SOHA ALI KHAN GRACES THE 5TH INSPIRE AWARDS

Astrooworld Exhibitions, a division of Jondhale Educational Group, has been integral in the field of Education since the past 75 years. Astrooworld is initiated by Mrs. Siraj Sagar Jondhale, an Angel Card Reader & Psychic Healer, has been organizing INSPIRE – a Spiritual, Holistic and Wellness visionary award for the past 5 years.

Its fifth edition saw renowned actor Soha Ali Khan gracing the award function to felicitate this year’s INSPIRE awardees. Ambadnya Entertainment's MD, Gitanjali Rao and CEO Prabhakar Shetty was also present in this award ceremony. Held at JK Banquets, Worli, INSPIRE boasts of presence of celebrities and dignitaries of the likes of Mahesh Manjrekar, Divya Dutta, Rimi Sen, Maninee De Mishra, and Smita Jayakar among others at its previous editions. 

Siraj Sagar Jondhale, Soha Ali Khan, Gitanjali Rao, Basannt R Rasiwasia, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer
 at 5TH Inspire Awards, JK Banquets, Prabhadevi

“Motive behind organizing Astrooworld exhibition is to bridge the gap between the Spiritual & Holistic Community & the masses, by bringing them together, guiding them, and connecting them to the right experts, and bringing about meaningful transformation in the life of the masses by creating awareness about the spiritual & holistic sciences, alternative medicine and therapies,” averred Siraj Jondhale, the woman behind Astrooworld and INSPIRE.

Writer-Director-Life Coach Anusha Srinivasan Iyer was among one of the many awardees honoured on stage. She added, “Being awarded for community work like being a life coach is truly an honour. I’d like to thank anyone and everyone who has helped someone in their community to improve lives.”

Basannt R. Rasiwasia, a renowned Vastu & Numerologist also received an award for his contribution towards Vastu science. He averred, "Vastu is a complex subject. To accurately depict what's good and not good for a person requires a holistic knowledge on our ancient sciences. I feel honoured to have received this award."

India’s biggest & most popular spiritual, holistic, wellness-conscious living exhibition, Astrooworld, having completed 11 editions in Mumbai, is all set to move to other cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Chennai very soon this year.

Siraj had the final word. “There is only one business in the world, and that is of human wellbeing. Join us as we raise the vibration in our community.”

Celebs Unveil Padmashree Mahendra Kapoor Chowk

Padma Shri recipient and legendary playback singer Mahendra Kapoor was recently honoured posthumously with a ‘Chowk’ to his name at the Junction of Turner Road & St. Martins Road, Bandra West. Unveiled at the hands of Jeetendra, Suresh Wadkar, Johnny Lever, Udit Narayan, Madhushree, Anil Deshmukh, Dr.Pai among other such dignitaries, in the presence of Praveen Kapoor, Ruhan Mahendra Kapoor, Neerja Ruhan Kapoor and Sidhant Kapoor, the Padma Shri awardee’s wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandson respectively. The rest of Mahendra Kapoor’s family, well-wishers and dignitaries congregated to make the event merry and momentous. The celebrities sang some of Mahendra Kapoor's evergreen numbers like Mere Desh Ki Dharti to mark the occasion. 

The late Mahendra Kapoor was among the handful of singers who dominated the golden age of Hindi film music. Like Mukesh was the soul of Raj Kapoor, Mahendra Kapoor was Manoj 'Bharat' Kumar's voice; he sang a host of hits for the actor including patriotic hits like Mere Desh Ki Dharti from the film, Upkar, to Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahi of Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.

And that is not all for the Kapoor family’s legacy. Mahendra Kapoor’s son and grandson, Ruhan Mahendra Kapoor and Sidhant Kapoor, are taking their father and grandfather’s legacy forward impacting the music world and fraternity with accolades and achievements that would be making the late legendary playback singer proud.

Nora Fatehi, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ashish Kapoor, Rekha Chaudhari Inaugurate Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione In Bandra, Mumbai

Nora Fatehi, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ashish Kapoor, 

Rekha Chaudhari Inaugurate

 Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione In Bandra, Mumbai

If you have feel dull and you lack energy & excitement, it is time for pampering yourself. And what more than pampering yourself in a salon and spa, giving yourself that much-wanted Me-Time!

Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione that is opening in the Queen of Suburbs, Mumbai, promises that and much more! Mizmar Spa & Salon is already a revered name amid the glitterati of Pune, and is hailed as one the city’s finest and most exotic luxury wellness brands.

The spa and Salon is led by trained stylists and therapists who offer their expertise on a variety of beauty and wellness services. The staff utilizes a range of high-quality products in their treatments, and is known or its amazing service.

Soni Singh, Owez Khan and Rahul Saindane, the zestful trio form the force behind Mizmar Salon & Spa. Averred Soni Singh, “With stress being a part of our everyday life, nothing is more blissful than spending time being pampered? Mizmar Spa & Salon Versace Collezione is as gentle on the planet as it is our customers.  We try and bring to lie everyone’s dream of taking that spa vacation, with our array of rejuvenating treatments, integrative wellness programs. The icing on the cake is the vibrant, luxurious décor by Versace.”

Bollywood Sensation Nora Fatehi, former Indian National Captain and Ace Cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, Television Star Ashish Kapoor of Woh Apna Sa fame, Ilda Kroni, Jennifer Picanto, Global Wellness Ambassador Rekha Chaudhari, among others lunched the spa. 

“Wellness is a very important part of our lives. And I have always believed in staying fit. Mizmar Spa & Salon has been in the forefront of wellness and is a brand to reckon with,” averred Mohammad Azharuddin.

With a penchant to make wellness their forte, Mizmar Salon & Spa ensure you walk out looking your best self. Wishing Mizmar all the very best, Mohammad Azharuddin has the final word. “I am very glad to inaugurate the Mizmar Salon & Spa Versace Collezione in Mumbai. May they grow from strength to strength.”

With Mizmar Salon & Spa Versace Collezione, you discover a brand new destination spot. Your skin and your health will thank you for it. And yes, you so deserve this. So head there, today!

Musicians Institute Graduate Mann Bipin’s Journey

Mann Bipin, a young Indian drummer currently based in LA, started drumming at the tender age of just 2 years. Mainly known for his impeccable speed, power-packed performance, aesthetic style and funky groove, he is best known for playing and leading his father's band, ‘The Beaterzz’, back in India.

Before graduating from Musicians Institute – college of contemporary music located at Hollywood Boulevard, California, Mann Bipin learned the stellar art of drumming from Mr. Pankaj Sharma from the time he was just eleven. The struggle came to an end when Nana Patekar, a celebrated actor in the Indian film industry, witnessed him live and told his assistant, Mr. Bipin Chunawala, Mann's father, “Mark my words. Your kid is going to be a star." Then, they decided to sponsor Mann for his music education.

During his time at MI, he was awarded as ‘The Best Player Of The Year’. He also has performances with renowned Jazz bass guitarist Marcus Miller to his credit! He has also played for Lars Deutsch, an Emmy award recipient and Oscar nominee, with International award winning artist Paloma Rush. He also played with Phrimaphaa Khornrojjachawin (nokphrima), a KPN Award winner'09, Thailand; Best singer in R&B genre in World Championship of Performing Arts 2016, 2nd price in International Festival White Night of Saint Petersburg and May Patcharapong, an internationally acclaimed bass player in a saxophone pub, Thailand. Due to which he did a drum clinic in Bangkok, Thailand in Chandrakasem Rajabhat University with nokphrima.

Currently, he is playing at Andrae Crouch’s church, often referred to as ‘the father of modern gospel music’ by contemporary Christians and gospel music professionals, with Pattie Howard as the music director, known for singing background for many major artists including Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Mary J Bilge, Brandy, Fantasia, Queen LaTifah, Madonna, Andrea Crouch, Michael Jackson, Curtis Siger, Lisa Stanfield, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Reba Rambo, Diana Ross among others. He is currently, also, the drummer for Arthur Menezes, ‘Gibson award/Albert King Award’ for best guitarist by the Blues Foundation (IBC 2018).

This has been the journey of a middle class Indian boy from playing for Gujarati Garba to Jazz, Blues, Funk and Gospel music. Truly, struggle comes to an end when someone like Nana Patekar holds your hand.

Yet Another Surreal Art Transcendence

Ronit Roy & Soma Ghosh inaugurate Paramesh Paul’s ‘The Sacred Nandi’

Artist Paramesh Paul’s childhood was seeped in spirituality. Painting, for him, has always been a spiritual practice, an act of conscious and creative alignment with the Divine. As one delves deeper into the paintings, one experiences a harmonious rhythm of life imbued with the feeling of transcendence, balance, and oneness with the whole of creation.

Paramesh Paul began his humble, yet artistic journey, at his hometown in Nadia, West Bengal, where his early years were immersed in creative schooling. Born to a potters’ family, he imbibed all the beautiful engagements with creativity quite comfortably. Added Paramesh Paul, “I am a self-made artist. I began my journey with my family, where we sculpted and created beautiful avatars of Gods and Goddesses. But, after my stay at ISKCON, I had a calling to paint. My paintings are spiritual and nostalgic in nature. They are inspired from my travels to different parts of India, where I have had the pleasure of finding my own compositions based on what I saw and what I felt.”

“I have been very sincere to my art since the very beginning. I have painted what has appealed to me,” said Paramesh Paul. Growing amid temples with prayers as sweet music to the ears, he grew up to have a natural attraction to the sacred Nandi – the grand vehicle of Lord Shiva, only to capture on canvas, his prayer and his journey. 

The magical mysticism, the riveting spirituality, the vast religiosity of Hindu mythology, Paramesh Paul infuses his works with a volatile energy that sees the graceful and sacred Nandi shine bright, both physically and metaphorically. “I find my journey in life quite fulfilled as an artist when a viewer appreciates and comes forward to talk to me about my works.”

Besides ace actor Ronit Roy, vocalist Padma Shri Dr. Soma Ghosh and actor Abhijit Lahiri, writer-filmmaker Anusha Srinivasan Iyer and artists Prithvi Soni, Gautam Patole, Rajendra Patil Para, Ananya Banerji, Gautam Mukherjee, Vishwa Sahni, Amisha Mehta, Sanjukta Barik, Sonalli Iyengar, Rakhi Baid, Ramji Sharma, Ratan Saha, Sonu Gupta and Vishnu Sonawane among many others were present to support Paramesh Paul at the opening ceremony of his 13^th solo exhibition. 

All in all, the artist invites you to take a deeper look down your own pool of consciousness, intertwined with the roots of heritage and the love for the Supreme. Yours is to check out this surreal art transcendence, The Sacred Nandi, at the Jehangir Art Gallery (No. 4) from 6th May to 12th May, 2019!

Adhure Adhure is stuck in my head on loop: Shakti Arora

Adhure Adhure, an upcoming romantic melodious song starring Indian Television actor Shakti Arora and model Chandini Sharma in a stellar music video directed by actor turned director Aslam Khan, known for his histrionics in films like Nayee Padosan, Welcome Back, Kaante among others, was shot today at Atharva College, Malad. Sung and composed by Shree D, the song is about a couple who start living together and later land in separation due to their personal egos, coming to realize that they are complete in being ‘adhure’ (incomplete).

Shakti Arora & Chandini Sharma behind the scenes
  from song shoot of Adhure Adhure by Director Aslam Khan

The music video director Aslam Khan averred, “If you have a look at the music video, you will realize it is like a film, a four minute long film. It has a beginning, a midpoint and a definite end, albeit, with an incomplete touch to it... a perfect storyboard with an incomplete end.” On working with Shakti Arora and Chandini Sharma, Aslam Khan professed that they have been brilliant. “This song needed Shakti and Chandini only. They have performed really well on this track. It has been a wonderful experience,” he added.

Shakti Arora, who has made his mark on the Indian television scene with shows like Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hai and Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka, confessed that at first he thought it was just another song! “When I went through it, repeatedly hearing it, I came to realize that the song has a soul of its own. It has a Sufi-ish, feel-good, and the perfect choice for a long drive feel to it.” Chandini Sharma concurred with Shakti Arora, “It is a soulful song indeed! Upon hearing, you will realize that you are already connected to it. The song has the innocence while not being kiddish.”

Adhure Adhure is Aslam Khan’s twenty-fifth directorial venture. On being asked what he felt was different about working in front and behind camera, he expressed “Both are fantastic but there are many differences though. This I have realized because I am now working behind the camera. Just because I have been an actor myself, I know about all the nuances a director should take care of.”

“There goes a saying, ‘All’s well, that ends well’. I am glad it has actually shaped up the way I wanted it,” summed up Aslam Khan.

Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur launches Love Is Love, India's first Pride Anthem

Sushant Divgikar, former Mr. Gay India 2014, features in a single "Love is Love", a pride anthem by Swedish artiste Petter Wallenberg, founder of international LGBTQIA organization Rainbow Riots

'Love is Love’, features India’s first openly gay celebrity and drag queen, Sushant Divgikar. ”Love is Love” is India’s first Pride anthem, a mix of classic Western dance music with both English and Hindi lyrics.  Divgikar, former Bigg Boss contestant will be out on iTunes, Spotify and all major digital platforms worldwide on April 2nd.

“The single ‘Love is Love’ speaks about equal love, about being true to one’s authentic self,” Sushant Divgikar said. 

Model, VJ, reality show participant, actor, singer, and now drag queen—Sushant Divgikar wears many hats. The 27-year-old, hailing from Mumbai, debuted as a drag queen in Delhi in September.

“This track is very close to my heart and spreads the message that love always wins. This is a great time for this anthem to be introduced to the world and a new India that finally allows people to love freely and without fear.” added the former "Bigg Boss" contestant.

After scrapping of Section 377, India is slowly moving into a space of acceptance and inclusion, making all love legal. Sushant Divgikar as an LGBTQIA flag-bearer has showcased himself with belief. Sushant Divgikar has found himself a place internationally with, Rani-Ko-He-Nur his drag avatar.

This outstanding participant in a music reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,' has been a passionate singer since he was a 16-year-old.. His hard-work has led him to showcase his talent on television. Sushant started out with ads, progressed to TV shows, and gradually ventured into singing in both male and female voices.

He made this journey because of his honesty to himself. In an interview Sushant said, “I did face some challenges, given my orientation. I have done TV shows where people have not been friendly. But there are also those who don’t give a damn as long as the work is getting done. I was lucky to have these people supporting me”.