From Suman Prasad/HSC New Delhi

New Delhi March 18, 2008: A beautiful musical evening organized to mark the launching of Anita Singhvi's new album "Zah-e-Naseeb" witnessed the presence of high profile politicians, and a plethora of music and ghazals.

Chief Guest of the occasion Hon'ble Home Minister Shivraj Patil speaking on the occasion said that Anita Singhvi needs no introduction. "Ms  Singhvi  and Khayyam Saheb have captured the hearts of classical music lovers and I wish more accolades to them through their new album."

The auditorium echoed to the waves of applause as Anita sang "aaj jane ki jid na karo" and continued with her title song "Zah-e-Naseeb" from the album.

Kulmeet Makkar of Big Music expressed his happiness to be associated with Khayyam Saheb and Anita for their new album "Zah-e-Naseeb". “It is an honor for BIG Music to release this album. Anita Ji's Ghazals  and Khayyam Saheb's music has given us golden opportunity to launch more such albums.

Zah-e-Naseeb illustrates a tale of untold emotions through an embellishment of seven Ghazals penned by lyricists like Ahmed Wasi, Vijay Akela, Indira Verma and Daag Dehlvi. The velvety voice of Anita Singhvi glides over harmonies and chords composed by Khayyam with exquisite rhythm making the album an enthralling experience for music connoisseurs. This album is targeted at listeners, who not only crave for nostalgic melody of yesteryears, but more importantly for listeners who believe in the phrase, "Music is life, Music is everything"

Various dignitaries including Farookh Abdulla, Ram Jethmalani, Tina Ambani, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra,  Robert Vadra, Manu Abhishek Singhvi and many others were also present on the occasion.

Special Screening of Film - "The Awakening"

It was the special screening of film "The Awakening" at Films Division Auditorium in the capital. Special attraction of this film was Ram Jethmalani who has appeared on the silver screen for the first time. Movie directed by Dharambir Kumar is an amazing journey of a young girl born and raised in New York whose thesis on Indus Valley civilization brings her to Mumbai. Along the way, she discovers not only her lost family, her roots and her lineage which can be traced back to the great Indus Valley Civilization.

After watching this movie L.K. Advani appreciated the effort of producer Koshi Lawani, he said, "this is the first film of its kind, Koshi Lalwani has described it as the first film in 'Singlish' (Sindhi & English). “I was disappointed in the past because no good Sindhi film was produced. Some time back I have seen few serials, which were alright, but this is the film which is about Sindh & Sindhi culture particularly about those Sindhies who are living abroad. The objective of the film is to make the Sindhies proud about the Mohanjadaro, Harrapa civilizations, which certainly makes a person of my age very proud" said Advani.

Kamla Advani, Pratibha Advani, L.K. Advani, Director- Dharambir Kumar, Producers Koshi Lalwani & Lal Lalwani

Pratibha Advani & Ram Jethmanlani

Smita & Vishal

Actor Vishal with Director Dharambir Kumar

Apart from L. K. Advani's wife Kamla Advani, Daughter Pratibha Advani & Ram Jethmalani the lead actors of the film Vishal, Smita, director- Dharambir Kumar, Producer Koshi Lalwani were also present on this special screening.

The Sindhies have risen from the ashes. They have worked their way from scratch to make a success of everything they touch. On their way to this success they have melted their culture in the cauldron of modernity.  The Awakening is a wake-up call to all races, Sindhis in particular, to reconnect with their roots and take pride in their lineage which can be traced back to great beginnings.

Dharambir Kumar said "I had been waiting for the right script to direct my first film, when I heard the story of "The Awakening" I knew I had found my film. This film gave me the platform to express my thoughts on the values and traditions I grew up with". In his very first directorial venture Dharam brought a freshness and new sensibility to the film. Playing the main protagonist in "The Awakening", Smita looks and acts the role of Sindhu to perfection. Smita chose to tread the glamorous path by first modeling for commercials followed by video albums and movies in Marathi, Hindi, Sindhi and a silent movie too!

Scintillating performance by Abhay Rustum Sopori
 
Young Santoor Maestro and Music Composer Abhay Sopori is a renowned name in the music industry and known for his classical style of playing Santoor alike his father.

Recently another look of Abhay Sopori came into scene when he made school children singing on his tunes during a concert, organised as the part of Spic Macay Festival at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Rohini.

It was a pleasant evening for all the students, teachers and others as it was the first time such a programme was organised at Institute premises.
Abhay Sopori started the programme with Aalap and jod in Raga Champakali followed by 3 compositions in ektaal and teentaal. Abhay also sang the composition 'ik pal na laage jeeya mora...'. During the programme Ustad Akhtar Hussain accompanied him on Tabla.

It was a great and worthy to watch students began singing to the tunes of Abhay. At first they were afraid but it was the sheer magic of Abhay's presence that turned them on. Once they started singing together the musical evening was at its best.
Abhay explained the students the nuances of classical music in his unique extraordinary style. Students and faculty members were all spellbound with the lec-dem of Abhay sopori. They said that they have never witnessed a presentation of this sought before and were excited to attend the concert.

All the students and college staff were enthusiastic with Abhay's presence and took his autograph and also clicked photographes with him.

Meeta Pandit Awarded with Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar

Meeta Pandit, the internationally acclaimed Classical Music Diva has been awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademy's 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar'. The Sangeet Natak Akademi introduced the award for young artists in the name of Ustad Bismillah Khan, Bharat Ratna and Fellow of the Akademi, from 2006 with the objective to identify and encourage outstanding young talents in diverse fields of performing arts and give them national recognition early in life so that they may work with greater commitment and dedication in their chosen fields.

Acknowledged as the scion of the Gwalior musical gharana, Meeta Pandit has emerged as a shining star in the world of classical music. Meeta is grand-daughter and disciple of Padma Bhushan Pt Krishna Rao Shankar Pandit, the doyen of Northern Indian Classical music in the 20th century and the daughter of legendary Pt L.K. Pandit respectively. Her melodious and robust voice coupled with intricate handling of ragas has won her admirers - young and the old alike. She has seriously worked on the rigorous talim, sadhana to flower her own unique style. Besides Khayal, Meeta is equaly popular with genres of Tappa, Bhajan, Thumri, Sufi and cross cultural music.

She has performed extensively in prestigious festivals in India and abroad including France, Germany, London, Switzerland, Norway, Rome, USA, Russia and Bangladesh etc.  Meeta was sent as the cultural ambassador in 2004 for the SAARC music Festival in Islamabad. She was invited in 2003 by Govt of France as Artist in Residence to be based in Paris.  A film on her titled 'Meeta - Linking a Tradition with Today' has been made by (Public Service Broadcasting Trust along with Prasar Bharti) in 2005. She is an A –Grade artist of All India Radio.

Meeta conducts workshops twice a year in France, besides training many students under guru-shishya parampara in India. A Doctor of music, Meeta has won many National awards like-The Golden Voice of India, Sur-Mani, Yuva Ojaswini, Yuva Ratna, FICCI Award for Music etc. The Leading Magazines of India namely -India Today and The Week in their special issues of opinion poll have featured her as one of the "Youth Powers" leading India in the Millennium. Music Today had released her albums namely-Footsteps, Young Maestros, Tansen.

Presently to increase awareness of Indian classical music in India, Meeta is hosting a programme Swar Shringaar on WORLD SPACE RADIO - "Radio Gandharva".

Gurdas Maan is back with "Boot Polishan"

Punjabi music has achieved a predominant position in the field of Indian music. Many Punjabi singers have gained popularity and prominence in the national and international level. Gurdas Maan is a versatile artist, who raised Bhangra music from a regional level mostly in the Punjab to international recognition with his simple wordings and high energy level of contemporary Punjabi music. Now he brought, yet another album "Boot Polishan" on Sony BMG music for his fans.

Punjabi songs are so versatile and vibrant that it appeals to any man even who does not understand the language. Punjabi people believe in living life to the fullest and this philosophy of their life is reflected through their songs. Gurdas Maan brought the same versatility in his new album "Boot Polishan". Lyrics of this album were penned by Gurdas Maan and these lyrics are melodiously tuned by music director Jai Dev Kumar.

Apart from the songs "Sakhiye Saheliye" and "Boot Polishan" this album has other melodious songs, which are bound to be appreciated by the listeners. In this album the song "Sakhiye Saheliye" has been pictured beautifully on Gurdas Maan and actress Kuldeep Ranghava and this video is already drawing attentions of huge audiences on music channels.

Gurdas Maan has brought 30 albums for his listeners till now.  He proved his versatility by singing more than 250 songs. This versatile gifted artist has bestowed by national award thrice. Apart from acting he is also a good lyric writer. After the release of his first album 'Dil Da Mamla' in the year 1980 on HMV music he never looked back.

He glittered like a star at many national and international levels with his albums 'Dil Saaf Hona Chayeda' -1982, 'Masti'-1983, 'Peer Tere Jandi'- 1984, 'Kudiya Ni Jadu Seekh Layi'-1985, 'Chakkar'-1986, 'Nache Bebiyon'-1987, 'Geetan Bhari Petari' in the year 1988, 'Wah Ni Jawaniye'-1989, 'Akhiya Udeekdya' -1990, 'Mohabbat Zindabad' in the year 1991, 'Dil Da Baadsha'- 1992, 'Ladgaya Pencha'- 1993, 'Than Than Gopal'-1994, 'Ishq Da Gidda'& 'Aaja Sajana' in 1995, 'Isq Na Dekhe Jata'-1996, Chakle Chakle in the year 1997, 'Yaar Mera Pyaar'-1998, Dil Hona Chayida Jawan'-1999, 'Jadugariyan'-2001, 'Pyar Kar Lai'- 2003, 'Panjiri'-2004, 'Heer'-2004, 'Vilayatan'- 2005 all these albums were appreciated by huge audiences. This series of album is now continuing with his latest album 'Boot Polishan'.

Being an actor he performed in 18 films to give remarkable performances in movies like 'Udham Singh', 'Des Hoya Pardesh' and 'Shaheede Mohabbat Boota Singh' etc. Apart from Hindi and Punjabi films Gurdas Maan also played important and lead roles in regional films in Bangali, Tamil, Haryanvi, and Rajasthani films. He also has music credit in his album "Heer" in the year 2004.

"Dasavatharam" audio to be released by Jackie Chan

The most awaited movie of the year 2008, Dasavatharam's audio will be released by none other than Jackie Chan on April 2. Audiences are keen to see their favorite actor Kamal Haasan in 10 avatars (incarnations). He already thrilled the audiences with his unique looks in movies like Hindustani, Chachi 420 earlier. Plans are on to invite prominent actors including Big B of Bollywood, Tamil Super Star Rajni Kanth, Telugu Mega Star Chiranjeevi, Malayalam Super Stars Mammootty, Mohanlal and Vishnuvardhan for the mega launch.   

Oscar Films Dasavatharam audio release is expected to create a new history in Indian Cinema. Jackie was shown a few clippings from the movie and he appreciated Kamal Haasan for his performance in the movie. He readily agreed to be part of the audio launch. Apart from Tamil, Sony BMG is releasing Dasavatharam's music in Hindi & Telugu.

Dasavatharam has musical score by Bollywood's most sought- after music composer Himesh Reshamiya. The movie directed by K.S. Ravikumar and produced by Oscar Ravichandran features Kamal Haasan in ten different roles of a Punjabi Person, President George Bush, Wrestler, Swami Ji and Scientist etc. while Asin and Mallika Sherawat giving him the right company. It is also said that for the first time when the actor came out with the grandma make-up and walked along with writer Sujata, none in the shooting spot had recognized that it was Kamal. Later, all of them were brimmed with surprise to know that it was none other than Kamal. Jaya Prada, Nagesh, Vaasu are also seen in this movie.

Also the crew is exuding confidence that Himesh Reshamiya's songs would top the audio charts & the end product from Himesh has been amazing and it is sure to top the audio charts. "He has come up with new sound and catchy tunes which are sure to become big hits" said one of the crew members. Story of this film is by Kamal Haasan.

The film was made in a whopping 120 Crores with an all star line up of actors, a Numero Uno Music Director in Himesh Reshamiya  and a highly skilled technicians from Hollywood and India. The film is produced for a time period of over two and a half years with 275 days of shooting alone. The film was shot in Chennai, Chidambaram, Washington D.C, Orlando, Tokyo and Malaysia.  The post production took 10 months for completion. Apart from 10 characters of Kamal Haasan and budget of this movie, it has also reduced the gap between Hollywood and Indian film Industry as Make-up, Stunt, Sound Recording, Visual Effects related works were carried out collectively by the technicians from both the industries.   

Majestic performances by Ragini Rainu & Abhay Rustum Sopori

A two days music festival was organised recently at Gurgaon's newly built cultural hub 'Epicentre' by Old World Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts (SaMaPa), where scintillating performances by Sufi Diva Ragini Rainu and Young Santoor Maestro & Music Composer Abhay Rustum Sopori left audience mesmerized to their tunes.

On the first day Ragini Rainu presented 3 qalams of 'Bulle Shah'  'Ranjha Jogiya...', 'Ghungat Chuk...' and 'Oth Challe...' followed by bhajans 'Mero Mann...' (Meera) and 'Ras Gagan Ghufa...' (Kabir). The Sufi Diva was at her best and it was the sheer magic of her brilliant performance that left people singing to tunes.

The second day belonged to Abhay Rustum Sopori, who first presented 'Aalap' and 'Jod' in 'Raga Rageshree Kaunce' in his characteristic style - Sopori Baaj, the creation of his father and Santoor King Pt. Bhajan Sopori. Abhay produced sonorous meends and majestic Gamak and Taan patterns together with various chandh patterns. This was followed by composition in Raga Rageshree. With his individualistic style of singing together with his instrumental rendition, he sang the composition 'Phulwan ke mala...' and Tarana 'Dim Tana na na...' in Teentaal and Ektaal. He concluded his recital with a composition in Teentaal with his trademark lightning tempo 'Jhalla'.

The programme was enriched with the presence of Santoor Legend Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Aparna Sopori, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi (Commissioner Secretary, J&K Akademi for Art, Culture and Languages), Ruchi Roy (President, Rotary Club, Gurgaon) and many others, who all enjoyed the performances of these two young artists.

On this occasion Pt. Bhajan Sopori said, to revive the Indian Classical Music between youths and other music lovers we have organised this concert in association with Old World Hospitality. According to Pt. Bhajan Sopori, till now due to lack of sources these kind of programmes were being orgranised at Delhi only but because of this newly built Art and Cultural Hub 'Epicentre' now people of Gurgaon can also enjoy the same in their own city. He further added "Epicentre" was launched in this very month and we are happy to organise one of its inaugural music concerts, we received great response and hospitality from the people here and in near future we are planning to come up with more programmes.

Classical Singer Meeta Pandit ties the knot

A grand wedding reception of classical singer Meeta Pandit and Rohit was thrown at BSF Mess, Nizamuddin, near Humayun Tomb by her proud parents Smt. Abha and L.K. Pandit.

Shubendra Rao with Saskia Rao 

Satish Vyas with wife 

Tejender Khanna, L.K. Pandit and Abha Pandit 

Couple of the night Rohit and Meeta (L); Geeta Chandran with Sadhna Srivastava(R) 

Madhup Mudgal; Ravi Shankar Prasad; Uma Vasudev 

On this ocassion, Shanno Khurana, Satish Vyas & his wife, Shovana Narayan her husband Herbart Traxl, Shubhendra Rao & Saskiya Rao, Jyotiraditya Scindhiya & his wife, Geeta Chandran, Sadhna Srivastava, Vasant Sathe, Tejender Khanna, Uma Vasudev, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Madhup Mudgal and parents of Meeta; Smt. Abha & L.K. Pandit were also present.

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