Perfect Mrs India' 2020 Season 3 finale sees a bevy of intelligent women vie for the skies!

The simplicity, the social distancing and the small gathering could not hold back the glitz and glamour of 'Perfect Mrs India' 2020 Season 3 finale saw the chosen 12 Top finalists  from all over India prove their mettle to try and win the crown.

Dr Khooshi Gurubhai Thakkar and Gurubhai Thakkar, the driving forces behind the empowering women's pageant  along with Dr Geet Thakkar avered, "There are no barriers of Height, Weight or Age in this pageant.  Indian women give up their dreams and turn four walls into a home. This pageant looks beyond everything and aims to empower them, to help them grow wings!"

The contestants came from varied fields. From housewives to professionals to COVID warriors, the field was open.

Soumita Nandy won the awarded Perfect Woman Of The Show, while there was a tie between Pooja Nishar and Jayanti Gupta for the Second Runner Up, Reema Bahl was the First Runner Up and the coveted title was bagged by Saraswathy Iyer who was crowned 'Perfect Mrs India 2020’. The jury consisted among others,  Philanthropist Dr. Aneel Kashi Murarka, Writer-Director and Social Activist Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Journalist Jyothi Venkatesh, Shruti Jain.

The event also saw the Perfect Achievers Awards where the winners chosen by audience choice  included Ranvir Shorey, Sharad Kelkar, Sahil Salathia, Deepshikha Deshmukh,  Sanjay Gangnani, Helly Shah, Madhurima Tuli, Chahatt Khanna, Amol Parashar, Child Artist Dishita Sehgal,  Sujoy Mukherjee, Ojas Rajani, Alankrita Sahai, Shivani Tomar, Kanika Mann, Charul Malik, Riya Deepsi, Donal Bisht, Kaveri Priyam, Ahsaas Channa, Jay Soni, Simran Ahuja and Krishna Bharadwaj among many others.

All in all a perfect evening twinkling with achievers indeed.

Czech Republic Consul General Rashmi Jolly-Gautam Patole's Live Art Fest marks newer beginnings amidst social distancing

Post COVID, Mumbai welcomes Art again, after a 9-month hiatus with Art Adda, a unique event at Jolly Board Towers, I-Think Campus E Wing, Kanjurmarg East, hosted by India's Consul General to Czech Republic Rashmi Jolly and master artist Gautam Patole of Art Desh Foundation, in association with Secular Art Movement. The Art Adda, a one-of-its-kind open air, live Art show, with live canvas paintings, workshops and demonstrations sees the participation of noted artists from different cities of India. Actors Preeti Jhangiani, Pooja Bedi and Angela Krislinzki graced the inaugural ceremony that also witnessed the presence of Rashmi Jolly, Gautam Patole, Dr.Agarwal, Bharat Patel, Anisha Jolly, Rupali Patole among various talented artists. People mingled with each other, shared ideas, interacted with visitors and created great works of Art. There were live demos, workshops, discussions etc while strictly adhering to social distancing norms.  

“These have been trying times for all of us and we do not know when this ordeal will get over. No exhibitions, no galleries and no events... Art Adda will be a welcome break,” says Rashmi Jolly who is also Executive Director and Vice Chairperson of Jolly Board Ltd. and an ardent art lover who has graciously offered a beautifully-landscaped office complex of Jolly Board Ltd. for art activities.  

Adds Gautam Patole, “Artistes like to breathe fresh air. Art Adda signifies that. Creativity cannot be stifled; circumstances cannot rule us. We must overcome the hurdles and move on."

The ambience of Art Adda inspires one to paint... With Art Adda providing canvas, drawing paper, colours, tea/coffee snacks and lunch, all the artists and sculptors bring their brushes and their spirit! 

About 15 artists participated in the inaugural event. Artists from Pune and Hyderabad showcased their skills on canvas. This was perhaps the first time that this kind of live painting work was conducted in the city for the public at large. There will also be workshops, demonstrations, classes et al, in the future. 

Says Gautam Patole, “There are many known artists and art professors who live around the campus. There is an organisation called Secular Movement that is doing commendable work for artists living in this area. Mr Bharat Shelke, working President of Secular Movement was thrilled to know that Jolly Art Adda is offering encouraging facilities to the artists.”

All in all, yours to experience, enjoy and be a part of the art celebrations till 24th December. And come home exhilarated this X-mas eve!

Star-studded Mid-Day Showbiz Icon Awards at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

The Mid- Day Showbiz Icon Awards saw veterans Dharmendra and Bappi Lahiri bag the awards for their contribution of 60 years and 50 years to the Indian film industry.

While Vivek Oberoi bagged the Iconic Actor Award, Ranvir Shorey won The Most Versatile Actor Award with presence across platforms and media, Shreyas Talpade was awarded for his Contribution to Theatre and Cinema, Nawazuddin Siddiqui bagged the Best Actor Award for Raat Akeli Hai, Kunal Khemu bagged the Best Actor in Negative Role for Malang,

Dino Morea won Iconic Health & Fitness Ambassador 2020, Anupria Goenka won Best Breakthrough Female Performance of 2020  and Nandini Viswanathan of Naarad PR and Image Strategists bagged the Iconic Brand Custodian Award among many others. Director Anil Sharma, Sunny Leone accompanied by actor- musician husband Daniel Weber bagged awards as well. The esteemed glitterati included besides the awardees,  Suneel Darshan, Leslee Lewis, Raju Singh, Rahul Shukla,  Kavya Jones, Writer Director Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Preeti Soni, Sunny Waghchoure, Sachin Bhau Ahir among many others.

All in all a simple, sophisticated event with minimal guests, yet a star-studded one that made its mark.

Amazing Ambrosia gifts 1000 ltr Amazing Hygieia to MCGM as mark of respect

Seeking better ways of sanitization with lowest toxicity and least bio burden, Amazing Ambrosia Pvt Ltd (amazingambrosia.com), India’s First Water Technology Platform, founded by veteran water technologist Dr BK Sharma, son Sidharth Sharma, along with plastic industries doyen Mahendra N Patel, and Rahul C Mehta of MentorCap, has decided to combat India's water and sanitation problems by identifying world class technologies, adapting, innovating and manufacturing them locally to have a transformative impact on India.

Their world class products, Amazing Hygieia and HygieiaDent are winners of the Economic Times Industry Leader Awards for Pathbreaking Technology resulting in Exemplary Contribution to Society. 

Recently, Amazing Ambrosia has gifted 1000 litres of Amazing Hygieia to the MCGM for aiding sanitisation of the city. “The MCGM personnel work tirelessly through the pandemic. It is payback time. This is just the beginning,” avers Sidharth Sharma.

Amazing Hygieia is water that disinfects, heals, sanitizes, is effective in disease prevention and maintaining the potential bio loads as low as possible. It assures superior disinfection and sterilisation, is available in a convenient powder form in a 3.2 gm sachet to give up to 10 litres of disinfectant, is 100 per cent nontoxic, non-hazardous and food contact safe, non-alcohol based, non-inflammable, safe for eyes and skin and 100% safe when inhaled.

Amazing Hygieia is the only stable EO water available in pH of 5.5 to 6.5 with zero chlorine gasification. Electrolyzed oxidising water is approved and certified by the Ministry of Health, Japan as a food contact product as well as the only product safe for aerial disinfection permitted by INMAS DRDO, USA FDA, US CDC and US EPA.

Governor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari inaugurated the Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award 2020 Trophy.

The Trophy for Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Award 2020 was inaugurated by the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan. The award show will be on 24th November at Peninsula Grand Hotel, Sakinaka , Andheri East  where the film industry's honorable artists, technician team, media person, NGO and others will be awarded with trophies .

And for the first time, Lightmen and Spot Boy will receive the award . Well-known social worker of Mira Road, Dr. Ajay L. Dubey , businessman Sushil Yadav , actor Bheru Jain and Founder of Award Kalyanji Jana met Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and discussed the details of Award .

THE DRIVE IN HER...

Took her places. Literally. Pretty Purnima Lamchhane makes her mark on the silver screen as  turns director with Tina Ahuja-Mudit Nair starrer Driving Me Crazy on Zee5.

She is a diehard romantic who wears her heart on her sleeve. She is journalist-animal activist Purnima Lamchhane, who has now turned director with her short film Driving Me Crazy.

The slice-of-life romance speaks of online dating apps and the ishq vishk that follows. Purnima who admits finding her soulmate through the app speaks of the online and offline personas of the youth that pours their hearts out on the app, and still conveniently forgets to mention basic facts of their life. "Sometimes, the connect you have with the person drives you crazy. But is the chemistry going to be the same as the one who makes your heart go wild peels one layer after another," grins Purnima, who has aptly cast Tina Ahuja, the pretty daughter of actor Govinda and television heartthrob Mudit Nair of Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein fame.

"Both of them were just the perfect fit. Tina's histrionics are inherited, she is pretty, vivacious and her smile lights up the room. Mudit has a contagious energy about him..and the story could be of you or me. It is so relatable," avers Purnima, whose film is being talked about for its narrative.

Watch out for Driving Me Crazy, directed by Purnima Lamchhane, produced by Surendra Bhatia under the banner Glimpses, the film boasts of Cinematography by Nigam Bomzan, editing by Anurag Singh, music by Satya Kashyap starring Tina Ahuja and Mudit Nair in principal role. Only on Zee5.

CINTAA Statement Welcoming Maharashtra Government move to formulate comprehensive policy for Entertainment sector and expedite procedure of extending Industry status

The decision of  the Maharashtra Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for the Entertainment sector and expedite the procedure of extending "Industry" status to the sector, has come in at the most appropriate time for the fraternity.  We are upbeat & overwhelmed with jubilation.  This  positive announcement made by Shri Amit Deshmukh Cultural Minister Government of Maharashtra is a welcome move and undoubtedly will bring in progressive ramifications to the sector. 

 Cine & TV Artists association ( CINTAA) , the oldest and most reputed one has strived very hard  to get support  for the betterment of the Fraternity in general and the actors community in particular. Realizing the challenges faced and to be on par with other sectors, the idea  to have an Industry status for us has always been our foremost objectives and our pursuit has always been rationale driven. Our efforts have been truly paid.

We congratulate  the Cultural Ministry and other stakeholders of Maharashtra who have taken this pragmatic decision.

द एटीजी, लेस्ली ल्यूईस और रैपर ओमर गुडिंग, निर्माता तेल के गणेशन की हॉलिवूड फिल्म 'ट्रॅप सिटी' के लिए एक साथ आये

हॉलीवुड फिल्म निर्माता-उद्यमी और कॅय्यबा फिल्म्स के पीछे की प्रेरणा शक्ति, तेल के. गणेशन का जन्म भारत में हुआ। क्रिसमस कूपन के निर्माता, सेलिब्रिटी क्रश, डेविल नाइट: द डॉन ऑफ़ द नाइन रूज और अब फिल्म 'ट्रैप सिटी' के साथ एक बार फिर आपका मनोरंजन करने के लिए तैयार हैं। फिल्म का एक और मुख्य आकर्षण यह है कि गायक-गीतकार-कलाकार द एटीजी, लेस्ली ल्यूईस और रैपर उमर गुडिंग ने एक विशेष फ्यूजन गीत के लिए इक्क्थ्ठे हुए है। ब्रैंडन टी. जैक्सन फिल्म में दिखाई देंगे। कहानी सत्ता के दुरुपयोग पर आधारित है और आम आदमी इससे कैसे पीड़ित है।

इस संलयन के लिए द एटीजी, लेसली ल्यूईस और उमर गुडिंग को क्यों चुना गया? इस पर टिप्पणी करते हुए, निर्देशक-गीतकार रिकी बर्चेल ने कहा, "अवन्त्रोराझ' (Entourage)' ट्रैप सिटी फिल्म का एक विशेष संलग्न गीत है और यह गीत उस स्थिति पर आधारित है, जिसमे फिल्म के पात्र  (ब्रैंडन टी. जैक्सन) निभा रहे है वो उस दौर से गुजर रहे हैं। जब आप एक सेलिब्रिटी बन जाते हैं, तो आप ऐसे विशेष लोगों से घिरे रहेंगे। इस गीत में पात्र को इस भ्रम के बीच में अपने विशेष दोस्त के साथ कुछ रोमांचक 'अकेले' क्षणों की प्रतीक्षा करते दिखाया गया है। संगीत और प्रदर्शन काफी मजेदार और रोमांचक हैं। ”

संगीतकार-संगीत निर्माता द एटीजी गाने के भाव के बारे में  कहते हैं, "'अवन्त्रोराझ' (Entourage) एक समकालीन हिप हॉप / पॉप गीत है। ये गीत ध्वनि और उत्पादन दोनों के विभिन्न संगीत प्रभावों का चुनिंदा सारांश हैं।  लेस्ली, उमर और मैं यह सुनिश्चित करना चाहते थे कि यह एक मजेदार गीत सुनने का अनुभव होगा। ”

दिग्गज गायक लेस्ली ल्यूईस का कहना है कि वह प्रत्येक गीत से कुछ सिखते हैं, और हॉलीवुड गीत एक और सबक जोड़ता है। “तेल के. गणेशन पूरी तरह से इस प्रक्रिया में शामिल थ।  हर लिहाज से वह एक बहुत ही उम्दा रचनात्मक रचनाकार हैं। जबकि निर्देशक रिकी बर्सल की दृष्टि उनके संवादों और गीतों में परिलक्षित होती है, संगीतकार-संगीत निर्माता एटीजी ने आसानी से रैप का हिस्सा संभाला है। मुझे रचनात्मक तिकड़ी में संक्षिप्त के रूप में पसंद आया, क्योंकि यह दिलचस्प था और मुझे खुशी है कि में इस गाने का एक अभिन्न अंग हूँ।

उमर गुडिंग को लगता है कि यह गीत एक रैप कलाकार के रूप में उनका जीवन दर्शाता है, “मैं इस गीत से पूरी तरह से वाकिफ हूँ क्योंकि यह गीत मेरी जीवनी दर्शाता है । मुझे लेस्ली ल्यूईस के साथ काम करने में बहुत खुशी मिली । तथ्य यह कि लेस्ली ल्यूईस और बिग ओ एक साथ काम कर रहे हैं, कुछ ऐसा है जिसे दर्शक भी देख के काफी पसंद करेंगे ।

गणेशन कहते हैं, “यह पूर्व और पश्चिम के बीच संबंध के लिए एक शानदार शुरुआत है। मैं ऐसे अद्भुत कलाकारों के साथ और वैश्विक दर्शकों के लिए एक वैश्विक उत्पादन यात्रा का हिस्सा बनने के लिए उत्साहित हूं। यह एक संपूर्ण और मजेदार यात्रा है। मुझे और कुछ नहीं चाहिए! "

एटीजी ने कहा, "यह गाना कई अलग-अलग शैलियों का मिश्रण है, गायन से लेकर उत्पादन तक, मुझे लगता है कि लेस्ली की आवाज क्लासिक डिस्को रिकॉर्ड के रूप में आकर्षक और मजेदार थी। उसी तरह, उमर ने निश्चित रूप से कैलिफोर्निया के लिए एक बहुत ही सुंदर क्लासिक लाया। यह उनके लिए एक मजेदार माहौल है। लेस्ली और उमर की आवाजें / गायन निश्चित रूप से अलग हैं, लेकिन यह एक निर्विवाद हिट है। "

कॅय्यबा फिल्म्स की (ट्रैप सिटी) संगीतमय  फिल्म है और इसमें एक किरदार निभाने वाले ब्रैंडन जैक्सन निभा रहे है , इस फिल्म में  ड्रग किंगपिन के लिए काम करने वाले एक युवा रैपर को चित्रित किया गया है और उस युवा के पास एक गाना है जो काफी प्रसिद्ध हो जाता है। गाने की प्रसिद्धि के साथ साथ उसके  प्रचार उसके अपराध से और बढ़ गया है, वह जेल जाने और एक खतरनाक अपराधी के खिलाफ गवाही देने की खतरनाक स्थिति का सामना कअपराध में भी बढ़ोतरी हो जाती है और उसको जेल भी जाना पड़ता है इसलिए वह काफी प्रयास करता है की उसका करियर को विफल ना हो , इस फिल्म में ब्रैंडन जैक्सन जो करता है वह ट्रैप सिटी में अपना भविष्य निर्धारित करता है।

Within You - Baiju Mangeshkar's path breaking sufi album...

To Baiju Mangeshkar, music means much more than melody, sound and lyrics… it is his soul, and cascades his veins... The nephew of Lata Mangeshkar, and son of Pt Hridaynath Mangeshkar, is an archetypal artist; his is a career where music and visual art seamlessly come together, each reinforcing and reinvigorating the other.

Within You  is Baiju’s  latest path-breaking release which also is his first solo album as a singer and composer. It is being released by Times Music with a presentation of three music videos as well.

Baiju is gifted with a unique soulful voice and his compositions are musically sensitive that leave a lasting impression.   Within You with Baiju’s soulful voice and compositions is a musical inner journey within one’s being.

“Sufi poetry is profound and clearly aspires to elevate ‘being’ from humanity to divinity; into the realms of unconditional love and peace. It is timeless and perpetual, and more importantly always relevant in every era, especially in this bleak age of injustice, escalating violence, increasing irreverence and the unfortunate recent world pandemic. In such a time, Sufi poetry and music are akin to a soothing balm to heal the spirit.,” elaborates Baiju.

The album ‘Within You’ is a soulful bouquet of six songs with the theme based on Sufism. The style is contemporary with inflections of World Music and yet its soul punctuating the Indian Classical traditions surrounding the lyric/kalaam of great revered Sufi saint poets of 16th century India namely Hazrat Shah Hussain, Baba Bulley Shah and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. The album also includes two modern and contemporary songs that are rufiyaa in thought written by an emerging and gifted young poetess Amruta. The songs have been musically arranged by Jatin Sharma, a well-known name to recon within the Indian music industry and with a host of extremely talented Indian musicians contributing to the soundscape.

One of the highlights in the musical arrangements is the collaboration with two brilliant musicians from America; Susan Mazer, a jazz harp virtuosi and Dallas Smith, a master of woodwinds and the saxophone. They are veterans in the world of jazz music who have worked with none other than the great world legends such as Frank Sinatra, Ahmed Jamal and Johnny Mathis to name a few and our very own RD Barman. Their contribution and style have added a unique dimension to the music of this album and to the world of sufi music.

Some songs in the album appear as romantic love songs to the ear and mind but they are subtly disguised with a resonance, reflection and play with the concept of ‘Ishq-e-Majazi and Ishq-e-Haqeeqi.’

“There are two kinds of ‘Ishq’ (love) mentioned in Sufism and in Urdu poetry; Ishq-e-Majazi and Ishq-e-Haqeeqi.  ‘Ishq-e-Majazi’ is the love one feels for another human being, the birth of feelings such as love, desire in ones heart for another person. It is transitory and is a physical desire or an emotional need. The latter ‘Ishq-e-Haqeeqi’ is in contrast; Sufism eloquently elaborates about Ishq-e-Haqeeqi which highlights the concept and feeling one has for the creator or one’s maker. It is a more intense elevation of one’s being, a pure submission to one’s maker/creator in absolute awe, wonderment and gratitude! This love and romance of a higher intensity is the theme in this album,” avers Baiju.

More about Baiju Mangeshkar. He  cut his first record for EMI India at the tender age of ten, and then as an adult made his debut with a song for a Marathi feature film composed by his father, the renowned composer Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

It was in 2014 that he came into his own with the release of ‘Ya Rabba’ (Saregama India), a Sufi album where he composed and sang  lyrics by the great sufi saint Hazrat Shah Hussain with a unique contemporary sound, graced by the dulcet tones of his legendary aunt Lata Mangeshkar.

The album, released both internationally and in India, won critical acclaim from younger listeners for its blend of traditional Hindustani music infused with Soul and Gospel music.

Stalwarts such as Pandit Jasraj, Begum Farida Khanum and Sufi Queen Abida Parveen regaled his voice and compositions as unique and deeply soulful, a rare honour indeed.

He has since also sung  for a few Marathi films and a TV serial and has recently released a few original singles and some covers as well.

Growing up in the hallowed environs of the Mangeshkars, India’s first family of music, rhythm and melody came naturally to Baiju. He trained in light classical music under Pt. Tulsidas Sharma, Pt. Ramesh Jhule and more recently under Pt. Ajay Pohankar. This training has been reinforced by the continued guidance which he receives even today from his father and his illustrious aunt and idol Lata Mangeshkar, whom he has accompanied frequently on stage in India and abroad.

 In all earnestness and sincerity, Baiju hopes his music and this album can transport the listener to enter into a realm of Love, Devotion and Peace. More power to this young man!

After Bollywood conglomerate, Sachiin Joshi to sue media who support malafide rumourmongers

Livid at the false malafide news of an alleged arrest and malicious rumours  connecting him to Tollywood drug scandal  being spread in a bid to defame him,  actor-entrepreneur Sachiin Joshi is suing self-proclaimed critic KRK and Spotboye among others who are responsible for spreading this vicious false news.

Joshi who landed in Mumbai from abroad was called for questioning in a totally unrelated case to Hyderabad. The actor who was rushing to Goa to be with his wife Urvashi Sharma and kids to herald her birthday at their Resort had to delay the celebrations by a day, and recorded the statement and left to meet his family.

Sachiin Joshi's legal counsel stated, "Certain malicious elements are trying to defame our client by putting out false stories in the media. Anyone who supports such elements will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. Our defamation notices to KRK and Spotboye will be a strict warning to anyone who tries to defame our client with malfide intent.

"The statement was in a completely unrelated manner. 

To connect his name to any drug scandal is not only defamatory, but also completely false an incorrect and has been spread with malicious intent."

Joshi, in the meantime, is on his way to Goa spend quality time with his family. Never mind the detractors!

Baiju Mangeshkar’s Familial Tribute With Malhaar Baithak’s ‘The Mangeshkar Legacy’, A Digital Baithak

September seems to be a rather cherished month for the illustrious Mangeshkar family of India. Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, who is fondly referred to as the Queen of Melody while Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle, arguably the most versatile playback singer in the history of the Indian film and music industry. Interestingly both the sisters were born in the month of September! Asha Bhosle, who just celebrated her birthday in a familial celebration at Lonavala, while the family gears towards celebrating Lata Mangeshkar’s birthday on the 28th in the coming week! What grabs our attention is what Baiju Mangeshkar, their nephew has in store for us! A musical treat celebrating the legacy of the Mangeshkar family.

Baiju Mangeshkar, the new generation torch-bearer of this illustrious musical family, has been invited to make his presence felt by the Malhaar Baithak to share some interesting anecdotes and back stories! The musical troupe, composed of students from the U.A.E., will pay an endearing tribute to this musical legacy and the family’s famous classical compositions in an interactive session with Baiju! “I am delighted to be invited as a guest to witness such an honourable tribute to my aunts, my father and the entire family,” he avers.

Yours to witness is the digital baithak live on the official handles of Malhaar UAE on Facebook as well as YouTube on the 25th of September, 7:30 PM IST.

Kamala Harris’s rise sends a message of hope to young girls of colour and every immigrant in the US: Tel K Ganesan

US State Senator, politician, lawyer and Vice-Presidential running mate Kamala Devi Harris has scripted history by being the first Indian-American or African-American woman to be appointed as the Vice-Presidential running mate. 

It is a known fact that Kamala Harris has a huge support base in the Indian-American community. Indian-born Hollywood producer, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur Tel K Ganesan is excited at the power push for the senator as it “sends a message of hope to young girls of colour, and any immigrant, for that matter.”

Ganesan, who met Harris at Detroit, Michigan during her political run for the primary race of the Democratic presidential ticket, avers that Harris is “high energy, positive, upbeat and a bubbly person.” Ganesan had an instant connect with her. “We shared wonderful, happy moments. She is very friendly. It is much like talking to a friendly neighbour.” Both Ganesan and Harris’s mother Shyamala Gopalan hail from Chennai. “We very briefly spoke in Tamil – vanakkam and nandri. We did talk about sambar,” he grins. 

Though Harris considers herself black, she has also spoken of her Indian roots. Harris has worked in international development around the world and return to live in villages throughout India in the mid-90s. Her matrilineal family of strong South Indian women has always been her inspiration. Her mother is a Tamilian from Chennai, and had moved to the US for higher studies. Her father is Donald Harris, of Jamaican descent. Ganesan is very proud of Harris’s achievement. “As an immigrant, it is a great inspiration. She already has a track record of breaking barriers. She started off as the first person of color in the office of the district attorney in San Francisco as a tough prosecutor and later as California Attorney General before winning the Senate seat four years ago. Harris is also the first person of Indian descent to ever get on the presidential ticket. Harris amassed more than $35 million over 11 months despite challenges that black women candidates face in raising money.  If the Biden-Harris ticket wins, Harris will be the highest-ranking female US official in the country’s 244-year history. And it is not just that, Biden who would be 78 if he wins, might only serve a single four-year term, instantly making Harris a leading 2024 Democratic Presidential contender. She serves on several high-profile committees in the Senate including the Intelligence Committee and the Judiciary Committee.”

Ganesan believes that such a historic move is only possible in a country like the United States. "Hope fuels life and hope fuels opportunities. This will address the bottom-line issue of under-representation of women and minorities on US public company boards and will match the changing demographics we are experiencing in the country today."

Statistics reveal that 42% of women in the US have faced gender discrimination at work. Even in the military, women represent 16% of the enlisted forces and 19% of the office corps. "Kamala Harris’s rise opens up the dream of women and minorities sharing the same power, privileges, rights and opportunities as the privileged and is a giant stride for women in politics. India and Pakistan have had women in political power, but for the US, this is a first. A person born of immigrant parents running for the second highest position in the land, shows us the impossible is possible. It reinforces that the American Dream is still alive and well.”

CINTAA STATEMENT

 

The Indian Film Industry  which has been in existence for more than a century is a land of opportunity to  thousands of people who have chosen to embark on this career path to take care of their livelihood and accomplish their missions in life.

The Media & the Entertainment Industry has always been a significant  contributor to the economy, and also the served the Nation's interests as its cultural ambassadors.

In times of national crisis and natural calamities, the Media Fraternity has solidly supported the endeavours of the Government, to help by their resources and public influence. 

Actors in particular are the face of the Industry who have enthralled the audiences everwhere with their talent; many are academically accomplished and have chosen this career to satisfy their creative passion. Many have trained themselves and dedicated their lives in pursuit of creative excellence.

Recently, Film Industry in general and actors in particular have been in the Eye of a Storm of invasive media scrutiny, not all of it justified, and in some sections of the Press, motivated for reasons other than fair news reporting. 

However, one feature that has emerged out of this has been the unfortunate reality of the spread of use of banned drugs, in society at large and Film Industry in particular. 

We, Cine & TV Artists association (CINTAA) take this issue very seriously. We simply say NO TO DRUGS.

As an association, we very strongly rebuke anyone involved in consumption of drugs , no matter the name and fame such an individual  enjoys in our fraternity and society. We acknowledge the power and influence many of our Industry have over the gullible minds of the young and we believe that their actions, whether in privacy of their own homes or otherwise, have a great bearing on society at large; they are Role Models for the youth and thus have more than reasonable responsibility  for exemplary conduct..

While we do advocate a strict punishment to those who are proved guilty, our endeavor is always to make the whole system free of drugs and its adverse repercussions and to have a clean working arena for existing and aspiring actors. We would support any individual or institution who furthers this cause. 

In conclusion:  SAY NO TO DRUGS AND YES TO LIFE.

 

Executive Committee

CINTAA 

 

NIO: Creating a Vision of Community Focus

We all are facing unprecedented times these days of COVID-19 pandemic. It is during these situations that we all get a glimpse of how people stand up to each other to help them and try to ease out the situation. Like doctors and paramedics who have been working tirelessly, selflessly for the past several months in fighting this pandemic, we also have seen our police force working endlessly, be it for law and order, or to prevent panic situations or sometimes enforcing safety measures for the public at large! 

National Institute of Ophthalmology, one of Pune’s oldest eye institutes celebrated its 27th Foundation Day on 5th of September.  An eye institute which is committed to serving the poor and needy, thought it befitting that these heroes of today’s times be recognized in some way or the other. 

With Dr. Shreekant Kelkar, and Mrs. Aruna Kelkar at the helm, Dr. Aditya Kelkar and Dr. Jai Kelkar, and NIO family distributed Safety Gears consisting of Dust Free Goggles for Eye Protection, Three-layer Reusable Masks and Reflective Safety Jackets to the Pune Traffic Police and PMC Department Employees.  Team NIO covered Traffic Police stations in the vicinity of Chaturshrungi, Deccan gymkhana, Shivaji Nagar and Kothrud. 

National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) is one of the first JCI Accredited (Joint Commission International) and NABH Accredited Eye Care Hospital in Pune.  NIO Super Specialty Eye Care is known for its ultra-modern facilities, subspecialty clinics, state of the art operation theatres equipped with the ARTEVO  3D surgery platform, FEMTOLASER assisted cataract surgery with the Catalyst system. IntraLase for glasses removal, well integrated diagnostics, imaging and laser systems, daycare recovery suites, educational and research activities with clinical expertise and sophistication of diagnostic and treatment procedures. From General Ophthalmology to super specialty clinics like Cataract Department, Cornea Department, Retina Department, Pediatric Ophthalmology Department, Glaucoma and Neuro Ophthalmology Department, Refractive Surgery Department and Oculoplasty, NIO caters to “Every Why in Your Eye” 

National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) delivers high quality eye care services by annually screening more than 75,000 out-patients and performing more than 60,000 successful eye surgeries 

NIO's CSR wing also runs a regular Charitable OPD in designated rural areas and economically backward patients are treated at concessional rate or even free of cost. 

We hope to continue serving the society and on this 27th year of foundation, we thank all our patients and well-wishers for their patronage and pray almighty to keep everyone safe.

Find peace on September 21 at 8 pm

Come September 21 (8 pm) and around 40 million people will be connecting for peace from 8 pm onwards. There will be two virtual events: ‘Celebrate Peace‘ at 8 pm IST, followed by ‘Create Peace’, the synchronized guided meditation at 9 pm.In an event anchored by International film legend Shekhar Kapur, with performances by musicians from Shashank Subramanyam and Mike Hertig to Grammy award winner Ricky Kej, ambassadors and messengers of peace like Daaji, Deepak Chopra, BK Sister Shivani, Bruce Lipton, Bob Boisture, Sharon Salzberg, Thomas d’Ansembourg and Amandine Roche, and sports legends Javier Zanetti, Marta Bassino and Michela Moioli  will transmit the Experience of Peace to 40 million people across the globe.

Daaji, the moving spirit behind Heartfulness says, "At Heartfulness, we will be transmitting on that day throughout the 24 hours. And if you would like to join us in meditation, simply close your eyes and tune into with your innermost corner, where you find love in your heart. We will all be meditating together, for peace, harmony and serenity to engulf this planet.” 

Deepak Chopra, well-known author and speaker, said, “Bring the presence of peace wherever you go, and if you do that the people around you will feel peaceful not by what you say, not by what you do, even, but just by your presence.”

The ‘Celebrate Peace’ event will be broadcasted in over 100 countries and translated into over 24 languages via online streaming platform partners. Similar virtual events organized by the Heartfulness Institute, such as the International Day of Yoga, have been viewed by over 22 million people, and the upcoming event is poised to reach over 40 million people.

BK Sister Shivani, a teacher from the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement said, “It’s time to heal the planet and love is the energy which is a healing energy. So when we all come together for our love for the planet, for our love for each other, and for our love for humanity, and together we create peace, we are going to take that first step towards healing our world.”

My battle is to give hope to many others to fight against injustice: Sachiin Joshi

 “An average Indian believes that an investment in gold passes down generations, more so when a celebrity endorses a company that is offering the said gold scheme. My legal battle is merely a representation of many of the investors of Satyug Gold who might have invested in the gold scheme at a discounted rate, only to never receive the gold,” says actor-entrepreneur Sachiin Joshi, who, after paying Rs. 18,57,870 on March 25, 2014, has been asked by the then Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra promoted Satyug Gold to pay a penalty of Rs. 25,50,000 in order to collect the gold for which an amount of Rs 18,57,870 had already been paid to them six years ago. 

“If I am asked to pay Rs 25 lakh to collect Rs 18 lakh gold after six years of my hard-earned money lying with a company, imagine the state of the common man who must have invested believing a celebrity who endorsed a company as its Chairman! I feel defrauded to say the least. And then I realised that I should stand up against what is wrong as I might be the hope for many others.”

The matter is subjudice through arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 of India. As per the court, Satyug Gold was made to deposit the 1kg of gold with the Prothonotary and Senior Master of the Hon. Bombay High Court, who then took custody of the gold and sealed and secured it in the High Court’s strong-room/vault. As Sachiin Joshi was abroad, his counsel requested that the gold be handed over to his representative. 

As the hearing and final disposal of the arbitration proceedings and for was in a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the Award by the parties and / or their Advocates, the Prothonotary and Senior Master shall continue to retain the gold bar weighing 1.022 kg in the safe deposit vault opened / obtained in his name in the Bank of India pursuant to the directions of G.S.Patel, J. dated 7th September, 2020.

Sachiin Joshi has earlier filed a complaint on January 18th of this year in Khar Police Station, Mumbai, under sections 406, 409 and 420 of the IPC for the alleged fraudulent representation and nonreceipt of gold after six years of making the payment to Satyug Gold at the behest of Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty who  were then, the office-bearers of the company.

 

'Broken Wings' First Nepali-Hindi Film To Be Made In Darjeeling Post Independence

  Darjeeling-based filmmaker Shenpenn Khymsar makes his directorial debut with the film, Broken Wings, which he says is based on real issues of his land. Khymsar claims that this is the first time in post-Independence India that a Nepali-Hindi language film has been “made in Darjeeling”, though there are many films that have been shot in the hill station.“I am from Darjeeling and I felt it is best to resonate your story and sites of your upbringing in your filmmaking. A lot of people in the Hindi belt and South India aren’t aware that this is a part of India. They know it for the tea and the toy train. Darjeeling is an intricate part of India where Nepali is a spoken language. Nepali is actually also a constitutional language of India,” Khymsar said

CINTAA STATEMENT

 The News Media, an integral part of the Media & Entertainment Industry has been outrageously vehement these last few weeks, in attacking men and women from the Actors fraternity as if they are participants and instigators in an alleged conspiracy that has occupied headlines recently in the public domain. It is important for them to realise that one cannot function as a self-appointed judge, jury & executioner.

 

In an attempt to boost viewership ratings, the catastrophic repercussions are ignored. That itself is reason enough for all to seriously introspect and put an end to the ill-informed debates and personal opinions being voiced by all and sundry. 

Without prejudice, the Cine & TV Artists Association (CINTAA), which represents the Actors Community for over six decades, thought it befitting to break its silence in retaliation to those who are out to defame and slander its members. 

As a fraternity, we too want a fair investigation but till such time that the truth is not unearthed, a persons reputation should not be maligned, their livelihood should not be snatched away, their self-esteem should not be  trampled upon and their integrity should not be questioned.

 

Actors are cultural ambassadors of this great Nation and the countries core values are shared through them with rest of the world.

CINTAA is one of the strongest Unions in the Film Fraternity. Our ideology is truly secular and it fosters true brotherhood, no matter what caste, creed or religion any member belongs to. As the fifth largest member of the International Federation of Actors-Performers Union (FIA) our voices and statements are valued world over.

 For us it is heartening to say that many of our Actors have been a recipient  of the Padma Shri/Padma Bhushan  awards coupled with many National & International citations. We belong to an intelligent, respectful and educated class and our body of work in the world of Entertainment stands second to none, even in the Global Arena. 

 To add, some members from our community are also Members of Parliament and to defame the whole community is far from acceptance. A retired Army officer who has stood on the Borders is  an actor today. A nursing officer who rendered her services much beyond the call of her duty during these pandemic times is also an actor.  In times of any National Adversities the actors fraternity have stood shoulder to shoulder to mitigate miseries of people, be it financially, emotionally or otherwise.

CINTAA, very strongly advocates upholding the Dignity of all women and hence have put in place all the necessary checks and balances at the work spots. Any instances of disrespect to our female colleagues is a matter of serious concern  and we do adopt taking the severest of actions and punishments to the offenders. Pertinent to add that the Me-too movement that emerged for sexual abuse has been very appropriate. 

 

We, therefore reiterate, that the Industry for the larger part, is a safe haven and yes, we would be the first to acknowledge that like in any other sector, there may exist some bad elements and by recognising and weeding them out, we are constantly looking to improve ourselves. 

 

However, stretching beyond one’s wildest imagination, the exuberance showcased by some anchors to capture eye balls is outrageous and without any hard evidence. We deeply condemn such impetuous topics of debate that tarnishes the image of a whole community. 

Let’s remind ourselves that the Entertainment Industry is in existence for more than a century and through the years has remained a worthy place to be in.

 

Regards

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CINTAA

Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh, Mud Mud Ke… Asha Tai turns 87-years-young! And there is only one way for her. To look forward…

The enchanting songstress who has mesmerised Indian cinema for even decades turned 87 tonight. And Asha tai, with her infectious smile and contagious energy, heralded her coming-of-age with announcing that she is going to get the chefs at her restaurant to try out her new veg and non-veg recipes, created by her during lockdown. “I am very fast at what I do. Whether it is singing or cooking. So when I create recipes, others run out of the kitchen, not able to match my speed!”

Biting into a piece of her favourite Fresh Cream Fruit Cake, made of fruits and dry fruits, specially brought in from Mumbai by granddaughter Zanai, Asha Bhosle who has been in Lonavla with her son Anand, daughter-in-law Anuja, grandchildren Zanai and Ranjai, spoke of how it feels complete to be together with family on her birthday. Zanai also got her favourite Japanese and Chinese food brought down from Mumbai despite lockdown, confided the singer with a contented smile.

Talk of her grandchildren Zanai and Ranjai, and Asha tai’s pride is evident in her speech. “Both the kids are very talented. Zanai sings, and in her, I see myself as a child.”

But the child in Asha tai is very much alive and singing, as she reveals that she has a lot to look forward to in the journey from 87 to 88.

“After listening to over 3000 voices for my talent show #AshaKiAsha, I have a very difficult task in hand to choose the best. Young talents from across the globe have sent their recordings. Some of them are very poor and live in harsh conditions, but are truly God-gifted with divine voices. It will not be an easy task to select one. But this is my change to share my 70 years of experience with youngsters and give back to music what I got. And I am grateful to God every single day for that.”

Asha tai also looks forward to her live concerts, and cooking and feeding people, both at home and her restaurants that have expansion plans, and wants to work to generate employment for the women in Lonavla. “I want to help these women stand on their own feet. It has not been easy for the common man during Corona. And it has not been easy for the poor women from here, whom I have seen during the epidemic. I want to do something concrete for them.”

“Looking back, Asha tai has no regrets. I am happy I have lived and loved,” she says. “I have lived an honest life. I am happy that I stood on my own feet as a 10-year-old singing my first song. Today at 87, I am still singing and standing on my own feet. And I have a beautiful family, and an even larger fan-family. What more could I ask for!”

Dil Hai Chhota Sa, Chhoti Si Asha!

  Asha Bhosle beats nepotism and embraces young talents from across the globe offering them her social media platform to showcase the best of talent...

 

Her smile makes the world go wow! The youthful effervescence of her voice is mind-blowing and her enthusiasm is contagious. She is 87 years young and has a career spanning over seven decades with over 1000 Hindi films, several private albums, and is a Guinness Book world record holder as the most recorded artiste in music history. Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle also has an amazing repertoire of versatility ranging from Hindi film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical music, folk songs, qawwalis and Rabindra Sangeet in over 20 Indian and foreign languages. 

 

Yet, Asha Bhosle is an icon who keeps reinventing herself. After launching her YouTube channel recently, Asha Bhosle is now coming out with her show titled ‘Asha Ki Asha’. The show seems to be the singer’s musical tribute to the world that gave her the adoration and adulation that she very much deserves. And in this age and era of nepotism and musical shows that thrive on drama more than talent, ‘Asha Ki Asha’ promises to be a show to unearth real talent. “My only interest is in the singers’ musical talent. It is not a show that will highlight his/her life.” 

 

Asha Bhosle has always loved to see talented youngsters get their due. “I’ve always referred young talents to composers, but it is not always that they achieved their dreams.” But lockdown brought with it the big idea. “One day, when I saw my granddaughter singing online with friends and having a blast, it struck me that I could unearth real talent through my YouTube and social media. Hence, I invite aspiring singers to send me two-minute musical videos so that I can review and give a platform to the best."

 

Asha Bhosle is very clear that musical talent is all that she seeks. “I am looking for unique voices. The right pitch and rhythm sense are a must. Looks, dancing talent, age, gender, nationality – nothing matters. But those under 18 need parental consent.”  Also, what's more is that the chosen one will be blessed by Asha Bhosle with 1 lac rupees.

 

Asha Bhosle is humility personified. She suggests that the song be recorded in a place with minimum external sound interference before he/she uploads it on www.ashabhosle.com. The song has to be either in English or Hindi, and the best talent will receive a certificate signed by the ageless diva herself. 

 

Considering that Asha Bhosle faced the mic as a 10-year-old, she is looking forward to guiding many talented youngsters to walk the same path that she did and let the world hear their voice. “The set was very hot and I was singing for the first time, and to add to that, I was acting as well. The temperature and the bright reflectors were so disturbing and exhausting that I fainted.” Asha Bhosle got up and finished the song. Today, she has one advise for youngsters before they pick up the mic to sing for Asha Ki Asha. “This is not a look test. Focus on the song, the pitch, the rhythm and the voice. Sing from your heart. Trust me, the future is yours!”

 

https://we.tl/t-Nn2PtTcBGn  

 

 

“Talented artistes should equally be given their due. If not, then we will only get their support after our death” - Vishwajeet Pradhan

His histrionics are such that he can never escape from his character.  His roles always end up being an intrinsic part of his lifetime. When Vishwajeet Pradhan signs a film, he tries to have an inclination for people similar to his on-screen persona. Hence, when the actor felt that the Hindi film industry wasn’t offering him a tidy career that he enjoyed, he took a brief  hiatus and moved Down Under with his family to explore different avenues. This was five years ago. “I became this other person. My career took off in a different direction,” reflects Vishwajeet.

However, theatre and television kept the passion in him alive.

Then came a Red Chillies film offer followed by the role of Sampat in the gangster TV series Aarya on Disney+ Hotstar. “The maker, Ram Madhwani was sensible and I have an instinct to work with such kind of people. It is in me. I just understand them. It was a good role of an entertainer with amazing shades of grey, albeit on the other side. But I knew that in the grand scheme of things, it would not define my identity. It was not a lead role, no big deal. Yet Sampat, he was the brawn to the brain. He was bad, yet good. He was fearsome, yet comical. And he was humane for a hitman. I have never been the type who poses for a contractually obligated red carpet experience. The call had to be from my heart.”

 The maker, the production values, the script, the character visualisation and the cast including Sushmita Sen and Chandrachud Singh excited Vishwajeet. “Sampat had a certain intelligence and elegance and the ability to deflect uncomfortable situations with humour. He provided a different hue to the creative spectrum of actors.” 

Once facing the arclights for Aarya, Vishwajeet reflected on his paths played and lessons learned over 30 years in Bollywood, the pros and cons of mega-fame, and realised an ironic truth: the first photograph that he left at an ad filmmaker’s office that is Equinox Films, hoping for a revert as a newbie was that of Ram Madhwani. 

“It was like coming a full circle. It took him 30 years to cast me and I told him that!  I decided to go the OTT way with the limited series Aarya.” “Quoting George Clooney,” Vishwajeet grins, “’Every actor wants to be a film actor’ But this show was conceived such that it was no less than a film. In that sense, it was a life changer. The show mirrored Ram Madhwani’s heart, soul and sentiment, and this creative energy channeled a part of me to see what is in front of me. “ 

Vishwajeet broke the spell of his five-year acting hiatus with Aarya. “It was such a departure from what I had set out to do with my life. The flip side was that I would not be held responsible for the show itself, and could afford a loofah on myself, something I could not for a long time.” 

When Vishwajeet basked in the experience of a brilliantly conceived show with Aarya, he made up his mind to stay back and embrace creatively daring passion projects. It was as though destiny agreed with him, and COVID struck, bringing his family back to India. 

“With my family by me, I can take offbeat roles, explore unique characters and experience the exhilaration of being liberated enough to escape the straitjacket of movie stardom today. Admitted, I have worked with an incredible list of brilliant directors, writers and co-actors. But in Hindi films, you are restricted by what you are offered, and television is like running a factory. It is about churning out maximum episodes in minimal time.” 

Vishwajeet confesses that he is once again hopeful and hungry for good roles. “The actor in me is a restless, prowling creature. He is a painter who seeks an apocryphal glow with every role. Never mind the size of the canvas!” 

Adds he, “Acting, to me, is practice of patience. I want to be the dreamer and stop being affected by the hardness and coldness of having a superficial career in an artificial world. The power of audio-visual media is not just entertaining today. It affects social change. And that is something that we both want and need. And as realisation has sunk in, I have come to undeestand that it is best to feel things and not bury them. 

“From the era of Shakti Kapoor, Amrish Puri to the actors who sprung from Anurag Kashyap camp, Bollywood tells a chilling story of actors not being considered or ousted from films over three decades. Today, my maturity does not let me bask in the success of an unexpected twist of fate or bother to filter myself, and happily work out of the mainstream glare, if that means searching for something deeper.” 

Shrugs Vishwajeet, “I know these views may not augur well with a lot of people.  But I prefer to live my life, peeling away layers of nepotism and shoot straight from the lip.

“Nepotism made it extremely difficult for me to function. Thirty years later, the industry is still riddled with the same flaws, and trying to make oneself heard is like pleading your case to a blind judge leading deaf detractors. The social media following of an actor cannot define his craft. Talented artistes should equally be given their due. If not, then we will only get the audience's appreciation after our death."

IFTPC, CINTAA, FWICE, resolve issues for shoots to commence

IFTPC, CINTAA and FWICE have today amicably resolved the outstanding issues which paved the way for the immediate resumption of shootings. These understandings were reached in virtual meeting held between IFTPC, FWICE and CINTAA.
IFTPC agreed to provide two sets of insurance coverage i.e Death Cover of 25 lacs due to Covid-19 and also hospitalization cover of Rs. 2 lacs uniformly across all hierarchy of the cast & the crew.  Apart from the insurance, IFTPC also assured that every precautions as per the government’s guidelines will be put in place to ensure utmost safety for the entire cast & crew.
 Also a decision was taken to reduce the period of credit for cast and crew from  existing 90 days to 30 days for at least the first three months; mutually negotiated pay cuts without actors facing any sanctions, and continued dialogue with all parties for easing working conditions were also agreed to, without delaying the resumption of shootings.
IFTPC acknowledged the contributions of CINTAA and FWICE who in these extra ordinary situations showed exemplary understanding and maturity in the workers and the national interest.  In total solidarity and bonhomie, the stakeholders IFTPC, CINTAA, FWICE and the Broadcasters announced that the shooting will begin immediately and a new saga will unfold in every household soon.
Sajid Nadiadwala, President IFTPC, CINTAA, FWICE and the Broadcasters expressed their gratitude to Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Uddhav Thackeray, Hon. Amit Deshmukh, Minister of Culture, Cultural Secretary Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, & Shri Aadesh Bandekar for their exemplary cooperation.
In the marathon discussion Shri JD Majethia, Chairman TV &Web, Shri Shyamashish Bhattacharya and Shri Nitin Vaidya from IFTPC, Shri B.N Tiwari -President,  Shri Ashok Dubey - Gen Secretary, Shri Gangeshwar Srivastava – Treasurer from FWICE, and Shri Manoj Joshi - Sr Vice President, Shri Darshan Jariwalla - Vice President, Shri Amit Behl - Senior  Joint Secretary, Shri Sanjay Bhatia Executive Committee member from CINTAA participated.

CINTAA Sr VP Manoj Joshi meets Mah Governor to represent senior actor issues

CINTAA's Senior Vice President, actor Manoj Joshi met with the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari today. They discussed the issue of senior actors, above the age of 65, not being allowed to shoot. The Honorable Governor assured of necessary co-operation.

The meeting was a dual purpose meeting, reveals Manoj Joshi. The Honourable Governor who has witnessed the freedom struggle wrote an essay on Mahatma Gandhi, participating in the competition organised by the Postal Department as a common man. When he won the competition, he added three times the amount to the prize money and gifted the same to the post office employees for protection against COVID19.

"I had been to his place to congratulate him on this amazing  gesture as well as honour him with a shawl along with State BJP Secretary and  Vice-Chairman, of Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd (MFSCDCL) Amarjeet  Mishra who presented The Hon Governor with an idol of Vithoba and Rukmini."

Manoj Joshi then briefed the Hon Governor on CINTAA, its history, its members, on the senior citizens who are members of CINTAA on whom their family depends for livelihood, and that they already have had no work from three months. He elaborated that the number of working seniors was not very large, but apart from that, there are continuity issues and producers can not replace them. "The Hon Governor gave us a patient ear. It was a good 40 minute meeting. He was very positive and assured that he would help us in the best way possible. He had received the letter from CINTAA that we had sent  him," elaborates Joshi.

CINTAA had also sent letters to the Hon CM Uddhav Thackeray,  Hon Minister Subash Desai and Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis besides the Hon Governor. "We are glad the meeting with the Hon Governor  was an eventful one and are hopeful that the outcome would be a positive one. The meeting was indeed reassuring."

https://we.tl/t-XYlAT1SrXJ