Yet Another Surreal Art Transcendence

Ronit Roy & Soma Ghosh inaugurate Paramesh Paul’s ‘The Sacred Nandi’

Artist Paramesh Paul’s childhood was seeped in spirituality. Painting, for him, has always been a spiritual practice, an act of conscious and creative alignment with the Divine. As one delves deeper into the paintings, one experiences a harmonious rhythm of life imbued with the feeling of transcendence, balance, and oneness with the whole of creation.

Paramesh Paul began his humble, yet artistic journey, at his hometown in Nadia, West Bengal, where his early years were immersed in creative schooling. Born to a potters’ family, he imbibed all the beautiful engagements with creativity quite comfortably. Added Paramesh Paul, “I am a self-made artist. I began my journey with my family, where we sculpted and created beautiful avatars of Gods and Goddesses. But, after my stay at ISKCON, I had a calling to paint. My paintings are spiritual and nostalgic in nature. They are inspired from my travels to different parts of India, where I have had the pleasure of finding my own compositions based on what I saw and what I felt.”

“I have been very sincere to my art since the very beginning. I have painted what has appealed to me,” said Paramesh Paul. Growing amid temples with prayers as sweet music to the ears, he grew up to have a natural attraction to the sacred Nandi – the grand vehicle of Lord Shiva, only to capture on canvas, his prayer and his journey. 

The magical mysticism, the riveting spirituality, the vast religiosity of Hindu mythology, Paramesh Paul infuses his works with a volatile energy that sees the graceful and sacred Nandi shine bright, both physically and metaphorically. “I find my journey in life quite fulfilled as an artist when a viewer appreciates and comes forward to talk to me about my works.”

Besides ace actor Ronit Roy, vocalist Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh and actor Abhijit Lahiri, writer-filmmaker Anusha Srinivasan Iyer and artists Prithvi Soni, Gautam Patole, Rajendra Patil Para, Ananya Banerji, Gautam Mukherjee, Vishwa Sahni, Amisha Mehta, Sanjukta Barik, Sonalli Iyengar, Rakhi Baid, Ramji Sharma, Ratan Saha, Sonu Gupta and Vishnu Sonawane among many others were present to support Paramesh Paul at the opening ceremony of his 13^th solo exhibition. 

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

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

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

Singer Shree D, Director Aslam Khan, Chandini Sharma & Shakti Arora
 at the song shoot of Adhure Adhure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Educationist Rohit Sharma’s Lunch & Learn Conference The University of the West of England’s Student Outreach Programme

Educationist Rohit Sharma conducted a Lunch & Learn conference at The Lalit, Andheri East, with the representatives of The University of the West of England (UWE), United Kingdom, on courses available, studying in the United Kingdom, Masters programmes with work placement to the United Kingdom, how to apply to the same etc.

“The conference is dedicated towards transforming the way we operate, to continuously improve our abilities in order to be more supportive to everyone and to make sure we achieve our goals. We are also looking at the market change and how adaptive we have been to the new changes I feel we all should be proud of where we are today and excited about where we are headed next,” said Rohit Sharma, Business Development Officer & Consultant, University of the West of England. He also has a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in research, customer service, sales, strategic planning and marketing strategy are some of his fortes. “We shall continue to grow and develop, remaining always adaptable, motivated and responsive,” added Rohit Sharma.

Throughout this conference, students stayed engaged, staying proactive and helping shape the future of UWE, Bristol. “India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Only a truly globalized world will be able boost Indian student participation to universities in the England,” signed off Rohit Sharma.

सेलिब्रिटीज़ ने लॉन्च की कॉर्पोरेट और उम्दा किस्म की ज्वैलरी।

लग्जरी के प्रति अपनी उम्दा पसंद के लिए जाने जानी वाली निशा जामवाल और ओरनेला ने साझा तौर पर आपके सामने ग्रांड शैम्पेन हाई टी और इनजेन्यु दर्शना असवानी के ओरनेला रेंज के कॉर्पोरेट और उम्दा किस्म की  पार्टी ज्वैलरी लॉन्च की जो दर्शना संजना ज्वैलरी का प्रमुख ब्रांड है। इस मौके पर मेहमानों ने हाई टी के साथ साथ शैम्पेन और तमाम स्वादिष्ट चीजों का भी लुत्फ़ उठाया। 

Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Raveena Aswani, Abha Singh, Nisha JamVwal, Darshanaa Aswani, Suzanne Bernert and Vidya Malavade at Nisha JamVwal's launch of Darshanaa Aswani's Ornella

निशा जामवाल को वुमन अचीवर्स की हौसला अफ़ज़ाई करने‌ और तमाम तरह की प्रतिभाओं प्रोत्साहित करते हुए कहा,"मैं बेहद उत्साहित हु दर्शना आसवानी की इस बेमिसाल रेंज की ज्वेलरी को लेकर, डिज़ाइनर दर्शना आसवानी ने डिज़ाइन किये हुए ये रेंज बॉम्बे के उन समझदार ग्राहको के लिये हैं जो इसकि मूल्य को समझते है और अलग तरह की डिज़ाइन के शौकीन हैं। दर्शना ने उनकी माँ रवीना आसवानी के साथ शुरु किये इस व्यवसाय को मेरी तरफ से बहुत बहुत शुभकामना ये मैं चाहती हुँ  दोनों इस व्यवसाय में दिन दूनी रात चौगुनी तरक्की करे।"

दर्शना आसवानी ने कहा, ओर्नेला के साथ, भारत में एक नइ शुरुवात हैं, हम हर समय भारी दुल्हन के गहने पहनने की इच्छा नहीं कर सकते,  हमारे एलिगंट डिजाईन हर खास शाम लिये योग्य पर्याय हैं।”

उल्लेखनीय है कि इस खास कार्यक्रम में शिरकत करनेवालों में दर्शना असवानी, रवीना असवानी, सुजैन बर्नर्ट, रेनू भंडारकर, विद्या मालवाडे, अनुशा श्रीनिवासन अय्यर, अदा अनु मलिक, अनमोल अनु मलिक, अंजू अनु मलिक, रोशनी दमानिया, परवेज दमानिया, रेबेका दीवान, कोलीन खान, संपदा वाझे, संगीता हरिंद्र सिंग, शशी बंसल, डॉ. अवनीता बीर प्रिंसिपल पोद्दार स्कूल, लेखक नीलम कुमार, शेफ राखी वासवानी, शेफ अमनिंदर संधू, आभा सिंह, लविनिया चेतन हंसराज, सोनाली राठौर, शेरोन प्रभाकर, अभिनेत्री उर्वशी ढोलकिया, मारवी बेक, अचला सचदेव, अभिनेत्री मानसी वर्मा, डिज़ाइनर एमी बिलिमोरिया, डिज़ाइनर शिरीन शाह, डिजाइनर बबिता मलकानी, लेखक लीना रमेश प्रभु, डॉ. अमित कारखानीस, अभिनेत्री सोनिका चोपड़ा, सोशलाइट मालती जैन, डिजाइनर पूनम त्रिवेदी आदि  सेलिब्रिटीज़ का नाम प्रमुख है। 

इस कार्यक्रम का आयोजन दर्शना संजना ज्वैलर्स, बूटीक नंबर 3/4/5, डेल्मन होटल बिल्डिंग, 16वां रोड, बांद्रा पश्चिम, नॉम नॉम के सामने और मिनी पंजाब के पास इस पते पर किया गया।

Standing Ovation for DS Pahwa’s Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye

Ace Director Raman Kumar, in association with Producer DS Pahwa, is back with an emotional rollercoaster of a play. Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye stars Sudha Chandran and Ridhima Rakesh Bedi as the mother-daughter duo along with Paintal, Avtar Gill, Ravi Gossain, Poojaa Raajput and Harshita Shukla.

“A play dealing with a sweet relationships gone sour. I am glad it received a standing ovation,” divulged Producer DS Pahwa while Raman Kumar averred, “The emotional turmoil between a mother and a daughter in the play was well received by the audience.”

The cast and crew of Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye were spotted at the do during their first show at Rang Sharda Auditorium, Bandra. Avtar Gill played Dinesh Kumar alias DK, who is a friend to Sudha Chandran’s on-screen character, Sagarika. Paintal played the role of a loyalist who accompanies Sagarika as a Tabla player whereas Ravi Gossain played Reema’s (Ridhima Rakesh Bedi) husband. Ridhima portrayed Sagarika’s daughter who blames her mother on her father’s alcoholism, eventually dying an untimely and unnatural death. The audience applauded the performance and the dialogue delivery.

DS Pahwa’s association with the Indian entertainment industry goes back to the 70s, where from running a cinema hall in Delhi, he has distributed over 40 Hindi films. Beside film distribution, DS Pahwa has produced several critically acclaimed plays with numerous Bollywood personalities. “The cast was a breeze to work with. The play has shaped up really well, all thanks to master director Raman Kumar,” concluded DS Pahwa.

Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye is all set for another enthralling show at Royal Opera House, Mumbai, India’s only surviving opera house, before embarking on a nationwide tour soon.