The Indian Panorama

Tag: Entertainment

  • Meet the young Film Maker Priyanka Das

    Meet the young Film Maker Priyanka Das

    Priyanka Das, 29, started her first artistic journey at the very early age of her life. At the age 9 she was involved in painting, photography and creative writing. Her early embark on this artistic path was only made possible because of her mother’s keen interest in art, and dedication of making sure the availability of the different resources to foster the artistic practices.

    Growing up in a middle class family in Kolkata, India, she studied science and management like many others to stable her career as art hardly seemed like a sustainable career option. However, her passion for art and artistic expression had always been a guiding light in her life. While she was freelancing writing and photography along with her day job she started exploring world cinemas during her early 20s. Exploring world cinemas impacted her immensely and opened a new horizon to explore different cultures through cinematic lens. She remembered the impact she had watching Ingmar Bergman’s films which explores the deep morasses of human heart.

    A Scene from Under the Jazz, Circulation, Formation, Priyanka’s feature debut

    The beauty of the nomadic tribes people and landscapes along the Indo-China border, just north of Ladakh, emboldened her to continue engaging with the visual medium. She made her first ever short on that subject of relation between the nomadic people and vast space in northern Ladakh. With a strong support from her family, she moved to USA to study film at Ohio University. Ohio University provided a supportive and fertile platform to her to grow further as an artist and filmmaker. She completed her both master in fine arts and master in arts in film at Ohio University over 4 years. While she was studying film there she made total 5 short films and her first feature debut- Under the Jazz. Circulation. Formation,  which is going to premiere by the end of 2018. Her films are shown over 30 international film festivals across the world including Cannes, Clermont-Ferrand, Kolkata film festivals and won awards.

    Currently, she is living in the New York City and working on her multiple video art projects, drawings, and writing her next feature film, which she plans to shoot in India. She takes her creative works as a modality to break away from the stereotypes and heteronormative structures in our society. She envisions to focus on “feminine voices” through her works. Being a non-male and immigrant have shaped her body of work. In one hand it is a challenge and a struggle to voice her thoughts and feelings in a highly white male dominated art world; on the other hand these challenges structure her identity through her works and inspire her to make an art of her own. She likes to continue making small alternatives films and video projects to shred lights onto the sensitivity of human complexities and the sensitivity cinematic medium can offer to the audience. She believes that any kinds of art forms can create a space for the audience to reflect on their own life, rather than just completely absorbed by the narrative of the films. Specifically, in current situation where the world is obsessed with the identity politics and “about-ness”, her artworks may encourage people to listen to their own bodies and minds in a more personal way to make sense of their own surroundings and their own beings.

    Priyanka Das has had screenings of her films at almost every film festival across the world. Here is a list of the screenings.

    2017      

    32nd Clermont Ferrand Short Film Market – France

    44th Athens International Video + Film Festival- USA

    Beijing Film Festival- China

    Geo Film festival and Expocinema- Italy

    Shanghai Queer International Film festival- China

    2016 

    Oberhausen Open Screening- Germany

     22nd Kolkata International Film Festival- India

    5th Delhi International Film Festival- India

    2nd Asia International Youth Short Film Exhibition (Wenzhou)- China

    Newark Famfest- USA

    2015                  

    Cannes Art Film Festival- France

    Philadelphia International Film Festival- USA

    Kolkata International Film Festival- India

    Athens International Video + Film Festival- USA

    Cambridge Short Film Festival- UK

    Columbus Art Film Festival- USA

    Euro Film Festival- France

    Columbus Film Council- USA

    Phoenix Film Festival Melbourne- Australia

    Siliguri international Film Festival- India

    Student Art Film Festival – USA

    Wiper Film Festival- USA

    Emerge Film Festival- USA

    Southway Film Festival- Ukraine

    Visionaria International Film Festival- Italy

  • Foundation for Bollywood Dance in New Jersey by Varsha Naik

    Foundation for Bollywood Dance in New Jersey by Varsha Naik

    EDISON, NJ(TIP): Varsha Naik’s Dance school- “Navrang Dance Academy” has been contributing to Bollywood Fundamental Dance choreography successfully for over 5 plus years now. Varsha Naik started her dance choreography and training Journey in 2013 and now she has established a strong foundation for Bollywood dance form in New Jersey, USA.

    Organizing exclusive Dance workshop began in April – 2016 when Master Saroj Khan – Famous Bollywood Film Choreographer and dance director, conducted a workshop with Varsha Naik of Navrang Dance Academy. This 3-day workshop was organized by “Navrang Dance Academy” in order to give the American Indians here in New Jersey and New York an opportunity to learn from the best in the Industry.

    The workshop gained momentum and participants were overwhelming in number. The program had more than 100 participants, in 6 different batches as per age group right from a 6-year-old to 50 years old. It was the first time in New Jersey where participants were experiencing not just the dance but also the process of movie making and learning all that happens behind the scenes. Saroj ji being an amazing teacher that she is, she not only taught dance but gave a complete experience of understanding the meaning of dance and expressions. Of course, her lovely stories added value to the programs.

    TV Asia hosted a Program – Meet & Greet which was an interactive talk show. Padma Shri H.R. Shah honored Legendary Choreographer Saroj Khan for her contributions towards training and inspiring the young talented dancers.

    This Successful program lead to another one soon enough in June 2016. For Navrang dance, this program not only built a foundation for more Bollywood dancing with the stars but also learning from them. Navrang then did programs and workshop with well-known Choreographer Dr. Sandip Soparkar, Master Sathya (Tollywood), Nishi Singh (Kathak), Dharmesh Yalande and more.

    Mrs. Varsha Naik now has a close professional partnership with Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar and they organize USA Dance Day-Dance for a social cause every year in New Jersey. They conduct numerous dance training session on international dance forms and also give young dancers a platform to perform on stage. Navrang Dance Academy is actively involved in community service and brings awareness on various topics whether social or cultural through the medium of dance and music.

     

     

  • Broadway’s Musicals – HEAD OVER HEELS

    Broadway’s Musicals – HEAD OVER HEELS

    By Mabel Pais

    “A Surging Pulse, Raw Edge & Rebel Vibe” – San Francisco Chronicle

    “A Marriage of Power Pop and Pure Farce!” – Variety

    “Head Over Heelsis a celebration of love in all its forms, joyful, fun and full of heart”….”making people jump from their seats and dance”- The Go-Go’s

    Rachel York as Queen Gynecia and Jeremy Kushnier as King Basilius (center) and the company
    Photo / Joan Marcus, 2018

    Head Over Heels is the new musical comedy, on Broadway’s theater district, featuring the iconic songs of The Go-Go’s– Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine, Jane Wiedlin – the most successful female rock band of all time.

    In the kingdom of Arcadia, the “beat” is divine. But when an oracle’s prophecy of doom threatens its beloved beat, it propels the king and his royal family through a journey of mistaken identities, jealous lovers, secret rendezvouses and sexual awakening – where everything (and everyone) is not what it seems.

    Making their Broadway debut as songwriters, The Go-Go’ssaid, “Head Over Heelsis a celebration of love in all its forms, joyful, fun and full of heart, driven by the songs that for decades have been making people jump from their seats and dance.”

    The Company

    The principal cast of Head Over Heelsfeatures Andrew Durand (Spring Awakening), Taylor Iman Jones (Groundhog Day), Jeremy Kushnier (Cirque du Soleil Paramour), Bonnie Milligan (Kinky Boots tour; Broadway debut), Peppermint (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”; Broadway debut; the first trans-woman actress to create a principal role on Broadway), Tom Alan Robbins (The Lion King, original cast), Alexandra Socha (Spring Awakening) and Rachel York (Disaster!).

    The Head Over Heels ensemble is Amber Ardolino (Hamilton), Sharon Catherine Brown (Dreamgirls), Yurel Echezarreta (Aladdin), Lisa Finegold (Rock of Ages), Brian Flores (Pippin tour; Broadway debut), Ari Groover (Holler If Ya Hear Me), Tanya Haglund (Chicago tour; Broadway debut), Arica Jackson (Waitress tour; Broadway debut), Gregory Liles (Broadway debut), Gavin Lodge (Annie), Samantha Pollino (Hot Feet), Justin Prescott (Cirque Du Soleil Paramour), Christine Shepard (Broadway debut), Tanner Ray Wilson (Cats, 2017 revival) and Ricardo A. Zayas (Hamilton).

    The Go-Go’s

    The Go-Go’shave presided over an amazing three-decade reign as high pop priestesses. From their very first show, The Go-Go’swrote and played their own songs, offering five feisty role models for a generation of ready-to-rock girls and guys. The internationally-loved pop hit makers helped cement the foundation of the early ‘80s pop-rock sound.

    Head Over Heels features 18 of The Go-Go’siconic hit songs including “We Got the Beat,” “Get Up and Go,” “Cool Jerk,” “Vacation,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Lust to Love,” “Head Over Heels” and Belinda Carlisle’s solo hits “Mad About You” and “Heaven is a Place on Earth.”

    Creative Team

    From the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Next To Normal, American Idiot, Spring Awakening and Avenue Q, the Head Over Heelscreative team is led by Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer with musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer

    Prize and Tony winner Tom Kitt and choreography by Emmy and Drama Desk nominee Spencer Liff.

    Head Over Heelswas conceived and has an original book by Tony winner Jeff Whitty and is adapted by James Magruder. Head Over Heelsis based on the bookThe Arcadiaby Sir Philip Sidney.

    The creative team also includes scenic design by Tony Award nominee Julian Crouch, costume design by Academy Award and Tony Award nominee Arianne Phillips, lighting design by four-time Tony Award winner Kevin Adams, sound design by Tony Award winner Kai Harada and projection design by Andrew Lazarow. Casting by Jim Carnahan Casting. Kimberly Grigsby serves as Musical Director. Lisa Iacucci is Production Stage Manager.

    Ticket Information

    For full performance schedule and ticket information, visit www.hudsonbroadway.com, or by calling (855) 801-5876, or in-person at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre (141 West 44th Street).

    The performance is currently running with no scheduled closing date.

    TodayTix Mobile Rush Program

    Each day beginning at 10:00am, a limited amount of mobile Rush tickets for Head Over Heelswill be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For access and more information, download the TodayTix app.

    Online & Social Handles

    Online: www.HeadOverHeelsTheMusical.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOHmusical

    YouTube: Head Over Heels channel

    Twitter: @HOHMusical | Instagram: @HOHMusical | #HeadOverHeels

     GETTIN’ THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

    Manu Narayan, Jay Klaitz, Mitchell Jarvis, Tad Wilson, Paul Whitty, and Sawyer Nunes
    Photo / Joan Marcus, 2018

    Gettin’ The Band Back Togetheris Broadway’s new musical comedy. The production is directed by Tony Award winner John Rando and choreographed by Chris Bailey.

    Mitch Papadopoulos always wanted to be the next Bruce Springsteen, but he left those daydreams behind for a day job. Mitch was the lead singer of his high school garage band called Juggernaut. He, along with the members of Juggernaut, had high school dreams of rock superstardom that eventually dissolved into day jobs and careers.

    When Mitch (Mitchell Jarvis), the big-shot banker is handed a pink slip on his 40th birthday, he’s forced to move back in with his mom in Sayreville, New Jersey. He then discovers that her home has been threatened with foreclosure by Tygen Billows (Brandon Williams), the frontman of Juggernaut’s old nemesis, Mouthfeel. To rescue the house and his self-esteem, Mitch agrees to a rematch of the battle of the bands that Mouthfeel lost 25 years earlier.

    So Mitch dusts off his guitar, reassembles his players, and sets out to win back his house, his pride—and maybe even the high school sweetheart he left behind—proving it’s never too late to give your dreams one last shot.

    The players include Bart Vickers (Jay Klaitz), a shlubby math teacher with a secret crush; Sully Sullivan (Paul Whitty), a police officer with Broadway dreams; and Rummesh Patel (Manu Narayan), a nerd who wanted to be a pediatrician but was instead pressured into entering his father’s dermatology practice — and, imminently, an arranged marriage. A fifth member of Juggernaut must be recruited to replace one who has conveniently died in the interim. The new kid, Ricky Bling (Sawyer Nunes), saves the day at the reconstituted band’s first gig. At an Orthodox Jewish wedding he delivers a “comical” rap (including the immortal line “make a ruckus with your tuchis”). Mitch’s mother Sharon Papadopoulos, a piano teacher in yoga pants, is played winningly by Marilu Henner, who calls a “hedge fund” a “shrub fund.”

    The cast of Gettin’ The Band Back Together also includes Dani (Kelli Barrett), Tawny (Becca Kötte), Ritchie (Garth Kravits), Roxanne Velasco (Tamika Lawrence), Billie (Noa Solorio), and Tygen Billows (Brandon Williams); Lindsey Brett Carothers, Ryan Duncan, Scott Richard Foster, Jenny Hill, Nehal Joshi, J. Elaine Marcos, Rob Marnell, Jasmin Richardson, Ian Ward, and Tad Wilson.

     Gettin’ The Band Back Togetherhas original music and lyrics by Mark Allen and a book by Ken Davenport and The Grundleshotz with additional material by Sarah Saltzberg.

    Gettin’ The Band Back Togetheris produced by Ken Davenport, several individual and corporate producers, and two associate producers.

     Belasco Theater:      111 W. 44th St., Midtown West, 212-239-6200

    Category:                  Broadway,Musical

    Runtime:                   2 hrs. and 25 min.

    Scheduled Closing:   September 16

    For more information on the musical or for Free original cast recording, visitwww.GettinTheBandBackTogether.com

     Tickets forGettin’ The Band Back Togetherare on sale through www.Telecharge.com / (212) 239-6200. Group tickets are available atwww.YourBroadwayGenius.comor by calling 855-329-2932.

     Follow Gettin’ The Band Back Togetheron Twitter, Instagram, andFacebook: @GettinTheBand

     (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

  • Beautiful, fearless, confident, graceful Prachi Tehlan: Super Sportsperson, TV/ Cine Star

    Beautiful, fearless, confident, graceful Prachi Tehlan: Super Sportsperson, TV/ Cine Star

    By I.S. Saluja

    A shining name in sports and a rising TV and Cinema star, Prachi is a rare combination of many conflicting endowments. As a sportsperson, she developed physical strength, stamina and energy; and as a TV and film star she imbibed the soft aspects of physical beauty and grace.

    Prachi was in New York recently. One of her family friends, Mr. Rajeev Bhambri of India Abroad introduced her to me and Mr. Baldev Singh Grewal, publisher/editor of Sher-e-Panjab, the leading Punjabi weekly published from New York. We got together in a family setting at Mr. Grewal’s residence in East Meadow. It was a huge pleasure to find this eminent personality so affectionate and simple, with no attitude, characteristic of successful TV and film artists. She made herself comfortable on a sofa and was a delight to talk to. In her conversation, she was gracefully communicative. It was a pleasure to have her to speak to The Indian Panorama and Sher-e-Panjab. After she had left, Mr. Grewal’s wife and daughter in law commented that they had seen her on TV and were full of admiration for her acting prowess, and now that they had spent some time with her they will remember her as a fine person.

    Born in Delhi, Prachi shares her birthday with Father of Indian Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Sorry, we don’t divulge the age of a lady, particularly when she is in to entertainment industry.

    An imposing personality with a height of 5‟11 (a Charlie Chaplin will need a few raised steps to reach her face), Prachi is the former Captain of the Indian Netball Team which she led in Commonwealth Games 2010 held in Delhi and in other major Asian Championships in 2010-11. Indian team won its First Silver Medal in South Asian Beach Games under her Captaincy in 2011. For her feats, she is fondly known as “Queen of The Court” and “Lass of The Rings”. These are the titles given her by renowned publishing houses TOI and Indian Express.

    Prachi is Brand ambassador and mentor of Netball Development Trust- India.

    Here is a brief biography of the rising star in TV and cinema world.

    Graduated in B.com Hons from Delhi University- Jesus and Mary College and completed her MBA degree in Human Relations and Marketing from Indraprastha University, New Delhi.

    Worked on various projects with the Development Bank of Singapore, Deloitte, Accenture, Philips and 1800Sports.in as a consultant.

    Worked with Accenture on a major skill development project named UDAAN – Skills to Succeed for Mobilization, Training and Employment of youths from Jammu and Kashmir under National Skill Development Council, Delhi

    Currently working as an Actress and has won many accolades for her stellar performances in Star Plus TV Series Diya Aur Baati Hum as ‘Aarzoo‟ in a short span of time.

    Started her sports career with Basketball and played at National Level representing Delhi. Attended the Indian Camp thrice in 2004, in Cuttack, Orissa 2002-2007

    Played Indo-Singapore Series, 2010 held in Delhi& Noida, Won it by 5-0

    Captain of the team in 7th YouthAsia Championship, 2010 held in Delhi.

    Holds the distinction of being the Youngest Captain of the Indian Netball Team in Commonwealth Games 2010, held in Delhi

    Captain of the senior team to represent India in 6th Nation Cup, Singapore, 2010

    Captain of the senior team to represent India in South Asian Beach Games, 2011 in which the team got silver medal for the first time under her captaincy.

    Gold Medal in 54th National Games

    After having made her mark in sports, Prachi decided to go in for acting in TV serials and movies. She made her acting debut as an actor in the famous TV series Diya Aur Baati Hum on Star Plus. She played in it the role of “Arzoo”, famously known as “Mushtandi”. The serial became an instant hit and Prachi became with it a star.

    Prachi had a lead role as “Nimmy” in the Punjabi Film “Arjan” directed by Manduip Singh. Next came “Bailaras” in October 2017. It was directed by Kshitij Chaudhary.

    She will be seen in the lead role in a Malayalam film, due to be released in April 2019 with the megastar Mamoothy. She considers working with Mamoothy a golden opportunity and a challenging task.

    Prachi is in a lead role in “Ikyawann”, a Star Plus TV   which has been on air since November 13, 2017. She stars with Namish Taneja. Written by Manasvi Arya, the show is directed by Ismail Khan/Arshad Khan.

    Asked about her future plans, she said she had a long way to go. Asked about what films she enjoyed working in, she jumped to say it was the Punjabi films she enjoyed working in because Punjabis are so fun loving and straightforward.  Asked about her favorite Bollywood actor, she said she was a fan of Salman Khan. She added that Salman has a charisma and he can pull crowds which makes him a superstar. Asked if she would like to work with him, Prachi sighed and said, “wish I could”.

    With such luminous record in sports and a successful career in TV and films, it should not be a surprise that Prachi came to be profusely recognized and honored. She has many distinctions to be proud of.

    India won its First International Medal under her captaincy in South Asian Beach Games, 2011, Sri Lanka

    Youngest Captain to represent India in Netball in the Commonwealth Games 2010

    Awarded the Sports Women of the Year 2010 by Jesus and Mary College and recognized as a Sports Achiever in Delhi University Achievers List

    Was part of Short films made by Delhi Aaj Tak, Pragya T.V, Focus T.V, Living India by Ayur Group and NDTV. (2010, 2011 Subject of various articles published by leading newspapers, magazines and internet-

    NDTV (2011) featured her as one of the Top 10 Hottest Sports Women In India

    India Today (2010) featured her as one of the Top 10 Glamorous Faces Of Commonwealth Games-2010

    Sports Keeda (2010)

    Cupid Speaks (2010)

    Hindustan Times (2010)

    Times Of India (2010), article “Queen Of The Courts”

    Indian Express (2005), article “Lass Of The Rings”

    Chief Guest for various sports meets and social events (2010- present)

    Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Sports Meet (2010) with Sushil Kumar and Dhanraj Pillay

    Terry For Marathon with Satpal Singh and Mohammad Azaharuddin (2010)

    Guest at Limca Book of Records with Vijender Singh, Jwala Gutta, Gagan Narang, Mary Kom, Sushil Kumar, etc. (2011)

    Chal Leh Bhag Leh Sports Event, Deepalaya School Sports Meet (2011), Dev Samaj School Sports Meet (2012)

    KAPSONS for its Brand Promotion, Kirti Nagar, 2012

    Awarded the AAS and Aadhi Aabadi Women Achiever Award for excellence in the field of sports

    Just a few. There are many more. And many more are yet to come. The Indian Panorama wishes Prachi all success in whatever she undertakes to do, because she has the qualities, faculties and character to achieve even the seemingly unachievable.

  • VinnyFAMS Makes A Comeback

    VinnyFAMS Makes A Comeback

    To quote the great basketball player Michael Jordan, “I’m back.” Avid video game player and former #1 World Ranked player of the famous Call of Duty video game franchise, Vincent Famularo, has recently made his comeback in his own right. Mr. Famularo, aka VinnyFAMS, is getting back into the gaming scene. Turning his hobby into a career, Mr. Famularo regularly broadcasts videogames which he plays on the popular video streaming platform: Twitch. Providing both entertaining commentary with skilled gameplay, Mr. Famularo currently plays primarily “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4” and “Fortnite.”

    Follow Mr. Famularo’s Twitch at: https://www.twitch.tv/vinnyfams

    Follow his Twitter at: https://twitter.com/vinnyfams?lang=en

  • India’s “KATHAK” dance reigns in Queens, New York

    India’s “KATHAK” dance reigns in Queens, New York

    FLUSHING (TIP): “Fantastic, incredible, dynamic, outstanding, awesome, record-breaking, actually just beyond words.”  The applaud of the standing ovation grew louder and louder each time these words were uttered by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Harbachan Singh to describe the performance of the Kathak dancers at the end of their show by the Kathak group of dancers in Flushing New York at a crowded hall full of people including some from the Chinese community and the White Americans.  The audience was totally mesmerized.

    Ms. Malini Shah, President of the Indo-American Arts and Culture Forum, in her welcome speech, informed that this world-renounced team had flown to New York in connection with the 72ndAnniversary of the India’s independence day celebrations under the auspices of the Indian Council on Cultural Relations and that she was able to get the authorities to give an additional performance on in Queens, New York where there was a heavy concentration of  the Indian Diaspora.

    At the behest of Mr. Devendra Vora, INOC, USA Chapter President of Maharashtra and Mr. Piyush Patel, a community leader, astute lovers of the Kathak dance flocked to this rare treat event to watch this ancient fine art performance by such great artists.

    Awesome Kathak presentation

    In his opening remarks, Mr. Harbachan Singh explained thatKathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. The origin of Kathak is traditionally attributed to the traveling bards of ancient northern India known as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means “story”, and Kathaka which means “the one who tells a story”.

    He further explained that wandering Kathakars communicated stories from the great epics and ancient mythology through dance, songs and music.  Kathak dancers tell various stories through their hand movements and footwork, but most importantly through their facial expressions.”

    Ms. Promela Suri, President of the United Nations SPICE Indian Club observed that for the novice followers of classical dances the introductory instruction served to better understand each movement and realize the sentiments expounded so skillfully and artistically by each dancer.

    Awesome Kathak presentation

    At the conclusion, a major section of the audience stayed back and comingled with the performers and took pictures with them and complimented them personally.  All nine artists including the renounced musicians were presented with awards.  Mr. Devendra Vorah and Mr. Piyush Patel presented each artist a bouquet of flowers. The Consul General of India was represented by his Head of Chancery, Mr. Jaideep.

    (Press Release)

  • A Sterling Punjabi

    A Sterling Punjabi

    By BRP Bhaskar

    Kuldip Nayar was one of the young millions whose life was disrupted by Partition but rebuilt it and went on to make brilliant contributions in his chosen fields, starting with journalism. Devotion to the fine traditions of Punjab’s composite culture enabled him to overcome the bitterness of the early experience and become a lifelong advocate of India-Pakistan friendship and Hindu-Muslim amity.

    Journalism was Nayar’s first love. He had studied law before landing in Delhi as a refugee but started life as a reporter of an Urdu daily. One of the events he covered at that time was Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.

    After spending some years in the government’s public relations outfit, during which period he served as information officer to Home Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, he returned to active journalism as chief of the fledgling United News of India which big newspapers had launched to provide for competition in agency journalism.

    Once out of the government set-up, Kuldip Nayar was keen to follow the path of independent journalism. Since the colonial days, news agencies had limited political reporting to the coverage of briefings and speeches. He broke the self-imposed barrier and pioneered reporting of political developments based on information gathered informally, himself leading the effort.

    Morarji Desai believed that his chances of succeeding Jawaharlal Nehru were botched by Kuldip Nayar’s UNI report which said he had “thrown his hat in the ring”. Desai came under heavy criticism as Nehru’s body was lying in state at the time.

    Nayar, who was in Tashkent to cover for UNI the Indo-Pakistan summit hosted by Soviet Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin after the 1965 war and reported Shastri’s sudden death at midnight there just in time for the morning editions in India.

    After leaving UNI, he began a long innings in English print journalism, first as Resident Editor of The Statesman in Delhi and then as Editor of the Express News Service. He invited Indira Gandhi’s wrath by trying to mobilize public opinion against the Emergency, particularly the restrictions on the media, and was arrested and detained.

    After the Emergency there was a shift in gear which took him briefly into diplomacy and into Parliament.

    Matthew Arnold famously said journalism is literature in a hurry. To Kuldip Nayar, it was instant history. He took the earliest opportunity to put in book form many of the events to which he was a witness as a journalist. The title of his highly successful first book “Between the Lines” was also the title of a column with which he broke new ground. It was syndicated to a large number of newspapers in India and abroad, giving him a reach none of his contemporaries could claim. Many foreign publications turned to him for insights on Indian and South Asian developments.

    Human rights were one of Kuldip Nayar’s primary concerns. He often went beyond the confines of journalism and articulated them as an activist. He regularly led peace activists to the Wagah border to light candles on August 14 and 15 as Pakistan and India celebrated their Independence anniversaries.

    A staunch secularist, in the last four years, Kuldip Nayar repeatedly raised his voice against the organized attempts at communal polarization.

    Born in Sialkot in 1923. Began his career in journalism in Urdu press.

    Nayar was in Tashkent when Lal Bahadur Shastri died. Soon after midnight on January 11, 1966 when most newspapers in India had gone to bed, Nayar phoned in the flash to the United News of India.

    High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom in 1990 and Member of the Rajya Sabha in 1997

    Honored with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the eighth edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence awards for his contribution to the field of journalism in 2015

    Opposed the Defamation Bill introduced by the Centre in the late 1980s, seen as an attempt to contain free speech in India. It was later withdrawn by the Union government.

    Article titled ‘Immigrants or vote banks?’ was published in the Nagpur edition of the Lokmat Times on Thursday morning, hours after his death.

    (The author is a Senior journalist and Nayar’s former colleague)

  • Indian American comedian Hasan Minhaj adds to the current political and social issues

    Indian American comedian Hasan Minhaj adds to the current political and social issues

    NEW YORK(TIP): The reputed Indian American comedian was quoted saying in one of his events in India “he is not afraid to take “big swings”, and doesn’t think “log kya kahenge”, a Hindi phrase for “what will people say”.

    “I am very lucky. I am in an incredible privileged position as a comedian in America and we are given certain protection. Despite the problems that the country has, we are given these incredible privileges and protections,” Hasan said.

    “I know a lot of journalists, activists and performers around the world who don’t get that. So, I just feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I have,” Hasan said before the release of Lionsgate Films’ “The Spy Who Dumped Me” in India.

    He essays the role of Topher Duffer, a CIA Harvard alum in the movie — an action thriller, starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon in comical roles. “And because I have those opportunities, I want to take big swings. I want to say things that I really feel about,” he added when asked whether he thinks about the consequences before taking on big names on public platforms.

    After doing some gigs, Hasan got his big break when he became a part of “The Daily Show”. But he found worldwide fame with his “Homecoming King”, debuted Off-Broadway in October 2015. He then recorded a version of that show in January 2017 for his first Netflix special.

    Growing up in the US as a Muslim from Aligarh was a bumpy ride for Hasan. And he gave words to his story through “Homecoming King”, filled with anecdotes of his struggle searching for his identity.

    Hasan was also applauded for roasting Trump at White House Correspondents’ Dinner last April, an event Trump had refused to attend.

    He infuses a wide spectrum of issues to his stand-up acts, but says the content doesn’t stem from an angry space.

    “I just think in my performance style, I am not particularly angry. I try to come out from a really honest place. Even when people disagree with me (and express themselves) via internet comments or even in the streets, they are like ‘Look, I don’t agree with you or I don’t like the show, but I don’t dislike you. I see where you coming from’,” he says.

    “I can live with that and I think that is a far more nuanced way to have a dialogue, especially in these times,” Hasan adds.

    How does he look back at his struggle of finding a voice — and his own identity — in the country?

    “I think it is one of those things where, for the longest time, one of my goals was to make it as a simulation of American comedians. Just do everything you can to fit in and try to relate it to the audience,” said the star.

    Looking back, he said: “In ‘The Daily Show’, Jon Stewart and Trevor Noah really push you to say what is your perspective and what is your take…That is the unique thing. That is the thing which breaks the chat.

    “Once I realized that, I was like, ‘Oh, actually being generic, trying to play everybody, isn’t very good for comedy or storytelling’. So, I just doubled down to the things which I really believe in and are a part of my identity,” he said.

    Hasan wants to continue on the same path.

    “That is the most interesting thing. I think the best feeling which I have as a performer, when I share the project, is when people in the audience say, ‘I always felt that way’ or ‘Thank you for saying that’ or ‘You were able to put that in words’,” he says.

    “That means a lot to me. It is so cool that in the US comedian special I got to put the concept like ‘log kya kahenge’,” he adds.

     

  • Indian American singer Subhi to perform at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington Center on August 19

    Indian American singer Subhi to perform at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington Center on August 19

    CHICAGO(TIP): Indian American singer and songwriter Subhi will perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on August 19.

    The Chicago-based singer released her debut Hindi pop jazz album Shaitaan Dil last fall. The Millennium Stage performance is part of the musician’s four-city Northeastern tour, which includes stops in Long Island, NY; New York City and Baltimore.

    “I am thrilled to perform at Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage,” said Subhi, whose full name is Subhi Khanna Rangnekar, but uses only the first name in her artistic life. “This will be my first performance there. I will be performing some of my original compositions from my debut album. I will also be doing a few classic Bollywood jazz covers.”

    Subhi’s upcoming performances and venues

    August 16, 2018 Mint Lounge, Long Island, NY
    August 17, 2018 Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2, New York City
    August 18, 2018 An Die Musik, Baltimore
    August 19, 2018 Kennedy Center: Millennium Stage, Washington, DC

    Subhi moved to New York from Delhi when she was 15. Her first musical venture was working as a music assistant to Indian American filmmaker Mira Nair, on Monsoon Wedding: Musical, a Broadway show.

    After working as a songwriter, lyricist and vocalist for an independent feature film, in June 2013, she returned to India — this time to Mumbai — to compose music for the Bollywood film Take it Easy.

    Subhi and the New York-based reggae singer StyleBhai also composed the promo song of the film Kaun Kitne Paane Mein, directed by Nila Madhab Pandav, a national award-winning filmmaker.

    Subhi has a master’s degree in film and media studies from The New School in New York.

  • Vickyy Kohhli completed first Kahaniyan Show in NJ

    Vickyy Kohhli completed first Kahaniyan Show in NJ

    NEW JERSEY(TIP): Philadelphia based Bollywood Singer/Songwriter Vickyy Kohhli who is coming with new music album KAHANIYAAN did a grand rock concert in New Jersey to promote his new song.

    Various community leaders, like Rajeev Bhambri from 8K miles media and India Abroad, Sunil Hali Exec. Director Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC), Col. Virendra Tavathia and Seema Jagtiani from Shradhaa Foundation came to grace the occasion. Talking to media, Vickyy said this is the first show of multi-city tour he has planned to do within USA to promote his new song. He said this is the most direct way and efficient way of marketing his song just like old days rock bands used to do in America. The show was a great success and guests had a great time dancing to Bollywood tunes, Punjabi Challa and Jugni in Vickyy’s own Rock style as well as Vickyy’s original songs including KAHANIYAAN which has great potential to be the next hit song.

    (Based on a press release)

  • Broadway’s STRAIGHT WHITE MEN (Play)

    Broadway’s STRAIGHT WHITE MEN (Play)

    By Mabel Pais

    “I’m always supposed to make what I’m not comfortable with” – Young Jean Lee

    “Fascinating! A compassionate and stimulating new play written and directed by the ever-audacious Young Jean Lee” –The New York Times

    ”Young Jean Lee is Transforming Broadway… (she) shakes up Broadway with Straight White Men” – O Magazine

     

    ABOUT SECOND STAGE THEATER

    Under the artistic direction of Carole Rothman, SECOND STAGE THEATER produces a diverse range of premieres and new interpretations of America’s best contemporary theater by living American playwrights, including 2015 Pulitzer Prize winner Between Riverside and Crazyby Stephen Adly Guirgis; 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner Next to Normalby Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey;

    2012 Pulitzer Prize winner Water by the Spoonfulby Quiara Alegria Hudes;among many others.

    The company’s more than 130 citations include, over the last 16 years, about 13 Tony Awards in several categories, 20 Lucille Lortel Awards, 30 Obie Awards, 8 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 3 Clarence Derwent Awards, 13 Drama Desk Awards, 9 Theatre World Awards, the Drama Critics Circle Award and 23 AUDELCO Awards.

    SECOND STAGE THEATER ON BROADWAY

    Second Stage Theater purchased the historic Helen Hayes Theater, located at 240 W. 44th Street, in 2015 and has enlisted David Rockwell and The Rockwell Group to make renovations and updates to the 104 year old landmark building. The company will continue to lease and operate the McGinn/Cazale Theater on the city’s Upper West Side and The Tony Kiser Theater in Midtown Manhattan.

    In addition to Straight White Men, Second Stage Theater’s inaugural Broadway season included the Broadway Premiere of Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero, directed by Trip Cullman and featuring Michael Cera, Chris Evans, Brian Tyree Henry, and Bel Powley, which recently completed its limited engagement run on May 13, 2018.

    This inaugural season kicks off Second Stage’s mission of creating and building a permanent home on Broadway dedicated exclusively to American plays and living American playwrights.

    Second Stage Theater is investing in its future on Broadway by co-commissioning established playwrights through its STAGE-2-STAGE program, launched with Los Angeles’s Center Theatre Group (CTG). This ongoing program will provide a pathway to Broadway, with each play receiving an initial production in Los Angeles at one of CTG’s three theaters before moving to New York. The commissioned playwrights are Jon Robin Baitz, Lisa D’Amour, Will Eno, Lisa Kron, Young Jean Lee, Lynn Nottage, and Paula Vogel.

    Second Stage Theater is also co-commissioning a new work from Bess Wohl for Broadway, through a partnership with the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and new works for Broadway from Lydia R. Diamond and Dominique Morisseau, which will be developed in association with Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theater.

    SECOND STAGE THEATER OFF-BROADWAY

    Second Stage Theater’s current season at The Tony Kiser Theater includes the New York premiere of Tracy Letts’ Mary Page Marlowe, directed by Lila Neugebauer currently in previews.

    In 1999, Second Stage Theater opened The Tony Kiser Theater, its state-of-the-art, 296-seat theater, designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. In 2002, Second Stage launched “Second Stage Theater Uptown” series to showcase the work of up-and-coming artists at the McGinn/Cazale Theater.

    The Theater supports artists through several programs that include residencies, fellowships and commissions, and engages students and community members through education and outreach programs.

    For more information, visit www.2ST.com

    Straight White Men” poster – (left) Young Jean Lee, (right) Anna D. Shapiro
    Photo / Joan Marcus

    Second Stage Theater(Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Casey Reitz, Executive Director) presents Young Jean Lee’s dark comedy, STRAIGHT WHITE MEN, directed by Anna D. Shapiro.

    The production features Kate Bornstein, Josh Charles, Ty Defoe, Armie Hammer, Stephen Payne and Paul Schneider. Ms. Bornstein, Mr. Charles, Mr. Defoe, Mr. Hammer and Mr. Schneider are all making their Broadway debuts with this production.

     The pre-show music is deafening….. deliberately.  It may also be the first time a Broadway audience is greeted with loud, explicit female rap music as they walk to their seats.

    (l to r): Stephen Payne, Josh Charles, Armie Hammer & Paul Schneider
    Photo / Joan Marcus

    Before the play begins, and as soon as the lights dim, a curtain speech is made by two charmingly dressed “persons in charge” — Kate Bornstein who defines herself as a “non-binary” (neither man nor woman) and Ty Defoe, a member of the Oneida and Ojibwe nations who defines himself as “transcending gender.”  They take the stage to apologize for any discomfort the music might have caused.  “Kate and I are well aware that it can be upsetting when people create an environment that doesn’t take your needs into account,” Mr. Defoe says, tongue in cheek.

    When the play opens, it’s Christmas Eve, and Ed has gathered his three adult sons to celebrate with matching pajamas, over board games, trash talking, and Chinese takeout. But when a question they can’t answer interrupts their holiday cheer, they are forced to confront their own identities.

    Obie Award-winning playwright Young Jean Lee takes a hilariously ruthless look at the classic American father-son drama. This is one white Christmas like you’ve never seen before.

    About Young Jean Lee

    With STRAIGHT WHITE MEN, playwright Young Jean Lee becomes the first Asian-American female playwright to be produced on Broadway.

    Lee has garnered a reputation for creating theatre that is bold, adventurous, and singularly boundary defying. “I’m always supposed to make what I’m not comfortable with,” says Lee.  She cares deeply both about her audience’s experience as well as the challenge of wanting to write impossible plays.

    She is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, two Obie Awards, a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, a Prize in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a PEN Literary Award and a United States Artists Fellowship.

    She is currently working on a Broadway commission for Second Stage with Center Theatre Group.

    About Anna D. Shapiro

    Anna D. Shapiro is making her Second Stage directorial debut with this production. The Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, Ms. Shapiro won the 2008 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Awards for her direction of August: Osage County (play by Tracy Letts).

    In addition, she has several Broadway and Off-Broadway credits. She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and Columbia College, the recipient of a 1996 Princess Grace Award, as well as the 2010 Princess Grace Statue Award.  Shapiro is the Marjorie Hoffman-Hagan Chair in Theatre at Northwestern University.

    STRAIGHT WHITE MEN features scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Suttirat Larlarb, lighting design by Donald Holder, sound design by M.L. Dogg, choreography by Faye Driscoll and casting by Telsey + Company.

    For more information on the show, package prices, membership rates and for tickets, visit www. 2st.com or Telecharge.com, or call Telecharge at 212-239-6200.

     Location:  Helen Hayes Theater, 240 W. 44th St., Midtown West, 212-239-6200, 2st.com

    Genre:      Broadway,Comedy/Drama, Play

    Runtime:   1 hr. and 30 min.

    Credits:    Written by Young Jean Lee; Directed by Anna D. Shapiro

    Cast:         Kate Bornstein, Josh Charles, Ty Defoe, Armie Hammer, Paul

                     Schneider and Stephen Payne

    Starts:      June 30, 2018

    Closes:      Sept. 9, 2018

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

  • G4C 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL: SPECIAL PROCLAMATION FROM NYC MAYOR

    G4C 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL: SPECIAL PROCLAMATION FROM NYC MAYOR

    By Mabel Pais

    About Games for Change

    Since 2004,Games for Change(G4C) has been empowering game creators and innovators to drive real-world change, using games that help people to learn, improve their communities, and contribute to make the world a better place. G4C partners with technology and gaming companies as well as nonprofits, foundations and government agencies, to run world class events, public arcades, design challenges and youth programs. G4C supports a global community of game developers working to use games to tackle real-world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education.

    About Parsons School of Design

    Parsons School of Design is one of the world’s leading institutions for art and design education. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of art and design disciplines. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. Parsons graduates are leaders in their fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century.www.newschool.edu/parsons/

     “For 15 years, Games for Changehas encouraged the top minds in tech to develop digital games that can bring about positive social change”– Mayor de Blasio

     “Life is Strange: Before the Storm” Wins Big at Games for Change Awards Ceremony with Two Honors, Including Game of the Year;

     The Games for Change (G4C) Festival for the 15thyear had its three day-long programming, June 28-30, 2018, at the Parsons School of Design, at the New School University, New York, with a special proclamation from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, declaring June 28 as “Games for Change Day.”  It was enthusiastically attended each day by at least 300 guests.

    By exploring the challenges faced by refugees, LGBTQ youth, children with autism, people suffering from mental illness, and much more, the games and presentations featured at the Games for Change festival over the last fifteen years have promoted equality, understanding, and inclusivity by giving players the opportunity to experience reality from a different point of view.

     “For 15 years, Games for Changehas encouraged the top minds in tech to develop digital games that can bring about positive social change,” said Mayor de Blasio in the Proclamation. “I am proud to join with all those gathered here to applaud G4C, all of this year’s award winners, and everyone participating in the festival for their commitment to forging a better tomorrow for us all.”

    Day 1 of the Festival also featured the Games for ChangeAwards ceremony, which honored games in the following categories: Best Gameplay, Most Innovative, Most Significant Impact and Best Learning Game, and Game of the Year. The winners announced were:

    • BEST GAMEPLAY (Honoring the games with highly compelling and engaging gameplay whose game mechanics align with and reinforce impact goals.)

    WINNER: What Remains of Edith Finch(Developed byGiant Sparrow)

    What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of strange tales about a family in Washington State. As Edith, you’ll explore the colossal Finch house, searching for stories as she explores her family history and tries to figure out why she’s the last one in her family left alive.

    • MOST INNOVATIVE (Honoring the games that demonstrate creativity and aspire to bring new ideas through unique game design, technology and/or audiences. These games embrace experimentation to break conventions of form or concept in a manner that may pave new ways for the sector.)

    WINNER: Tree(Developed byNew Reality Company)

    Tree transforms you into a majestic rainforest tree. With your arms as branches and body as a trunk, you’ll experience the tree’s life from a seedling to its fullest form and witness its fate firsthand. 

    • MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (Honoring the games that target a specific social issue with proven actions/outcomes like awareness, civic learning, community building, or behavior change.)

    WINNER:Life is Strange: Before the Storm(Developed byDeck Nine Games)

    • BEST LEARNING GAME [Honoring the games that offer meaningful engagement around intended learning objectives with measurable outcomes. Examples of types of learning include cognitive skills (academic subjects, memory), social/emotional skills (empathy, bullying), physical health (movement, nutrition), and creative well-being.]

    WINNER: Attentat 1942(Developed byCharles University, Czech Academy of Sciences)

    Attentat 1942 is a unique game that tells the story of Nazi occupation from the perspective of those who experienced it firsthand. The game is built on dialogues with survivors, interactive comics, and authentic historical footage. Speak to eyewitnesses, live their memories, and discover the untold story of your family.

    • GAME OF THE YEAR (Honoring the exemplary game that achieves all three dimensions: impact, innovation and gameplay)

    WINNER:Life is Strange: Before the Storm(Developed byDeck Nine Games)

    Life is Strange: Before the Storm features Chloe Price, a 16 year-old rebel who forms an unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber, a popular girl destined for success. When Rachel’s world is turned upside down by a family secret they give each other the strength to overcome their demons.

    • THE GAMES FOR CHANGE x POLYGON PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

    WINNER:Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice(Developed byNinja Theory)

    Set in the Viking age, a broken Celtic warrior embarks on a haunting vision quest into Viking Hell to fight for the soul of her dead lover. Created in collaboration with neuroscientists and people who experience psychosis, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will pull you deep into Senua’s mind.

    Katie Salen (University of California, Irvine; Chief Designer and co-founder of Connected Camps and founding Executive Director of Institute of Play) who gave a keynote presentation that explored a play-based approach to raising socially and emotionally aware gamers, was presented with the Games for Change Vanguard Awardfor her commitment to games with social impact.

    G4C 2018 Festival Team
    (Left to Right): Kai Falkenberg, NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment
    Susanna Pollack, President of Games for Change
    Asi Burak, Chairman, Games for Change
    Suzanne Seggerman, Co-Founder, Games for Change
    Ben Stokes, Co-Founder, Games for Change
    Barry Joseph, Co-Founder, Games for Change

    This year, Games for Change launched a CharityBuzz campaign, with bidding lots that include: Lunch with Dr. Adam Gazzaleyand a tour of the Neuroscape Lab in San Francisco; Meet with speaker Prof. Aorangi Popovicand Visit the Center for Game Science in Seattle; Meet speaker Dan Ayoub, Tour & Private Demo at the Microsoft Holocene Lab; Meet Maxime Durand, Chief Historian of Assassin’s Creed & Tour the Ubisoft HQ in Montreal; VIP Tour of Ubisoft in San Francisco, Lunch, Guitar Lesson and Hotel & Airfare. The campaign is open until Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 3:00 PM EST.

    Festival attendees were treated to a slate of presentations by industry leaders in the Festival’s three focused tracks: Neurograming & Health, Civics & Social Issues and Games for Learning. The keynote speakers included, Rajesh Anandan(Senior Vice President UNICEF Ventures, UNICEF USA), Adam Bellow(Co-Founder, Breakout EDU), Robert Torres, (Chief Strategy Officer, Teach the World Foundation), Katie Salen, (2018 Games for Change Vanguard Award recipient), Maxime Durand (Franchise Historian for Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft Montreal), Marc-Andre Ethier(Professor, Universite de Montreal), and Kate Edwards(CEO & Principal Consultant, Geogrify.)

    The G4C Festival continued on Friday, June 29 and on Saturday, June 30 with the XR for Change Summit.

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

  • Telugu actresses lured to Chicago in high-end prostitution scheme, feds charge

    Telugu actresses lured to Chicago in high-end prostitution scheme, feds charge

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): At least five Telugu actresses were allegedly lured into prostitution in the U.S., by an undocumented Indian American couple, according to an indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois last week.

    Recently unsealed federal charges accuse a Chicago couple of Indian descent of running a high-end prostitution ring to lure actresses from Tollywood — a nickname for the lively Telugu-language film scene in southern India — to the U.S. and advertise them for sex at Indian conferences and cultural events across the country.

    While here on temporary visas, at least five actresses were sometimes forced to stay in a dingy, two-story apartment building in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood waiting for their next “date,” the charges alleged. They also met clients in hotels at conferences in Dallas, New Jersey and Washington.

    The prostitution scheme was allegedly masterminded by Kishan Modugumudi, 34, an Indian businessman who rose to become a player in the Tollywood movie industry and co-produced several hit films.

    Here are the incriminating details that came to the fore which helped blow the lid on the scam.

    The accused, Kishan Modugumudi and Chandrakala Modugumudi, both natives of Hyderabad but illegally living in the US, took Tollywood actresses and models to USA in the name of various conferences and ‘star nights’ but conducted a prostitution racket instead

    Tollywood actresses, models and anchors were taken on B1 and B2 visitor visas to USA. The accused collected $1,000 to $3,000 for ‘one-time’ sex with the actresses. At least 76 airline tickets were purchased from November 8, 2016 to November 29, 2017. Most bookings were made at Comfort Suites in Schiller Park, Illinois in the name of Kishan and Vebha

    Kishan Modugumudi – also known as Sreeraj Chennuppati – and his wife, Chandrakala Purnima Modugumudi, were arrested on April 30, and charged with several counts of “importation of aliens for prostitution.” The couple is currently in detention with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Illinois. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 9.

    Federal agents retrieved text messages from Kishan Modugumudi’s cell phones that contained conversations between him and customers. One of the victims reached US to attend Telugu Association of Southern California (TASC) star night event in California on Nov 8, 2017. But she reached two days after the event and travelled to Chicago, raising suspicions of the Homeland Security Investigations. On probe, the victim said she came to attend another conference of North America Telugu Society (NATS) held in Schaumburg, Illinois, on November 25, 2017.

    According to the 42-page indictment, Kishan Modugumudi, who promoted himself as a Tollywood agent, and his wife bought airline tickets for the five victims – at various times – on the premise that they would be performing at Telugu and other Indian American conferences. The Modugumudis allegedly housed the young women at their Chicago home and area hotels, and held their passports, rendering the victims virtual captives.

    The women were then ordered to perform sex on men who arranged the transactions by text message with the Modugumudis, according to the indictment. Several chats were displayed as evidence in the indictment, which portrayed customers haggling over prices and choice of woman.

    Customers paid anywhere from $800 to $3,000 to have sex with the would-be actresses, the indictment alleged, adding that Modugumudi would text customers photos of the women, and customers would specify whom they wanted. In one such exchange documented in the indictment, a customer asked the pimp for the woman he had sex with “last time” for $800 but Modugumudi said he could only send the woman for $2,500.

    “I’m not rich. I can’t effort (sic) thousands of dollars,” replied the john, but Modugumudi haggled him down to $2,000, according to the indictment document.

    After the encounter, the actress would allegedly text Chandrakala, also known as Vibha or Vebha, to let her know the type of encounter. In one such text documented in the indictment, a woman reported that she had given her customer “a blow job on le.” “But he was very happy,” she texted, and Vibha sent her a “thumbs up” emoticon, according to the document.

    The actresses were not named, but simply referred to as Victims A, B, C, D, and E. In the first case, Victim A arrived in Chicago on a tourist visa Nov. 20, and said she was being honored by the Telugu Association of Southern California on Nov. 18, according to the indictment. Her visa indicated she was an actress.

    But immigration agents became suspicious when she landed in Chicago, rather than Southern California, two days after the purported event. Victim A then allegedly she was coming for a different conference hosted by the North American Telugu Society on Nov. 25, 2017. Both NATS and TASC told federal agents no such conferences were planned on those dates.

    Another young Indian actress arrived at O’Hare International Airport last Christmas Eve on a flight from Abu Dhabi. Carrying a temporary visa, she told customs agents she had come to the U.S. to attend an Indian association event at the behest of her manager and would be staying only a couple weeks.

    Around that time, a news story on the Web site indiaglitz alleged that the Modugumudis – who are well-known in Southern India – were running a prostitution racket in the U.S. Victim A was questioned by federal authorities again on Dec. 25, 2017, when she said she was headed to Irving, Texas, to perform at a New Year’s Eve celebration. According to the indictment, she admitted that during her previous time in the U.S., Kishan Modugumudi, who is also known as Raju, had arranged for her to be engaged in prostitution. Victim A told agents that she did not actually engage in prostitution but “met with customers for 30 minutes and had a conversation.”

    But text messages indicated she told Vibha which customers were “good tippers.” Vibha reminded her that she should bathe between encounters, according to the indictment document. In one text message, Victim A told Vibha that she “did it.” She later told federal agents that Kishan had threatened her, saying he would harm her and her family if she did not continue, or if she told anyone. She allegedly was not allowed to leave the couple’s home.

    Victims B, C, D, and E all related similar stories of being lured by false promises of performing at a show. Vibha kept track of each encounter and allegedly paid out $1,000 for each purported show. According to the indictment, one customer later explained to federal agents that Vibha was known in the Telugu community as “one of the women to go to or contact regarding having sex with actresses.”

    (Source: DOJ)

  • Much awaited SANJU Opens on June 29

    Much awaited SANJU Opens on June 29

    NEW YORK(TIP): Few lives in our times are as dramatic and enigmatic as the saga of Sanjay Dutt. Coming from a family of cinema legends, he himself became a film star, and then saw dizzying heights and darkest depths: adulation of diehard fans, unending battles with various addictions, brushes with the underworld, prison terms, loss of loved ones, and the haunting speculation that he might or might not be a terrorist. Sanju is in turns a hilarious and heartbreaking exploration of one man’s battle against his own wild self and the formidable external forces trying to crush him. It depicts the journey of a man through everything that life can throw at him. Some true stories leave you thinking “did this really happen?” This is one such unbelievable story that happens to be true.

    Director:Rajkumar Hirani

    Cast:Ranbir Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Vicky Kaushal, Jim Sarbh and Boman Irani.

  • Theater : Half Time, the Musical-From Paper Mill Playhouse

    Theater : Half Time, the Musical-From Paper Mill Playhouse

    By Mabel Pais

    “(It’s an) uplifting musical (with) lovable characters, an emotional heart, rousing tunes and some astonishing dance moves performed by a multi-talented, multi-generational company” – Mark S. Hoebee, Artistic Director

    “Age doesn’t matter unless you’re cheese!” –  Dori Berinstein, film maker

    One Remarkable Dance Team. One Big Chance.

    One Small Twist…You’ve Got to Be Over 60!

     Half Time, a new musical,wraps another remarkable season of Paper Mill Playhouse!

    This East Coast premiere of Half Time, presented by Paper Mill Playhouse of Millburn, NJ, of the new “uplifting musical has something to delight everyone: lovable characters, an emotional heart, rousing tunes and some astonishing dance moves performed by a multi-talented, multi-generational company,” remarks Mark S. Hoebee.

    Half Timeis inspired by the documentary film Gotta Dance, directed, written and produced by Dori Berinstein andis based on a true New Jersey story. Half Time’sall-star cast tell the uplifting true story of ten New Jersey seniors with extraordinary dreams.

    With book by Bob Martinand Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjaminand additional music by Marvin Hamlischand Ester Dean,HalfTimeis produced in association with Dori Berinsteinand Bill Damaschke.

    Half Time is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchelland co-choreographed by Nick Kenkelwith music direction by Charlie Alterman. The cast features five-timeEmmy nominee Georgia Engel(“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,”The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony and Emmy Award winner Lillias White(The Life, “Sesame Street”) along withAndré De Shields (The Wiz, The Full Monty, Ain’t Misbehavin’) and Tony award winner and Broadway legend Donna McKechnie (A ChorusLine).

    The cast of Seniors with their younger coaches

    Jersey seniors, and determined dreamers, who audition to dance at halftimefor a major basketball team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60. Only after making the cut do they learn they won’t be dancing tap, salsa or swing—instead, they will bring down the house with a style that is entirely new to them: hip-hop.

    The Hip Hop team makes progress in hip-hop moves
    The Hip Hop Half Time team
    Photos/ Jerry Dalia.

    Take the uplifting journey with these dreamers—and the young coaches who inspire them along the way—as they battle self-doubt, stereotypes and even each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans. Together they remind us that in life, when the odds are stacked against you and the challenges seem too great to overcome, it’s not the end of the game—it’s Half Time.

    ” Age doesn’t matter unless you’re cheese!  Grab life…. dive in and go for it… no matter the obstacles or challenges that are standing in your way,” believes Dori Berinstein.

    The Hip Hop team gets coached in hip-hop moves

    Half Timegoes behind the routines of the senior dreamers to reveal the realistic inner workings of each character and the very touching stories of their personal and family lives.

    The principal cast features André De Shieldsas Ron,Georgia Engelas Dorothy/Dottie, Donna McKechnieas Joanne, Lillias Whiteas Bea, who are joined by Haven Burtonas Tara, Lori Tan Chinnas Mae,Nkeki Obi-Melekweas Kendra,Nancy Ticotinas Camilla, Madeleine Dohertyas Estelle, Tracy Jai Edwardsas Alison Prager, Mary Claire Kingas Jenny, Lenora Nemetzas Fran, and Kay Walbyeas Muriel.

    Rounding out the cast are Alexander Aguilar, Ken Ard,Sydni Beaudoin, Tami Dahbura, Paula DeLuise, Gabriela Garcia, Talya Groves, Kathryn Kendall, Valton Jackson, Summerisa Bell Stevens, Garrett Turner and Gayle Turner.

    For a sneak peak at Half Time, visit

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0O5Z6Zbdvg and

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q-GQRw1n4o

    Paper Mill Playhouse hosted an online social contest, “Generations,” The Half Time Dance Contestto promote their production of Half Time, the new musical about not acting your age. Participants were required to film a video of multiple generations of their family dancing to whatever music moves them. Contestants uploaded their videos to the contest site https://a.cstmapp.com/p/25418?lc=eng followed by a public voting period from Friday, May 25 until Friday, June 8. Winners were announced on Monday, June 11, 2018.

    PRIZES Awarded

    First Place Winners: The Stein Family received

    Tickets for four to opening night of Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

    Four passes to opening night cast party for Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

    Photo of the winning group on the red carpet on opening night of Half Time, and

    A 2018-2019 season subscription for four for Paper Mill’s new season.

    Second Place Winners:  The Howitz Familyreceived

    Tickets for three to opening night of Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

    Three passes to opening night cast party for Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm), and

    Photo of the group on the red carpet on opening night of Half Time.

    Third Place Winners: The Wenson Family received

    Tickets for two to opening night of Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm),

    Two passes to opening night cast party for Half Timeat Paper Mill Playhouse (June 12, 7pm), and

    Photo of the group on the red carpet on opening night of Half Time.

    Fourth Place: The Stefanelli Family and Fifth Place: The Morcilio Family, each received

    Two tickets to a performance of Half Time(June 27 to July 1).

    Accessibility Performances for Half Time

    Paper Mill Playhouse, a leader in accessibility, will offer audio-described performances for Half Time on Sunday, June 24, at 1:30pmand Saturday, June 30, at 1:30pm.Prior to these performances at noon, the theater will offer free sensory seminars. Sensory seminars offer an opportunity for patrons with vision loss to hear a live, in-depth description of the production elements of the show and hands-on interaction with key sets, props, and costumes.  There will be a sign-interpreted and open-captioned performance on Sunday, July 1, at 7:00pm.

    Free Audience Enrichment Activities for Half Time

    Conversation Club: Join Paper Mill Playhouse’s Education team on Thursday, June 21 evening, one hour before curtain for an informal, informative gathering. You’ll learn more about the performance you’re about to see.

    Q&A with the Cast:After the matinee on Saturday, June 30, stick around for a lively Q&A with cast members directly following the performance.

    HalfTimeopened on June 12.  Performances continue untilSunday, July 1, 2018at Paper Mill Playhouse at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, NJ.

    To learn more about the musical or get tickets, visit https://papermill.org/show/half-time/

    For more information on Paper Mill Playhouse, visit www.papermill.orgor the box office or call 973.376.4343.

    Monday– Saturday: 10:00AM–6:00PM
    Sunday: 12:00PM–6:00PM

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality.)

  • Salman Khan among 5 Bollywood stars sued for ‘million-dollar breach’ in US

    Salman Khan among 5 Bollywood stars sued for ‘million-dollar breach’ in US

    The Chicago-based Vibrant Media Group in its lawsuit against the Bollywood artists, their agents alleged ‘breach of contract’.

    NEW YORK(TIP): Superstar Salman Khan and a host of other Bollywood artists including Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha, Ranveer Singh and Prabhu Deva have been sued by an Indian-American promoter, which alleged that they refused to perform at a concert in the US despite having taken money from it.

    The Vibrant Media Group in its lawsuit against the Bollywood artists and their agents Matrix India Entertainment Consultants Private Limited and Yashraj Films Private Limited alleged “breach of contract”.

    According to the complaint, in 2013 the Vibrant Media Group had hired the artists to appear live and perform at the concert ‘Celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema’, which was to be held on September 1, 2013.

    The show had to be cancelled as Salman Khan was unable to leave India due to legal troubles in Rajasthan. The Vibrant Media Group had agreed to postpone the event, the lawsuit said.

    The Vibrant Media Group, according to the lawsuit, recently learned that Salman Khan and the other artists, instead of keeping their promise or even offer to return the deposits they had received for the performance, had agreed to perform with another promoter.

    “All calls to Mr Khan, his agents, and other artists, for the return of the funds have gone unanswered,” the group said as it sought damages of at least USD 1 million.

    According to the complaint, Vibrant Media paid more than USD 200,000 to Salman Khan in advance of the concert to be held at the Sears Centre in Chicago on September 1.

    Katrina Kaif was paid USD 40,000 and Sonakshi Sinha USD 36,000. None of these funds have been returned, it alleged.

    The lawsuit, filed by Chicago-based Vibrant Media Group before a Northern District Court of Illinois, Eastern Division on June 10, has been assigned to District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman.

    Others sued by the promoter include superstar Akshay Kumar besides singers Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Usha Mangeshkar.

    (Source: Deccan Chronicle)

     

  • UP Association’s Annual Hasya Kavi Sammelan with geet and gazal a great success

    UP Association’s Annual Hasya Kavi Sammelan with geet and gazal a great success

    CHICAGO, IL(TIP): The Uttar Pradesh Association of Greater Chicago (UPA) held its annual Hindi Hasya Kavi Sammelan on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Ashiyana banquet hall in Downers Grove, Illinois

    The Sammelan was a huge success with over 400 plus guests attending the program from all over Chicagoland and neighboring areas.

    This is a signature event of UP Association which is organized every year in close collaboration with International Hindi Association (IHA). UPA is the only organization that organizes this very popular Kavi Sammelan every year and brings acclaimed poets from India to promote and celebrate richness of our motherland language through kavi sammelan.

    Three famous poets, Mr. Sarvesh Asthana, Mr. Gaurav Sharma and Dr. Sonroopa Vishal, currently on tour of Unites States and Canada, entertained audience with hasya, vyang and geet. The Kavis’ were a perfect combination- where Mr. Asthana’s comic poetry and Sharma’s two liner comic poetry kept the audience roaring in laughter, at the same time, Dr. Vishal’s geet and Gazals mesmerized the audience with her melodious voice. The performances by three poets were outstanding and the hall echoed with loud laughter and clapping with great hasya and satire poems presented by Mr. Ashthana and Mr. Sharma. Dr. Vishal’s geet/gazals on love and family relationship and importance of women in shaping our society filled our hearts with pride and she received standing ovation. Overall, combinations of three poets was well appreciated by the audience. Mr. Asthana presided over the kavi sammelan with his unique and impressive style of poetry presentation.

    The Sammelan started with welcome remarks by Dr. Subhash Pandey, who is Chairman for the Board of Trustees of the Association. He said that we are pleased to have three honorable poets from India and he emphasized that poets with his or her power of writing contribute greatly to shape our culture and heritage. He highlighted the Association’s history and accomplishments to the audience and thanked them for constant support. Dr. Pandey said that UP Association since its inception has engaged in promoting Hindi by organizing the several successful Kavi Sammelan. He then introduced poets one by one and highlighted the accomplishments of each poets and their popularity in India. He also highlighted many recent accomplishments, thanked immediate past president of UPA, Mr. Vivek Varma and his team for their dedication and an outstanding service. He then introduced and welcomed newly elected president Mrs. Taruna Gupta, who have been associated with UPA for last several years. Mrs. Gupta gave her warm welcome to guests, visiting poets and audience. She thanked organization for giving this opportunity to serve Indian community of Chicago in promoting Indian culture and most importantly UP state of India. Dr. Pandey also introduced and welcomed all newly elected members of executive committee and board of trustees. Dr. Pandey also invited guest of honor, Mr. OP Meena, Consul and head of chancery, Chicago Indian Consulate General office for his remarks on this occasion. Mr. Meena appreciated association’s outstanding work in promoting Hindi and also welcomed visiting poets from India. He also announced the plan of consulate for the celebration of international Yoga day on June 16th, 2018 at Millennium park and invited everyone to attend.

    A view of the audience

    A large number of audience attended this year’s Hasya Kavi Sammelan that focused on geet and gazals. Refreshments consisted of delicious snacks with hot tea that were served during the intermission by Ashiyana banquets. On behalf of UPA, Dr. Subhash Pandey thanked Mr. Surendra Jain, owner of Ashiyana banquets, for the delicious food and his support. His service was greatly appreciated by everyone who attended the program. Dr. Pandey also thanked the media personnel particularly Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Asian media USA, for his superb service of the Indian community. He also thanked Ms. Vandana Jhingan for her service to community and covering the event for TV Asia and Mr. Jatinder Bedi of Hello NRI for his support. The Association’s outgoing President Mr. Vivek Varma thanked the poets, audience, committee members, board of trustees and volunteers to make this program a great success. The memorable night ended with presenting the poets with small gift of appreciation by the guest of honor, Mr. OP Meena and office bearers of UP association.

    As quoted by Dr. Subhash Pandey, “The credit of grand success of Kavi Sammelan goes to the immense talent of Kavis’ who kept the audience glued to their chairs and engaged for four hours and also the hard work and dedication of the U.P Association’s executive Committee and board of trustees who worked tirelessly for the program”.

    As quoted by Mrs. Taruna Gupta, “We are very pleased with the interest and positive feedback from audience about the program and the credit of success goes to all the attendees for coming and showing their support for our Indian Culture and love for Hind language”

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)

  • Paper Mill Playhouse Hosts Rising Star Awards: 2 Indian American students honored

    Paper Mill Playhouse Hosts Rising Star Awards: 2 Indian American students honored

    By Mabel Pais

    “We are very excited to celebrate excellence in high school musical theater with the students of New Jersey”

    –  Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse’s Producing Artistic Director

    “We consistently hear from top-tier colleges and casting directors that a Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award is a significant accolade for an aspiring theater artist”

     – Lisa Cooney, Paper Mill’s Director of Education

    Since their inception in 1996, the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre have ignited the careers of many notable performers, all of whom attended high school in New Jersey.  Among the early nominees and winners are Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables), Tony Award winners Laura Benanti (Gypsy) and Nikki M. James (The Book of Mormon), Tony nominee Rob McClure (Chaplin), Shanice Williams, star of NBC’s The Wiz Live! and Olivier Award nominee Jared Gertner (The Book of Mormon).

    This year Union High School took the prize for Outstanding Overall Production.

    Indian American students recognized for the role of Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role were Mira Mookerjee of Moorestown High School as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine in Kiss Me, Kate; and Rakesh Potluri of Princeton Day School as Assistant Lighting Designer/Master Electrician in Bat Boy The Musical.

    The Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards are modeled after the Tony Awards, and Paper Mill Playhouse’s program serves the entire state of New Jersey, with nearly 100 entered productions from public, private and parochial high schools. Paper Mill Playhouse conceived and created the awards in 1996 to give schools the opportunity to showcase their musical arts programs on a statewide level. The musicals are adjudicated by Paper Mill Playhouse throughout the spring by a group of 70 evaluators, with each school receiving four independent evaluations.  Schools nominated for Outstanding Overall Musical and Leading Actor/Actress nominees perform at the event, and award recipients are presented with an engraved crystal award.

    Paper Mill Playhouse also awards $5,000 in scholarships at the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards.  Four $1,000 cash scholarships are given to outstanding individual students who plan to continue studying theater performance in college. Paper Mill Playhouse is pleased to award a prize of $500 to a school receiving the 2018 Educational Impact Award, which acknowledges a school that successfully connects the musical to the district’s curriculum, using the production as a teaching tool for the greater student body and local community.

    Through the Rising Star Theater for Everyone Inclusion and Access Award and a partnership with The Cultural Access Network of New Jersey, a project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Paper Mill Playhouse will present a cash award of $1,000 to a school to recognize excellence in the promotion and practice of creative inclusion of students and adults with disabilities as performers, designers, musicians and production staff. Additionally, this award seeks to recognize and reward a school that takes steps to ensure their performances are accessible to audiences with disabilities.

    Lastly, students receiving final nominations in the lead and supporting acting categories receive a scholarship to Paper Mill Playhouse’s competitive Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory, a professional training program, which, along with advanced classes in singing, acting and dance, offers the nominees an opportunity to perform in the season finale concert, “New Voices of 2018: From Sea to Shining Sea” on July 27 and July 28 at Montclair State University.

    For more information and a complete list of Rising Star Awardees, visit https://papermill.org/2018-rising-star-award-winners

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

  • BROADWAY’S MUSICAL- ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

    BROADWAY’S MUSICAL- ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

    By Mabel Pais

    “Work is a dirty word around here,”– Tully Mars, lead actor

    ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLEis the Broadway musical for all of us—it’s the People’s Musical

    Escape to Margaritavilleis the musical comedy getaway featuring both original songs and classics of the iconic singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett, including Fins, Volcano, Cheeseburger in Paradise, and many more.

    Theatergoers are encouraged to get in the party mood by indulging in a few margaritas in the extravagantly decorated lobby.

    Lisa Howard, Alison Luff, Paul Alexander Nolan and Eric Petersen in a scene from “Escape To Margaritaville.”
    Photo/ Matthew Murphy.

    Book is by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (My Name Is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivor’s Remorse, Shameless); this new production is choreographed by Tony Award® nominee Kelly Devine (Come From Away, Rock of Ages) and directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away, Memphis).

    The plot…. Rachel (Alison Luff) is an intense environmental scientist; her best friend Tammy (Lisa Howard) is engaged to an imbecile. Together, they take a one-week vacation to a rundown Caribbean hotel called Margaritaville. There, they meet Tully Mars (Paul Alexander Nolan), the laid-back, guitar-strumming on-site entertainer, and Brick (Eric Petersen), the dull but sweet bartender.

    Laziness is not only the method of the musical but also its message. “Work is a dirty word around here,” Tully tells Tammy. “If you say it again we’ll have to wash your mouth out with tequila.”  His profound challenge to Rachel is to decide whether she can relax her tense, scientific personality to crawl into a cabana for five days of casual sex with him.

    A gutsy woman named Marley (Rema Webb, who lights up the stage whenever she’s on) owns the picturesquely seedy Margaritaville Hotel & Bar, where all the local idlers hang out. Brick, the sleepy-eyed bartender, is a likeable bear of a guy, as played by Eric Petersen.  J.D., entertainingly played by Don Sparks, is the house character, an old dimwit who drinks on endless credit and claims to be writing the memoirs of a fabulous life.

    Andre Ward in the pre-volcano eruption scene from “Escape To Margaritaville.”
    Photo/ Matthew Murphy.

    Walt Spangler’s color-drenched designs set the scene for the never-land called Margaritaville with grass and bamboo huts, cardboard ocean waves, beachballs, surf boards, beach towels, and thick curtains of flower-filled vegetation. And…. the volcano – every Caribbean island needs one – on the back wall. Designer Howell Binkley lights it all up with the brightest hues on his color wheel.

    Paul Alexander Nolan (Bright Star) leads the company of Escape to Margaritaville as Tully, and is joined by Alison Luff (Les Misérables) as Rachel, Lisa Howard (It Shoulda Been You) as Tammy, Eric Petersen (School of Rock) as Brick, Rema Webb (The Color Purple) as Marley, Don Sparks (Take Me Out) as J.D., Andre Ward (Something Rotten!) as Jamal, along with Matt Allen, Tessa Alves, Sara Andreas, Tiffany Adeline Cole, Marjorie Failoni, Samantha Farrow,Steven Good, Angela Grovey, Albert Guerzon, Keely Hutton, Justin Keats, Mike Millan, Justin Mortelliti, Ryann Redmond, Jennifer Rias, Julius Anthony Rubio, Nick Sanchez, Ian Michael Stuart, and Brett Thiele.

    The creative team includes Walt Spangler (Scenic Designer), Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell (Costume Designer), two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Lighting Designer), two-time Tony Award winner Brian Ronan (Sound Designer), Leah J. Loukas (Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Design), Flying By Foy (Flying Effects), Michael Utley (Orchestrations), Tony Award nominee Christopher Jahnke (Music Supervisor), Foresight Theatrical (General Management), and Telsey + Company / Rachel Hoffman, CSA (Casting).

    Escape to Margaritaville is produced on Broadway as a collaboration of several individuals and theater production companies.

    The Musical is running at the Marquis Theater at 1535 Broadway; www.marquistheatre.com; 877 250-2929.

    The Runtime is 2 hrs. and 20 min.

    For more information on the musical and to purchase tickets, visithttp://www.escapetomargaritavillemusical.com/

  • Jyoti’s Yadvi, The Dignified Princess comes to life in NYC on June 1

    Jyoti’s Yadvi, The Dignified Princess comes to life in NYC on June 1

     By Mabel Pais

    “Strength of character isn’t always about how much you can handle before you break, it’s also about what you do after you have broken.”  Robert Tew

    “We cannot change situations in life, but we can change our attitudes towards them.”  Mata Amritanandmayi

    This English language movie is based on the story of Yadvi – a real-life princess, granddaughter of the then internationally renowned Maharaja Bhupinder of Patiala, Punjab, who though grown-up in one of the wealthiest families of the world ends up losing all such privileges in her middle age.  How and why does she become forced to prepare her food and collect wood for the winter? In 1940’s India, before a hint of feminine assertiveness, how does a woman not only uphold her own dignity but also raise three refined daughters in the face of unexpected adversity?

    The pure personification of integrity, Yadvi, will take you on her journey through the India of Kings and Queens, of Princes and polygyny. Her deep internal strength bolstering her family honor will inspire you!

    His Highness Maharaja Bhupinder Singh (1891-1938) who took the throne of Patiala in 1901, is one royal name that is indelible in the archives of Indian history.  Among his several contributions and achievements to Punjab, India and the world was his grandiose lifestyle: he was the first individual in India to own an aircraft; had a fleet of 20 Rolls Royces at his disposal; created and wore a custom-made Cartier necklace encrusted with 2,930 diamonds, which today sits in a museum; built several prominent buildings in the state; traveled the world holding important offices; was captain of a cricket team and donated the Ranji Trophy (used until today) to the game of cricket. Further, he worked tirelessly for his subjects’ betterment and introduced many social reforms in Patiala.

    So why would one of his daughters spend her life as a commoner?

    Maharaja Bhupinder Singh’s great-granddaughters Jyoti Singh and Gauri Singh bring alive the struggles in the life of their grandmother Rajmata Yadhuvansh Kumari’s (Yadvi, for short), detailing her journey from a princess to a commoner in their film, Yadvi: The Dignified Princess.

    It’s a true story of enduring personal and financial hardships but never giving up on life.

    The Dignified Princess on Sitar
    Photos / Courtesy Jyoti Singh

    The film is the tale of Princess Yadvi (also named Alice after “Alice In Wonderland”) from Patiala, a woman dealing with the complexity of the social norms that permeated post-independence Indian society. She, the daughter of the Maharaja of Patiala, was set to marry a Rajput prince from Maiher, Madhya Pradesh, to fortify the political ties between her kingdom and that of the prince. The impediment, however, was that she would move to the prince’s kingdom only on turning 21. What unfolds from this point on is a story wrought with unexpected twists and turns, putting into light questions about relationships, norms and traditions that characterized royalty and Indian society in an era of the past. It is the story of a woman who loved and stuck by her convictions in the face of adversity.

    “Yadvi: The Dignified Princess,” set in India and New York, also touches upon the political upheavals at the time, especially when the princely states were being integrated into India, revealing an unseen side of the royalty.

    Gauri Singh, Jyoti Singh’s real-life older sister wrote the film, Jyoti Singh plays the title role of her grandmother Princess Yadvi, the daughter of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and Maharani Bimal Kaur.  Jyoti Singh along with Vick Krishna, has directed the film. The melodious music has been composed by the talented Anuj Garg.

    Jyoti Singh, star of the 2011 Indo-American film, 9 Eleven, said she decided to play Princess Yadvi since, having spent 14 years of her childhood with her, nobody knew her better than she did.

    Another highlight of the film is Maachis actor Chandrachur Singh, who plays the Maharaja of Patiala. The cast includes Dina Rosenmeier, Siraj Huda, Vibhu Raghave, Aishwarya Raghave, Nikkitasha Marawaha, Rahul Godara, Resha Sabarwal, Bernadine Linus, Marianne Borgo, Gauri Singh, Kuvam Handa, and Yadvi Handa.

    The movie is produced by RVP Productions by executive producer Sumeet Verma.

    Yadvi with husband Gobind

    Yadvi: The Dignified Princess, screened at various film festivals across the country, has been warmly embraced by viewers. Some of the film festivals where the film has been honored in various categories include the North Carolina International South Asian Film Festival, Rishikesh Art & Film Festival, Rajasthan International Film Festival, 4th Indian Cine Film Festival and Global Film Competition.

    The first-time director recently won the ‘” Best Emerging Female Director’’ award at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival.

    The director believes that her “love towards animals and kids, humanity to help out the world, punctuality, strength, patience, spirituality, and perseverance; the pillar of strength to survive all obstacles with a smile; humility and peace” come from Yadvi.

    Every day, she would do gardening with the grandchildren, never acted like a royal person. She would make them do household chores, even when they had help. Jyoti never understood why. Yadvi always said, ‘You never know where your life takes you,’” Jyoti Singh recalls.

    Yadvi was inspired by and followed the magic keys to life (by Robert Tew): “Wisdom is knowing the right path to take; integrity is taking it…. strength of character isn’t always about how much you can handle before you break, it’s also about how much you can handle after you’ve broken…having courage to face the truth…do the right thing simply because it is right.”

    The movie runs from June 1 to 7 at New York City’s Cinema Village at 22 East 12th Street.

    For more about the movie and its schedule, visit https://www.cinemavillage.com/Now-Playing/yadvi-the-dignified-princess.html

    https://www.cinemavillage.com/meet-and-greet/yadvi-q-a.html

    To learn more about Jyoti Singh, visit www.jyotisingh.net.

    To get a sneak peak, watch the trailer of the movie at

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, andSpirituality)

  • Theater : NJSO presents

    Theater : NJSO presents

    By Mabel Pais

    E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

    ET Poster

    “Steven Spielberg’s film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrialhas always held a special place in my heart, and I personally think it’s his masterpiece” – John Williams, music composer

    “What’s particularly special about [these concerts] is that we’ll hear one of our great symphony orchestras, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra [NJSO], performing the entire score live, along with the complete picture, sound effects and dialogue” – John Williams

    Relive the magic of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial on the big screen accompanied by a magnificent, live performance of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on June 1, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on June 2 and State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on June 3.

    Director Steven Spielberg’s heart-warming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott.  Troubled Elliott summons the courage to help friendly E.T. escape Earth and return to his home world.

    Elliott encounters E.T.
    Photos / Courtesy NJSO

    Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by a full symphony orchestra in sync to the film projected on a huge HD screen.

    FROM THE COMPOSER

    Composer John Williams writes: “Steven Spielberg’s film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrialhas always held a special place in my heart, and I personally think it’s his masterpiece. In looking at it today, it’s as fresh and new as when it was made in 1982.  The performances, particularly by the children and by E.T. himself, are so honest, timeless and true that the film absolutely qualifies to be ranked as a classic.”

    “What’s particularly special about [these concerts] is that we’ll hear one of our great symphony orchestras, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, performing the entire score live, along with the complete picture, sound effects and dialogue.”

    “I know I speak for everyone connected with the making of E.T.in saying that we’re greatly honored by this event … and I hope that the audience will find great joy in experiencing this magical film.”

    John Williams, composer

    In a career spanning more than five decades, John Williamshas become one of America’s mostaccomplished and successful composers for film and forthe concert stage, and he remains one of our nation’smost distinguished and contributive musical voices. He hascomposed the music for more than 100 films, themes for four Olympic Games and received the Olympic Order in 2003. He served as music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra for 14 seasons and remains their laureate conductor. Williams has received five Academy Awards and 51 Oscar nominations, seven British Academy Awards, 24 Grammys, four Golden Globes and five Emmys.  For more information, visit www.johnwilliams.org.

    Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor

    Constantine Kitsopoulosis a conductor whose musical experiences comfortably span the worlds of opera, symphony, musical theater and film with live orchestra.  To learn more about Kitsopoulos, visit kitsopoulos.com.

    Tickets

    To learn more about the concert or for tickets to the NJPAC or Count Basie Theater performance, visit online at www.njsymphony.org, by phone at 1. 800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or in person at the NJSO Patron Services office in Newark.

    For tickets to the State Theatre concert, visit online at www.stnj.org, or in person or call by phone at 732. 246.SHOW (7469).

    Season Finale

    Conductor Xian Zhang bows with NJSO

    (NJSO is) “a vital, artistically significant musical organization” – The Wall Street Journal

    (Xian Zhang is a) “dynamic podium presence” – The New York Times

    “Gil Shaham (is) one of today’s greatest and most admired violinists” – NJSO

    A captivating end to a season of wonders!

    The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) and Music Director Xian Zhang close the 2017–18 season with a blockbuster program featuring works by Brahms, Mahler and Bernstein, in Newark and Red Bank, June 7–10.

    In celebration of Bernstein’s role in bringing Mahler’s music to mass audiences—and of the 100th anniversary of the American composer’s birth — the program opens with the Overture to Candide.

    Fittingly, Mahler’s monumental First Symphony marks Xian Zhang’s first NJSO performance of his music. Gil Shaham, one of today’s greatest and most admired violinists, scales the heights of Brahms’ Violin Concerto with dazzling virtuosity.

    Violinist Gil Shaham
    Photos / Courtesy NJSO

    Lauded violinist Gil Shaham returns to New Jersey for Brahms’ Violin Concerto. In her first NJSO performances of Mahler’s work, Zhang conducts the composer’s monumental First Symphony.

    THE PROGRAM

    Shaham Plays Brahms

     Thu, June 7, at 1:30 pm | NJPAC in Newark

    Fri, June 8, at 8 pm | NJPAC in Newark

    Sat, June 9, at 8 pm | Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

    Sun, June 10, at 3 pm | NJPAC in Newark

    Xian Zhang, conductor

    Gil Shaham, violin

    New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

    BERNSTEIN Overture to Candide

    BRAHMS Violin Concerto

    MAHLER Symphony No. 1

    NJSO ACCENTS: 

    Prelude Performance—Fri, June 8, before the concert

    Come an hour before the concert and cheer on the young performers from NJSO CHAMPS (Character, Achievement and Music Project), as they perform in the lobby of NJPAC.

    Prelude Performance—Sun, June 10, before the concert

    An hour before the concert, the extraordinary Anne Lieberson Ensemble from the NJSO’s Youth Orchestras will perform in the lobby of NJPAC.

    Full concert information is available at www.njsymphony.org/shaham

    For further information on the NJSO visit www.njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org; and for tickets, visit online at www.njsymphony.org or call 1. 800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

    THE ARTISTS

    Xian Zhang, conductor

    In an acclaimed first season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Xian Zhang “clearly made her mark,” NJ Advance Media writes. “Now it’s time to see how high [the Orchestra] can soar.” Zhang continues her tenure in 2017–18 with performances of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Mahler’s First Symphony and Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, among others.

    In September 2016, Zhang assumed the position of Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, becoming the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC orchestra.

    Born in Dandong, China, Zhang made her professional debut conducting The Marriage of Figaro at the Central Opera House in Beijing at the age of 20. She trained at Beijing’s Central Conservatory, earning both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and serving one year on its conducting faculty before moving to the United States in 1998.

    Gil Shaham, violin

    Gil Shaham, Illinois-born and Israeli-bred, Grammy award winner, is one of the foremost violinists of our time: his flawless technique combined with his inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit has solidified his renown as an American master. For more information on Shaham, visit www.gilshaham.com.

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

     

     

     

     

     

  • Indian American Film Makers’ Movies to Watch

    Indian American Film Makers’ Movies to Watch

    Jyoti Singh’s ‘Yadvi: The Dignified Princess’; Tirlok Malik’s ‘On Golden Years’premiere on June 1

    NEW YORKCITY (TIP): Two movies by Indian American film makers are being premiered in the coming days.

    Jyoti Singh’s Yadvi: The Dignified Princess will run from June 1 to 7 at New York City’s Cinema Village at 22 East 12th Street.

    For more information, visit https://www.cinemavillage.com/Now-Playing/yadvi-the-dignified-princess.html

    Emmy Award nominee Tirlok Malik’s ‘On Golden Years’ will have television premiere on TV Asia. The movie will be shown on Friday, June 1 at 8 PM and, again, at 9.30 PM.

    It will be shown again on Sunday, June 3 at 1 PM and at 2.30 PM.

    Incidentally, Jyoti Singh stars in both the movies.

  • Broadway’s CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD (Play)

    Broadway’s CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD (Play)

    By Mabel Pais

     Best Revival Of A Play:  Drama League Award Nomination

    Lauren Ridloff:    2018 Tony Award Nominee

                                2018 Drama League Award Nominee

                                2018 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee

                                2018 Theater World Award

    Joshua Jackson: 2018 Drama League Award Nominee

    “Fierce, crackling, passionate and profound. Lauren Ridloff gives a blistering, knockout debut performance. And, I am awestruck by Joshua Jackson.”

    – The New York Times

    “Intense, primal, and show-stopping”– New York magazine

    “Lauren Ridloff is a silent storm. Luminous and expressive, she needs no spoken words to get across her emotions. Her Sarah is remarkable.”– The Boston Globe

    Children of a Lesser God, in 1980, premiered on Broadway and asked: how can we truly communicate? Now, Tony Award®-winning director Kenny Leon (of plays, A Raisin in the Sunand Fences) is laying this question bare in a breathtaking new production of this landmark play starring Joshua Jackson (of the Golden Globe Award-winning television seriesThe Affair, and Dawson’s Creek), Lauren Ridloff (of the Palme D’Or-nominated 2017 film, Wonderstruck), and Anthony Edwards (Emmy Award-nominee for his role in ER,Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the 1998 Golden Globe Award).

    Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson
    Photo / Matthew Murphy

    Playwright Mark Medoff wrote Children of a Lesser God specifically for Phyllis Frelich, a deaf actress who made her professional debut as the character Sarah Norman in the 1979 production at the Mark Taper Forum and went on to play the part on Broadway the following year. The deaf actress Marlee Matlin appeared opposite William Hurt in the 1986 film version.

    Medoff received the Tony and Olivier Awards for Children of a Lesser God,was nominated for an Academy Award for the movie of the same title, and received a Writers Guild of America (WGA) Best Adapted Screenplay Award for its film adaptation. His Obie Awards are When You Comin Backand Red Ryder?He is Distinguished Achievement Professor and Artist in Residence, New Mexico State University.

    Now, Lauren Ridloff, who starred as Sarah in the Berkshire Theater (Stockbridge, MA) production last year, repeats the role on Broadway, continuing the tradition of deaf actresses who come out of nowhere and sweep us off our feet.  A former Miss Deaf America, Lauren is of African-American and Mexican descent.

    Lauren Ridloff has been nominated for the 2018 Tony award in the category: Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, among Drama League and other nominations.

    Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson
    Photo / Matthew Murphy

    Joshua Jackson, Drama League nominated for his roleplays that speech therapist, James Leeds, who is tutoring Sarah and falls in love with her. But “Sarah has a certain aversion to learning speech,” as the school’s headmaster played by Anthony Edwards (Mr. Franklin) delicately puts it, so human communication — the bedrock of civilization and the language of lovers — becomes a huge challenge for this mismatched couple. James eventually wins Sarah’s heart in a cleverly pleasing way.

    Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk, and Olivier Awards for Best Play, when it premiered in 1980, Children of a Lesser God, one of themost indelible love stories of the modern age, brings to life the passionate and personal connectionthe story of an unconventional teacher at a school for the deaf and the remarkable woman he meets there. As their relationship heats up, so does their need for control, igniting a thrilling exploration of passion, intimacy, and connection.

    Watching the current production of Children of a Lesser God you immediately become a very active, implicated participant in its study of the relationship of a deaf-from-birthwoman, Sarah Norman (Lauren Ridloff), and her hearing husband, James Leeds (The Affair’sJoshua Jackson), a teacher at a State School for the Deaf.

    The first-ever Broadway revival of Mark Medoff’s groundbreaking play, Children of a Lesser God, is

    lead produced by Hal Luftig, starring film and television favorite Joshua Jackson and breakout star Lauren Ridloff, alongside Emmy Award® winner and Golden Globe Award® winner Anthony Edwards, Drama Desk Award nominee and Obie Award winner Kecia Lewis, Julee Cerda, Treshelle Edmond, and John McGinty.

    L to R: Joshua Jackson, Anthony Edwards, and Lauren Ridloff
    Photo / Matthew Murphy

    The pungency of sign language isa wonderful bonus to the play’s fierce rivalry between those who promote spoken English as the highest attainable form of communication and those who are staunch partisans of silence.

    To Sarah, as to many deaf people today, deafness is an identity, not a defect or a curse imposed by a lesser god.

    Now, Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon (NPR) invigorates this landmark play with astounding new relevance and a pair of performances that cannot be missed. Jesse Green of The New York Times raves, “Joshua Jackson is a revelation in a tour de force role, and Lauren Ridloff is sensational and explosive.”  Leon received the 2010 Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing by the Drama League of New York.  Prior to co-founding True Colors Theatre Company, he served 11 years as Artistic Director of The Alliance Theater.

    The creative team for Children of a Lesser Godfeatures Tony Award winner Derek McLane (set design), Dede Ayite (costume design), Tony Award nominee Mike Baldassari (lighting design), Jill BC Du Boff (sound design), two-time Grammy Award ® winner Branford Marsalis (original music), and Alexandria Wailes (director of artistic sign language). Casting for the production is by Telsey + Company.

    The producing team is led by Hal Luftig and includes LHC Theatrical Development, Craig Haffner & Sherry Wright, Yasuhiro Kawana, James L. Nederlander, Rodney Rigby, Albert Nocciolino/Independent Presenters Network, Blue Fog Productions, Suzanne L. Niedland, The Shubert Organization, Jhett Tolentino, Steve & Paula Reynolds, Nyle DiMarco, and Roundabout Theatre Company. Tamar Climan serves as executive producer and Sandy Block as associate producer.

    The production is the most accessible play in Broadway history with every performance featuring supertitles seamlessly incorporated into the show’s scenic design and closed captioning available through the GalaPro app which is available on Apple or Android devices. Additionally, at select performances of Children of a Lesser God, American Sign Language interpreters are present.

    For more information and tickets, please visitchildrenofalessergodbroadway.com.

    Tickets can also be purchased at telecharge.com, by calling 212-239- 6200, or at the Studio 54 box office (254 West

    54th Street). For groups of 10 or more, contact Broadway Inbound at BroadwayInbound.com or by calling 866-302-0995.

    Location:   Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St., Midtown West

    Category:  Broadway,Comedy/Drama, Play

    Runtime:    2 hrs. and 20 min.

    Credits:     Written by Mark Medoff; Directed by Kenny Leon

    Cast:         Joshua Jackson, Lauren Ridloff, Anthony Edwards, Kecia Lewis, Julee Cerda, Treshelle Edmond and John McGinty

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

  • Emmy-Nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s new film “On Golden Years” to Premiere on TV Asia

    Emmy-Nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s new film “On Golden Years” to Premiere on TV Asia

     NEW YORK(TIP): The television premiere of Tirlok Malik’s new film On Golden Yearswill be shown on TV Asia on June 1st, 2018 at 8pm and June 3rd, 2018 at 1pm.

    Malik who is an Indian American and a New Yorker has made many films starting from Lonely In America, Love, Lust & Marriage, Khushiyaan, On Golden Years and many more. They all deal with the effects of migration in America.

    As an immigrant, when we come in the search of American Dream, at times we find ourselves we are “Lonely In America.” After achieving and living the American Dream, we also realize if we want real “Khushiyaan” (meaning: happiness), we need to make time to visit our aging parents and family in India.

    Now, in “On Golden Years” (the time to retire), some of us have conflicts such as deciding whether to retire in India vs America, contentedness vs regrets, etc. We need to come to terms with life as an immigrant: the retirement of the American Dream.  This romantic comedy teaches us to live every day like Valentine’s Day.

    The film On Golden Years is written and directed by New York Emmy nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik

    The film On Golden Years is written and directed by New York Emmy nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik. The idea of the story is inspired from the book Seeking Rootsby Iggy. Iggy Ignatius is also the codirector/producer of the film. The film stars Ranjit Chowdhry, Jyoti Singh, Reeves Lehmann, Shetal Shah, Noor Naghmi, Tirlok Malik, Shruti Tewari, Farokh Daruwala, Indu Gajwani, Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja, Lovllien Kaurr, Sandeep Suri, Iggy Igantius, Kamlesh Gupta and many more. The film has been shot at the Indian retirement community Shantiniketan in Florida. Other credits of the film are Director of Photography Christo Bakalov B.A.C., Music by Peter Lobo, Art Direction by Sunita Babber, Editing by Tom Knight and others.  Malik has given chances to many new talents in front or behind the camera.

    The Indian Panorama Editor Prof. Indrajit S Saluja who plays a role in the movie, is seen with the maker of the film Tirlok Malik (extreme left), actor Lovllien Kaurr and the Director of Photography Christo Bakalov (on the right)

    Apple Productions has also worked with some of the biggest names in cinema including Sanjay Dutt, Rajnikanth, Surya, Manisha Koirala, Mithun Chakravarti, Raveena Tandon, Anupam Kher, Mammootty, Tananna, Kamal Hassan, Sunny Deol, and Kangana Ranaut. Malik has won many awards, including the New York Citizens’ Award from the New York Mayor’s office, and his work is acclaimed worldwide.

    Malik and the cast of On Golden Yearsare very happy to have this premiere on TV Asia. TV Asia is the first cable television channel developed for the International South Asian community and celebrating their 25th anniversary.  CEO of TV Asia Padma Shri H R Shah congratulates Tirlok Malik for all the movies he has made about being an immigrant in America.

    As Tirlok Malik says, “Migration can bring many complex feelings, sometimes watching cinematic stories can show us the way”.

     

     

  • 2018 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF)

    2018 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF)

    By Mabel Pais

    “NYIFF is known around the world for its top-notch, out-of-the-box programming, and this year is no different.

    The New York audience is sophisticated, well-traveled, educated and discerning; as such, our content reflects what we think will resonate with the cinephiles of this cosmopolitan city and will keep them coming back for more.” –  Aroon Shivdasani, Founder-Executive & Artistic Director, IAAC.
    “We had to make some tough choices but I’m thrilled with our selections representing new independent Indian and South Asian cinema, as well works from the South Asian Diaspora”  –  Aseem Chhabra, NYIFF Director

    About NYIFF

    The New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) is the oldest, most prestigious film festival screening premiere of feature, documentary and short films made from, of, and about the Indian subcontinent in the Independent, arthouse, alternate and diaspora genres. Six days of screenings, post-screening discussions, industry panels, award ceremony, special events, nightly networking parties, red carpet galas, media attention and packed audiences build an awareness of Indian cinema, entertain & educate North Americans about the real India, and add to the amazing cultural diversity of New York City.

    For further information, visit www.iaac.us/NYIFF2018/index.htm

    About IAAC

    The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) is a not-for-profit, secular service and resource arts organization charged with the mission of promoting and building the awareness, creation, production, exhibition, publication and performance of Indian and cross-cultural art forms in North America. The IAAC supports all artistic disciplines in the classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India.  IAAC works cooperatively with colleagues around the United States to broaden their collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding.

    Its focus is to work with artists and arts organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists and arts organizations from India to exhibit, perform and produce their works here.

    For further information, visit  www.iaac.us

     About Qube Cinema,Inc.
    Qube Cinema, Inc., a provider of end-to-end digital cinema technology and solutions, is the distribution partner for the festival.  The company draws on decades of experience in cinema and provides a seamless digital environment for exhibitors, filmmakers and post-production companies with DCI compliant products that are flexible, reliable and cost-effective.

    For further information, visit www.qubecinema.com

    About Qube Wire

    Filmmakers increasingly rely on Qube Wire for secure and reliable movie content delivery to the festival.

    To sign up for Qube Wire service, visit www.qubewire.com

     The longest-running, most prestigious South Asian Film Festival in North America,NYIFF, kicked off on May 7 at the Village East Cinemas in the lower east side of Manhattan at 181-189, 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003.

    The Festival continues until May 12 at the location.

    The Festival boasts 78 shorts, documentaries and feature filmsscreened over the period of 6 days.

    Festival Highlights:

    The opening night red carpet took place on Monday, May 7th from 6 pm to 7 p.m. outside the Village East Cinemas, preceding the U.S. premiere of Ravi Jadhav’s Marathi language film NUDE(with English subtitles).

    Opening night movie, Nude

    The closing night red carpet will take place from 5-6 p.m., May 12, once again outside the Village East Cinemas, preceding the New York premiere of veteran NYIFF director Hansal Mehta’s biopic on Islamic fundamentalist Omar Saeed Sheikh, OMERTA, at 6 p.m.

    Closing night movie, Omerta

    The centerpiece slot was occupied by Miransha Naik’s Konkani language film JUZE(with English subtitles), making its North American premiere at NYIFF on May 10.

    Centerpiece, Juze

    The entire festival schedule comprising of 78 films in 11 languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Bengali & Assamese), is available on the festival’s website.  The programming boasts four world premieres, two international premieres, six North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and 11 New York premieres from four South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka), as well as North America and the United Kingdom.

    NYIFF 2018 paid tribute to two Indian film industry icons who passed away in the last four months: Hollywood/Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor and the India’s first female superstar Sridevi. Kapoor’s tribute comprised of two masterpieces Academy Award winner James Ivory’s: SHAKESPEARE WALLAHand HEAT AND DUST. The festival also screened AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PRINCESS, starring New York author and chef Madhur Jaffrey, as part of its Merchant-Ivory Retrospective. To honor Sridevi’s memory, NYIFF showcased the actress’ 2012 return to Bollywood in ENGLISH VINGLISH, shot primarily in New York City.

    Heat And Dust
    Photos / Courtesy NYIFF
    English Vinglish
    Photos / Courtesy NYIFF
    Additional highlights at the festival included:

    Discovering the Film and Television Market in India Panel Discussion

    Shooting films in New York State Panel Discussion

    The Inclusion Rider’s Role in Diversifying Hollywood Panel Discussion

    Networking events and nightly parties

    The NYIFF 2018 winners will be announced at the awards night ceremony on May 12 from a list of nominated films for

    Best Film:

    BALEKEMPA

    JUZE

    LIGHT IN THE ROOM

    NUDE

    TAKE OFF

    Best Director:

    Atanu Ghosh (MAYURAKSHI)

    Ere Gowda (BALEKEMPA)

    Rahul Nair (LIGHT IN THE ROOM)

    Chezhian Ra (TO-LET)

    Nishil Sheth (BHASMASUR)

    Best Screenplay:

    CHUMBAK

    CRD

    HER, HIM, THE OTHER

    THE HUNGRY

    JUZE

    Best Actress:

    Sushama Deshpande (AJJI)

    Vinitha Koshy (LIGHT IN THE ROOM)

    Kalyani Mulay (NUDE)

    Parvathy (TAKE OFF)

    Bindu Raxidi (PADDAYI)

    Best Child Actor:

    Mittal Chouhan (BHASMASUR)

    Kapil Garo (ISHU)

    Chandra Kiran GK (SUMMER OF MIRACLES)

    Ali Halji (NOBLEMEN)

    Rushikesh Naik (JUZE)

    Best Short:

    AL-WAR

    HUMMINGBIRD

    MAACHER JHOL (The Fish Curry)

    JAAN JIGAR

    MANDI (The Market)

    Best Documentary:

    ABU

    BIRD OF DUSK

    CHILDREN PLAYING GOD

    LIMITLESS

    NAKED WHEELS

    On a par with the procedures of the Oscars and Golden Globes, the jurors send their decisions directly to KPMG, who bring the envelopes for the winning films and filmmakers to the awards ceremony on May 12, immediately following the closing night film.

    (Mabel Pais writes on the Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)