Posted by admin on May 29th, 2024 | Comments Off on Renowned Interior Designer Sunita Kohli Joins AAFT School Of Interior Design As Dean Of Industry
Noida: The AAFT School of Interior Design is proud to announce the appointment of the distinguished interior designer, Sunita Kohli, as the Dean of Industry. With this prestigious addition, the school enhances its reputation for providing exceptional education and training in the field of interior design. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT, expressed his enthusiasm: “Sunita Kohli’s joining brings a new level of prestige and glamour to our institution.”
Sunita Kohli shared her excitement about this new role: “I am very happy and excited to be part of the AAFT School of Interior Design. It is a wonderful opportunity to share my deep experience in the field with young aspirants. I will ensure that they gain extensive knowledge from my experience.”
To welcome Sunita Kohli, a formal function was organized at the AAFT School of Interior Design. During the event, she was introduced to the entire administration, management, and students of AAFT.
Sunita Kohli is an acclaimed Indian interior designer, architectural restorer, and furniture manufacturer. She has restored and decorated several iconic buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s House), the Parliament House Colonnade, the Prime Minister’s Office, and Hyderabad House in New Delhi. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992.
Sunita Kohli has also been a guest lecturer at various prestigious institutions, including Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Innovations, Emory University’s Carlos Museum and Halle Institute, Colorado College, and the National Building Museum in Washington DC. She has published and presented several papers and books, further solidifying her expertise and influence in the field of interior design.
Renowned Interior Designer Sunita Kohli Joins AAFT School Of Interior Design As Dean Of Industry
Posted by admin on May 27th, 2024 | Comments Off on Manoj Bajpayee Promotes New Feature Film BHAIYYA JI At Marwah Studios
Noida: Celebrated actor Manoj Bajpayee, renowned for his versatile performances, visited Marwah Studios for the promotion of his upcoming film “Bhaiyya Ji” at Noida Film City. Reflecting on his longstanding relationship with Marwah Studios, Bajpayee reminisced, “I have thirty years of relations with Marwah Studios. My film Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi was shot here way back in 1993. I have returned several times for the promotion of my other films as well. This is the oldest studio in North India.”
The event generated immense excitement among the students, with hundreds of AAFTians capturing the vibrant atmosphere on their mobile cameras. “Bhaiyya Ji” is a compelling narrative about a man who stands up for his family and seeks revenge for the injustices done to his loved ones.
During the event, Bajpayee engaged with the students of AAFT, answering a multitude of questions not only about his latest film but also about his career, film journey, and various characters he has portrayed over the years. His insights were invaluable for the aspiring filmmakers and actors present.
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, founder of Marwah Studios, congratulated Manoj Bajpayee on his remarkable achievement of completing 30 years in the film industry and the release of his 100th feature film. To honor his contributions, Dr. Marwah presented Bajpayee with a life membership of the International Film and Television Research Centre of AAFT.
The event was a testament to Manoj Bajpayee’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on Indian cinema. The event was supported by International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry.
Manoj Bajpayee Promotes New Feature Film BHAIYYA JI At Marwah Studios
Posted by admin on May 24th, 2024 | Comments Off on Film Maker Akash Sagar Chopra’s Documentary WALKING WITH M Wins Four Awards Across The Film Festival Circuit In Europe
Walking With M has been now taken up for distribution in North America
India – May 23, 2024 – Film Maker and Producer Akash Sagar Chopra’s highly acclaimed and award winning documentary, “Walking With M” is a ground-breaking feature and a global documentary event, that has garnered honours at various international film festivals.
The film made with over 1500hrs of archival footage has received the Best Documentary Award (Berlin FFI) at Milan Italy, The Global Peace and Harmony Award at The International Film Festival The Hague, Out-standing Achievement Award at the Swedish International Film Festival, and has also won the prestigious Honorable Mention Award at the Athens International Monthly Film Festival in Athens, Greece.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, ‘Walking with M’ is based on the Walk of Hope 2015 movement, a peace march led by Author and Educationist Mumtaz Ali (Sri M, recipient of the Padmabhushan Award 2020), as he and a group of 100 co-walkers walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, in the year 2015.
7-years in making, the film tells the incredible story of Sri M’s ardoulous 7500km journey on foot, emphasizing the change within the individual as a true catalyst for societal change. Told through a gripping narrative, the film covers a journey of 474 days, across India’s di-verse landscape.
Receiving immense praise and acclaim across its screenings in Milan, Athens and across the Euro-pean Film Festival Circuit, the film has also garnered nominations for Best Director of a Documentary, Best Editing of a Documentary, and The Historical Interest Award at Film Fest International (Berlin FFI) Milan, Italy. It has also been selected as a Finalist at the Scandinavian International Film Awards (Cameo Awards Gala).
The documentary has also been selected and screened at renowned film festivals across Asia and other parts of Europe including Film South Asia (Nepal), Paradise Film Festival(Budapest, Hungary), and The Stockholm City Film Festival and it had its UK premiere with 2 screenings at the prestigious Garden Cinemas in London.
The film also premiered in Fremont, a part of the Bay Area near San Francisco, USA with 3 shows running at a full house capacity back-to-back, with a demand for more.
Closer home, the first Indian screening after the global festival circuit held at The Royal Opera House in Mumbai where the film received a 7-minute standing ovation.
Speaking about the documentary, film maker Akash Sagar Chopra, and CEO of Sagar Pictures Entertainment said, “It’s heartwarming to witness widespread resonance with our documentary. It’s a collective effort offering an immersive glimpse into the Walk of Hope movement. We’re thrilled by its universal reception and global acclaim across numerous countries.”
Sagar Pictures Entertainment, the Indian distribution partner of the film, has announced that the film has now been taken up for distribution in North America. It will also be dubbed in various Indian languages, for community screening tours across various Indian cities.
About Sagar Pictures Entertainment:
Sagar Pictures Entertainment is a media and entertainment company, and a trusted Indian Motion Picture and Television Studio, renowned for its top-rated programming and digital blockbusters.
Emerging from the legacy of the country’s greatest storytellers, Sagar Pictures Entertainment is known for its path breaking and award-winning cinematic endeavors and is a market pioneer in the Indian Media and Entertainment Landscape. Delivering record-breaking Indian Films and some of the worlds most watched Programming for over 20 years, representing 83% of overall Hindi viewership across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Film Maker Akash Sagar Chopra’s Documentary WALKING WITH M Wins Four Awards Across The Film Festival Circuit In Europe
Posted by admin on May 21st, 2024 | Comments Off on CELEBRATING WORLD DANCE DAY WITH SHAPATH – An Ode To Vows ,Oaths, Resolutions In Mythology Curated By Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra
Presiding Guests;- Padmashri Darshana Javeri , Padmashri Dr Puru Dadheech , Shri Sandip Soparrkar, Kathak exponents Rajashree Shirke ,Shila Mehta Dr Radha Mohan & Mohan (Kuchipudi)
Sponsor – Mahendra Finance
& Anjali Bharatanatyam Research Trust (Regd)
Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra known for curating festivals with unique themes once again came up with SHAPATH- An Ode unto Vows, Oaths, Resolutions in mythology An exploration of cause and effectt to endorse the meanings in the weaving threads of our mythologies by imaginative ,adventurous choreographers and Seasoned practitioners of the city on May1’2024 at the Mysore Association Auditorium ,Mumbai .
The momentum for the celebration was set by Bharata College of Fine Arts & Culture , the founder Principal of which is Dr Sandhya Purecha ,Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi. ‘Swarajya’ absolutely set the prelude to the exploration of SHAPATH . Vibrant and seasoned dancers Chitra Dalvi , Pushkar(Bharatanatyam ) Latasana Devi (.Manipuri) and the renowned Shubhada Varadkar also the choreographer (Odissi) brought to life the theme of ‘Swarajya’ . It was just the right start to compliment the Maharashtra Divas that at Mysore Auditorium , sought to celebrate the World Dance Day with a potent theme of ‘Shapath’ . ‘Swarajya’ highlighted the pledge of freedom taken by Bal shivaji to fight for freedom , to worship, to speak and live without fear, and a pledge not to suffer injustice.
The choreography with experienced dancers made explicit the scenes very evocatively. Commencing with the visually aesthetic and pulsating ‘Jadev Jaydev jay ” what followed was Queen Jijamate’s lullaby . A unique lullaby that sought to awaken the Bal Shivaji to enemies around . It was such an apt choice of the. Choreographer to havie it enframed in Manipuri
The experienced Exponents depicted the journey of Shivaji to Chatrapthi Sh ivaji . Highlighting the strength and sacrifice of a commander such as Bajirao Prabhu who though critically injured motivated the army to hold fort until Shivaji’s safe journey to Vishalgadh was signaled. The well knit performance impacted within the capsuled framework stipulated and higighted that impacting in dance absolutely transcends time . In th e blink of an eye and epoch can take shape and the one solo can impact as much as a group because the dance is about the one in all and all in the one. Kudos to the choreographer , the team, the edifice nurturing the city with the aesthetics of fine arts !
The anticipation in the fully packed auditorium was evident as Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya (the founder Principal of which is none other than the late legendary veteran Padmabhushan Dr Kanak Rele,) sought to explore the theme .
A thought provoking choreography was presented defining Shapath through strategic episodes from Mahabharat by the. Competent , imaginative Principal Dr Uma Rele that stirred profound questions!
Why morality remained the substance of truth and truth the essence of all morality ? Why a Bhishma’s commitment to the throne , Draupadi’s humiliation ,Bhima’s loyalty to his brother despite their shortcomings.? The gripping choreography through probing delved into the morality lacing all actions defining the Ode to Shapath through a skillful weaving of potency of chosen styles and a team of vibrant
dancers – Taamohar Biswas ,Radhika Nair,Mohan Acharya,Jainami Gada, Gauri Ajith, Meera Wagh, Kavya Varma,Urvashi Gupta, Karthika Murugan, Venkateshwari Nadar, Amanda Chetty. The right choice of performers and the right styles to drape an emotion /character is always crucial to impacting and Kudos to Uma Releji for the well meditated upon weaving bringing to life a theme so solendrously!
‘ Bhagirath Shapath ‘ that followed, Choreographed by the renowned veteran – Kathak Exponent Founder & Artistic Director Guru Shila Mehta was a studied interpretation of the layers of Bhagavati Ganga’s descent .Commencing with Gangagayatri Mantra it mirrored the distinctive touch of the creator . It was interesting on the dance day to also watch the related chemistry and connect of every mentor with their Shishyas that made Diksha so meaningful . Under the astute watchful eye of the Guru the sacred river came to life answering the cry of Bhaveeratha . Guru Shila Mehta’s talented senior disciples- Mansi Somaiya, KrutikaSawant, Sumana Sachidananda were graceful and impacting in their subdued yet powerful execution . A very energetically aggressive contrast to the softness was ‘SHAPATH’ – by dancers with passion & fire in their hearts, who had all the audience charged with an infectious momentum through the synergy of Odiss i ( Sanatan Chakravarty) Kathak (Aditya Garud )& Bharatnatyam (Nilesh Singha) – the city’s very dynamic male dancers . Determination laced the delineation of each of the artists . Their intent and conviction and a desire to break through with their signatures had their identities exuding masculine power and grace endorsing a strong pledge to surpass every challenge to stand out amidst a sea of human faces Panchali Sapatham , draped in Bharatanatyam style based on the lyrics by Tamil nationalist poet laureate Subramania Bharati, popularly known as “Bharatiyaar” was Choreographed in the signature style of the imaginative Mentor – tthe experienced choreographer Smt Jayashree Nair and executed by dedicated dancers – Aarya Kumar, Adwita Pradeep, Dhananandini Rajaruban, Jasmeet Taak, Jhassithaa Balakrishna, Namrata Paralkar, Neha Nair, Saritha Pradeep, Sashank Shetty, Shrushti Jayaprakash & Vishesha Adhvaryu. It was a meaningful exploring of r Draupadi’s Oath that had the rooted attention of the fully packed auditorium . What enhanced the choreography was the Music by late K Narayana with vocals by the mellifluos Sri Siva Prasad N N and Smt. Sujatha Nair renowned Dancer , daughter / disciple of the Guru . It was amazing how a chapter unfolded dance to dancer!
The oath of Panchali to the oath of Parvati was just a dance step away ! The greatest oath always is the one to love unconditionally and Parvati
proving her love to become one with Shiva eternally that ultimately had Amba and Shiva merging as -Sambasadashiva was what followed . It was visually etched evocatively by Dr Piyush Raj andDr Sunil Sunkara with a deep rooted commitment to do justice to its pulsating lyrical content penned by the great Master himself – Padmashri Puru Dadeech What a blessing indeed for the experienced performers to present the creation in the witnessing presence of their Mentor and creator – who had not only penned lyrics and compoosed it but also choreographed it. It was a task whether to look at the Mentor watching the disciples or gather him through the disciples !
From Kathak to contemporary , the dance and choice ofsubject changed . World Dance Day it was with a draping of the theme in contemporary dance by the exlerienced intense performer Ammith M L Kumar kumar & Ritika Ochani – DANCE WORX (TDX )! A jaw dropping exploring it was truly , with ethereal Echoes in endless corridors resonating with oaths orbiting in tunneling corridors of time . Excellence followed excellence and the sensitive audience were enthralled by the Yakshagana that followed.
What a splendid performance it was with Bhasmasura -Mohini episode in Yakshagana by Ankita Naik – the disciple of Guru Gopala Ganiga Heranjalu – renowned Yaksha Guru . Ankita as Bhasmasura was endearing ,adorable ,a well practised delineation that gathered a flowing spontaneity developed to bring a laughter ,a smile that had our hearts go out to the demon … a desire to hug the demon too at times ! Ankita was complimented by Sapna Thapa as Mohini Majestic and purposive and intriguing the demon with a body language that bespoke of her maturity . Kashish as Shiva helped provide the reason for the causal drama . Bhasmura- Mohini merited a standing ovation from the very sensitive audience that made every reaching out ever so blissful. Two experienced exponents Dr Sailaja Desai ( Kuchipudi)and Dr Suman Badami( Bharatanatyam) came together in the artistic dimensions of May1’2024 to gather the descent of the Ganga to accord salvation to the sons of sagara .. an answer to the penance undertaken by Bhageeratha. Visually pleasing in white they complimented each other effectively draping their choreography through Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam Curators of the Powai Fine Arts that they are their acute awareness of each other’s style ,their concern with the message highlighted that dance should seek to express more than impress. The cry of the Ganga reluctant to leave heaven echoed in the turmoil racing within Yashodara by accomplished exponent Pallavi Shome, an alumni of Kathak Kendra, New Delhi who very sensitively exploredthe great poet Maithili Sharan Gupt’s- ‘ Re mann, aaj pariksha teri’ from his work titled ‘Yashodhara’ Inspite of a knee Injury that curtailed her movements with skillful modification of her own choreography she draped the stirring poem’s intensity with a subdued delineation that highlighted her obvious experience .
Curator Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra and her disciples Ananya Mohan, Lavanyakshi Uchil,Megha Pillai,Mahek Prajapati ,
reached out with three vows Lord Shiva urged Parvati to keep . The fact she could not keep it led to the causal trail of events where Sati awakens her Father Daksha Prajapati of his own entreaty unto her – Shakthi , to be born as his daughter . His insults and rage has Sati reveal her true form as Shakti and in a bid to severe the worldly bond between her and her father she self- immolates herself in fire to the dismay of all present.
The choice of music , Indian,Indo- western,with Synergy of Carnatic swaras came into its own in the ‘Ardhanareeshwar’ composition penned by Padmashri Guru Puru Dadheech . Deftly the swaras draping lyrics were woven to embrace the Adi Thalam format by the experienced Curator. .
Lata was supported by her mature disciples and the item merited appreciation by the legendary Veteran Guru Shri Puru Dadheech himself.
A stirring ‘Chanakya Shapatham ‘ by Samidha’s Institute of performing arts and her Disciples –
Madhavi Ghante,Anushree Kumbhar, Lithika Prabhakar, Kanchan Salve, Ranika Pathak, Jahnvi Joshi, developed the theme of the day . With maturity using the young talented moulds Samidha explored sincerely -Chanakya taking his oath after being insulted by King – Dhanananda in the royal assembly; His one thought of revenge that had him train Chandragupta Maurya and finally his crushing the Nanda dynasty to establish the glorious Maurya Empire.. The scenes impacted through the carefully worked out choreography using the young dedicated disciples skillfully .
A sankalp vital in defining a ‘savitri ‘ the strong woman in every woman , “mai savitri” underlined the obvious efforts put in by Gayatri Bhat the tres talented disciple of Guru Ranjana Phadke . An impacting performance endorsed her creative acumen . It is this alone that takes any artist far .. with a name to reckon with amidst a sea of human faces. The growth of this artist i have observed . An innate pathos that resurges with the cry of humanity that will have her make a distinctive mark and have all absolutely relate her name with the style . The all favourite of the day seemed Draupadi and young ,talented ,dedicated
Krishnabhadra Namboodiri – Disciple of the committed Guru Gayatri Subramanian endeared herself to all hearts , with her sensitive exploring of Draupadi .
What a subdued yet strong defining of a well meditated choreography , young yet intense . Her adherence to the detailing prevalent in the subdued and powerful choreography of her Guru was remarkable. A whisper they say can be louder than a shout and it is one feature of her Guru Gayatri Subramaniun i always appreciate. The day stretched on and yet the timeless was experienced through every reaching out. Jayalakshmi Anand & Anand Satchidanand .. chaste , intense and dignified ,a duo who never fail to stir aesthetic hearts . It was an interesting dimension throughTirunavukkarasars Thevaram padigam – Maathar Pirai.
Shiva fulfilling both vows – that of the Bhakta to see Shiva and Shakti (Kailasa) and his vow to guide his Pasus to realise the Pati What a command performance . Such is the potency of compositions that to relate it’s universality to life through art , all it takes is to relate to the words waiting in compositions seeking to be draped in chords and yearning to dance into hearts as a message !
It was the turn of the rasikas to stretch their feet to participate and the ‘Movement Metaphor in DMT an interesting session by Dr. Lata Narayan -a retired Professor from TISS, in the discipline of Social Work did just that . She had the audience come on to the stage!
It is the bond between the audience and rasikas that has kept tradition alive through the times Talented disciples of Guru Smt. Alakananda Mukherjee Sanjana Kamble, Vedanti Parab, Vaishnavi Menon, Prakriti Mahapatra, Nidhi Kamble, Sanika, brought to life their Guru ‘s choreography to visually etch the profound promise shared by Radha and Krishna ..a promise embracing all that is romance in this world . It was inspired by Bhanusingha Thakurer Padavali that comprised of Vaishnava verses penned by Rabindranath Tagore in Brajbuli and the disciples endeared themselves to all with their commitment and dedication.
Dedicated Saranya Jaselin performed Arjun Chaturang – A unique chaturang in Arjun Taal (24 Matra) written by Sunil Sunkara and composed by Advaith Roy that brought forth the journey of Arjun upto the moment on the battlefield. Where with Gita as Sakshi he took the oath to move forth as the protector of Dharma as Gandivdhari Arjuna.The Mentor is reflected in the shishya .. Sharanya’s execution carried her dedicated observation and an awareness . A deep passion for her dance form and her respect for those who were instrumental in shaping her talent . Her Guru Padmashri Puru Dadhich and her imaginative choreographer/ bhaiya Sunil was very much mirrored in her evocative delineation .
The absorbing delineation.
Beautiful Neha Banerjee and Akshobhya Bharadwaj reached out with Draupathi Shapath – a part from ‘Sairandri – the musical’. It was a dramatic portrayal by the two very seasoned performers that evocatively mirrored the humiliation with realistic intensity that had the hearts of the audience desire to free the beastly hands tugging at the highlighted tresses of a beauty in pain. The vow continued to enlarge with Abhishek Rathod -a wonderful contemporary dancer and teacher who draped the entreaty and cry of the devotee , anchoring in that faith that trusts the promise of the Lord unto devotees !
Urging an oath from all humanity was Taalmani Pandit Brijraj Mishra Kala Foundation . The gentle ,feminine grace that is Dr Anupama Harshal visually highlighted the necessity of an oath by every human being to plant a tree because each tree is a sentinel, standing tall and proud with roots entwined with stories. The sensitively woven choreography awakened all to Trees as being truly the guardians of serenity, in shades of green .
When it’s the Maharashtra Divas – Labour day that you are. Celebrating a World Dance Day , how can one miss out on a Lavani ? Lavanyavati Nilesh Auti was at his coquettish best with the romance stirrring Item- ‘Hichkee’.
Debabrata Pal had the curiousity of the crowd as he synergised – ‘Dance and painting ‘ The canvas, the dance ,the audience all smiled with Debo who related to the spirit of the dancer as he blissfully stood gathered with his creativity in the limelight. The page concluded with the veteran exponent of Kathak Rajashree Shirke inspiring dancing feet to awaken to the connotations of dance it’s capacity to link worlds . She created the Tree of life rooted in tradition , endorsing the perennial cycle of Diksha with a quest go imbibie if only to inculcate !
” Creativity is reaching out with what is often thought but never so well expressed .It is about seeing the same world but thinking different because it is not what happens to us but how we react to it that separates us from each other . In that separation is the birth of a new inspiration which when transformed to a poem ,when draped in lyrics ,when brought to life through gestures becomes a dance unique as ever and timeless in its message ! ” Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra.
CELEBRATING WORLD DANCE DAY WITH SHAPATH – An Ode To Vows ,Oaths, Resolutions In Mythology Curated By Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra
Posted by admin on May 18th, 2024 | Comments Off on Bollywood Ace Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar Celebrates Dance Day At V Lounge Malad
Bollywood’s renowned choreographer Sandip Soparrkar dazzled audiences at V Lounge and Deck in Malad as he celebrated World Dance Day with a spectacular showcase of talent. The event was a mesmerizing blend of captivating performances and star-studded guests.
Soparrkar, known for his masterful choreography in Bollywood films, took the stage alongside the beautiful actress Shanthi Priya, captivating the audience with their rendition of the timeless song “Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Toh Nahi.” Their performance was a testament to Soparrkar’s creativity and grace of Shanthi.
Ratan Pratap hosted the dance evening which was enriched with a variety of dance styles, showcasing the diversity of Indian dance forms and talent. Soparrkar’s team delivered stunning performances in Ballroom dancing, Modern dance and Latin Dances. Presenting Tango, Waltz, Salsa, Samba, Hip Hop, Rumba, Paso Doble and more leaving the audience spellbound with their precision and flair.
Adding to the allure of the event, students of Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidhyala presented an exquisite Bharatnatyam dance performances, demonstrating their dedication and skill in preserving India’s rich cultural and heritage, under the guidance of Dr Uma Rele.
One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by students of Vijayshree Chaudhary, the choreographer of the upcoming webseries “Heeramandi.” Their energetic and captivating rendition of a song from the series in Kathak Dance form left the audience eagerly anticipating its release.
Among the distinguished guests present at the event were Vijayshree Chaudhary herself, whose presence added a touch of glamour and expertise to the evening, President and Vice President of India Fine Arts Council Mr Haresh Mehta and Mr Rajesh Srivastav respectively, who through IFAC had presented the event, and Model Actress Eesha Agrawal, whose support and admiration for the art of dance were evident throughout the event.
Speaking about the significance of International Dance Day, Sandip Soparrkar expressed his gratitude to the Chairman and Managing Director of V lounge and Deck, Dr Ananth Vaidyanathan and explained how the universal language of dance, can transcends barriers and unites people from all walks of life. He emphasized the importance of celebrating dance as a form for self-expression and cultural exchange.
The event at V Lounge and Deck; Malad was a celebration of the beauty, diversity, and joy of dance, showcasing the talent and passion of performers and inspiring audiences to embrace the magic of movement.
Bollywood Ace Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar Celebrates Dance Day At V Lounge Malad