Gaurav Chanana in 100 hours 100 Stars; A Fever FM initiative in aid of PM Cares

He has a dashing similarity with Lucifer.

His handsome persona, carelessly tossed mane, his quirky sense of humour and of course the unmissable green eyes that look into your soul... Gaurav Chanana is also one person who wears many hats, each suiting him. "The pursuit is of sheer happiness," he reveals. This all-heart feel was evident in the candid interview with RJ Aakanksha on Fever Digital, where Gaurav spoke of his venture Lucifer Circus that has made some of the most memorable films recently. The model-actor, in a candid interview on '100 Hours 100 Stars', talks about everything from work, home, family, life et al.

Gaurav took to social media to speak about his familial poetry-shayari recital that encourage a successful lockdown during these trying times! He speaks about the familiarity of his locales and how he is happy reminiscing about it. He explains that there is not much to go forward to but that life is flavourful. Compared to his escaping childhood that lies hidden in these familiar lanes, all of life's problems appear to be minuscule when the aged and wrinkled faces of parents smile at you! He adds that he misses his parents the most during the lockdown.

Gaurav also speaks about the adaptability of the human race! Speaking about the novelty found in new experiences, he reminisces the times when he had newly moved into a sea-facing apartment and he would relish the breeze every day! However, fast forward to today, he doesn't give much importance to it. “Humans survive. We get used to things. During lockdown, I sleep at 3 am and wake up at 12 in the afternoon. When lockdown is over, I will adapt.” He discloses that he is a mountain person as he lives near the beach! He also shares an instance of a man living in a palatial house and a man living in a 6x6 room!

Participating in a fun round of rapid fire, Gaurav discloses a fun fact that he doesn't really read! “People find it odd for a writer to not read,” he laughs it off. He also lauds Shikha Malhotra, an actor turned nurse, who has been helping out as a frontline Covid-19 warrior. He also adds that the frontline Covid-19 warriors deserve a non-stop tribute while the RJ concurs the actor-model's statement!

On the professional front, Gaurav Chanana, who is also an avid writer, is currently working on projects for Lucifer Circus, his production house. He avers, “If I don't feel happy doing something, I don't do it! Even if I lose money. Story-telling, if told from the heart, always works its charm!” Lucifer Circus also has path-breaking achievements to its credit, including a short film where a kid from the slums learns the language of a deaf and mute kid in order to communicate with him!

“The Prime Minister has done a great job so far! We need to do whatever we can and I urge everyone to donate,” signs off Gaurav. The funds raised will go to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-Cares) fund.

Here are some of his production house Lucifer Circus's recent memorable projects...

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/2517247411875708/ (Dairy Day Campaign)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/203391634225447/ (Dairy Day Ice Cream)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/2165864823706506/ (Centre Fresh TVC)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/419309255389060/ (Manyavar Feat. Kartik Aaryan)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/480524575829001/ (Britannia NutriChoice)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/473262903465950/ (Manyavar Feat. Kartik Aaryan)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/606751096434107/ (Duke's Waffy Carnival)

https://www.facebook.com/LuciferCircus/videos/352938408630141/ (Duke's Waffy Carnival)

Bringing Back The Humane In Humanity – Mukkti Foundation – A Smita Thackeray Foundation

Smita Thackeray helmed Mukkti Foundation has been instrumental in distributing over 8,500 meals to the needy along with 2,000 face shields for our frontline COVID-19 warriors!

Mukkti Foundation, under the aegis of firebrand social activist Smita Thackeray, has always been on a forefront on making a difference in everyone's lives. ….. taking a stand against discrimination and social awareness of HIV/AIDS patients and the trauma they go through, empowerment of women and children, the cause of education, welfare and environment activism, the foundation hasn't shied away from doing the right things in these trying times !

COVID-19 has disrupted everything across the world! Battling a pandemic that no one has battled in their lives before, Smita Thackeray believes that we are suddenly facing a scenario that we could not really fathom. With everyone trying to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty in their lives, many are trying to survive with their limited resources as the earnings are brought to a suddne stop! “At Mukkti, we always step in and contribute in however best way we can. In the past, we've conducted fundraisers for calamities across the country including in Gujarat, Rajasthan et al to survive drought. Mukkti has also raised funds for Kargil war veterans. During Coronavirus pandemic, we are trying to contribute to the welfare of the less fortunate,” she says.

Shedding light to the initiatives undertaken by Team Mukkti, Smita reveals that her son Rahul and his wife Aditi started an initiative in association with the ASBB Foundation. Mukkti Foundation with Association Of Social Beyond Boundaries, is distributing food to the Police, stranded labourers, BMC workers, beggars, sex workers in areas across Mumbai including Andheri, Vile Parle, Khar, Santa Cruz, Bandra, Mahim, Dadar, Mahalaxmi, Grant Road and Kamathirpura ensuring they are fed! “We'd like to thank Sagar Jain, Raj and the entire team of ASBB Foundation. Without them it would have not been possible to reach out to so many people at times. Also, with the increase in the number of cases we have come across among doctors, nurses, paramedics among other medical staff getting infected, we are sponsoring face shields and providing protective gear to several hospitals,” shares Smita while adding, “We have distributed more than 2,000 face shields so far! We are also helping the farmers by sourcing organic fruits and vegetables to people across different areas.” So far, Mukkti Foundation has distributed over 8,500 meals to people across the city!

Mukkti Foundation has raised funds through crowd-funding as well as donors who believe in the initative. Collectively, it has helped with the food distribution drive to aid dabbawalas, shares Aaishvary Thackeray, Smita Thackeray's younger son. He contributed for the food grains for over 100 dabbawalas!

More power to Team Mukkti!

I am an Indian first, an entrepreneur who takes care of a 1000 families next, I will not take armtwisters lightly: Sachiin J Joshi

"I am an Indian first, an entrepreneur who takes care of over a 1000 families next. It is time we stop thinking 'I' and start thinking 'we' . As an Indian I  decided to help give meals to the poor and  to give Beatle for the COVID19 patients. That is what every Indian should do for his nation.
Every company has disgruntled employees and in our case, it is a handful who want to use media for armtwisting tactics. The investigation  of Thinktank dispute  is on in Labour Court and we have full faith in the country's  judiciary..  How can anyone tell me I cannot help COVID19 victims," storms Sachiin Joshi as he confirms that the employees who are trying to  armtwist him using media will be immediately served legal notices.
"Are these people asking me not to feed the poor or not to give my hotel to the government for aiding patients misusing media? How dare they" he thunders.
Viiking Ventures had acquired a company Tugboat and rechristened it Thinktank.
 The deal was that they would be self-sufficient in terms of revenue and we would give them the umbrella and infrastructural support. "But we were left straddled with their frauds and liabilities. There was dual employment, money issues etc.which they have accepted on social media as well  Once the frauds are sorted, the liabilities wil be too. We have details and letter from some employees accepting that they were doing dual jobs. As we were investigating, they (the ex-employees) tried using Mumbai Mirror to armtwist us.Post that came the lockdown.  Now, they are trying to use scare tactics using Mid-Day while the matter is already in court. We are perfectly fine with legal recourse but trying to use media to malign our reputation will only ensure stringent action from our end," he says.
"I am taking care of a 1000 families,literally. Why are a handful not paid? There must surely be a reason. For a bunch of people whom we tried hard to keep on board to take care of a lossmaking company that had a chain of frauds, I can say this reputation tarnishing exercise could well be their best work. If only they had used this intelligence and unity to work, the company would have at least been at break-even."

Shahroz Ali Khan brings back to life blockbuster Mareez-E-Ishq

After delivering critical hit's like Mushkil – Fear Behind You starring Rajniesh Duggall, Kunaal Roy Kapoor, Nazia Hussain, Pooja Bisht, Shafaq Naaz and Archana Shastry in pivotial roles, Producer Shahroz Ali Khan is back with his next avant garde project... a sensational music video and the reloaded version of Mareez-E-Ishq. The song was the Original Soundtrack for 2014's film Zid and it was sung by Arijit Singh.

Voiced by Shaarib Sabri of Maahi fame (Raaz: The Mystery Continues) and Shaarib-Toshi duo, Mareez-E-Ishq was shot in the scenic locales of Italy and Austria! The song features Neha Rana, a fresh face of the entertainment industry, and is directed by Aman Prajapat, a man who has already delivered hits like Yaad Kar Ke, Milo Na Tum among others.

Producer Shahroz Ali Khan was in awe with the ideation of the recreation! He made up his mind on the locations according to the two different stories the music video offers! Having made no compromises in the production quality, the talented team behind the recreated Mareez-E-Ishq present to you, a track worthy to be played on repeat, this quarantine!

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFlkgTR1uwI

Despite lockdown shutdown, Patiala Babes' producers pay stipend to workers and creative team till lockdown ends

Patiala Babes, Katha Kottage's women empowerment show on Sony TV, which also spoke of feminist men, has emerged to be the most recent casualty of COVID-19. The show has been discontinued this week.

Writer-Producer Rajita Sharma, while expressing her sadness and trauma on the story "remaining unfinished and untold" adds that "it was encouraging that Sony gave us a platform to bring to life our very bold narrative. Since the whole world is under siege, these times call for some unfortunate but necessary measures. Patiala Babes will always remain close to our heart."

The makers, however, believe in  the concept of lighting lives despite darkness. "Sony was kind to entrust us at Katha Kottage with the show. The pandemic seems to be preparing for a long haul and as the show is shut, our workers are jobless." Vivek Budakoti and Rajita Sharma aver that sharing is caring. "We have decided to share whatever little profit we earned with our fellow workers who made us what we are as a production house." Hence, the daily wage workers including light men, spot boys, setting workers, sound assistants, assistant directors, production assistants and the creative team will be given a regular fixed stipend every month till such time the lockdown is in effect. "This is our commitment and support to our colleagues and will be on for as much time it takes for the industry to resume shoot."

Considering that Patiala Babes is the story of a daughter being the wind beneath her mother's wings, it sure looks like this production house is taking a leaf from its own creation and paying it forward.

इस कठिन समय प्यार का संदेश फैलाना' निशा हराले की इस अनोखी पहल को मिला सितारों का समर्थन

जैसा कि बड़े पैमाने पर कोविड १९ दुनिया भर में फैला है, भारत को सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य पर गंभीर प्रभाव के साथ-साथ सामान्य रूप से अर्थव्यवस्था पर भी इसका प्रभाव  है। इस दौरान निशा हराले शांति, प्रेम और सद्भाव का संदेश फैलाने मे व्यस्त है।

अश्मित पटेल, मुग्धा गोडसे, टेरेंस लुईस, शिबानी कश्यप, सुचित्रा पिल्लई, मानसी स्कॉट, संध्या शेट्टी, दीप्ति गुजराल, अनुशा श्रीनिवासन अय्यर, विक्की इदानी, किशोरी शहाणे, आंचल कुमार, कैंडिस पिंटो, टीना सिंह, कुणाल ठाकूर,डायंद्रा सोअर्स, शावर अली, शाकिर, अजीज, जुल्फी सैयद, सिद खेर और अनीदा सहित कई अन्य हस्तियों और उनके मित्र मंडली के गणमान्य व्यक्ति, निशा हराले के इस उद्देश्य दिलों को दिखाने वाला; प्यार का प्रतीक, सोशल मीडिया पर साझा किया और समर्थन दिया। "यह एक दिल की पेंटिंग हो, या घर पर आपके दिल के आकार का तकिया, या दिल प्रिंट टीशर्ट, या बस अपने हाथों से दिल का प्रतीक है। इस प्रतीक के साथ अपनी एक तस्वीर लें और इस रविवार शाम ५ बजे सोशल मीडिया पर साझा करें! "

प्रेम, एकता और शांति के संदेश को फैलाने के इरादे से, निशा हराले ने सामाजिक भेद नियमों को ध्यान में रखते हुए, आपको घर से ऐसा करने के लिए कहा। “प्यार एक लंबा रास्ता तय करता है। अंत में, इससे कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ता कि हम कौन हैं और हम कहाँ से आते हैं। क्या मायने रखता है कि हम प्यार, शांति, एकता और एकता में एक साथ खड़े हैं। ठीक ऐसा ही हम रविवार को शाम ५ बजे दिखा रहे हैं और प्यार फैला रहे हैं। दुनिया प्यार से स्वस्थ हो रही है, ”निशा ने कहा।

Rahul Kanal & Hindustani Bhau Help Feed Strays

In a first for Politician-Philanthropist Rahul Kanal, President of 'I Love Mumbai' Foundation, and social media sensation and Big Boss 13 contestant Hindustani Bhau, have come forward to help the stray canines, felines and birds across Mumbai.  

Rahul Kanal along with Hindustani Bhau, solved the food crisis for an NGO Vice President Sham Ghorpade stated within two hours of intimation. Expressing their gratitude, the NGO spokesperson said, “I am grateful to Bandra rock star Rahul Kanal ji and your team coming down and helping me out at this hour. In 2 hours notice you sorted the entire provision needful for 500+ furry babies in this lockdown. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of furries every where from Mahim, Bandra till Meera road. With loads of cuddles and wags along with swishes of tails.”

Trustee Sham Ghorpade of Animal Rescue and Care Managing, that looks after feeding area of from Bandra till Kandivali said, “We are grateful to Rahul Kanal and Hindustani Bhau for their support in feeding the stray animals during the nationwide lockdown. Appreciate it,” while Utkarsha Naik of Animal Rescue and Care, with the help of Rahul and Bhau, will be taking care of over a hundred dogs and cats.

“Our NGO is feeding strays and people in need, while also providing medicines if and when required,” says Rahul Kanal. “Let us not forget the poor innocent people, migrant workers, stray animals and birds. They are left all by themselves on these empty streets,” he adds.