Talking about the group’s process, singer Swati Minaxi stresses they try to be aware, transparent and be a medium, let songs take their shape, and try to not chase anything…writes Sukant Deepak
They say it is not intentional that they refuse to be slotted in a genre, just that it is the way they are…That they do not perceive music/art through filters. The TAPI Project group members insist their music is all about dissolving boundaries, labels and boxes.
“It is not only about music or art but the state of the world. We believe reinstating the already-drawn boundary creates deeper ones in people’s minds. Compassion and universality rather than individuality is the way forward,” say members Swati Minaxi (vocals), Yogendra Saniyawala (guitar/lyrics), Gaurav Kapadia (drums), and Biju Nambiar (keyboard/bass).
Launched in 2014, the group, whose sound is a mix of funk and folk on contemporary tribal groove recently released their single ‘Mehsoos’, which is now available across streaming platforms. They will also be performing at the forthcoming Jaipur Literature Festival’s (JLF) Jaipur Music Stage.
Speaking to IANS, lyricist Yogendra Saniyawala recalls that ‘Mehsoos’ came as a sudden realisation — of how badly trapped in the head he was, and numb to the immediate and vivid experience of life.
“Maybe because it is too immediate like the eye cannot see itself. I think it is representative of global consciousness and every one of us goes through it at some point in life,” he says.
Saniyawala adds that the single is an ode to the simple, the mundane, the uncomplicated, and sometimes undecorated things in life, and serves as a reminder that while the world turns and does a spin on us, we still find meaning, love and beauty around us.
Talking about the group’s process, singer Swati Minaxi stresses they try to be aware, transparent and be a medium, let songs take their shape, and try to not chase anything.
“We believe in calling off the search and dissolving. For us, inspiration emerges in the form of tune or poetry from a deeper space. The key is to retain its essence in going through several arrangements, and its (arrangements’) changes. Yes, it’s a very thickly woven process.”
Excited about the kind of collaborations and spillages being witnessed in the art world, when many artists are no longer working in silos — like, painters collaborating with theatre makers, performance artists with writers; and Nambiar feels that the result can be brilliant as all forms came from the space of oneness and the spillage and collaboration is only natural.
“Art and these collaborations pave the way for societies to think beyond norms and, and push sub-cultures to develop, which in turn can create a harmonic and more connected emphatical world. After all, artists are frontrunners and representative of hope.”
Talk to them about how as a band they solve their creative differences, and Kapadia laughs, “By fighting as hard as we can! But also by having a very clear opinion. It is important to note that ‘opinion’ does not come from a space of ego, but rationality. Someone will come up with a point that eventually is agreeable. Sometimes, we need to take a break from each other as well.”
Minaxi feels that the present-day independent music scene in India is growing and is much better than what it was 15 years ago, however, it has a long way to be part of everyday life and make a strong impact on society and culture.
“Independent and mainstream music should become one, and there should be a space for all kinds of music. However, we think we are going towards that kind of culture sooner.”
Considering all members are self-taught and do not come from any discipline, and thus are seldom apprehensive when it comes to trying out new sounds, Saniyawala asserts, “We love to tread dangerous waters.”
ZebraLearn, a new-age publishing company, has joined forces with Rajesh Srinivasan, a contemporary marketing strategy consultant and author, to launch a first-of-its-kind cartoon book ‘Mindful Marketing’ designed to master modern marketing…reports Asian Lite News
As the year draws to a close, the literary world beckons with five captivating recommendations that promise to enrich your reading experience. Each book on this curated list offers a unique journey into realms of imagination, contemplation, and emotion.
These diverse and captivating books offer a range of perspectives, from the future of artificial intelligence to historical struggles and personal reflections. Choose one or explore them all to enrich your reading list before the year ends.
And the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. “Klara and the Sun” explores the implications of artificial intelligence and the essence of humanity through the eyes of an AI companion. As the year wraps up, delve into this beautifully crafted narrative that raises questions about love, consciousness, and the future.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
If you’re a fan of science fiction and thrilling space adventures, “Project Hail Mary” is a must-read. Andy Weir, the author of “The Martian,” takes you on another gripping journey through space, science, and survival. Join Ryland Grace on a mission to save humanity, filled with humor, ingenuity, and unexpected twists. It’s a page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Mindful Marketing by Zebra Learn
ZebraLearn, a new-age publishing company, has joined forces with Rajesh Srinivasan, a contemporary marketing strategy consultant and author, to launch a first-of-its-kind cartoon book ‘Mindful Marketing’ designed to master modern marketing. This innovative book features a series of pocket cartoons and frameworks accompanied by insightful commentary from the author, Rajesh. The book applies a lens of humour and thoughtfulness to spotlight prevailing practices that impede organizations in the realms of marketing, branding, culture, and more.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah, known for her powerful storytelling, delivers another compelling historical fiction novel set during the Great Depression. “The Four Winds” follows the journey of a woman named Elsa as she faces the challenges of poverty, dust storms, and societal expectations. This poignant tale explores resilience, love, and the strength of the human spirit, making it a timely and impactful read.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
As the year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on life’s choices with “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig. This enchanting novel follows Nora Seed as she navigates a library that allows her to explore different versions of her life. Filled with philosophical insights and a touch of magic, this book encourages readers to ponder the infinite possibilities that shape our existence.
The Nehru Centre, London has hosted a vibrant event marking the recognition of Garba as Intangible Cultural Heritage of India by UNESCO recently.
Organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, the multi-dimensional aspects of the event included Master Class on Garba, commemoration of Garba’s cultural significance and live Garba performances.
Dep. Director of Nehru Centre Sanjay Sharma’s opening words
Sanjay Sharma, Deputy Director of TNC gave his opening remarks on the occasion, and the concept note was presented by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre. Traditional Garba song was presented by Pravina Vandra and Vasanti Parmar.
Presenting of traditional Garba songs
Tributes to Garba through performances were presented by Dr Krishna Patel and Dina Kukadia. Senior performer, folklore singer Satish Shah engaged audiences with his master class on Garba, supported by his team members Rashmita Shah and Jyoti Shah.
Garba by DStyle Artists
Dhvani and Dhru representing D-Style Dance to Inspire presented the finale garba performance that captivated the audience. Ovessa Iqbal and Sanjay Kumar Sutar from the High Commission of India were in attendance at the program, besides other community leaders.
The Booker she won for the novel translated into English by Daisy Rockwell revolves around an elderly woman confronting depression who decides to visit Pakistan after several years of the partition has not only illuminated her work but also brought into focus the entire South Asian region…writes Sukant Deepak
Even as she gives final edits to her upcoming novel titled ‘Sah-sa’, Geetanjali Shree, International Booker Prize winner (2022) for ‘Ret Samadhi’, translated as ‘Tombs of Sand’, for who the last year has been about attending multiple literature festivals, book launches and giving talks; says a writer’s life is always about striking the desired balance between how much to be in the midst of everything and how much to go into retreat and solitude to mull over things and create.
Adding that Booker has brought home that negotiation in a very dramatic and intense way, and overnight, she stresses that currently she is catapulted by it into a very public space, of much visibility and audibility, which is daunting for a person with the opposite leanings that she is.
“It is also rattling to be seen as an expert of well-nigh anything and answer questions about any and everything. Even more traumatic if you will, is the aggravated embroilment with forces such as the market, advertising, and selling. The final edits of ‘Sah-sa’, need a concentrated slot of time, which I am not able to get, so it is happening spread out over several slots of time,” she tells.
Shree also feels that on the converse side, Booker has ‘returned’ literature to her.
Stressing that it came soon after the world started to open post-pandemic, the author says, “The latter had turned the future into a big gloomy question and writing too despaired, though it carried on because while you are alive you breathe! But suddenly – overnight, as I said – I was back in the world of readers, writers, and books, with a vengeance. It has been overwhelming to connect with so many more of my community and my love. Of course, I need my writer’s space back. I am slowly getting it back…”
The Booker she won for the novel translated into English by Daisy Rockwell revolves around an elderly woman confronting depression who decides to visit Pakistan after several years of the partition has not only illuminated her work but also brought into focus the entire South Asian region.
Shree says, “How can I feel anything but good about it? After all, however much of a loner one might be, we all represent more than just our own single self. I carry my community, my world, my times, and society in me, and in a mysterious symbiotic umbilical cord link, we are made of whispers and echoes of each other. I am happy that through me, the light is shed on a larger world around me – it is my moment but also a collective one.”
Mention the fact that the entire conversation is around ‘Ret Samadhi’ only, and a lot of her other important work (including ‘Khali Jagah’, ‘Hamara Shehar Us Baras’, ‘Tirohit’ and ‘Yahan Hathi Rahate The’) not getting the attention they deserve, and she asserts, “What is the attention one deserves? Who gets it? A mishmash of things, especially in today’s world of hype and market, affects that. I have never been the sort of writer who stresses about how much or how little attention I am receiving. Readers must reach out and search out books, I am hardly going to spend my time beckoning them! Yes, ‘Ret Samadhi’ is in focus because Booker pointed that way. Serious readers know an award is recognition but does not ‘birth’ the author. I like to believe they are interested in the writer’s entire oeuvre. ‘Ret Samadhi’ is enjoying its ‘moment’. Lovers of literature will explore further, or else…their loss …!”
For someone who prefers to stay away from social media, a space now being used quite aggressively by many writers and artists, Shree feels that the medium is a mixed blessing — It has worked well for quick communication and relaying of ideas, and debates, but on the converse side also led to wile conversations and rumour-mongering.
“It has also often dumbed down debate and arrogated to itself the presumption that it is a reliable judge of quality and will make and break reputations. I prefer to keep far from it, much as I keep away from ‘market’ considerations as a guide to my writing life. Marketing is not of primacy to me and certainly not what I wish to expend my energies on.
“Of course, I am a creature of my times, caught in the winds that blow. So I cannot claim that market forces do not touch me, but I just do not concern myself with them. What happens and does not happen there is a dynamic of things not of my will or desire. I prefer it that way. The writer and her work belong to her time but – people aggressively in a market rat race forget this – importantly, also to a space and time that is beyond today and which is where Literature revels and resides. We can only do what we are doing sincerely and time and space will give us a slot. Or not,” she adds.
However, she does say that encounters with readers can be most life-affirming for a writer. Citing an example of an emotional son who approached her during a literature festival and said her book was the last book his mother read, and after reading it she folded her hands together – he repeated her gesture. “I cannot exactly replicate it – and she said to him that she wants to meet this writer. It was sad and joyous to connect with her son and feel her humanity, appreciation, and presence. It certainly makes you grateful for the community you belong to and humbles you ‘proudly’ for a small joy you have been able to give.”
Even as debates rage on the role of a writer/artist about recording political and social scenarios of their times, and the observation that the divisiveness of Partition is not just a thing of the past, she believes that recording stories, all stories, is important, and they don’t just belong to the present, but also to the past and the future that we imagine, want or fear.
“But it may not be a conscious agenda of the writer to record something. Rather her sensitivity, which hones her observation and intuition, takes her naturally along that way. Partition is a reality in North India. It continues to ramify into new and undesirable effects. I do not have to try to write about it. It is in my and our being. But partition is also a universal human experience and mostly a painful one. From which emanate innumerable stories which will continue to be told in all parts of the world,” says Shree, who was recently in Chandigarh for ‘Literati’.
The writer, who believes in ‘discovering’ the stories already fluttering inside her or in those around, intuition plays a huge role. However, she believes in intuition, not as some glorified super-human place, but rather a source in us, which is refined as we go along – by our locations of all kinds be it history, geography, autobiography, biographies, sensitivities, observations, imagination, aesthetic sense, even chance.
“I can hardly make an expert exhaustive list! I often quote Ustad Ali Akbar Khan on this – that when he starts he plays the sarod and soon the latter takes over and plays him. That is the beauty of artistic creation. Also, some of our deepest possibilities, both good and bad, lie in our subconscious, our entrails, if you will. A writer takes courage to discover those lights and darknesses, both.
“One is, of course, surprised at various points in the creative process – where did that come from? But that is precisely where that undefinable energy or breath lies, which enlivens a work of art,” she says.
While the past decade has seen a major rise in translations from Hindi and other languages into English, and there may also be fears of something being ‘lost’ in the process, she feels there is a need for translations among other languages.
“The hierarchy with English on the top is limiting and has mono-language repercussions, which feeds into all kinds of monocultural impulses. And that monocultural impulses make easy link-ups with dictatorial ambitions. Besides, there is such a rich conversation out there for humanity in celebrating the plurality of languages as language comes with its culture and philosophy, and the vocabulary of seeing, being, and expressing gets extended for all. The writer and the translator are matchingly important; mutually so, too. One facilitates the other and also extends the other.
“Something is always lost in translation. But let me hasten to add that everything is translation starting from rendering an inchoate, inarticulate thought/feeling into words. Just shifting from one set of expressions to another is translation and that is a process, not a complete exercise. So something constantly changes, but also opens another world. ‘Lost’ must not be seen as a negative here. Perhaps changed is a better word. Translation – approximating towards – that is exciting, enriching, ongoing, evocative. No closure here.
“Most importantly, translation is not about moving technically from some exact meaning to the same meaning – replicas are not being sought or possible, except by machines, and maybe not even there. The endeavour is to carry across a feel, an experience, a sensibility and sensitivity, a cadence, a philosophy, and it acquires a new dimension as soon as it is uttered in another language. ‘Pyar’ and love echo their own separate worlds. So translation is the same and also always different and it is an energy that does not end. This inconquerability, uncontrollability, has to be enjoyed for it’s all about the ephemerality, changeability, malleability, volatility, and fluidity of experience. Translation is life, not death,” she concludes.
Storybooks often address emotions, feelings, and social situations that children might be encountering for the first time. Reading about characters who experience similar emotions helps children understand their feelings and develop empathy…writes Priyanka Shah
Every successful person ends up having one thing in common- their thirst for knowledge. And what do they do to gain such intellect? They read! They read and read about everything on god’s green earth and then form their own thoughts about the many things they’ve read. Sounds easy enough, right? However, it is not.
Let’s be honest, none other than habitual readers can pick a book and start reading it. Developing this habit is a lot harder when you are 30 years old. As consumable content duration shrinks and our tolerance with it, parents must recognise that now is the right time to develop a love for reading early in kids which will surely help them when they grow up. This will give them an early advantage and set them up for success.
Reading storybooks should be a part of every child’s life and it should start as early as possible. One can even start with reading board books to one’s 6 months old baby. In fact, reading books early has many lesser-known benefits such as:
Reading plays a crucial role in a child’s development and overall well-being. The importance of reading and exposure to storybooks cannot be overstated, as they contribute to a wide range of cognitive, emotional, social, and educational benefits.
Reading stimulates brain development by encouraging critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skills.
Exposure to books and reading from a young age lays the foundation for early literacy skills, such as letter recognition and understanding the structure of written language.
Storybooks often address emotions, feelings, and social situations that children might be encountering for the first time. Reading about characters who experience similar emotions helps children understand their feelings and develop empathy.
The habit of reading is something that pays off for a long time! Children who enjoy reading are more likely to seek out knowledge and continue exploring new ideas as they grow older.
However, the screen time dilemma has become every parent’s nightmare. No matter how much parents try, the screens dominate every child’s life and it is close to impossible to keep them away from screens all the time. Finding the right balance and managing screen time effectively is crucial for the healthy development and well-being of children.
But in a screen-dominated world where do the pretty little paperbacks fit? How does one walk the tightrope between screen and story? While we are surrounded by technology, we often forget that we are living in the age of knowledge where we can find solutions to many challenges. Here is a list of platforms that took this challenge head-on. These platforms are constantly working on bridging to make screen time worthwhile by helping kids develop cool reading habits in a digital playground:
Jumbaya
Jumbaya brings a curated library of just the best storybooks from around the world covering genres like folktales, mythology, adventure, animals, morals, sci-fi, bedtime stories and many more! All their storybooks are done in a thoughtfully animated read-along format with SLS (Same Language Subtitling) that can help significantly improve a child’s reading abilities as well as develop vocabulary and language skills. They also have storybooks in Hindi and plan to bring storybooks in other Indian and global languages.
Epic
Epic is a platform dedicated to bringing storybooks from the page to the screen. This app makes books more accessible to kids. A lot of their books have a read-aloud feature that makes it easier for kids to follow the words while reading.
StoryWeaver
An initiative by Pratham books, this is a free library of multiple books from around the world for kids. Most of their storybooks are also available in many Indian and international languages. They even follow a unique system of ‘Levels’ which can be used to map out a book to a kid’s reading ability.
In a world where screens beckon from every corner, finding meaningful experiences becomes a need of the hour. But with moderated content and platforms you’ll soon find that your child’s screen time can be a source of smiles through the pleasure of reading! In the digital playground, let literature be your guide to a more fulfilling and enriching use of technology. With these cool reading habits, the digital world becomes a playground for the mind and soul.
Budding singers, dancers and instrumentalists have exhibited their talent at Tulir Talent Showcase before their proud parents and audiences at an event organised by UK Tamil Makkal recently.
In the programme that spanned about 2 hours, host Srividya Seshadri has explained the rationale of the event and anchored presentations and guest performances by Ananya Radhakrishnan, Chaitra Nair, Deepika Ganesh, Dhrithi Ganesh, Krithik, Prajna Babu, Prathika Saravanan, Rayyan Arif, Sashwath Venkatesh, Smrithi Venkatesh , Sowmya Seshadri, Tanvi Santha Kumar, Vibha Anand and Vivaan Murugesan.
Dance presentations at Tulir
Winners of the competitions and few special mentions in the categories of singing, dancing, instrumental presentations, art and recitation have been given mementos on the occasion, by Chief Guest Ragasudha Vinjamuri, a university educator and Founder of Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, UK.
In her address, Ragasudha emphasised on the importance of promotion and propagation of art and culture, and congratulated the parents and gurus for furthering the objective. Vote of Thanks was rendered by Pavithra Venkatesh.
Song presentations at Tulir
Tamil Makkal has been celebrating festivals for the past 10 years, and this is the first time the group has organised competitions for the young.
Instrumental presentations at Tulir Presentations at Tulir Organisers with Chief Guest at Tulir Talent Showcase Tulir
The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience” is the result of dedicated efforts towards extending the possibilities for artistic immersion…reports Asian Lite News
The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience,” a groundbreaking artistic display set to redefine the way we engage with art. Premiering its experience in Chennai on January 5th, 2024, the experience plans to travel pan India, including major metro and Tier I cities.
“The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience” is the result of dedicated efforts towards extending the possibilities for artistic immersion. This compelling digital art display combines cutting-edge technology, theatrical storytelling, and top-notch animation with the aid of 20k high-resolution projectors, 33 million+ pixels, and 10,000+ square feet of projections.
Beyond the stunning visuals, “The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience” allows viewers to take a peek into the renowned post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh’s canvases. The experience will bring alive his passionate journey in the world of art through movement, music, and paintings, giving a glimpse of his unique take on visuals. The goal of this immersive exhibit is to offer audiences an opportunity to live through timeless art at par with international standards.
The exhibition will showcase a carefully chosen collection of paintings by Van Gogh, including the swirling brushstrokes of “Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” “Wheatfield with Crows,” “Irises,” and many more, illuminating every brushstroke and colour with never-before-seen clarity. It will also feature breathtaking towering projections that reveal the creative genius’s mind. The inclusion of an infinity room, where guests can enter a bizarre dreamscape surrounded by a kaleidoscope of Van Gogh’s masterpieces, is the experience’s crown gem.
“The Real Van Gogh Immersive Experience” is a testament to the enduring power of art for captivating and inspiring audiences of all age groups alike. Dedicated shows running through the day and at affordable pricing ensure that this unique exhibition is for everyone and easily accessible!
Ticket Booking link for Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata: : https://insider.in/van-gogh-experience/article
Venue: Express Avenue Mall, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune to be announced soon.
Arsh Verma’s debut thriller, “The Velvet Hotline”is an adrenaline-fueled ride. This gripping novel introduces readers to Ayingbi Mayengbam, a kind-hearted kindergarten teacher turned crisis hotline operator, whose journey spirals into a world of supernatural terror and suspense…Reports Asian Lite News
In the tenth volume of the Rethinking India series, some of India’s most eminent persons from Sonia Gandhi, Margaret Alva, Hamid Ansari to Mallikarjun Kharge write of how we can think of re-engineering India’s hardware (redressing structural flaws in India’s existing institutions, creating new institutions equipped to address fresh challenges and re-engaging all of India’s systems), as well as ensuring progressive forces radically reinvent their political strategies and operational methodologies to socialize Indians to constitutional values.
In the midst of India’s political evolution, this game-changing book emerges to challenge the norm and spark a dialogue that captivates the nation. “Rethinking India: The Great Indian Manthan” confronts critical issues head-on and offers a fresh perspective on India’s socio-economic and political landscape.
RESTLESS LIVES
Celebrating his 60th year of life, Harish Bhat, renowned for his business acumen, surprises his audience with his first poetry collection. This accessible and beautifully crafted book offers a fresh perspective on modern life, providing moments of solace within the chaos.
The modern age is characterized by speed, impersonality, and absurdity. It is easy to get caught up in the rush and forget the small, everyday things that string together to build the everyday. At times pleasing, at others disturbing, the lines within these pages promise to give pause, inspire and stir emotion.
INDIA AND MODI AND THE BATTLE FOR BHARAT
The year 2014 was a consequential one for the Bharatiya Janata Party and for India. Will 2024 also be so?
Released on November 15th, this thought-provoking work delves into whether the 2024 election will be as pivotal for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and India as the transformative year of 2014. The authors skillfully dissect the concerns of the INDIA bloc regarding Narendra Modi’s vision for the country and his alleged distortion of the ‘idea of India.’ Through evocative, anecdotal, and deeply researched arguments, the book chronicles the emergence of a new republic, raising questions about the potential shift towards a ‘Hindu Rashtra.’ Whether you’re interested in politics, history, or the future of India, this book promises a sharp, incisive, and revealing exploration of the battle for Bharat.
THE VELVET HOTLINE
Arsh Verma’s debut thriller, “The Velvet Hotline”is an adrenaline-fueled ride. This gripping novel introduces readers to Ayingbi Mayengbam, a kind-hearted kindergarten teacher turned crisis hotline operator, whose journey spirals into a world of supernatural terror and suspense.
In this fast-paced narrative, Verma weaves a tale that transcends genres, offering readers a perfect blend of mystery, noir, and spine-chilling horror. Ayingbi, a resilient Manipuri woman, becomes an unlikely heroine as she battles not only the demons on the other end of the line but also the haunting secrets of her enigmatic boss, Dr. Rastogi.
MUSLIM POLITICS IN INDIA
What if a book could completely challenge your perspective on religion and social justice, and pave the way for a more just and equitable society?
‘Muslim Politics in India’ will take you in a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between religion and social justice. This transformative journey challenges preconceptions, sparking discussions on the role of faith in shaping a more just society. Authored by Hamid Dalwai, a fearless advocate for reason and justice, this book is a courageous narrative that inspires readers to question, understand, and contribute to positive change. Discover Dalwai’s compelling analysis of Muslim politics, a timeless voice of reason for our contemporary times.
PAIN
How can we be resilient in the face of universal pain?
In this transformative guide, Kirti draws from her public grief over Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death to offer insights on rising above suffering. Blending science, spirituality, and philosophy, the book serves as a roadmap for finding inner peace amid life’s challenges. A beacon of hope, it inspires readers to embrace pain as a catalyst for personal growth. This is not just a memoir; it’s an invitation to discover the transformative power within pain. Shweta Singh Kirti’s wisdom makes “Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment” a must-read for those seeking resilience and understanding.
GETTING DRESSED AND PARKING CARS
“Getting Dressed and Parking Cars” by Alok Kejriwal is a riveting chronicle of entrepreneurship and resilience. Kejriwal, CEO of Games2win, takes readers on a rollercoaster journey through the highs and lows of startup life, sharing real-life stories that capture the essence of creation and success.
In this must-read book, Kejriwal bares it all— from getting arrested to facing the theft of top games, and the humbling quest for a chief technology officer in San Francisco. The narrative unfolds as a celebration of spirit, a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding path of building a business.
TEACHINGS FROM THE RAMAYANA
‘Every Indian is familiar with the Ramayana. Shantanu Gupta’s book will make every reader relate to it’—Bibek Debroy
Drawing from twenty-five stories of the Ramayana, Shantanu Gupta offers simple solutions for real-life challenges, from handling negative influences to fostering meaningful friendships. “Teachings from the Ramayana” offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern applicability, providing readers with actionable insights for navigating the complexities of family life.
This interactive edition invites readers to reflect, take notes, and engage in family discussions, making it a delightful and essential read.
Sandhya Prakash unveils a riveting tale of resilience in her first book as debut author of “Shifting Sands of Saudi” .
Debut-making Indian Author Sandhya Prakash (Iyengar ) launches her first book on life in the Arab World . “Shifting Sands of Saudi” . It’s an expatriate’s account of life in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s .A resident of the Middle East for over two decades and now returned to Bangalore, a thought Leader, champion of sustainability and environmental issues, alumnus of BITS Pilani , TEDx speaker,
Entrepreneur and Singer, known for her storytelling prowess and her ability to transport readers to diverse and engaging worlds, Sandhya unveils a riveting tale of resilience in her first book as debut author of “Shifting Sands of Saudi” .
Sandhya is famous for her work with individuals, companies and communities to help them fix the foundation and get the right product market fit. She has a background in management studies, 25+ years of work experience in the middle east in trading, software and sustainability, launching 8 companies, expert in Energy Sustainability and Management and she is a licensed Energy Healer.
Her work of fiction, “Shifting Sands of Saudi.” Set against the backdrop of 1990s Saudi Arabia, this captivating novel delves into the challenges faced by the protagonist, Saakshi, as she navigates the complexities of the era. “Shifting Sands of Saudi” is a compelling narrative that offers a poignant glimpse into the life of Saakshi, a woman determined to overcome the societal restrictions and the watchful eyes of the Muttawas in Saudi Arabia. In this 212 page novel, Sandhya weaves multiple incidents across timeline in 1990s
“Shifting Sands of Saudi” is a must-read for those who appreciate gripping short stories of personal triumph, set against the backdrop of a unique and culturally rich environment.
The tour currently named Badshah Live will include a performance on 25th November 2023 at the Ovo Arena in Wembley. Badshah is one of the most influential and pioneering figures in the South Asian music landscape. He is currently the 4th most followed Indian artist on Spotify and is ranked #57 on the global list with over 16 million monthly listeners. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Badshah is on a mission to propel the global domination of Indian pop and hip hop, rapper, producer, mentor and entrepreneur – Badshah is a history maker! From farmlands to stardom, Badshah embodies the quintessential rags-to-riches dream, becoming one of the most successful generational artists while building a culturally rich empire that has made him one of the most bankable names in the Indian music industry.
Today he is one the most sought-after creative powerhouses that every label owner or film producer turns to when they need a guaranteed hit, a festival hot seller who appeals to the multitudes and a trendsetter who has influenced and set a template for a whole new generation of aspiring rappers.
Before he assumed the stage name Badshah, the now-iconic music juggernaut was once a civil engineer in Haryana. Badshah’s real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia. He was raised in a middle-class Punjabi home in New Delhi – his father worked in a government office while his mother was a school teacher. A math nerd at school, he spent a lot of his early teens devising alternative proofs for classic theorems, or performing DIY physics experiments, or honing his entrepreneurial skills with a comics lending business out of his bedroom or designing sneakers.
During his late teenage years, he took to Asian underground sounds of the U.K. whilst studying at PEC University Of Technology, Chandigarh. He adopted his first ever rap pseudonym ‘MC Cool Equal’ which was one half of ‘Northern Clique’, a band he created with a college companion. Post university, he continued to fuel his passion for music. He spent the daytime toiling away at a civil engineering job and at nights he would be busy recording in the studio which eventually led him to the discovery of Mafia Mundeer.
A few years later after going independent, he broke out of the Punjabi rap underground with a sleeper hit ‘Saturday Saturday’ (2012), a party anthem for urban India. After a string of Bollywood hits – including the house party favourite ‘Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai’ (2014) and the club banger ‘Aaj Raat Ka Scene’ (2015) – he released his debut major label single ‘DJ Waley Babu’ (2015). The track climbed to the No. 1 spot on the Indian iTunes chart in 24 hours and was named one of the ten most successful non-English songs in the world by Consequence Of Sound, anchoring his dominance in the desi rap circuit and making him a torchbearer of the new-age Bollywood sound. The music video for ‘DJ Waley Babu’ and subsequent releases such as ‘2 Many Girls’ (2015) and ‘Kar Gayi Chull’ (2016) successfully tapped into the escapist yearnings of a new aspirational generation of upwardly mobile, brand-conscious andunabashedly hedonistic young people.
Like most celebrities, Badshah witnessed his highs and lows in equal proportion. After a barrage of emotional setbacks, including battling clinical depression and a severe anxiety disorder, his evolution as an artist truly shone through with the release of ‘O.N.E.’ (2018), ‘The Power Of Dreams Of A Kid’ (2020) and his 2021 singles ‘Genda Phool’ and ‘Paani Paani’ which ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Global YouTube Music Videos Chart. He shied away from his formulaic musical style of bonafide club bangers and bared his soul with gut-punch authenticity as he re-engaged with other emerging hip hop artists from the scene.
In 2021, he delivered a colossal hit ‘Jugnu’ which was supplementarily used by YouTube for the launch of YT Shorts, making him the world’s second artist after BTS to get this unique sync. He premiered another smasher thereafter in the form of collaboration with internet sensation Sahdev Dirdo on ‘Bachpan Ka Pyaar’ which scaled to the No. 1 spot on Global YouTube Music Videos Chart. Later that year, he got signed to global music giant Universal Music Group and released the global trilingual superhit ‘Voodoo’ featuring J Balvin and Tainy which got noteworthily got integrated for the AirPods Pro 2 launch and FIFA 23 as well as got featured on the Formula 1 playlist. Subsequently, the insanely gifted pop-rap behemoth also collaborated with Mikey McCleary on the celebratory song ‘Bachke Rehna Re Baba’ from the action-packed Netflix film ‘Red Notice’
The music titan’s succeeding EPs ‘Retropanda’ (2022) and ‘3 A.M. Sessions’ (2023) further reinforced his detour from his foot-stomping party anthems and highlighted his musical reinvention as he experimented with nostalgic old-world charm, synthwave and paid homage to the lilting melodies of ’90s Bollywood and Indipop.
From a decade-spanning music career with over 500 stadium shows under his touring repertoire, the Delhi-born music mogul’s film contributions have undoubtedly propelled him to a league of his own. His string of film credits include ‘Kapoor & Sons’, ‘Sultan’, ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, ‘Dabanng’, ‘Dhakaad’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’, ‘Saaho’, ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’, ‘Shivaay’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’, ‘ABCD’, ‘Khoobsurat’ amongst others.
With a long-term vision to sample Indian sounds to western audiences and champion the dominance of Indian music in the international music industry, Badshah, who’s worked with most of Bollywood’s elite has been at the forefront of the cross-cultural exchange programme and has collaborated with global heavyweights such as J Balvin, Tainy, Sean Paul, Major Lazer, Diplo, Tiesto, Lil Baby, Mikey McCleary amongst others.
Badshah’s ability to fuse contemporary production with traditional Indian soundscapes to create anthemic and experimental records, has helped him garner admiration, respect and an unparalleled fandom among artists, stakeholders and audiences throughout the vast diaspora of India and the South Asian community across the world.
As someone who’s regarded as an establishment of sorts, Badshah continues to maintain an underdog status and keeps his creative appetite alive.
Named as one of the most influential contemporary Indian artists by GQ and Forbes, Badshah is the only Indian artist to have achieved 18 different chartbusters with more than 300 million video views each on YouTube, including: ‘Jugnu’, ‘Bachpan Ka Pyaar’, ‘Paani Paani’, ‘Genda Phool’, ‘She Move It Like’,
‘Paagal Kala Chashma’, ‘Heartless’, ‘DJ Waley Babu’, ‘Garmi’ and ‘Mercy’, breaking several chart-records such as Billboard Global 200, YouTube Music Video Charts, BBC Asian Network Charts along the way.
Based on combined annual video views on YouTube, the 38-year-old music powerhouse was acknowledged by music rights data platform Blokur in 2021, as the world’s No. 1 songwriter on YouTube with over 15 billion views on YouTube, establishing his sovereign reign in the pop-rap realm.
Owing to his unprecedented success, popular reality shows such as MTV Hustle (2022) and India’s Got Talent (2022,2023) empanelled him as a judge, UAE World ILT20 tournament (2023) collaborated with him for the league’s official anthem ‘Halla Halla’ as well as for the opening ceremony performance and Genies aligned with him for a global campaign (2022) aimed at personalized celebrity digital avatars for the metaverse. In 2022, Amazon miniTV onboarded him for a special appearance on their marquee title and India’s first court of comedy ‘Case Toh Banta Hai’.
On the brand front, he’s been an ambassador for Ajio (2022) and FairPlay (2023). He’s also created brand anthems for Yamaha RayZR (2016), Hitachi I-Clean (2016), Tuborg OPEN (2017), Pepsi Check My Fizz (2019), Discovery+ India (2021), Tata Play Binge (2023), Royal Stag Boombox (2023) and The Jameson (2023).
An avid connoisseur of all things pop culture, the stylish tastemaker has invested in exciting ventures that allow him to expand his interests and influence beyond music, including a luxury streetwear clothing line ‘Badfit’ (2017), a stake in franchise-based sports league ‘Ultimate Kho Kho’ (2022) and cricket fantasy league ‘Crickpe’ (2023) among other ventures.
While he stays fiercely guarded about his private life as well his philanthropic endeavours, Badshah is also widely loved for his generosity, honesty and humility, having contributed towards multiple social causes including welfare and upliftment of women and children.
Sitting pretty at the top of the Indian music pyramid, by virtue of his laser focussed work ethic and cult following, Badshah is now gearing up for a greater undertaking. As someone who credits The Weeknd, Backstreet Boys and Drake as his musical influences, Badshah’s end goal is to partake in the advocacy and the supremacy of Indian music on global territories.
Badshah said, “It’s always heartwarming to connect with my fans. I’ve always wanted to take my music far and wide. I want to give my audiences something new everytime so they have fun and relish the music and I want to reach more of our global audiences. I can’t wait to be back to spread some love and good vibes at my upcoming arena show!”
