेचा अभ्यास केला जाऊ शकेल आणि ह्या कलेचे सादरीकरण देखील होऊ शकेल. मुक्ती कल्चरल हब लवकरच सामान्य लोकांसाठी खुले होईल.

वर्ल्ड कल्चर डे आठवड्याच्या निमित्ताने अंधेरी पश्चिम येथील मुक्ती कल्चरल हब ला मिळाला अमिताभ बच्चन यांचा आशीर्वाद. ह्या कार्यक्रमास उपस्थित संजय लीला भंसाली
फराह खानराकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहराश्रीराम राघवनअली अब्बास जफरसोनू निगमशेखर सुमनमधु मंटेनानवाजुद्दीन सिद्दीकीजावेद जाफ़रीमनीष मल्होत्राशेखर सुमननादिरा बब्बरमकरंद देशपांडेइला अरुणडॉली ठाकोरगुनीत मोंगासीज़रगौहर खानइंदर कुमारअर्चना कोचरनीरज काबी और आनंद पंडित यांसारख्या इतर अनेक नामवंत कलाकारांनी देखील स्मिता ठाकरे व त्यांच्या संपूर्ण टीम ला पाठिंबा दर्शविला.
स्मिता ठाकरे म्हणतात की, "अंधेरीमध्ये कलात्मक आणि सांस्कृतिक अभिव्यक्तीसाठी बहु-उपयोग अशी ठिकाणे कमी आहेत. मुक्ती कल्चरल हबजिथे परफॉर्मिंग आर्ट मधील कार्यरत लोकांच्या गरजा पूर्ण होऊ शकतील आणि ह्यामुळे हे ठिकाण उपनगरातील मनोरंजनाचे केंद्र बनण्याची आशा आहे. आज मला अत्यानंद होतो आहे कीअमिताभ बच्चन आणि चित्रपटसृष्टीतील दिग्गज या कार्यात मला पाठिंबा देण्यासाठी पुढे सरसावले आहेत. आम्ही लवकरच मुक्ती कल्चरल हब सामान्य लोकांसाठी उघडू."
मुक्ती कल्चरल हबमध्ये ३७८ लोकांना सामावून घेण्यार सक्षम असलेले ऑडिटोरियम आहे६८० चौ. फूट ची वर्कशॉप स्पेस१००० चौरस फूट खुल्या टेरेसची जागा२५०० वर्ग फूट चा डान्स स्टुडिओ सामावून घेणारे ऑडिटोरियम आहे. प्रत्येक जागी व्हीलचेयर प्रवेशयोग्यतेसहद स्पेस ऑफ द आर्ट इक्विपमेंट प्रदान करूनफक्त सर्व मूलभूत गोष्टीच नव्हे तर पायाभूतदृष्ट्या देखील काळजी घेतली जाईल. मुक्ती सांस्कृतिक हब विविध प्रकारच्या कलात्मक आणि बौद्धिक गोष्टींसाठी छेदनबिंदूचे एक जंक्शन बनण्याची अपेक्षा करीतविविध लोकसंख्येला त्याच्या दारेतून ओढत आहे.
Amitabh Bachchan blesses Power Woman Smita Thackeray's
Mukkti Cultural
 Hub in Model Town, Andheri West 4

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Rajkummar Rao, Asif Bhamla, Shaan & Saher Bhamla at the shoot of Bhamla Foundation's anti air pollution anthem #HawaAaneDe


 After the widespread success of the #BeatPlasticPollution anthem, 'Tik Tik Plastic, actor Rajkummar Rao and singer Shaan along with Asif Bhamla and Saher Bhamla of Bhamla Foundation have come together at a studio in Andheri West for an anti air pollution anthem titled #HawaAaneDe. Rajkummar Rao and Shaan pledged their support to the cause of air pollution during the shoot of the song.
Check out the adjacent pictures!


Sunday 26 May 2019

SOHA ALI KHAN GRACES THE 5TH INSPIRE AWARDS

Soha Ali Khan & Siraj Sagar Jondhale at 5th Inspire Awards,
JK Banquets, Prabhadevi 
Astrooworld Exhibitions, a division of Jondhale Educational Group, has been integral in the field of Education since the past 75 years. Astrooworld is initiated by Mrs. Siraj Sagar Jondhale, an Angel Card Reader & Psychic Healer, has been organizing INSPIRE – a Spiritual, Holistic and Wellness visionary award for the past 5 years.

Its fifth edition saw renowned actor Soha Ali Khan gracing the award function to felicitate this year’s INSPIRE awardees. Ambadnya Entertainment's MD, Gitanjali Rao and CEO Prabhakar Shetty was also present in this award ceremony. Held at JK Banquets, Worli, INSPIRE boasts of presence of celebrities and dignitaries of the likes of Mahesh Manjrekar, Divya Dutta, Rimi Sen, Maninee De Mishra, and Smita Jayakar among others at its previous editions. 

“Motive behind organizing Astrooworld exhibition is to bridge the gap between the Spiritual & Holistic Community & the masses, by bringing them together, guiding them, and connecting them to the right experts, and bringing about meaningful transformation in the life of the masses by creating awareness about the spiritual & holistic sciences, alternative medicine and therapies,” averred Siraj Jondhale, the woman behind Astrooworld and INSPIRE.

Writer-Director-Life Coach Anusha Srinivasan Iyer was among one of the many awardees honoured on stage. She added, “Being awarded for community work like being a life coach is truly an honour. I’d like to thank anyone and everyone who has helped someone in their community to improve lives.”

Basannt R. Rasiwasia, a renowned Vastu & Numerologist also received an award for his contribution towards Vastu science. He averred, "Vastu is a complex subject. To accurately depict what's good and not good for a person requires a holistic knowledge on our ancient sciences. I feel honoured to have received this award."

India’s biggest & most popular spiritual, holistic, wellness-conscious living exhibition, Astrooworld, having completed 11 editions in Mumbai, is all set to move to other cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Chennai very soon this year.

Siraj had the final word. “There is only one business in the world, and that is of human wellbeing. Join us as we raise the vibration in our community.”

Saturday 25 May 2019

FOR THE FIRST-TIME EVER, HISTORY-IN-THE-MAKING IN 90 YEARS INDIAN OSCAR ACADEMY SELECTION JURY MEMBER UJWAL N NIRGUDKAR COORDINATES OSCAR ACADEMY PRESIDENT JOHN BAILEY VISIT TO INDIA

Ujwal N Nirgudkar, the first Indian to join the Oscar Academy as a member-at-large, has made India proud in more ways than one.
Now, he is adding another feather to his overcrowded cap and making Indian entertainment industry shine with pride.

For the unordained, Ujwal N Nirgudkar is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences joining the class of 2017 along with other Indian members such as Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Irrfan Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone and the only jury member from the technical side.

This May 24-26, Nirgudkar is officially coordinating the Oscar Academy Award President John Bailey along with his wife, Academy Governor Carol Littleton’s visit to India.

Enthused Ujwal N Nirgudkar, “This is the first time in the last 90 years that an Academy President will be visiting India. We are really looking forward to this visit and we hope that the same will strengthen India’s international relations.”

Excited that the technically-sound and amazing visionaries in Bailey and Littleton, are as excited about the treasure-trove of Indian cinema with its unending regional myriad hues, Nirgudkar hopes to acquaint them with the same and go home enriched.

The agenda begin with the Power Couple being the Chief Guests at the  56th Annual Edition of State Awards For Marathi Cinema, as well as meeting and interacting with the Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and the Education & Cultural Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Vinod Tawde; visiting the National Museum of Indian Cinema at the Films Division; conducting a Master Class on The Art of Hollywood – The Interplay of Cinematography and Film Editing; interacting with students from film schools at Films Division organized by the Government of Maharashtra; attending a FICCI dinner; attending press conferences in Mumbai and New Delhi; meeting the Information & Broadcast Minister and the Chief Secretary, Information & Broadcast Ministry in Delhi over the span of five days.

Nirgudkar has ensured that the one beautiful moment that Bailey wished for is taken care of without the pressures of being in the limelight. He has created time for the couple to spend time to visit the Taj Mahal, the unique colossal and enduring monument to love. Moments to take home indeed!

Celebs Unveil Padmashree Mahendra Kapoor Chowk



Padma Shri recipient and legendary playback singer Mahendra Kapoor was recently honoured posthumously with a ‘Chowk’ to his name at the Junction of Turner Road & St. Martins Road, Bandra West. Unveiled at the hands of Jeetendra, Suresh Wadkar, Johnny Lever, Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Anil Deshmukh, Dr.Pai among other such dignitaries, in the presence of Praveen Kapoor, Ruhan Mahendra Kapoor, Neerja Ruhan Kapoor and Sidhant Kapoor, the Padma Shri awardee’s wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandson respectively. The rest of Mahendra Kapoor’s family, well-wishers and dignitaries congregated to make the event merry and momentous. The celebrities sang some of Mahendra Kapoor's evergreen numbers like Mere Desh Ki Dharti to mark the occasion. 

The late Mahendra Kapoor was among the handful of singers who dominated the golden age of Hindi film music. Like Mukesh was the soul of Raj Kapoor, Mahendra Kapoor was Manoj 'Bharat' Kumar's voice; he sang a host of hits for the actor including patriotic hits like Mere Desh Ki Dharti from the film, Upkar, to Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahi of Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.

And that is not all for the Kapoor family’s legacy. Mahendra Kapoor’s son and grandson, Ruhan Mahendra Kapoor and Sidhant Kapoor, are taking their father and grandfather’s legacy forward impacting the music world and fraternity with accolades and achievements that would be making the late legendary playback singer proud.

Thursday 23 May 2019

Nora Fatehi, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ashish Kapoor, Rekha Chaudhari Inaugurate Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione In Bandra, Mumbai


If you have feel dull and you lack energy & excitement, it is time for pampering yourself. And what more than pampering yourself in a salon and spa, giving yourself that much-wanted Me-Time!

Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione that is opening in the Queen of Suburbs, Mumbai, promises that and much more! Mizmar Spa & Salon is already a revered name amid the glitterati of Pune, and is hailed as one the city’s finest and most exotic luxury wellness brands.
Rahul Saindane,  Rekha Chaudhari, Nora Fatehi, Soni Singh and Owez Khan
  at the launch of  Mizmar Spa and Salon Versace Collezione, Bandra. (1)

The spa and Salon is led by trained stylists and therapists who offer their expertise on a variety of beauty and wellness services. The staff utilizes a range of high-quality products in their treatments, and is known or its amazing service.

Soni Singh, Owez Khan and Rahul Saindane, the zestful trio form the force behind Mizmar Salon & Spa. Averred Soni Singh, “With stress being a part of our everyday life, nothing is more blissful than spending time being pampered? Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione is as gentle on the planet as it is our customers.  We try and bring to lie everyone’s dream of taking that spa vacation, with our array of rejuvenating treatments, integrative wellness programs. The icing on the cake is the vibrant, luxurious décor by Versace.”

Bollywood Sensation Nora Fatehi, former Indian National Captain and Ace Cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, Television Star Ashish Kapoor of Woh Apna Sa fame, Ilda Kroni, Jennifer Picanto, Global Wellness Ambassador Rekha Chaudhari, among others lunched the spa. 

“Wellness is a very important part of our lives. And I have always believed in staying fit. Mizmar Spa & Salon has been in the forefront of wellness and is a brand to reckon with,” averred Mohammad Azharuddin.

With a penchant to make wellness their forte, Mizmar Salon & Spa ensure you walk out looking your best self. Wishing Mizmar all the very best, Mohammad Azharuddin has the final word. “I am very glad to inaugurate the Mizmar Salon & Spa Versace Collezione in Mumbai. May they grow from strength to strength.”

With Mizmar Salon & Spa Versace Collezione, you discover a brand new destination spot. Your skin and your health will thank you for it. And yes, you so deserve this. So head there, today!

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Mann Bipin And His Passion For Drumming!


Mann Bipin, a young Indian drummer currently based in LA, started drumming at the tender age of just 2 years. Mainly known for his impeccable speed, power-packed performance, aesthetic style and funky groove, he is best known for playing and leading his father's band, ‘The Beaterzz’, back in India.
Before graduating from Musicians Institute – college of contemporary music located at Hollywood Boulevard, California, Mann Bipin learned the stellar art of drumming from Mr. Pankaj Sharma from the time he was just eleven. The struggle came to an end when Nana Patekar, a celebrated actor in the Indian film industry, witnessed him live and told his assistant, Mr. Bipin Chunawala, Mann's father, “Mark my words. Your kid is going to be a star." Then, they decided to sponsor Mann for his music education.
During his time at MI, he was awarded as ‘The Best Player Of The Year’. He also has performances with renowned Jazz bass guitarist Marcus Miller to his credit! He has also played for Lars Deutsch, an Emmy award recipient and Oscar nominee, with International award winning artist Paloma Rush. He also played with Phrimaphaa Khornrojjachawin (nokphrima), a KPN Award winner'09, Thailand; Best singer in R&B genre in World Championship of Performing Arts 2016, 2nd price in International Festival White Night of Saint Petersburg and May Patcharapong, an internationally acclaimed bass player in a saxophone pub, Thailand. Due to which he did a drum clinic in Bangkok, Thailand in Chandrakasem Rajabhat University with nokphrima.
Currently, he is playing at Andrae Crouch’s church, often referred to as ‘the father of modern gospel music’ by contemporary Christians and gospel music professionals, with Pattie Howard as the music director, known for singing background for many major artists including Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Mary J Bilge, Brandy, Fantasia, Queen LaTifah, Madonna, Andrea Crouch, Michael Jackson, Curtis Siger, Lisa Stanfield, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Reba Rambo, Diana Ross among others. He is currently, also, the drummer for Arthur Menezes, ‘Gibson award/Albert King Award’ for best guitarist by the Blues Foundation (IBC 2018).
This has been the journey of a middle class Indian boy from playing for Gujarati Garba to Jazz, Blues, Funk and Gospel music. Truly, struggle comes to an end when someone like Nana Patekar holds your hand.


Yet Another Surreal Art Transcendence


Ronit Roy & Soma Ghosh inaugurate Paramesh Paul’s ‘The Sacred Nandi’
Artist Paramesh Paul’s childhood was seeped in spirituality. Painting, for him, has always been a spiritual practice, an act of conscious and creative alignment with the Divine. As one delves deeper into the paintings, one experiences a harmonious rhythm of life imbued with the feeling of transcendence, balance, and oneness with the whole of creation.
Dr. Soma Ghosh, Ronit Roy, Paramesh Paul and Abhijit Lahiri at
 Paramesh Paul's The Sacred Nandi art show at Jehangir Art Gallery
Paramesh Paul began his humble, yet artistic journey, at his hometown in Nadia, West Bengal, where his early years were immersed in creative schooling. Born to a potters’ family, he imbibed all the beautiful engagements with creativity quite comfortably. Added Paramesh Paul, “I am a self-made artist. I began my journey with my family, where we sculpted and created beautiful avatars of Gods and Goddesses. But, after my stay at ISKCON, I had a calling to paint. My paintings are spiritual and nostalgic in nature. They are inspired from my travels to different parts of India, where I have had the pleasure of finding my own compositions based on what I saw and what I felt.”
“I have been very sincere to my art since the very beginning. I have painted what has appealed to me,” said Paramesh Paul. Growing amid temples with prayers as sweet music to the ears, he grew up to have a natural attraction to the sacred Nandi – the grand vehicle of Lord Shiva, only to capture on canvas, his prayer and his journey. 
The magical mysticism, the riveting spirituality, the vast religiosity of Hindu mythology, Paramesh Paul infuses his works with a volatile energy that sees the graceful and sacred Nandi shine bright, both physically and metaphorically. “I find my journey in life quite fulfilled as an artist when a viewer appreciates and comes forward to talk to me about my works.”
Besides ace actor Ronit Roy, vocalist Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh and actor Abhijit Lahiri, writer-filmmaker Anusha Srinivasan Iyer and artists Prithvi Soni, Gautam Patole, Rajendra Patil Para, Ananya Banerji, Gautam Mukherjee, Vishwa Sahni, Amisha Mehta, Sanjukta Barik, Sonalli Iyengar, Rakhi Baid, Ramji Sharma, Ratan Saha, Sonu Gupta and Vishnu Sonawane among many others were present to support Paramesh Paul at the opening ceremony of his 13th solo exhibition. 

All in all, the artist invites you to take a deeper look down your own pool of consciousness, intertwined with the roots of heritage and the love for the Supreme. Yours is to check out this surreal art transcendence, The Sacred Nandi, at the Jehangir Art Gallery (No. 4) from 6th May to 12th May, 2019!

Adhure Adhure is stuck in my head on loop: Shakti Arora


Adhure Adhure, an upcoming romantic melodious song starring Indian Television actor Shakti Arora and model Chandini Sharma in a stellar music video directed by actor turned director Aslam Khan, known for his histrionics in films like Nayee Padosan, Welcome Back, Kaante among others, was shot today at Atharva College, Malad. Sung and composed by Shree D, the song is about a couple who start living together and later land in separation due to their personal egos, coming to realize that they are complete in being ‘adhure’ (incomplete).

The music video director Aslam Khan averred, “If you have a look at the music video, you will realize it is like a film, a four minute long film. It has a beginning, a midpoint and a definite end, albeit, with an incomplete touch to it... a perfect storyboard with an incomplete end.” On working with Shakti Arora and Chandini Sharma, Aslam Khan professed that they have been brilliant. “This song needed Shakti and Chandini only. They have performed really well on this track. It has been a wonderful experience,” he added.

Shakti Arora, who has made his mark on the Indian television scene with shows like Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hai and Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka, confessed that at first he thought it was just another song! “When I went through it, repeatedly hearing it, I came to realize that the song has a soul of its own. It has a Sufi-ish, feel-good, and the perfect choice for a long drive feel to it.” Chandini Sharma concurred with Shakti Arora, “It is a soulful song indeed! Upon hearing, you will realize that you are already connected to it. The song has the innocence while not being kiddish.”

Adhure Adhure is Aslam Khan’s twenty-fifth directorial venture. On being asked what he felt was different about working in front and behind camera, he expressed “Both are fantastic but there are many differences though. This I have realized because I am now working behind the camera. Just because I have been an actor myself, I know about all the nuances a director should take care of.”

“There goes a saying, ‘All’s well, that ends well’. I am glad it has actually shaped up the way I wanted it,” summed up Aslam Khan.

Monday 20 May 2019

Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur launches Love Is Love, India's first Pride Anthem


Sushant Divgikar, former Mr. Gay India 2014, features in a single "Love is Love", a pride anthem by Swedish artiste Petter Wallenberg, founder of international LGBTQIA organization Rainbow Riots

'Love is Love’, features India’s first openly gay celebrity and drag queen, Sushant Divgikar. ”Love is Love” is India’s first Pride anthem, a mix of classic Western dance music with both English and Hindi lyrics.  Divgikar, former Bigg Boss contestant will be out on iTunes, Spotify and all major digital platforms worldwide on April 2nd.

“The single ‘Love is Love’ speaks about equal love, about being true to one’s authentic self,” Sushant Divgikar said. 

Model, VJ, reality show participant, actor, singer, and now drag queen—Sushant Divgikar wears many hats. The 27-year-old, hailing from Mumbai, debuted as a drag queen in Delhi in September.

“This track is very close to my heart and spreads the message that love always wins. This is a great time for this anthem to be introduced to the world and a new India that finally allows people to love freely and without fear.” added the former "Bigg Boss" contestant.

After scrapping of Section 377, India is slowly moving into a space of acceptance and inclusion, making all love legal. Sushant Divgikar as an LGBTQIA flag-bearer has showcased himself with belief. Sushant Divgikar has found himself a place internationally with, Rani-Ko-He-Nur his drag avatar.

This outstanding participant in a music reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,' has been a passionate singer since he was a 16-year-old.. His hard-work has led him to showcase his talent on television. Sushant started out with ads, progressed to TV shows, and gradually ventured into singing in both male and female voices.

He made this journey because of his honesty to himself. In an interview Sushant said, “I did face some challenges, given my orientation. I have done TV shows where people have not been friendly. But there are also those who don’t give a damn as long as the work is getting done. I was lucky to have these people supporting me”.

Thursday 16 May 2019

JOSH Foundation is proud to be associated with CWAT, a social business ecosystem that will generate continuous and sustained funds and promote business for NGOs in India.

Seen in the pictures, at the concept launch of CWAT at Hard Rock Cafe, Andheri, are ENT Specialist Dr.Jayant Gandhi, Audiologist-Speech Therapist Devangi Dalal, Jagrat Desai and Varun Udeshi.
 

Wednesday 8 May 2019

Nisha JamVwal hosts unveiling of Darshanaa Aswani's Ornella

Lavinia Chetan Hansraj, Marvie Beck
 at Nisha JamVwal's launch of Darshanaa Aswani's Ornella
The High Priestess of Luxury Nisha JamVwal launches Ingenue Darshanaa Aswani's stunning Ornella collection from Darshanaa Sanjanaa Jewellers

The High Priestess of Luxury Nisha JamVwal and Raveena Aswani celebrated the unveiling of Ingenue Darshanaa Aswani’s edgy jewelry line ‘Ornella’ at a grand *Champagne high tea where Bombay’s glitterati was enthralled by her range of corporate as well as edgy party jewelry. 

Enjoying chef Ashish’s tea scones, tarts, low-calorie hors d'oeuvres and champagne were Nisha JamVwal looking stunning in Poonam Trivedi's ostrich feather dress, Darshanaa Aswani, Raveena Aswani, Suzanne Bernert, Renu Bhandarkar, Vidya Malavade, Anusha Iyer, Adaa Anu Malik, Anmol Anu Malik, Anju Anu Malik, Roshni Damania, Parvez Damania, Rebecca Dewan, Coleen Khan, Sampada Vaze, Sangeeta Harindra Singh, Shashi Bansal, Dr Avnita Bir principal Poddar School, Author Neelam Kumar, Chef Rakhee Vaswani, Chef Amninder Sandhu, Abha Singh, Lavinia Chetan Hansraj, Sonali Rathore, Sharon Prabhakar, Actor Urvashi Dholakia, Marvie Beck, Achla Sachdev, Actor Manasi Verma, Designer Amy Billimoria, Designer Shireen Shah, Designer Babita Malkani, Author Leena Ramesh Prabhoo, Dr Amit Karkhanis, Actor Sonika Chopra, Socialite Malti Jain, Designer Poonam Trivedi among others.

Nisha JamVwal and Sunali Rathod
at Nisha JamVwal's launch of Darshanaa Aswani's Ornella
JamVwal known for her penchant for motivating and inspiring Women Achievers and promoting brilliant talent said, “I’m excited to present gifted designer Darshanaa Aswani who has branched off at her own personal store showcasing an understated chic range of jewelry which I wanted to showcase to Bombay’s discerning audience and I was keen to be the catalyst to her growth along with her inspiring entrepreneur mother Raveena Aswani. I believe it is our ambitious industrious youth which is taking India to greater heights. It is also my belief that we are ready to take good brands to international arenas rather than covet international brands in India- we are in a place in India where we can enjoy our own wear with pride” 

Darshanaa Aswani Of Darshanaa Sanjanaa Jewellers added, “with Ornella, I seek to create a line for new-India where we may not wish to wear heavy bridal jewelry at all times,  but statement pieces for parties, as well as everyday pieces that go from morning to evening seamlessly and can be sported for corporate wear, glamorous do’s and cocktail evenings alike. I am keen to take my online presence to an international brand to be reckoned with, and I realise that the new age market is online. Ornella is making a big mark with e com.”

Friday 3 May 2019

Standing Ovation for DS Pahwa’s Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye

Ace Director Raman Kumar, in association with Producer DS Pahwa, is back with an emotional rollercoaster of a play. Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye stars Sudha Chandran and Ridhima Rakesh Bedi as the mother-daughter duo along with Paintal, Avtar Gill, Ravi Gossain, Poojaa Raajput and Harshita Shukla.
“A play dealing with a sweet relationships gone sour. I am glad it received a standing ovation,” divulged Producer DS Pahwa while Raman Kumar averred, “The emotional turmoil between a mother and a daughter in the play was well received by the audience.”
The cast and crew of Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye were spotted at the do during their first show at Rang Sharda Auditorium, Bandra. Avtar Gill played Dinesh Kumar alias DK, who is a friend to Sudha Chandran’s on-screen character, Sagarika. Paintal played the role of a loyalist who accompanies Sagarika as a Tabla player whereas Ravi Gossain played Reema’s (Ridhima Rakesh Bedi) husband. Ridhima portrayed Sagarika’s daughter who blames her mother on her father’s alcoholism, eventually dying an untimely and unnatural death. The audience applauded the performance and the dialogue delivery.

DS Pahwa’s association with the Indian entertainment industry goes back to the 70s, where from running a cinema hall in Delhi, he has distributed over 40 Hindi films. Beside film distribution, DS Pahwa has produced several critically acclaimed plays with numerous Bollywood personalities. “The cast was a breeze to work with. The play has shaped up really well, all thanks to master director Raman Kumar,” concluded DS Pahwa.
Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye is all set for another enthralling show at Royal Opera House, Mumbai, India’s only surviving opera house, before embarking on a nationwide tour soon.