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 13^th 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.

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”.

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.
 

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.”

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.