Sonu Nigam To Hold Online Concert For Every Indian In Support Of PM Modi’s “Iconic” Request For Janta Curfew/Social Distancing; Takes To Social Media

If there is one singer that can stand out, it is none other than the talented and extremely versatile Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam! Having won hearts the world over, Sonu Nigam, as a celebrity and an influencer, has always made it a point to be vocal about issues concerning his fellow countrymen.

In a 30-minute address to nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the citizens of India to prepare so that the nation can combat challenges posed by the COVID-19 viral outbreak. Emphasizing on the urgent need of the hour – Social Distancing, National Film Award recipient Sonu Nigam supported the PM’s move as he took to social media, requesting the masses to adhere to the PM’s “iconic” address.

“During this curfew, we shall neither leave our homes, nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities,” addressed the Prime Minister, adding that to be prepared to combat challenges posed by viral outbreak, there is an urgent need and emphasis on “social distancing”. Lauding the intelligent move, Sonu Nigam explained that the Covid-19 has a lifespan of approximately 12 hours. “And the Janta Curfew is for 14 hours, a masterstroke that no other country except India will attempt!"

Sonu Nigam felt that in order to beat the virus, the only way was the every Indian joined this curfew. “I join both hands in reverence to the people of the Shaheen Bagh protests including mothers and sisters. Jaan rahegi toh awaaz rahegi,” said Sonu Nigam, literally translating to you can only voice your opinion if you stay alive! In a humble request to Swara Bhaskar, Anurag Kashyap and Asaduddin Owaisi among others who have supported the Shaheen Bagh protestors, he averred that the health issue has gone over politics! “This is an issue for the society and humanity, not politics. I urge you to ask them to stall protests till there is a cure for the Coronavirus. They (protestors) will listen to you."

Sonu Nigam, who is unable to reach his homeland as he is stranded in Dubai with his family, added, "I sincerely urge all of you to support 'Janta Curfew' this Sunday from 7am to 9pm and let's curb this pandemic successfully at this stage. Stay safe and take care.”  

Sonu Nigam will also perform Live on his YouTube Channel on 22nd March, 8pm onwards to entertain the nation that respected the curfew! “Enjoy the music while showing gratitude to India’s healthcare professionals. Also, don’t forget to spend quality time with your loved ones,” signed off Sonu Nigam.

https://youtu.be/OmfZCIO8VhI

Sonu will be performing live on his YouTube channel IST 8pm on 22nd March...enjoy the music while thanking the health officials and spending quality time with your loved one

Sachiin J. Joshi Pledges Girl Child Education, Takes To Instagram For Support

The cause of the education to the girl child has been close to number of people. Social organizations and governments have been working since the dawn of women empowerment to ensure that the education-shunned female diaspora does not endure discrimination. One such personality is acclaimed actor-entrepreneur Sachiin J Joshi, who took to his social media handles with the following statement. “After seeing a heart touching video, I learnt that only one in hundred girls in rural India are allowed to study in schools. The right to education is denied to majority. I pledge towards the empowerment of our female counterparts!”  

“It’s an oath. An honest commitment. I pledge to support 100 girls with their education to begin with, through the Big Brother Foundation. It is absolutely true when they quote – Educate a girl child and she will change the world,” says Sachiin J. Joshi. After establishing himself down South, the actor went on to star in Aazaan, a 2011 action thriller that marked his debut in Bollywood. He then went on to star in numerous films including Jackpot opposite Sunny Leone, Veerappan opposite Lisa Ray and Usha Jadhav and the recent Hindi horror-thriller Amavas opposite Nargis Fakhri and Mona Singh among others.

The actor asks for the support of the masses so that he can make this big. “Even if one person who reads this, shares this and/or does the same, it will make a huge difference!” With a target of empowering a thousand girls, he believes that, “slowly and steadily, we can change the world for the better,” as he begins his philanthropic endeavour with hundred rural girls to begin with. The actor has expressed his desire to support girls from rural Maharashtra as well.

Opining with the possibility that even a single educated and empowered female can change the lives of everyone around them, Sachiin firmly believes, “They will be the little lamps who light themselves and will then light the world.”

King Of Performing Troop, Sanjay More.

25 countries and hundreds of ultra successful shows, Sanjay More is a modern day savant of entertainment and keeping the age old tradition of musical and entertainment troop alive in India and overseas.

Sanjay More is a multi-talented and multi-faceted personality. He started performing at the tender age of 7 and now 4 decades later; Sanjay is only Indian troop who has an outstanding recall value.

Talking about his work and future performances, Sanjay More said, “My group is named RANG RASIYA. We have nine people in total in our group. We are all set to perform Gujarati Traditional Stage Shows in the USA this year at places like Orangeburg (SC), Knoxville, Columbia (SC), Greensboro etc. We have been performing together since around about 5 years now. Our most unique point of our performance is that we showcase the true cultural essence of India at an abroad level. We portray the traditional culture of India via our folk musical performances. Our prayer offering songs (Aarti) are one of its kind in the whole world. We are proud to represent the authentic culture of India in USA for our Gujarati Samajs and community in USA in order to celebrate the great holy festival of Navratri and Diwali. We are set to perform shows between 9th Aug 2020 to 9th Dec 2020.”

Since 40 years he has been performing shows with phenomenal dedication and has made an extraordinary mark on the music and entertainment industry. He has performed in countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Jamaica, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, Israel, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Sanjay More also added that he has plans of USA with Kids group in 2021. He said, “With God’s grace, I am doing very well, I am not only preparing for 2020, I got plans lined-up for 2021. I will be heading to USA again with Kids Wonder Stars in 2021 April-May by god’s grace.

Sanjay More and his band have been a major part of Indian Idol 4. Their band created fireworks in the shows and everyone loved their talent.

He has performed stage shows with Amitabh Bachchan, Sudesh Bhosle, Govinda, ila Arun, Himesh Reshammiya, Babul Supriyo, Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Richa Sharma, Anu Malik, Johny Lever , Aditya Narayan, Bhoomi Trivedi to name a few.

Talking about his work and mass popularity, Sanjay added, “See some groups run on the name, but my group runs of good solid work. No doubt we have had out struggles with competition and other aspects, but each day we’re moving forward and covering new grounds”

He is not only a magical musician but is also the creative director and organizer for many concepts. His group performs at Social Festivals, Religious events and anything and everything under the sun.

SHAMAN WHEELS & MERCEDES-BENZ INDIA's 10TH YEAR ASSOCIATION CELEBRATION

Shaman Wheels, dealers for Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars in the city, celebrated its 10th year of association at an event lit-up with the latest luxury cars, high-fashion & gastronomy where renowned fashion designer Amy Billimoria mesmerized the guests with her collection with a show directed by Nisha Haraale. Seen at the do were Amar Sheth – MD, Group Shaman, Alex Thomas, General Manager - National Sales - Mercedes Benz India, show director Nisha Haraale, host Suchitra Pillai, showstopper Ashmit Patel, designer Amy Billimoria, Paresh Karia - CEO - Acquest Advisors, Neeraj Behl, MD & CEO - BSH India, Hair & Make Up Expert Nikki Harale, Farzad Billimoria and Vasant Bhandari of UB Group among many others.

"The decade long journey has been a great & eventful one towards serving Mercedes-Benz customers & enthusiasts in Mumbai. We will continue with our efforts towards reaching higher levels of customer delight" said Amar Sheth, Managing Director - Shaman Wheels. The guests were also awed by advanced technological features in the new Mercedes-Benz GLC & GLE which were showcased at the event.

Show Director Nisha Haraale of Niche Entertainments enthused, “When fashion and luxury meet at an event, it always becomes spectacular. The 10-year celebration showcased a stunning designer collection and as a show director, I was thrilled to put all the pieces together. The event was hosted by Suchitra Pillai and show stopper Ashmit Patel who is not only a car enthusiast himself but known for his fit physique blended well with the Mercedes Benz’ new 'Fit & Healthy' theme.” Added designer Amy Billimoria, "It was great to be part of a wonderful celebration and to showcase my luxury couture amidst grandeur and style.”

Take a dekko!

#shamanwheels #shaman10thyearsanniversary #mercedesbenz #mercedesbenzindia #restlessnights #amarsheth #amybillimoria #ashmitpatel #suchitrapillai #nishaharaale #cars #luxury #lifestyle #fashion  

https://youtu.be/3uurhIhJqfs

Smita Thackeray’s Mukkti Foundation brings women of substance together with 'Each for Equal' All-Women Conclave

Mukkti Foundation, under the aegis of firebrand social activist Smita Thackeray, recently concluded a conclave curated in a bid to empower women. Apart from the conclave being moderated by Smita Thackeray, the event saw participation from other multi-faceted women across all walks of life including the charismatic politician Priya Dutt, the fiery top cop Maya More, the sought-after Academy Award winning and BAFTA nominated film producer Guneet Monga, the dynamic force behind OneLine Wellness as well as the Global Wellness Ambassador for India Rekha Chaudhari, the acclaimed Writer-Director of the Marathi film industry Meena Naik and Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, a celebrated journalist-turned-filmmaker, social activist-reformer and a sought-after TEDx speaker.

Enthused Smita Thackeray, “This Women’s Day Week, I am proud to have moderated and presented an all-women conclave. Mukkti supports all of womanhood and strives to attain absolute empowerment for the same. Let us women help one another and prove to the world that women can!” Aptly titled ‘Each For Equal’, the conclave celebrates womanhood and empowers women while trending with the #WomenCan.

Held at the Mukkti Cultural Hub in Andheri, a state-of-the-art equipped auditorium that has come up to be a junction of intersection for a wide variety of artistic and intellectual pursuits, pulled in diverse crowds through its doors. Comprising of students, entrepreneurs and women across all walks of life, the conclave turned out to be a massive success!

Along with the conclave, Mukkti Foundation also marked the week with a Breast Cancer Screening, Mental Health Awareness, Street Plays, Ribbon distribution and Disinfecting toilets across Western Railway platforms from Churchgate to Borivali as well as a Career initiative for Financial Independence for Women. More power to Team Mukkti!

Star-studded Premiere of Coconut Theatre's play 3Cheers!, produced by Rashmin Majithia with Keyur Sheth written-directed by Paritosh Painter

Writer-Director Paritosh Painter, known for his rustic yet contagious laughter-filled comedy and theatrics, is back with his next mega-production, Coconut Theatre’s 3Cheers!, a satirical comic rollercoaster, produced by Rashmin Majithia and written-directed by Paritosh Painter. Starring Sangita Ghosh, Shweta Gulati, Paritosh Painter, Balwinder Singh Suri, Jayesh Thakkar and Vishal Kotian, Coconut Theatre’s 3Cheers! is a play about Shree, Aditya and Manav; three friends who are Blind, Deaf and Dumb respectively… The characters are financially broke with a long list of creditors behind their back and the problem begins when the creditors hire a goon called Salim Supari to retrieve their money from the 3 friends.

Besides, Mr.Rashmin Majithia, Mr.Keyur Sheth and Mr.Ritesh Lalan of Coconut Theatre, director Paritosh Painter, cast Sangita Ghosh, Shweta Gulati, Jayesh Thakkar, Balvinder Singh Suri and Vishal Kotian, the premiere of Coconut Theatre's play 3Cheers!, held at Vile Parle's Mukesh Patel Auditorium, witnessed many stars from television industry, like Vatsal Sheth, Ishita Dutta Sheth, Harmeet and Manmeet of Meet Bros, Aamir Ali, Ananth Mahadevan, Varun Badola, Indra Kumar, Juhi Babbar, Annup Sonii, Dheeraj Kumar, Ayub Khan, Deepshikha Nagpal, Karanuday Jenjani, Ritoo K Jenjani, Rajendra Chawla, Rupali Ganguly, Ruslaan Mumtaz, Shalin Bhanot, Tannaz Irani, Sai Deodhar, Tushar Hiranandani, Umesh Pherwani, Shweta Pherwani, Vipul Roy, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Rishi Bhutani and Krishna Hegde among many many others.

Rashmin Majithia, Producer of Coconut Theatre’s 3Cheers! averred, “We are expecting an overwhelming response from the audience. The plot of play is very funny and suitable for people of all the age groups. It shows situational comic moments and reactions of each character in in a fun, light-hearted manner. I’m hoping that an appealing set and music, neatly incorporated in the narrative, will definitely entice and captivate the viewers.” Keyur Sheth – CEO of Coconut Media Box echoed the same!

The team is now all set to embark on a tour starting March 14 at St. Andrews in Bandra and March 15 at Mukkti Cultural Hub in Andheri.

Paritosh Painter’s association with the Indian entertainment industry goes back to the 90’s as an actor, producer, director and writer, previously having directed hit theatrical comedy plays like Double Trouble, Whose Wife Is It Anyway?; See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil; Get Rid of My Wife, SELFIE, Women Decoded, Liar Liar, Madhouse, Amar Akbar Ann Tony; I Do, I Don’t and I love You 2 among others. He has also delivered hit films like Total Dhamaal, Dhamaal, All The Best et al while creating and writing iconic TV shows like Tenali Rama, Akbar Birbal and Partner among others. 

Guns Of Banaras Marks South Star Ganesh Venkatram’s Bollywood Debut

A household name in the South, actor Ganesh Venkatram enjoys huge popularity among the audience. Having worked with the Indian film industry veterans like Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal and Nagarjun among others in over 20 films across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinemas, Guns of Banaras marks South star Ganesh Venkatram’s Bollywood debut. The film is directed by Shekkhar Suri and features Karan Nath, Vinod Khanna, Nathalia Kaur, Abhimanyu Singh, Zarina Wahab and Shilpa Shirodkar as his co-stars.

 

Marking his debut in Bollywood, that too with a negative role as a menacing villain is where Ganesh Venkatram is breaking traditional barriers where actors from the North were cast as the bad guys by the South counterparts and their film industry. Ganesh avers, “I am forever indebted to directors down South to have appreciated my talent and effort. I would not have been able to venture into Bollywood unless I would’ve done credible work." For his performance in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Kandahar, he earned rave reviews for his role as a commando while the legendary actor played his father. 

 

Ganesh Venkatram is extremely happy after receiving fantastic feedback for his portrayal of Vikram Singh from Bollywood actors Sunny Kaushal, Shakti Kapoor & others. "Of all the compliments I have received the one closest to my heart is the one from the ever green Rekha ji," he blushes. He underwent a rigorous transformation to change into a cocaine snorting Banarasi gangster. "I believe in giving my best & hence I go to any length to get into the skin of my character. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to work in a content-oriented film like Guns of Banaras.” The action sequences featuring Ganesh and Karan have been choreographed by Shyam Kaushal, and have also earned critical acclaim.

 

Born and brought up in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Mumbai, he avers that he has had certain advantages. As a multilinguistic person, Ganesh Venkatram professes that, often, it tends to be easier for him simply because he knows Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu among other languages. He also got the right exposure as he started out in his career after winning Gladrags Mr. India. This was followed by a move to the TV industry by playing the lead in Antariksh on Star Plus. After a brief stint in the small screen circuit, he decided to try his luck on the silver screen down South. That worked wonders!

 

What more to expect from this South Star? Well, Ganesh Venkatram is looking forward to further his presence in Bollywood. He is currently promoting the film across India with the cast and crew of Guns of Banaras. With regional barriers slowly vanishing and multiple platforms like films & OTT co-existing, Ganesh is looking forward to display his versatility and allure across cinemas!