Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Hyderabad designer wins award for Indian weaves

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Mumbai fashion week honours  Gaurang for utilisation of Indian weaves and craftsmanship in his winter festive collection

A jury panel that included fashion heavyweights Krishna Mehta, Jaya Jaitly, Anjana Sharma and Maximiliano Modesti has picked Hyderabad-based designerr Gaurang as the best designer to feature Indian weaves in his collection on Indian Textile  Day that was held on August 5 at Lakme Fashion – Winter Festive 2012.

Gaurang Shah presented Kanjeevarams with Kalamkari in his collection called ‘Ardhangini’. The line of 23 ensembles was a mix of sarees, anarkalis and ghagras for the  modern bride, in colours like saffron, yellow, orange, red and pink. Inspired by the Panchatantra stories, the beauty of 1950s and 1960s Kanjeevarams, Kalamkari and zardozi, his creations highlighted intricate Korvai weaving known for its grace and elegance. Gaurang used animal motifs and bright hues on Kanjeevaram silks and Kalamkari prints with brocades, with intricate zari and silk weave. Actress Kirron Kher walked the ramp as his showstopper in a rich ivory brocade saree.

“I am delighted to have won this prestigious award, which highlights the excellence of Indian handloom and tradition in fashion. I would like to dedicate this award to my family for their support and to the 450 weavers who bring life to my creativity,” says the designer.

When embroidered chiffons and georgettes were in vogue, Shah focused on the revival of traditional Jamdani craftsmanship. In the process, he created work opportunities for nearly 450 talented weavers across villages in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

Says fashion entrepreneur Maximiliano Modesti, “It’s essential to support the young generation of fashion designers as they are the ones who will take the Indian fashion identity forward and support the craft of this country.”

Purnima Lamba, head – Innovations, Lakme said, “Hearty congratulations to Gaurang for hisbrilliant vision and execution of Indian weaves for Indian Textile Day this season. We encourage all designers to continue to experiment and use rich Indian fabrics to create stunning designs that do our fashion industry proud.”

Gaurang will receive a prize of 1 lakh rupees to support and encourage his talent.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Life & Style> Fashion> Designers / by Kasmin Fernandes, TNN / August 12th, 2012

Butterfly park to add attraction to Vizag

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Nature

Visakhapatnam:

A butterfly park, the first of its kind in the state, will soon be an additional attraction at  Indira Gandhi Zoological gardens in Vizag. The enclosure, which would also function as a base lab and slated to be thrown open to the public in the next couple of months, would house about 20 to 50 species of butterflies and is being constructed at a cost of Rs 20 lakh.

Elaborating on the need for a butterfly enclosure, curator G Ramalingam said apart from being eye catchers, butterflies play a major role in establishing pollination patterns.

Moreover, he pointed out that the main reason for the enclosure was to enable study of the butterfly species native to the Eastern Ghats. The first such butterfly enclosure in India came up in Pune in 2006 and today, there are six other such enclosures in the country.

While the existing butterfly enclosures are on the west coast and the Himalayan region, the one at Vizag would be the only such center in the entire east coast. Three of the seven enclosures are situated on the west coast, in Goa, Thane and Pune while the others are situated in Simla, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Rangrang (Sikkim). Speaking on the concentration of enclosures in these areas, Dr Ramalingam noted, “It is believed that the Himalayan and Western Ghats region have a varied and larger range of butterflies. However, that does not mean that the Eastern Ghats should be neglected. It is precisely for this reason that the enclosure that is coming up would also function as a base research lab. The lab would help us catalogue and decipher the local species and also take note of any Diaspora and cross migration.” While India is home to 1501 species of butterflies, 250 of these are found in the Eastern Ghats alone.

The enclosure on 500 square meters to begin with, would include butterfly species such as the Plain tiger, Blue tiger, Indian crow, striped tiger, Tawny Coster, Common Leopard, Indian Red Admiral, Swallow tails and Metal marks. The curator was of the view that the enclosure would attract one and all, from children to Lepidopterists.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / August 12th, 2012

B’deshi parallel cinema festival begins tomorrow in Hyderabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A festival of five feature films by top directors of Bangladesh’s parallel cinema begins in Hyderabad tomorrow in the first such event being hosted by the city featuring movies from the neighbouring country.

The three-day festival, being organised by Annapurna International School of Film and Media, will showcase “Quiet Flows the River Chitra” and “Lalon” by Tanvir Mokammel, “Shadow of Life” by Murad Parvez, “Third Person Singular Number” by Mostafa Sarwar Farooki and “Ontorjatra” (The Homeland) by Tareque and Catherine Masud.

“Quiet Flows the River Chitra”, the 1998 film based on the plight of a Hindu family which refuses to migrate to India after the Partition of Indian sub-continent in 1947, has won seven national awards in Bangladesh including those for best direction, best film and best script.

“Lalon” is a film on the life and persona of famous 19th century mystic poet Lalon Fakir steeped in Sufi tradition, starring Bangladesh’s leading actor Raisul Islam Assad in title role.

For the festival, a message from Tanvir Mokammel has been recorded which will be shown before the festival.

“This is the first time that a film festival exclusively with Bangladeshi films has been organised in any South Indian city,” Mokammel told PTI over phone from Dhaka.

Mokammel said his message will give a brief overview of the “new wave” of Bangladeshi cinema and introduced his two movies to be screened at the festival.

“Ontorjatra”, directed by Tareque who died in a road accident in August last year and his American wife Catherine, narrates the tale of a divorced Bangladeshi woman who returns to her homeland along with her son to attend the funeral of her former husband.

“Third Person Singular Number” is the story of inter- relationships among a convict serving a life sentence, a mentally liberated woman and a singer and asks a question: can a woman, all on her own, lead a secure life in society?

Parvez’s “Shadow of Life” is the story of a pregnant destitute woman who delivers a girl, dies in penury and how the portrays life of her daughter.

source: http://www.Business-Standard.com / Home> General News / by Press Trust of India / New Delhi, August 09th, 2012

Couturier Shravan Kumar employs SIFT students

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Leaders

Hyderabad-based fashion designer Shravan Kumar monitoring designs created by students of Samana Institute of Fashion Technology after inaugurating Samana Fashion House, in Vijayawada on Sunday. / Photo: Ch.Vijaya Bhaskar / The Hindu

Hyderabad-based ace fashion designer Shravan Kumar went around the studio, interacted with students of the institute and assessed their level of performance.

Hyderabad-based ace fashion designer Shravan Kumar on Sunday inaugurated Samana Fashion House, a fashion production house rolled out of the stables of Samana Institute of Fashion Technology (SIFT) in the city.

After formally opening the add-on feature of SIFT, Mr. Shravan Kumar went around the studio, interacted with students of the institute and assessed their level of performance.

Impressed by the kind of work being carried out at SIFT, he said it was heartening to see a lot of sincere efforts being put to hone creative skills of students. “It will ultimately take them to a different level. I am particularly impressed by the cause behind the thought. Students are very enthusiastic that they will be able to create and sell their designs. This is something commendable,” said the designer.

Fashion choreographer Sunil Menon, who also attended the inaugural, said it was not enough to learn mere designing of the clothes. “It is important to create a market for your products and for that you need the right kind of platform. A designer must be able to communicate his creativity to his clients,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of ‘exposure’ and ‘experience’, he said the best part of SIFT students was that they were willing to work hard and put their best foot forward.

Later, amidst claps and cheers, Mr. Shravan Kumar announced induction of two SIFT students —Reena Agarwal and Komal Bansali as designer and assistant production manager in his Hyderabad-based fashion studio.

“Today is a big day, not just for me but for Vijayawada city. Besides Reena and Komal, many other girls of SIFT have been offered placements in units run by designers in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. The remaining of them will be absorbed by the Samana Fashion House,” said Samana Moosavi, CEO of SIFT.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / August 06th, 2012

Arrangements for World Telugu Meet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Minister for Tourism and Culture Vatti Vasantha Kumar will hold a meeting of all literary and cultural organisations in the State at Ravindra Bharati here on August 9 to discuss arrangements for World Telugu Conference to be held from December 27 to 29.

He suggested that the cultural organisations send one representative each for the meeting. They could also contact the respective District Public Relations Officers.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad, August 02nd, 2012

 

 

Azharuddin boosts Toronto fundraiser

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's

Mohd Azharuddin and Iftekhar Shareef at Toronto event

Toronto:
Mohammad Azharuddin attracted a large number of Hyderabadi community members in Toronto on a recent visit. He was invited as the chief guest for a fundraiser event to support Peace Services, a welfare organization for elders and youths.
Azharuddin proved that he was still the magnet for overseas Indian community as more than 200 people attended the Peace Services fundraiser at Shingar Banquet Hall, Brampton, Ontario. Almost everyone was keen to meet Azharuddin on one to one basis. Azharuddin was accompanied by Iftekhar Shareef, the FIA trustee and a Chicago community activist.
The Indian Hyderabadi community in Toronto extended warm greetings to Azharuddin and Shareef. The fundraiser event was organized by members of Peace Services (Prevention of Elder Abuse and Community Education Services). Moiz Khan, President, Peace Services received the guests and spoke about the activities of Peace Services.
He informed that since 2007 Peace Services is catering to welfare programs for seniors and new immigrants. Welfare programs included free computer classes, health awareness seminars for elders and spoken English classes for all.
However, the organization focused on welfare of elders; help provide food and shelter to neglected elders and educate their young family members about the importance of elders.
Iftekhar Shareef expressed his excitement at meeting the Indian Hyderabadi community in Toronto. He said when members of Peace Services approached him to get Azharuddin for the event; he could not refuse in view of the noble cause undertaken by the organization. Azharuddin also emphasized that he could not refuse to Iftekhar Shareef, though it was time for hectic political activities in India. He, however remarked that Canada was always a tough ground for him, but the event offered an opportunity to meet old schoolmates and friends from Hyderabad. As the fundraiser event concluded, there was a beeline of Azharuddin fans eager to see him and have a photograph with him.

source: http://www.indiapost.com / Home> Community Post / July 29th, 2012

Katrina Kaif unveils new collection at Gitanjali Jewels – Punjagutta showroom

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
Katrina Kaif, the queen of Bollywood visited Gitanjali Jewels, Punjagutta showroom to unveil the new wedding collection by Nakshatra. Present at the occasion was the Channel partner (Somajiuda) – Mr. Prem Agarwal along with Mr. Karthikeyan Vishnu (VP – Gitanjali Jewellery Retail Ltd).
Gitanjali Jewels Somajiguda showroom showcases the newly launched Nakshatra wedding jewellery collection keeping in mind the upcoming Wedding and festive season.  This collection would be available in all of its 75 showrooms spread across India.
The Showroom also showcases designs and collections that are modern yet contemporary and very elegant, something that would appeal to women of all age groups.
Commenting on the occassion, Bollywood diva & brand ambassador of Nakshatra, Katrina Kaif said, ‘The journey with Gitanjali as a brand ambassador of Nak shatra has been a wonderful experience and I am glad to be here today to unveil the wedding collection by Nakshatra in the city of royalty.
Product range and designs has been the strength of Gitanjali Jewels which offers over 50,000 designs through its vast network of 75 showrooms across India.
Gitanjali Jewels – Somajiguda showroom has completed almost 2 years of serving Hyderabad Nawab  customers with an extensive range of products that are personifications of elegance and grandeur; designed to celebrate the enigma of a woman.
Gitanjali Jewels focuses on Quality, Purity, Variety and Exceptional Customer Service which enhances the jewellery buying experience for the customers. The authenticity of the products is ensured with third party certifications (IGI certification for diamond jewellery and BIS 916 Hallmark for goldjewellery), a result of which the Hyderabadis have been comin g back for more.
Gitanjali Group is th e world’s largest integrated branded jewellery manufacturer-retailer with an annual turnover of over USD 2.5 billion.
The Group pioneered jewellery retail revolution in India by launching Gili way back in 1994. Gitanjali today owns and distributes eight out of the top ten jewellery brands in the country including Gili, Nakshatra, Asmi, D’damas, Sangini, Diya, Nizam & Parineeta.
At an International level, Gitanjali enjoys direct access to the US retail market through 110 high end stores under Samuels Jewelers Inc. which is a specialty retail chain in the US. acquired by the group in 2006.
Some of the famous Gitanjali Brands are endorsed by renowned celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Sharma to name a few.
Today the Group’s activities are spread across the entire value chai n from rough diamond sourcing, cutting, polishing and distribution, and jewellery manufacture, to jewellery branding and retail, as well as global lifestyle brands, in India and abroad.
source: http://www.DiamondNe.ws / Home> Company News / by Pauline / July 31st, 2012

 

It’s rush hour in old city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Ramzan shopping and poor traffic management are making traversing the Charminar area a nightmare. Lack of planning by GHMC in executing the Pedestrianisation Project is only adding to the woes of pedestrians and motorists.

The rush of shoppers increases almost three-fold in the first three weeks of Ramzan on more than 1 km stretch between Madina and Shalibanda via Charminar. On the last three days of the fasting month this stretch is closed for vehicular traffic at night as thousands visit these markets for Id shopping. “In the first place the GHMC has inflicted a devastating impact on our business by senseless erection of boulders as part of the pedestrianisation project. To add to it, traffic cops allow carts on the road. We are having a tough time,” says Rahul Agarwal, a jeweller.

“Though traffic and police authorities are aware of the difficult situation during Ramzan, no plan to ease the traffic congestion has been made. It takes more than half an hour to cross Charminar from Afzal-gunj during this season which normally takes only a few minutes when there is no traffic,” says Faheem from Shalibanda. “Ramzan has just started, after the first week of August when people will have received their salaries and will have money to spend, the number of shoppers will increase,” says another shopkeeper Abbas Mehdi. Alternative parking arrangements would have eased traffic congestion at Charminar, especially during the Ramzan season.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> Cities> Hyderabad / DC, Hyderabad / July 30th, 2012

 

Thyagaraja music fete from tomorrow

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

‘Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani’ to be conferred on three musicians

Classical music/dance lovers are in for a visual and aural treat from July 29 (Sunday), when the 70th Sri Thyagaraja Annual Festival of Music and Dance will begin at Sri Thyagaraja Mandapam. Sri Venkateswara Vedic University Vice-Chancellor S.Sudarsana Sarma will inaugurate the programme, while TTD Chairman Kanumuri Bapi Raju and Executive Officer L.V. Subrahmanyam take part.

The 11-day event in the temple city will be a mix of concerts by some of the reputed as well as upcoming artistes from across the country. Reputed instrumentalists like T. N. Krishnan (violin), N. Ramani (flute), U. Srinivas (mandolin), Geetha Krishnamurthy (Veena), Jayanti Kumaresh (Veena) and vocalists Bombay Sisters, Charumathi Ramachandran, Panthula Rama, M. S. Sheela, T. M. Krishna etc. will perform on the occasion. “A total of 29 programmes by 32 artistes will be the highlight this year, while Kathak dance performance by Saptharshi Roy and ‘Harikatha’ by scholar Simhachala Sastri are expected to be different,” K. V. Ranganathan, executive chairman of Sri Thyagaraja Trust, said at a media conference here on Friday. He said plans were afoot to modify the hall into an all-encompassing air-conditioned auditorium to generate income for the trust.

Honorary title

This year, the honorary title ‘Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani’ will be conferred on vocalist Malladi Suribabu, violinist T. Rukmini and Mridangam exponent Guruvayur Dorai. The honour includes draping of a silk shawl and presentation of a gold dollar, a memento and a citation. V. Shankar, president of Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai, who is also the chief patron of Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, will present the awards.

General secretary Kanchi Raghuram, treasurer V. S. Narasimhachari, trustees Subrahmanyam Reddy, Venugopal Reddy, M. Dorai Raj, K. Vidyasagar and Sundarrami Reddy were present.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Tirupati, July 28th, 2012

Pomp and gaiety mark 12th ATA Conference in Atlanta

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's

Ravi receiving the Award

By Ravi R Ponangi

Atlanta:

Pomp and gaiety added to the show of strength, solidarity and pride of the Telugu-speaking community at the 12th American Telugu Association (ATA)  Conference and Youth Convention held here during July 6-8. The three-day conference saw a turnout of 8,000 delegates not only from different cities across the US, but also from India, Canada, Britain and Dubai.

The grand celebration was attended by M. M. Pallam Raju, India’s Minister of State for Defense; Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey Assembly; D.K. Aruna, Information Minster of Andhra Pradesh; D. Sridhar Babu, Andhra Pradesh Education Minister;  and two parliament members, Madhu Yaskhi Gowd and Md. Azharuddin, besides a host of politicians, acclaimed personalities of Tollywood, literary scholars and artists from Andhra Pradesh.

Distinguished personalities included Dil Raju, Ajit Kumar, consul general of India in Atlanta, Sobha Naidu, Padmaja Reddy, Goreti Venkanna, Thaman, Garikipati Narasimha Rao, Nandamuri Lakshmi Parvathy, Ileana, and the past presidents of ATA graced the celebration.

Besides regular features and attractions such as spectacular cultural shows, ATA delegates benefited from the workshops and seminars held during convention. Seminars were held in different areas of specializations. Events included a variety of programs in various arenas including social, spiritual, cultural, literary, art, entertainment, business and medicine. Several vendors also put up their booths on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony on July 7,  Pallam Raju highlighted the achievements of India in various fields and explained the problems that India was facing. He said that the country was facing two internal problems. Suddenly the economy in the country had slowed down and security had become an issue. He said India was playing a major role on world stage. He hoped that India would become a powerful country in the world by 2050. India had been elected as a temporary member in the UN Security Council and the country was working to become its permanent member. “Now India has too many responsibilities. We have to question ourselves whether we are ready to take those responsibilities. We are confronting many internal security challenges as well as economic challenges. Due to the economic crises in the world, our economy too is affected badly. I am confident that our economy will bounce back soon,” he said.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Indian economy would improve. India would be working towards economic integration and thereby bringing economic stability in the South Asian region.

Speaking about security, he said a variety of programs were being taken to strengthen the defense of the country.

Referring to Andhra Pradesh, the Minister said that the state had rich resources like minerals,  land, manpower, and entrepreneurs. “Telugu speaking people are on top in every field. Andhra Pradesh has a great potential to grow more. Many able chief ministers had taken the state forward in development. Now Kiran Kumar Reddy as the Chief Minister at  a crucial time is implementing various programs to take the state forward. I am confident that you are all thinking like me and I want you all to take the state forward,” he added.

Speaking about the separate Telengana state demand, he said:  “In my personal opinion the state should be united as it has its own merits and we get strength, if we are united in one state.”

D. K. Aruna, D. Sridhar Babu,  Ravi Prakash, CEO of TV9 channel, and others spoke.

The banquet dinner on July 6 included a reception and a social hour for guests of the convention. D.K. Aruna lighted the traditional lamp to mark the inauguration of the events that followed. A long awards ceremony followed the welcome speech, and the executive team was introduced by Dr. Mangaraju Vanapalli.

Dr. Rao S. Rapaka was honored for biomedical research, Dr. Lakkireddy Hanimi Reddy, was honored with the Philanthropist of the Decade Award; ATA distinguished award winners from Atlanta included Dr. Sivananda Nyayapati, Dr. P. Ravi Sarma, Narender G. Reddy and Ravi Ponangi.

“It feels great to be amongst my countrymen and I am proud of how well they have done for themselves here,” Mohammed Azharuddin, the former Indian Cricket Captain, said when asked about how it felt to be at the convention.

The second day festivities kicked off with the invocation and lighting of the lamp, singing of Vande Maataram and national anthems. After the Swagatham song, ATA messages by TAMA, GATA, ATA Convener Karunakar Asireddy, Youth Forum Chair Prashanth Paripati, ATA President Dr. Rajender Jinna, ATA Board, Standing Committee chairs and regional coordinators, and a spiritual message by Swami Chidatmananda followed. As chief guest, Pallam Raju addressed the gathering after the inaugural theme dance in praise of Telugu heritage and release of the inaugural CD.

Various Cultural programs including classical, semi-classical, folk dances, music, skits and plays were lined up to enthrall and entertain the audience. Prime-time entertainment began with an invocatory Kuchipudi dance – Om Namah Sivaya – choreographed by Hema Shilpa Uppala and presented by her, Reneeta Basu, and Puja Tripuraneni. Emceed by Shilpa Chakroborthy, the program included Kuchipudi dances, music performances, a fashion show, a fusion dance, a romantic thriller “Haunted Love,”  Tollywood Dhamaka, “Telugu Pandugalu,” and ATA honors and recognition  of conference donors and others. A live telecast of presentation of ATA lifetime achievement award to Dr. Vempati Chinna Satyam in Chennai was shown on the big screen. It was followed by Kuchipudi offering “Nrityanjali,”  comedy skit “Americallo Manoorollu,”  Gaeya Rupa Kavitvam by Gorati Venkanna and a comedy show by Tollywood actors.

The July 8 proceedings  started off with the invocation and semi classical melodies by Dr. Jayaprada Ramamurthy and Ashtavashanam by Garikipati Narasimha Rao. “Sunanda Vinodini II,” continued to dazzle the audience with the finals of Jhummandi Naadam and ATA 2012 Solo Dance Talent. Winners of various contests were announced. Prime-time entertainment, emceed by Jitendranath, included Dazzling Dhamaka by Detroit Sizzlers, a dance performance by winner of ATA 2012 solo dance talent search, Namasthe India by Dr. Padmaja Reddy and group, honoring of Dr. Sobha Naidu and Kuchipudi performance by her students, mimicry by Jitendranath, presentation of ATA Outstanding Philanthropist Award to Dr. Hanmi Reddy Lakkireddy, presentation of honors and awards to Ravi Prakash of TV9 and members of convention committees, and the much awaited “ATA Raffle Draw.” The night ended on a high note with “Taaralu Digivacchina Vela,”  a musical performance,  by Thaman and party.

Other events included  business seminars, alumni meetings carom, chess and  jodinchu tournaments, CME, literary discussions, immigration issues, senior citizens programs, focus on breathing, essence of Vedas, Art of Living, and live political debates and discussions by Indian politicians telecast by TV9 and TV5.

source: http://www.indiatribune.com / Home> Newspaper> Community / July 2012