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Benny Gives A Dose Of Positivity

Benny Dayal's new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.
Benny Dayal’s new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.

Singer Benny Dayal feels the world needs a dose of positivity, and he hopes his latest track Jee le does the trick.

For the song, Benny has collaborated with composer Raajeev V. Bhalla.

“When I was approached by Raajeev for this song, I was game to work with him immediately because I have personally been a fan of his music. Moreover, the world needs a dose of positivity and hope. We may not have everything right now but we all have something to be grateful for, so the song reminds you to focus on that, and to remember that we are all rockstars of our own lives,” Benny said.

To this, Bhalla added: “Benny and I thought the message of, ‘live in the moment, my friend, this is all we got.. Zindagi ka tu rockstar’, is much needed today. We cannot keep worrying all the time and even lose the joy we have right now. We must live big, shine bright and soar high, no matter what the lows.”

Benny Dayal’s new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.

For the video, singers Vishal Dadlani, Salim Merchant, Armaan Malik, Shalmali Kholgade, Armaan Malik, Aditya Narayan, Jonita Gandhi, Shilpa Rao, Aditi Singh Sharma, Divya Kumar, Shruti Pathak, Siddhart Mahadevan, Mihir Joshi, Arunaja, Kamakshi Khanna, Lisa Mishra, Nikita Gandhi, Sangeet/Anusha, Shashwat Singh, Saptak Chatterjee, and Shefali Alvarez also sent in self-recorded clips to share the uplifting message of the song.

Beishqi Galiyaan

Benny Dayal and Shefali Alvares have recorded a new romantic track.

Titled “Beishqi galiyaan”, the song is set around a boy who has given his lovergirl 13 flowers — 12 real and one fake, telling her that he will love her till the last one withers away.

“Shefali is an extremely talented artiste. It was a great experience working with her. This song is a love number that gives you all the ‘feels’ in the world,” gushed Benny.

Shefali was equally effusive in praise of her colleague, and super thrilled to finally get a chance to sing a love song with “one of my closest friends and fellow singer, Benny Dayal”.

Benny Dayal’s new song reminds we are all rockstars of our lives.

“I’m so happy as he decided to share his musicality with me on this song, which has been composed by Prateek Gandhi. This song is about love that has no boundaries, no thoughts, no expectations. It is just pure love,” she added.

She is happy with how the video turned out.

“This was shot during the lockdown directed by one of my oldest friends Kristy de Cunha. My video

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Bollywood Films

‘Sushant Made Me A Choreographer’

Sushant Singh Rajput.
Sushant Singh Rajput.

Choreographer Ganesh Hiwarkar recalls how his dear friend, late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, not only stopped him from committing suicide but also made sure his career as a dance teacher flourished in the city. He says Sushant gave him emotional, moral and financial support despite being a struggling actor and dancer at the time.

“This was in 2007. It was Sushant’s idea to make a brochure for my dance class. I did not have much knowledge about these things at that time. I would normally run my class with just five or six students. Sushant was associated with Shiamak Davar, and he told this was not the way. He told me I needed to advertise to get more students. He got Shiamak’s brochure and calendar and showed it to me, saying this is how branding needs to be done,” Ganesh told.

SSR’s wax statue sculptor hopes his effort contributes to #JusticeForSushant.

“Sushant not only gave me the idea for the brochure but created it, too. I still remember he sat on a computer all night looking for a suitable name for my dance class, brochure design and all that. The text was also planned by him — what to mention for kids, what to write to attract adult students. He also posed for the photographs that were printed in the brochure,” Ganesh added.

The choreographer went on to inform how the cost for his dance class brochure was also borne by his friend Sushant, who himself was a struggling actor and dancer at that time.

“The cost for the brochure was also borne by him. I come from a middle class family and could not afford to spend the amount at that time. It had cost him around Rs 15-20,000 I guess at that time. My fees at that time were 1000 rupees per student, one of them being Sushant. I had to survive on Rs 5000 in Mumbai, so I couldn’t dream of spending on stuff like brochures. He was struggling at that time, but did not think twice before spending the amount on my brochure. Not only did he save me from committing suicide but he also made sure I focus on my career as a dance teacher. That was Sushant,” Ganesh recalled.

He recalled: “Sushant would take me on his Splendour bike, around the city to meet people. That is how he helped me get a job as a dance teacher in Anupam Kher’s acting academy where I taught for some time.”

Sushant’s friend Ganesh Hiwarkar

Quizzed if he is satisfied with investigation in Sushant death case, Ganesh expressed: “These are very high level things, not that I understand a lot of it. Over the last two days, media is running after Kangana (Ranaut).”

Does that mean that media’s focus has shifted from Sushant? “Not that. Sushant’s news is also being shown. And Kangana has been supporting the case by talking about drugs and all that. I know that people are getting impatient and they want the agencies to come out with a solution quickly, but I understand that it cannot be done in haste. It is not a small matter. That is why they are taking time. But I strongly believe the truth will come out,” he said.

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Bollywood Music

Tale Of Left Hand Repertoire

Maxime Zecchini: A French marvel in left-hand piano repertoire
Maxime Zecchini: A French marvel in left-hand piano repertoire

French classical pianist Maxime Zecchini, who is among the handful of musicians all over the globe to practise the ‘left hand repertoire’ and play works with just five fingers, as opposed to both the hands, says that it is a delight to share this music with his audience.

“I had discovered this repertoire 20 years ago playing the most famous pieces for the left hand, the Concerto of Maurice Ravel. I did some research on the internet and I have seen that there are a lot of works for the left hand, about 600 pieces. And very few recordings.

“So, I have proposed a discographic label to record the first and unique Anthology in the world for the left hand with 10 CD’s. I have already recorded 8 discs and the complete anthology will be available at the end of 2021. I have recorded a lot of musical styles inside this CD’s: classical music, contemporary music, chamber’s music, concertos with orchestra, film music, etc,” Zecchini, born in 1979, told in an email.

About his repertoire, he says, “the wonder of having the impression of hearing two hands when only five fingers were playing fascinated me. These pieces demonstrate the immense possibilities of the left hand. Thanks to the arrangement of left-hand fingers, its natural flexibility, and the powerful register in the bass of the keyboard, it can even make the piano sound like an orchestra! I am very happy to be able to discover the undeniable poetic richness of this original, virtuoso, and spectacular repertoire.”

Zecchini had completed his 15-day India tour in India in 2016, where he demonstrated the not just the unique repertoire but his masterful skill at it.

Asked how big of a community do left-handed pianists make, the musician says: “We are just three or four pianists in the world to play these works. It’s a delight for me to share this music with the audience, who are always curious and enthusiastic.”

Maxime Zecchini: A French marvel in left-hand piano repertoire

After spending a lot of time at my home without concerts and travels due to COVID-19, Zecchini will also play in front of an audience in Barcelona, Spain, in a concert. Here, he says he will be performing French compositions of Debussy, Ravel, Michel Legrand and other famous French songs.

What are his thoughts on cultural exchanges via music? “I love cultural exchanges via music. For example, when I played in India some years ago, I discovered the music of Bollywood with a lot of beautiful songs. It was totally new for me and this music is very beautiful and romantic! I have listened to these songs on YouTube and written an arrangement for my concert which made the audience very emotional. It’s very enriching for me to discover new melodies and new ways of expressing artistically.”

He concludes by saying that he finds Indian music very romantic and melodious. “I don’t know very well the Indian music for piano and keyboard but I hope with all my heart to discover and listen to a lot of beautiful pieces if I have the chance to play again in India.”

The award-winning pianist is slated to make his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York in April 2021.

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Bollywood Music

Freedom Through Dance

Jim Sarbh, Bani J do the 'Freedom Dance'.
Jim Sarbh, Bani J do the ‘Freedom Dance’.

The actors have come together for the video by music producer Priya Hebbar, who goes by the name Faynyx as an artiste.

“Freedom is an entirely personal concept that each individual can experience only through the lens they have and the circumstances they are in,” Jim said, adding: “I really enjoyed discussing freedom and what it means to me with the composer and the director and the rest of the team.”

Talking about his definition of freedom and his thoughts about the lockdown, Jim said: “My conception of freedom is not shaken by any one external event, but (it is) more the sum effects of every single external event, and internal biological function.”

“But people probably felt listless and irritable (during lockdown) because their usual responsibilities were taken away. They don’t realise how these responsibilities are the actual ways they find meaning in life. I just tried to give myself new responsibilities. I loved the lockdown,” he added.

On “Freedom Dance”, Bani said: “My interpretation of freedom is to be in a space where judgement, second guessing, resentment — none of that exists, where none of that has any sort of hold over my present moment.

“The global forced lockdown has been a lot of things for people — in terms of their perceptions with freedom. For someone who loves to travel, I discovered so much creativity in my own self, and the spaces available to me,” she added.

Faynyx feels “these unprecedented times have proven that freedom is a state of mind”.

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Bollywood

Why Hrithik Roshan is proud of himself

Why Hrithik Roshan is proud of himself.

Actor Hrithik Roshan cannot stop gushing over the latest selfie he shot. In the image he posted on Instagram, Hrithik looks dapper in a black T-shirt and cap.

Why Hrithik Roshan is proud of himself.

“Ye selfie hai. Camre ka button mere haath main hai (this is a selfie. I have the button for the camera in my hand). Waah! I am proud of myself,” he wrote alongside the image.

The actor had earlier shared a suited-up snapshot on the photo-sharing website. The picture received over 2.6 million likes.

Hrithik was last seen on screen in the 2019 action blockbuster, “War”, along with Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor.

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Bollywood

Vivek Oberoi joins Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak’s debut film ‘Rosie’

Vivek Oberoi joins Shweta Tiwari's daughter Palak's debut film 'Rosie'.

Apart from producing, actor Vivek Oberoi will also be seen acting in the debut film of Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak Tiwari.

Titled “Rosie:The Saffron Chapter”, the film is a horror-thriller based on true events in Gurugram. Basically, it revolves around Rosie, one of the employees at Saffron BPO, which is said to be haunted.

Vivek Oberoi joins Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak’s debut film ‘Rosie’.

Revealing his look from the film, Vivek took to Instagram and wrote: “Things are not always as #Rosie as they seem, so #PalatKarMatDekhna! Glad to join the cast & present my first look in Rosie: The Saffron Chapter, directed by @mishravishal. Hope you like it.”

Vivek looks intense in the new poster of his film.

Excited about her debut in Bollywood, Palak said: “‘Rosie’ irrefutably is not your
average horror film, it’s an amalgamation of romance, spine chilling thrills, laced with an intriguing perspective. What makes it even better is the eximious team of people behind it. I’m truly honoured to be a part of this production.”

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Bollywood

Crucial to support folk artists: Shaan

Crucial to support folk artists: Shaan.

Popular playback singer Shaan says that folk artists and daily workers are keeping the music heritage and industry intact, and it’s crucial for the society to support them in these trying times.

“Our country’s musical heritage is on the shoulders of our folk artists and in the present situation of the pandemic it is very difficult for them to find livelihood and to feed their families. At this stage, it is very crucial for us to support our folk artists – our industry, workers who are keeping our heritage intact,” Shaan, 47, told IANSlife.

The singer is supporting the “very worthy” cause of ‘Together Louder Stronger’ by Anahad Foundation and Believe Entertainment, which is a fundraiser featuring renowned entertainment artists performing from their homes that will raise funds to support the unsung unseen performance industry workers (freelancers and daily wagers) and folk artists during the ongoing pandemic. It is aimed at conserving India’s beautiful folk music heritage and its artists.

While mainstream artists are now going digital and have found alternatives during these unprecedented times, it is the freelancers and daily wagers of this industry along with the folk artists for whom the lockdown has had a devastating impact. Upto 20 mainstream and independent, highly talented musician and stars of India like Shaan, Mame Khan, Jonita Gandhi, Benny Dayal, When Chai Met Toast, Bhuvan Bam, Nithyasree Mahadevan and others have come together to support these folk artists, workers and their families at this critical time through this fundraising initiative on Saturday, September 26, live on Facebook and YouTube channels of Anahad Foundation and Believe Entertainment.

Sharing his views on music bringing people together, Shaan shared: “During the pandemic where we have to maintain social distance, music is one thing that breaks through all the barriers, breaks through all the distances. Listening to music, even if its online, is a great connector especially when we are together and appreciating the same piece of music, from our homes. Music binds us all and has a positive effect, more so at a time when everyone is going through such hardships.”

How soon can musicians can go back to performing on ground for an audience? The noted singer says: “The world is waiting for a vaccine and hopefully that happens soon. 2020 is a year for self-help where we as musicians work harder on our skills and understand the kind of music we want to create and collaborate on. Come 2021, once everyone is comfortable in being in gatherings and groups, the quality of music will be much better and the kind of music that we are going to listen to, understand and appreciate is going to be of a higher level. Its going to be a good time for music starting 2021.”

This initiative, according to Abhinav Agrawal, Founder – Director, Anahad Foundation, will try to provide financial aid to around 600 performance industry workers across the country.

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Bollywood

Akshay’s ‘Bellbottom’ unit work double shift in Scotland

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar decided to bend his rule of 18 years, and gave extra hours for the shoot of his upcoming film, Bellbottom. Akshay had been strictly following an eight-hour work schedule all these years.

The film is currently being shot in Scotland. Aware that quarantine upon arrival has cost 14 days of shoot, owing to which the production had taken a financial hit, Akshay recommended double shift — whereby, two units would shoot simultaneously.

Akshay Kumar, ‘Bellbottom’ unit work double shift in Scotland.

“Akshay sir is doing a double shift for the first time in 18 years. So when he suggested two units we were absolutely stunned and excited at the same time. And seeing his work discipline and respect for time, everyone on the sets is super energised and also pitching in their best. It’s like well-oiled machinery working round the clock to make this happen,” said producer Jackky Bhagnani.

“Akshay sir is truly a producer’s actor and it has been a privilege to work with him. He is constantly thinking about everyone and everything,” Bhagnani added.

The retro-drama is one of the first films to resume shooting schedule as unlock began.

Inspired by true events, the film is set in 1980s. Directed by Ranjit M. Tewari, the film also stars Vaani Kapoor, Lara Dutta Bhupathi and Huma Qureshi. It is written by Aseem Arrora and Parveez Shaikh, and scheduled to release on April 2, 2021.

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Bollywood

Priyanka Chopra joins H’wood A-listers as narrator of new series

Priyanka shares hilarious glimpse of 'expectation vs reality'.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has joined a host of Hollywood stars including Kate Winslet and Keanu Reeves as a narrator of the upcoming series, A World Of Calm.

Winslet and Priyanka have joined previously announced Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba, Oscar Isaac, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, Lucy Liu, Cillian Murphy, and Reeves. The 10-episode unscripted series premieres on October 1, reports deadline.com

Priyanka Chopra joins H’wood A-listers as narrator of new series

“Excited to join such an amazing group of “calming” voices for series, “A World Of Calm.” Coming Oct 1st,” Priyanka tweeted while sharing her happiness over her new project.

The series combines mesmeric imagery with narration by the A-list stars. The logline reads: “A timely antidote for our modern lives, each half-hour episode takes audiences on an immersive visual journey into another world.”

The HBO Max series aims to promote stress relief and show the actors narrating a story while calming imagery plays on the screen.