Angela Krislinzki loves the desi Bollywood twist!

She is pretty, she is vivacious, she is the heartthrob of millions. Actor Angela Krislinzki, of the film 1921 fame, is on cloud nine.

For the mesmerizing hazel-eyed beauty is now the face of the Udit Narayan-Neeti Mohan video. Currently shooting at Bhubaneshwar for the song, Angela is excited that this 90s feel Bollywood number from the King of Romance Udit Narayan has her grooving in a wedding sequence. “I love the song and the steps,” she says. “And Bollywood numbers hold a special place in my heart. I am so excited.”

It is not just that. The outfit is Indian and that is as exciting for Angela who is half Indian, half Polish. “I simply love my Indian roots and that is why I am at home in India,” she reveals. Here is more power to this pretty woman with immense talent.

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale felicitated at 'Mohammed Rafi Awards 2019'

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale was felicitated with the prestigious 'Mohammed Rafi Awards' at the 'Mohammed Rafi Awards 2019', a Spandan Arts and Adv. MLA Ashish Shelar presentation for his outstanding contribution to Hindi Film Music. This award was felicitated by the retired IPS officer and Hon’ble advisor to the Governer of Jammu & Kashmir, Farooq Khan, on the occasion of legendary Mohammed Rafi’s 95th birth anniversary.

‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’ - A Vegetable Vendor’s Tribute To Salman Khan on the Superstar’s Birthday

We have all heard many inspirational tales in Bollywood but here’s one of a unique kind. Selling vegetables on the streets of Surat to turning singer, his journey has been an eventful one. Meet Arun Kumar Nikam, an ardent admirer of Salman Khan, whose adulation for the actor has made him pursue his dream. The fan will be launching his second musical venture, a song titled ‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’, dedicated to his favourite star on the eve of the latter’s birthday. Anyone can be a Salman Khan fan, however, only a true fan gets truly inspired by his idol! Commendable, isn’t it?

Not knowing that he was meant to be a singer-writer, Arun Kumar Nikam, a Maharashtrian from a middle-class family in Jalgaon, reminisced that one incident, when Salman Khan was accused and people claimed he was a criminal, “I failed in my 12th exams as I could not concentrate at all. People were saying these false things about Bhaijaan.” His family members were not happy with what he was doing as they had spent every penny they saved on his education. When things didn’t work out for him, he was forced to relocate to Surat and start afresh. “When I first landed in Surat, I had no clue of what I was supposed to do. Somehow, I started selling vegetables,” averred an emotional Nikam, whose struggle began in 2001 when he was barely 15. He chanced upon a meeting with Salim Khan, Salman’s father, “With a dream to write a story and Salman bhai to play the lead is how it all started! I met Salim sir and conveyed my wishes to him as well,” he said.

Everyone Arun Kumar Nikam came across back then only told him that he was too young to be pursuing this as a writer. “I met the who’s who of India’s production houses but they all said it was too early for me,” he averred. Being 15 didn’t help, he believed. However, not giving up on his dream to meet Salman, he sold vegetables in Surat on weekdays and tried his luck on every weekend there was, spending everything that he earned during his weekday grind.

Struggling for 14 years, never knowing whether he would meet Salman, Arun Kumar Nikam believed that his luck was running out. However, after a chance meeting with music director Nikhil Kamath, he came up with Nikam’s first music project titled ‘Waah Teri Bewafai’. “This gave me the confidence to pursue what I have always wanted to do. A story for Salman sir. Then at the sets of ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', my dream was fulfilled. I finally met my idol,” he said, while also adding that during those tough times when he tried to meet Salman, he ended up with no money. Situation became that tense that he would often end up eating with beggars on the street! Recalled he, “I asked myself how I ended up there. Then a voice from the inner self uttered, ‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’,” adding that the song is produced by Khyati Bhatt and Jay Tilekar, starring Vinod Soni, and sung by Arun Kumar Nigam, “That’s it… I knew I had the idea for this song.”

Just because he is a huge fan of Bhai is not why Arun Kumar Nikam wants to meet Salman again. He wants to meet him because he is a good writer and has written a special story just for him. “I just need one day! This is the last option I have. If nothing will happen after this, obviously I will have to go back to sell veggies again. My family had abandoned me a long time ago, however, since the launch of that one album, we are talking again as they know I am stable again,” knowing that he is doing something with his life. “Hard work. Just pure hard work has made this possible for me,” said the obsessed fan in Arun Kumar Nikam.

Celebrities who graced the event held at Cinetheque, Hotel Sahara Star, included Mukesh Rishi, Sudesh Bhosale, Pawan Shankar, Santosh Shukla, Abhinav Gautam and Arshi Khan alongside the team that stood by Arun through thick and thin... actor Vinod Soni, producers Deepika Soni, Khyati Bhatt, Jay Tilekar and Jethmal Soni, video director Sagar Sahay, Gaurav Kumar, friends and supporters Ashok Hadia, Manoj Rathod and Ajay Soni, Sunil Mewavala, Festival Director Mohan Das, writer-director Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Suresh Mishra among others. ‘Kaise Miloon Main..?’ has been presented by Anup Jalota.

Mumbai Meets A Maharishikaa

Several Mumbaikars participated in a self-awareness and awakening happening that was held in the city on December 22, titled Presence Day, the full-day session started at 10 am and went on till the evening. 

The event largely included several activities for self-knowing and self-mastery, besides a question and answer session, wherein the participants sought responses for their questions from spiritual guru Maharishikaa Preeti. Addressing the attendees she said, “It’s incumbent on each one of you to invest time, energy and resources in knowing yourself. Its the crucial missing piece in education in the sub-continent”

 

City-based financial consultant Kavita Bhambani says that the session was like a reminder that the answers don’t lie outside, they lie within us. “As a society, we want to spend money on movies, dates, and going out on a holiday. But I think it’s important to give ourselves an experience like this. Spiritual teacher Maharishikaa Preeti really helped me.” 

Another attendee Harish Kalra said the session was an eye-opener for him. “It felt like I was sleeping for the last 40 years,” he says. 

Priyanka Nalavade, who is into revenue management, says, “I loved Maharishikaa Preeti’s symbol, the Mirror talisman. With its six concentric circles, each representing a realm of consciousness, and the mirror in the centre representing self-reflection, the micro cosmos and the macro cosmos. It had a strong impact on me.”

Pakistani out, Hindustani in!

Indians are Indians when it comes to patriotism. Even if the talent across the border is the best, the Hindustani feeling always reigns. Literally in this case, for Sunny Hindustani, the young talent from the Indian Idol 11, recommended by Vishal Dadlani and roped in by composer Shamir Tandon, has actually replaced the legendary Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in the song ‘Main Jaanta Hoon’ of the Emraan Hashmi starrer, The Body. 

That’s not all! A little birdie tells us that a scared Sunny Hindustani managed to impress Shamir Tandon at a one-take recording in his studio. And what’s more is that Emraan Hashmi seems to have developed a liking for the duo’s soulful melody. “I like music that touches the soul. When Sunny Khanna made me hear this song composed by Shamir (Tandon) and sung by Sunny Hindustani, I loved its nuances, the delicate melody and its meaningful lyrics.”

Will we get to hear more from the duo in Emraan’s next… only time will tell!

Rabiaz Walk For Social Cause Fashion Show won everyone's heart

Aiming to provide women with a platform and enabling them to make a difference, Rabiaz Walk For Social Cause Fashion Show is back with body positivity and more. The Rabiaz Walk For Social Cause Fashion Show was held at JW Marriott , Juhu, and is the brainchild of Rabia Patel, the woman behind this unique fashion show.

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of much more than you imagine,” says Rabia Patel

एना सिंह के 'द क्रिश्चियन विंटेज आर्ट कलेक्शन' ने उड़ा दिये बॉलीवुड के होश

दो बार राष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार से सम्मानित एना सिंह ने भारत में 'द चारकोल प्रोजेक्ट' द्वारा प्रस्तुत उबैद शाह  के साथ  'द क्रिश्चियन विंटेज आर्ट कलेक्शन' प्रस्तुत किया। पूरे बॉलीवुड से इस कलेक्शन के लिए काफी सराहना मिली। और क्यों नहीं? ऐना सिंह को ११०१  फिल्मों का श्रेय दिया गया है और उन्होंने २५० से अधिक सितारों के साथ काम किया है। वास्तव में मित्र सुज़ेन खान एना सिंह के कामों से इतनी प्रभावित हुई कि उन्होंने तुरंत संग्रह को चारकोल प्रोजेक्ट प्रस्तुत किया ।

 

कई नामचीन हस्तियों ने अपने सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफार्म के सहयोग से ऐना सिंह को समर्थन किया।  प्रख्यात अभिनेत्री रवीना टंडन, "ऐना सिंह और सुज़ैन खान के बीच की शानदार नई नई साझेदारी के प्यार में हूँ।" अभिनेत्री दिशा पटानी ने , "इस खूबसूरत संग्रह के लिए सबसे शानदार एना सिंह को शुभकामनाएं।"  तो आयशा श्रॉफ कहती हैं, "लॉन्च का इंतजार नहीं कर सकती," यह इतना सुंदर, अनूठा और शानदार है,  अल्लादीन की गुफा में प्रवेश करने जैसा है। "

 

युवा प्रतिभावान अभिनेत्री अनन्या पांडे व्यक्त करती हैं, "आपका विंटेज क्रिस्चियन कलेक्शन कितना सुंदर है!" में  खुद ज्वेलरी से काफी प्रभावित हुई । भावना पांडे कहती हैं, "मुझे पता है कि आपने कितनी मेहनत की है और मैं सभी भव्य सुन्दर  टुकड़ों को देखने के लिए इंतजार नहीं कर सकती।

किआरा आडवाणी ने कहा, “इन बालियों से बिल्कुल प्यार है। विंटेज क्रिस्चियन कला और डिजाइन आप सब भी देखे , “और ज़रीन खान और फराह खान अली इसके प्रति प्यार व्यक्त किया ! फराह खान अली कहती हैं, “एना ने कुछ बेहतरीन फर्नीचर, फैशन, ज्वैलरी के साथ-साथ कपड़े भी इसमें शुमार है। देखने के लिए इंतजार नहीं कर सकती।"

 

आप भी १५ दिसंबर से चारकोल प्रोजेक्ट, अंधेरी, मुंबई का दौरा १० से ७ बजे के बिच कर सकते है और ऐना सिंह द्वारा दिव्य क्रिस्चियन आर्ट भेट दे सकते हो। क्या हमें और कुछ कहने की आवश्यकता है?

Ana Singh pays tribute to Christ with her Christian Vintage Collection

The stars of Tinseltown and the who's who of Mumbai descended in tribute today to grace two-time National Award-winning Ana Singh’s ‘The Christian Vintage Art Collection’, with Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan, presented by The Charcoal Project. Among the attendees were Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Esha Deol, Neelam Kothari, Ayesha Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Krishna Shroff, Eban Hyams, Pradeep Guha, Malaika Parekh Khan, Laila Khan, Zareen Khan, Madhoo, Kabir Bedi, Ajay Harinath Singh, Sooraj Pancholi, Sonali Bendre, Aaishwary Thackeray and Mihika Naik, Gurdeep Kohli, Kim Sharma, Aarti and Kailash Surendranath, Yash Daga, Kshiraja Surendranath, Chunky Pandey, Bhavna Pandey and Dr. Larra Shah.

 She is one of the most revered creative talents of tinsel town with a repertoire of over 1101 films as costume designer. Two-time National Award-winner and Guinness Book record holder for maximum films, Ana Singh is also known for her 1,70,000 outfits designed depicting the states of India for the Common Wealth Games opening and closing ceremony among others. That’s not all! She also did a wardrobe for Michael Jackson during his Mumbai show.

 But few know that the designer has a special bonding with Jesus Christ since her birth on December 25, Christmas. Hence, as an extension of Ana Singh's artistic persona and her tribute to Christ, the designer brings to India, the Christian Vintage Art collection by Ana Singh Art & Design Collective and Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan, presented by The Charcoal Project.

 Says Ana, “I was born on Christmas, have a Catholic name and am brought up in Bandra. Christian art has always been a part of me. My mother’s dad was a colonel doctor in the British army so mom had lived in British India for a very long time. The influence always rubs off,” avers Ana Singh, adding that her mother could hear nothing but carols when she was born, the day being Christmas, “As I started my creative journey and went to the J.J. School of Arts. Christian art is something I always identified with. As I have travelled through the world, I looked at all the churches and all the other beautiful things and I just love the art and the whole projection of it.”

 The Christian Vintage Art Collection objects d’art are one-of-a-kind, offering a wide range of interpretations of bejewelled Christian art in expressive Byzantine/Venetian/Italian influenced vintage art pieces. Ranging from designer jackets to show pieces, to huge black, white and colourful hand-painted beds, to interior design pieces, Ana Singh’s works are also priced in such a way that there's something for everybody to buy actually.

 “The jewellery begins at Rs 6000 while the artefacts sourced from various parts of the world and crafted into objects d’art with a heritage value transcending generation, are priced from Rs 40,000-Rs 1,50,000. It is simply a project from my heart, an extension of myself,” avers Ana.

 Collaborating with Ana is young Ubaidh Shah who has enabled Ana to source artefacts from around the world. “Ubaid Shah has a very good eye for finding beautiful things. He has sourced some art and artefacts and vintage textiles that I took inspiration from and created an eclectic line of jewellery, furniture and jackets. He is a great asset in making the collection complete.”

 Adds Ubaidh Shah, “Ana Singh is more than an inspiration. She is an institution and there is so much to learn. The way she gave the finish to the old artefacts with her magical fingers in the most breathtaking modern way is something only she can do.”

 Adds Sussanne Khan whose The Charcoal Project presents the collection, “I am so happy to introduce the Christian Vintage collection by my multifaceted, amazingly talented sister from another mother,” she enthuses.

 The duo plan to keep the collection going adding newer works of art. Yours to visit the Charcoal Project, Andheri, Mumbai from Dec 15 onwards (10am-7pm), and be blessed by the divine Christian Art Collection by Ana Singh.

The Charcoal Project invites you to The Christian Vintage Collection by Ana Singh Art & Design Collective and Ubaidh Shah, curated by Sussanne Khan. Check out two-time National Award winner Ana Singh's Christian Art Collection that has never been done in India before. The artefacts are one-of-a-kind and they range from designer jackets to show pieces to huge designer beds to interior design pieces… all being luxurious vintage objects-de-art, an extension of Ana's persona. The motifs, the figurines, the busts, jewellery, Ana Singh brings to connoisseurs, a wide range of interpretations of bejewelled Christian art in expressive Byzantine/Venetian/ Italian influenced vintage art pieces. Do take a dekko!

For the uninitiated, Ana Singh was born on Christmas and Christ has always had a huge influence on her. In 2008, her collection of Christian Art shirt, Jackets and t-shirts - a 10,000 piece show was a total sell-out. She is currently working on her 1101th film as costume designer and holds the Guinness Book record for 990 films. She is known for her 170000 outfits designed depicting the states of India for the Common Wealth Games opening and closing ceremony among others.

DATE: 15th December onwards into the next year.
TIME: 10 am to 7 pm.
VENUE: The Charcoal Project, Azad Nagar 2, Mhada Colony, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400047.

'Mudda 370 J&K' had its grand premiere with talented cast and crew and fellow stars of the industry.

The film 'Mudda 370 J&K' premiered at PVR in Andheri, during which the film's producers Atul Krishna and Bhanwar Singh Pundir, director Rakesh Sawant and actors Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Rakhi Sawant, Gauri Pradhan, Tanvi Tandon, Nisar Akhtar , Sayed Ahmed, Sahil Multy Khan, Deepak Sharma, Raj Zutshi, Saurabh Dubey, Sujata Mehta and other cast and crew members were also present.


Set in the picturesque locations of Kashmir, fondly referred to a heaven on earth and the crown jewel of India, 'Mudda 370 J&K' is about the picturesque locales that have turned red with the battles since 1947. If at times J&K has seen rebels turn the snow red, at other times the lush greens singe with the touch of gunpowder due to cross-border terrorism.

Directed by Rakesh Sawant & produced by Atul Krishna and Bhanwar Singh Pundir, 'Mudda 370 J&K' stars Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Manoj Joshi, Raj Zutshi, Zarina Wahab, Pankaj Dheer, Anita Raj, Mohan Kapoor, Sujata Mehta, Anjan Shrivastav, Shahbaaz Khan, Brij Gopal, Master Aayan and Rakhi Sawant. Introducing two new talents Anjali Pandey and Tanvi Tondon. The music has been composed by Sayed Ahmed, Sahil Multy Khan & Rahul Bhatt, while these soulful lyrics for the songs have been penned by Nisar Akhtar, Seema Bhatt & Shahid Anjuman. Asha Bhosle, Shaan, Palak Muchhal, Asees Kaur, Shahid Mallya, Mudasir Ali, Avik Dojan Chatterjee have lent their mesmerising voices for the songs of the film.

Based on India's most controversial article 'Mudda 370 J&K' is releasing on 13 December.

CM Uddhav Thackeray with the medical team that treated Nightingale of India Lata Mangeshkar

Our Honourable CM, Shri Uddhav Thackeray and Yuva Sena Pramukh Aaditya Thackeray felicitated and personally thanked the eminent panel of doctors who took great care and treated the Pride of India, Lata Mangeshkar.
Dr Pratit Samdani, Dr. Nishit Shah, Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Dr. Janardan Nimbolkar.
Lataji is back home.

Shamir Tandon's Main Jaanta Hoon is simply soul-stirring: Emraan Hashmi

Composer Shamir Tandon has churned out immortal hits and is known for his amazing sense of global music and selective and eclectic work. The latest actor who has confessed that he loves Shamir Tandon's  melodies is actor Emraan Hashmi.    When the actor heard Shamir's compositions for the  horror-thriller The Body, he  simply loved the songs. If you recall, it is the  immortal melodies that have always played a significant part of Emraan Hashmi's successful films. “I have a  soft corner for soulstirring songs. By  God's grace, most of my songs sear the soul. Main Janta Hoon from The Body by Shamir Tandon is one such haunting melody."

When Sunny Khanna, CEO, Emraan Hashmi Films, made Emraan hear the  Shamir Tandon track, he was floored. "I simply loved its nuances, the delicate melody and its meaningful lyrics of Main Jaanta Hoon. Even the other songs by Shamir are amazing,” averred  Emraan.

Shamir Tandon also has an eye to identify talent and this on the reccomendation of his friend Vishal Dadlani,  has taken Sunny Hindustani from Indian Idol Rom Rom. Main Jaanta Hu has vocals by Jubin Nautiyal while Maine Socha Na Ho Itna Pyar Karo is sung by Sreya Ghoshal.

The Body, a Viacom film, stars Emraan Hashmi, Rishi Kapoor and Sobhita Dhulipalia in lead roles and is produced by Sunir Khetrapal, with songs released by T-Series. 

Sudesh Bhosale Voices Mard Maratha of Panipat

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale is all set to be heard by the audience of historical epic war film Panipat. Acclaimed music director duo Ajay-Atul, of Zingaat and Chikni Chameli fame, roped in the singer to be the voice for a key character of the Panipat in ‘Mard Maratha’ song. He avers, “I got a call from Ajay-Atul for an enthusiastic and exciting song,” adding that the song is about victory, “When I reached the studio, Ashutosh Gowariker was already there. He carefully explained the Panipat backdrop for the war of the Marathas.” 

Presuming for it to be a routine recording, Sudesh Bhosale insists that it turned out to be a lot of fun and that the song turned out to be exactly the way it was supposed to. “Ajay-Atul have done a fantastic job with the rhythm. All the singers recorded their part and left. It was only after the promo was out, did I realize how nicely it has been made.”

The song has been earning rave reviews by the masses on social media. Seeing and hearing his own voice played on the big screen, Sudesh Bhosale asserts that its always a good feeling! “I am a Maratha myself. Naturally, singing about our history, our warriors and their greatness fills me up with pride for Maharashtra. This song turned out to be my style too! Power packed and energetic,” he remarks. 

Expressing his gratitude to the music director duo, Sudesh Bhosale is proud to be associated with this mega historical film Panipat. “Today’s youth have been watching historical films like Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani et al with utmost interest. They should be aware of our history and through these films, the awareness is made… The war of Panipat is a very famous war,” he concludes.

Devaansh S. Barjatya and Nandini Bhattad’s Wedding Reception…A Family Affair

In a private ceremony, veteran filmmaker Sooraj R. Barjatya's elder son, Devaansh S. Barjatya tied the knot with Nandini Bhattad. Close family and friends were present to witness the holy matrimony.

On 29th November 2019, the Barjatya family of Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd, welcomed guests from the film industry and trade to the grand reception of Devaansh and Nandini.

Devaansh heads the reputed Television and Fiction Digital division of Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd.

Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd. was established in 1947 and has given industry memorable films like Uphaar, Nadiya Ke Paar, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Vivaah and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.

अमिताभ बच्चन: प्रकृति जहाँ होगी वहीं हम होंगे... रूपकुमार राठोड के साथ मेरा आशीर्वाद सदैव है

अमिताभ बच्चन, वहीदा रहमान, माइक पांडे, सुनील शेट्टी, अनिल कुंबले, शंकर महादेवन, हरिहरन सहित अन्य नामचीन हस्तियों ने भी रूपकुमार राठोड की फोटो बुक 'वाइल्ड वॉयज' को दिया समर्थन

भायकला में नाइन फिश आर्ट गैलरी आयोजित मेराकी के पूर्वावलोकन जो की एक समूह फोटोग्राफी प्रदर्शनी है, यहाँ ज्येष्ठ गायक  रूपकुमार राठोड ने अपनी कॉफी टेबल फोटोबूक, 'वाइल्ड वॉयज' को लॉन्च किया। रचनात्मक गतिविधियों में प्रकृति के संगीत से प्रेरित, वाइल्ड वॉयज एक मौलिक लय है और शांति के साथ बहता है। यह लहरों से प्रभावित, समुद्र की गहराई में जाने की एक यात्रा है, जो अपने साथ लाए जाने वाले शांत अराजकता पर कब्जा करने से ठीक पहले के क्षण को महसूस करवाता है।

दिग्गज गायक-संगीत निर्देशक और अब एक लेखक रूप में उभरने वाले रूपकुमार राठोड को लगता है कि यह उनके जुनून के बारे में है,  एक वन प्रेमी और एक वन्यजीव उत्साही होने के नाते, वह जंगल-वाई जंगल और पेड़ों के माध्यम से फुसफुसाती हवाओं से प्यार करते है जो उनकी कहानी बताते हैं। “कभी-कभी, हमें सिर्फ सुनने की ज़रूरत है! जंगल अपने परिवेश के रहस्यों को खोजते हुए तीर्थ तक पहुंचाता है। यह मेरा ध्यानस्थ स्थान है। पृथ्वी के पास उन लोगों के लिए जादू है जो इसे मानते हैं! ”, उन्होंने कहा,“ मैंने अपने कैनवास को ऐसे क्षणों से भर दिया है, जो भावनिय है, कमजोर है और में अनियंत्रित महसूस करता हू। यहाँ मैं एक खुले दिल के साथ किनारे पर कदम रख रहा हूँ और यह मेरी वन यात्रा है ।"

उसके अलावा कोई और नहीं बल्कि बॉलीवुड के शहंशाह अमिताभ बच्चन ने, प्रशंसापत्र पढ़ा, "बहुत सारे शोध से पता चला है कि हम शहर में घरों या इमारतों में रहते हैं, फिर भी हम दिल से गुफाओं में रहते हैं। हमारे दिमाग में बुनियादी वायरिंग और कैसे हम बातचीत करते हैं हजारों साल पहले की तरह ही हैं। प्रकृति वह है जहाँ हम अभी भी हैं। यही कारण है कि हम सभी जंगल में टहलने का आनंद लेते हैं, सितारों को देखते हैं, सूर्यास्त देखते हैं, समुद्र तट पर टहलते हैं, या शिविर में जाते हैं। राठोडजीं को उनके इस भव्य फोटोग्राफी द्वारा उनका अनुभव हमसे साझा करने के लिए मैं उनका आभार प्रकट करता हूँ। मेरा आशीर्वाद हमेशा उनके साथ रहेगा। फोटोग्राफी के लिए उनका प्यार हमेशा उनके लिए खुशी और सफलता लेकर आये यह उम्मीद करता हूँ। ”

वरिष्ठ अभिनेत्री वहीदा रहमान, जो कि मेराकी में सह-श्रोता भी हैं, उन्होंने कहा," रूपकुमार राठौर एक बहुत प्रसिद्ध गायक और संगीत निर्देशक हैं। बहुत कम लोग जानते हैं कि वह एक बेहतरीन फोटोग्राफर भी हैं। और वह इस क्षेत्र में बेहतरीन काम करहे है। "

रेगिस्तान में जादुई क्षणों का आनंद लेना और इस समय खुशी व्यक्त करने वाले, फिल्म निर्माता और वन्यजीव कार्यकर्ता माइक पांडे ने कहा, "रूप की अनोखी दृष्टि प्रकृति की रहस्यमय दुनिया का एक और दरवाजा खोलती है। रेगिस्तान में विशेष क्षण, एक ही अलौकिक जादू की रोशनी में नहाए हुए और आश्चर्यजनक चित्र  सही समय पर कैमरों में कैद किया है । यह वास्तव में सब्र का काम है, बहुत सावधानी से तैयार किया गया और शानदार तरीके से इसका प्रदर्शन किया गया है। उनके वाइल्ड वॉयज ने मुझे एक अलग दुनिया में छोड़ दिया। प्रकृति को ऐसे बहुत से रूपकुमार की आवश्यकता है! "

सुनील शेट्टी ने कहा, "रूप, जो एक संगीत प्रतिभा, एक महान गायक, एक जादुई फोटोग्राफर और हमेशा के लिए दोस्त है। वे जहां भी प्रवेश करते हैं, हमेशा प्रेरणा और असाधारण प्रकाश के साथ हर कमरे को रोशन करते हैं, उनकी  संक्रामक ऊर्जा साथ। एक कलाकार के रूप में, हर नए साँचे में ढले और अपनी नई कृतियों की खोज करते रहें ऐसी आशा करता हूँ। "

पद्मश्री सन्मानित क्रिकेटर अनिल कुंबले का कहना है कि रूपकुमार राठौड संगीत के क्षेत्र में एक प्रतिष्ठित नाम है। कई लोग वन्यजीवों पर फोटोग्राफी के उनके जुनून से अनजान हैं। “यह पुस्तक जानवरों के प्रति उनके प्रेम का प्रमाण है; एक मोहक संग्रह, उत्कृष्ट कॅप्चर के साथ परिपूर्ण ऐसे है जो हमें प्रकृति के जादुई जग में यात्रा करता है। हम रूपकुमार के संगीत के बारे में वाकिफ थे, और अब यह किताब उनकी  कलात्मक दृष्टि का एक सुंदर प्रमाण है।

प्रसिद्ध गायक शंकर महादेवन का मानना है कि फोटोग्राफी अपने आप में एक अलौकिक कला है, खासकर जब इसमें किसी के संगीत और संवेदनशीलता की बात आती है। उनके अनुसार, पूरी तस्वीर बदल जाती है और इसमें रूपकुमार राठोड की प्रतिभा है। “हमारे देश में बहुत कम संगीतकार हैं जिनके पास भारतीय शास्त्रीय संगीत के अतिरिक्त गहराई और ज्ञान है और वे आसानी से संगीत की किसी भी शैली को अपना सकते हैं, रूप भाई उनमें से एक हैं। यह सरलता और ज्ञान उनकी वन्यजीव तस्वीरों में बदल जाता है। हर तस्वीर एक गाने की तरह दिखती है और हर पल अपने आप में मनमोहक प्रतीत होते है। वे कई वर्षों से वन्यजीवों के बारे में उत्साहित है, और संगीत और जंगल के लिए उनका जुनून समान स्तर पर है!"

हरिहरन, भारतीय संगीत में एक निष्ठावंत कलाकारऔर रूप कुमार राठोड के परम प्रिय मित्र है। वे १९८० से एक-दूसरे को जानते हैं। हरिहरन कहते हैं कि एक प्रतिभाशाली गायक-संगीतकार होने के अलावा, रूप कुमार राठोड  तबला नवाज़ भी हैं। "वह एक जन्मजात कलाकार है, और अब कलाकार दूसरे क्षेत्र की ओर रुख कर रहा है। मैंने अपने आसपास के जंगल में संगीत वाद्ययंत्र रचना को महसूस किया है। जंगली जानवर ने धारण किया मधुर रूप और उस दौरान आसपास के मौहोल मैं बांधना, जब समय सही होता है, तो अद्भुत तस्वीरें कैमरे में कैद हो जाती हैं और उन्हें सही समय पर क्लिक किया है।", यह उन्होंने कहा।

प्रसिद्ध बैरियाट्रिक सर्जन मुफ़ज़ल लकड़ावाला कहते हैं, "वाइल्ड वॉयज में फ़ोटोग्राफ़ी आश्चर्यजनक रूप से वन्यजीवों  के तरफ मोहित करती है। रूपकुमार राठौड़ को इस कला के तरफ रुझान करवाने में उनकी एक छोटी भूमिका थी, " शैली, हस्ताक्षर विवरण और प्राकृतिक सुंदरता के लिए आगे एक अलग दृष्टिकोण लाया गया है। मैं निश्चित रूप से सभी से एक पुस्तिका कॉपी लेने का आग्रह करूंगा! "

इन गणमान्य व्यक्तियों के अलावा, राजस्थान के उदयपुर के महाराजा शक्ति सिंह मेवाड के पसंदीदा वन्यजीव फोटोग्राफर सुधीर शिवराम और लतिका नाथ, अभिनेता-राजनेता बीना काक, लोकमत समूह के विजय दर्डा, डॉ .जमुना पाई ने भी रूपकुमार राठौड़ की जंगली यात्रा का समर्थन दीया।

वाइल्ड व्हॉएज जैसे अन्य वन्यजीवन फोटोग्राफी को और शक्ती प्राप्त हो।

Roopkumar Rathod and wife Sunali Rathod were recently seen at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Roopkumar Rathod and wife Sunali Rathod were recently seen at the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. They sought blessings of the Elephant God Ganesha prior to the release of Roopkumar Rathod's coffee table wildlife photography book aptly titled 'Wild Voyage'.

Grand music launch of Mudda 370 J&K

The music launch of Mudda 370 J&K took place in Raheja Clasique Club, Mumbai in the presence of producer Bhanwar Singh Pundir, director Rakesh Sawant, Rakhi Sawant, Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Aadita Jain, Zareena Wahab, Mohan Kapoor, Singer Mudasir Ali, music director Sahil Multy Khan & Nisar Akhtar.  

Set in the picturesque locations of Kashmir, fondly referred to a heaven on earth and the crown jewel of India, Mudda370 J&K is about the picturesque locales that have turned red with the battles since 1947. If at times J&K has seen rebels   turn the snow red, at other times the lush greens singe with the touch of gunpowder due to cross-border terrorism.

The story is of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, their pain and anguish as they became refugees in their own motherland. Kashmir has been seared by the wounds of acts like 370 and 35A over decades. Even then, the spirit of Kashmir is unbridled, making it the perfect setting for a romantic story between Suraj, son of a Kashmiri Pandit Dinanath and a Muslim girl Aasma.

The story is set in 1989, where Suraj and Aasma's love gets caught in the crossfire of Kashmiri border militancy. Will the love of Suraj and Asma be able to outlive the bloodshed? This is what Rakesh Sawant's Mudda 370, J&K is all about. The spirit of Kashmir, hope and love in the valley set in back drop of the political miley of J&K.

Directed by Rakesh Sawant & Produced by Avani kamal, Bhanwar Singh Pundir. The film stars Hiten Tejwani, Anjali Pandey, Manoj Joshi,  Raj Zutshi,  Zarina Wahab,  Pankaj Dheer, Anita Raj,  Mohan Kapoor,  Sujata Mehta, Anjan Srivastav, Shabaz Khan, Brij Gopal, Master Aayan and Rakhi Sawant. Introducing two new talents Anjali Pandey and Tanvi Tondon. The music of Mudda 370 J&K has been composed by Sayed Ahmed, Sahil Multy Khan & Rahul Bhatt, while these soulful lyrics for the songs have been penned by Nisar Akhtar, Seema Bhatt & Shahid Anjuman.  Aasha Bhosle, Shaan, Palak Munchal, Asees kaur, Shahid malya, Mudasir Ali, Avik Dojan Chatterjee, who have lent their mesmerising voices to the songs of the film.

 The film is slated to hit the theatres on December 13,2019.

A BEFITTING ODE

Parvez Damania and Ratan Luth bring to you, at Tao Art Gallery, veteran photographer Shantanu Das, as he captured timeless moments of the Parsi community across time in his frozen frames… Jeetendra, Roshni Damania, Arish Damania, Sharvari Luth, Mickey Mehta, Kunal Vijayakar, Bina Aziz, Kailash and Aarti Surendranath, Kalpana Shah, Anahita Desai, Yazdi Desai, Armaity Tirandaz, Viraf Mehta, Raell Padamsee, Ananya Goenka, Rashmi Khatam and Satish Kishanchandani among others were present to encourage Parvez Damania, Ratan Luth and Shantanu Das.

An avid art collector, curator and an entrepreneur, Parvez Damania along with Ratan Luth of Fravashi Schools, an educationist, social activist and a fervent Parsi food lover, present Parsis – A Timeless Legacy, a photography exhibition by an award-winning photographer Shantanu Das was hosted by the prestigious Tao Art Gallery from November 29 to December 4, 2019.

Heritage:

To be a ‘Parsi’ is to be a descendant of the first migration of Zoroastrians from Persia (Iran), who were granted residence, protection, and safe refuge in India over a millennium ago. To be a Parsi is also to belong to one of India’s most rapidly diminishing ethnic communities. And to be a Parsi is to hold the very precious responsibility of perpetuating the flame of arguably the world’s oldest monotheistic religion.

On the Wane:

With the appeal of migration, the impacts of inter-marriage, and the lure of Western ways, there are now few Parsis left in India. A 2016 statistics showed that their numbers are down to a critical 61,000, and diminishing by the day; another 40,000 are scattered across the world with an even greater struggle to hang on to their distinctive identity. “I have always been fascinated by the Parsi community and I am proud I belong to the same. We thought of this exhibition to enlighten people about the life and presence of the Parsi community, who may be small in number, but have made a tremendous contribution to India.  Few artists have dedicated time to documenting Parsi people, and fewer have had the permission to document what are often very private and personal traditions. We wanted to take this opportunity to share the unique Parsi culture, rituals and traditions with a wider population,” expressed Parvez Damania. Added Ratan Luth, “This exhibition is an effort to document and preserve the culture, rituals and traditions of an ethnic community that is rapidly diminishing in number. It is important that the Parsi legacy is remembered and maintained for the current generation and generations to come, to ensure it is not lost forever with the passing of time.”

Unfolding:

This distinctive exhibition will showcase approximately fifty works by Shantanu Das, an exceptional photojournalist who has won numerous national and international awards, including the Nat Geo Travel Award. Shantanu Das, who was allowed to cross sacrosanct boundaries, has captivatingly showcased the private and personal traditions of the Parsis, bringing out their culture, rituals, and ceremonies in vivid images of a vibrantly alive people at work, in prayer and over celebration.

Shantanu had documented the current exhibits over a period of five to six years and had shot, not only in Mumbai, but also in Surat, Udvada, and Kolkata among other cities. He said, “The Parsis are delightful people. This is my second exhibition dedicated to them. Over the years I have shot and interacted with them, I’ve come to realize that they are a very kind and helpful lot, devoid of any sort of ill feelings for anyone.”

Celebrities and dignitaries from different walks of life attended the opening ceremony of ‘Parsis – A Timeless Legacy’ to express their solidarity and love for the quaint community and its exuberant people. An interesting facet of the exhibition was that the opening ceremony had all the Parsi men and women, including many of the celebrity guests, proudly walk-in, in their traditional attire. The men in duglis and phetas, the women wearing heirloom-like embroidered garas; A classic Kodak Moment!

Each frame brought back fond memories to Damania and Luth, but the one that inspired them the most had been that of two Parsi priests and a Parsi boy on a Jawa motorcycle with a side car. They found it particularly fascinating as the Jawa motorcycle is a rarity, and even more with a side car, thus defining the eternal love of Parsis towards vehicles.

While some things changed, others stayed the same. Despite the passage of time, Parsis have maintained their own unique cultural identity. Yours is to come and experience this special, intimate insight into India’s distinctive and distinguished Parsi community… with their strong noses and idiosyncratic ways and penchant for dhanshak, patranimachhi and akuri among other things… a vibrant community that is both progressive and also deeply traditional, with a social exuberance matched only by their piousness; pursuing their religion’s three central tenets - Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds.

‘Parsis – A Timeless Legacy’ had its opening preview for select guests on November 29th 2019, while the show remains open to public from November 30th to December 4th, 2019, daily 11 am to 7 pm. Venue: Tao Art Gallery, The View, 165 Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400018.

Gautam Rode, Preeti Jhangiani and Angela Krislinzki grace Artival 2019

Actors Gautam Rode, Preeti Jhangiani and Angela Krislinzki graced the opening of Artival 2019, showcasing about 3500 artworks by over 300 artists from different parts of India with diverse cultures and backgrounds, all under one roof. A one of its kind art festival, Artival is a multi-modular national level exhibition with exquisite serene hues of myriad artworks in various mediums and their multifaceted perceptions. The 2019 edition of Artival brings together contemporary artists and old masters exhibits alike offering a wide array of choice for artists and art connoisseurs. 

The eminent artists showcasing their works include Thota Vaikuntam, Laxma Gaud, Seema Kohli, Ramesh Gorjala, Manikandan Punnekal, Suhas Roy, Ganesh Pyne among others. Indeed, a golden opportunity for all to enjoy about expressive works ranging from traditional to modern ones on a common platform by obscure, contemporary and professional artists to landscape, natural beauty, historic and spiritual endeavours et al by Master Artists. 

Artival 2019, organized by Satish B Patil and is a great opportunity for art collectors and patrons, and is on at the Expo Centre, The Arcade, at The World Trade Centre Cuffe Parade till 1st December, 2019.