West Bengal State Music Academy will confer this year’s Allauddin Purashkar on sitar maestro Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee.
The award, instituted in the name of legendary classical musician Ustad Allauddin Khan in 1987, carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Previous recipients of the award include Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta, Pandit Manilal Nag and Manna De.
Mukherjee, who earlier won the Allauddin Khan Memorial Fellowship offered by the Madhya Pradesh government, plays sitar and surbahar in the Imdadkhani tradition of Etawah. Speaking to TOI, he said, “I am pleasantly surprised and honoured that the state government considered my name for this award.”
Academy’s member secretary and deputy director of information and cultural affairs department Malabasri Das said, “We will also honour dancer Vidushi Rani Karnaa with Uday Shankar Purashkar, tabla maestro Pandit Gobinda Bose with Jnan Prakash Ghosh Purashkar and Agra gharana vocalist Subhra Guha with Girija Shankar Purashkar for their contribution to various forms of performing arts.”
“I was born in Sindh in Pakistan. But Kolkata has been my second home for the last 40 years. It is great to see that the Bengal government has selected me for this honour,” said Karnaa, a disciple of Odissi legend Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee will hand over the awards to the maestros at an event at Nazrul Mancha on Tuesday.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / TNN / May 26th, 2015
It has been nine years since the wonder of Indian film music, Naushad Ali, has left us. The maestro, who was a name to reckon in the Hindi film music world, put his indelible stamp on Malayalam film music in 1988 by directing music for the film Dhwani, in which evergreen names such as Prem Nazir, Jayabahrathi, Jayaram and Shobhana starred. Naushad had given life to compelling music in about 67 Hindi films.
Naushad was born to Wahid Ali, a city court Munsif in Lucknow on December 25, 1919. He learned music under Ustad Gurbat Ali, Ustad Yousaf Ali and Ustad Babban Saahib. Devoted to music, Naushad left home early in the pursuit of music. His initial years in Mumbai were full of difficulties and he even had to sleep on the footpath.
His life took a positive turn when he started working as an assistant to Ustad Jande Khan. It was during his tenure as Jande Khan’s assistant that he met music director Karamchand Prakash, commonly known as Guru. That association developed him into an independent music director. He never had to look back after directing the music for Prem Nagar in 1940.
After Prem Nagar, Naushad created many musical hits and he became one of the best known music directors in the Hindi film industry. Songs tuned by him and sung by Mohammed Rafi are still a hit with music lovers.
Even though his Malayalam venture was restricted to Dwani, his music remains in the heart of Malayalees. The film Tajmahal, released in 1986, was his last film.
In 1981, he was presented with the Dada Saab Phalke Award and in 1992, he was presented the Padmabhushan. On May 5, 2006, when Naushad Ali passed away, Indian film music bid adieu to one of greatest Indian film music director of the last century.
source: http://www.english.manoramaonline.com / On Manorama / Home> Entertainment> Music / by Manu P / Tuesday – May 05th, 2015
I am basically a dancer and wanted to work in films. I have acted in more than 50 ad films. Silambattam,Silambarasan came to Mumbai looking for a fresh face for his film Silambattam. There he saw me and selected me. After a make-up test, I became the heroine for his Tamil film.
How it felt
Working for Silambattam was an enjoyable experience. I knew that he chose me after seeing so many girls and that I had to work hard to make it big in the Tamil film industry. I wanted to see how I looked in the film. I was also eager to see people’s reaction to my acting. So when the film released I went to Arora theatre in Kings Circle with my family and friends numbering 200 to watch it. When I appeared on the screen, all of them clapped — we had a great time. Everybody appreciated my acting. But after that I did not do many films; I was waiting in the wings to land the role that would help me showcase my talent.
How life changed
It has not changed much. Nearly two years after the film, I got a chance to act in Thambikku Indha Ooruwhich stars Bharath as the hero. Two more films are in the pipeline — Ayiram Vilakku and Santhu Pottu— for which shooting is under way. I am glad to be in the Tamil film industry and wish I get powerful roles to play.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Cinema Plus / by S. R. Ashok Kumar / February 18th, 2010
In an exclusive interview, costumes designer Reza Shariffi talks about how he devises a frame to design and create costume, how he tries to retain the integrity of the character and the costumes that he has designed so far.
What inspired you to be a costume designer?
I was exposed to a wide variety of fabrics very early in life. I was the first born in my family, having six maternal aunts. For the first five years of my life, they never made me wear a single garment repeatedly. When I grew up I naturally returned that favour and till the date I always wanted to dress them up in my creations. I think this is the source of my inspiration.
When I started working as a designer in a Boutique in Bandra, Mumbai, one of the top designers bought my outfit to style a famous Bollywood actress. It gave me immense satisfaction when I saw the outfit on the screen. That satisfaction germinated into a strong desire.
Since you have designed for almost all the well known B-Town celebrities, How do you manage to pull out the best for everyone?
As a professional costume designer, I devise a frame within which I need to design and create a costume. I keep in mind a few things before I design like the comfort zone of the star, physical attributes of the celebrity, purpose of the costume (is it for movie, live performance, appearance etc.), the time it will be worn (day, night, how much time on the body) and finally my vision of the costume. After I create the costume I evaluate it on all the five parameters very stringently. The outcome rarely falters.
What are the key points, you keep in mind while designing for actresses like Shilpa Shetty, Shraddha Kapoor and others?
As I told you earlier, my five parameters work for each and every costume I create. For movies I try to retain the integrity of the character as much as possible. Tanu Weds Manu and Tanu Weds Manu Returns are the cases in point. I believe ‘clothes maketh the character’ and my costumes are very loyal to the characters my actors play.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is said to be the perfectionist in traditional attires, how did you manage to meet his expectations?
Yes he is a perfectionist. For a Filmfare award function he wore a black kurta designed by me that was the biggest compliment from him. When I worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Devdas, I had extensively made research on my outfits for the movie. It was during Devdas that I crystallised my principles of ‘character integrity’. That we worked again in Saawariya was a compliment in itself.
Kangana Ranaut has worked in movies like Fashion, Queen and Tanu weds Manu, What were the challenges you faced while designing for her upcoming sequel of Tanu weds Manu?
Tanu Weds Manu Returns is the fourth project I have worked for Kangna. As I have designed for both Tanu Weds Manu and soon to be released Tanu Weds Manu Returns, I had a definite line of thought to work on, right from the beginning. Tanu (Kangna as Tanuja Trivedi) is still the feisty lady who could say “Darti to Main kisi ke baap se bhi nahin” in Tanu Weds Manu and “Haalat dekhi hai? Adrak Ho gaya hai ye aadmi” in TWM Returns. Obviously the clothes need to match up!! The colours are bold (as in part one). I have given her costumes which have inherent shock value adding quirky twist using hounds tooth print in pink, Shibori fabric, tie and dye, kilim fabrics with leather and suede combination trimmings and jackets. I have designed printed draped dhotis in ethnic colours and mildly embellished kurtis
In Tanu Weds Manu Returns Kangana also plays Datto aka Kusum. Kusum has a wardrobe of printed floral Salwaar kameezes paired with sporty jackets, knits and sweaters. The colours used for her are more subtle. Datto (a ward of Delhi University from Haryana) wears sporty track suits while practicing her sport on field.
What are your hobbies other than designing?
I love road trips. Shopping from every nook and cranny of the places I stop on the way to my destination gives me happiness beyond compare. When I shop, I focus on its aesthetics first and price later. Though I love small / miniature artifacts, I am not averse to life size animal statues too. I love taking care of stray animals.
Out of all the costumes that you have designed so far, which was your favorite?
A film costume needs to be appealing and independent in the current fashion trend. Then they become memorable because of the way they are carried by the actor in the movie and how they are shot. I don’t think I would deliver a costume unless I love it myself.
Among my many favorites are Devdas – Dola re Dola; Wajood (Madhuri Dixit Nene), Kismat- particularly the dance costumes (Priyanka Chopra), Garv (Shilpa Shetty), Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon (Antra Mali), Shabri (Isha Koppikar), Rahena Hai Tere Dil Mein- Zara zara song (Dia Mirza). Latest is Kangna’s white suit in Tanu Weds Manu (Rangrez song). The list is endless, I can pick one (at least) per project I have done so far. There are times when some outfits are chopped on the editing table or used in a shot for just a few seconds and so on, they never get registered or see the light of day.
You have achieved many awards and designed for almost all the stars. What is your ultimate goal in life?
Keep working.
The film industry has a lot of well known designers, who among them is your role model?
Bhanu Athaiya and Leena Daru.
What is your message to all the aspiring designers?
I maintain that for any chosen field the basics need to be strong. Get your foundations right and then slowly keep building on it. More than theory, practical working knowledge is important. Remain a student all in your life, learn more and more, evolve…
We have learnt that you are currently working for Jacqueline Fernandes and Mallaika Arora Khan, would you like to share about the projects?
Yes, I have been doing lot of work with Jacqueline Fernandes and Mallaika Arora Khan for their live performances.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Fashion / by Nibedita Mohantha / April 27th, 2015
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who was felicitated by Mysore District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) in city yesterday, is seen with (from left) MDJA President K. Deepak, Rangayana Director H. Janardhan, Irrfan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar and MDJA General Secretary K. J. Lokesh Babu.
Mysuru :
Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan arrived in Mysuru yesterday along with his wife Sutapa Sikdar to extend his support to the Badanavalu Satyagraha, which has been promoting sustainable living and has gained momentum throughout the State.
Irrfan Khan also stayed overnight at Badanavalu with his guru Prasanna, former Rangayana Director. On his arrival, Irrfan had an interaction with media persons at Mysore District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) office on his association with the Badanavalu movement.
During his interaction, Irrfan Khan said that it was important to stop villagers from migrating to cities which are already overloaded with people and suffering from unplanned development. “If villagers leave their lands and come to cities, they will be left with nothing. In fact, they would be forced to work under someone,” he added.
Citing the example of Mahatma Gandhi’s support to cottage and small industries, the actor said that the villagers should become self-efficient in the interest of country’s development. “It is important to create awareness among the people that products from villages are important to us. Dependency on foreign products will grow if we do not support our own products,” said Irrfan Khan.
When asked about Badanavalu movement, the actor said that he was curious when he came to know about the movement. He added that he was eager to visit Badanavalu, the place which Gandhiji visited to witness the function of handloom industries. “It is a unique concept and such movements should happen to protect our tradition, instead of adopting the western culture which is a use-and-throw culture,” he said.
To a question related to Deepika Padukone’s much talked ‘My Choice’ video that has gone viral, Irrfan said, “Come out of it. It’s over. You only need give it the importance that it deserves. Watch ‘Piku’, my upcoming movie, in which I have acted with Deepika. You will enjoy.”
Continuing with ‘Piku’, Irrfan said that the movie had come out well and that people who watch the movie will start loving their parents and those with kids will start enjoying parenthood.
Irrfan also said that he would be off to the US soon, to shoot his upcoming Hollywood flick ‘Inferno’ in which he will be starring alongside Tom Hanks.
Later, he left for Badanavalu where he stayed overnight along with theatre person Prasanna and others involved in the Badanavalu movement. His wife Sutapa Sikdar, Rangayana Director H. Janardhan, MDJA President K. Deepak and General Secretary K. J. Lokesh Babu were present during the interaction at Pathrakarthara Bhavan.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Friday – April 10th, 2015
The much-awaited Chinnara Mela summer camp organised by Rangayana got off to a colourful start at Vanaranga in Rangayana premises here this morning.
The camp was inaugurated by Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who was in city to extend his support to the ongoing Badanavalu Movement.
There was joyous moment at the venue on the arrival of the actor by around 400 children who cheered and shouted with joy on seeing the versatile actor.
Irrfan obliged his young fans by signing autographs and posing for pictures with them. He wished the children best of luck before leaving the premises.
Today being the first day of Chinnara Mela, children were seen arriving at the venue with their parents. They were in total excitement as they had no idea what was in store for them.
Around 400 children will be participating in the camp which concludes on May 4. Children will be treated with fun games and personality development activities. They will be divided into 40 groups headed by a mentor during the camp period.
On the occasion, Rangayana felicitated Irrfan Khan and his wife Sutapa Sikdar. Rangayana Director H. Janardhan, Chinnara Mela Co-ordinator Krishna Prasad and others were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Friday – April 10th, 2015
Actor Dulquer Salmaan. Photo: V. Ganesan. / The Hindu
The son of actor Mammootty on his upcoming film release, style statement and more.
It’s a big week for Dulquer Salmaan. And he’s enjoying every minute of it.
This Friday, his film with Mani Ratnam — O Kadhal Kanmani — hits screens. And yesterday, he made many heads turn at the launch of men’s platinum jewellery by Prince Jewellery.
Actor Dulquer Salmaan launching platinum collections at Prince Jewellery, Cathedral Road. Photo: V. Ganesan. / The Hindu
Not many know that this young actor, son of popular star Mammootty, is very much a Chennai boy. “I’ve done all my schooling at Chennai — it’s always home for me,” he told The Hindu Metroplus, “All my growing up years have been spent here and I have really fond memories associated with the city.”
His father, who has been a hot favourite in Malayalam cinema for many years, is very happy with his progress — both as an actor and a person. “He’s very proud and secure. He knows I’m finally doing something worthwhile with life!”
While Dulquer has been active in Mollywood for the past few years, he’s making in-roads into Tamil cinema in a big way now. After a good outing in Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, his biggie with Mani Ratnam has been the talk of the town. So, how did his father react when he bagged a Mani Ratnam project? “He reacted as a father and not as an actor. He knew I was in the best hands possible. He’s proud that I got an opportunity to act in such a prestigious film; he’s just basking in that.”
The young actor is a huge hit among youngsters and enjoys a massive female following. A lot of that stems from his style statement, which is considered simple and elegant. Ask him about that, and he says, “For me, style is all about confidence. What you wear, both in terms of clothing and jewellery, should add to your confidence.” And that’s exactly why he likes platinum.
“It isn’t loud. I might play characters that are loud in the movies, but in real life, I’m not loud in terms of personality. Platinum, I feel, is a bit like that.”
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Srinivasa Ramanajum / April 15th, 2015
Check out the colourful song ‘Holi Aayeere’ – song by Shamsad Begum , music-Nausad , film -Mother India, one of the best holi songs ever composed in hindi cinema featuring Rajkumar and Nargis
Tamil Sangams at Navi Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram have been chosen for the TN Government’s ‘Thamizh Thai’ award for the years 2014 and 2015 respectively. The awards carry a shield, certificate of appreciation and `5 lakh.
The announcement was made on Monday along with other awards instituted after Tamil scholars and poets as well as the Chief Minister’s Computer Tamil award.
For the year 2014, the following scholars have been chosen for the awards: A Lalithaa Sundaram (Kapilar award), Marudhu Azhagu Raja (U.Ve.Sa award), SV Shanmugam (Kambar award), Sudha Seshaiyyan (Sollin Selvar award), J Narayanasamy (GU Pope award) and SM Mohammed Ali (Umaruppulavar award).
2015 awardees : Poet Pirasoodan (Kapilar award), Kudavayil Subramanian ( U.Ve.Sa award), G Selvam (Kambar award), S Sathiyaseelan (Sollin Selvar award), Madurai Ilangavin (M Arokiasamy – GU Pope award), M Sayabu Maraikkayar (Umaruppulavar award) and Nirmala Mohan (Elangovadigal award). Prof.N Deivasundaram has been chosen for the Computer Tamil award for the year 2013 while Virubha Valartamil Nigandu T Kumaresan has bagged it for 2014. All these awardees will be presented with a GOLD medal, certificate of appreciation, a shawl and `1 lakh.
Jaya’s Greetings
AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa on Monday greeted the Tamils, living across the globe on the eve of Tamil New Year celebrations. Jayalalithaa said, “Let this New Year be a very prosperous one for the people of Tamil Nadu. Let this year bring health and wealth to you all.” She added, “In this new year, let us all vow to work unitedly to thwart all roadblocks and make Tamil Nadu a prosperous State.”
Governor K Rosaiah said “On the occasion of Tamil New Year, Vaisaki, Baisakhi and Vishu, I extend my best wishes to the people.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / April 14th, 2015
Nazim Hussain on the tabla with Pandit S Ballesh on the shehnai
Nazim Hussain, one of the sons of Shehnai exponent Bismillah Khan, is among the renowned tabla players in the country. Recently, for a tribute to his father in Chennai organised by Tansen Academy of Music, the tabla artiste visited the city.
Nazim Hussain, who has trained in playing the tabla since his childhood, solely to accompany his father in his performances, has also played the instrument for films, a major one among them being Sanaadi Appanna – a film considered to be a Kannada adaptation of Thillana Mohanambal. He has played in various concerts at Benares, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai as well. The tabla maestro recounts his experiences to City Express.
First Experience
I have visited the city several times. However, I haven’t kept a track of the number of times. The first time I came here was when I was 16 or 17 years old. It was a Sangeet Sammelan – a gathering of artistes of high calibre such as Pandit Bade Ghulam Ali and Vilayat Khan. I had performed alongside my father, who was playing the Shehnai at the concert. It was a rare and different experience.
Go-to places
Since I usually visit only when there are concerts, I barely step out to see places other than sabhas. However, sometimes I make it a point to visit the Saibaba Temple in Saligramam, because that is near my friend S Ballesh’s residence, where I visit each time I come to Chennai. I meditate there; the space gives me serene vibrations. I also visit the Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane sometimes.
Experiences with Tamil film musicians and Chennai audience
I have played some minor bits for Tamil films, but to recount something memorable, I should mention my recording experience in 1976 in Chennai, I think it was Sanaadi Appanna only. We had recorded in Gemini and Prasad studios for nine days in Chennai along with 100 other musicians. The music director was G K Venkatesh. Ilaiyaraaja was on the keyboard then.
One thing I must mention about the city as such, is the openness of people to Hindustani music. Although deep-rooted in Carnatic music, I like the way they appreciate Hindustani artistes as well.
Carnatic music and musicians
I was brought up listening to Hindustani music, so it was quite a shift being exposed to Carnatic music while on my visits to Chennai. Yes, the style gives more importance to structure and calculations, but one cannot help but marvel at the genius of the artistes. I personally admire the work of L Subrahmanyam for his skill. When he plays the violin, the notes produced elevate the spirit of the singer. The other singer I look up to is Balamuralikrishna.
Future visits to Chennai
There is a dearth of classically-trained tabla players here and I would be more than happy to come down and teach.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Aparna Desikan / April 13th, 2015
