Monday, July 31, 2023

Sheran Di Kaum Punjabi: Sanjay Dutt’s Punjabi film debut with Gippy Grewal

After making his debut down south with KGF, Leo and now Double iSmart by Puri Jagannadh, actor Sanjay Dutt is set to make his foray into the Punjabi film industry with Gippy Grewal's “Sheran Di Kaum Punjabi.” Tweeting the news of his casting, Dutt mentions: "Proudly announcing my First Punjabi Film 'Sheran Di Kaum Punjabi' with Gippy Grewal @GippyGrewal #AmardeepGrewal #EastSunshineProductions."

After the Blockbuster success of Carry on Jatta 3, Gippy Grewal collaborates with Sanjay Dutt for his next Punjabi film Sheran Di Kaum Punjabi. Written and directed by GippyGrewal and Produced by Amardeep Grewal under the banner of East Sunshine Productions, the film will hit theatres on Baisakhi 2024. Grewal also took to twitter to welcome the Munnabhai actor on board. "Love you Paaji @duttsanjay. Welcome to Punjab," the Punjabi film star wrote on the microblogging site.

Lok Sabha passes the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill to curb film piracy

The Lok Sabha today passed the Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2023, prohibiting unauthorized recording and exhibition of films to curb film piracy. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the Bill. The bill has provisions for up to three-year jail term and a fine of up to five per cent of the production cost of a film for persons making its pirated copies.

The Bill also seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952 under which the certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was valid for 10 years. Now, the certificate will be perpetually valid. It also has provisions to introduce three age-based certifications under the 'UA' category, namely 'UA 7+', 'UA 13+' and 'UA 16+', and to empower the (CBFC) to sanction a film with a separate certificate for its exhibition on television or other media.

Replying to a brief discussion over the Bill, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said, the credibility of Indian films has increased immensely across the world and the country is producing the highest number of films. Talking about the merits of the Bill, he said, this legislation will benefit every person associated with the film industry. He said, this will check the piracy which is causing huge loss to the film industry.

Mr. Thakur added that "Film piracy is like cancer and this bill will try to root it out. The film industry is incurring loss of around 22,000 crore rupees every year due to piracy. The Bill is also intended to prohibit the unauthorized recording of the films and ease the process of licensing procedure as the certificates will be perpetually valid. Lauding the achievement made by the Indian Films and documentary in the Oscar, Mr. Thakur said, Indian film industry has a huge potential to become content hub of the world. Films like RRR and the Elephant Whisperers (documentary) have earned laurels for the country at the world stage. He expressed confidence that the Indian film industry will win more awards in the future also.

The Bill is intended to ensure that the film content does not suffer due to piracy as the menace causes heavy loss to the industry. The Bill prohibits the unauthorized recording and exhibition of films. Attempting an unauthorized recording will be an offence with imprisonment between three months and three years. It will also attract a fine between three lakh rupees and five percent of the audited gross production cost. The Bill has a provision to add certain additional certificate categories based on age. Films with an ‘A’ or ‘S’ certificate will require a separate certificate for exhibition on television, or any other media prescribed by the central government.

Jawan song "Zinda Banda" is out; SRK seen in stylish avatar dances his heart out

Shah Rukh Khan's first song Zinda Banda' in Hindi, Vandha Edam in Tamil and Dhumme Dhulipelaa in Telugu from Jawan is finally out. Starting from the peppy tune to the extravagant set up, everything speaks about the grandeur of the Atlee directorial.

After keeping fans on their toes with the ‘Jawan’ trailer and first-look posters, Shah Rukh Khan dropped the music video for Zinda Banda, the first song of his upcoming action thriller Jawan. Unveiling Zinda Banda on Instagram, Shah Rukh Khan wrote, “When principles are at stake, one must fight, This battle is what makes you alive! I thank Wasim Barelvi sahab with all my heart for letting us use this beautiful couplet with a minor change.” The couplet read: ‘Usoolo par jaha aanch aaye takrana zaruri hai, to fir zinda nazar aana zaruri hai’.

Much like other SRK numbers, Shah Rukh Khan dances his heart out in foot-tapping track Zinda Banda with Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani and his girl gang. Featuring SRK's unmatched energy and dance moves choreographed by the renowned Shobi, the song encapsulates the spirit of the film, exuding grandness, vibrancy and celebration. With lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil and music by the talented Anirudh, who not only composed the entire album for 'Jawan' but also lent his voice to this energetic dance number. The infectious energy of the track will not only captivate the audiences, but will get the entire nation grooving along.

a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation, Jawan is scheduled to release in theatres on September 7. Proving to be a pan-Indian entertainer, featuring the best talents from all corners of the country,

the film boasts of an ensemble including industry stalwarts such as Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, and Deepika Padukone in a special appearance. Girija Oak, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Lehar Khan, Aaliyah Qureshi, Ridhi Dogra, Sunil Grover, and Mukesh Chhabra will also be seen in pivotal roles. Set to release worldwide in theatres in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages, 'Jawan' is directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma.

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If you have not yet watched its captivating trailer, watch it here…

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Sanjay Dutt joins Ram Pothineni's 'Double iSmart'. Shares first look poster

On the occasion of his 64th birthday, Sanjay Dutt treated his fans with an announcement of his new film Double ISMART, directed by Puri Jagannadh. Sharing the first look of his character Big Bull from the movie, Sanjay Dutt wrote, "It takes me immense pride to be working with the director of the masses #PuriJagannadh ji and the young energetic Ustaad @ramsayz Glad to be Playing the #BIGBULL in this sci-fi mass entertainer #DoubleISMART Excited to be teaming up with this super-talented team and Looking forward to the film hitting the screens on MARCH 8th, 2024 @Charmmeofficial @IamVishuReddy @PuriConnects (sic)."

A sequel to 2019 superhit, 'iSmart Shankar,' the shooting of Ram Pothineni's highly-anticipated film 'Double iSmart' began with the team canning a breath-taking action sequence in Mumbai. Bringing a captivating and powerful character to the movie, Sanjay is sure to steal the show as he looks ultra-stylish in a suit in the poster. Sporting a funky hairdo and a beard with earrings, rings, an expensive watch, and a tattoo on his face and fingers, it is evident from the poster that his character is immensely powerful and commanding. Exuding an aura of fearlessness, Dutt looks fierce, smoking a cigar, though all the guns are pointed towards him.

Essaying a full-length role in the movie, audiences can expect to witness a completely unique and never-seen-before avatar of Sanjay in 'Double iSmart'. It will be also exciting for fans and movie buffs to see Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt together. The unusual combination of Ram and Sanjay has resulted in heightened anticipation among the fans and movie buffs. Made on a high budget with technically high in standards, Hollywood cinematographer Gianni Giannelli is working for this high-voltage action entertainer.

‘Double iSmart’ will have a Pan India release on Maha Shivaratri, March 8, 2024. It will release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages.

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Taali gives a sneak peek of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant’s courageous quest of struggles, resilience and triumph

After her successful stint on the web in Aarya, Sushmita Sen is now playing a never-seen-before avatar of a transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in a JioCinema Original “Taali” that premieres on August 15. Giving a sneak peek of her courageous quest of struggles, resilience and triumph, Sushmita Sen aroused the interest of her fans and film-enthusiasts' with release of the teaser of ‘Taali’.

Wearing a sari and adjusting her big Bindi at the start of the teaser as she looks at herself in the mirror, Sushmita Sen revealed the teaser of the movie on her Instagram profile. The teaser begins with Sushmita's voice over where she introduces herself as Shreegauri Sawant, while adjusting her saree in front of a mirror. She says in the teaser that some people call her Hijda, some social activist and some nautanki.

Ravi Jadhav who made his directorial debut with the Marathi musical Natrang, which won the National Award for the Best Feature Film in Marathi, will be directing this series  created by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D Nishandar. Produced by Arjun Singgh Baran, Kartk D Nishandar and Afeefa Nadiadwala, Taali will shed light on transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant’s relentless pursuit for the recognition of the third gender in India.

Sharing the teaser, Sushmita Sen captioned it, “Gaali se Taali tak ke safar ki yeh kahaani. Presenting the story of Shreegauri Sawant's fight for India's third gender. #TaaliOnJioCinema streaming free 15 Aug.”  Sushmita then summed up her journey in the movie with these words, “Gaali se taali tak (From cuss words to clapping).” The teaser that promises that the film will have powerful dialogues, also delves into many facets of Sawant from her early days to the present time. One such is when Sushmita aka Shreegauri Sawant says, "Swabhiman, samman, swatantrata, mujhe ye teeno chahiye (Self-respect, respect and independence - I need these three things)." The teaser ends with a punchline and Sushmita enacted it with grace. When a character says to Shreegauri Sawant, "Ready to go, Gauri?", Gauri gives a prompt reply, "Bachpan se (From childhood days)."

“Taali” marks a historic moment in Indian cinema, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes as it brings to life the inspiring story of Gauri Sawant, a courageous transgender woman who fearlessly pursued her dreams and embraced her true identity. Born as Ganesh in a modest family in Bhavanipeth, Pune, in 1989, Gauri Sawant's journey was far from easy. From a young age, she bravely confronted her gender identity, identifying more closely with women. But she had to face the harsh realities of a society steeped in prejudice and misunderstanding. Faced with discrimination and ridicule, Gauri persevered with an unwavering spirit, determined to be true to herself. Her journey was one of self-discovery and courage, breaking free from societal norms and embracing her authentic self.

Shreegauri Sawant left her home in her teens in order to avoid disappointing her dad, a police officer. She later founded the Sakhi Char Chowghi Trust (NGO) in 2000 that provides counselling to the transgender community and promotes safe sex. Due to her persistent efforts of her community being recognised as the third gender, the Supreme Court recognised transgender as the third gender. She was also the first transgender activist to file a petition in the Supreme Court for adoptions rights of transgender people.

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If you have not yet watched its captivating trailer, watch it here…

Ruckus over Bawaal continues: Snowballs into an international controversy with diplomats involved

After several human rights groups like the Simon Wiesenthal Center demanded the removal of “Bawaal” from Amazon Prime Video, the Israeli embassy has also condemned the ‘trivialization’ of Holocaust in the film. He has slammed the film makers for depicting an outlandish scene related to the Nazi death camp of Auschwitz. Weaving the holocaust into the narrative of the film showing how the couple resolves their differences, the film goes into the graphic recall of the Holocaust in several scenes. 

The Israeli Embassy took to Twitter and wrote that they are “highly disturbed by the trivialization of the significance of the Holocaust in the movie Bawaal”. The tweet reads, “There was a poor choice in the utilization of some terminology in the movie, and though we assume no malice was intended, we urge everyone who may not be fully aware of the horrors of the Holocaust to educate themselves about it. Our embassy is constantly working to propagate educational materials on this crucial subject, and we are open to engaging in conversations with all individuals to foster a better understanding of the universal lessons derived from the Holocaust.”

Weighing in on the Bawaal controversy, a day after the Israeli embassy in India criticised the film for “trivialising” the genocide of six million Jews in World War II, Ambassador of Israel to India Naor Gilon also echoed a similar viewpoint. He also tweeted, “I did not and will not watch the film Bawaal but from what I’ve read, there was a poor choice of terminology and symbolism. Trivialization of the Holocaust should disturb all. I urge those who don’t know enough about the horrors of the #Holocaust to educate themselves about it.”

It appears that the row surrounding Nitesh Tiwari’s Bawaal is far from over. However, the OTT platform is still silent on the issue and are yet to make a statement on the same. The Nitesh Tiwari directorial “Bawaal” starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor released on July 21, 2023 on Amazon Prime Video.

Friday, July 28, 2023

Netflix explores the untold story of India’s infamous outlaw in ‘The Hunt for Veerappan’

A husband, father, leader and wanted criminal. While the image of the man with a handlebar moustache and gaunt cheekbones is well-known, there are many other aspects of Veerappan’s life that have remained hidden in the dark forests of South India. Netflix’s upcoming docu-series, The Hunt for Veerappan, unveils this saga with accounts from those closest to him. Directed by first-time docu director Selvamani Selvaraj, the series is produced by Apoorva Bakshi and Monisha Thyagarajan, founders of Awedacious Originals along with Kimberley Hassett. Helmed by Bakshi, one of the producers behind the International Emmy award-winning series Delhi Crime and Hassett who is the co-producer of Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, this highly anticipated, defining docu-series will premiere exclusively on Netflix on August 4.

For 17 years, Veerappan was the subject of India's longest and costliest manhunt. The cinematic series delves into the unseen and unheard, presenting firsthand accounts from individuals close to Veerappan and those who tirelessly sought to capture him. From shedding light on the authorities’ struggle to apprehend him to providing a political and social commentary that reveals the politics of disparity, the docu-series unravels his captivating tale and the disorder that ensued.

Pointing out the significance of the documentary, producer Apoorva Bakshi of Awedacious Originals said, “Veerappan was the most infamous outlaw in the 90s India, and his story is still relevant today for its profound historical and cultural significance. We strived to uncover his unique psyche beyond the physical image many know, through the accounts of those who have labored tirelessly with and against him. Our continued association with Netflix has enabled us to deliver an authentic, thought-provoking and seminal show giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of the man and his life.”

Director Selvamani Selvaraj reflects on speculation around Veerappan, stating, "For years, we had heard tales about Veerappan’s notoriety, yet no one truly knows what made him the dreaded criminal that he became and still be known as the Robin Hood for a section of the society. In this docu-series, through meticulous research, we have been able to dig deep into his complexities, unearthing untold stories and unexplored facets of his life. Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to unravel the enigmatic personality and contribute to a broader dialogue that transcends Veerappan's individual story.”

Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India said, “We are committed to telling the most compelling untold stories from India in many diverse formats. Our next offering, The Hunt for Veerappan is a docu-series about the most notorious and dreaded bandits of India. This is an important story that Selva, Apoorva and Monisha have brought to life with a great amount of passion and rigour to uncover facts and truths about Veerappan’s life. Indian docu-series such as House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths, Indian Predator, Bad Boy Billionaires have resonated well with our audience and we are extremely excited about this series and are confident that our audience will be intrigued, shocked and moved by this story.”

The four-part docu-series will take viewers through the hunt in Tamil and English. It will also be available in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam, ensuring that audiences across different regions can join in the pulse-pounding chase and experience the untold story of Veerappan in their own language.

Set to premiere on 4th August exclusively on Netflix, catch the biographical true-crime docu-series in the untold story in ‘The Hunt for Veerappan.’ You can watch the captivating trailer here...

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The latest OTT release includes Kaalkoot, One Friday Night, Spy, Half CA, Dream and many more on

OTT platforms, with their varied content and genres, have become one of the most preferred mediums of entertainment. Churning out content at lightning speed, it’s time for your weekly update of the latest OTT releases with the perfect blend of movies and TV shows to watch in order to satiate all your bingeing needs. This week you will see many interesting titles premiering on various platforms. From the gripping crime-drama ‘Kaalkoot’ to Season 3 of The Witcher (2nd Part), One Friday Night, Spy, Half CA, and many more. Be it action, drama, romance, comedy, horror or mystery, there’s something for everyone on the most popular OTTs. Below is the list of some of the best web series and movies which you can watch on Netflix, Sony LIV, Zee5, JioCinema and Amazon Prime Video this week. Happy Viewing!!

Kaalkoot / JioCinema
A crime thriller featuring Vijay Varma and Shweta Tripathi in the lead roles, Kaalkoot follows the life of Ravi Shankar Tiwari, a police sub-inspector who has lost his passion for the job. However, a disturbing acid attack case reignites his sense of duty. He is determined to solve the case despite all the challenges in his personal life. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he is consumed by its haunting details.Directed by Sumit Saxena, the series that has been getting a good response for its storyline and exceptional performances, also features Seema Biswas, Yashpal Sharma and Gopal Datt in pivotal roles.


Happiness for Beginners / Netflix
Having always lived the safest life possible, recently divorced Helen Carpenter joins a group of strangers on a survival course upon her brother’s insistence. Seeking the adventure of a lifetime and finally wanting to live on the edge, the 32-year-old heads out to traverse 51 miles of Connecticut’s Appalachian Trail. As expected, the hiking, camping and conversations soon pave the path for Helen to live and love again. The film is based on the eponymous novel by Katherine Center.


One Friday Night / JioCinema
A thrilling encounter that takes place in a remote villa on a rainy Friday night, “One Friday Night” revolves around a business tycoon, who engages in an extra-marital affair with a woman much younger than him. Their secret affair in a faraway holiday villa takes an unforeseen turn when the young woman accidentally pushes the tycoon from the balcony and he falls straight on his head. This life-altering accident leaves the man critically injured and in need of urgent medical attention. The story that follows, takes viewers through the crazy happenings that occur over 'One Friday Night'.


Spy / Amazon Prime Video
An engaging Telugu spy thriller directed by Garry BH, “Spy” centres around Jai, a RAW agent tasked with unravelling the link between an arms dealer and the enigmatic freedom fighter, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. With talents like Nikhil Siddhartha, Iswarya Menon, and Naresh in prominent roles, you can watch the Tamil Version on Amazon Prime Video. Watch it if you don’t have much good things on hand!!


Kolla / Zee5
In “Kolla,” a riveting tale unfolds as two women plan a bank heist disguised as opening a beauty parlour. Unexpectedly, tragedy strikes with the untimely death of one woman, leading to an unforeseen twist. Starring Rajisha Vijayan, Priya Prakash Nair, and Vinay Forrt, this film premiered on July 27th on Zee5.


Half CA / Amazon Mini TV
Directed by Pratish Mehta and created by Arunabh Kumar and Harish Peddinti, “Half CA” follows the story of two aspiring Chartered Accountants from different backgrounds, but join forces to take on one of the toughest courses to become a CA. As they face various challenges together, their friendship grows, and they motivate each other with their diverse strengths and perspectives. Highlighting the rigorous preparation and immense pressure that is faced by them while preparing for the CA profession, the series delves into the complexities related to the profession that is not known to the outsiders.

Twisted Metal / Sony LIV
Based on the classic PlayStation game series, “Twisted Metal” is a new show featuring talented actors like Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz, is set in a post-apocalyptic world. This exhilarating action comedy revolves around couriers who navigate walled cities to transport various items. It follows a delivery guy who is offered a chance at a better life if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package. With a lethal axe-wielding car thief in tow, he must lock horns with feral marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road to attain his dream of luxury.


Paayum Oli Nee Yenakku / Amazon Prime Video
Offering an engaging storyline and thrilling moments that captivate the audience, this action thriller is directed by Karthik Adwait. Starring Vikram Prabhu and Vani Bhojan in lead roles, “Paayum Oli Nee Yenakku” follows the journey of a partially blind man as he sets out to uncover the truth behind his father’s death. 

Dream / Netflix
Korean movie ‘Dream’ has a charming stellar cast that stars Park Seo joon, Lee Ji-eun aka IU, and Lee Hyun-woo in the lead roles. It is a sports rom-com drama film that tells the story of a national football team competing in the Homeless World Cup under the guidance of a football coach. ‘Dream’ is on Netflix now.

Appatha / JioCinema
A heartwarming film written and directed by Priyadarshan, Appatha” revolves around an elderly woman and her unconditional love for her dog. Offering audiences an endearing and extraordinary cinematic experience, it beautifully portrays an unlikely bond that highlights the significance of respecting parents and discovering oneself. 

Regina / Amazon Prime Video
A stylish revenge thriller directed by Domin D. Silva, Regina follows a homemaker seeking vengeance for her husband’s tragic death. Captivating audiences with its engaging storyline and suspenseful plot, Regina has Sunaina, Ananth Nag, and Vivek Prasanna in lead roles.

Paradise / Netflix
In a fictional yet not-too-distant future, technology for transferring years of life from one person to another revolutionises the planet. It catapults biotech start-up AEON into a billion-dollar pharmaceutical company, but their hunger for profit and ridicule for human life soon starts showing. After his wife is forced to give up 40 years of her life as payment for an insurance debt, an AEON employee desperately searches for a way to get them back and tries to expose the company for what it truly is.


The Witcher Season 3 (Part 2) / Netflix
The second half delves into Geralt of Rivia, a lone monster hunter and grappling to find his identity in the world. The audience finally gets to see the resolution of the cliffhanger involving him and Dijkstra. With the revelation of Vilgefortz as Rience’s master, Yennefer must convince Tissaia and the Brotherhood of his betrayal. Meanwhile, Ciri is hounded by the Wild Hunt, and Geralt is the only one who can protect her. With corruption, betrayal and death lurking at every corner of Aretuza, the stakes of survival have never been higher.


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Thursday, July 27, 2023

SWC demands ‘Bawaal’ removal for its outlandish abuse of the Nazi Holocaust

After critics and a large cross section of audiences wrote off Bawaal as the most insensitive film of the year, Nitesh Tiwari’s film starring Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, has landed in an international controversy. The Jewish human rights organisation Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) that defends the safety of Jews worldwide has written an open letter to Prime Video to take down the movie from the OTT platform, and not make money from the movie. SWC that also works towards preserving the memory of those who were killed during the Holocaust, has objected to the outlandish abuse of the Nazi Holocaust, to fit into the narrative of a failing marriage.

SWC Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action, Rabbi Abraham Cooper said, “Auschwitz is not a metaphor but a quintessential example of man’s capacity for evil”. His statement further read, “By having the protagonist in this movie declare that ‘Every relationship goes through their Auschwitz (Nazi Germany's largest death camp),’ Nitesh Tiwari, trivializes and demeans the memory of 6 million murdered Jews and millions of others who suffered at the hands of Hitler’s genocidal regime.” He also called the film a “banal trivialisation of the suffering and systematic murder of millions of victims of the Nazi Holocaust.” He further added, “If the filmmaker’s goal was to gain PR for their movie by reportedly filming a fantasy sequence at the Nazi death camp, he has succeeded.

Nitesh Kumar’s ‘Bawaal’ has been the subject of controversies ever since its release. Heavy criticism was levelled at the film for its callous portrayal of the main characters visiting Auschwitz’s gas chamber while travelling to World War II locations. They are shown in a gas chamber in a dream-like sequence with visuals where they are struggling to breathe. In another instance, the protagonist says, “We’re all a little like Hitler, aren’t we?” when speaking about human greed. The use of the Holocaust imagery and Hitler as a metaphor for human greed are indeed in bad taste.

SWC stands up for the security of Jews everywhere and denounces anti-Semitism and hatred. Additionally, the group aims to preserve the memory of those who died during the Holocaust.

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Unleashing Talent: mPokket empowers Young Talent with the mPokket Idols Contest

In an endeavor to empower the underserved youth of India, mPokket – the leading digital lending platform for millennials – hosted the #mPokketIdols contest. The mega contest emerged as an exciting opportunity for the youth to showcase their exceptional talent and compete for a cash prize of Rs1 lakh. The contest not only recognized exceptional skills and rewarded talented individuals but also served as a platform to empower the youth and inspire them to pursue their dreams.

The winner, a first-year college student, Suvrat Jain from Jaipur, received the grand prize of Rs 1 lakh from Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder of mPokket, for his exceptional talent and dedication for playing guitar and singing. Additionally, mPokket recognized the first runner-up Paramjeet Kaur with the Brand’s Choice award, presenting them with high-quality speakers from BOAT worth Rs 4K as a special recognition for their performance in mono acting. Moreover, all participants received Amazon vouchers as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The contest received more than 100 entries with over 1 million views and received a 106% spike in followers in just a week of the launch.

Emphasizing the significance of empowering the youth in driving India’s growth and progress, Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder of mPokket, said, “Our primary objective at mPokket is to eliminate the financial barriers that impede the growth and aspirations of the youth. This is why we are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the contest. The tremendous participation is a testament to the immense talent that resides within our country. mPokket remains firmly committed to empowering college students and young working professionals in India. We are proud of the exceptional performances of these participants and thank our followers for their enthusiastic engagement and support.”

The contest tagline, “Ab Sapne Huye Sach”, resonated with participants from diverse backgrounds, who revealed their talent in singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, mono-acting, mimicry, and more. Contestants were asked to create and share videos of their talent, which captivated the hearts of the audience. To add extra excitement to the contest, mPokket collaborated with renowned influencers, Luv Juyal, Panvelkars Crew, and Abdul Mukhri, as part of the campaign. Their involvement inspired further participation, fostering a vibrant community of aspiring talent.

To ensure fairness and transparency in the judging process, mPokket invited its social media followers to vote for their favorite contestants using Instagram polls. Entries attracting the highest engagement, including likes, comments, and views were showcased on mPokket’s Instagram stories. The social media followers chose between “Yes” and “No” for each participant and the entry that garnered the most votes emerged as the winner.

mPokket’s commitment to empowering the youth extends beyond this contest. With a core mission to facilitate financial independence for the youth, mPokket provides instant personal loans specifically tailored for college students and young professionals. This allows them to pursue their dreams and aspirations without the burden of financial constraints. Through initiatives such as the #mPokketIdols contest, mPokket is dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for passionate youth, empowering them to pursue a specific passion and realize their full potential.

An Instant Loan App that provides loans to college students and young working professionals, mPokket was founded by Gaurav Jalan in 2016. Borrowers can avail of loans ranging from Rs500 to Rs45,000. mPokket’s business model is similar to credit card lending but focuses on a segment that is ineligible for traditional loans yet requires instant funds. The loan is disbursed to customers instantly and credited to their bank accounts via smartphones within seconds. Based on this model, the mobile application seamlessly delivers credit anytime, anywhere. With more than 25 million downloads, mPokket has earned the trust of the masses and emerged as a top player in the lending industry.

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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Concept teaser of Rana Daggubati's mythological movie Hiranyakashyap unveiled

After making an exciting announcement at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2023, about his upcoming mythological movie Hiranyakashyap, Actor-producer Rana Daggubati took to Instagram to unveil the concept teaser of his upcoming ambitious movie project. Sharing the concept teaser on social media, he wrote, "The demon king has arrived. Watch him come to life in our next project." 

Inspired by one of the Amar Chitra Katha comics and backed by Rana's home banner Spirit Media, the teaser captures our attention with intriguing drawings of the mythological demon that the talented Rana Daggubati portrays. However, the sketches deftly conceal Rana's ultimate appearance as Hiranyakashyap, keeping his fans impatiently waiting for the big revelation. Driven by the mythological narrative of the demon king Hiranyakashapu, the titular role will be played by Rana Daggubati himself. The renowned writer-director Trivikram Srinivas is penning the script for this grand project. 

Interestingly, Spirit Media is backing many projects which includes a collaboration with Weekend Blockbusters, the producers of the 2021 Malayalam superhero film Minnal Murali. This collaboration aims to launch the comic character of Minnal Murali, who will find a home in the Indian comic magazine, Tinkle. His Spirit Media company recently produced the Telugu web series Maya Bazaar For Sale which is now streaming on Zee5.

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Taj Mahal, New Delhi celebrates 50 years of the iconic ‘The Taj’ magazine

Taj Mahal, New Delhi hosted a grand celebration honouring the Golden Edition of 'The Taj' magazine, marking its 50th year in 2023. The prestigious event paid tribute to the remarkable journey of the magazine over the last five decades. This revered, award-winning publication has been a true ambassador of Indian art, heritage, culture, cuisine, lifestyle, travel, and people, capturing the essence of India's diverse tapestry in its iconic pages.

The celebration was marked by a panel discussion graced by Shabana Azmi, H.H. Maharani Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and Javed Akhtar, moderated by Vir Sanghvi. The panellists shared their close connection with 'The Taj' magazine and IHCL Hotels. Weaving anecdotes of cherished moments at their favourite destinations, special mentions were made to Taj Mahal, New Delhi and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.

The evening witnessed a heartfelt video message by Fareed Zakaria, currently in Aspen, in commemoration of his mother, the late Dr. Fatma Zakaria, the renowned and highly acclaimed former editor of 'The Taj' magazine.

Eminent guests Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Anjolie Ela Menon & Raja Menon, Paresh Maity, Priya Paul, Anshu Khanna, Ravi Bajaj, Shereen Bhan, Rocky Mohan, Shivani Wazir, Sunaina Anand, Amit Goyal, Sanjay Khanna, Navika Kumar, Vanita Nangia, and other valued patrons, joined the milestone celebration.

The guests savoured a curated culinary experience, relishing delicacies such as Cheese & Charcuterie, Sous Vide Duck & Quisotto and Home Cured Salmon, Scallop & Caviar. A dessert trolley with global flavours and a bespoke selection of hand-crafted chocolates was crafted to perfection. The event was enriched with enlivening music, and enchanting notes from the harp, violin, and flute.

Throughout its journey, 'The Taj' magazine has earned acclaim from readers across India and the world, lauded for its exceptional content, stunning imagery, and impeccable production values. The magazine boasts contributions from a distinguished list of writers, including celebrated authors, artists, designers, cinema luminaries, and other renowned personalities.

‘The Taj’ magazine has won accolades from readers across India and the world for its exceptional content, beautiful imagery and outstanding production values. ‘The Taj’ magazine features content authored by an illustrious list of contributors from well-known authors, artists, designers, cinema personalities and others. The magazine in its 50 years has focussed on a diverse range of topics from botanical art to film heritage, from traditional Kashmiri cuisine to celebrating the flower sellers of Delhi, catering to a diverse palette of interests.

Taj Mahal, New Delhi, one of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital, is a tribute to timeless hospitality and legendary service. Central to the Hotel's prominence is its grandeur, grace, and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary comforts and amenities. The hotel complements the broad boulevards and leafy splendour of Delhi’s chief architect, Edwin Lutyens. With its proximity to the seat of government, cultural centres and iconic heritage wonders, Taj Mahal, New Delhi is one of the most preferred locations among patrons.

The bi-annual magazine is published in print as well as in digital format and is available on Tajhotels.com. Furthermore, guests staying at the hotels can enjoy the print edition in their rooms or access the magazine digitally by scanning the QR code.

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Get Ready for an Epic Heist Comedy Drama as Netflix unveils the trailer of ‘Choona’

With an interesting seasoning of astrological reasoning in its narrative, Choona is all set to take the viewers on an entertaining and fun-filled ride. This thrilling heist drama coupled with a dynamic visual experience and perfect comic punches came to life as Netflix dropped the trailer of its upcoming series, Choona. An ensemble with the most amazing comic timing, Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, Vikram Kochhar, Chandan Roy, Namit Das, Gyanendra Tripathi, Atul Srivastava, Monika Panwar, and  Niharika Lyra Dutt, this satire is written and directed by Pushpendra Nath Misra. Produced by Flying Saucer, this epic heist comedy drama series Choona, will stream soon only on Netflix.  

When an astrologer, a highly skilled, shape-shifting informer, a gully ka gunda, a demoted police officer, a once successful contractor, and a resourceful mediator, Bishnu, plan a heist to take down their one common enemy Shukla, the calm is whitewashed and the chaos is liberally laid out for one & all. They plan to loot 600 cr, no less & that too from the lion’s lair! The party office of Shukla is guarded by armed men, over a hundred physically fit workers, and is secured by CCTV cameras at every corner. With such a huge amount at stake, this extraordinary heist will need more than just brains and brawns to succeed. Can these ordinary men successfully pull off an extraordinary feat and lagao Choona to Shukla?

Speaking about Choona, Showrunner, Director, and Writer #PushpendraNathMisra said, "Choona is grand and unique; a world that is quintessentially Indian because of elements like astrology and jugaad. It is a complete package of action, drama, romance, thrills, and comedy meant to thoroughly entertain the audience. Choona champions the power of the common man. Collaborating with Netflix has been a fulfilling journey, because their processes focus on the content. They understand what it takes to create a slick story at an international standard while being hyperlocal. With more than 100 days of shoot and tons of VFX, Choona has been a labour of love that #Netflix has valued and supported. The cast have been a dream to work with. The actors played off of each other's performances and put in immense efforts to fit into the world of Choona perfectly. Choona is a binge worthy show; an eight-course meal that once tasted, has to be consumed in one sitting."

Speaking about the series, Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, said, “It has been an exciting year so far; Rana Naidu, Scoop, Kohrra, Class, Trial by Fire and now Choona, our members are loving our series and we are excited to keep bringing them different storylines, genres and narrative styles. Choona is a very special story. With its amazing and dynamic cast, led by the versatile and absolutely exceptional Jimmy Shergill, Choona is a novel narrative style that focuses on some memorable characters. And of course, our audience loves a good heist drama and have enjoyed global titles such as Money Heist as well as local ones such as Chor Nikal ke Bhaaga. Now for a heist in Lucknow, we are very excited to see how they like this absolute wild ride.”

Sharing his excitement on the launch of the trailer, Actor Jimmy Shergill further added, “It is extremely exciting to be a part of the show that has been directed by a brilliant director, Pushpendra Nath Misra, has an amazing ensemble cast, and will be streaming on Netflix. The show has a high-spirited narrative and is extremely rich in culture which makes it a perfect watch. As a character, Shukla is quite smart and savvy. He’s unpredictable and one can never know how he will react in a situation. It’s not so easy to con Shukla, especially on his own turf. Does Shukla really get conned? Wait and watch!”

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If you have not yet watched its captivating trailer, watch it here…

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Khesari Lal and Pawan Singh's embrace steals the show Filmfare & Femina Bhojpuri

In a truly epic moment that went beyond rivalry and stirred up a whirlwind of heartfelt emotions, Khesari Lal Yadav and Pawan Singh embraced each other on the grand stage of CSP Foods presents Filmfare & Femina Bhojpuri Icons, co-hosted by Filamchi Bhojpuri. The sight of these two icons hugging it out left the audience in sheer amazement, witnessing the genuine bond of friendship between them. It was a magical moment that demonstrated the immense power of unity within the Bhojpuri entertainment industry.

The legendary Manoj Tiwari, a true titan of the industry, was bestowed with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute to his extraordinary contributions and unwavering dedication to his craft. Manoj Tiwari's magnetic stage presence and captivating persona have left an indelible mark on the industry and captured the hearts of countless fans. Sanjay Mishra was bestowed upon the coveted Pride of Bhojpuri Soil award recognizing his efforts towards propelling Bhojpuri culture and entertainment.

With his amazing talent and immense contribution to cinema and OTT, Ravi Kishan was awarded with Outstanding Performer in OTT and Cinema. Adding to the celebration of winning an award, the enigmatic star also brought in his birthday on stage with a cake-cutting ceremony and heartfelt wishes pouring in.

The evening was a spectacular fusion of talent, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognition. The triumph of friendship overshadowed everything else, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and celebration. It was a glitzy night that witnessed the biggest superstars from the Bhojpuri industry such as Ravi Kishan, Manoj Tiwari, Pawan Singh, Khesari Lal Yadav, Vishal Aditya Singh, Yash Mishra, Kajal Raghwani, Rani Chatterjee, Monalisa, Pakkhi Hegde, Yamini Singh and many more.

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Dance Reality Show Hip Hop India, breaks the Guinness World Record for the Largest Hip-Hop Performance

Amazon miniTV - Amazon's free video streaming service, in partnership with Nissan, has officially entered the Guinness World Records with the largest on-ground hip-hop dance activity, on the day of the premiere of its dance reality show ‘Hip Hop India’. A total number of 1864 dancers came together to jointly perform hip-hop dance for over 5 minutes. The grand event was held at Filmcity in Mumbai in the presence of Hip Hop India’s judges Remo D'Souza and Nora Fatehi, alongside Girish Prabhu - Head of Amazon Advertising and Rajesh Srivastava – Head of Marketing, Nissan Motors India who flagged off this event. Special partners for the event, To The Culture and dancing crew Kings United led by Suresh Mukund, brought together the enthusiastic participants and choreographed the performance, culminating into this momentous feat. This event was also supported by apparel partner - Nachke and energy partner – Hustle who provided uber cool t-shirts and energy drinks to all participants.

The Guinness World Records official adjudicators announced the record-breaking moment, as the stadium went up in rapturous applause. The previous record for the largest hip-hop performance was achieved in 2014 by 1658 dancers in Alabama, USA. This global record coincided with the launch of the show ‘Hip Hop India’ on Amazon miniTV, which is a huge celebration of hip-hop culture that viewers across India can watch for free! To mark this event, the dancers came together to build a 109 feet wide human formation of ‘Nissan Magnite’, to celebrate the brand’s association with India’s love for music and entertainment.

"This is a proud moment for India and Amazon miniTV, as we etch our name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Our endeavor with Hip Hop India has been to celebrate this rich culture of hip-hop which has now become very popular with the youth. Setting the world record was made possible by the passion of these dancers, and this is unquestionably their triumph," said Girish Prabhu, Head of Amazon Advertising.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Mohan Wilson, Director - Marketing, Product & Customer Experience, Nissan Motors India Pvt Ltd (NMIPL), said, "The Big, Bold, Beautiful Nissan Magnite has captured hearts making many milestones, the love of it is growing and now it has achieved a remarkable feat of breaking the Guinness World Record. We are immensely proud of this accomplishment which reflects Nissan’s unwavering dedication to Outdo. With 'Hip Hop India' and the Magnite, we continue to make history and celebrate India's incredible talent on the global stage."

Ace choreographer and judge on Hip Hop India Remo D’Souza said, "Witnessing these amazing urban dancers from all across the nation in their true form is itself an achievement for me. And being a part of a team that set a world record in the field of hip-hop is an honour not only for me, but for all of us who took part in it. This is an excellent endeavour by Amazon miniTV, and I am thrilled to be a part of Hip-Hop India. I'd like to give a massive shout-out to everyone who has made this happen. Let’s go India."

"It’s an indescribable feeling to witness and be a part of such a historic moment. When it comes to dancing, I am always game to try something new and different, but what we accomplished today surpassed my expectations. Setting a global record for the largest hip-hop performance, sends a message to all of India's street dancers, encouraging them to come out of their shells. I am honoured to be a part of this iconic event and Hip-Hop India," mentioned actor Nora Fatehi and also a judge on Hip Hop India.

Hip Hop India is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV – a free video streaming service available on Amazon’s shopping app and on Fire TV. Providing high quality entertainment, to watch anytime, anywhere, the content on Amazon miniTV has been carefully curated to suit the varying entertainment preferences of today’s viewers. It is home to a cherry-picked collection of fresh, incredible and award-winning stories across multiple genres ranging from web series, award-winning short films, comedy shows to expert videos on tech. These include popular titles like Badtameez Dil, Hunter – Tootega Nahi Todega, Physics Wallah, Rafta Rafta, Case Toh Banta Hai, Sixer, Highway Love, Yatri Kripya Dhyan De, Crushed, Gupt Gyaan, Shimmy, among others.

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Monday, July 24, 2023

Salman Khan's Tiger 3 teaser to be attached with Jawan, SRK’s poster to be revealed on his birthday

The buzz about Tiger 3 is generating a lot of interest with each passing day. The fifth film of the YRF Spy Universe, Tiger 3 is the third chapter of the action film Ek Tha Tiger (2012), directed by Kabir Khan, followed by Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The third chapter in the series is being helmed by Maneesh Sharma. Said to be the most expensive film for Yash Raj Films at a budget of around ₹300 crore, it will mark the return of Salman as a RAW agent Avinash Singh "Tiger" Rathore, and Katrina Kaif as his wife, Zoya Humaimi-Rathore who is an ex-ISI agent. This chapter will introduce Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist. Revathi, Ranvir Shorey, Vishal Jethwa and Riddhi Dogra are also among the star cast. 

As the film is gradually inching closer to its release, the promotional strategy, the YRF marketing team is all set to dive into the marketing campaign from Independence Day. A tweet to that effect by Film trade tracker Manobala Vijayabalan is going viral on the internet. He shared Tiger 3's tentative promotional plan last night. According to the plan, the character teaser will release on 15th August, followed by the film teaser on 7th September that will be attached with the Jawan print for audiences to enjoy the movie as well as await for the next. This will be followed by the trailer on 28th September, a couple of songs in the month of October and so on. He also predicts the release of Shah Rukh's poster from Tiger 3 on the occasion of his 58th birthday on November 2. You check out the viral tweet attached alongside.

As Salman had appeared as Tiger in SRK's Pathaan, Tiger 3 will not only see Shah Rukh as Pathaan, but also Ashutosh Rana will return as Colonel Sunil Luthra. Fans are really excited and have dropped comments as one of them wrote, "First in the history of Indian Cinema, Cameo role ka bhi poster aayega. SRK impact." Another mentioned, "I cannot wait."

Set to hit the big screens on November 10th, the first cut of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s much-awaited action entertainer is locked, and the VFX work is going on in full swing along with the background score. Shot extensively all around the world, promising its viewers a perfect cinematic experience, YRF is set to create the grandest action film in Indian Cinema.

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Sunday, July 23, 2023

BRO' trailer out! Pawan Kalyan- Sai Dharam Tej promise wholesome entertainment

The much-awaited trailer of BRO is out now! Directed by Samuthirakani, BRO, is a fantasy comedy film featuring Sai Dharam Tej as Markandeya (Mark) and Pawan Kalyan as the God of Time. The official trailer that gives a brief glimpse of the film, promises to be a wholesome entertainer with action and comedy in equal parts. Written and directed by Samuthirakani, BRO is the modified version of Samuthirakani’s own Tamil film Vinodhaya Sitham

Collectively produced by T G Vishwa Prasad and Vivek Kuchibhotla under People Media Factory in association with Zee Studios, the screenplay and dialogues of the film are written by Trivikram. While the music of the film is composed by Thaman S, the cinematography has been handled by Sujith Vasudev and editing has been done by Naveen Nooli. Apart from Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam, 'BRO' also features Priya Prakash Warrier, Ketika Sharma, Brahmanandam, Subbaraju, Rohini Molleti, Tanikella Bharani, and others in significant roles. Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela has a cameo appearance in the movie.

For the unversed, the trailer of 'BRO' was supposed to be released last month on June 29th. But the makers couldn't unveil it due to a technical glitch. However, fans who were eagerly waiting for the trailer of the movie are super excited and have given a thumbs up to the exciting trailer. Such was their phenomenal response, that within a few hours of its release, the 'BRO' trailer has crossed over 10 million views on YouTube. The BRO movie is scheduled for a theatrical release next week, on July 28th.

If you haven't yet seen the captivating teaser of BRO, you can watch it here...

Suriya's intense look in 'Kanguva' teaser impresses fans on his birthday. Fans ecstatic!


On Suriya's 48th birthday, the makers of the much-awaited Tamil film Kanguva dropped the teaser on Saregama Tamil's official YouTube channel today. Suriya's fierce and captivating presence in the first glimpse of the 'Kanguva' teaser has not only left the audience mesmerised with its breath-taking visuals, but has garnered an overwhelming response from all directions.

To be released in 3D in 10 different languages, Kanguva teaser has been released in six languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, English, and Hindi. Crafting a spectacular world featuring rustic action scenes and awe-inspiring grandeur within the film, the glimpse opens with a powerful dialogue that showcases Suriya's portrayal as a mighty warrior. It shows Suriya in a wild warrior avatar with long hair and a rugged look surrounded by dead bodies, a horse, and his army. As the teaser progresses, Suriya can be seen killing a person with an arrow. He runs through a dark forest with an iron mask that hides his face in the beginning. Further, he can be seen roaring while multiple arrows are shot at him. The teaser ends with Suriya looking at the camera and asking the question, "All Well?" which leaves the audience intrigued.

With a staggering budget of ₹350 crore, Kanguva stands as the fifth most expensive Indian film ever made. A big-budget film, Suriya's captivating looks and remarkable screen presence in the teaser leaves a lasting impression. Featuring in five distinct roles, his portrayal of the warrior character is simply stupendous. Leading an ensemble cast including Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Ravi Raghavendra, Redin Kingsley, Kovai Sarala, K. S. Ravikumar, Anandaraj, and B. S. Avinash; ‘Kanguva’ is written by Adi Narayana and is being produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja, V. Vamsi Krishna Reddy, and Pramod Uppalapati under the banners of Studio Green and UV Creations. The background score, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, adds to the intensity, sending shivers down the spines of the viewers.

Directed by Siva, the shooting of the period action drama Kanguva has been wrapped up, and is now in post-production. Fans can anticipate its theatrical release in early 2024, in both 2D and 3D formats. 

If you haven't yet seen the captivating teaser of 'Kanguva’, you can watch it here in Tamil & Hindi..

     

‘The Trees Told Me So’ speaks about the beautiful bond between grandparents and grandchildren

Today being Grandparent's Day (July 23), Dubai-based author Purva Grover shares how she has explored the beautiful bond between grandparents and grandchildren in her book, The Trees Told Me So. The book is the labour of love of journalist, author, poetess, playwright, stage director, TED X speaker, and creative entrepreneur, who believes in the power of stories, “Many of us grew up listening to bedtime stories. Our parents and grandparents would read out stories to us and tuck us into bed! However, the tradition of storytelling is slowly vanishing. Let's revive the best and oldest form of education. It is a great tool to pass down cultures and traditions to future generations." She has also authored two other books; She & It was the year 2020.

In The Trees Told Me So, a story, A Summer Ritual, revolves around the relationship between a granddaughter and her grandparents over a simple summer ritual of visiting them every summer. “To remember, realise and value the meaning of the word family. A bunch of individuals in different age groups and with different temperaments who spend their lives under one roof, acknowledging and overlooking each other’s limitations, and applauding the goodness. To understand that as a family, we are meant to forget and forgive, and blossom together; irrespective of our egos, ambitions, differences, challenges, dreams, and insecurities,” says Purva is the message of the story.

“Summer was special; the time we'd all gather at their home. And there was always space for everyone: two Aunts, two Uncles, Mum, Dad and six grandchildren. I spent 18 ‘full’ summers with Granny, Grandpa and the mango tree. And while everything around us changed, we stuck to this one routine. It was a simple routine; a ritual that involved booking train (later, flight) tickets, packing bags and spending a few weeks in their home. None of us ever spoke of the worth of its existence or the consequences if it were to be discontinued. There was no need to discuss the ‘usual.”

Purva says, “If trees could talk, they’d have so much to tell: The story of two broken hearts, that stolen first kiss, those last words of a mother to her son, endless cups of tea and never-ending chatter, of nostalgia, an act of brutality and a tale of passion. In this collection of short stories, The Trees Told Me So, Purva Grover draws a beautiful and poignant picture of love, life and loss, with an honest voice. And the common thread running through the stories is that nature (Read: A tree) stands witness like an old soul—full of wisdom and compassion. A silent observer, a keeper of secrets, yet the tree is always an integral part of the character’s very being.”

“Why did the trees speak to me? Why did characters whose lives had been touched by the trees decide to confide in me? I am yet to know. Could it be because I promised to listen closely? I took notes of thoughts that came and vanished. I scribbled down memories that I wished we cherished. I was patient when I met up with people who ached to share. I dealt with questions that made me uncomfortable. I let the sceneries, objects, and situations inspire me. I expressed joy, love, anxiety, disappointment, anger, happiness, and pain. Together, we weaved these 11 tales. Of faith, funeral; of dads, dreams; of growth, greed; of sins, secrets; of chai, confessions; of relationships, reflections; of lives, loves, and living. And we remembered to do so with honesty because it’s only the honest words that have the power to bring a change, touch hearts, and awaken minds. I can only hope we never lose faith in words. These tales are now as much yours as mine,” added Purva.

So, if it's words that you are falling short of, then the book has you covered with its emotional, heart-wrenching relatable memories. Personalised presents are the perfect way to show just how much you care about someone, and you can get the books author-signed for your grandparents.

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Saturday, July 22, 2023

Loya QISSA with Muzaffar Ali & Ambreen Khan: A Melange of Cultural Tales

In a bid to stay true to its unyielding promise of delivering an immersive and unforgettable experience for its esteemed guests, LOYA—the latest addition to The Indian Hotels Company’s (IHCL) exquisite restaurant portfolio, situated at The Taj Palace, New Delhi—extended a warm and exclusive invitation to "QISSA: A répertoire of stories from the heart of the north and an enchanting event that was curated to take patrons on an immersive journey through the diverse traditions of art and culture.

The highlight of this event was a conversation between the renowned filmmaker, painter, and designer, Mr. Muzaffar Ali, and branding expert Ms. Ambreen Khan, held over a carefully curated high tea menu that took the patrons on a journey through the heart of the north.

Renowned visionary artist Mr. Muzaffar Ali, acclaimed for his iconic film ‘Umrao Jaan’ and socially relevant award-winning works, joined as an esteemed guest for the extraordinary ‘QISSA: A répertoire of stories from the heart of the north.’ His accolades, including the Yash Bharti Award, Padma Shri, and Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Sadbhavana Award, attest to his profound impact on art and culture. Founder of the Rumi Foundation, organising Sufi festivals and promoting crafts, Mr. Ali's dedication enriched the event.

Adding allure, the host Ms. Ambreen Khan, a marketing and brand expert with two decades of experience, graced the evening with her profound understanding of diverse cultures. Her associations with prestigious organisations like the IHCL group resonated with her passion for societal impact, enriching the event.

LOYA is a grand feast, which leads you on an immersive journey across the vivid north. From the Foothills of the Himalayas to the flat terrain of Punjab, to snow-laden Kashmir, Loya is a confluence of flavour, passion and influence, all culminating exquisitely on your plate. Our search for the authentic and the long-preserved dishes resulted in a gathering of the North’s most cherished recipes. They spotlight the inherent uniqueness and theatrics of time-honoured cooking techniques of the North - the drama of “dhungar” or smoking, the aromatics of “baghar”, in which spices are tempered in hot oil, “dum”, the richness of slow-cooking and the energetic pounding of spices by hand. Loya offers the warmth and comfort of the past intersecting with the energy of today. A place where timeless techniques, undiscovered culinary traditions and heirloom ingredients are proudly showcased.

‘QISSA’ was held on Friday, 21st July 2023, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at LOYA, Taj Palace, New Delhi—a culinary haven celebrating India's heritage with a fusion of flavours and architectural splendour. The exclusive event united art, culture, and gastronomy, creating an unforgettable experience. The captivating conversation centred around the core essence of the North, exploring themes of Harmony, Experimentation, Authenticity, Reverence, and The Spirit that converge to define the HEART of the region.

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