Enjoy Life, Search for Happiness, Be True to Yourself
-Rahul Ram
Rahul
Ram, a popular Indian musician, is a bass guitarist, social activist and music
composer.
Rahul
got an M.Sc. in Chemistry from IIT Kanpur after getting the Bachelor's degree
in Chemistry at St. Stephens College, Delhi. Prior to that, he completed his
schooling at St. Xaviers in Delhi. Following a Ph.D. (1986–90) in Environmental
Toxicology from Cornell University (which he attended on an Andrew White
scholarship), he became an activist with the Narmada Bachao Andolan (1990–95).
Later, Rahul Ram went to America to learn to play the Alto saxophone, which he
intends to bring to the band's music.
Inside
his group, he is known as Logic Baba because of his rationality. He has
composed music, done playback singing and acted in Bollywood. Rahul, along with
Indian Ocean member Asheem, has sung 'Yaara Maula' in an Anurag's Kashayap
Gulaal, a Hindi movie based on student politics.
Here’s an
exclusive interview, given to Usha Pudukkotai:
FROM
PHD TO MUSIC BAND. HOW HAS THE JOURNEY BEEN SO FAR?
It’s
been a lovely journey... For me, a PhD is just a degree that teaches you how to
do research, and that is a skill that I used often during my days as an
activist and researcher for the Narmada Bachao Andolan. I used to play music
and sing in school as well as college, and joined Indian Ocean in 1991 shortly
after my return from the US. I had no idea that music would become my career,
and it was only after 1995 or so that I decided to pursue music full-time. I
have never looked back or regretted that decision.
WORLD
TOURS, COMPOSING MUSIC FOR FILMS, TV SHOWS. YOU WEAR MULITPLE HATS. WHICH
ASPECT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?
These
are multiple hats only insofar as externally perceived, at the heart is music!
Each requires different aspects of your personality, it is true, but I enjoy
them all! I really love live concerts a lot, as it is the most demanding but
the most exhilarating thing I do. Perhaps the aspect I least enjoy is the
recording studio, which is why I’m delighted that my band mate Amit Kilam is so
wonderful in that space!
WHAT IS
YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE TALENT THAT LIES WITH THE YOUNG GENERATION IN INDIA AND
THEIR POTENTIAL?
Our
young generation has tremendous potential.. Not that we didn’t(!!)... But there
are many more avenues and options open to young people today! Talent is
probably the same everywhere, it is how you get to hone it and display it...
High standards should be maintained, and young people should be encouraged to
think beyond the narrow walls of “Doctor”, “Engineer” “Computer science”
“Chartered Accountant” etc.
TELL US
ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH ‘CROSSROADS’ AND YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THE
TEAM.
“Crossroads”
has a very interesting script and we had an immediate rapport with the director
Edris Ne, whom we first met in December 2009. Our writer Sanjeev Sharma also
got along wonderfully with Edris, thus the lyrics of the title track
beautifully describe the essence of the film. Hasina is a woman of much
resource, ability and charm and it was delightful to interact with a producer
who is so open and honest and above-board. Overall, it was a great experience.
WHAT
WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE WITH THE CANADIAN PRODUCER AND DRIECTOR?
I think
I just answered this one...I have interacted with another Canada based director
earlier, Ali Kazimi, who’s an excellent film-maker and person... So just great
interactions with Canadians!!
CROSSROADS
IS AT THE VERGE OF GETTING GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION ON SATELLITE, HOME VIDEOS,
ITunes, NETFLIX, PAPER VIEW AND OTHER DIGITAL MEDIUMS. WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON
THAT?
I am so
happy for the entire Crossroads team that they are so close to securing such a
great distribution plan! I wish them all the best, and I hope they invite us to
the premiere!! We have also started playing the track “Do rahe” at concerts
this season, and shall promote the film through that medium as well as through
our website, Facebook page etc.
WHAT
ARE YOUR UPCOMING PROJECTS IN THE PIPLELINE?
A
couple of films, a collaborative album, another fresh Indian Ocean album... All
these are in the pipeline. A coffee Table book on the band is to release in
December this year, the first Indian band to get this honour, released by the
internationally known publishing house Parragon Publications.
DO YOU
HAVE ANY PLANS OF DOING A CONCERT IN TORONTO?
We have
played five times in the Toronto area already, and hope to do several more. We
are returning to North America in March/April 2014, and shall hopefully get to
perform in Canada at that time.
WHO HAS
BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND INSPIRING PERSONALITY IN YOUR CAREER?
The
wonderful thing about life is that one meets so many interesting, intelligent
and inspiring people! There is no ONE person who is the “Most”
influential/inspiring etc., indeed there are a host of people, from my parents,
to several teachers in school and college, to so many musicians, to activists,
tribal men and women... The list is long and I am blessed!
ARE
THERE ANY PLANS OF OPENING A MUSIC SCHOOL, IN INDIA OR GLOBALLY?
No. But
I would recommend my friend Shankar Mahadevan’s online academy... it’s a great
way to teach, and he is a truly talented genius!
PLEASE
TELL US YOUR BEST MOMENT EVER AND YOUR MOST CHALLENGING SITUATION EVER.
Again,
I am blessed to have had so many great moments in my life, that there are too
many to count. The most challenging moment was in 1993, when I had been
arrested and was being taken in handcuffs along a deserted lane somewhere in
Jhabua district, MP, and I felt that they might shoot me dead, and there was
nothing I could do... (This was during my Narmada Bachao Andolan days)
WHAT
MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONVEY TO OUR READERS/AUDIENCE AND YOUR FANS?
Enjoy
life! Search for happiness, try and be true to yourself, not to what society or
others expect of you. And, of course, go watch Crossroads when it comes out AND
listen to lots of Indian Ocean’s music!
Living Legend
Atul Purohit, to mesmerize Toronto
Atul
Purohit is a classical singer, most famous as a Gujarati Folk (Garba) singer.
Atul Purohit is also very famous for
Sunderkand and devotional songs. People love him for his bejeweled talents and
melodious songs like “Tara Vina Shyam” and “Vhalamni Vaat Kai”.
Shri
Atul Purohit was born in a small village called “DHOLAR” near Dabhoi on
February , 27 1957. From his childhood he loved music and singing. He got his
first harmonium at a very young age of 10 years and started learning by own. To
recognize his sole talent he came to Baroda. He joined the music college for
dramatics. In beginning he started performing in Local Street and with local
artistes for free.
Atul
Purohit’s music genres are Garba, Sugam Sangeet, Bhajans and his influences are
Folk, Hindustani classical, Sugam sangeet, bhajan and sufi.
In year
1983 he established the group known “Rishabh” with his 5 friends. In year 1992
he established another group “The Rutambara Group”. Shri Atul Purohit has also
achieved Gujarat Gaurav Puraskaar. The
Rutambara Group is one of the major attractions at United Way of Vadodara. The
Rutambara group has been singing for United Way for the last 18 years.
Here’s
an exclusive interview, as given to Update Weekly.
Tell us
briefly about your music background and yourself.
I do
not have any classical music training. I sing purely out of devotion. I’ve been
singing devotional songs from my childhood. My daughter sings too. My son, is a
sound engineer and he travels with me on my concerts.
What
are your expectations from the Toronto audience?
This is
my fourth year, my fourth trip to Toronto. I just want people to enjoy the
music like they’ve been doing in the past. This year too, they can dance and
celebrate the festivities.
Do you
give performances outside of Navratri?
I give
concerts all year round. I’ve been singing for the last 22 years and I perform
for the United Way of Florida. I sing during Navratri as well as other
functions. I do this full time, now that I’m retired from my Corporation job.
Do you
also release albums, CDs and compose music?
Yes, I
have released quite a few CDs. I’ll also present you with one on my visit to
Toronto. These are all devotional songs(Sunderkand from Ramayan) which will
give you immense peace.
Who has
been most inspiring in your career?
The
divine mother, Goddess Jagadamba Shakti is my source of inspiration. My mother
used to teach me bhajans in my childhood.
What are your other interests?
I am a
very spiritual person. I enjoy meditation and yoga.
What
has been your best experience so far?
Last to
last year I was in the Guinness Book of World Records for the maximum number of
people on the grounds. There were over 42,500 people dancing Garba to my music.
Do you
have any message for our readers?
I wish
you all the best. May the Almighty bless your publication with tremendous
success and I pray that it’s readership grows by leaps and bounds.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘ACTING
IS MY INNATE ABILITY’: HRITHIK ROSHAN
One of the film fraternity’s leading men and
acclaimed stars of Indian cinema, Hrithik Roshan, ended 2012 on a high as the
talented actor received two further accolades to add to his many reputable
achievements.
Hrithik has confirmed his international star
status as the Bollywood celebrity chosen to front popular manufacturer,
Mattel’s ‘Hot Wheels’ toy cars. The actor has already shot various commercials
and endorsements for the brand in Mumbai last year. Not content with simply
being ‘the face’ of the toy giant, Hrithik attempted to enter the Guinness Book
of World Records on 4th December 2012 when he attended the event in India in
conjunction with Hot Wheels to launch the world’s largest vending machine. Hot
Wheels and Hrithik combined forces to launch a 25 foot play station called the
‘Hot Wheels Thrill Machine’.
Walking a path of Carving his Dreams, Hrithik recently attended the 12th Marrakech International
Film Festival in Morocco, as 100 years of Indian cinema was celebrated with
viewings of classic films, including a special retrospective screening of
Hrithik’s greatest silver screen moments, including Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,
Jodhaa Akbar and Agneepath.
With
par excellence acting skills, a striking Greek God persona, and a string of box
office hits to his credit and several more anticipated, superstar Hrithik
Roshan has earned himself much critical acclaim during his acting tenure.
Hrithik opened India’s 2012 box office with the international box office
success film Agneepath, which garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences
alike and set the precedence and benchmark for 2012.
With
2012 seeing an esteemed list of high profile appearances and collaborations,
Hrithik enters 2013 with heightened anticipation for another blockbuster year.
He will start the year filming Fox Star Studio’s Indian remake of the Tom
Cruise and Cameron Diaz starrer Knight and Day with leading lady Katrina Kaif this
Spring. The year will culminate with the release of his home production, Krrish
3, releasing on Diwali 2013. Hrithik’s profile will soar to greater heights as
the 3D film sees Hrithik star as India’s much-loved superhero again.
Here’s
an exclusive interview with the star, as given to Usha Pudukkotai of Namaste
Newsline:
You’re
one of the most popular Bollywood stars. What do you attribute your popularity
to – drop dead good looks, acting talent or dancing skills?
Drop
dead good looks? Wow, thank you for the compliment, I’m truly flattered, I
would hope it was my acting talent, as that is what I take most pride in and
would hope my fans and the film industry recognize that.
You return to screen with Krrish 3 as a
superhero. Are action movies your forte or
rom-coms?
As an
actor, you have to be able to adapt to all styles of movies. I’m a lover of all
forms of movies, whether it’s action, rom-coms or dramas. As far as the movie
has been well written with a great director, cast and crew, I’m open to any genre.
Please
tell us about your next project with Katrina Kaif in the remake of ‘Knight And
Day’.
It will
be a rollercoaster ride of action and romance! Katrina [Kaif] is a talented
actress and it will be fun to work with her in this project.
Your
wax statue is among the most kissed at Madame Tussauds. How does your wife
feel?
Lol
that would be a question for her, but I’m sure she doesn’t feel threatened in
any way, I mean she’s a very beautiful woman and is confident and comfortable
in her life and work and after all it’s my wax statue. She’s forever proud of
me as is.
You
come from a family of film personalities, so do you think acting was destined
for you?
Without
sounding too arrogant, I do actually believe that acting is an innate ability
for me, something I inherited from my father, Rakesh Roshan. But it is also
something that I learned to love from a young age and have loved it ever since.
Do you
plan on doing live shows, a North American tour in the near future?
Like I
always say, I’m open to the right opportunity provided it doesn’t conflict with
my other work commitments. But yes, I’d love to do a North American tour. It sounds like a great idea!
Any message for our fans and readers?
I would
just like to thank my fans for all the continuous support and love they have
given me. I am what I am today because of my fans! They are a very important
part of my life!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Music is divine, a way of life, a prayer – Ustad
Amjad Ali Khan
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan,
the Sarod maestro gave his first recital of Sarod at the age of six. It was the
beginning of yet another glorious chapter in the history of Indian classical
music. Taught by his father Haafiz Ali Khan Amjad Ali Khan was born to the
illustrious Bangash lineage rooted in the Senia Bangash School of music. Today
he shoulders the sixth generation of inheritance in this legendary lineage.
Amjad Ali Khan has
the privilege of winning the kind of honours and citations at his relatively
young age, which, for many other artistes would have taken a lifetime. He is a
recipient of the UNESCO Award, Padma Vibhushan (Highest Indian civilian award),
Unicef's National Ambassadorship, The Crystal Award by the World Economic Forum
and Hon'ry Doctorates from the Universities of York in 1997, England, Delhi
University in 1998, Rabindra Bharati University in 2007, Kolkata and the Vishva
Bharti (Deshikottam) in Shantiniketan in 2001. He has represented India in the
first World Arts Summit in Venice in 1991, received Hon'ry Citizenship to the
States of Texas (1997), Massachusetts (1984), Tennessee (1997), the city of
Atlanta, Georgia (2002), Albuquerque, NM (2007)and the Key of the City of
Tulsa, Oklahoma and Fort Lauderdale, Miami. April 20th, 1984 was cleared as
Amjad Ali Khan Day in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1995, Mr. Khan awarded the
Gandhi UNESCO Medal in Paris for his composition Bapukauns. In 2003,the maestro
received “Commander of the Order of Arts and letters” by the French Government
and the Fukuoka Cultural grand prize in Japan in 2004.
He has been a regular
performer at the Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Kennedy
Center, Santury Hall (First Indian performer), House of Commons, Theater Dela
ville, Musee Guimet, ESPLANADE in Singapore, Victoria Hall in Geneva, Chicago
Symphony Center, Palais beaux-arts, Mozart Hall in Frankfurt, St. James Palace and
the Opera House in Australia.
In a telephone
conversation with Usha Pudukkotai of Namaste Newsline, he mentioned that his father
was 65 when he was born and being the youngest, he was loved and treated
gently, but he did work very hard. his my book, My Father, Our
Fraternity – The Story of Hafiz Ali Khan and My World,
he has paid tribute to his father who imbibed in him that music is a form of
prayer.
Ustad Amjad has been
more like a friend to his two sons Aman and Ayaan Khan. His sons have written a
book on me ‘Abba-God’s greatest gift to us’, and they also perform solo
concerts. His wife Subbalakshmi, a Bharatnatyam dancer is from Assam, and they
believe that God is one for all human beings. His younger son Ayaan is blessed
with twins – two boys.
The maestro says that
music is universal, and especially instrumental music is meant to be enjoyed
for its melody. He has been teaching in Stanford University, California and
finds the response has been great.
At the concert, each
of them Ustad Amjad Ali Khan himself, and his two sons will perform solos and
then a combined recital as well. Do come out in huge numbers to enjoy music by
the great legend himself, which is a rare opportunity for us Torontonians.
For
tickets, please call 905-305-7469 or visit www.markhamtheatre.ca, you’ll receive 25% savings with
the promotion code: Khan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.jpg)
.jpg)
‘CANADA IS A
BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY’ – JAI KALRA
In an exclusive
interview
Currently seen as
VIKRAM SHERGILL on tele-series BADE ACCHE LAGTE HAIN, Jai Kalra has been a
Professional Actor for 10 years. With 3 movies and over 700 episodes of
Tele-series aired on major Entertainment Network, Jai has received over 15
nominations across various major awards for his performances in addition to
winning an award for the Best Actor.
Released work
includes Bollywood Movies like National Award winning PAGE 3, SHAAGIRD and LUV
U MR.KALAKAAR. On Television Jai has been part of other highly successful
series Kis Desh Main Hai Mera Dil on Star Plus and Bhaskar Bharti on Sony.
Here’s an exclusive
interview with the actor:
Congratulations on
the arrival of your second daughter.
Thanks. I am happy,
because I always wanted to have daughters and I’m really happy about that. My
older daughter was born during Christmas (Boxing Day) and now my second child
is a Valentine’s baby..:)
We’ve read that your
4 year old is very possessive and does not like to see you on TV with other
children & women? Does that influence your decision in choosing projects?
Not really. My
family, including my wife understand that it is my profession and they do not
interfere with my decision making. It is part of the role, and in the past,
I’ve played a negative character also. However, even if it is a negative
character, there is no vulgarity, nothing obscene. It is all for family viewing
in the dining room.
Are you planning to
open an acting school in Canada?
Actually I’m testing
the waters for opening a production company. Indian entertainment sector has
not been exploited in Canada. It is more focussed on USA. I am planning to bring content from India and
pitching to CBC or other types of mainstream media.
Fashion model, TV
star, Bollywood actor – you’ve been wearing multiple hats. What has given you
the most satisfaction?
I am basically an
actor. I’ve also done theatre and I find that interaction with live audience is
very satisfying. An actor should not have any reservations as acting projects
are concerned. Indian television has a huge audience, even non-Indians watch it
on YouTube/internet. I’ve received compliments from all parts of the world,
including Paris, Kenya, South Africa and several other countries. People have
told me that their children watch our shows with English sub-titles and have
picked up Hindi because of that. That’s wonderful.
Today, Bollywood is
very clichéd. TV industry is at least five times bigger than Bollywood. 5-7
years back, there was clear distinction between Bollywood and TV, but today
actors gravitate between the two. Income wise there’s a huge opportunity on TV.
In Bade Ache Lagte
Hain the character ‘Ayesha’ has been replaced. How does that impact the
co-stars?
Once you’re used to
working with an actor, it becomes different and it takes a short while to get
used to the new person. A good actor has to be able to work with anyone – it is
part of your profession. It’s like having a driver’s license- once you have it,
you should be able to drive any car.
Any message for our
readers and your audience?
Canada is a beautiful
country and it has been very welcoming.
I do hope the industry grows, because the diaspora needs more presence.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment