The Indian Panorama

Tag: Entertainment

  • Gandhi Samaj of Chicago Celebrates 33 Anniversaries in a traditional way

    Gandhi Samaj of Chicago Celebrates 33 Anniversaries in a traditional way

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Gandhi Samaj of Chicago (“GSC”) hosted its 33rd Anniversary at Waterford Banquet, 933 S Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, IL in celebration of 33rd Anniversary, led by Executive board of Gandhi Samaj. Attendance at event was house full over 700 people, along with their families and friends. Gandhi Samaj of Chicago includes over 320 “Gandhi” families, native of South Gujarat part of India (Surat to Vapi), from Chicago and its close vicinity.

    The event started with social hour accompanied by Traditional Gujarati (Indian) Cuisine dinner, which was followed by a cultural program and open dance. This is a tradition observed by GSC for last 33 years, where families come together to celebrate and socialize and enjoy cultural program performed by members of all ages.

    Dr. Anuja Gupta, CEO of Verandah Retirement Community, was invited as chief guest.  Community Service Awards were presented to Mr. Ashwin Gandhi and Mr. Hary Gandhi in honor of their active support in the community. The 2014-2015 committees were also presented with an award to recognize their service to the GSC community.  Educational Achievement Awards were also awarded, to those who pursued higher education.  Mr. Hitesh Gandhi will lead the Samaj as President over the next two years.

    Cultural program touched everyone’s hearts as imaginations of performers (from age 5 to 60) showcased their talents. Program started by a small Prayer followed with American & Indian National Anthems. The Kathak performance of Ganesh Vandana by Mansi Gandhi, Maya Ghayal, and Suhani Gandhi added a beautiful touch. The children and adults of Gandhi Community performed Classical and Bollywood Dance performances, songs, and showcased other talents. Group dance performance on “Luv Letter” and “Badri Ki Dulhania” songs became the highlight of the event when Roma Bhagat, Ami Gandhi, Riya Ghayal, Keyur Ghayal, Bhumika V. Gandhi, and Vimal Gandhi performed with high energy and brought everyone to their feet.

    Some of the other highlights of evening included

    Madhuri Medley family dance performed by Riya Ghayal, Keyur Ghayal, Maya Ghayal, and Milan Ghayal;

    Mixed Bollywood dance performance by Tushar Modi, Gemini Modi, Krishna Gandhi, Dennis Gandhi, Nikita Gandhi, Minesh Gandhi, Freya Gandhi, Ashish Gandhi, and Bharat Ghayal;

    Sun Sathiya dance performance by Risha Bhagat;

    Shiva Tandav performed by Freya Gandhi, Misha Gandhi, Manya Gandhi, Riya Gandhi, and Krishna Gandhi;

    Kheech Meri Photo song performed by Maya Ghayal, Milan Ghayal, Suhani Gandhi, Ishan Gandhi, Aashini Sheth, Keshav Sheth;

    Kabhi Jo Badal Barse on Instrument by Isha Guard & Daksh Guard;

    The event ended after 2.5 hours of continuous entertainment with astounding performances by various members of the Gandhi Samaj Community.  It was followed by open dance, where the members and community supporters were able to join the performers on the dance floor and dance the night away.

    2019 Hitesh Gandhi will be president of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago. He has lots of feathers in his hat such as Executive Vice President of FIA, President of Adbhut Entertainment, Director of GOPIO, and Vice President of North Mount Prospect Home Owner Association. I am fortunate and privileged that I have the opportunity to serve various organizations and Asian Community. I am honored and grateful to GSC Board and members for their trust in me in heading the well-respected service oriented Gujarati organization in Chicago land area.  I would also like to thank all our volunteers, supporters and “Gandhi” families for their enthusiasm to support and promote our cultural, educational, social and community affairs.

    “Gandhi Samaj of Chicago is proud of to make this magnificent event successful and thus keeping the Indian culture alive in the USA. Thanks to all the sponsors of the grand event without their support it would not be possible to have such a wonderful event also thanks to audience of Chicago and well-wishers who attended the event” Said by Mr Hitesh Gandhi, Exec Vice President of Gandhi Samaj.

    A special mention goes out to the 2017 committee members of Gandhi Samaj of Chicago for a memorable evening full of wonderful memories, including Mr. Keyur Ghayal (President), Mr. Hitesh Gandhi (Executive Vice President), Mrs. Bhumika V. Gandhi (Vice President), Mr. Ashwin Bodalia (Treasurer), Mr. Manhar Gajjar (Secretary), Mrs. Roma Bhagat (Cultural Secretary), Mr. Bharat Ghayal, Ramesh Gandhi, Dipak Ghayal (Joint Secretaries) & Priya Ghayal, Hiren Ghayal (Youth Secretary).

    (Photograph and Press release by: Asian Media USA)

  • Theater in NJ: For the Holidays

    Theater in NJ: For the Holidays

    By Mabel Pais

    Paper Mill Playhouse housed in Millburn, NJ is the recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, under the direction of Mark S. Hoebee, (Producing Artistic Director) and Todd Schmidt (Managing Director).  The Playhouse is one of the country’s leading regional theatres.

    Paper Mill shares the wonder of creation in its 2017-2018 season with an astonishing 4 premieres: The Honeymooners; The Outsider; The Sting, A New Musical; Half Time, a New Musical; and, the major revival of a cherished holiday classic, Annie.

    Along the way, some of today’s best classical singers, dancers, directors, choreographers, actors, playwrights and designers share their talents to transport you with captivating, human and funny American stories.

    It’s all part of what has placed Paper Mill center stage in bringing the new American musical theater to life, and it’s why anyone looking for what’s truly next and noteworthy subscribes.

    Paper Mill Playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ 07041

    For additional information, please visit www.papermill.org.

    Annie (The Musical)

    There is no better way to celebrate the “love of family, the promise that hope brings, and the joy” of this festive season than by sharing one of the world’s best-loved musicals Annie with the audience, confesses Mark S. Hoebee, Artistic Director of Paper Mill Playhouse and Director of Annie.  It returns to Paper Mill Playhouse in time for the holidays.

    Inspired by the irrepressible comic strip heroine, Annie’s brilliant book writer, the late Thomas Meehan, threaded through this musical the powerful message that family can be found in the most unlikely of places –  in a Lower East Side orphanage among one’s childhood companions, or in a mansion on Fifth Avenue with one of the world’s richest men.

    The cast of Annie.
    Photos /Courtesy Even Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

    The musical tells of little orphan Annie who charms everyone’s hearts when she is taken away with her lovable mutt named Sandy from an orphanage from the clutches of the cruel Miss Hannigan to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion for the holidays, in the wondrous world of 1930s New York City.  Along the way, she befriends President Roosevelt. When Annie wins the hearts of Warbucks and his staff, they set out on an epic mission to find Annie’s parents.

    The cast of Annie.
    Photos /Courtesy Even Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

    Annie premiered over 40 years ago; it was in 1977 when that beloved little redhead orphan took Broadway by storm.  The musical captured the hearts of all generations around the globe, winning 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score. The score features some of the unforgettable songs, as “It’s The Hard-Knock Life, “Easy Street,” “A New Deal for Christmas” and the eternal theme of optimism “Tomorrow.”  The anthemic tune, “Tomorrow” Annie sings near the beginning of the story declares that even during the dark times of the Great Depression, when half the country was broke or out of work and it seemed as though politicians were unconcerned with the plight of the common man, there was still hope.  And so, a little girl raised her eyes and her voice to tell the world that no matter how bad things may seem today, there’s one thing certain: the sun’ll come out tomorrow.

    The Broadway original inspired 2 sequels, about 3 movie versions, countless national and international tours, major revivals, and previous Paper Mill productions in 1983 and 2002.

    Book: (the late) Thomas Meehan; Music: Charles Strouse; Lyrics:  Martin Charmin
    Based on: “Little Orphan Annie”
    Music Supervision and Direction:  Jeffrey Saver
    Choreographed by Joann M. Hunter
    Directed by Mark S. Hoebee
    Starring: Tony Award winner Beth Leavel as Miss Hannigan; Tony Award Nominee               Christopher Sieber as Oliver Warbucks
    Ensemble Actors:  Peyton Ella, Cooper Grodin, Erin Mackey, Kevin Pariseau, Cassidy Pry, Kim Sava
    Annie, the Musical, began its run on November 22 at Paper Mill Playhouse and will continue playing until December 31, 2017.
    Peyton Ella (Annie) with Macy (Sandy).
    Photos /Courtesy Even Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

    The Honeymooners (The Musical)

    The Honeymooners opened the Paper Mill Playhouse’s 2017-2018 season.  Book writers Dusty Kay and Bill Nuss, composer Stephen Weiner, and lyricist Peter Mills “breathe fresh life into the beloved characters of Ralph and Alice Kramden, and Ed and Trixie Norton, true icons from the Golden Age of television – not simply rehashing old teleplays on the stage, but inventing an ingenious storyline in the best American musical comedy tradition.  Tony Award-winning director John Rando ramps up the fun with his clever staging, showcasing a stellar cast of cosmic pros as well as the talents of lauded Broadway designers, a consummate music team, and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Joshua Bergasse’s splashy production numbers,” explain Mark S. Hoebee, Artistic Director and Todd Schmidt, Managing Director of the Playhouse.

    The Honeymooners was a television sitcom that began in 1951 as a recurring sketch on Jackie Gleason’s live Cavalcade of Stars on the DuMont Network.   The following year it moved to CBS and the new Jackie Gleason Show.  In 1955, The Honeymooners became its own weekly half-hour sitcom.

    The memorable madcap cast included Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph.

    The show followed an everyman bus driver named Ralph Kramden and his sarcastic wife Alice (Audrey Meadows) who often comes to his rescue.  Ralph also has his best friend Ed Norton, portrayed by Art Carney and his wife Trixie, played by Joyce Randolph.  It was one of the first comedies on television to portray a normal married couple that is struggling to get by.  Most of the action takes place in the kitchen of their Brooklyn apartment.

    In the Paper Mill Playhouse’s stage musical story, America’s favorite dreamers have a brand new scheme.  The Honeymooners is a World premiere musical comedy inspired by the classic television series. Ralph Kramden and his buddy Ed Norton are back and still shooting for the moon. After shocking their wives by winning a high profile jingle contest, they are catapulted out of Brooklyn and into the cutthroat world of Madison Avenue advertising, where they discover that their quest for the American Dream might cost them their friendship. Filled with big laughs and an infectious score, The Honeymooners bang zooms its way into your heart.

    The principal cast featured Tony Award winner Michael McGrath as Ralph Kramden, Michael Mastro as Ed Norton, Leslie Kritzer as Alice Kramden, and Tony Award nominee Laura Bell Bundy as Trixie Norton, with Lewis Cleale as Bryce Bennett, Lewis J. Stadlen as Old Man Faciamatta, and David Wohl as Allen Upshaw; backed by an impressive ensemble of dancer-actors.

    The production team includes set design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting design by Jason Lyons, sound design by Kai Harada, hair, wig & makeup design by Leah J. Loukas, with orchestrations by Doug Besterman and dance arrangements by Sam Davis. The production stage manager is Timothy R. Semon. Casting is by Telsey + Company, Patrick Goodwin, CSA.

    The Honeymooners, completed its run at the Playhouse, but the buzz is that the production may soon be heading to a New York’s Broadway theater.

    (The author is a freelance writer.  She writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

     

     

     

  • PBA Students present an evening of dances

    PBA Students present an evening of dances

    A bhangra performance by children

    PBA students presented Bhangra, Giddha, Malawi Giddha (Performances by all ages) at “SABHYACHARAK MELA 2017” on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Bordentown Regional High School, Bordentown NJ’

  • Nostalgia for Kapoors

    Nostalgia for Kapoors

    An attractive performance

    Indian Cultural Society Presented 2017 Annual Gala – ‘The Kapoor Kaleidoscope’ on December 10th, 2017 at North Brunswick High School in North Brunswick NJ’

  • Gujarati movie Love Ni Bhavai Screened

    Gujarati movie Love Ni Bhavai Screened

    A group of spectators at the theater
    Photo/ Gunjesh Desai

    Lohana Samaj USA & Gujarati Movies in US presented ‘Love Ni Bhavai’ First Show in USA on Dec 11th, 2017 @ Big Cinemas in Edison, NJ

     

  • Awesome TV Setsa New Bar in the World of Fashion: Unveils Top Model 2018

    Awesome TV Setsa New Bar in the World of Fashion: Unveils Top Model 2018

    BY BABITA SHARMA

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): With prestigious designers and an innovative thinking, New Jersey saw some interactive celebration of fashion, music and talent within the country and beyond, as AWESOME TV & ASC Production, laid the foundation of a high-toned and distinctive International Model hunt on December 1, 2017. AWESOME TOP MODEL 2018 event held at Royal Albert Palace in Edison, NJ, organized and hosted by Awesome TV in collaboration with ASC Production Inc., enthralled the audience with the ramp walk of models and talents covering a diverse array of specialties that ranged from unique Casual wear, Swimwear, Evening wear and much more.

    Team members (L to R): Bumi Veyg, Mike Speier, Hakim
    Dubois, Nutan Kalamdani, Mani Kamboj, Kenny ‘Kas’ Flanagan,
    Michele Sorvino, Jon Harari, Cheryl Jacobs, Roxanne Seunarine, Ritesh Parikh, John Dente, Nabeel Shams

    Ritesh Parikh, founder said the “The ‘Awesome Top Model’ hunt celebrated exceptional designers whose imagination and creativity broke new ground in fashion industry. The purpose was to discover, showcase and inspire modeling talent from around the world”.

    Nutan Kalamdani, co-founder added, “Awesome Top Model is a vision that we created with the purpose of offering a platform for models to progress further in their careers with the help of well-established individuals, industry professionals, mentors and the like, thereby giving them an opportunity to connect with them. We believe it is important to give a model the tools required to become successful, and create a path to lessen the struggles of such a profession, thereby making it easier to achieve their goal”.

    Amit Singh Chauhan, Nutan Kalamdani & Ritesh Parikh
    Photos / courtesySuresh Maisuria & Jeff Smith

    Amit Singh Chauhan, Founder of ASC Productions has been working with models for several years now and has been passionately active in the NY Fashion week over the years. He understands the business very well and has been instrumental in this model hunt event. A man of few words, Mr. Chauhan said, “I truly want to see all my models succeed. I want them to make a name for themselves. It gives me great sense of satisfaction when I see their progress. I want nothing else.”

    The event witnessed the embracing of unique fashion inspirations and design aesthetics that was showcased with an embodied craftsmanship. Designers Caren K by Kiran Khan, Kenny ‘KAS’ & LAVA LUXE, Layol loyal by Quiana Brown, Derrick J. Sellers for DJS Lifestyles, Zainab Ero-Phillips for Hot Momma, Original Crackage by Wesley Woods and Patty Such for Candy treated several hundred guests to a runway presentation of fashion trends of casual to swimwear to evening wear as the Models strutted the catwalk in designs.

    The glamorous event was judged by a panel of judges, Jon Harari, Michele Sorvino, Cheryl Jacobs, Kenny ‘KAS’ Flanagan, Mani Kamboj & Hakim Dubois who are known in the Fashion and Entertainment world, and did not limit the winners to garments in terms of fashion, but also focused on the presentation, grace, pattern, hair, accessories and the attires of the participants.

    Top winners: Meghan Martin & Tommy Maksanty

    Rox Seunarine covered red carpet for Awesome TV & AWSM Radio, while Lina Ludwicki, Jo Gagliardo, and Johann Ortiz hosted the event, Alaja Greene handled backstage, casting and styling. Liza Gibson helped the models develop their portfolios onstage and provided direction as they walked the ramp. In addition to being a unique opportunity for the fashion designers, the event put in spotlight the talented makeup artists (Johanna Jimenez, Jessica Alarcon, Wendy Aviles, Anthony Graciel and Alexis Kelhower and teams) and over 50 striking models.

    Bindi Liebowitz (as seen on the Voice on NBC) wowed with her performance that earned her a thunderous applause from the audience. Post event dinner included Indo-Italian fusion cuisine with open bar all night long. DJ Sunny Patel provided the musical backdrop.

    With over 50 Models participating in the Awesome Top Model 2018, the final top winners were Meghan Martin in the female category and Tommy Maksanty in the male category.

    All Winners: Elena Macnoughey, Bessie Gee, Carolyn Antal,
    Joselyn Zambrano, Meghan Martin, Tommy Maksanty, Kyree
    Moore & Jose Baez

    Among the sub-categories, the winners were as follows:

    MISS POPULARITY – Joselyn Zambrano and Mr. Popularity- Tommy Maksanty

    MISS PERSONALITY – Elena Maconaughey and Mr.Personality – Jose Baez

    MISS PHOTOGENIC – Katy Grey and Mr. Photogenic -Tommy Maksanty

    MISS PERFORMANCE – Bessie Gee and Mr. Performance -Kyree Moore

    MISS PHYSIQUE – Carolyn Antal and Mr. Physique – TommyMaksanty

    This event would allow the chosen winners to participate in future NY Fashion Week, along with an opportunity to feature on the cover of fashion editorial magazines, numerous entertainment opportunities, to host or act, amongst other gifts and prizes.

    With their sheer hard work and dedication of Awesome TV & AWSM Radio, (Mr. Ritesh Parikh & Mrs. Nutan Kalamdani) in association with ASC Production (Mr. Amit Singh Chauhan & Ms. Kiran Khan) teams were able to put up an outstanding event in a vivid manner. When you present your talent team along with authentic creativity, it gives an edge to your modeling event and inspires people to be a part of the show, something that was achieved effortlessly by the organizers.

    (Based on a press release)

  • Feature : 2017’s DOC NYC

    Feature : 2017’s DOC NYC

    “Documentary storytellers help us make sense of the tumultuous times we’re living in with artistry, humor and inspiring characters”- Director of Programming Basil Tsiokos

    By Mabel Pais

    NEW YORK (TIP): “2017’s DOC NYC line-up gives audiences fresh insight into high profile figures and shines a light on lesser-known individuals who leave a big impression,” said Director of Programming Basil Tsiokos who led the program selection in collaboration with Artistic Director Thom Powers and Executive Director Raphaela Neihausen.  “Documentary storytellers help us make sense of the tumultuous times we’re living in with artistry, humor and inspiring characters,” he added.

    DOC NYC, America’s largest documentary festival, announced the full lineup for its eighth edition run in mid-November at the IFC Center in Greenwich Village, Chelsea’s SVA Theatre and Cinepolis Chelsea. The 2017 festival included 111 feature-length documentaries among over 250 films and events overall.  Included were 23 world premieres and 23 U.S. premieres, with more than 350 doc makers and special guests in person to present their films or participate on panels.

    Special Events included

    Opening Night Film, the NYC premiere of Greg Barker’s The Final Year, accompanied by members of the Obama administration, which opened the festival.  Greg Barker gives an unprecedented look at the shaping of US foreign policy by following key members of outgoing US President Barack Obama’s administration.

    Closing Night Film, the NYC premiere of Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars, directed by Lili Fini Zanuck, with the acclaimed musician in attendance; an intimate, revealing musical odyssey on the life and career of guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton, told by those who have known him best.

    Centerpiece Film, the world premiere of Far From the Tree, director Rachel Dretzin’s adaptation of Andrew Solomon’s bestselling book; an adaptation of Andrew Solomon’s bestselling book examining how parents face their children’s extreme differences, challenging ideas of “normalcy;” and, the NYC premiere of Wormwood, an ambitious new project from Errol Morris exploring the 1953 death of a CIA agent.

    The South Asian Showcase

    Centerstage, an 8-title section focused on performing and performers, presented the world premiere of THE PROBLEM WITH APU (World Premiere) by director Michael Melamedoff.

    The Problem With Apu
    Photos / Courtesy movie production team

    Hari Kondabolu, south Asian-American stand-up comedian, has had a nemesis for nearly his entire life, someone who has plagued him since he was a child, subjecting him to ridicule and racist comments: Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, better known as the Indian owner of the Kwik-E-Mart on The Simpsons.

    For Hari, Apu represents an outdated and offensive South Asian stereotype, made worse by being voiced by a white man, Hank Azaria. Hari sets out on a comedic quest to confront Azaria and make sense of the long-lasting cultural impact of his troublesome character. (USA, 49 min.)

    ARMED WITH FAITH (North American Premiere) by award winning director-producer Geeta Gandbhir and director-producer-cinematographer Asad Faruqi and executive producer Perri Peltz is a suspenseful portrait of the men of the Pakistani Bomb Disposal Unit, who risk their own lives every day to combat homegrown and international terrorism.

    Armed With Faith
    Photos / Courtesy movie production team

    ARMED WITH FAITH follows three men of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bomb Disposal Unit (KPK BDU) to the front lines of the war in Northwest Pakistan. The lawless tribal area bordering Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province — considered the gateway for terrorists from neighboring Afghanistan, is the backdrop of the film. The battle for control of this porous border area remains critical to the stability of Pakistan and global security. Should Pakistan, a nuclear power, fall into the hands of terrorists, the entire world is at risk.  The men of the KPK BDU unit defuse terrorist-planted bombs in the region, often using just their bare hands.  ARMED WITH FAITH gets up close and personal with two bomb technicians and their commander as they defend their homeland from terrorists spurred by the war in Afghanistan and drone strikes in the region. Ironically, the KPK BDU battle men who look like them, speak their language, share their religion, and even come from their villages. Through the stories of these men, viewers will have unprecedented access to the legacy of devastation caused by the American-led war that has afflicted this region for nearly 15 years and claimed over 50,000 civilian lives.  (USA, 74 min., in Pashto and English).

    ASK THE SEXPERT by Vaishali Sinha (NYC Premiere)

    Ask The Sexpert
    Photos / Courtesy movie production team

    A lighthearted look at India’s Dan Savage, Dr. Mahinder Watsa, a 93-year-old retired gynecologist.  It is a feature length documentary about Dr. Mahinder Watsa, a highly popular 93-year-old sex advice columnist for the daily newspaper Mumbai Mirror in Mumbai. Despite sex being a taboo topic in India, the column’s brand of non-moralistic advice and humor has emboldened many to write in with their questions. The columnist gains popularity even while a ban on comprehensive sex education in schools is adopted by approximately a third of India’s states.

    Is he a hero of progress or an enemy of traditional values? (USA, 81 min., in Hindi and English)

    LOVESICK (World Premiere) by directors Ann S. Kim and Priya Giri Desai

    Lovesick
    Photos / Courtesy movie production team

    In India, where marriage is a must but AIDS carries a stigma, Dr. Suniti Solomon serves as matchmaker for her HIV-positive patients.

    In India, where marriage is a must but AIDS carries a stigma, what are HIV-positive people to do? Dr. Suniti Solomon, who discovered India’s first case of HIV, has an answer for her HIV-positive patients: matchmaking. Directors Ann S. Kim and Priya Giri Desai follow the trailblazing doctor at home and in her office as she methodically looks for the perfect matches for patients Manu and Karthik. With compassion, humor and hope, Lovesick is an intimate story about the universal desire for love. (USA, 74 min., in Tamil, Hindi and English)

    Insha’Allah Democracy
    Photos / Courtesy movie production team

    INSHA’ALLAH DEMOCRACY (North American Premiere) directed by Mohammed Ali Naqvi who is about to vote in Pakistan for the first time. When Mo was 19, General Pervez Musharraf staged a coup d’etat that saw him in power until his exile in 2007. With the country growing increasingly unstable and sectarian, Mo faces a difficult choice: should he back a religious hardliner who may persecute minorities like himself or support the secular liberal platform of returning ex-dictator Musharraf who is running for President? Gaining remarkable access to the charismatic Musharraf, Mo questions if democracy is truly possible in Pakistan. (Pakistan/USA, 82 min., in Urdu and English).

    (Mabel Pais is a freelance writer.  She writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health and Wellness, and Spirituality)

  • National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY Honors 11 TV Celebrities

    National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, NY Honors 11 TV Celebrities

    Prakash M Swamy

    NEW YORK (TIP):  The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, New York chapter, that gives the prestigious Emmy Awards has inducted 11 top television celebrities in gold and silver circle at a glittering ceremony held here last week.

    The Board of Governors of the Academy announced the induction of 11 individuals into the prestigious Gold and Silver Circles. The Gold & Silver Circles are comprised of an elite group of professionals who have made significant contributions to the New York television market.

    The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have devoted a quarter of a century or more to the television industry. The Gold Circle honors those legends whose contributions span fifty years or more. The Gold & Silver Circles are societies of honor. Their members represent the passion, creativity and dedication that are the hallmarks of excellence in this industry.

    The honorees represent those media professionals working in either a performing, creative, technical, administrative, or journalistic role within the industry, including executive, writing, or production. 2017 marks our second Gold Circle event.

    Since 1992, the New York Chapter has honored distinguished television broadcasters with Silver Circle induction, including Walter Cronkite, Bob Keeshan, Linda Ellerbee, Sheila Nevins, Jerry Orbach, Rafael Pineda, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, John Roland, and Chuck Scarborough.

    This year, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter will induct the following accomplished professionals: Gold Circle Inductees: Maury Povich (NBC Universal Entertainment), Marvin Scott (WPIX-TV). Silver Circle Inductees: Bruce Brauer (CBS Television Stations), Esteban Creste (WXTV), Andy DeSantis (WGRZ-TV), Pat Dolan (News 12 Networks), Mark Fetner (WABC retired), John Filippelli (YES Network), Susan Lucci (Actress and Performer), Dana Tyler (CBS2 News), and Mary Alice Williams (NJTV News).

    Presenters were Audrey Arbeeny, N.J. Burkett, Connie Chung, Todd Ehrlich, Norm Fein, Megyn Kelly, Rich Leibner, Denise Rover, Dana Tyler, Amy Waldman, and Diana Williams.

    “This year’s illustrious honorees have distinguished themselves in their positions, amongst their peers, and in our community,” said Denise Rover, President of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter. “Each has made a significant contribution to our industry, whether it is in entertainment, news, or sports. We salute these 11exceptional people who have made an impact in New York media.”

    The ceremony was held in New York City at The Lambs Club.

  • American Dance Company to Perform in Five Indian Cities in January,2018

    American Dance Company to Perform in Five Indian Cities in January,2018

    Indian Council for Cultural Relations and U.S. Embassy New Delhi collaborate with “Battery Dance”

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): Sandeep Chakraborty, Consul General of India in New York, will host a reception at the Consulate on Sunday, January 7th, 2018, providing an elegant send-off for Battery Dance on the day before the lower Manhattan-based company begins a national tour of India, with performances and workshops in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and New Delhi. The event will be an opportunity to obtain a sneak preview of the India tour.

    Battery Dance, founded and directed by Jonathan Hollander in 1976, has been a cultural bridge-builder between the U.S. and India for the past quarter-century. Cross-cultural collaborations have included SONGS OF TAGORE that traversed 17 cities in the Indian subcontinent in 1997 during the 50th Anniversary of Indian Independence; and LAYAPRIYA, which toured six major metro cities in 2001. Hollander and Battery Dance have presented many of the foremost dancers and musicians of India in New York and on national US tours and annually at its Battery Dance Festival in conjunction with the Indo-American Arts Council, an institution that Hollander co-founded and on whose Board he serves.

    The current India tour features SHAKTI: A Return to the Source, previously named The Durga Project, which was premiered as the centerpiece of the Company’s 40th Anniversary Season in New York in 2016 and which subsequently toured the U.S. and Sri Lanka. SHAKTI is a collaboration between Indian classical dancer Unnath Hassan Rathnaraju and the 5 principal dancers of Battery Dance – Robin Cantrell, Mira Cook, Bethany Mitchell, Sean Scantlebury and Clement Mensah. The work was inspired by the rendition of Raag Durga as recorded by the Hindustani master vocalists Rajan & Sajan Mishra who have given special permission to use their recording and who will attend the final performance of the tour in New Delhi.

    The Consulate General of India, New York will be a co-sponsor in the company’s 37th Annual Dance Festival which is scheduled for August 2018 to be held in New York City where they will continue their tradition of presenting Indian dance with a special performance on India’s Independence Day, August 15th, 2018.

    SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES:
    Mumbai – January 11, St. Andrew’s Auditorium
    Pune – January 13, Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium
    Bangalore – January 20, Ravindra Kalakshetra
    Kolkata – January 24, Kala Mandir
    New Delhi – January 31, Kamani Auditorium

    For more information: Jonathan Hollander: jonathan@batterydance.org 212-219-3910

     

  • Hema Sardesai’s “Power of Love” to be released in New York in December

    Hema Sardesai’s “Power of Love” to be released in New York in December

    NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): After being the only Indian singer to win the “Grand Prix” in Germany competing with 21 countries, plus singing live at the International UNICEF Concert in Europe, today the loved Indian singer of more than 100 Bollywood songs, well-loved as ‘The Awaara Bhavaren Girl’, Hema Sardesai goes international once again. This time along with the well-known Indian TV star, also known as ‘Datta Bhau’, Mishaal Raheja. Both are creating history, all thanks to none other than the world   renowned American music executive and independent film produces in Hollywood, Grammy award winning publisher, Tony Mercedes.

    The new American single “POWER OF LOVE”, is the debut single by Hema Sardesai featuring Mishaal Raheja, and is to be released in New York, USA in Dec 2017.

  • Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema

    Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema

    India’s Identities Through Bollywood Cinema: Panel discussion at Lincoln Center

    By Mabel Pais

    India’s Identities through Bollywood Cinema, was a panel discussion at one of Lincoln Center’s Film Center, in early August.  It explored the Hindi film industry’s (colloquially known as Bollywood) role in uniting Indians from different religious, ethnic, linguistic, economic, and class backgrounds. For over a century Bollywood has attempted to represent the country’s multitude of voices.

    The panel of expert filmmakers, journalists, and academics explored how Bollywood cinema represents India’s various identities and how that storytelling can continue to evolve and include all Indians.

    The moderator, Pulkit Datta, a freelance filmmaker, led the discussion.  He has worked on a wide variety of productions internationally, in addition to writing, directing and producing his own passion projects. Datta is also the Media Producer for The India Center Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting dialogue and cultural exchange between the U.S and India.

    Panelists were Tejaswini Ganti (Associate Professor, NYU), Sri Rao (screenwriter/producer), and Anisha Jhaveri (Film Critic, Indiewire).

    Bollywood Boulevard: A Journey Through Hindi Cinema, was the mainstay to the dual events on Bollywood.  Created by MELA Productions in association with Aaditaal Music Project, the song-and-dance presentation debuting in August, was part of Summer 2017 Lincoln Center’s Out of Doors Festival at Damrosch Park.  It attracted over 4,000 patrons.

    Scenes from various Bollywood movies.
    Photos / courtesy Heena Patel, MELA Group
    Scenes from various Bollywood movies.
    Photos / courtesy Heena Patel, MELA Group

    Bollywood Boulevard — a harmonious fusion of live music, dance, and film — led you from the birth of Hindi cinema to present day. You experienced the spirit, artistry, and history of India’s famous film industry from the classics of the black-and-white era and the timeless songs of Bollywood’s Golden Era to the foot-tapping blockbusters of today.

    The event was inspired by the music of R.D. Burman, Lata Mangeshkar, and A.R. Rahman, the dance moves of superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra, and romance as captured by Raj Kapoor and Yash Raj Chopra. It was an escape to grand palaces and mustard fields and dance clubs. Bollywood had captured the hearts of billions across the world over the generations for its vibrance, emotions, and heart-pounding beat that inspired the world’s largest entertainment industry.

    While the performance cast hails from the Tri-state, the project itself was an international collaboration between creatives based in the U.S. and India. Featuring 18 dancers, 9 musicians, digital backdrops and short films, over 100 years of Indian artistry of Hindi cinema was alive during this exuberant stage show. This vibrant group of dancers and musicians took the audience on a journey through time as they captured the history of Bollywood, from black-and-white classics to colorful blockbusters, stringing the spirit and romance of India’s grand palaces, mountain vistas, and sweeping mustard fields to Damrosch Park.

    Bollywood Boulevard demonstrated the magnetic power of Hindi cinema and Indian entertainment. Audience members engaged in the performance by singing along with the singers and dancing in the aisles.

    Lincoln Center not only served as the presenter of the show, but also the lead commissioning partner, breathing life into an idea conceived by Heena Patel of MELA Productions and created in partnership with Rushi Vakil of Aaditaal Music Project.

    “There are so many skilled Bollywood dancers and musicians in the five boroughs and New Jersey – Lincoln Center’s backyard – but with limited professional opportunities. By commissioning this show, it was an opportunity for us to invest in the next generation of creators from this community and showcase what they are capable of,” says Jill Sternheimer, Director of Public Programming at Lincoln Center.

     “Every person involved is an ardent fan of Hindi cinema and their passion could be seen in each aspect of the show,” says India-based executive producer, creator, and music director Rushi Vakil.

    “The premiere was more than what we could have imagined. It truly was an evening of pure love, joy, and beauty, and to see the show so thoroughly enjoyed made all the hard work of the last 8 months worth it,” says U.S.-based executive producer, creator, and dancer Heena Patel.

    Scenes from various Bollywood movies.
    Photos / courtesy Heena Patel, MELA Group

    With the overwhelmingly positive response, Bollywood Boulevard will commence on a tour in early 2018 with a series of performances in February and March in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York before heading across the country later in the year.

    Executive Producer Heena Patel, MELA Productions (USA); Rushi Vakil, Aaditaal Music Project (India)

    Artistic Director Heena Patel; Music Director, Original Music, Background Score Rushi Vakil; Music Team Kanishka Bhatia, Maharshi Patel, Anil Jeengar; Choreographer Rohit Gijare (USA); Assistant Choreographer Aaliya Islam; Scriptwriter Bhargav Purohit (India); Film and Animation Faldu Studio (India); Backdrop Production Nyasa Productions (India); Costume Designer Vaishali Vakil, Kasbee (India)

    Scenes from various Bollywood movies.
    Photos / courtesy Heena Patel, MELA Group

    Dancers included Aaliya Islam, Aria Dandawate, Avinash Gabbeta, Barkha Patel, Bhumit Patel, Bindi Patel, Geatali Tampy, Heena Patel, Manav Gulati, Minal Mehta, Payal Kadakia, Poonam Desai, Pranav Patel, Proma Khosla, Rhea Ghosh, Rohit Gijare, Rohit Thakre, Sean Kulsum

    Musicians included Achal Murthy (Bass), Varun Das (Drumkit), Niranjan Nayar (Guitar), Rohan Prabhudesai (Keyboard), Sanjoy Karmakar (Percusion), Harini (Rini) Raghavan (Violin), Harini (Rini) Raghavan, Harshitha Krishnan, Krishna Sridharan, Neel Nadkarni (Vocals).

    Bollywood Boulevard was commissioned by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, along with the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, and The Jay and Linda Grunin Center, with additional support from the Patels. Additional support for the Lincoln Center presentation came from the India Center Foundation, Anil Bansal, and Raoul Bhavnani.

    For more information on Bollywood Boulevard, please visit: http://bollywoodblvdshow.com/

    (Mabel Pais is a freelance writer.  She writes on the arts and entertainment, health and wellness, social issues and spirituality)