The STAR moves amidst STARS! #RIPSRIDEVI

I cannot say and I will not say,

That she is dead, she is just away.

With a cheery smile and a wave of hand,

I cannot say and I will not say

She has wandered into an unknown land,

And left us dreaming how very fair

-James Whitcomb Riley

The enigma called SRIDEVI fades into oblivion, leaving her millions of fans across the globe heart-broken. In a long time, such heart-wrenching news has broken up on a Sunday morning.

The untimely and sad demise of veteran action and darling of millions has left a big void. It’s hard to believe that Sridevi who was so lively and vibrant in a family marriage, is no more.

In no time, a star has become one among the stars above.

Being a big fan of the star, I have watched almost all her films. We use to keenly await for all her films. I remember watching her first time in the film Nagina at Rivoli Theatre in Connaught Place, New Delhi with my mother. Not knowing much about the films, with mummy blabbering “arre jaane kaun si picture hai yeh” but she literally had to take her words back in the interval. We were literally bowled over by Sridevi’s dynamic performance who looked so stunning at the same time.

Next came Chandni, another masterpiece, I remember taking off from office to watch the movie. Her styling, clothes, dialogues, performance…all were so mind-blowing. Girls all over India started copying her fashions & mannerisms and secretly aspiring for life like hers – having such loving fiancée!

And what to say of the blockbuster song – Mere hathon mein nau nau choodiyan hain, which became staple to all marriage sangeets. I remember dancing to the song, mere hathon mein nau nau choodiyan hain on my best friend and colleague Geeta Sindhi’s sangeet function and garnering lot of appreciation! Thank you Srideviji for giving us such wonderful moments – Lamhe.

Lamhe – another sensitive and beautiful performance by Srideviji who looked so mesmerising in both the roles of mother & daughter. Can’t get over – Morni Baga mein bole aadhi raat maa! – Such vibrant dancing to the even more Rajasthani music!

Another impactful movie – JULIE – Sridevi as lost lorn teenager beautifully swinging to the song – My Heart is beating – my all-time favourite in Priti Sagar’s voice and what performances by Omprakashji, Nadiraji, Laxmi and Sridevi.

I don’t remember the name of her movie with Mithunda – oh yes! Jaag Utha Insaan, which had many beautiful dramatic moments, thumping music and dances, of which she was a master.

A powerhouse performer, Srideviji has given us beautiful moments, which will always be missed.

I would always notice her presence in various functions in which she was dressed to the hilt in her beautiful Kanjiverams, kohl eyes and gajras – looked truly Indian diva! Our generation loved to copy her designs.

Even now when I have to attend a marriage, I look for Sridevi’s Styling for various functions – with due respect – I am nowhere close to her – but emulating her, I just can’t give up.

Bollywood pays rich tributes to the late actor, as the void left by her never be fulfilled.

“She will be in the textbooks of Indian cinema; Sridevi was a complete actor in her own right, flawless and dignified,” said Subhash Ghai, who was her director in ‘Karma’ in 1986, when Sridevi was still finding her foothold in Bollywood.

 

 

 

Meghalaya Saree for Handloom connoisseurs!

Which saree connoisseur would not like to have beautiful Mekhla saree in her collection or from North – East’s handwoven silk or handloom saree, particularly from Meghalaya. These sarees are enchantingly beautiful, easy to drape and maintain and give a special feeling to the lady wearing it. Normally you have to visit handloom stores or emporiums for these sarees, which sometimes dampens your spirit and you swap it with some other saree for the occasion. And you did not want to be the part of the crowd. These sarees look truly special if you are attending any conference, hosting a show, visiting a literary festival or simple book reading session at a bookstore, which you are planning to attend.

If you want to look like a DIVA on any occasion, take your pick from Triveni’s Meghalaya collection, and believe me you will be in the league of handloom saree connoisseurs like Shabana Azmi, Kiron Kher or Vidya Balan.

No more wait now!

Recently, Triveni Sarees has brought out a collection of Meghalaya Sarees, which is truly traditional and Bohemian at the same time. It’s a small collection of eight colour combinations but all of them are very graceful, subtle and vibrant at the same time. Beige with maroon, Beige with magenta, green with maroon, maroon with magenta, rust and orange, electric blue with magenta etc. – the colour palette is truly outstanding.

You can order one or more from the Meghalaya collection at triveniethnics.com and it will be delivered right at your doorsteps. And you are ready to rock.

So more on Meghalaya now, except that it is due for elections shortly and PM would be visiting it soon. Which colour it votes for, is to be seen but you can’t escape the colourful persona of Meghalaya people.

If you are in Meghalaya, you can’t skip the bright hues around you which contrast brilliantly with its natural beauty. Though it is a small state in North – East of India, which is due for elections soon, it has many things in abundance. It is the land of eternal beauty which is visible in various handicrafts its boasts of, be it food or dress. The significant crafts of Meghalaya are cane and bamboo works and weaving. The culture of Meghalaya tribes is associated with their important technique of weaving. While most other parts of the Indian subcontinent introduce Indian men as the weavers and spinners, in Meghalaya the women run the spinning and weaving culture. This industry is the most significant one for the rural counties of Meghalaya.

Endowed with incredible natural beauty, Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states in Northeast India. Meghalaya has great tourism potential, which is still untapped and unexplored. Meghalaya Tourism Department has formulated many plans and tourism policies, to attract domestic and international tourists, which would lead to the economic development and generation of ample employment opportunities in the state.

Meghalaya tourism is focused on developing infrastructure and public facilities at all tourist spots, along with the development of various areas of tourism in the state such as Nature-based tourism, Cultural tourism, Health resort tourism, and Art and Craft tourism. Meghalaya tourism is also emphasizing on adventure tourism in Meghalaya that includes trekking, caving, and water sports. Rock climbing and Hand gliding will be promoted with recognized adventure and sports associations.

Meghalaya is also known for its beautiful sarees, hand-woven silks and cotton, predominantly in black, white and red/ maroon colours which are adored by all of us.

Information courtesy: Meghalaya Tourism

 

 

 

 

Rado Brand Ambassador Hrithik Roshan opens new store at Delhi Airport

Bollywood megastar Hrithik Roshan was the guest of honour at an exciting event to open Rado’s stylish new mono-brand store at Delhi IGI Airport today.

Hrithik-Roshan-launches-the-first-ever-Rado Airport-Store-at-T3-IGI-Airport-New-Delhi

This is the first time Rado has opened a mono-brand store in an airport and the new boutique features sleek and textured materials in muted tones. With specially crafted elements, the boutique offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a modern design that reflects Rado’s characteristic design approach. It’s the perfect place for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Rado and experience the minimalist design and innovative materials of the brand’s timepieces.

Speaking at the event, Hrithik Roshan said: “I congratulate Rado on this achievement and I am excited that the brand is now available at one of my favourite airports in the world. I have been with Rado for six years now and I am elated to see how it continues to grow and expand across the Indian market. I wish Rado success in this new endeavour.”

Hrithik Roshan with Simran Chandok, Brand Manager, RADO

Rado CEO Matthias Breschan commented: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our first airport store at Delhi Airport and are honoured that Hrithik was able to join us today. This is a big achievement in further expanding the availability of our watches to Rado enthusiasts in India.”

Delhi IGI Airport is the busiest airport in India, handling 63.3 million passengers every year and is known for its world-class retail experience. The Rado store offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the airport with its calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Rado is a globally recognised brand, famous for innovative design and its use of revolutionary materials to create some of the world’s most durable watches. Ever since its beginnings in Lengnau, Switzerland, Rado has been a pioneer, with the brand philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it” still holds true today.

Taj Mahotsav in Shilpgram, AGRA!

Taj Mahotsav, one of the most eagerly awaited festivals, is celebrated from 18th  to 27^th, 2018 February every year at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of  “Taj Mahal”.

This 10 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that gives you information about India where you can find India’s rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music. Taj Mahal is the most beautiful historical place of India which tells about incredible India. Taj Mahotsav is organized by UP Tourism and it is a source to increase Indian Tourism.

Held annually in the historic city of Agra where lies the majestic Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav is perhaps one of the most spectacular and celebrated events in the Indian calendar. Organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, this festival pays due respect to the matchless cultural heritage of the state and the country as a whole. One can see this event as a concise and compact representation of the Indian cultural diversity that is coated in the fabric of a 5,000-year-old history and mythology.

It is a time when the best of India’s arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music comes to the fore in a manner that is hard to pass by. The crème-de-la-crème of Indian folk artists, musicians, dramatists and other artisans gather at the 10 days celebration and enliven the environment. A great time indeed, for the ones who have the appreciation for the classical and folk arts.

Shopping options are plenty during Taj Mahotsav as the entire event scene assumes the look of a small market where you can shop for handicrafts, antiques, woodwork, ivory work and other speciality items of India. As a natural consequence, this fiesta remains a major tourist attraction for the town of Agra.

In its 27^th year, the Taj Mahotsav – a cultural bonanza, began in 1992 and since then its grandeur has reached the greater heights. Hosted at Shilpgram, a close distance from Taj Mahal, a large number of tourists join this festivity of multiple facets. The festival starts with a procession, including bejewelled elephants and camels, drum beaters and performances by folk artists and more. About 400 artisans from different parts of the country show their craft before national and international visitors.

The festival presents beautiful hues of Indian art and culture!

http://www.tajmahotsav.org/

 

 

 

 

Head to GOA for GOA CARNIVAL 2018

The popular annual GOA Carnival will be held across the coastal state from February 10 to 13. The main float parade of the festival will be held in the State capital Panaji on February 10. So now when Goa Carnaval is around the corner, and the state of Goa is all gearing up for the much-awaited festival of the year, you can choose to be there this weekend!

My friend Angela has flown from London for the Goa Carnival, I will keep you posted with some live updates from her! A true blue and proud Goan!

Here you can enjoy the four-day festival in different cities that will keep you on your toes all through the festivity. Enjoy the parades, the dances and the Goan traditional music that will keep you energetic and enthralled throughout the show.

The Goa Carnival has over 500 years of history and dates back to the times when Goa was a Portuguese colony. This event is unique to Goa and is celebrated only here. You can enjoy amazing parades full of colourful costumes, lots of music, beautiful floats, and attractive dances. Huge street celebrations are organized all over the state. Evenings and nights are for non-stop parties. All these festivities are usually held in February or March, before Lent. This is one of the most anticipated events for local people.

The most amazing thing about Goa is that fun and festivities that begin in December with the holiday season does not stop upon arrival of the New Year but continues up to the celebration of Goa Carnival or the pre Mardi Gras revelry, a tradition that dates back to the arrival of Portuguese in Goa way back in 1510.

Based on the Christian tradition of Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Wednesday) which refers to the events of the carnival celebrations; Goa Carnival is a festival that celebrates the culture and cuisine of Goa on a grand scale every year.

Originating from the tradition of Mardi Gras, a tradition of hedonistic feasts and dancing & drinking bouts before the fasting and abstinence associated with the penitential season of lent, Goa Carnival is a 4-day razzmatazz that is observed all through the state with great gusto and zeal.

Goa Carnival features a frenzy of tourist activities. Tourists indulge in feasting, merrymaking, drinking throughout the day. The festive mood is even more aggravated by the huge parades that move the various streets of Goa. These parades are accompanied by live bands and dances. Goa forgets to sleep during the carnival as these parades continue throughout the night. Most of the streets are decorated with attractive lighting and grand balls.

The festivities during Goa Carnival include dancing troupes, revellers wearing masks and costumes usually, electrifying music which is generally performed live, sports competitions, floats & parades and hedonistic pursuits like great food and drinking.

During the Carnival, you can see lots of traditional things: Goan art, short plays, Goan culture, food, music, etc. The final day of the festivities is the most spectacular. Try not to miss the famous red-and-black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panjim. Altogether, these celebrations are about eating, drinking, and having fun. ‘Kha, piye, and majja kar’—says the legendary King of Chaos, Momo, to lead the crowd. Fire-eaters, acrobats, clowns, jesters, dancers, brass bands, and others follow him during the parade down the main street of Panaji.

Enjoy Goa Carnival