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Category: Arts & Culture

  • SHANTINIKETAN (Abode of Peace) Visva-Bharati and Scottish Connection

    SHANTINIKETAN (Abode of Peace) Visva-Bharati and Scottish Connection

    In UK a huge bust of TAGORE was erected at Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespear’s birth place in May 2014…reports Dilip Roy

    The Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore  who came from a very wealthy family of Bengal and during his life time has travelled length and breadth of world lecturing on Indian philosophy at the same time gathering knowledge of other countries specially on subjects like arts and culture.  Among his world sojourn he was very much inspired and influenced by Scottish folk songs which he has interpreted in his mother tongue Bengali. The most significant name is that of an 18th century Scottish poet called ROBERT BURNS (1759-1796) Burns is regarded as the national poet of Scotland and Tagore greatly admired Burns poetry for him it was like the meeting of minds.

    A Scottish centre  of Tagore studies (ScoTs) was established under the auspices of Edinburg university in May 2012 to promote (Indian culture, education, philosophy and literature as Tagore’s legacy) the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. Tagore also forged friendship with Scottish intellectual called Sir PATRICK GEDDES (1854-1932) a polymath but most of all he was known as a scientist and an architect who spent a lot of time in India planning some fifty cities has also lectured in Indian universities. Geddes had long studied Indian philosophy, arts and architecture of India. Hence, it was natural that he was deeply impressed by the vision it offered for India and the world. Tagore invited Geddes to provide to provide the plans for his International university, Visva-Bharati at Shantiniketan.

    Shantiniketan: New Indian site on the UNESCO World Heritage List

    SHANTINIKETAN (Abode of Peace) West Bengal has been inscribed on UNESCO list of World Heritage Site during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee 2023. Shantiniketan is India’s 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an ensemble of historic buildings, landscapes and gardens, pavilions, artworks, and continuing educational and cultural traditions that together express its Outstanding Universal Values.

    Established in rural West Bengal in 1901 by the renowned poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions and on a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries. Shantiniketan is an embodiment of Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and philosophy using a combination of education, appreciation of nature, music and the arts. It represents the purification of Rabindranath Tagore’s greatest works and the continuing legacy of his model of education that reinterpreted ancient Vedic philosophical traditions. Shantiniketan exhibits the crystallization of the ideas of Rabindranath Tagore and the pioneers of the Bengal School of Art. Shantiniketan is therefore an outstanding example of an enclave of intellectuals, educators, artists  who collaborated with Asian modernity based upon ancient, medieval and folk traditions of India.

    In UK a huge bust of TAGORE was erected at Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespear’s birth place in May 2014.

    (Dilip Roy is a researcher on cultural subjects and a Fellow of Royal Asiatic Society UK) 

    ALSO READ-Tribute to Tagore event mesmerises Manchester audience

  • Mahabharata, Ramayana En Route to NCERT Textbooks

    Mahabharata, Ramayana En Route to NCERT Textbooks

    The panel has also proposed that textbooks should give space to all dynasties that ruled India instead of just one or two….reports Asian Lite News

    Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata should be taught in schools as part of the history curriculum under India’s ‘classical period’, a high-level National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) panel has recommended.

    The panel has also recommended that the Preamble of the Constitution be written on the walls of all classrooms in vernacular languages, the committee’s chairman, Prof C I Issac told ANI over phone.

    The Social Science Committee of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) set up to revise the social sciences curriculum for schools, has made several proposals including the introduction of the Indian knowledge system, the Vedas and Ayurveda in textbooks.

    The suggestions have been part of the final position paper on social sciences, which is a key perspective document that helps in the development of new NCERT textbooks on the subject. The proposal has yet to get a final nod from NCERT.

    “The panel has made recommendations for the classification of history into four periods: the classical period, the mediaeval period, the British era, and modern India. Till now, there have been only three classifications of Indian history- ancient, Medieval and modern India,” Issac, a retired history professor, said.

    “Under the classical period, we have recommended that Indian epics–Ramayana and Mahabharata–be taught. We have recommended that the student have an idea of who Rama was and what his purpose was. A little bit about the epic,” said Isaac.

    The panel has also proposed that textbooks should give space to all dynasties that ruled India instead of just one or two.

    Isaac informed that the panel has suggested that the book contain information about victories and heroes like Subhash Chandra Bose.

    “The students must know about the Indian heroes and their struggles and victories so that they can get confidence,” he said.

    “We have also suggested that the Preamble should be written on the walls of all classrooms in vernacular languages,” he added

    The panel has also proposed that the name Bharat should replace the word India in textbooks.

    On this, NCERT had last month, said the process of syllabus development was still ongoing.

    “It is too premature to comment on the news being flashed in the media on the concerned issue,” the NCERT said. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: NIA Books SFJ’s Pannun For Threatening Air India Flyers

  • Tales of Transcendence

    Tales of Transcendence

    For Akbar Padamsee, another master abstractionist, viewers will see his ‘Metascapes, among other charcoal works, which are grandiose and sweeping in their vision. They transcend the conventional representation of specific sites and geographical locations…reports Asian Lite News

    Showcasing the rare and lesser-known aspects in the work of five celebrated artists Amrita Sher-Gil, Akbar Padamsee, Ganesh Pyne, Prabhakar Barwe, Jagdish Swaminathan, a significant group exhibition titled ‘Tales of Transcendence’, is running from November 16-19, 2023, at Mumbai’s first major art fair Art Mumbai. Hosted at Booth 51 of the fair by Progressive Art Gallery,  the exhibit showcases the works of five iconic artists of India whose works reflected an Indian form of modernism.

    Included in the exhibition is a 1939 portrait of her husband Victor Egan, which may be her only portrait of him. Rendering an informal and sympathetic study of Victor Egan, it is a rare work, returning to Western techniques in realism, as would be natural in such a portrait. As she died in 1941, this may have been Sher-Gil’s last portrait.

    Jagdish Swaminathan’s vibrant depictions of nature and indigenous art allow us to transcend the confines of the modern world. Four of his paintings in the series on ‘Bird, Mountain, Tree and Reflection’ find space in this exhibition — bearing witness to the phase in his artistic career when he introduces mountains or rocks in different hues of blues, beige and green, punctuated by the presence of a bird or a flower.

    Prabhakar Barwe, an Indian modern artist born in 1936, is celebrated for his distinctive style and deep introspection. The exhibition showcases his mixed media works, which are minimal abstractions. His art is a testament to the power of minimalism and the subtle, often overlooked nuances of existence.

    For Akbar Padamsee, another master abstractionist, viewers will see his ‘Metascapes, among other charcoal works, which are grandiose and sweeping in their vision. They transcend the conventional representation of specific sites and geographical locations.

    Also on view are Ganesh Pyne’s ethereal compositions, such as those depicting the Mahabharata character Abhimanyu, and figures such as a money lender, and a Baul singer. ‘Abhimanyu’, painted in the year 2000 in tempera, ranks among the finest compositions by Pyne in his mature style. His work transports us to a realm where the subconscious meets the tangible, encouraging us to reflect on the mysteries of existence.

    “As you explore ‘Tales of Transcendence’, you will bear witness to the remarkable journeys of these artists. Their works invite us to transcend the limitations of the present and embark on a voyage of introspection and discovery. We hope this exhibition inspires you to contemplate the profound and appreciate the beauty in the world and ourselves,” said Dr. Geeti Sen, critic and curator of the exhibition.

    Calling the well-curated exhibition a celebration of the artistic brilliance of five extraordinary individuals, Progressive Art Gallery Director Harsh Vardhan Singh said, “This exhibition, aptly titled, takes you on a captivating journey through their works, each a tale of transcendence in its own right. Art, in its most profound form, is a medium through which artists transcend the boundaries of the ordinary and the expected. Through their creativity, these five remarkable artists have achieved precisely that – transcending the confines of convention and offering us a glimpse into the limitless expanse of human imagination and expression.”

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  • ‘The Winter Within’ : Unspoken Realities of Kashmir

    ‘The Winter Within’ : Unspoken Realities of Kashmir

    One would expect the director to be upbeat about the attention he draws to the Valley, but he tells that he feels bereft after making it, as he does not know how many people it will reach. ..writes Sukant Deepak

    In the bleak cold of Kashmir, Nargis’ gaze cuts right through. The atmospherics scheme with her tragedy and silences become a partner to reveal the conflict that is not just external.

    National award-winning filmmaker Aamir Bashir’s latest film ‘The Winter Within’, that was screened during the latest edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), premiered at the 27th Busan International Film Festival and revolves around Nargis (Zoya Hussein), a domestic help whose husband Manzoor has been picked by the security forces and is ‘missing’. Forced to return to her village as a ‘half widow’, in a subversion to the Greek Penelope, where she weaves an intricate Kani shawl awaiting her husband’s return, she is unable to move on despite the attention shown by the weaving workshop owner Yaseen.

    One would expect the director to be upbeat about the attention he draws to the Valley, but he tells that he feels bereft after making it, as he does not know how many people it will reach. 

    “I do begin to question myself as we are in these bubbles where like-minded people turn up at festivals, but does it change anything on the ground? I am quite pessimistic. Frankly, I have been banished by many for talking about the contemporary social and political scenario around us. Even when I was studying in a college like St. Stephen’s, students aroud me would talk about how the Army should be given a free hand to fix things.”

    Stressing that for him, making a film like this is about taking an individual stand, he does believes, “The only way Kashmiris can draw support is by telling their stories even if they are in whispers.” 

    Not considering himself an insider despite being from the Valley, the actor-director, who shot to prominence with his roles in ‘A Wednesday’ and recently in ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Inside Edge’, says that he has lived in Kashmir for more than 30 years now, and the distance has brought a perspective that is objective. 

    “Of course, there is a part of me that still remains an ‘insider’ for I do feel the many assaults. But I must add that there are very few people willing to tell the story, and fewer who want to receive it.” 

    While his directorial debut film ‘Harud’ that premiered at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival won the National Film Award for ‘Best Urdu Feature Film’ at the 60th National Film Awards, he is still reluctant to call himself an artist. 

    “Filmmaking was never planned, and it was mainly the situation in Kashmir and the fact that the narrative was not in the Valley’s control, that pushed me to make these films.”

    It need not be said that getting funds for a film like this is seldom easy. 

    “This one has been in my mind since 2011. People do question why such a movie needs to be made, many do not have an idea about the ground situation in Kashmir. So more than spending energy on making the film, I need to thoroughly explain about the situation there,” he says.

    Talk to him about this time of democratication of technology when young Kashmiri musicians are making music about issues there, and using social media for distribution, and he feels filmmaking is much more difficult as one needs an elaborate infrastructure to tell a story.

    “Yes, there are rap artists who are staying more true to themselves as a Kashmiri voice, but the masses do not really get to listen to them — you need a studio and a label. The same is with films, even if something is made — where will it reach?” he asks.

    Initially, he had planned a trilogy — Autumn (‘Harud’), Winter (‘The Winter Within’) and Spring.

    “But I am still grappling — is there a point? I really do not see the possibility of the movie on Spring. But it can be a fantasy, no…?”

    ALSO READ-SPECIAL: Recall the Kashmir massacres of 22 October 1947

  • Bassem Youssef’s Insightful Journey from Gaza to Stand-Up Comedy

    Bassem Youssef’s Insightful Journey from Gaza to Stand-Up Comedy

    Bassem also let his packed audience in on his journey of living in America, parenthood, and his book The Magical Reality of Nadia during an insightful and witty dialogue…reports Asian Lite News

    In a candid discussion on Friday evening at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), author and comedian Bassem Youssef revealed fresh, undisclosed details about his two viral interviews with Piers Morgan about the ongoing war in Gaza.

    “When the events in Gaza unfolded, Morgan’s producer contacted me for an interview to discuss the matter. The image portrayed in Western media was very negative, and I felt that talking about it at that time was akin to career suicide. I initially refused, but as the repeated requests and abundant misinformation continued to pile on, I decided to speak and set the record straight. I considered approaching it comedically, knowing this interview would be a double-edged sword”, Youssef shared with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, who moderated the dialogue.

    Getting the facts straight

    Bassem Youssef went on to explain that after realising the incredible resonance and impact of the first interview, he decided to conduct another in-person interview with Morgan. The preparation for the second interview was different, intending to explain an issue inaccurately he said, adding that he collaborated with researchers, forming three teams from around the world, including historians from the West Bank, Gaza, and other locations.

    He said, “They conducted extensive interviews over two weeks, gathering significant information. The challenge was finding the appropriate way to present it, which I did calmly, allowing the interviewer his space and successfully delivering my message”.

    Bassem also let his packed audience in on his journey of living in America, parenthood, and his book The Magical Reality of Nadia during an insightful and witty dialogue.

    Focusing fully on the present

    The Egyptian comedian told the audience that the idea of doing stand-up comedy in English emerged because he needed a source of income to establish himself in the media. “The first two years were extremely challenging and frustrating due to the audience’s response to my performance”.

    Youssef then transitioned to hosting a show in Arabic.

    Sharing his learnings from this period, he opined, “You should not look at the journey as a whole, nor should you anticipate how it will end. Instead, focus on the present and what you have today. The future will come, so don’t preoccupy yourself with what you will be. You will only reach there if you concentrate on what you are doing now, without neglecting proper planning.’

    Children’s book on embracing differences and diversity

    About authoring The Magical Reality of Nadia, Youssef said the idea emerged from a talk with his agent. “The protagonist, Nadia, named after my daughter, faces challenges in school because she comes from a different background, but possesses a tool that allows her to revisit her ancient history. The book’s main idea was to discuss diversity and how one can learn and benefit from this diversity. I believe that life is a continuous journey of learning”.

    On the importance of reading, Youssef stressed the need to choose a book based on personal interest and read it through. He enjoys reading about history from different points of view and appreciates the diverse perspectives that enhance communication.

    At the end of the session, Youssef shared the three most significant lessons he learned in 2023: the importance of continuous learning; empathy towards others, especially towards those who are different; and the virtues of patience and in achieving one’s aspirations’.

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  • SILC Celebrates 10 Years of Knowledge Exchange

    SILC Celebrates 10 Years of Knowledge Exchange

    The closing day of the conference was marked by a series of eight engaging discussions led by global experts in the library industry…reports Asian Lite News

    The 10th annual Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), in collaboration with the American Libraries Association (ALA), has offered key learning and networking opportunities to 250 participating librarians, academics, thought leaders, and other industry professionals from 14 countries who partook in the milestone decennial edition of the event.

    From learning about current trends and beneficial emerging technologies to advance the library sector, to creating innovative spaces and services to engage readers more meaningfully, and exploring the positive impact of libraries in reversing climate change, the two-day conference took place at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

    Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at SBA, reflecting on the well attended 2-day conference said, “Throughout the ten years of this gathering of library professionals, the Sharjah International Libraries Conference has enriched the global discourse on libraries while serving as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the continuous evolution of the library industry. The exchange of insights, the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, and the recognition of excellence within the field reaffirm our commitment to shaping a future where libraries are dynamic hubs of knowledge and inspiration. The success of this conference, and our valued partnership with the American Library Association, proves that great things can be achieved when we come together through a united vision to encourage passion for the realm of libraries and the written word.”

    Commenting on the success of the conference and their connection with Sharjah, Michael Dowling, Director of Chapter and International Relations for ALA said, “Celebrating our 10th year here in Sharjah has been an important milestone and has proven the sustainability of the yearly gathering. Thanks to our partnership with SIBF, we’ve not only successfully established the conference, but also made it possible for librarians worldwide to actively participate in the Book Fair, expand their catalogues, and network with the wider publishing community, especially those within the region. As Sharjah is considered a cultural centre of the region, it has been an absolute pleasure to have been welcomed and supported by the emirate over these ten years. This year we had two major focuses, the emerging influence and utility of Artificial Intelligence within the library industry; and the growing concerns around climate change and sustainability, and how libraries can help to provide knowledge, create awareness and do their part to contribute towards the global cause. Other important topics were around professional development within our industry, reading in the school environment and improving global educational standards.”    

    Equipping libraries with the tools to nurture young minds

    The closing day of the conference was marked by a series of eight engaging discussions led by global experts in the library industry. The conference also shed light on the importance of school librarians in nurturing young minds, helping students cope with life’s challenges, and creating businesses, careers, and research centres within libraries.

    One particularly illuminating session titled “Libraries Empowering Climate Action: Policy, advocacy, and practice,” explored how libraries, with the support of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), have been actively engaged in climate empowerment. Claire McGuire, a Policy Officer at IFLA, highlighted the organisation’s work in climate action, emphasising the importance of libraries, librarians, and library associations in advocating for climate solutions at various levels while implementing practical initiatives to address global problems.

    Virtual reality (VR) technologies were also on the agenda, with unique perspectives shared on the implementation of VR in library settings. Additionally, the conference provided an excellent platform to discuss project-based learning, which aims to transform teaching and learning, foster critical thinking, and build resiliency.

    The conference closed with a session dedicated to Library Associations, offering valuable information on the resources and opportunities available to those involved in the library field. Participants had the privilege of hearing from representatives of esteemed library associations, including the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, the American Library Association, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

    To mark the conclusion of the event, a distribution of certificates recognised the contributions and achievements of the conference attendees, ensuring that the knowledge and experiences gained during the two-day event will continue to shape the future of libraries in the United Arab Emirates and around the world.

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  • When Shakespeare became a Malayalee in Muscat

    When Shakespeare became a Malayalee in Muscat

    There is a strong old belief that art and culture do not have any boundaries. This proved very much true in Muscat. Although the 150-minute play was in Malayalam language, the audience in the 750-capacity auditorium watched the live performances with much awe in full attendance, and without any break…writes Vinod Raghavan

    How often does one find William Shakespeare speaking in Malayalam? But this happened in Muscat last weekend!

    After eight months of non-stop efforts in putting together from scratch, the performance of Ithihasam – A Journey to William Shakespeare, was a fitting tribute to the play’s director, Rajesh Balakrishnan. He had put all his dreams and hard work into getting the best from his 40-member team of artists before a jam-packed auditorium of Oman Film Society at Airport Heights, Muscat on November 3 and 4, 2023.

    Balakrishnan had a strong belief in himself to bring out the best in those hitherto unknown faces, who came together from different walks of life to perform together and put life into the characters that they played. Entire Oman, it appeared, was patiently waiting to see them perform in a play that was about the great dramatist of the 15th century, William Shakespeare.

    The play was in Malayalam, but language was not a deterrent to the theatre lovers of Oman. Many in the audience hailed from different parts of the world – from Oman, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and many from the West Asian countries besides the different states of India. They all equally enjoyed the performances of the actors.

    There is a strong old belief that art and culture do not have any boundaries. This proved very much true in Muscat. Although the 150-minute play was in Malayalam language, the audience in the 750-capacity auditorium watched the live performances with much awe in full attendance, and without any break.

    Even the VVIP guests including Nepal Ambassador Dornath Aryal who was accompanied by his wife, Sri Lankan Ambassador Ahamed Lebbe Sabarulla Khan, and Reena Jain, First Secretary, Embassy of India in Oman, watched the entire drama along with the top officials of the Oman Film Society, as well as  Al Sheikh Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, Chairman of Syed Fayyaz Group of Companies and Aftab Patel of Al Omaniya Financial Services.

    Among those who attended the show was also Omani Actress Habiba Al Salti.

    The main role of William Shakespeare was played by the versatile actor Biju Vargheese and his wife Anna’s role was portrayed by Dhanya Manoj,  a teacher in Muscat.

    The play was produced by Dr. J. Retnakumar’s Bhavalaya Art and Culture Foundation in collaboration with International Organisation Creative LLC.

    Dr Retnakumar, who had earlier played the role of ‘King Lear’ in a short film made by Oman’s known short filmmaker Anirban Ray, said, “The inspiration to bring Shakespearean theatre to Oman was born from a deep desire to infuse our culture with the timeless brilliance of the bard. It was a journey marked by relentless struggle, assembling a big cast and crew dedicated to bringing the play to the land of the Sultanate of Oman.

    “We faced the monumental task of recreating the old English world on stage, and we were fortunate to have special stage craft experts such as Sugathan Master, who joined us from India,” Dr.Retnakumar said.

    A real feel of Shakespeare’s village and his house in Stratford was created by veteran Sujathan Master, who was camping in Muscat for over a month and was minutely working with the script details with the Director and his assistants.

    The director of the play Balakrishnan, a down-to-earth man, has many credentials in the field of art and culture. Untouched by the glamour of theatre, he was seen at a Ruwi restaurant after the show, having traditional Kerala food along with Sugathan Master and the scriptwriter Ashok Shashi. @C Global Bihari – https://globalbihari.com/

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  • JLF’s Continued Legacy: A Gathering of Literary Minds

    JLF’s Continued Legacy: A Gathering of Literary Minds

    Since its inception in 2007, the festival has hosted nearly 5,000 speakers and performers, while drawing over a million book-enthusiasts from around the globe…reports Asian Lite News

    The organisers of the annual Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) has announced the second list of speakers for the 17th edition of the festival set to take place from February 1-5, 2024 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur.

    The second list of 25 speakers has a diverse mix that include Akhil Katyal, poet, translator, scholar and author of ’Like Blood on the Bitten Tongue: Delhi Poems’ and ’How Many Countries Does the Indus Cross’; Amia Srinivasan, academic and author of ’The Right to Sex’; Andrew Quintman, scholar in Buddhist traditions of Tibet and the Himalaya, and author of ’The Life of Milarepa’; Arundhathi Subramaniam, poet and Sahitya Akademi awardee; Bonnie Garmus, copywriter, creative director and debut novelist of ‘Lessons in Chemistry’; Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, author of best-selling books such as ’The Palace of Illusions’, ’The Forest of Enchantment’, ’The Last Queen’ and ’Independence’; Damon Galgut, Booker Prize winning novelist and playwright; Diana Evans, Orange Award winning novelist, journalist and critic; and noted poet, lyricist and scriptwriter Gulzar.

    The list continues with Hernan Diaz, Pulitzer prize-winning author; Kai Bird, Pulitzer Prize winning biographer, journalist and author; Katie Kitamura, journalist and art critic, and award-winning author; Kelly Dorji, Bhutanese actor, model and artist and the author of ‘The Hidden Rainbow’; Luke Syson, British museum curator and art historian and Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge; Justice Madan B. Lokur, former judge of the Supreme Court of India and Supreme Court of Fiji; Malcolm Turnbull, former Prime Minister of Australia; Maria Goretti, television presenter, actor and writer of the cookbook ‘From My Kitchen to Yours’; and Merve Emre, academic and writer of ‘The Annotated Mrs. Dalloway’.

    The festival will also feature former Ambassador Navdeep Suri; Roger Cohen, Pulitzer and George Polk award recipient journalist; Sarnath Banerjee, graphic novelist, artist and filmmaker; Shumona Sinha, award-winning author of ‘Down with the Poor!’; Vincent Brown, academic and author of ‘The Reaper’s Garden: Death and Power in the World of Atlantic Slavery’; Vivek Shanbhag, author, editor and playwright; and Yascha Mounk, German-born American political scientist and author.

    Since its inception in 2007, the festival has hosted nearly 5,000 speakers and performers, while drawing over a million book-enthusiasts from around the globe.

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  • KLF 2024: A Literary Extravaganza with Global Icons

    KLF 2024: A Literary Extravaganza with Global Icons

    This edition of KLF will feature Turkey as the guest country of honor, featuring its literature and art forms. The UK, Wales, Spain, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Spain, and France will be the other participating countries…reports Asian Lite News

    The seventh edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) is all set to begin from 11 – 14 January 2024 on the beaches of Kozhikode. With a half-million-footfall, KLF has become Asia’s Largest Literature Festival today. Organized by DC Kizhakemuri Foundation and co-promoted by DC Books, KLF 2024 will feature Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, literary luminaries, media personalities, and celebrities. Renowned Writer, Prof. K Satchidanandan is the Festival Director.

    Kozhikode, the venue of choice for the Kerala Literature Festival was named the ‘City of Literature’ by the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN), making it the first such city in India. Spanning four days, in six venues at the Kozhikode beach in Kerala, the festival will feature 400+ global speakers and will be inaugurated by the state Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.

    This edition of KLF will feature Turkey as the guest country of honor, featuring its literature and art forms. The UK, Wales, Spain, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Spain, and France will be the other participating countries.  

    The initial list of speakers includes Arundhati Roy, Mallika Sarabhai, Shashi Tharoor, Piyush Pandey, Prahlad Kakkar, William Dalrymple, Gurucharan Das, Mani Shankar Aiyer, Catherine Ann Jones, Monika Halan, Durjoy Dutta, Manu S Pillai. The Festival will also host concerts by TM Krishna and Vikku Vinayakram; Surbahar and Sitar concert by Padmabhushan Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee.

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  • Neena Rocks Sharjah Book Fair

    Neena Rocks Sharjah Book Fair

    The two-time National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer fielded questions on the lack of a godfather in cinema, the casting couch phenomenon and her earlier life as a single unmarried mother…reports Asian Lite News

    “I wouldn’t have written the book if I weren’t successful,” quipped veteran Indian actor Neena Gupta about her 2021 memoir Sach Kahun Toh: An Autobiography as she sent a houseful of fans into peals of laughter at the Sharjah International Book Fair happening at Expo Centre Sharjah.In a freewheeling conversation with journalist Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Neena Gupta regaled a rapt audience with a humorous,sardonic yet matter-of-fact take on her unconventional life and the Indian Hindi film industry.

    Gupta, who was accompanied by her husband Vivek Mehra, refuted that it was a searing account of the ups and downs in her life “because it is dangerous to speak the truth”. “I haven’t revealed the most vulnerable part of my life though I have always been honest about the way I behave, dress, or eat. But because of my profession, the press made me look like someone else,” said the actor, who is best known for her 2018 movie Badhai Ho.

    The two-time National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer fielded questions on the lack of a godfather in cinema, the casting couch phenomenon and her earlier life as a single unmarried mother. “Most of my life I worked for money because I had no money,” she opened up. National awards did not bring her many offers, and “if it weren’t for Badhai Ho, I would still be doing smaller roles”, she stated. Regarding her daughter Masaba, whose OTT release Masaba Masaba became a big hit, Gupta said she had dissuaded her from the field.

    The actor said that she had chosen Covid to pen her witty and unapologetically funny memoir; the time was also right because some of her close kin had passed away and the revelations would no longer matter to them. She said she had “some good memories” about Masaba’s father cricketer Vivian Richards. Her advice to fans was to “move on in life whatever happens”.

    Sach Kahun Toh (meaning To tell the Truth) chronicles Gupta’s extraordinary personal and professional journey – from her childhood days in Delhi, through her time at NSD, to moving to Bombay in the 1980s and dealing with the struggles to find work. It details the big milestones in her life, and a successful second innings in Bollywood. A candid, self-deprecating portrait of the person behind the persona, it talks about her life’s many choices, battling stereotypes, then and now.

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