Author: Asian Lite Newsdesk

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Lite Blogs UK News

Mithila Darpan- first of its kind in the UK

Sushmita Jha presenting at Mithila Darpan
Sushmita Jha presenting at Mithila Darpan

A first of its kind comprehensive program celebrating Madhubani art, Folk music, Dance, Cuisine, Language and Literature of Mithilanchal was recently organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence in association with Madhubani Literature Festival.  The online program lasted for two hours and had a very good response and engagement on social media.

Opened with an invocation of Bhagwati Geet by versatile singer Sushmita Jha, Professor of Music at NIFT- Delhi, the program included renditions by Author, Educator and Founder of Madhubani Literature Festival Dr Savita Jha Khan, and award-winning Madhubani painting artist and mask-man of India Remant Kumar Mishra. Jhijhiya dance was presented by Keetikaa Jha of Kharagpur. Ranjita Mishra has explained about the unique Mithila cuisine through a power-point presentation.

Dr Savita Jha Khan speaking at Mithila Darpan

Sharad Jha spoke on how the Mithila script is being spread globally through Durvakshat Mission and has shown some slides on Mithilakshar. Sushmita Jha has also intermittently presented Mithila Varnan, a composition by Prakashji, a song by Mahakavi Vidyapati and at the end concluded with Samdoun. She was accompanied by Lalit Sisodiya on Sarangi and Balram Sisodiya on Tabla. Dr. Nandakumara, Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan London congratulated the performing artistes and commended the organisers for the wonderful program.

Remant Kumar Mishra speaking on Madhubani art

He has extended an invitation to the Mithila artistes to perform at Bhavan in the future. Vote of Thanks was rendered by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre. Technical assistance was given by Sushil Rapatwar. Mithila Mirror has rendered support to the event and Sumitjay Jha coordinated with the artistes locally in India.

  • Sharad Jha speaking on Mithilakshar and Maithili language
  • Ranjita Mishra speaking on cuisine at Mithila Darpan program
  • Dr Nandakumara, Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan London speaking at Mithila Darpan
  • Keetikaa Jha presenting Jhijhiya dance at Mithila Darpan program
  • Presentation of Mithila Cuisine by Ranjita Mishra
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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Sonu Sood opens Up On Entry Into Politics

Sonu Sood.
Sonu Sood.

Actor Sonu Sood, much in the limelight for the charity work he has been doing during the lockdown, especially in facilitating transport for migrant workers to their native places during the initial days (of the lockdown) is clear that entering politics is nowhere on the horizon for him.

“My hands are full as an actor. Besides that, I am doing a lot of charity work, which takes a lot of attention and time. So, politics just does not figure anywhere right now. Of course, I have no clue what destiny has in store for me after 10 years,” he told.

The idea of arranging transportation for migrants came to the actor while he was distributing food packets to migrants during the first few days of the lockdown. When he came across a family with kids who wanted food for 10 days as they were all set to walk to native Bengaluru, Sood told them that he would try getting permission for a transport so they do not have to walk.

“I could manage to send 350 people that time. That was the trigger point. I realised I could send back more people who were planning to walk in absence of any transportation. There was no looking back after that,” said Sood, who managed to arrange conveyance for thousands of people back to their homes everyday.

While he has been busy with social work all these months, scripts have been piling up on his table. And interestingly, the roles he is being offered now are mostly larger than life. “Yes, the whole perception has changed — the way people want to see and portray me. I can see the change and need to choose the right scripts, and something magical is bound to happen,” he smiled.

But the actor does not really seem to be in a hurry when it comes to movies. He has told his producers to give him some more time so he can concentrate on the charity work. “Believe me when I say it, the kind of unexplainable satisfaction that I am deriving from helping out people is much larger than the one that may come from being a part of a 100 crore film.”

No plans to enter politics: Actor Sonu Sood.

At present shooting for two movies down south and one with Yashraj — ‘Prithviraj’, for which he will commence shooting next week, Sood is now looking for more empathetic roles. “Ones that project that contributing towards greater good promises a lot of satisfaction,” he said.

Excited about the kind of content and treatment one gets to see on OTT platforms, Sood is waiting for the right story and role to become a part of the digital revolution.

“Some phenomenal work is being done.’ Story’ has assumed an altogether new avatar. I see a completely new vision emerging. These are exciting times and the audience is getting to explore completely new metaphors of entertainment. Obviously, this has also meant that writers, directors and actors are getting more work. I am so happy that the digital mediums have given a completely new dimension to audio-visual entertainment.”


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Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Falguni Shane Bridals On Peacock Trend

Falguni Shane Peacock's collection focuses on the new age bride.
Falguni Shane Peacock’s collection focuses on the new age bride.

Designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock forayed into a full-fledged bridal segment with the launch of their latest couture collection at the digital India Couture Week (ICW), being held digitally for the very first time.

The duo presented a fashion film titled “Spectacle Prive” which featured Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor as the showstopper. Directed by the designers, the fashion film recreates all the hustle-bustle happening behind the scenes of real-time fashion shows.

Falguni Shane Peacock’s collection focuses on the new age bride.

We spoke to the duo to know more about their collection, the experience of a virtual fashion show and the pros and cons of the digital format. Read excerpts:

Tell us more about the collection. What is it inspired of?

Falguni: The collection is inspired by the rich heritage, culture, architectural marvels, and the abundant flora fauna of Jaipur – ‘The Pink City’. The city fuels the collections creative ingenuity and its element percolates in the designs. We have forayed full-fledged into the bridal segment the very first time and the showcase includes bespoke bridal lehengas in classic red – a colour that is immensely significant to the Indian bride.

How was the experience of being a part of a virtual fashion show?

Shane: The experience was exciting. Planning things for this year’s India Couture Week was similar to a certain extent to our previous physical shows. The rush of showcasing something different, the designing and creative processes is just the same. That said, we are happy to be a part of India Couture Week’s first digital showcase.

Falguni Shane Peacock’s collection focuses on the new age bride.

How do you think the audience takes to the whole virtual experience?

Falguni: We believe the virtual experience is a great format as we will be able to reach out to a wider audience across the world as compared to a physical fashion show. It is definitely a more disruptive and a democratic format. People who may not have had access to fashion weeks will now be able to see the collections through a lens of curiosity and excitement.

What are the most important points to keep in mind while showcasing a collection virtually?

Shane: The most important thing to keep in mind is the storytelling should be clean and crisp and of course the purpose of the film is to show the concept thus engaging the audience.

Falguni Shane Peacock’s collection focuses on the new age bride.

What are the pros and cons of holding virtual fashion shows?

Falguni: If you plan things properly, then you can overcome any challenge. Since we had enough time on hand to prepare for our collection as well as for our shoot, these challenges don’t seem insurmountable. The challenge of social distancing, reduced staff, remote working can be taken care of with the right mindset and planning. We have planned for these new ways of working and we had enough time to prepare a breathtaking new collection.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs Music

Falu To Shed Light Of Hope

Falu Shah

Celebrated Grammy-nominated singer, Falu Shah, together with her Boston-based band ‘Karyshma’ has launched their latest collection ‘Someday’. An EP of traditional Indian classical, folk, and Sufi songs; these renditions of traditional Hindustani music celebrate the unity and oneness that is ‘India’, at a time of uncertainty and universal distress.

Falu, who is the band’s lead singer-songwriter, along with her other band members told. “The unprecedented times that we are currently going through – the bleakness – inspired us to bring back and spread love through ‘Someday’. In spite of the band residing on two different coasts, we didn’t want the geographical inconsistencies to get in the way of our inspiration.”

They added: “Creativity takes courage, and with this album our effort is to shed some light of hope during the current pandemic and bring a smile to the face of our beloved audience.”

“The songs you hear on this album represent my childhood memories when I resorted to music for solace and comfort. In 31 days across six different cities we, Falu and Karyshma, tried to capture that feeling. I hope you hear the voice of hope and calmness in this album,” shared Falu.

With ‘Someday’, the band reimagines South Asia’s musical traditions – from classical ragas to the 15th century song-and-dance stylings of thumri, and the ghazals of Sufi mystics dating back to the 7th century. Drawing from more recent times, the band reconstructs ‘Yara’ – a classic from Indian Cinema’s golden age.

In order to provide context to ‘Someday’, the band has also put together a visual which features footage of life and culture in India, interspersed with insights on the music of ‘Someday’, it is available to watch on YouTube. You can also catch it on Spotify and Apple Music.

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Have A ‘Homely’ Cricketing Action In Dubai

Heading to Dubai for IPL 2020?. (rep pic)
Heading to Dubai for IPL 2020?. (rep pic)

Lockdown blues? Guess what, you’re not alone; but we have a solution, why not bring back some enthusiasm, some partying, cheering and fun by visiting Dubai for the Indian Premier League 2020.

As India’s cricket heartthrobs fly to the Middle East, there’s no reason why shouldn’t travel too. Make the most of the UAE’s travel bubble with India, in a year which probably had you believing that your suitcases would remain in storage and your passports unstamped. With India and the UAE announcing a travel bubble, as well as the upcoming cricket season, Dubai and Abu Dhabi now top our list of places to visit this year.

While you may not get to see them live in action in stadiums, book a few beautiful Airbnb homes where you and your homies can sit back after a day of sightseeing and shopping to watch your favorite T20 teams battle it out. Satiate your wanderlust and get close to all the cricketing action of the upcoming IPL season from these Airbnbs:

Have A ‘Homely’ Cricketing Action In Dubai

Luxury Tuscan-style Villa with private pool

Enjoy a round of golf in the morning, a swim in the private pool in the afternoon and end the day by watching an exciting cricket match at this spacious and thoughtfully equipped Tuscan-style villa. Set in an exclusive gated community that is part of the prestigious world-class Jumeirah Golf Estates, this quiet haven is perfect for a well-deserved family getaway.

Bab Al Qasr Residences-Studio with Private Beach

With iconic architecture and modern Arabian inspired decor, Bab Al Qasr Residences is a unique landmark on Abu Dhabi’s skyline. The spacious apartment is designed and decorated in a contemporary style with earthly colours and promises ultimate comfort and convenience. A King bed, lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and tub await you after a day spent at Abu Dhabi’s numerous amusement parks. Don’t forget to catch your favourite cricket icons battle it out for the coveted trophy on your television screen later in the evening.

Spectacular 3 BR Burj Khalifa view

Imagine waking up to the view of the tallest building in the world. This home offers just that and more! This luxury property located in the heart of Downtown offers a spectacular view of Dubai’s iconic skyline with an unobstructed view of Burj Khalifa and the famous Dubai Fountain. After watching your favourite team win the day’s match, you can walk down to the magnificent Dubai Mall to treat yourself to a shopping spree or indulge in a relaxing spa at the property’s in-house spa area if you decide to stay in.

2BR Breathtaking Waterfront in the Heart of Marina

Have A ‘Homely’ Cricketing Action In Dubai

Stay in this luxurious waterfront apartment for a truly memorable getaway. When not glued to the TV screen watching the match, you will find yourself in the balcony that offers mesmerising views of the Dubai skyline. The best part? In case you run out of snacks while enjoying the match, simply order in from the many restaurants in the vicinity. This is the perfect place for those looking to shut out the world and celebrate their cricket fever uninterrupted.

4 BDR Marina Penthouse I Private Pool & Terrace

This modern penthouse defines luxury-living at one of Dubai’s most prestigious addresses – The Marina District. The floor to ceiling windows display spectacular Marina views and offer ample sunlight during the day. Spend the day exploring Dubai’s world-class hot spots, including Marina Mall, Pier 7 Restaurants, The Marina Boardwalk and JBR Beach. In the evening, watch the match on the home’s 65″ TV, challenge your friends to a game of foosball or just gaze at the gorgeous skyline from the pool on the terrace of this luxurious penthouse

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs Music

Legendary Singer Lataji @91

Singer Lata Mangeshkar. (File Photo: IANS)
Singer Lata Mangeshkar. (File Photo: IANS)

Lata Mangeshkar turned 91 on Monday, and celebrities took to social media to greet the living legend.

Actress Kangana Ranaut tweeted: “Wishing legendary #LataMangeshkar ji a very Happy Birthday, some people do what they do with such single mindedness and absolute focus that they don’t only excel in their work but also become synonymous to what they do. Bowing down to one such glorious Karma Yogi.”

Singer Shankar Mahadevan called Lata Mangeshkar “Maa Saraswati”.

“Happiest Birthday Ma Saraswati ! Please bless us and keep blessing us musicians so that we work hard and strive for excellence !! Loads of love,” Mahadevan wrote on Instagram.

Mumbai: Singer Lata Mangeshkar during the Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Purashkar in Mumbai on April 24, 2017. (Photo: IANS)

Shreya Ghoshal posted throwback pictures of Lata Mangeshkar and wrote: “My pranaams to Swar Samragyi Ma Saraswati #LataMangeshkar ji on her 91st Birthday.”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shared that he listens to Lata Mangeshkar’s songs almost every day. “Wishing a very Happy Birthday to @mangeshkarlata didi, the voice that touches every heart, Not a single day in my life goes without listening to your songs. May Lord Ganesh bless you with long and healthy life,” Bhandarkar tweeted.

“#HappyBirthdayLataMangeshkar,” wrote actor Riteish Deshmukh, wishing the melody queen in Marathi.

Mangeshkar started her career at the age of 13 with the song “Naachu ya gade, khelu saari, mani haus bhaari…” for Marathi film “Kiti Hasaal” (1942). The 1989 Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient has sung in mpore than a thousand Hindi films and recorded in over 36 Indian and foreign languages. She has sung mainly in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali and Assamese.

Lata Mangeshkar turns 91: Sister Asha Bhosle shares unseen childhood memory

In 2001, she was awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, and has so far been the recipient of three National Film Awards, besides numerous popular awards.

Her younger sister, playback icon Asha Bhosle, shared a slice of childhood memory on the occasion. Bhosle tweeted a black and white picture of the Mangeshkar sisters — Lata, Usha and Meena along with her.

“Birthday Greetings to Lata Didi who is 91 today. Remembering our childhood days through this picture where Didi can be seen seated left and Meena Tai and I are seen standing behind her,” she tweeted alomng with the picture, where Lata is seen sitting on a chair in a saree.

Wishes from celebrities continued pouring in all of Monday. “Everytime I hear your voice it brings out so many emotions. Lata didi, wishing you a healthy, safe and blessed year ahead,” Madhuri Dixit Nene wrote on Instagram Story.

“Happy birthday Lata didi,” Ayushmann Khurrana posted on Instagram Story, adding with his post a clip of Lata Mangeshkar’s evergreen hit “Piya tose naina laaga re”, from the 1965 film, “Guide”

PM Wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed birthday wishes to legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, saying “I consider myself fortunate to have always received her affection and blessings”.

In a short telephonic conversation, the Prime Minister prayed for her long and healthy life. “Spoke to respected Lata Didi and conveyed birthday greetings to her. Praying for her long and healthy life. Lata Didi is a household name across the nation. I consider myself fortunate to have always received her affection and blessings,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Lata Mangeshkar is one of the best-known and respected playback singers in the country.

Born on September 28, 1929, she has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awards.

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Interview Lite Blogs

‘I Believe In My Classic Elegant Style’

Deepika Padukone. (File Photo: IANS)
Deepika Padukone. (File Photo: IANS)

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone says fashion for her is being able to effortlessly blend what is in trend with her individual authentic style.

In an interview with us, Deepika, who has been roped in as the brand ambassador of ethnic brand Melange by Lifestyle, shares more about her fashion preferences, her style and more? Excerpts:

How would you define your style?

My personal style has certainly evolved over the years but inherently I believe my personal style is Classic and Elegant. I absolutely love traditional wear and the saree is my most favourite garment!

What is fashion for you?

Fashion for me is being able to effortlessly blend what is in trend with my individual authentic style.

Mumbai: Actress Deepika Padukone at the Red Carpet of 4th Lokmat Most Stylish Awards in Mumbai on Dec 18, 2019. (Photo: IANS)

What is your ideal work-from-home outfit?

Fabrics and silhouettes that allow me to feel comfortable.

Is it tough at times for you and your stylist to finalise a red carpet look?

We’ve never thought of it as tough. The most important criteria for us is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Ordinarily how long does it take for you to get ready for the day?

Not more than 10-15 minutes.

Mumbai: Actress Deepika Padukone at the birthday party of poet-lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar, in Mumbai on Jan 17, 2020. (Photo: IANS)

Tell us about your collaboration with Melange?

Melange by Lifestyle is a brand that effortlessly combines modernity with traditionalism; attributes that resonate very strongly with my core values.

Whether you are looking for something festive or a casual day out, there is something for everybody. For years we’ve been conditioned to think of ethnic wear as something that one can only wear in the evenings or during celebrations, but Melange encourages you to rethink ethnic wear.

What do you like the most of it?

With this collection in particular, I’m excited about the fact that we have been able to marry ethnicity and modernity and believe that the linen kurtas, the Chikankari kurtas and the contemporary shirt kurtas in particular will be very well received.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

Saqib Feels Proud To Be Part Of ‘Crackdown’

Saqib Saleem: ‘Crackdown’ a tribute to unsung heroes of the nation.

Actor Saqib Saleem enjoys being a part of the digital entertainment world, and says his upcoming show web series, Crackdown, is a tribute to unsung heroes of the nation.

“‘Crackdown’ is like a tribute to the unsung heroes of the nation and I am so proud that I have been given an opportunity to headline a show like this. Apoorva (Lakhia) is a fantastic director and he made sure that our preparation for this show was top-notch, whether it was our physical fitness, costumes, or even the locations that we shot in,” Saqib said.

The espionage thriller marks the digital debut of director Apoorva Lakhia and also features Shriya Pilgaonkar, Iqbal Khan, Waluscha De Sousa, Rajesh Tailang and Ankur Bhatia.

Lakhia said: “Although this is my directorial debut for an OTT platform, the treatment of ‘Crackdown’ is exactly like a Bollywood blockbuster and I am sure the audience is going to love it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

The show, which will premiere on Voot Select on September 23, is about a covert operations wing that investigates smaller decoys to expose a grand conspiracy that threatens national security.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

Celebs On Wanderlust Amid Covid

Tarun Khanna replaces Manav Gohil in Tenali Rama. (Photo: Natalia IANS)
Asha Negi

Sunday is World Tourism Day, and while the idea of travel for relaxation would seem like an impossible dream in the time of pandemic that we are going through, several actors shared how much they are craving to take off to their favourite locales.

Comedian-actress Bharti Singh wants to travel to Greece. “I miss travelling. I travelled during the New Year and returned on January 3. It’s been almost nine months since then. Itne me toh baby aa jata (a child would be born in this span of time). I really wanted to go to Greece and Ibiza,” she told IANS.

Asha Negi

Actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee, who wowed fans on “Bigg Boss 13”, had her plans chalked out, but had to cancel them owing to the Covid-19 scare.

“After ‘Bigg Boss’ I had to travel but I didn’t go anywhere because of the Covid scare. I could not even travel to my hometown in Assam,” Devoleena said.

Hoping to visit London soon, South star Nidhhi Agerwal eagerly awaits returning to the film set. “I definitely miss travelling, considering I travel so much for work. Eating on the streets — Oh God, I miss the experience! I would like to go back to shoot whenever things get better — can’t wait,” she wished.

“Pavitra Rishta” fame Asha Negi is an avid mountain lover, and she misses the fresh air of the mountains.

‘Aladdin’ star Siddharth Nigam

“I love the mountains. Last year, I celebrated my birthday in the mountains. I wanted to do the same this year but then Covid happened. I hope to get back to mountains soon,” Asha said.

Actor Siddharth Nigam, who is a part of “Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga”, would love to be in Dubai for a while. “I love going to new places, and I have been missing that a lot these days. I also have a few shoots scheduled out of India that have been put on hold. One of my favourite tourist destinations is Dubai. The last time I was there, it was on Independence Day. I was mesmerised by the fountain show that takes place near Burj Khalifa. That day, India’s flag lit up on Burj Khalifa and Shah Rukh Sir’s songs were played. It was an amazing experience that made my night,” he recalled.

For actor Tarun Khanna, nothing works like a few good days with friends in London.

Tarun Khanna ( IANS)

“I love travelling and I am glad I got projects where I would have to travel a lot, in and around India. I would love to travel as much as I can in this life. London is one of my most favourite places. I am in love with the city and places around it. There are a lot of beautiful villages outside of London and the only difference between the city and these villages is that there are no tall buildings in the villages, rest everything is same. Ipswich and Bath near London are the most breathtaking places,” he said.

“All of my childhood friends live in London and this one time we decided to meet up and go around the city. We went pub crawling, covered Bond Street, Oxford Street and Soho. It was a different experience and I really miss that,” Tarun added.


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Bollywood Films

Ayushmann Among The Most Influential List

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana for #ProtectIndiasEngine.
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana

Indian actor Ayushmann Khurrana is in the Time magazine list of 100 Most Influential People this year.

The National Award-winning Bollywood star is among five Indians who have made the prestigious list in 2020, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, London-based Indian origin doctor Ravindra Gupta who worked to find a cure for AIDS, and Bilkis Dadi, who was at the forefront of Shaheen Bagh protests in Delhi against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Ayushmann has been listed in the Artists category, which also includes Oscar-winning Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, “Fleabag” creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan, besides pop music superstars Selena Gomez, J. Balvin and Jennifer Hudson.

Ayushmann Khurrana.

“I’m truly humbled with the recognition that Time has bestowed on me. As an artiste, I have only looked to contribute towards bringing a positive change in society through cinema and this moment is a huge validation of my belief system and my journey,” Ayushmann said.

“I have always believed that cinema has the power to bring about change by triggering the right conversations among people and society. Hopefully, through my content choices, I have been able to contribute towards my country and countrymen,” he added.