Jessica Chastain, Will Smith, Jane Campion Win At 94th Oscars 2022

March 30, 2022April 6, 2022 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Jessica Chastain, Will Smith, and Jane Campion are among those who won at the 94th annual Academy Awards 2022 held at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 27^th. The ceremony, which used to usually be held in February-end or March-beginning, was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.

For the past three years, the Oscars did not have any host. However, this year’s Oscars was hosted by comedians Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer and actress Regina Hall. Introduced by Venus and Serena Williams, Beyoncé opened the ceremony performing her nominated song “Be Alive” in a lavish production in Compton where the Williams sisters grew up.

The Apple TV+ drama, ‘CODA’ about a deaf family has won the Academy Award for best picture, the first time a streaming service has won Hollywood’s top prize, marking the first time that Hollywood’s top award has gone to a streaming service. Sian Heder’s deaf family drama found a backer in Apple TV+, which scored its first best picture Oscar less than three years after the streaming service was launched.

“Thank you to the Academy for letting our ‘CODA’ make history tonight,” producer Philippe Rousselet said when accepting the best picture honor. Fellow producer Patrick Wachsberger also thanked Oscar voters for “recognizing a movie of love and family.”

Jessica Chastain won the Academy Award for best actress for her role in “The Eyes Of Tammy Faye.” The award was presented by Anthony Hopkins, who was notably absent at last year’s ceremony to collect his best actor Oscar. Jane Campion, won the Oscar for best director for The Power of the Dog.

Chastain’s third nomination is the charm, winning best actress for playing televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” “We’re faced with discriminatory legislation, there is violence and hate crime perpetrated on civilians,” says Chastain, but adds we can find inspiration in Bakker’s mindset and her “radical acts of love.”

Will Smith won his first Academy Award for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father who raised tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in “King Richard.” He had been nominated twice before, first for “Ali” in 2001 and then for the 2006 movie “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Smith’s win came shortly after a shocking onstage incident, as he slapped presenter Chris Rock over a joke referencing the hairstyle of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

“Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father,” a tearful Smith said in his acceptance speech after the incident with Rock. “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling me to do and be in this world. Making the film, I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people. I know to do what we do, you’ve got to be able to take abuse, you’ve got to be able to take people talking crazy about you, people disrespecting you, and you got to smile and pretend that’s OK.” He also apologized to “the Academy and all my fellow nominees” for the Rock moment. “This is a beautiful moment and I’m not crying for winning an award. It’s not about winning an award for me. It’s about shining a light. … Love will make you do crazy things.”

Following the Will Smith-Chris Rock punch drama, The Academy Awards issued a statement condemning the act. The statement read, “The Academy does not condone violence of any form. Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world (sic).”

Dune, starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, led this year’s Oscar tally, picking up six of the 10 awards it was nominated for. Dune walked away with several awards at Oscars 2022 and one of them was for Best Visual Effects (VFX). Dune’s VFX is a London-based visual effects and animations company, DNEG (Double Negative), the CEO of the company is Namit Malhotra, a man of Indian origin. Dune also won the awards for best cinematography, sound, film editing and production design. Hans Zimmer won his second career Oscar for original score for Denis Villeneuve’s film.

Troy Kotsur made history as the first deaf male actor to win an Oscar. He won the best supporting honors for his role in best picture winner “CODA,” a title which stands for “child of deaf adult.” Accepting the award, Kotsur signed: “I just wanted to say this is dedicated to the deaf community, the CODA community and the disabled community. This is our moment.”

Ariana DeBose also made history with her award for best actress in a supporting role, becoming the first Afro-Latina and openly LGBTQ actor to win in the category. In her acceptance speech, she said, “To anybody who has ever questioned your identity, I promise you there is a place for us” — echoing one of the songs from her film, the musical “West Side Story.”

Disney’s “Encanto” picked up the Oscar for the best animated feature film. Hailed for its magical realism and music, the film won over a range of diverse works — including Afghan refugee documentary “Flee,” Pixar’s coming-of-age tale “Luca” set in Italy, the family comedy “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” and Disney’s own “Raya and the Last Dragon.”

Japan’s emotional epic “Drive My Car” won the Oscar for the best international feature film. Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, the film became the fifth from Japan to win the Oscar, the last being “Departures” in 2008. Other nominees included Italy’s “The Hand of God,” Denmark’s “Flee,” Bhutan’s “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” and Norway’s “The Worst Person in the World.”

The ceremony held a minute of silence for Ukraine. Among those showing gestures of support for Ukraine were Oscar-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung, nominated songwriter Diane Warren, composer Nicholas Britell and the actress Jamie Lee Curtis. They wore blue ribbons that read #WithRefugees to show support for those who have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded a month ago.

Led by Ukrainian-born actress Mila Kunis, the Oscars stood in solidarity with those under Russian attack in Ukraine. “We’d like to have a moment of silence to show our support for the people of Ukraine currently facing invasion, conflict and prejudice within their own borders,” read a card presented onscreen.

Shree Saini Crowned First Runner-Up At Miss World Pageant

March 22, 2022April 5, 2022 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion, Women 0

Shree Saini, a former Miss India USA and Miss India Worldwide, has been crowned as the first runner-up at 70^th edition of the Miss World 2021 pageant held in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Coca-Cola Music Hall, on Wednesday, March 16^th, 2022. The 26-year-old Ludhiana-born Indian American represented the United States at the beauty pageant.

Karolina Bielawska of Poland was crowned Miss World 2021, which was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Karolina is currently pursuing her Master’s in Management and hopes to get a PhD too, according to the Miss World organization.

Introducing the winners, Miss World organization tweeted: “Our newly crowned Miss World Karolina Bielawska from Poland with 1st Runner Up Shree Saini from US 2nd Runner up Olivia Yace from Côte d’Ivoire.”

Toni-Ann Singh, Miss World 2020, also graced the event by performing a special number ‘The Prayer’ to show her support for Ukraine in the midst of its conflict with Russia. “Our current Miss World Toni-Ann Singh performs ‘The Prayer’ as we light candles around the world to stand with Ukraine. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house #mwcandlesforukraine.” tweeted from Miss World’s handle.

Beautiful, compassionate, talented, ambitious, gentle, humble, determined and dedicated to achieving the lofty goals in life, she has set before herself at a very young age, Shree Saini is a woman with a golden heart.

Shree Saini is from Punjab’s Ludhiana, but moved to Washington, DC with her family when she was five. Shree grew up in Moses Lake in Washington state, has been living with a pacemaker since the age of 12. With a heartbeat rate of 20 per minute, doctors ruled her out for her first love — ballet. But, literally dancing against all odds, Saini became a trained ballerina and has been accepted as a trainee by the prestigious Joffrey Ballet, based out of Chicago.

The story of Shree is one of resilience over adversities that would daunt even the sturdiest individuals. In October 2019, Saini collapsed right before the final night of the Miss World America competition, where she eventually got to wear the crown, which she accepted from Miss World 1997 Diana Hayden.

Taking to Instagram that evening, Saini’s mother, Ekta Saini, said that doctors had kept her daughter on “cardiac arrest watch” because just 1 per cent of individuals around the world get a pacemaker implant. Undeterred by the episode, Saini went on to be crowned Miss World America 2020.

Before she left for Miss World earlier this month, Saini shared a “global message of hope and resilience” in which spoke about how she survived a “major rollover car accident that left my face with bleeding wounds” while she was still in university.

Recalling that horrific episode, Saini wrote: “I no longer had my face. I couldn’t even recognise myself. I couldn’t even cry because my tears would burn as they would pass down my wounds. It was the most excruciating pain I had ever endured.”

The Instagram post, which went viral after Saini became the first runner-up at Miss World 2021, concluded with her urging her social media followers “to keep being solution-oriented … to never lose sight of hope … to have a possibility mindset … and to apply solutions to everyday difficulties”.

Shree was crowned Miss World America 2021 in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 2^nd, 2021. Diana Hayden crowned Shree Saini, who is also the first Indian-origin contestant to represent America on a global stage. “I am happy and quite nervous. I can’t express my feelings (in words). All the credit goes to my parents, especially my mother because of whose support I am here. Thank you Miss World America for this honor,” Shree Saini said in her statement, after the crowning moment. Saini wrote on her Instagram, “I am the first American of Indian origin and first Asian to be crowned Miss World America.”

An advocate for heart health, Saini has had a permanent pacemaker since she was 12 and overcame a major car accident which left her with burns all over her face. But she rarely if ever lets any of that hold her back or define her.

Shree Saini, who has been recognized by several organizations and states and world renowned persons for her work and is aspiring to be an actor, told this writer during a recent interview “I am now “Miss World America Washington,” which is preliminary to Miss World America and Miss World! Miss World Titles have been won by Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra. It’s the largest and the most philanthropic pageant, having raised 1.3 billion dollars for charities around the world. And I want to promote the many charitable initiatives this noble organization does all around the world.”

The official Instagram handle of Miss World America shared the news with a caption that read as, “Shree, who is currently Miss World America Washington, also holds the prestigious position of “MWA National Beauty with a Purpose Ambassador,” a position she earned by working tirelessly to help those less fortunate and in need. Among her many accomplishments, her work has been recognized by UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, Susan G Komen, and many others. We are certain Shree will continue to immaculately embody Beauty With A Purpose, and no doubt will be successful in raising awareness and attention to the Miss World America mission. Stay tuned and follow the Miss World America 2021 journey!”

Shree Saini has also been crowned Miss India Worldwide 2018 at a pageant held in the Fords City of New Jersey. “My dance journey began when I was only 3 years old, but a substantial part of my dance journey was filled with both physical and emotional hardships. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with a complete heart block. I had to get a pacemaker surgery. The average age of a pacemaker recipient is age 80. Cardiologists told me I could never dance again,” Shree had noted on her social media.

Instead of giving up, Shree Saini went back to dance class with her left arm tied up in a cast and practiced up to 6 hours a day in order to regain her strength. Saini noted on media that even though “dance is a very competitive, cut-throat, high stakes sport”, she wants to “encourage teachers, students, parents to always be uplifting, emphatic, especially when it’s difficult. Real Love takes courage.”

Saini, who has studied at Harvard, has been trained in acting at the Yale actors conservatory. The Punjab native, who moved to Washington State when she was seven, experienced hardships while in high school, where she was bullied. For years, she said, she felt like an outcast at school for being a person of color. Shree has created an app on emotional heath at Stanford University. She has given hundreds of presentations in over 80 cities and six countries and written about 400 articles in newspapers on emotional fitness, via her non-profit shareesaini.org.

Shree says, “The best award is knowing that YOU made a POSITIVE difference in someone else’s life. A girl recently approached me after a talk and started crying. She mentioned that she had followed my journey for a while and felt encouraged to pursue her dreams, despite obstacles. I gave her a big HUG and started to tear up as well. WOW. Your positive words and actions do make a positive difference. Keep being EXTRA LOVING AND ENCOURAGING.

Being uprooted from one’s culture and dear ones was undoubtedly a major challenge. She had to experience hardships while in high school, where she was bullied. Young Shree fought bravely a heart ailment which required her to use a pacemaker. Shree, who had a pacemaker implanted at the age of 12 and was told that she would never be able to dance, is an inspiration for all. “I practice dance almost every day for several hours,” Shree says, pointing to the pacemaker she carries with her all the time.

After doctors diagnosed her with a congenital heart defect at the age of 12, Saini recalls how she struggled to adapt to the life-changing situation of needing a pacemaker while still in middle school, especially when other students did not treat her kindly as a result. “I truly believe your legacy is defined by how you make others feel and the positive difference you make in your lifetime,” said Shree, who started her non-profit organization, when she was 15. Shree said it was her dream to compete for a world title, which was started when she was in the elementary school.

“I have been the target of brutal emotional bullying. I was ridiculed in the most subtle ways, which is why I so often talk about ‘nonverbal’ bullying. For example, there were many instances where I was left out of events or edited out of pictures, and daily ‘whispered about’ by others. As a result of this treatment, there were many times when I would cry in my school’s restrooms or come home in tears after dance class… yet I persevered.

“My family helped me endure,” she explains. “My mom said, ‘the way people treat you has nothing to do with you, but has everything to do with them.’ She empowered me to step up and be even more compassionate towards those who hurt me, and to never give up on my true belief in always being kind.”

In order to reprogram her brain towards more positive thoughts and reach an understanding of how she could find inner peace in spite of all the negativity, she read extensively. “I read books and essays on achieving a more powerful mindset, responding to acts of hate with compassion, and the true value of emotional fitness and what can be done to address the lack of education around it. From what I have learned, I have formed my personal mantra: ‘Giving powerful responses to life’s struggles while being a positive contributor to every situation.’”

After dealing with her own personal experiences, Saini penciled her thoughts in a journal, which she said helped change her from a victim to an empowered young woman. The journals in her diary turned to newspaper clippings in local papers in Washington. “In a society mainly obsessed with physical fitness, emotional problems are dismissed,” noted the young activist. “Emotional well-being is necessary to have a healthy body and mind,” she says.

These experiences did not deter young Shree from pursuing her life’s mission. “My journey went from a silent sufferer to a bitter person and finally an enabled victor,” she says. “If anything, the physical challenges and social pressures fueled her – all the way to the Joffrey Ballet and beyond, including winning the title of Miss India USA.”

Shree gives credit to her parents, Sanjay and Ekta Saini, who have not only supported her dreams, but have gone beyond to help her succeed at every step of the way. Pointing to her mother, Ekta, Shree says, “My mother is my role model, who has been with me, supported me and have encouraged me to work hard and realize my dreams.”

Regarding her future goals and ambitions, Shree is candid about her choices. If good offers come her way, Shree is open to acting in movies, whether it be in Bollywood or Hollywood. Another effective way to showcase her talents and still more importantly, another way to champion and spread her message for a better, just and peaceful world. “Meanwhile, I want to continue working on my nonprofit and become an ambassador of emotional health by continuing to visit as many places as possible, spreading my positive message of hope,” Saini says.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im7eb8b68Ek

International Indian Icon (3iii), A Global Platform For Indian Talent Across The Globe

January 17, 2022 Asian Media USAFashion, Youth 0

The Grand Finale of 3iii (Three Eye) 2021 International Indian Icon (3iii) Season-V resulted in successful completion of 1st Phase of 5 seasons. The awards ceremony of the Grand Finale was hosted by Sharan Walia, CEO of Gee Vision Inc.

All judges and participants, including legendary music director and Grandmaster Jatin Pandit (DDLJ, KKG, KKHH, Fanah etc.), lyricist and music director Arko Mukherjee, Slumdog Millionaire Jai Ho Choreographer Longinus Fernandes and Ms. India 2013, International celebrity anchor and 3iii Fashion Ambassador Simran Ahuja were present here, along with 148 participants along with their families from all over the world approximately 24 countries.

Winners were picked after 3 days of rigorous semi-final and finale competitions (28th to 30th December 2021) 1st and 2nd runner-ups, along with judges’ choices in different categories for Juniors and Seniors were also declared here. The winners are as follows:

 Abnash Kaur from San Francisco, California USA was declared 5th INTERNATIONAL INDIAN ICON of 3iii 2021 Season-V in singing Senior category.

 Uttara Vaidya from Miami, Florida USA got the title for Dancing senior and tied with Ankur Sharma for Fashion Senior

 Hasini Namala grabbed the Fashion Junior title

 Mrunal Behere-Langote from India got the title in IGT (Whistling) Senior Shrusti Gubbi became the International Indian Icon in Junior category for singing

 For dancing, there was a tie between groups The Dynamites and Season-II winner Mirava Vekaria

 Ryana Rajesh won the title in IGT category for Instruments.

3iii Multiple episodes are planned to be aired globally on some National/International TV Channel, OTT Platform and/or Streaming Platform (TBD) globally in 2nd quarter of 2022.

Other participants who were recognized as 1st & 2nd Runner-ups, along with judges’ choices in different talent categories under Junior and Senior age categories are:

 Singing: Sunidhi Chiplunkar, Sanika Pandey, Tulip Ghosh, Mahimn Dave, Aupsara Banik, Akshitha jagadeesan, Sohana Mansur, Chirag Chaya, Pranav Shil, Sushmit Das Rahul, Prabodh Chiplunkar

 Dance: Arnav Amit, Mannat Bhagel (India), Rahul Kathak (India), Nayan Nampally, Aruna Ramamurthy, Sanika Lingayat & Ghazal Seth,

 Fashion: Vama Shah, Arnav Amit Mehta, Nayan Nampally, Kashish Joshi (India), Pranjali Sharma & Yatin Kumar (London, UK) , Elena Y Elsoukov, Lori Neena

 Instruments, Acing & IGT: Skipper Crew (IGT, India), Hasini Namala (Instruments, USA), Karthikk Voruganti (Instruments, India), Kaira Gard (Acting, India), Surjit Singh (Instruments, India), Mamta Garg (Poetry, USA), Deepak Krishan Kant (Acting, India)

During 3iii 2021 Season-V, 6951 participants from 24 courtiers of 7 continents registered for on-line audition (Video up-load), online live audition (Zoom) and on-site audition in all 7 talent categories under two age groups of junior and senior.

In India, Gee Vision Inc., with the help of India Partners Ajit Bains & Arun Thakran (Cosmic Energy), Deepak Walia (AGE Group) planned multiple auditions in multiple cities. In Delhi, 3iii audition was held on 12th Nov, Semi-final on 13th Nov and 3iii Indian Icon 2021 finale (Semi-final of 3iii 2021 Season-V) and Awards ceremony on 14th Nov 2021 in Godavari Auditorium (Andhara Association) , 24-25 Lodhi Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 10003.

Gee Vision Inc’s Vision and Mission of building 3iii is to give opportunities to Indian talent of all age groups across the globe to perform and showcase their talent at International level in all types of talent categories, including Singing, Dancing, Instruments, Acting, Fashion, Comedy & I Got Talent (Any Talent) in all three participation categories of Solo, Duet & Group without any restrictions. The aim is to keep the talent close to Indian Art & Culture and make them proud of Indian Art & Culture

3iii is a unique 5 level on-line, on-line LIVE & on-site platform with no restrictions where any talent of any age group of any culture, any gender, any region, any religion and any color can showcase his/her talent and can compete at City, State, Country level to win title of State Indian Icon (California Indian Icon, Delhi Indian Icon) and Country Indian Icon (Indian American Icon, Indian Icon) in their respective category and age group and proceeds to win prestigious title of International Indian Icon (3iii) in their respective category.

Any Indian talent can sing in any language, can perform in any dance format, can play any instrument, can showcase any Indian or non-Indian talent. Only restrictions for Non- Indian participants are to sing on one of Indian languages, perform in one of Indian Dance format, play any Indian instrument, wear Indian dresses and jewelry for Fashion or show any Indian art and culture.

After huge success of 1st four seasons of 3iii International Indian Icon with 1000s of participants from 24+ countries of 7 continents and with multiple Bollywood legendary celebrity judges like Bappi Lahiri, Jatin Pandit, Meenakshi Seshadri, and others, Gee Vision India Pvt. Ltd. launched 3iii 2021 Season-V in 7th continent Asia and hosted semi-final 3iii Indian Icon 2021 (Semi-final of 3iii 2021 Season-V) in Delhi NCR, India on Nov. 12th to 14th 2021 and Grand-finale International Indian Icon – 3iii 2021 Season-V in Chicago, USA. To give Indian talent international exposure and experience, starting from 3iii 2022 Season-VI, Gee is planning 3iii Episode Production & Grand-finale in different countries.

Sharan Walia, CEO. Gee Vision Inc. / Gee Vision Pvt. Ltd., with the help of partners, is in the process of requesting Indian Govt. to recognize 3iii International Indian Icon as Indian Art & Cultural Program and seeking support from Indian business community and Global Indian community to help 3iii in reaching each and every Indian on this earth to give opportunity to deserving Indian talent.

World-wide 3iii Season-6 audition registration on-line (Video Upload), on-line Live (through Zoom) and on-site will open on Apr 1st, 2022 on 3iii websites and 3iii Apps (iOS & Android). State level competition (Level-3, State Indian Icon) will be completed by end of July 2022 while Country level competitions (Level-4, Country Indian Icon) are planned to finish by end of Sep 2022 so that participants can get sufficient time to get visa to come to USA for 3iii S-6-episode production & Grand-finale in USA.

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu Is Crowned Miss Universe 2021

December 18, 2021December 27, 2021 Staff ReporterCinema, Fashion, Women, Youth 0

Harnaaz Sandhu of India was crowned the 70th Miss Universe 2021 on Sunday, December 12^th topping a field of some 80 contestants in a pageant that was touched by politics and the pandemic. The previously reigning Miss Universe, Andrea Meza of Mexico, crowned her successor, a Bollywood actress, in the Israeli Red Sea resort town of Eilat.

Harnaaz Sandhu, the Punjabi film actress and an alumna of Chandigarh’s Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11, won the coveted crown 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000. The 21-year old is described on the Miss Universe website as “a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, particularly their constitutional rights to education, careers, and their freedom of choice.”

In a glittery show held in Eilat overnight for a live prime time broadcast in the US, Miss India took a jaunt around the stage as directed by host Steve Harvey after he announced she had won the Miss Universe 2021 competition.

Sandhu was surrounded by 79 other pageant participants who stood in the background as gold confetti rained down and the crowd cheered while last year’s winner put a crown on her head.

Hailing from Punjab, India, Sandhu beat out Nadia Ferreira also known as Miss Paraguay who placed as runner up, and third choice winner Lalela Mswane, also known as Miss South Africa. Miss India is a model, recently having acted in two Punjabi films, studied information technology and is now working on a master’s degree.

Judges on the panel included some heavy hitters like Lori Harvey, Steve Harvey’s model-actress daughter who owns her own skincare line; Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere of France; actresses Rena Sofer, Urvashi Rautela, Marian Rivera, Adamari López; and supermodel Adriana Lima.

Contestants participated in a series of competitions including swimsuit, evening-wear and rounds of questions. The queens held their composure on stage following three weeks of 3 a.m. wake-ups, late nights and touring the country.

The final question – “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?” – was asked to each of the last three women standing. While one contestant was answering, the other two wore soundproof earphones so as not to be affected by their competitors’ answers.

Sandhu replied by saying women need to believe in themselves and speak out in order to rise above the pressures of today’s world.

Israel’s international pop sensation Noa Kirel opened the night with a full dance routine equipped with a backup crew wearing sparkly dresses. The American pop star JoJo performed various numbers throughout the night as women paraded around the stage in evening gowns behind her.

Miss India told the media after the pageant ended that her favorite part of touring Israel was getting into the water and swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Reef in Eilat.

“There are a lot [of memories] and that was one of my favorites. Israel is a beautiful country and the people are so warm, and that’s what I love about Israel,” Sandhu said.

Days before she was crowned Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu, 21, wrote on Instagram the words, “India, this one’s for you.” The days of waiting anxiously, working hard to perfect the deliveries to be made, the walk, the talk, learning to expect the unexpected, all part of this 70^th pageant, are over.

On her Instagram site, Sandhu wrote, “It’s been 74 days since the day I was chosen to represent India at Miss Universe 2021. It’s been a ride full of love, fun and immense hard work,” Sandhu. “As I set to walk out on that stage today as ‘India’, I carry with me your prayers & love. Thank you to my family for standing by me, today & always. Thank you to all my panelists & designers who have put together so beautifully this woman who now stands in front of you. Thank you everyone. It would not have been possible without you,” she added, ending with the unforgettable words, “India, this one’s for you.”

Professionally, Sandhu is an actor with two Punjabi LMS (Local Movie Showtimes) slated for release in 2022 and hopes to essay characters in LMS that break stereotypes that the world has of women, the bio says.

Growing up under the wings of a mother who is a physician, specializing in gynecology, Sandhu, appears to have been inspired by her mother’s example, as a woman “who broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynecologist and led her family.”

Sandhu grew up working with her mother at health camps addressing women’s health and menstrual hygiene, “at the same time deeply conscious of the privilege her mother’s struggles have gifted her.”

She also draws inspiration from Bollywood-Hollywood actor Priyanka Chopra, who is her favorite actor. In her spare time, Sandhu enjoys the company of friends, loves yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding, and playing chess. She loves swimming. She believes in the saying – “Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful.”

She also stated that she was looking forward to strengthening relations between Israel and India and was super excited about the challenge. She said, “I have to bring back the crown home.” The Bollywood aspirant has kept her word and made India proud. Sandhu said, “One must keep growing through life as we all learn something every day. To believe in yourself is the key to success. I represented myself as the best version of myself.”

Sandhu believes that pageants are a platform where women come forward to celebrate sisterhood and womanhood and people across the world celebrate their beauty queens and their successes with great pride. “According to me, it’s all about being true to the self and people around you will definitely look at that spark in you,” she stated.

The 21-year-old’s winning response to a question on climate change — “This is the time to take action and talk less. … Prevent and protect is better than repair and repent” — helped her clinch the coveted title.

Sandhu’s final statement at the pageant was about the pressures that young people face across societies today. She said: “The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves, to know that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things that’s happening worldwide.
“This is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life, you are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that’s why I am standing here today.”

Raghavendra Rathore, First Designer To Use NFTS For A Cause

December 18, 2021December 22, 2021 Staff ReporterFashion, Technology 0

Few people are aware that Raghavendra Rathore studied robotics and created electrical circuits with sensors that mirrored human behaviour. A decade later, he and his colleagues created one of India’s first apps, iCarbon, a smart carbon footprint calculator with links to lessen an individual’s carbon footprint by recommending tree planting. He’s always been at the crossroads of art and technology, including an art (electronic) installation in the early 1990s with recognised names like CK, Cristo, and other eminent art and creative giants to raise money for AMFAR.

Rathore turns his own art into NFTs using exclusive blockchain technology, resulting in art that is genuinely priceless and everlasting. He has also made meticulously designed paintings NFT inspired by the Raghavendra Rathore, Jodhpur, which will be available for purchase. In collaboration with FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week, this series is being released as part of a limited edition NFT on the WazirX NFT marketplace.

“Designers, globally and in India, have started to realise how NFTs can be used to engage with the greater community,” said Vishakha Singh, Co-Founder & VP, WazirX NFT marketplace. The fact that the money will be donated to a worthy cause makes this drop even more precious. Our goal with each release is to add as many use cases as feasible. For producers and collectors, India is a promising NFT market, and this relationship will benefit both parties. We’re excited to have these NFTs available on our platform.”

These NFTs are being generated for the first time ever to promote awareness for the Raghavendra Rathore Foundation (RRF), a certified non-governmental organisation. RRF will get a share of the sale earnings to assist strengthen communities through mentorship programmes, cultural experiences and scholarship possibilities. This is the first time an Indian designer has reinvented the fundraising experience by moving to a digital-first strategy.

The Gurukul School of Design students are honoured and motivated by the NFT. A series where one can acquire unique digital artworks and digital treasures such as apparel, original forms of art, unique experiences, and unique moments in time; now captured, exchanged, and treasured, to build more permanent links. “The relevance of blockchain is something we all need to be aware of, as it will become an integral part of our lives in the not-too-distant future.”

“We must create products and services that are built on this ground-breaking technology.” Raghavendra Rathore is a Bollywood actor. All collectors will receive verification of ownership and authenticity of their purchase.

Leena Nair Named CEO Of French Luxury Group Chanel

December 17, 2021 Staff ReporterFashion, Women 0

Leena Nair (52), who was named the new global CEO of French fashion house Chanel on Tuesday, said that she is humbled and honored to be appointed the global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel, which is an iconic and admired company.

In a rare move for the tightly-controlled fashion house, picking the consumer goods veteran to run one of the world’s biggest luxury groups sends a positive and inclusive message, setting the pace in an industry reeling under pressure to show a more inclusive and accepting approach.

“I am so inspired by what Chanel stands for. It is a company that believes in the freedom of creation, in cultivating human potential and in acting to have a positive impact in the world,” Nair tweeted.

The Indian born British national has been given the charge of ensuring Chanel’s “long term success as a private company”, it said in a statement, recognising Nair as a “visionary leader whose ability to champion a long-term, purpose-driven agenda is matched with a consistently strong record of business outcomes”.

Renowned for its women’s pantsuits, tweeds and famous handbags, Chanel was founded in 1910 by the legendary Gabrielle Chanel, fondly called “Coco” Chanel. What started out as a hat boutique in Paris became synonymous with French chic and Parisienne style.

From 2016 to date, Alain Wertheimer, who owns Chanel with his brother Gerard Wertheimer, temporarily took on the CEO’s job till a suitable candidate was found. The 73-year-old French billionaire will take on the role of global Executive Chairman.

Nair’s 30-year-long career at Unilever comes to an end with her as the chief of human resources and a member of the company’s executive committee. Unilever’s CEO, Alan Jope, thanked her for her “outstanding contribution”, adding that she “has been a pioneer through her career… a driving force on our (Uniliver’s) equity, diversity and inclusion agenda… she has played a critical role in building our purpose-led, future-fit organisation.” Nair will now be based out of London and will join the luxury house at the end of January. (IANS)

Tamil Superstar Kamal Haasan Launches A New Fashion Line, His Favorite Khadi

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021 Mayank Chaya At IndicaBusiness, Fashion, Profile 0

Mohandas Gandhi, the original proponent of the fabric, once said, Khadi is not fashion it is a value. Tamil movie superstar Kamal Haasan, who is also someone with an unbridled passion for all things Gandhi, would seem to disagree in nuance because he believes precisely Khadi is a value it also ought to be fashion.

As the 66-year-old actor, now in his 62nd year as an artist, prepares to launch his own Khadi-based fashion line called House of Khaddar, he thinks it is more than time for this versatile all-weather fabric to be projected around the world through his fashion line and with it carry the story of Gandhi’s values.

The artist whose name means a smiling lotus, as in Kamal for lotus and Haasan for smile, plans to launch ‘House of Khaddar’ out of Chicago soon. He is also launching a fragrance along with it.

“I was born under Khadi, literally on Khadi in the sense that my father held me in his lap for the first time and he never wore anything but Khadi till he died. He was a great Gandhi admirer,” Haasan said in an interview as part of the upcoming launch.

Saying that “the idea of khadi was always with me” Haasan said his commitment to Gandhi and his values came from his father.

Asked whether he was trying to bring about an awareness among the younger generation how intrinsic Khadi was to India’s freedom movement before 1947, Haasan said, “My intention is to say that we made history, now we will do business. That is what Britain was doing with calico, with our cotton or Egyptian cotton. Cotton has a great history of so many unjust and just things that happened. There were slaves created because of cotton. I was born to a history where freedom was created because of cotton. The civil disobedience movement also had the Khadi thread running through the weave. Gandhi is the biggest weaver I have known in my life.”

It was a measure of Haasan’s devotion to Gandhi that he even said, “All my metaphors I learned from Mr. Gandhi and my father. Our tagline is ‘Fashion is being civil yet disobedient’.” Asked who wrote that tagline, he said “I did. I am an understudy of Mr. Gandhi.” He added that he wished he had Gandhi to write all his copy because he regarded him as the greatest Indian writer.

On why global fashion labels never chose Khadi as a fabric despite its obvious versatility, Haasan said he was thankful that they did not since it left the field open for him to explore.

Gandhi first introduced the idea of Khadi in 1918 as a way to help the impoverished Indians by giving them a means to earn a livelihood. Writing about Gandhi and Khadi for mkgandhi.org, Divya Joshi says in her introduction, “But one finds a change in his emphasis from 1934, more especially from 1935, when he began on insisting on khadi for the villager’s own use, rather than merely for sale to others. His imprisonment in 1942 and 1943 gave him time to ponder further over his khadi movement, and when he came out of jail he came with a determination to give a new turn to khadi work in order to make khadi serve the needs of villagers themselves first and foremost. He poured out his soul to his fellow-workers in 1944, and urged them to effect the change.”

It is a measure of Gandhi’s steadfast commitment to the handwoven fabric that he wrote in the Navjivan newspaper on April 5, 1922, “Like swaraj, khadi is our birth-right, and it is our life-long duty to use that only. Anyone who does not fulfil that duty is totally ignorant of what swaraj is.”

In the same newspaper, he wrote on December 12, 1922, “We cannot claim to have understood the meaning of swaraj till khadi becomes as universal as currency.”

In an interview published in Navjivan on March 19, 1922, Gandhi said something even more remarkable about Khadi: “I have only one message to give and that concerns khadi. Place khadi in my hands and I shall place swaraj in yours. The uplift of the Antyajas is also covered by khadi and even Hindu- Muslim unity will live through it. It is also a great instrument of peace. This does not mean that I do not favour boycott of Councils and law-courts, but in order that people may not have a grievance against those who go to them, I desire that the people should carry on work concerning khadi even with the help of lawyers and members of legislatures. Keep the Moderates highly pleased, cultivate love and friendship for them. Once they become fearless, that very moment they will become one with us. The same holds good also for Englishmen.”

Gandhi’s emphasis on Khadi was also a part of his broader political doctrine. “Ever since the commencement of our present struggle, we have been feeling the necessity of boycotting foreign cloth. I venture to suggest that, when khaddar comes universally in use, the boycott of foreign cloth will automatically follow. Speaking for myself, charkha and khaddar have a special religious significance to me because they are a symbol of kinship between the members of both the communities and the hunger- and disease- stricken poor. It is by virtue of the fact that our movement can today be described as moral and economic as well as political,” he said in a letter he wrote from the Sabarmati jail on December 12, 1922 to a certain Abdul Bari.

Kamal Haasan’s launch of ‘House of Khaddar’ almost a century after those pronouncements may be fortuitous but given his superstardom, there are expectations that Khadi just might cross from being a coarse and lowly fabric to the level couture.

Rajinikanth, Dhanush, Kangana Ranaut, Manoj Bajpayee Honored At 67th National Film Awards

October 30, 2021November 4, 2021 Staff ReporterCinema, Entertainment, Fashion 0

Superstar Rajinikanth received a standing ovation by the audience while he was conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honor, by Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi on October 25, 2021. The veteran star was felicitated with a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize.

Actors Manoj Bajpayee and Dhanush were conferred with the Best Actor Award for their films ‘Bhonsle’ and ‘Asuran’ respectively at the 67th National Film Awards, which took place on Monday. Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut received her fourth National Film Award, as she was awarded the Best Actress Award for her performances in ‘Manikarnika: Queen of Jhansi’ and ‘Panga’.

While accepting the award, Rajinikanth took a stroll down memory lane to thank one of his old friends, who saw acting talent in him and encouraged him to try his luck in films. “I am extremely happy to receive this prestigious award. My heartfelt thanks to the central government for honouring me with the Dadasaheb Phalke award. I would like to dedicate this award to my guru K Balachander. Today, I remember him with great gratitude. I also want to thank my friend who saw this talent in me and suggested me to do acting while I was working as a bus conductor,” he recalled.

Rajinikanth also dedicated his win to all the producers, directors, members of the film industry and fans. “Thanks to everyone for their support… press, media, directors, distributors, producers and fans… my heartfelt thanks to everyone. Also, a special thanks to Tamil people… without them I am nobody,” he expressed his gratitude.

Rajinikanth attended the presentation ceremony along with his wife Latha, daughter Aishwarya, and son-in-law Dhanush. Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, to Ramoji Rao and Jijabai, Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor before embarking on his film journey about 45 years ago.

He recalled his days of struggle. “When I was the bus conductor, he identified the acting talent in me and encouraged me to join the cinema. All my producers, directors, co-artistes, technicians, distributors, exhibitors and the media, press and all my fans. Tamil people – without them I am no body. Jai Hind!”

For the special occasion, Kangana chose to wear a traditional silk saree. “All set to receive the highest honor for an artist in the country today …. National Award,” she captioned the post. Earlier, she had won Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Fashion’ and Best Actress Awards for ‘Queen’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’. After receiving the prestigious award, Kangana took to the photo-sharing application to thank her parents for being her support system.

“We all grow up with a deep desire to be worthy of our parents love, care and sacrifices…After all the troubles I give my mummy papa such days seem to make up for all those mischiefs ..Thank you for being my mummy papa I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she wrote.

Manoj, who has previously won the National Film Award twice, Best Supporting Actor in ‘Satya’, and Special Jury Award for his feature film ‘Pinjar’, was felicitated at the in-person ceremony for his performance in the Devashish Makhija directorial ‘Bhonsle’. The movie saw the ‘Family Man’ star portraying the titular character who is a retired policeman and is living a non-interfering life in a colony dominated by locals, diagnosed with stage 4 brain tumour.

Manoj, who was dressed in a black shirt and trousers for the award ceremony, spoke about receiving the award and said, “The National Award for ‘Bhonsle’ means a lot because this was a film which we wanted to make but we were not getting money from anyone to make it, it took us four years to make this film, so definitely it means the world to all of us. It’s kind of a poetic justice that has happened to ‘Bhonsle’ and I share this award with the director and the entire team.”

Dhanush received the Best Actor Award for his role in ‘Asuran’, which also won the Best Tamil Film award. It’s a period action drama film written and directed by Vetrimaaran, based on Poomani’s novel ‘Vekkai’. The film’s plot was influenced by the real-life Kilvenmani massacre that occurred in 1968. At the ceremony, Dhanush was joined by Aishwarya R Dhanush, his wife and superstar Rajinikanth’s daughter.

One of the country’s most eminent awards in entertainment, the 67th version of the National Film Awards, which were handed out to the awardees by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, was initially going to be held in May last year but had to be delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

“Chhicchore” director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Sajid Nadiadwala dedicated the Best Film Award to late Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput, who passed away in 2020. Vijay Sethupathy was awarded the Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Super Deluxe.”

The Malayalam film, “Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham” (Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea), received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. The film has been written and directed by Priyadarshan, and stars Mohanlal. The actor was also present at the awards show. “The Tashkent Files” won two awards – Best Supporting Actress, which went to Pallavi Joshi and for Best Dialogue Writer.

Shree Saini Is Crowned Miss World America 2021

October 7, 2021October 13, 2021 Ajay GhoshFashion, Profile, Women 0

Indian-American Shree Saini from Washington State was crowned Miss World America 2021 at a glittering pageant held at Miss World America headquarters in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 2^nd, 2021. Diana Hayden crowned Shree Saini, who is also the first Indian-origin contestant to represent America on a global stage.

“I am happy and quite nervous. I can’t express my feelings (in words). All the credit goes to my parents, especially my mother because of whose support I am here. Thank you Miss World America for this honor,” Shree Saini said in her statement, after the crowning moment. Saini wrote on her Instagram, “I am the first American of Indian origin and first Asian to be crowned Miss World America.” An advocate for heart health, Saini has had a permanent pacemaker since she was 12 and overcame a major car accident which left her with burns all over her face. But she rarely if ever lets any of that hold her back or define her.

Saini, who has been recognized by several organizations and states and world renowned persons for her work and is aspiring to be an actor, told this writer during a recent interview “I am now “Miss World America Washington,” which is preliminary to Miss World America and Miss World! Miss World Titles have been won by Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra. It’s the largest and the most philanthropic pageant, having raised 1.3 billion dollars for charities around the world. And I want to promote the many charitable initiatives this noble organization does all around the world.”

Beautiful, compassionate, talented, ambitious, gentle, humble, determined and dedicated to achieving the lofty goals, she has set before herself at a very young age, Shree Saini is a woman with a golden heart. Shree from the state of Washington was born in India. She immigrated to the United States as a toddler.

Mindy Kaling, Sudha Reddy Stun at Met Gala 2021

September 23, 2021 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Fashion’s biggest extravaganza, The Met Gala 2021, made a comeback with a vengeance after a skip in 2020 due to the pandemic. The theme for this year’s gala was ‘In America: A Lexicon of Fashion’, and as usual in attendance were a long list of celebrities including actors, musicians and sportspersons. Many fashion houses and celebrities chose to dazzle with the dark side of fashion as capes, leather, face masks and all kinds of drama unfolded at the event, with black ruling the red carpet with its darker vibe. Met Gala regulars like Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Sharon Stone, Emily Blunt, Irina Shayk, Gigi Hadid and the Kardashian-Jenner siblings were spotted alongside debutantes like 18-year-old British tennis star Emma Raducanu who recently won the U.S. Open, Rose Leslie from “The Game of Thrones,” gymnast Nia Dennis and Justin and Hailey Beiber who walked the Met carpet together for the first time.

Indian American producer, actress, director Mindy Kaling also walked the Met carpet, wearing a Tory Burch-designed elegant silk dress with a high-low hemline, deep V-neck and cinching leather waist belt, according to vogue.in The event, hosted by Vogue’s Dame Anna Wintour, is held annually at The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City. At this year’s event, also known as the “Costume Institute Benefit,” there was Indian representation once again. Joining the megawatt celebrities was philanthropist and business tycoon Sudha Reddy. Wife of billionaire Megha Krishna Reddy of Hyderabad, this was Sudha Reddy’s maiden outing at the glamorous soiree. As a supporter of the fine arts and widely known for her charitable disposition, her presence at the 2021 Met Gala came as no surprise.

An avid connoisseur of art and fashion, Sudha Reddy is considered amongst the well-heeled jetsetters of South India. In the past Indian celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Isha Ambani and Natasha Poonawala have graced the event. Sudha Reddy has moved from ‘check philanthropy’ to ‘hands-on philanthropy’, as the Sudha Reddy Foundation has socially and economically empowered hundreds of people in Telangana. When she’s not spearheading the Megha Group of Industries and TruJet Airlines, she’s working towards affordable healthcare and accessible education. Widely celebrated for her charitable disposition, she was the only Indian to be invited to the Global Gift Gala and nominated for The Global Gift Empowerment of Women Award. With a commitment and vision to continually pledge out of her personal wealth, she handed over grants to two charities: ‘Action Against Hunger and Fight Hunger Foundation’ and ‘Breast Cancer Research Foundation’ in Paris with Elizabeth Hurley in attendance.

Normally held on the first Monday in May, for the first time since its inception, the Met Gala included two exhibitions. The first exhibition was held Sept. 13 at the Met, timed to coincide with the close of New York Fashion Week. Held annually to support the Met’s Costume Institute in New York City, the second half of the event will take place in May 2022. Each year, the Met Gala has a specific dress code that ties into the museum’s latest fashion exhibition theme. “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” was the first exhibit’s theme and will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on Sept. 18; the second exhibit, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” in May 2022, will illustrate through style 300 years of historic narratives, both personal and political.

Keeping up with the year’s theme, Reddy donned her haute couture look by Indian designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock, who have dressed the likes of Beyonce, Madonna, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga. Inspired by the American Revolution, the metallic gold body-hugging gown with its ‘au courant’ cuts entail a shimmering 4-meter flared trail that imbibes a medley of hues borrowed from the American flag and varnished with refined 3D adornments of Swarovski crystals, sequins and bugle beads. Falguni Shane Peacock, who has dressed Sudha Reddy on multiple milestone celebrations in the past, said, “It took us numerous sessions and more than 250 hours of labor to put together this spectacular statement work of art for our dear friend Sudha. We have focused on a lot of detailing and we employed the services of our skilled atelier artisans in order to ensure the outfit does full justice to Sudha’s eclectic persona. We have created a novel edgy military-inspired look that blends well with the overall theme of the Met Gala.”

Jewelry designer and gem maestro Farah Khan designed a custom-designed statement ear piece called ‘Dreamy Decadence’ to complete Reddy’s red-carpet look.Elaborating further about her eclectic creation, Farah Ali Khan added, “Drawing inspiration from the stars in the American flags that symbolize the 50 glorious independent states of America, I designed a sensual ear cuff with diamond-encrusted stars. I wanted to highlight Sudha’s expressive eyes and the contours of her face so I created this bejeweled piece that starts from her cheek and extends to her hair, culminating as a string of scintillating bezel set diamonds. It is crafted in 18-kt gold with 35 carats of VVS diamonds.”

Zoya Afroz Crowned As The Miss India International 2021

September 1, 2021September 8, 2021 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion, Women 0

Twenty-six-year-old Zoya Afroz from Mumbai was crowned as the Miss India International 2021 during a glittering pageant, organized by Glamanand Supermodel India on August 21 at Kingdom of Dreams, Gurugram, Haryana, India. Zoya also bagged three sub-titles, namely ‘Best in Evening Gown’ and ‘Miss Glamorous Eyes’ and ‘Top Model’. Zoya Afroz, who promotes Girl child education and financial independence, and wants women to acquire basic knowledge and the right to opportunity, will now represent India at Miss International in November 2021 in Yokohama City, Japan. Zoya Afroz’s journey in showbiz started early. She started working as a child artiste in the television series Kora Kagaz in 1998 and went onto do hit films such as Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999), Mann (1999) and Kuch Naa Kaho (2003).

The 24 stunning national finalists from different parts of India who had competed at the prestigious pageant included Zoya Afroz, Archana Ravi, Aishwarya Dikshit, Naina Vijay Sharma, Tanya Sinha, Sejal Renake, Himani Gaikwad, Megha Shetty, Megha Julka, Deeksha Narang, Shivani Tak, Saachi Gurav, Asmita Chakraborty, Tanu Shree, Shweta Shinde, Hannah Tamalapakula, Susang Sherpa, Disha Shamwani, Isha Vaidya, Annu Bhati, Arushi Singh, Divija Gambhir, Shalini Rana, Anisha Sharmathe. Divija Gambhir was crowned Miss India Multinational 2021 and Tanya Sinha was crowned Miss India Globe 2021. Asmita Chakraborty and Anisha Sharma were crowned as the first and second runner-ups, at the end of the event, respectively. Divija Gambhir is a 21-year-old who started her own community which helps the stray dogs find shelter and food. She aims to become the voice of the voiceless, is a trained dancer and enjoys modelling. Tanya Sinha will represent India at Miss Globe International. She’s 23-year-old from Jharkhand and holds the advocacy of addressing the issue of untouchability especially in rural areas.

Glamanand Supermodel India is one of the three major pageants of India having one of the Big four franchise under the national pageant. Glamanand is a national preliminary to the biggest International pageants in the world, including Miss International, Miss Multinational, Miss Earth, Miss Grand International, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Globe International, Miss and other international pageants. The competition was judged by Editor-in-Chief of TMM Magazine Kartikya Arora, Businessman Yash Raj Tongia, Amit Karkhanis, Miss India International 2019 Simrithi Bathija, Miss India Multinational 2019 Tanvi Malhara, Rekha Vohra and Varun Katyal.

Zoya Afroz was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India to her parents, Shadaab Afroz and Saleha Afroz. She studied at R N Shah High School in Mumbai and earned her bachelor’s degree in commerce from Mithibai College in Vile Parle, Mumbai, India. Zoya started her career from Indian commercials, films and television series. In 1999, she starred in the films “Hum Saath Saath Hain” and “Mann.” In 2000, she starred in the TV series “Jai Mata Ki.” Along with that in 2001, she played Mukta in the Hindi film “Sant Gyaneshwar. Continually in 2003, she played Aarya in the Hindi film “Kuch Naa Kaho.” In 2004, she played Dimples in the TV series “Son Pari.”In 2005, she played the title role in the English film “From Tia With Love.” In 2012, she played Channo in the Punjabi film “Sadi Gali Aaya Karo.”

She was Femina Miss Indore in 2013 and at Femina Miss India 2013, s he was second runner-up. She was named Beauty Queen of the Year at the 2013 Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Awards. Joining the Miss International pageant has always been dream of Zoya. In fact, she has been waiting for this opportunity since 2013. Zoya took to her social media to share her crowning news as she wrote, “Proud to announce – I will be representing INDIA at the 60th Miss International. So grateful for this opportunity to live my dream. Thank you Glamanand Supermodel India.”

Miss/Mrs/Teen India Pageant In New Jersey Celebrates Indian Culture

July 22, 2021July 30, 2021 Ajay GhoshCulture, Fashion, Women 0

Vaidehi Dongre, 25, a graduate of University of Michigan with International Business as Major, currently employed as Business Development Manager with New Zealand Trade Commission, won the coveted Miss India USA 2021 Pageant on Friday, July 16th at Royal Alberts Palace, Edison, NJ. Organized by the New York based India Festival Committee (IFC) and chaired by Neelam & Dharmatma Saran, this is the longest running Indian pageant outside of India.” I am overwhelmed with the great response this year, said Dharmatma Saran, “with a record number of 61 contestants representing 30 states from across the United States.”

Dharmatma Saran, Chairman & Founder, said, “We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to imbibe Indian values, tradition, culture and performing arts among Indian origin youth across the world” with our motto “bringing India closer.” As though fulfilling his vision, the packed auditorium was filled with men, women and children of Indian origin, adorned in glittering and colorful Indian attire, while Bollywood and classical music filled the air through the entire evening that went into the early hours of the following day.

Swathy Vimalkumar, 32, a mother of 3 and a teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education, from the state of Connecticut was crowned Mrs. India USA 2001, beating over two dozen participants. Her hobbies include playing tennis, Hiking, Reading and Yoga. Swathy wants to be an inspiring teacher to her students and an avid learner everyday. Navya Paingol, 17, representing the state of Michigan, who has just graduated from High School, was crowned Miss Teen India 2021. Navya enjoys dancing (Bharatnatyam), singing (classical Carnatic), playing tennis and is a member of her school varsity team. She volunteers as a tutor and in multiple non-profit organizations. Navya wants to become a Pediatric Cardiologist and help underprivileged children.

Pursuing Master’s Degree in Kathak at Bharti Vidyapeeth, Vaidehi, trained in classical music, is the Co-Director at Taal Academy School of Kathak Dance. She is a lead team member of AWE Foundation (Achieving Women’s Equality). She wants to visit 30 countries before she turns 30! She also won the Best Talent Award for her performance during the dazzling night attended by dozens of participants, their families and friends from around the nation.

Arshi Lalani, 20 from the state of Georgia was declared the Runner UP, while Mira Kasari, 21 from North Carolina was the 2nd Runner Up. Riya Sapkal, 18, from New York and Khushi Patel, 18 from Florida, and Roma Patel, 30, from Pennsylvania were the top Six Finalists for the prestigious Miss India USA Title. For the Miss Teen USA Title, Aashna Shah, 15 from Florida was the Runner Up and Asees Kaur, 16, from Virginia was declared the 2nd RunnerUJp. Reeya Mathur 17, from Michigan and Riya Pawar, 15, New Jersey were among the five finalists.

Sonal Dua, 36 from North Carolina was the Runner Up at the Mrs USA 2021 and Sunitha Shambulingappa, 41, from Virginia was the Second Runner Up. Aparna Chakravarty, 55 and Sneha Viswalingam, 29 were among the top 5 chosen for the final Q&A Segment of the pageant. Swathy, Navya, and Vaidehi will represent USA in the Miss & Mrs. India Worldwide 2021 to be held in Mumbai on October 4th, 2021. The three won the crowns out of 61 finalists from all over USA. The annual pageant which also celebrated thirty ninth anniversary of Miss India USA had a record number of participants and was attended by hundreds of people from across the USA.

Sonal Dua, 36, from North Carolina won the Mrs Talented Title; Mrs Congeniality was Mohana Namle, 35, from Connecticut. Harshada Patil Fegade, 32 walked away with the Mrs Catwalk Title. Mrs Photogenic was Aparna Chakravarty, 55 from Florida; Mrs Popularity was Swathy Vimalkumar, 32 of Connecticut, and Mrs Chairman Professional was Sheetal Rana, 36 from New York. Amelia Mallareddy from North Carolina was declared Miss Beautiful Face, while Miss Catwalk was Mira Kasari from North Carolina. Rishika Pal of Massachusetts took the

Miss Bollywood Diva title. Miss Congeniality was Jaskiran Uppal of Washington State, while Miss Photogenic was Jasleen Gill from Ohio. Athulya Narayanan of Connecticut was declared Miss Beautiful Eyes and the one with Miss Beautiful Hair was Rishika Pal of Massachusetts. Miss Beautiful Skin title went to Mira Kasari of Michigan. Chairman Professional title was given to Sindhura Mutyala from Texas. Miss Beautiful Smile award went to Chaiya Shah from Michigan and Miss Popularity was Khushi Patel from Florida.

Teen Talented title went to Aashna Shah from Florida; Teen Congeniality award was given to Poorva Mishra and Teen photogenic was Sarina Saran from Virginia. The pageant started with a stunning performance by all the contestants led by the outgoing queens Aaishwarya Gulani, Shruthi Bekal and Sidhya Ganesh, and choreographed by Shilpa Jhurani. All contestants presented their best in the Indian and the Evening Gown segments after which the top five were selected. The top five contestants mesmerized the audience with their talents which included Bollywood dances, Indian classical and folk dances, art, singing and speech.

Diana Hayden, a popular Indian actress from Bollywood and Miss World 1997 was the Chief Guest. Shruthi Bekal, Mrs India USA 2019 and Tarna Kaur, Mrs India Worldwide 2019 elegantly emceed the pageant. Kim Kunari, former Miss India USA 2019 and Easha Kode, the first ever Miss Teen India USA were emcees for the pre-pageant event on July 15^th. Nishi Bahl was the choreographer assisted by Shilpa Jhurani. This year’s pageant was presented by Yash Pandya and supported by TV Asia and Royal Albert’s Palace. Yash Pandya, Albert Jassani and H R Shah sashed the winners at the pageant.

The spectacular Miss India Pageants organized by India Festival Committee (IFC), started in a basement in New York in 1980 with the first ever Miss India New York and Miss India USA, has evolved and expanded, now incorporating and having membership from over 40 countries, that promote Indian heritage and providing a platform for people of Indian origin to unite and showcase their talents, skills and beauty. The pageants aim to honor achievement, to celebrate our culture in many ways, among them, the ability to meet people, make friends, to respect and be respected, to continually strive to improve standards, and to live a life as close to the laws of nature.

The IFC selects distinguished local organizations in various parts of the world and authorizes them to conduct national pageants in their respective countries. The India Festival Committee, started in 1974 in a most humble way, has come a long way. Saran and the pageant are “very proud of the fact that we have been able to provide a common platform for the international Indian community through pageantry. We are equally proud of the fact that we have been able to imbibe Indian values, traditions and culture among the youth of Indian origin around the world. We have also been successful in promoting Indian performing arts in the world.”

Vikrant Massey Lays Ethnic Fashion Goals For Men In ₹14k Bandi,Cream Kurta Set

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Men take fashion cues as Haseen Dilruba star Vikrant Massey flaunts his effortlessly dapper style at Jio Mami Film Festival Panel in an elegant off-white kurta and trousers teamed with blue floral prints bandi from Anita Dongre and Christian Louboutin footwear

Men looking for a break from the regular daily outfits and in a quest of out of the box and yet sophisticated style need to search no further as Haseen Dilruba star Vikrant Massey is here to sort your fashion woes. While a regular men’s kurta with a traditional print is in vogue this season, Vikrant laid fashion goals as he flaunted his effortlessly dapper style at Jio Mami Film Festival Panel in an elegant off-white kurta and a pair of cream trousers teamed with a floral print bandi.

The pictures surfacing from the event are enough to raise the bar of ethnic style goals for men this summer. Putting the fashion police on immediate alert while fans took cues to slay at the next traditional outing, the pictures feature Vikrant donning a plain cream-coloured silk kurta which he wore with sleeves rolled up and paired with similar coloured trousers.

To frame the style around traditions with a contemporary accent, Vikrant layered the simple look with an elegant bandi that sported blue floral prints and booti detailing all over. The bandi came with a breast pocket and two at the bottom while sealing a sophisticated aesthetic. Accessorising his look with a pair of reading glasses, Vikrant completed his attire with a pair of blue footwear from Christian Louboutin. Striking a chic pose in the backdrop of an exotic seaside location lined with palm trees, Vikrant showed how to look classy and stylish while embracing the cultural side.

Fashion Superstar Masaba Talks About Her Show On Netflix In “Chai With Manju”

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 Staff ReporterFashion, Women 0

Masaba, probably the biggest and the youngest fashion icon in India today, in conversation with Dr. Manju Sheth, speaks about her Netflix series, Masaba Masaba and her plans for the year 2021 and beyond.

In “Chai With Manju,” Masaba Gupta, currently the most well-known name in Indian fashion industry, talks about her love for acting and the super success of Netflix series named after her called Masaba Masaba and how much she loved acting. She describes acting as Meditation for her and how much she is looking forward to shooting for Netflix again. A true entrepreneur who describes “fashion as the bridge between art and commerce,” Masaba has seen amazing success with online sales of her fashion products as well.

Her advice to those looking for a career in Fashion industry is very timely. She also talks about her fashion icons and styles that she loves including that of our VP Kamala Harris and how much she would love to dress Madonna. Masaba’s bold and beautiful designs which combine traditions with needs of modern women have made her the game changer of the industry. She is the daughter of National award winning actress Neena Gupta and West Indian cricketer, Legendary Vivian Richards.“It was great to have a candid conversation with her. She is so down to earth and fun .She shared her journey of self love and appreciation after a very tough childhood as a biracial child in stereotypical India, adds Dr. Manju.

At age 19, Masaba presented her first collection at Lakme, called “Katran.” At 20, she started her own brand, House of Masaba Fashions, one of India’s biggest fashion brands. More recently, her Netflix series, Masaba Masaba, has made her a superstar. Dr. Sheth says, “Interviewing Masaba was a true delight . She is young , very focused and a true entrepreneur. I loved the fact that her journey is also focused on self love and being the best version of herself. One of the most enjoyable interviews with a true woman of substance. I am also excited that she is looking forward to working in USA, hopefully soon.”

A physician by profession, having a passion for media and commitment to serve the larger humanity, with special focus on women’s empowerment, Dr. Manju Sheth is a Board Certified Internist, currently serving patients at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital.in the Boston Region in Massachusetts. Dr. Sheth is the co-founder and CEO of INE MultiMedia, a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and supporting charitable organizations, art, culture, education and empowerment through workshops, seminars and multimedia. Dr. Sheth is known to be a natural storyteller her popular “Chai with Manju” celebrity series is one of the most read news features in the New England region, where she featured celebrities and spiritual leaders such as Sadhguru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kennedys and the like.

Masaba believes that grit and perseverance are the key to success. She places a lot of focus on personal relationships and nurturing those who are close to her.

Priyanka Chopra Signs Deal With Victoria’s Secret In Its Major Rebranding Bid

June 24, 2021 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

American lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret has signed a new roster of female brand representatives that includes Indian actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, to replace its supermodels (or Angels as they were called), and focus on women empowerment, giving a platform to female athletes, activists and entrepreneurs. Victoria’s Secret announced on June 18^th of the creation of two new partnerships, designed to positively impact the lives of women. The brand’s previous campaigns had come under scrutiny for their embodiment of male fantasy over an accurate representation of what women seek in undergarments.

The new partnerships are ‘The VS Collective’ and ‘The Victoria’s Secret Global Fund for Women’s Cancers.’ Chopra, being one of the founding members of both the partnerships, will be leading this drive to positive change. She and six other new brand ambassadors called the ‘VS Collective’ will model for Victoria’s Secret products, advise the brand and promote it on social media. Announcing her collaboration with the brand, Chopra posted on her Instagram handle, “Representation matters. It’s crucial for us to show EVERYONE all over the world that they matter and are seen! As a founding partner of #TheVSCollective and advisor to the business, this is exactly what I intend to do.”

She added, “It’s been so incredible to see your reactions to yesterday’s announcement. It’s fueled me further and I am excited to bring about meaningful change at one of the world’s most iconic brands. I’m so proud to be in the company of the Collective of incredible women that will helm this change.” “Ps: thank you to my dream team for always thinking big with me. For going on the wild rides I want to embark upon. And for fighting the big fights! Love u and am especially proud of u on this one!” Chopra concluded the post.

Besides Chopra, the roster comprises American soccer star Megan Rapinoe; Brazilian transgender model Valentina Sampaio; 17-year-old Chinese American freestyle skier; soon-to-be Olympian Eileen Gu, 29-year-old biracial model; inclusivity advocate Paloma Elsesser; photographer and Los Angeles-based media personality Amanda de Cadenet; South Sudanese-Australian model AdutAkech. “At Victoria’s Secret, we are on an incredible journey to become the world’s biggest and best advocate for women. This is a dramatic shift for our brand, and it’s a shift that we embrace from our core. These new initiatives are just the beginning. We are energized and humbled by the work ahead of us,” said Martin Waters, chief executive officer of Victoria’s Secret.

Among the first initiatives, the founding members of ‘The VS Collective’ will share their stories in a 10-episode recurring podcast hosted by award-winning broadcaster, Amanda de Cadenet. Each episode will showcase the remarkable experiences and perspectives of a member of the Collective, as well as reveal further details of their partnership with the brand. Furthering on their mission, ‘The VS Global Fund for Women’s Cancers’ with longstanding partner, Pelotonia, will fund innovative research projects aimed at progressing treatments and cures for women’s cancers and investing in the next generation of women scientists who represent the diverse population they serve.

Through the partnership, Victoria’s Secret will grant and award at least five million dollars annually to examine and address racial and gender inequities and unlock new innovations that improve cancer outcomes for all women. Annual grants will be awarded to individual scientists or research “dream teams” who are collaborating across institutions. Victoria’s Secret, which introduced raunchy lingerie to the masses in the ‘70s, has been overshadowed in recent years by brands that have openly embraced both ethnic and bodily diversity. After ages, the brand has now decided to drop Angels in a step towards women empowerment.

Women Rule Grammys As Beyoncé, Swift Make History

March 17, 2021March 26, 2021 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Female performers including Beyoncé and Taylor Swift had a record-making night at the 2021 Grammy Awards, a jam-packed but socially distanced show highlighted by live music sorely absent during the pandemic era.

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish made history at the Grammy Awards on March 14th. Female performers including Beyoncé and Taylor Swift had a record-making night at the 2021 Grammy Awards, a jam-packed but socially distanced show highlighted by live music sorely absent during the pandemic era.

Four women won the top four prizes Sunday, including Swift, who became the first female performer to win album of the year three times. Beyoncé — with her 28th win — became the most decorated woman in Grammy history.

H.E.R. won song of the year and Billie Eilish picked up her second consecutive record of the year honor, telling the audience that best new artist winner Megan Thee Stallion deserved the award. Though women have won all top four awards in the past – including Eilish’s sweep last year – it marked the first time four separate and solo women won the top four honors.

“I feel like there’s been a lot of female empowerment and lots of women winning awards tonight. And so it’s been absolutely amazing to just be alongside all that, to feel that energy,” Dua Lipa, who won best pop vocal album, said backstage.

Swift won the top prize with “folklore,” the folky, alternative album she released as a surprise last year. She previously won album of the year with “Fearless” and “1989.”

Beyoncé walked into the show with 24 wins and picked up four honors, including best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” best music video for “Brown Skin Girl” as well as best rap performance and best rap song for “Savage,” with Megan Thee Stallion.

“As an artist I believe it’s my job, and all of our jobs, to reflect time and it’s been such a difficult time,” Beyoncé said onstage as she won best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” which was released on Juneteenth.

She went on to say she created the song to honor the “beautiful Black kings and queens” in the world. She added: “I have been working my whole life … This is such a magical night.”

Beyoncé now ties producer and multi-instrumentalist Quincy Jones for second place among all Grammy winners. She is only behind the late conductor Georg Solti, who is the most decorated Grammy winner with 31 wins.

But Beyoncé didn’t only make history, her whole family did. The royal family of music all won honors Sunday: Jay-Z picked up his 23rd Grammy, sharing the best rap song win with his wife since he co-wrote “Savage.” And 9-year-old Blue Ivy Carter — who won best music video alongside her mother — became the second youngest act to win a Grammy in the show’s 63-year history. Leah Peasall was 8 when The Peasall Sisters won album of the year at the 2002 show for their appearance on the T Bone Burnett-produced “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack.

Megan Thee Stallion, who won three honors, also made history and became the first female rapper to win best rap song. She’s also the fifth rap-based act to win best new artist. Beyoncé was the night’s top contender with nine nominations. She didn’t perform but Swift did.

She sang “cardigan” and “august” from “folklore,” as well as “willow” from “evermore,” and was joined by the collaborators who helped her make the albums, Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, who both won album of the year with Swift.

The Grammys featured pre-taped performances that helped the nearly four-hour show run seamlessly — a not-so-easy feat during a global pandemic. Host Trevor Noah told jokes about the pandemic and the year that was 2020, appearing live from downtown Los Angeles with attendees wearing masks and sitting, socially distanced, at small round tables.

Silk Sonic, aka Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak, also performed, bringing a throwback R&B vibe to the show with their smooth new single, “Leave the Door Open.” Lipa proved her pop star status with a performance of her hits “Don’t Start Now” and “Levitating,” where she was joined by DaBaby, who was an all-star during his own performance of his guitar-tinged rap hit “Rockstar,” flipping the song for an exceptional live rendition featuring R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, a skilled violinist and background singers.

Country singer Mickey Guyton – the first Black woman nominated for best country solo performance – gave a top notch performance of her song “Black Like Me,” which she released last year as police brutality continued to devastate Black families and the coronavirus ravished Black America disproportionately. Lil Baby, joined by Killer Mike and activist Tamika Mallory, gave a political performance that impressed.

“Black Parade” joined a list of songs honoring the Black experience that won Sunday, including H.E.R.’s protest anthem “I Can’t Breathe” and Anderson Paak’s “Lockdown,” which was released on Juneteenth like “Black Parade.”

Other performers Sunday included Eilish, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris and Harry Styles, who won best pop solo performance for the hit “Watermelon Sugar.”

“To everyone who made this record with me, thank you so much,” said Styles, the first member of One Direction to win a Grammy.

Double winners included H.E.R., Fiona Apple, Kaytranada and late performers John Prine and Chick Corea. Beyoncé’s four awards Sunday brought her up to 28 Grammys in her career, more than any other female artist. Her celebration of Black history, “Black Parade,” released last Juneteenth, won best R&B performance and she shared two awards for collaborating with Megan Thee Stallion on “Savage.”

She ties Quincy Jones for second most Grammys ever and has the leader — the late conductor George Solti, who won 31 — in her sights.

Further crowding the family trophy case is husband Jay-Z, whose songwriting on “Savage” earned him his 23rd Grammy on Sunday, and even their 9-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, who won best music video together with mom. “This is such a magical night,” Beyoncé said.

Swift, who also found time during the pandemic to make another album and re-record one of her old ones, became the first woman to win the album of the year Grammy for the third time. Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Frank Sinatra have also done it. She won in 2009 for “Fearless” and 2015 for “1989.”

After her sweep last year, Eilish became only the third artist to win back-to-back record of the year Grammys. Roberta Flack won in 1973 for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” while U2 won in 2001 and 2002 for “Beautiful Day” and “Walk On.”

Then, when Eilish and her collaborator-brother Finneas accepted the award, she almost gave it away. She brought Megan Thee Stallion to tears by saying the rapper deserved the Grammy for “Savage.”

Madhuri Dixit On Secret To Memorable Dances In Bollywood Career

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion, Women 0

It may have been a while since Bollywood’s timeless beauty Madhuri Dixit Nene graced the silver screen and flashed her ‘butterflies in stomach’ inducing smile. However the Dedh Ishqiya is always sharing stunning pictures of herself, dressed to perfection and oozing grace and blessing our social media feeds with her stunning looks.

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit Nene says performances like Choli ke piche kya hai, Chane ke khet mein, Ke sera sera, Ek do teen and Tamma tamma put her to test. “There are a lot of songs which were difficult for me. But the ones which really put me to test were performances like Choli ke piche kya hai, Chane ke khet mein, Ke sera sera, Ek do teen and Tamma tamma,” Madhuri, who is currently seen as judge in “Dance Deewane 3”, said.

“While these were some of the most difficult songs that I danced on, they are also the most memorable ones,” she added. Madhuri feels choreography in films has become more challenging. “Choreography in movies is definitely more challenging today. These days, dance involves a lot of leaps and there are several new techniques for lifts as well. The choreography these days has a lot of physical movements compared to before,” she said.

The actress pointed out that there were no stunts in dance before, but now if one wants to become an all-round dancer, one should be skilled in stunts, too. “It is definitely more challenging. The young kids who are six and seven also dance well at such a small age. I wonder what magic they will do later!” she said. (IANS)

Last week, the ever green star treated fans to stunning all smiles pictures. The Devdas actor hopped on to Instagram and shared some beautiful pictures posing in traditional attire. The pictures featured in the post see Madhuri sporting a royal blue georgette saree with accentuated scalloped gold floral designs towards the border as well as a very heavily embroidered half-sleeved blouse. With her luscious locks open, the actor looked stunning with a subtle bronze, smokey eye and deep red lips. She accessorized her glamorous avatar with heavy diamond and stone studded earrings, as well as kadas and rings. The Hum Aapke Hain Koun star’s million-dollar smile seemed enough to make the fan’s heart skip a beat.

The Dil Toh Pagal Hai star captioned the post, “Blue hue,” and added a blue heart. Celebrity followers including Lara Dutta Bhupathi and more than 4.7 million fans liked the post with scores of them leaving adorable comments. Nora Fatehi left heart eyes and smiley face emoticon while others left heart and fire emoticons over the post. Madhuri’s stunning blue saree with the embroidered blouse is the Royal Blue tiered ruffle sari set with beige gold linear embroidery by ace couturier Arpita Mehta priced at ₹98,000 on the designer’s website, while her stunning jewellery is from Falguni Mehta’s Jadau Jewellery

Miss Transqueen India 2020 Crowned

December 31, 2020January 8, 2021 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion, Women 0

India has a new Miss Transqueen — and she’s headed for the world stage, determined to speak out for the country’s marginalized transgender community, reports here stated. Fashion designer Shaine Soni was crowned Miss Transqueen India, the country’s beauty pageant for transgender women, last week. She will represent India at next year’s Miss International Queen, the world’s biggest pageant for transgender women.
Miss Transqueen India was first established in 2017, and involves all the trappings of a traditional beauty pageant — photoshoots, talent rounds, elaborate costumes, judges and hundreds of audience members.
This year, organizers were unable to hold the competition due to the pandemic, which prompted a national lockdown from late March to May. But Reena Rai, chairwoman and founder of Miss Transqueen India, wasn’t ready to give up; she was determined to send a contestant to represent India in the 2021 international pageant.
“My pageant isn’t just about beauty, it is about empowerment and inclusion,” Rai told CNN in a phone interview. “If I am going to send someone without holding a competition, then I have to make sure that they are a very strong candidate, the best of the best, someone who knows the value of (becoming Miss) Transqueen India.”
Soni seemed like the obvious choice; as a fashion designer and stylist whose work is known on the pageant circuit, she has previously helped coach contestants and pick their outfits. For years, she stayed relatively quiet about her own transgender identity while struggling for acceptance from her family and friends — but Rai encouraged her to step forward for the title.
“She has always been a very strong backbone for Transqueen India,” said Rai. “I told her that because you’ve been with us and how important it is, and because you have been struggling with publicly coming out, this might be the best platform to do so because it is something that a lot of people will draw strength and inspiration from.”
While Soni was born biologically male, she identified as a girl from a young age — and was confused and dismayed when people around her began insisting she was a boy, and told her to act and behave like one.
As she grew up, she faced increasing pressure from relatives and friends who would discourage her from growing her hair long, wearing “girly” clothes, or having “effeminate” mannerisms, she said over the phone. “With so much pressure and bullying around me, I desperately felt I was different and that there was a problem in me.”
She found some relief when, as a teenager, she began researching and stumbled upon information about gender identity and gender confirmation surgery. She ended up leaving home at 17, pursuing an education in fashion, and transitioning with hormonal therapy a few years later — a process that she described as “difficult.”
“A lot of my friends gave up on me, they could not understand,” she said. “But I was very determined, so I went ahead and did everything on my own.” Shaine Soni will represent India next year at Miss International Queen. Credit: Courtesy Shaine Soni

Indian- American Nitya Kodali Crowned Miss Teen Telugu Universe

November 12, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion, Women, Youth 0

American-born teenager, Nitya Kodali has been crowned the world’s first Miss Teen Telugu Universe representing the USA. Out of 700 semi-finalists, 22 finalists were selected to compete in the grand finals of the Telugu Universe pageant. Contestants from over 40 countries including India, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand competed for the coveted title.

“To win one of the most prestigious titles in my first ever pageant is a huge honor and I am still in disbelief. The pageant has changed my life forever, and for that, I am always grateful. This victory is not just mine, but the amazing people in my life that have taught me everything I know today. This crown is dedicated to you all.” Kodali wrote on her Instagram page.

Nitya is a high school sophomore and valedictorian of her class. She is working towards a career in medicine and is the founder of the global nonprofit, Letters & Love. Nitya is also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and on Houston’s Bollywood dance team.

The Telugu Universe pageant consisted of multiple rounds including introduction, ramp walk, talent, and question-and-answer. The global event had over 18,000 participants where Nitya was crowned by Miss Earth India, Tejaswini Manogna.

In the same category 1st runner up award was captured by Sathvika Movva and 2nd runner up award bagged by Sushmita Kolloju.

Evelyn Sharma is India’s face of a new fashion system

November 12, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion, Profiles, Women 0

The first week of October witnessed the world’s most concerned fashion (CFS) industry experts gather at the Paris Fashion Week’s Circular Fashion Summit. Organised by lablaco in association with Microsoft’s AltspaceVR, Unity Technologies, Oculus, and Unilever to pioneer the redesign of events for the first ever virtual reality summit in fashion, Station F in Paris and attended by companies such as Hermes, Chanel and Balenciaga.

Evelyn Sharma, actor and ambassador to ‘reusable, up-cycled’ fashion’ represented India at this one of a kind Circular Fashion Summit that reconstructed the Grand Palais in Paris, famous for hosting spectacular fashion shows, in virtual reality. Fashion week leaders from Shanghai, Paris, London, Milan and New York united for the first time in virtual reality at the Circular Fashion Summit.

It featured names such as Burak Cakmak, Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design, Shaway Yeh, founder of yehyehyeh and former Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast, Pascal Morand, Executive President of Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council and Carlo Capasa, President and CEO of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana

Speaking post the event, Evelyn Sharma shared “ it was an exciting opportunity to learn more about collective action on issues of innovation, digitization, greater sustainability and social diversity in the fashion industry.”

“As the fashion industry readjusts its rules to a new world order to survive, Circular Fashion Summit comes at a timely moment to give the platform to key stakeholders for their insights into what is next. What better way to do this than have the conversation in a parallel universe in virtual reality where social distancing rules don’t apply,” added Burak Cakmak, Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design.

The goal of the CFS was to initiate measurable action to sustain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, to reduce social inequality, advance innovation in the fashion industry, and promote responsible consumption.

“Now more than ever have we felt the readiness of the market and the opportunity to truly accelerate the digitization and transition of the fashion industry towards a global circular economy powered by collective action and technology.” — Lorenzo and Yun, Co-Founders of lablaco and CFS.

Evelyn Sharma is an actor who runs Seams for Dreams in India. Seams For Dreams is founded on the philosophy that every piece of fabric can and should be reused instead of being discarded into landfills. Seams for Dreams aims to give clothes a second life and new purpose through reusing, recycling, and upcycling.

https://www.seamsfordreams.com/

7 Indian-Americans To Compete For Miss World America 2020 Title

September 22, 2020 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion, Women 0

A record seven Indian Americans are set to compete for the Miss America World 2020 Contest, according to a report released by The Miss World America pageant, announcing the 30 contestants for its 2020 national competition. Shree Saini of Washington, Serene Singh of Colorado, Amulya Chava of Kansas, Radhika Shah of Nevada, Manju Bangalore of Oregon, Manya Saaraswat of Pennsylvania; and Mangala Chava of West Virginia are the Indian American contestants who will be competing for the Miss World America 2020 crown. Afroza Nishi of Rhode Island is the Bangladeshi-American contestant. Shree Saini from Washington state, who has a heart condition, is a global motivational speaker and has addressed audiences in more than 8 countries and 30 states in the United States. Shree Saini has been a visiting student at Harvard, Stanford and Yale Universities, her bio states. She has earned the “Best Pageant Titleholder” award and recognitions from the Secretary of State, Senate, Governor and the American Heart Association CEO. Singh from Colorado is the founder of a nonprofit, ‘The Serenity Project Brave Enough to Fly’ that aims to give confidence tools to at-risk women, according to the Miss World America website, which provides brief bios of the contestants, A graduate of University of Washington, Singh has also worked for former First Lady Michele Obama and the Girls Opportunity Alliance to improve girls’ education in South Asia. She plans to one day serve on the United States Supreme Court, the bio says. Amulya Chava from Kansas wants to be a civil rights attorney and is currently majoring in political science. She is the founding president of her local Wounded Warrior Project chapter. She recently released her first book entitled ‘Soar’.

Shah from Nevada founded Real Autism Difference (RAD), a nonprofit to provide respite services for those with autism in the Southern Nevada community and beyond. In just two years, she raised more than $100,000 for RAD’s programs. In December of 2018, she was appointed by then Governor Brian Sandoval to serve as the youngest Youth Commissioner for the state of Nevada. Shah will be attending Stanford University this fall as a Public Policy major before pursuing a medical degree, the bio says. Bangalore is a physicist, actor, and the founder of Operation Period, a youth-led nonprofit addressing menstrual inequity through art, advocacy, education, community engagement, and aid.

Bangalore has worked at two NASA centers, Marshall Space Flight Center and Johnson Space Center, as well as in the White House on science policy in the Obama administration. Bangalore is now pursuing her M.S. in aerospace engineering with a concentration on propulsion systems. Saaraswat from Pennsylvania is pursuing a Master of Science in Health Policy and Economics at Weill Cornell Medicine before she enters medical school and wants to focus on global pediatric health.

Saaraswat has done a stem cell internship at Harvard university, has 4 publications in medical journals, and experienced what she says was a ‘life-changing’ trip to volunteer and intern at a local hospital in India.Mangala Chava is from West Virginia and wants to become a physician. She is a recent graduate of Biology from University of California, San Diego and has been involved with Alzheimer’s San Diego during her time in college and currently volunteers for Alzheimer’s Orange County.

The contestants will participate in real-time preliminary competitions, receive camera time in front of a live audience and judges; they will also interact with viewers, and rehearse and collaborate with each other, according to the contest website. Each contestant will be able to plug in to Miss World America events through her smart phone or laptop. Viewers will have access to series of online virtual events, during the month of October.Preliminary competitions will include Beauty with a Purpose; Influencer Challenge; Talent Showcase; Head To Head Challenge; Entrepreneur Challenge; Top Model Challenge; and People’s Choice. The new Miss World America and Miss Teen World America queens will be invited to an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles for an official crowning ceremony, photo shoot, appearances, media interviews and other activities, all of which will be included in the Miss World America 2020 Final webcast, according to a news release. The 2020 national competition will be held in the form of a series of virtual web casts. Tickets to the event can be accessed at https://missworldamerica.com/ for $15 for the All-Access pass and $45 VIP Access pass.

Luminous Paintings And Drawings Inspired By The Night Sky

September 22, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion 0

During the lockdown, Ando immersed herself in an investigation of indigo, which she has used to create a series of moon drawings based on her observations of the night sky. She produced one every day of the closure as a way to chronicle the experience. The drawings inspired a new body of work that explores the moon in different phases and atmospheric conditions, which Ando says she articulates using the vocabulary of minute changes in nature as an examination into an alternate recording of time. Although indigo is a material Ando is deeply familiar with, this is her first body of work highlighting it.

The exhibition also features several of Ando’s kumo (cloud) paintings, one of which was recently acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Additionally, there will be work from her new Oborozuki series on view, which investigates the concept of liminal space.

Miya Ando has a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and attended Yale University to study Buddhist iconography and imagery. She apprenticed with the master metalsmith Hattori Studio in Japan, followed by a residency at Northern California’s Public Art Academy.

Ando’s work has been shown worldwide, including at the Asia Society Texas Center, Houston; Socrates Sculpture Park, New York; Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum, Washington D.C.; Noguchi Museum, New York; Detroit Institute of Arts; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Arkansas; Bronx Museum of the Arts, New York; Queens Museum, New York; Rubin Museum of Art, New York; Spartanburg Art Museum, North Carolina; Grand Rapids Public Museum, Michigan; Museum of Art and History, Lancaster, California; Hammond Museum, North Salem, New York; Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art, Georgia; Pensacola Museum of Art, Florida; and the de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University, California, in a show curated by Nat Trotman of the Guggenheim Museum.

Anita Dongre Hosts First-Ever Virtual Trunk Show over Independence Day Weekend

July 9, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Pivoting during the pandemic, House of Anita Dongre, best known for its supreme craftsmanship of Indian textiles through designs created by female village artisans with sustainable practices, is presenting its first-ever U.S. virtual trunk show to be held during July 4th weekend. She brings her latest collection of bridal couture, menswear, women’s ready-to-wear and silver jewelry through a unique selling platform that combines online sales with virtual stylist appointments for customers all over America.

“We are in a unique position during this pandemic, as we are the only Indian couture designer with a permanent presence in the U.S. market through our storefront,” says Yash Dongre, Business Head of House of Anita Dongre Limited. “Given that designers from India are unable to travel currently and shipments of merchandise are also delayed, we encourage brides and grooms who are proceeding with their weddings (whether virtually or more intimately) to make appointments with our bridal experts in New York via Skype or Zoom to find the perfect wedding outfits for their important day.”

Dongre is the first and only Indian designer to have a brand flagship in the United States. The Anita Dongre store in New York City occupies three floors of a 1900s brownstone building at the prime address of 473 West Broadway in Soho.

The prominent Indian designer has dressed every major fashion icon from Beyonce to Kate Middleton to Hillary Clinton to Priyanka Chopra. Dongre is often referred to in fashion circles as the “queen of prêt” and largely draws inspiration from the embellishment styles and needlework made famous by the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.

From an early age, she knew she wanted to helm her own fashion house. Having spent her summer holidays growing up in Jaipur and later armed with a degree in Fashion Design, Anita’s style showed an affinity for indigenous craft tradition, coupled with a modern aesthetic that soon made her one of the India’s leading fashion houses. The Anita Dongre Foundation has given countless rural women an equal voice by providing them with livelihood opportunities and skills training. An ethical vegan, environmentalist and revivalist of local craft, Anita advocates compassionate living, which is why her designs doe not use any fur or leather. Dongre believes fashion plays a defining role in enhancing a person’s confidence and sense of self. She seeks to create luxurious designs that leave unforgettable impressions on the world and are yet versatile enough to transcend people, places and occasions.

HUL’s decision to axe ‘fair’ from ‘Fair and Lovely’ lauded

June 30, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion 0

In the wake of all the anti-racist movements taking place across the globe, especially after US-based George Floyds tragic death, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) recently announced the rebranding of its flagship brand Fair & Lovely.

The decision has found support across segments and groups in the country. While netizens welcomed the move by the company to rebrand the cream, celebrities too took to social media to laud the move.
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut took to Twitter to express her support for the decision. On her behalf, her team wrote, “It has been a long and sometimes a very lonely battle but results only happen when the whole nation participates in the movement”.
Shah Rukh Khans daughter Suhana hailed this decision. Shah Rukh Khan’s Daughter Suhana Supports HUL’s Decision To Axe ‘Fair’ From Fair & Lovely

The star kid took to her Instagram story and wrote, “Hindustan Unilever announced that it would rebrand its skin-lightening cream ‘Fair and Lovely’ and drop the word ‘Fair’ from the product’. It has also committed that it will remove all suggestions that success is linked to skin tone or colour in its communication.” She further added: “It has also committed that it will remove all suggestions that success is linked to skin tone or colour in its communication.”

In a statement, HUL said over the last decade, Fair & Lovely’s advertising has evolved to communicate a message of women’s empowerment. The brand’s vision is to adopt a holistic approach to beauty that cares for people, that must be inclusive and diverse – for everyone, everywhere.

In early 2019, the brand’s communication moved away from the benefits of fairness, whitening and skin lightening, towards glow, even tone, skin clarity and radiance, which are holistic measures of healthy skin.

HUL also removed from Fair & Lovely’s packaging, words such as ‘fair/fairness’, ‘white/whitening’, and ‘light/lightening’ that could indicate a fairness-led transformation. The cameo with two faces showing shade transformation, as well as the shade guides were removed from the packs. The Company will continue to evolve its advertising, to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India.

The new name is awaiting regulatory approvals and HUL expects to change the name in the next few months.

Global Fashion Designer Anita Dongre Hosts First-Ever Virtual Trunk Show on Independence Day Weekend

June 30, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion 0

(New York, NY – June 29, 2020) Pivoting during the pandemic, House of Anita Dongre, best known for its supreme craftsmanship of Indian textiles through designs created by female village artisans with sustainable practices, is presenting its first-ever U.S. virtual trunk show to be held during July 4^th weekend. She brings her latest collection of bridal couture, menswear, women’s ready-to-wear and silver jewelry through a unique selling platform that combines online sales with virtual stylist appointments for customers all over America.

“We are in a unique position during this pandemic, as we are the only Indian couture designer with a permanent presence in the U.S. market through our storefront,” says Yash Dongre, Business Head of House of Anita Dongre Limited. “Given that designers from India are unable to travel currently and shipments of merchandise are also delayed, we encourage brides and grooms who are proceeding with their weddings (whether virtually or more intimately) to make appointments with our bridal experts in New York via Skype or Zoom to find the perfect wedding outfits for their important day.”

Dongre is the FIRST and ONLY Indian designer to have a brand flagship in the United States. The Anita Dongre store in New York City occupies three floors of a 1900s brownstone building at the prime address of 473 West Broadway in Soho.

The prominent Indian designer has dressed every major fashion icon from Beyonce to Kate Middleton to Hillary Clinton to Priyanka Chopra. Dongre is often referred to in fashion circles as the “queen of prêt” and largely draws inspiration from the embellishment styles and needlework made famous by the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.

FAVORITE AIRPORT OUTFITS TO INSPIRE YOUR TRAVEL

May 1, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion, Travel 0

Well who doesn’t like travelling and exploring new, beautiful places? And if you are a travel enthusiast as well as someone who travels a lot, you know the struggle of deciding what clothes to pack to take along with you. However, let’s not forget how important it is to take out the time to decide an airport outfit. Well, you can now search for your favorite travel outfit with the help of an image search tool. Using an image finder tool is now so helpful for the young travelers to keep their outfit up to date. By performing reverse image search of fashion image or photo, they can easily find out the exact features of their favorite travelling outfit.

The era of wearing really fancy and heavy clothes to the airport has long been bid farewell to. People now do consider what they should wear while travelling which will keep the in the trend game while making comfort as a top priority. The right clothing can have a very positive influence on you overall. The confidence that is felt in a cool outfit is beyond the imagination. Obviously, when you are travelling, you have to make sure that you reach your destination with a clear mind and your clothing can really have an influence on your thinking pattern.

So it is essential that you take out the time to decide an airport outfit that will inspire your 2020 travel and we have surely come up with some of the best and the most trending ideas of the year, for you.

Lili Reinhart look absolutely gorgeous and all ready to travel

No better way to make these super versatile jeans pop up other than by pairing them up this super cool black shirt because you can never go wrong with black and as everyone says, ‘’when you feel confused, wear black.’’
But these aren’t the only things making Lili look spot on. The real show stopper is the tweed coat which adds up all the spice to this really simple outfit. And well, mules were definitely the best option to go with because not only would they provide you with comfort while you travel, but they also add that classiness to your look.

So, wouldn’t it have been unfair if Lili’s this look wasn’t on top of the list? Well, exactly. This is the perfect go-to look which doesn’t make her look to plain and at the same time not too off the board.

Isn’t this the boss-girl kind of look to fly to your destination?

Well, if you want to get that ‘’model-off-duty’’ kind of appearence, then be sure to pair a high-rise trousers with a tucked in shirt. And to make one look more composed and if you are someone who thinks long coats are just a little too much or uncomfortable and want a replacement, then you should definitely go with the cropped jacket because let’s just admit it, this does look graceful from every aspect.
This is the most put together look for 2020 which is ideeal to be classified as one of the favorite airport outfits of the year.

Gigi’s travel outfit

And guess who it is? The queen herself. This was Gigi’s travel outfit to Milan for the year 2020. As we all know that this year is all about oversized clothing and big capacious bags, it is appropriate to say that this year screams the ‘’go big or go home’’ motto. And Gigi’s look really goes hand in hand with the trend.
The olive green oversized coat is everything you need to make your outfit look chic. Not to forget the beige tote in her hand which looks a perfect fit with the overall look. She paired these up with monochrome trainers and them amazing shades.

We ain’t calling Gigi a queen without any reasons. She is a real show stopper. And just like the look she did to the airport for Milan, Gigi made sure that she didn’t violate the fashion trends of 2020 while being at Tokyo’s airport as well.
Again, an oversized blazer but this time, she went for a black T-shirt and obviously, you can not get the right look without the right sunglasses and so Gigi went with the micro sunglasses for the look making sure, that her look would make the heads turn and stay in the best airport lookbook of the year.

Victoria Beckham with the oversized bottoms look absolutely iconic at the airport. Although she wore this look for 2017, but we think that the oversized bottoms and the top that she’s wearing, wouldn’t limit the appreciation to a specific year only.
Sometimes, you just have to go with a very easy look but you have to make sure that you stay classy, and this is surely what Victoria did. Her ‘’Fashion stole my smile’’ shirt was the perfect top-off to the look and made everyone go crazy for it.

Well Rihanna for sure knows how to do it. Starting off with how gorgeous her fluffy coat looks, let’s just appreciate and agree on the fact that Rihanna adds style to whatever she does.
Rihanna’s JFK look at the airport holding not one but TWO bags makes everybody’s jaws drops because she has proved it that the amount of bags do not matter until or unless you carry yourself with all the grace and class. And she, for sure is doing so.

“Pageantry is a way to express my true feelings, redefining beauty as a way to giving back to the community,” Says Sidhya Ganesh, Miss Teen India 2020

March 24, 2020 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Fashion 0

“Pageantry is a way to express my true feelings and make a widespread impact on this world, redefining beauty as a way to giving back to the community,” says Sidhya Ganesh, a 14-year-old resident of the state of Washington, who won the coveted Miss Teen India USA Title during a glittering ceremony last month in Houston, TX, beating dozens of contestants from across the country.

After winning the titles Miss Teen India Washington and Miss Teen India USA, Sidhya has made appearances at several cultural events and received many youth inspiration awards. She has also organized many toy and blanket drives and has had interviews with news channels. Recently she also had a meeting with her mayor about working towards breaking mental health stigma in her community.

From dance, acting, academics, sports, singing to Beauty Pageant, Sidhya believes in exploring all aspects of her 360 degree growth and personal development. For her, pageant participation is a way to give back to the community and understand that beauty is skin deep.

Sidhya had earlier won the Washington State pageant and represented her state at the USA National pageant. Sidhya is a three–time international champion for “Future Problem Solving”, and is the president for this program at her school. A multilingual she can speak English, Tamil, Hindi and Spanish.

Sidhya Ganesh is a passionate dancer, singer and actress. Her love for both her cultural roots and the modern Bollywood culture has led her to learning Bharatanatyam, Bollywood and Contemporary Art along with Carnatic and Western singing. She has won the Zee TV solo Dance reality show ‘Dance USA Dance’ Season One judged by Master Saroj Khan along with being the state champion for Naved Jaffrey’s show ‘Naach Meri Jaan’.

The budding leader describes herself as a proud Indian American, working hard to support both her countries, the US, and India. Sidhya works to empower underprivileged children back home in India through performing arts-based fundraisers here in America. Additionally, she has led a team to fundraise, coordinate and build a school in Cambodia.

“Being an Indian American, it makes me very happy to see the connections between both my countries growing, and it was a huge matter of pride for me to see President Trump meet PM Modi in India, to strengthen bonds between the two countries, through upcoming trade deals to foster development,” young Ganesh said in an interview.

The budding leader says, her “favorite young Indian female politician is Priyanka Chaturvedi, and I would love to meet her. Party politics aside, I like her because I find similarities between both of us, whether it is confidence, brevity, or poise and public speaking skills. I also feel that she is brave and stands up for what she believes in and has achieved a lot in the fields of politics and community service, despite being fairly young. I would love to support the NGOs she is running in Mumbai, through my community service.”

Describing self as “a proud Indian American, working hard to support both my countries. I leverage my rich Indian values of family, and giving back to support children in need in America” Ganesh wants to “work to empower underprivileged children back home in India through performing arts-based fundraisers here in America. I am an ambassador for both my countries and am proud of both of their achievements and hope to help them both thrive.”

Holding America’s National title, she will be representing USA at the Miss Teen India Worldwide pageant to be held in Lalit, Mumbai in October 2020. Organized by the World Wide Pageants, pioneers in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and other parts of the world, Dharmatma Saran, the founder and Chairman of the Pageant says, “Miss India Worldwide has been acclaimed as the most glamorous Indian function in the world. And, of course, the Miss India Worldwide is the only international Indian pageant.”

Sidhya Ganesh Crowned as Miss Teen India 2020

March 16, 2020 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Sidhya Ganesh, a 14-year-old resident of the state of Washington, has won the coveted Miss Teen India USA Title during a glittering ceremony last month in Houston, TX, beating dozens of contestants from across the country.

Organized by the World Wide Pageants, pioneers in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and other parts of the world, Dharmatma Saran, the founder and Chairman of the Pageant says, “Miss India Worldwide has been acclaimed as the most glamorous Indian function in the world. And, of course, the Miss India Worldwide is the only international Indian pageant.”

Sidhya Ganesh, the youngest ever to win Miss Teen India USA, sees pageantry as a way to express her true feelings and make a widespread impact on this world, redefining beauty as a way to giving back to the community.

She had earlier won the Washington State pageant and represented her state at the USA National pageant, where she became the ‘youngest ever’ to clinch the Miss Teen India USA title. Sidhya is a three–time international champion for “Future Problem Solving”, and is the president for this program at her school. A multilingual she can speak English, Tamil, Hindi and Spanish.

Sidhya Ganesh is a passionate dancer, singer and actress. Her love for both her cultural roots and the modern Bollywood culture has led her to learning Bharatanatyam, Bollywood and Contemporary along with Carnatic and Western singing. She has won the Zee TV solo Dance reality show ‘Dance USA Dance’ Season 1 judged by Master Saroj Khan along with being the state champion for Naved Jaffrey’s show ‘Naach Meri Jaan’.

Sidhya is a three–time international champion for “Future Problem Solving”, a global competition and is the President for this program at her school. Additionally, she has led a team to fundraise, coordinate and build a school in Cambodia.

A multilingual, whose parents are Tamilians from Mumbai, Sidhya speaks English, Tamil, Hindi and Spanish. She loves watching Bollywood movies and her favorite actors are Vicky Kaushal and Deepika Padukone.

The budding leader describes herself as a proud Indian American, working hard to support both her countries. Sidhya works to empower underprivileged children back home in India through performing arts-based fundraisers here in America.

Holding America’s National title, she will be representing USA at the Miss Teen India Worldwide pageant to be held in Lalit, Mumbai in October 2020.

Miss World America WA Shree Saini nominated for “The Best Dance Talent” in the Oscar awards of pageant world

February 26, 2020 Staff ReporterCommunity, Fashion 0

At the 2020 “Global Beauty Awards”, thousands would be considered for the best in pageant world awards. A few hundred will be selected for preliminary nominations and then after a rigorous screening, a few will be given the honor of becoming a final nominee.

Shree Saini won “Best Pageant Titleholder” last year. Miss Universe was in that same nomination. This time, Shree shared on her social media that she has been nominated for BEST TALENT, which was given to her for her dance performance. Her recent dance routine earned her the award of “Miss World America Best Talent 1st RU award”.

“My dance journey began when I was only 3 years old, but a substantial part of my dance journey was filled with both physical and emotional hardships. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with a complete heart block. I had to get a pacemaker surgery. The average age of a pacemaker recipient is age 80. Cardiologists told me I could never dance again,” Shree noted on her social media.

The Global Beauty Awards – The GBAs (“Awards”) are under the jurisdiction of NW Productions, LLC, an entertainment and media production company founded by David and Maureen Francisco. The Awards represent members from EVERY pageant system and the beauty, fashion, entertainment, sports, educational and business industries. Just like the Emmys, Grammys, etc., the Awards celebrates individuals including delegates, titleholders, producers, directors, stylists and others that strive and achieve excellence in their respective fields. This annual production is the pinnacle of pageantry recognition.

“The Global Beauty Awards is the most exciting, cherished and memorable night for the entire pageant world. My favorite part of the show is being reunited with my pageant family and being inspired to DO MORE, SERVE MORE. I salute you both!” Saini said.

Adline Castelino to represent India at Miss Universe pageant

February 26, 2020 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Adline Castelino was announced as the winner of Liva Miss Diva Universe 2020 title at an event held on Mumbai on Saturday February 22. She will now represent India at Miss Universe pageant. Adline was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020 by Miss Universe India 2019 Vartika Singh and Miss Supranational India 2019 Anntonia Porsild, who congratulated her on the win. There were 20 contestants competing for the coveted title.

Aavriti Choudhary was crowned as LIVA Miss Diva Supranational 2020 and will represent India at Miss Supranational 2020, while Neha Jaiswal was the LIVA Miss Diva 2020 – Runner – Up.

The event was judged by Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta, designers Shivan and Narresh, Miss Supranational 2014 Asha Bhat, Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2006 Jacqueline Fernandes, designer Nikhil Mehra and designer Gavin Miguel. Malaika Arora hosted the grand finale.

With the victory, Adline will be representing India at Miss Universe platform to be held later this year. Adline Castelino was born in Kuwait city to Alphonsus Castelino and Meera Castelino of Udyavar, Udupi. As a 15-year-old teen, Castelino moved to Mumbai. She did her schooling from St Xavier and graduated from Wilson College of Business Administration.

She is a professional model, and also works with VSP, an organization that functions to provide a sustainable livelihood for framers to curb farmer suicides and inequality. Castelino states that the cause is close to her heart as her grandparents were farmers. Adline was driven to work for the cause as her grandmother died at the age of 22 due to lack of medical facilities. She believes that it is a miracle that she is getting an opportunity to represent the country on an international stage and calls it a dream come true.

Shree Saini, Miss World America Washington Receives ‘World Peace Award’

February 19, 2020 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

Shree Saini, the 23-year-old Indian American and anti-bullying activist, who was crowned Miss World America Washington, has been awarded the “World Peace Messenger” and “Most Admired Global Indian” awards by World Peace Diplomacy Organization recently during a glittering ceremony held in Los Angeles.

“Thank you for recognizing my humble work. Due to a prior commitment, I was unable to attend the event. The Passion Vista Award is one such rare award that’s given to a chosen few, for the contribution they make for the betterment of our society,” Shree said in a statement. “I feel very happy and honored to receive one of the prestigious awards as World Peace Messenger in LA. It’s God’s blessings and my mom behind my every moment of ups and downs and success. My parents support, love and blessings have brought me international recognition and achievements,” Saini added.

Saini, who has studied at Harvard, has been trained in acting at the Yale actors conservatory. The Punjab native, who moved to Washington when she was seven, experienced hardships while in high school, where she was bullied. For years, she said, she felt like an outcast at school for being a person of color. As a response, she created the website www.shreesaini.org to educate people about her experiences.

“Shree has created an app on emotional heath at Stanford University. She has given hundreds of presentations in over 80 cities and six countries and written about 400 articles in newspapers on emotional fitness, via her non-profit shareesaini.org,” said the magazine.

“I want to dedicate this award and this incident to God’s blessings and YOUR SUPPORT,” Shree said. “Passion Vista noticed my contributions and honored me with this international reorganization “World Peace Messenger Award”, in Los Angeles. Thanks to Bharat Godaria ji for nominating me for this great honor. Bharat ji is a great friend of our family and shipped me this award and the medallion.”

Passion Vista’s content is Global, Provocative and Inclusive. An Exemplary marriage of luxury, lifestyle & business. Each year, Passion Vista honors people from different walks of life for the contributions they make for the betterment of the society. The award is given in recognition for all the hard work and dedication put by honorees into their respective fields of work.

Saini, who has been recognized by several organizations and states and world renowned persons for her work and is aspiring to be an actor, told this writer: “I am now “Miss World America Washington”, which is preliminary to Miss World America and Miss World! Miss World Titles have been won by Aishwarya Rai and Prinkay Chopra. It’s the largest and the most philanthropic pageant, having raised 1.3 billion dollars for charities around the world. And I want to promote the many charitable initiatives this noble organization does all around the world.”

Tanishq Sharma: Miss India Worldwide – Eyes Set On Bollywood

December 29, 2019 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

Tanishq Sharma, a tall, stunning photogenic beauty-queen-model and aspiring Bollywood actress, the reigning Miss India Worldwide winner, who won the prestigious title at the beauty pageant in September this year, in Mumbai, is gearing up to try her luck in the Bollywood world.

Overcoming tough competition from charming Indian-origin beauty-queens from over 30 foreign countries, the stunning model-trained actress-danseuse Tanishq Sharma won the coveted title-sash and was crowned ‘Miss India Worldwide-2019’ beauty-queen, representing Oman.

Tanishq Sharma: Miss India Worldwide - Eyes Set On Bollywood

The spectacular Miss India Pageants organized by India Festival Committee (IFC), which has evolved and expanded, now incorporating and having membership from over 40 countries, that promote Indian heritage and providing a platform for people of Indian origin to unite and showcase their talents, skills and beauty.

Neelam and Dharmatma Saran, chairman and founders of the New York based India Festival (IFC) that organizes the trail blazing Miss India Worldwide, are pioneers in entertainment, holding Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and worldwide.

An elegant, ambitious and talented aspiring Bollywood actor, Tanishq says, she wanted to join Bollywood, while growing up as an young girl, watching her mom teaching Indian classical dance. “I always participated in each and every cultural activities in India, Oman and Australia. Besides all this, I played Amrapali of our ancient times Amrapali. I won Miss India Worldwide 2019 because of my talent round only.”

Her real break came when she was crowned Miss India Worldwide held in Mumbai in September. Since than she has been in the limelight attracting much media coverage. She just returned from Durban, South Africa, where she was invited as Special Guest to Miss India South Africa.

In Durban, she had a memorable meeting with the winner of Miss India South Africa Aaliyah Chaboo, Dharmatma Saran – Chairman of Miss India Worldwide and Kamisha and Preetha Nanhoo – Chief Organizers of Miss India South Africa.

Talking about her journey, “I feel I am still working and there is so much more to go. I still have many more platforms to seek for and many more people to meet. I wish to work with Salman Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan in Bollywood,”

“I feel entry to Bollywood is just about luck and hard work. There is no easy pathway for pageant winners like me. I accept the fact that culture activities, vocabulary qualities and expressing views are important qualities to have in one to excel,” she says with maturity.

Tanishq was raised in Oman, and she shares a close bond with her maternal grand-father who guided and supported her to fulfill her dreams. Tanishq Sharma came to India in 2016 to become an actress and thereafter, she started her career by participating in Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva 2016, and she was one of the Finalists. In year 2017, she was seen as a wild card contestant in India’s Next Top Model Season 3 premiered on MTV.

Tanishq, who was born in a multi-ethnic family in India, immigrated to Oman, where she pursued her second hobby, which is baking pastries. Her father Purnanand Sharma belongs to Uttarakhand, where she did her schooling.

A winner of a series of six beauty-queen titles including Miss India Diva, NDA-Queen, Miss Tiara, and Miss Universe India 2016 Finalist. Tanishq is fluent in Hindi, Urdu, and English.

Tanishq has been trained and groomed into the craft of acting-dancing by noted ‘acting-guru’ Madhumati (retro films—famous former actress-danseuse) who has also trained star-actors like Akshay Kumar and Chunky Pandey.

Her modesty was seen when she declared on stage that “I consider myself perfectly imperfect, I don’t pretend to be what I am not.” Tanishq, who is now based in Mumbai, says, her wish-list includes her wish to work with top directors like Sunny Deol, Madhur Bhandarkar , Shoojit Sircar, Mahesh Bhatt Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali, Amar Kaushik and Anand L. Rai. Her dream-co-actor has always been Emraan Hashmi.

She has done ad-commercials photoshoot and promoted brands like Kodak Lens, Nazraana Jewellery, Eric De Vert Frangrance, Dazzler Eye mascare, Glamour organic, beauty products and many more.

Tanishq Sharma has shot ad-commercials for brands like Kodak Lens, Nazraana Jewellery, Eric De Vert Frangrance, Dazzler Eye mascare, Glamour organic etc, and now she is looking out for an opportunity to enter into Bollywood.

Besides becoming a successful Bollywood actress, Tanishq would like to work on women empowerment and start a NGO to help women in distress and affected by domestic violence.

Her passionate interest in cooking, has made her an owner of multi-cuisine restaurant named ‘Khalifa’ in Muscat, Oman; and she has a flair for making confectionery and pastries.

She is looking forward to her visit to New York and Houston in January to attend Miss India USA. She plans to visit many other countries during her reign. Miss India Worldwide provides all expenses paid trip to at least five countries besides a cash prize of US$8,000.00.

Tanishq Sharma gives credit to her parents and grandparents, along with Dharmatma Saran and his wife Neelam, who “really helped me to be what I am today. You all can see me in Bollywood soon, as I have already signed” projects with leading actors in the Bollywood world. Her message to the youth of Indian origin is to “stick to their culture traditions and moral.”

Archita Mundrathi Crowned Miss India Connecticut

November 20, 2019 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Archita Mundrathi was crowned Miss India Connecticut and Mamatha Puttaswamy won the title of Mrs. India Connecticut as 24 contestants participated in the Miss India Connecticut 2019 pagean, organized and hosted by CT state director Sumathi Narayanan on Nov. 2.

The pageant, directed by Sumathi Narayanan, featured the following categories: Jr. Pre-Teen, Pre-Teen, Teen, and Mrs. A total of 24 contestants participated in the pageant and confidently portrayed Indian culture, unique talents, and American pride with grace and elegance. The pageant was not just about outer beauty, but also valued inner beauty, intelligence, and ambition of the young women of Connecticut. Here is the list winners in various categories:

“We are so proud of the beautiful, talented, and successful women of Connecticut, and we’re excited to see how they further achieve their causes and missions in this upcoming year by using the platform given to them,” said state director Narayanan. “We also encourage all women to continue to pursue their dreams and seize these opportunities! The Miss India Connecticut team thanks to all its sponsors and supporting organizations for making this event a grand success.”

Miss India Connecticut is associated and part of IFC, a pioneer in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows in USA, and aptly called the ‘Mother of all Indian Pageants in USA.’

The event started with an opening dance choreographed by P&P Dance Crew of CT, in which all the contestants performed energetic and graceful introductory dances alongside the reigning Miss India CT 2018 – Alka, Mrs. India CT 2018 – Rekha, Miss Teen India CT 2018 – Nikitha, Mrs India USA 2018/Mrs India Worldwide RU 2019 – Vidhi . The opening dance was then followed by the ethnic wear round, where each contestant proudly displayed their Indian culture. Next was the talent round, in which contestants displayed their talent through dance and musical performances, acting, martial arts, crafts, and even magic shows! The contestants then gave their introduction in the evening gown round. Lastly, the finalists amazed everyone with their wits in the question and answer round.

Winners:

Miss Junior Pre-Teen India Connecticut – Jahnvi Modi

Miss Pre-Teen India Connecticut – Aavni Parekh

Miss Teen India Connecticut – Archita Mundrathi

Mrs. India Connecticut – Mamatha Puttaswamy

1st Runner Up:

Miss Junior Pre-Teen India Connecticut – Ankitha Basker

Miss Pre-Teen India Connecticut – Nayana Pradeep

Miss Teen India Connecticut 1st Runner Up – Athulya Narayanan

Mrs. India Connecticut 1st Runner Up – Sweta Patel

2nd Runner Ups:

Miss Junior Pre-Teen India Connecticut – Kaashvi Singhal

Miss Pre-Teen India Connecticut – Kamya Keerthivasan

Miss Teen India Connecticut – Muskan Ghetiya

Mrs. India Connecticut – Rajalekshmy Chembakomony

Sub-Title Winners:

Junior Pre-Teen: Aarna Pavan Mannurkar – Beautiful Hair & Viewer’s Choice; Ankita Basker – Beautiful Walk; Jahnvi Modi – Beautiful Eyes & Beautiful Smile; Kaashvi Singhal – Photogenic. Pre-Teen: Aavni Parekh – Beautiful Walk & Viewer’s Choice; Hasnie Giritharan – Beautiful Hair; Kamya Keerthivasan – Beautiful Smile; Nayana Pradeep – Photogenic; Pooravi Srivastava – Beautiful Eyes.

Teen: Athulya Narayanan – Talented; Neesha – Business Leader, Photogenic & Viewer’s Choice.

Mrs: Jaya Daptardar – Director’s Choice; Lipika Das – Beautiful Eyes; Madhumita Nagashetty – Photogenic; Mamatha Puttaswamy – Viewer’s Choice; Rajvinder Randhawa – Beautiful Hair; Rumana Kumar – Congeniality; Saranya Vaithilingam – Catwalk; Seema Singh – Business Leader; Sonya Upadhyay – Beautiful Smile; Sweta Patel – Talented.

The winners of Teen, Miss and Mrs. Category will also be going forward to compete at the national level pageant hosted by Mr. Dharmatma Saran, Chairman of IFC in Houston – TX on Dec 7th 2019, for the title of Miss/Teen/Mrs. India USA!

Presenting Manushi Chhillar as Prithviraj’s Sanyogita!

November 20, 2019 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar can be best described as an ethereal beauty. This gorgeous 22-year-old girl has been one of the most coveted new faces sought after by top Bollywood film-makers. It has been long rumoured that she is set to be making her big debut in Bollywood and now we can officially reveal she is getting the biggest launch for any newcomer in the recent times!

It is a dream debut in Bollywood for her as India’s biggest production house, Yash Raj Films, has signed Manushi as the heroine of their biggest historical film Prithviraj based on the life and heroism of the fearless and mighty King Prithviraj. It stars superstar Akshay Kumar in and as Prithviraj and Manushi will play the role of the gorgeous Sanyogita, Prithiviraj’s love of life.

Prithviraj is being directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi who directed the biggest television epic Chanakya – based on the life and times of the most influential political strategist of India and the multiple award-winning Pinjar. Dwivedi says, “We auditioned a lot of young, fresh faces for the role because we were looking for a stunningly gorgeous Indian heroine. While Sanyogita was an incredibly beautiful person, she was also a strong, confident girl. We were looking to find someone who could match the magnetic persona of Sanyogita and we found that in Manushi. She auditioned for the role a couple of times because we wanted to be dead sure with this casting and she nailed it each time. She has been rehearsing six days a week since then and she is being thoroughly groomed for the last 9 months by YRF.”

YRF has always discovered supremely talented outsiders like Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, etc who have become stars in their own right. So, all eyes on Manushi as a heroine to watch out for. YRF has also signed her on as their talent and will manage Manushi completely.

“It is a huge honour to have been chosen by a production house like Yash Raj Films as their heroine! I’m thoroughly happy and thrilled about the learnings that I will have through this journey. My life, so far, has really been a fairy tale. From becoming Miss India and then Miss World to now getting such a big project as my debut film, it’s like a new, exciting chapter of my life. It is a huge responsibility to play princess Sanyogita. She was a powerful personality and she stood up for what is right and took the most important decisions of her life by herself. Her life is an extremely important chapter in Indian history and I will try my best to play her as accurately as possible,” Manushi adds.

Manushi is also a good example of beauty with brains as Manushi has a strong voice and is an opinion leader who takes a stand on societal issues. Immediately after winning Miss World, she conceived and founded a non-profit organization, Project Shakti, aimed at improving the menstrual hygiene of women in India. Manushi constantly works with women in over 20 villages of India to spread the message of sanitation. Today, this organization provides free sanitary pads among women and has also empowered the women of the community by making them earn a living and become self-reliant.

Manushi is a huge fan of former Miss Worlds and super achievers Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and considers them her role models. She is a trained Kuchipudi dancer, and has trained under legendary dancers Raja and Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy. Prithviraj will release worldwide on Diwali 2020.

Indian-American contestant who collapsed before Miss World America Pageant, wins 5 awards

October 23, 2019 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

Indian American contestant, Shree Saini collapsed right before Miss World America final night of the competition in Las Vegas on October 12^th, 2019. “Please pray for my daughter Shree Saini. This is Ekta Saini, Shree’s mom. Shree collapsed right before Miss World America final night of competition, which started with evening gown,” read a post shared on Instagram on Sunday.

Sharing details of what happened, Ekta sani, Shree’s mom, wrote: “They called me backstage after the ambulance had arrive, ready to take Shree to the hospital. Shree was so happy and joyful all day and did a great job yesterday at the Miss World America preliminary round. I heard that Shree won 5 out of 6 awards during today’s final night of competition.”

“We have been in hospital since 9 p.m. They are doing cat scan, EKG, etc. Doctors just told me that less than 1% people at age 12 have a Pacemaker. So Shree will stay in hospital for a ‘cardiac arrest watch’. Prayers requested.”

While Shree was still under observation, the Miss World America organization reached the hospital to give Shree five awards—“Beauty With A Purpose Award; Top Influencers Award; Entrepreneur Challenge Award; 1st Runner Up Talent Award; and 1st Runner Up Top Model Award’—that she won as a run-up to the final round.

Miss India Worldwide Shree Saini was among five Indian-American contestants selected for the Miss World America pageant, held on Oct. 12 at the Hotel New Orleans in Las Vegas, Nevada. Joining Saini, 23, of Seattle, Washington, were Manju Bangalore, 22, of Los Angeles, California; Lekha Ravi, 26, of Miami, Florida; Jasmeet Ghoman, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa; and Amulya Chava, 17, Topeka, Kansas.

Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will compete for the crown. The winner, who will be crowned by Miss World America, Marisa Butler, of Maine, and will represent the U.S at Miss World 2019 in London.

“It is my honor and privilege to be among these incredible women, who are brilliant, insanely talented and great community servants in their states,” Saini, who was the Miss India USA in 2017, went on to say of her entry into the final leg of the Miss World America competition.

Shree has survived severe facial burns, constant bullying, and a heart surgery for a pacemaker at age 12. Shree’s childhood dream to serve as Miss World, led her to change her adversities to advocacy, have a victor mindset, rather than victim mindset, according to the official site of Miss World America. Shree, who has studied at Yale University and Harvard University, has created an app on emotional health at Stanford University.

As Miss World Washington, Saini is also part of the Beauty With A Purpose project (#BeautywithaPurpose) which she says is the “very best part” of competing for Miss World America. “As your servant leader and a heart patient, I have been working with heart health through American Heart Association and I have also been speaking about the value of Emotional Wellbeing all around the world,” Saini noted on Facebook. She was also recently chosen as the “National Ambassador” for “Victoria’s Voice” a non-profit founded by parents of Victoria Siegel, who died of a drug overdose in 2015.

According to Saini’s profile on the pageant website, she has given 100s of presentations in over 80 cities and 6 countries, written 400 some articles in newspapers on emotional fitness, and has helped fundraise over $800,000 via her nonprofit shreesaini.org.

A business manager, speaker, mentor, and a dancer, Saini has survived severe facial burns, constant bullying, and a heart surgery for a pacemaker at age 12. Her childhood dream to serve as Miss World, led her to change her adversities to advocacy, have a victor mindset, rather than victim mindset.

To help others gain tools on how to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, despite life’s challenges, Saini has given several presentations in over 80 cities and 6 countries and written articles on emotional fitness, and has helped fundraise over $800,000 via her nonprofit shreesaini.org.

After winning the Miss India Worldwide crown last year, Saini, in an interview stated that that she always wanted to compete in pageants since 1st grade. “Your life’s legacy is defined by how you make people feel, with each vibe/interaction/conversation and the positive difference you make in other’s lives in your lifetime,” she had India Abroad about her journey to the crown. “Let us all have a solution mindset, we should always try to defuse the negativity in any situation and focus on the light within all of us.”

Bella Hadid is the world’s most beautiful woman, says science

October 23, 2019 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Supermodel Bella Hadid is the most beautiful woman in the world. At least, that’s what Greek mathematics says. Scientists determining the most beautiful woman on the planet according to the “Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi Standards” have picked the Victoria’s Secret model’s face as the one that comes closest to perfection, reports goss.ie.

The “Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi” defines beauty in accordance to classic Greek calculations. Measurements of facial proportions are done going by standards that Greek scholars applied while trying to define beauty with scientific formula.

According to the “Golden Ratio” measurements, the 23-year-old Bella has a face that is 94.35 per cent perfect. Also, going by the parameters of the “Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi”, pop diva Beyoncé finished at the second spot. She has a face that is 92.44 per cent perfect.

Actress Amber Heard is at number three with a ratio of 91.85 per cent while pop star Ariana Grande is placed fourth with 91.81 per cent.

The measurements were conducted by Dr Julian De Silva, an emminent facial cosmetic surgeon at London’s famous Harley Street. “Bella Hadid was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection. She had the highest overall reading for her chin which, with a score of 99.7 per cent, is only 0.3 per cent away from being the perfect shape, “Dr Julian told The Daily Mail.

Earlier this week, Bella fueled rumors of reuniting with her ex, singer The Weeknd, when he was spotted at her side on her birthday. The two had called it quits a couple of months ago, and they quashed all reunion rumors saying they continue to be just “friends” and nothing more.

World’s oldest pearl to go on display in Abu Dhabi

October 23, 2019 Staff ReporterFashion 0

The world’s oldest known pearl is set to be exhibited at the Louvre Abu Dhabi this month, the first time it will be displayed to the public since its discovery.

The 8,000-year-old pearl was uncovered at an archaeological site on Marawah Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, according to the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT).

Archaeologists made the discovery in the room of a structure they were excavating, the DCT said via a video posted to its official Twitter account Sunday. They then used radiocarbon dating to determine that it formed between 5800 B.C and 5600 B.C., making it the oldest pearl ever to be discovered.

The pearl, which was discovered in 2017, is less than a third of a centimeter in diameter and in photos, appears to be pale pink in color. It’s set to feature in an upcoming exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi titled “10,000 Years of Luxury,” which opens on Oct. 30.

“The presence of pearls at archaeological sites is evidence that the pearl trade existed from at least as far back as the Neolithic period,” said director of the DCT’s Archaeological Survey Unit, Abdulla Khalfan Al-Kaabi, in the video.

Other historical sources and texts suggest that Abu Dhabi was widely known for its pearls, and was a major trading hub for them by the 16th century. According to a DCT press release, the Venetian jewel merchant Gasparo Balbi traveled through the region in the 16th century, and mentioned the islands off the Abu Dhabi coast as a source of pearls.

Archaeologists at the site also discovered artifacts made using the bones of sea creatures like fish and turtles. The ocean was likely an integral part of life in the region’s ancient communities, according to Al-Kaabi, who said that pearls may have been used to barter with other civilizations.

“The Abu Dhabi Pearl is a stunning find, testimony to the ancient origins of our engagement with the sea,” said DCT Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak in the press release. “The discovery of the oldest pearl in the world in Abu Dhabi makes it clear that so much of our recent economic and cultural history has deep roots that stretch back to the dawn of prehistory.”

Pearls would have been used as jewelry and were seen as luxury items, according to the press release.

Pearls were once the backbone of the region’s economy. According to the DCT, pearling crews would spend the summer months sailing to oyster beds in the warm, shallow Persian Gulf. They would dive for oysters and then break open their shells to obtain the naturally formed pearls inside.

The region’s pearling industry was in decline by the early 1900s, as Japanese oyster farmers developed new techniques to cultivate perfectly round, immaculate pearls. Today, pearl diving has all but disappeared as a vocation in Abu Dhabi, though theme parks and tour companies continue to offer it as an activity for visitors.

Bhasha Mukherjee Crowned Miss England 2019, to Compete in Miss World

August 7, 2019 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Bhasha Mukherjee, a British Indian medic, who starts her new job as a junior doctor on Friday, has been crowned Miss England 2019. Mukherjee, who moved to the UK from India with her parents aged 9, will compete in the 69th Miss World contest to be held in December in London.

The 23-year-old beauty from Derby in East Midlands region of England starts her new medical job at Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, just hours after winning the contest in Newcastle Upon Tyne in North East England on Thursday night.

Mukherjee speaks five languages and has a Bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Nottingham. “Bhasha is an incredibly hard-working young woman, an ideal candidate to represent the multicultural country of England,” said Angie Beasley, director of the Miss England contest.

“Bhasha was sponsored by celebrity make-up artist Joggy Kang and wore a rose gold-beaded gown by designer Puneet Brandao,” she added.

The pageant winners bagged over GBP 30,000 worth of prizes, which include a luxury holiday to Mauritius. Mukherjee, who speaks English, Bengali, Hindi, German and French, describes herself as studious with an IQ of 146.

She admits it was “quite difficult” to balance the Miss England contest with completing her medical finals this year. “I’m very proud to be representing the south Asian community, minority populations and Derby,” she said.

“It’s been really nerve-wracking, I couldn’t tell if I was more nervous about the competition or about starting my job as a junior doctor,” she said.

Mukherjee, who performed an Indian dance sequence for her talent round, has been running her own charity called the Generation Bridge Project since 2013, which supports Derby’s elderly community with events like fun days and talent shows.

After modelling for seven years, she became one of just 55 contestants to reach the finals of the Miss England pageant from more than 22,000 entries. Last month, the Miss England 2019 pageant hit the headlines as one of the first to launch a new make-up free round, with the winner of the ‘bare face top model’ contest being fast-tracked to the final round of 20 women vying for the overall title.

As part of their entries, the women had to wear no make-up and also had to post the photo on social media with the message to celebrate natural beauty.

Matryoshka Dolls And Its Types

May 13, 2019 Staff ReporterFashion 0

The matryoshka is a wooden, brightly painted hollow inside doll in the form of a semi-oval figure, into which other similar smaller dolls are inserted. Matryoshka cut from linden, birch, alder and aspen. More hard and durable conifers do not use. The best material for making nesting dolls is linden. The tree is harvested in the spring, usually in April, when the wood in the juice. The tree is cleared of bark, be sure to leave bark rings on the trunk, otherwise it will crack when dried. Logs are stacked in a pile, leaving an air gap between them. The wood is kept outdoors for two years or more. Only an experienced cutter can determine the readiness of the material. Turner makes with a lime chock up to 15 operations before it becomes a finished doll. It is one of the https://nestingdolls.com interesting dolls</a> in dolls.

The very first grind a small one-piece figure. For the opening matryoshka, first they grind out the lower part – the bottom. After turning, the wooden doll is carefully cleaned, ground with paste, achieving a perfectly smooth surface. After priming the matryoshka is ready for painting. Russian nesting dolls are very diverse in shape and painting, depending on their place of origin (region of Russia).

Matryoshka from Sergiyev Posad is distinguished by a squat shape, the top, smoothly turning into the expanding lower part of the figure. The preferred ratio of dolls – 1: 2 – is the ratio of the width of the doll to its height.

The <a href=”https://www.elledecor.com/paint/“>painting</a> is done without a preliminary drawing with gouache and only occasionally with watercolor and tempera, and the intensity of the color is achieved with the help of varnishing.

Semenovskaya nesting doll more slender and elongated. The basis of the composition in the painting of Semyonov matryoshka is an apron, which depicts a magnificent bouquet of flowers.

Modern masters create paintings in three colors – red, blue and yellow. They change the color combination of an apron, a sundress and a scarf. The bouquet on the apron is traditionally written not in the center, but somewhat shifted to the right.

Semenovskiy turners have come up with a special form of dolls. Its upper part, relatively thin, sharply turns into a thickened lower one. Semyonov’s matryoshka differs from other nesting dolls in that it is ambivalent: it consists of 15-18 multi-colored figures. It was in Semyonov that the largest 72-seater nested doll was cut out. Its diameter is half a meter, and its height is 1 meter.

Semenov is considered the largest center for the creation of matryoshkas in Russia. Vyatka Matryoshka Vyatskaya Matryoshka is the most northern of all Russian matryoshkas. She portrays a blue-eyed northerner with a soft, shy smile. The face of this nested doll is cute and affable. Matryoshka painted with aniline dyes and covered with oil varnish.

Matryoshka from Polkhovsky Maidan: Polkhovsky nested doll differs from Sergievsky and Semenovka nested dolls in its shape: pointedly elongated figures with a small, rigidly outlined head. Also, there are primitive single figures, columns, similar to mushrooms.

The painting of polkhovsky nesting dolls is based on a combination of raspberry – red, green and black colors along the outline previously drawn with ink. “Flowers with a tip” – the most typical and favorite painting in Polkhovsky Maidan, is characterized by a motley decor – decoration with the help of individual strokes, “poking” and dots.

The masters of the Polkhovsky Maidan, like the Merin and Semenov neighbors, paint the matryoshka with aniline paints on a previously primed surface. Dyes are diluted with an alcohol solution.

Today, the Matryoshka brand is actively used throughout the world. Designers from different countries offer various stylistic solutions, as well as the most unexpected options for the Russian nesting doll.

AAHOA Announces 2018 Award Winners

May 7, 2019 Staff ReporterBusiness, Community, Fashion, Finance/Economy, Health, Profiles, Tourism 0

Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney addressed America’s hoteliers on Saturday, April 27, during the closing night of the 2019 AAHOA Convention and Trade Show. In his remarks, Mulvaney touted his longtime relationship with the association and its members, the effectiveness of AAHOA’s advocacy efforts, and the strength of the American economy. Mulvaney’s relationship with AAHOA dates to his time in the South Carolina state legislature and as a restaurant franchisee. Mulvaney is a 2017 recipient of AAHOA’s “Friend of the Hotelier Award,” the association’s top advocacy honor.

“America’s hoteliers were honored to welcome our good friend Mr. Mulvaney to highlight the celebration of AAHOA’s thirtieth anniversary at our 2019 Convention,” said AAHOA Interim President and CEO Rachel Humphrey.

The celebration of achievement and excellence was a common theme as AAHOA reflected on its thirtieth anniversary during the 2019 AAHOA Convention and Trade Show in San Diego, Calif. On Friday, April 26, the association honored hoteliers for their contributions to the hospitality industry, and representatives from RLH Corporation announced the 2019 winner of the Bright Innovations Award. Winners received their awards on the main stage during the general session. The winners are:

AAHOA Award of Excellence: Jan Gautam
Outstanding Woman Hotelier of the Year: Deepa Patel
Outstanding Young Professional Hotelier of the Year: Ankit Panchal
IAHA Independent Hotel of the Year: Lexen Hotel North Hollywood
Outreach Award for Philanthropy: Bhupen Amin
Political Forum Award for Advocacy: Arti Patel
RLH Corporation 2019 Bright Innovations Award: Roshan Patel

“Every year, we honor hoteliers who go above and beyond in their contributions to the hospitality industry,” said Immediate Past Chairman Hitesh (HP) Patel. “It is incumbent upon us to recognize the excellence in our midst, and I cannot think of a better stage on which to do so than in front of thousands of AAHOA members at Convention.”

Earlier in the session, Outreach Award for Philanthropy winner Bhupen Amin addressed the general session about giving back to one’s community and the multitude of ways, big and small, that a hotelier can make a difference through charitable efforts.

“We have an amazing membership that is constantly raising the bar for what success and distinction as a hotelier means. I congratulate all our award winners and look forward to seeing how they influence our industry and shape expectations for innovation and achievement,” said Interim President and CEO Rachel Humphrey.

“As a franchisee and tireless advocate of small businesses, Mr. Mulvaney understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing America’s hoteliers. We are fortunate to have such a strong champion for regulatory relief and tax reform in the White House,” said AAHOA Chairwoman Jagruti Panwala.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners’ association in the world. The nearly 18,500 AAHOA members own almost one in every two hotels in the United States. With billions of dollars in property assets and hundreds of thousands of employees, AAHOA members are core economic contributors in virtually every community. AAHOA is a proud defender of free enterprise and the foremost current-day example of realizing the American dream.

Zila Khan’s Rumi Yatra

May 7, 2019 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Zila Khan’s Rumi Yatra takes audiences on a journey through India’s treasured musical landscape, through the prism of Rumi’s philosophy.

Zila Khan’s powerful vocals act as a harmonic looking-glass through which Rumiexperiences the music of Indian literary icons like Amir Khusro, Mirza Ghalib, Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah, Kabir, and Ustad Vilayat Khan, among others. These songs will also be interwoven with Rumi’s poetry that has inspired writers for countless generations.

A highly revered Indian singer, Zila Khan is also a music entrepreneur, actor, and a cultural ambassador for the Government of India. A prolific performer, she is the daughter of Sitar Maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan, and is known for her diverse repertoire and her effortless command over various musical styles from Indian Classical, World Music and Indo-Jazz Fusion to Traditional Ghazal and Sufi. She is widely regarded as one of the finest and most accomplished Sufi singers of her generation.

Her ensemble consists of some exceptional maestros including jazz virtuoso Ossam Ezzeldin; bass wiz Kai Eckhardt; and master bansuri player Steve Gorn, who seamlessly combines Indian harmonic ideas with jazz music literature.

Presented by Asia Society, the Consulate General of India in New York and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

Designers from India show festive wear in New Jersey at “Spring Soirée 2019”

April 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Fashion 0

An array of Indian and US-Indian designers showcased their latest collections at the fashion and lifestyle exhibition Spring Soirée 2019 April 14, at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey.

The exhibition was a one-stop shop for the spring wedding season.

The show ‘Spring Soiree, 2019’ showcased the versatility of Indian designers whose wide-ranging styles were not restricted to any culture or ethnicity, but also included the ethnic and traditional, according to a press release from organizers House of Chic by Heena Surani, a New York-based pop-up retail company, in collaboration with Vandana Malhotra Puri.

Currently their fashions have been seen in Dubai, New York, Dallas and Los Angeles, and at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai, and according to organizers, the Mumbai event “is already creating a buzz in Indian style and fashion magazines.”

The ‘Spring Soiree, 2019’ has been held in New York City, and Westchester before being taken to New Jersey. Many well-known designers (with their collection) such as Jayanthi Reddy, Adhya, Myoho, Lotus Sutr, Priya Chahabria, Inaarabypriya, Harshi, Dolly Saraf Jain, Dhashi, Roma Bhalla, Aneehka, ReeMat, BG Jewels, Tinted Teal, Allure Jewels and many more participated in the event.

In the New Jersey show, exquisite Indian embroideries with Western cuts made it on the ramp, the collections holding an international appeal, organizers said. It included festive couture, handcrafted luxury pret, which derives inspiration from the fusion of modern trends, fall styles to summer spring looks – including kurtas, salwaar suits, tunics, semiformal Indian wear and many more silhouettes were highlighted.

On April 14, House of Chic and Vandana Malhotra Puri hosted the New Jersey edition of Spring Soirée 2019 at the Royal Albert Palace in Fords. The fashion and lifestyle exhibition featured clothing, jewellery, and accessories with traditional and bridal wear as a focus.

Participating clothing designers included Jayanti Reddy, Priya Chhabria, Aneeka Harshi, Myoho, Roma Bhalla, Lotus Sutra, Heena Kochhar, Dhashi, Aadhya, and Kama Fashion by Dolly Jain. Jewellery brands Reemat Designs and Bijoux by Priya Chandra also participated. Fusion wear, kurtas, lehengas, and dupattas provided both formal and casual options for shoppers and the New Jersey Indian community came together to celebrate Indian fashion.

The event was designed to create a “buzz” around Indian fashion, according to the event’s press release. The New Jersey event followed Dallas, New York City, and Westchester and Heena Surani’s fashion events business House of Chic has also run similar events in Los Angeles and Dubai.

“A holistic cocktail of the antique artistry mixed with modern wizardry of silhouettes, cuts and jaw dropping designs,” organizers said in the press release. “The response was outstanding and crowds are now waiting for the next Exhibition with the next stunning Collection,” they added.

Dharmatma Saran & Shree Saini Win At The Global Beauty Awards

April 17, 2019 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Fashion, Profiles 0

Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of Miss/Mrs. India Worldwide and Shree Saini, the reigning Miss India Worldwide, won awards as the Director/Producer and Best Title Holder respectively at the Second Global Beauty Awards held on April 7 at Snoqualmie Casino in Seattle, Washington State. The Global Beauty Awards has been acclaimed as the Academy Award (Oscar) of beauty pageant industry. The event was attended by beauty pageant leaders from around the world. Sarah Rose Summers, the reigning Miss USA, was Emcee for the gala event.

Dharmatma Saran who is the pioneer in starting Indian beauty pageants in the USA and the world was honored for creating Miss India USA thirty eight years ago and also the only international Indian pageant – Miss India Worldwide with affiliates in over 40 countries. “He provides exceptional opportunities to his winners,” said the citation, “many of whom have gone to become Bollywood celebrities and the Who’s Who of the Indian community worldwide.”

Dharmatma Saran in his acceptance speech thanked Maureen Francisco and David Van Maren, Producers of the awards, for this honor. He also thanked Ekta Saini for nominating him and his wife Neelam Saran who has been a source of strength in his thirty eight years of pageant journey. Saran got this award out of 15 other influential nominees from around the world.

Shree Saini, the reigning Miss India Worldwide, was awarded as The Best Pageant Titleholder, out of 15 nominees from all over the world. The citation for Shree said ” As Miss India Worldwide, Shree saini has spoken at hundreds of events in over 70 cities, 11 states and 5 countries, al while being a full-time college student. She has collaborated with Governor, the Secretary of State, College Presidents, Mayors, and dozens of nonprofits, and her work has been published in over 500 newspapers.” Shree in her acceptance speech thanked her parents and Dharmatma Saran, Chairman of Miss India Worldwide, for their continued support.

Beautiful, compassionate, talented, ambitious, gentle, humble, determined and dedicated to achieving the lofty goals she has set before herself at a very young age, Shree Saini is a woman with a golden heart. Shree from the state of Washington was born in India. She immigrated to the United States as a toddler.

A woman with a noble mission, what the 22-year-old University of Washington student, is aspiring to achieve in her life, is to create awareness on a number of pressing social issues through her organization, and through her web-portal. “I began my nonprofit at age 15. I work on raising awareness and raising funds for several nonprofits including anti-human trafficking and anti-bullying,” the young visionary says. “I am very passionate about my non-profit and want to lead a life of service,” she says. “I want to help end human trafficking and work to promote the importance of emotional well-being in our society.”

Dharmatma Saran, chairman and founder of the New York based India Cultural Festival (IFC) that organizes the trail blazing Miss India Worldwide, is a pioneer in entertainment, holding Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and worldwide.

In 1990, Dharmatma Saran, decided to take the pageant one step further to an international level and started The First Miss India Worldwide Pageant to identify and honor beauties of Indian origin the world over and the show graduated to become the top most international Indian pageant on the earth. “For the first time ever, Asian-Indian communities from all over the world came together in New York for this event,” says Saran with a sense of pride. “To the best of our knowledge, no other ethnic organization has ever conducted a pageant of this magnitude on an international level.”

The pageant was an instant success and was acclaimed as the most glamorous Indian function in the world. “When Miss India New York started in 1980, I had perhaps not even in my wildest dreams imagined that in less than twenty years, we would fledge out to be a mass movement with affiliates in over 40 countries, let alone that we would one day have a live internet webcast and broadcast our most prestigious function, the Miss India Worldwide, to an audience of over 300 million people!”

The pageants aim to honor achievement, to celebrate our culture in many ways, among them, the ability to meet people, make friends, to respect and be respected, to continually strive to improve standards, and to live a life as close to the laws of nature.

In line with other prestigious international pageants, IFC started staging Miss India Worldwide in various parts of the world. In 1997, the pageant was organized in Bombay to salute India on its 50th anniversary of Independence. In the year 1998, the pageant was organized, in association with UTV International, in the exotic and beautiful city of Singapore, South Afrcia, Malyasia, UAE, Surinam and several other states in the US.

In addition, she uses the many social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, among others, to enhance her life’s mission. Through Shree Saini YouTube page, she wants to spread her message by creating short videos of discussions on social issues, college life, raising awareness of important organizations and human rights, as well as anything to help the community.

Shree won the Miss India USA after many years of focus and practice, participating and winning in several pageants. Shree has competed in a number of pageants within the Miss America organization. She was the first runner-up at Miss Moses Lake 2014, Miss Seattle 2016 and Miss Seattle 2017. She also won the Miss Seattle People’s Choice Award in 2016 and 2017, and Miss Congeniality, Highest Fundraiser, Director’s Award. All her pageant exposure has served as a platform for what she truly loves, in spreading awareness against bullying and other social issues. As Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, says, “Shree has used her platform to spread her story of perseverance, tolerance and heart health.”

Miss India USA was started by the New York-based community leaders Dharmatma Saran and Neelam Saran, under the banner of the India Festival Committee around 36 years ago, Miss India USA is the longest running Indian pageant outside India. “It has evolved over the years. Earlier, the participants of pageants presented their talent around Bollywood dance and songs and classical dances. But now pageant participants come out with their own innovations,” Dharmatma Saran said.

Saran contributions to Indian culture has been appreciated and recognized by various organizations around the world and he has been acclaimed as “India’s cultural ambassador to the world.” He has traveled with his wife Neelam to various countries to start Indian pageant. Recently he was awarded Bharat Gaurav Award held at the headquarters of United Nations in New York.

HT India’s Most Stylish 2019 Awards Held

April 1, 2019 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh won big at the Hindustan Times India’s Most Stylish Awards 2019 held at the St Regis in Mumbai on Friday, March 28th.

Attended by Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Katrina Kaif, Ayushmann Khurrana, Diljit Dosanjh, Sonakshi Sinha, Vicky Kaushal and Kartik Aaryan, the second edition of the India’s Most Stylish awards, which saw Shah Rukh Khan, Kartik Aaryan and Vicky Kaushal pick up major wins.

Vicky and Radhika Apte, who were a part of the ensemble cast of the anthology film Lust Stories – although in different segments – were among the first to arrive on the ‘black carpet’. They hosted the event.

India’s most stylish (male) reader’s choice award goes to Ranveer Singh, who mimes Kapil Dev’s bowling action on stage. Ranveer will play the former India cricket captain in an upcoming film. “Abhi to party shuru hui hai, Mic mere haath mei aaya hai. I feel amazing accepting award from the legend, Kapil Dev. How am I going to look this handsome, he is the next character I am playing. I am hoping to make him proud,” Ranveer said.

India’s Most Stylish Reader’s choice award (female) goes to Anushka Sharma. She said, “style is a personal and subjective thing and this award is very gratifying.” HT Hottest Trendsetter (male) goes to Akshay Kumar

Sunny Leone and Dimple Kapadia give away the award for HT Hottest Trendsetter (male) to Akshay Kumar. Akshay then took part in a rapid fire round. Here are some of his answers. The film he doesn’t want his kids to watch: Garam Masala.

India’s most stylish (female) jury’s choice is Kareena Kapoor. “Who better than Manish to give me the stylish award,” Kareena said. “I am accepting this award on my son Taimur’s behalf, the most stylish man alive. And he is definitely more stylish than you Ranveer.” Kareena Kapoor is the showstopper at Manish Malhotra’s show

Designer Manish Malhotra showcased his work in a stunning fashion show.

Kartik Aaryan wins the HT Most Stylish Youth Icon, his parents accepted the award on his behalf. Waheeda Rahman wins the HT Style Hall of Fame award, gets a standing ovation. “I knew the parents of a jury member before he was born, Karan Johar. Thank you Karan, thank you jury,” she said.

Twinkle Khanna won the HT Most Stylish author award. She said, “Steve jobs wore black turtleneck everyday of his life and he was a genius, Karan has never repeated the same dress so I don’t know what it says about him.” Twinkle dubbed Karan and herself Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Jeep Badge of Honour goes to Vicky Kaushal, HT Most Stylish director (male) is Rohit Shetty. Rohit said, “Last year I gave the biggest hit, this is my first award.” HT Style Game changer award goes to Sonakshi Sinha, who says, “My game has had to be changed very drastically, and trust me it takes an army of people. I have inherited some of that shotgun swag and I carry it well.”

Ekta Kapoor wins the HT Most Stylish Filmmaker award, while the HT Most Stylish Music Star award goes to Tanishk Bagchi. “I don’t think I have ever got a style award, I have featured so many times on worst dressed lists due to bloopers,” said Ekta.

Actor Ranveer Singh made a splashy entrance at the HT India’s Most Stylish awards. Wearing a neon suit and a new moustache, the Gully Boy actor was in his element. Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda wins. He says in his acceptance speech, “Mumbai if you are wondering who the f**k this is, I am a Telugu actor.”

Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri have won the HT Most Stylish Couple award. “Everything I know about style is actually Gauri,” Shah Rukh said. Gauri added, “Every time we are stepping out, I am ready in 20 minutes but he takes 2-3 hours. Tonight I put in a lot of effort and took three hours and he took six.”

Shah Rukh continued, “I am basic and boring and she brings in the beauty.” Reacting to the couple’s old photos, Shah Rukh said, “I was very poor and Gauri was middle class when we shot this picture. I had promised to take her to Paris but I took her to Darjeeling and thought she will take it as Paris. This is our honeymoon in Darjeeling.” Shah Rukh Khan arrived at the event with wife Gauri Khan. He also danced with host Radhika Apte on stage.

HT Most Stylish Sports Personality award goes to Heena Sidhu. The award was presented by Aparshakti Khurana. Meanwhile, Taapsee Pannu was presented with the HT Style Trailblazer award by Chunky Pandey and Renu Tandon. “At least some award show has considered me worthy,” said Taapsee in her acceptance speech.

Journalist Shireen Bhan wins the second award of the evening. She said in her acceptance speech that style for her is having a point of view and having courage to express that point of view. The HT Most Stylish Artist award goes to Mithu Sen. The award was presented by Amyra Dastur. The HT Most Stylish Business Personality goes to Natasha Poonawala.

The first award of the evening goes to Anamika Khanna. She said the award “empowers me to take more steps that are just mine.” The award was presented by Sheetal Mafatlal and Gauahar Khan. “This is our first time as hosts, and we’re really looking forward to it, so, yeah, fingers crossed,” Vicky said at the event.

Kapil Sharma is in the house!

Miss Universe Sushmita Sen honors Shree Saini

March 24, 2019 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen honored Miss India Worldwide Shree Saini, an Indian-American, with the “Woman Hero” award at the South Asian Women Empowerment Gala held in New York on March 19. Sen, a Bollywood star, was the chief guest at the program. When she called Saini to the stage to present the award, the audience rose to its feet in applause, according to a press release.

Saini announced at the gathering that she was off to Johannesburg for the Miss India Gauteng Pageant. “Pageantry improves the lives and confidence of women throughout the world,” she is quoted saying.

Both Sen and Saini were honored with citation by the 18th District Nassau County Legislator Joshua A. Lafazan. According to the press release, the citation presented to Shree Saini read, “In recognition of your service to the community, neighbours and families; And in recognition of your leadership and dedication to enriching the lives of others, I, Joshua A. Lafazan, Nassau County Legislator recognise (sic), honour and congratulate Shree Saini.”

In 1994, Sen became the youngest woman to be selected Femina Miss India Universe at that time. A few days later she was crowned the 43rd Miss Universe at the age of 18, the first Indian to win that title. Other distinguished women who were honored at the March 19 event included Urmil “Tracy” Marshal, Sangeeta Mudnal and Dr. Uzma Syed, according to the press release.

Indian-American Shree Saini was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2018 at a glittering pageant held at the Royal Alberts Palace, in Fords, New Jersey on Friday, December 14, 2018. Shree, 22, who was told by the doctors that she can never dance after being installed with a pacemaker at the age of 12, said one should never give up. “I truly believe your legacy is defined by how you make others feel and the positive difference you make in your lifetime,” said Shree, who started her non-profit organisation, when she was 15. Shree said it was her dream to compete for a world title, which was started when she was in the elementary school.

Shree Saini has been in a public profile for years. She literally can make her choice on how she wants to mould her image and pave the way for her future. Shree Saini, an undergraduate student at the University of Washington pursuing a double degree in public administration and business, wants to “lead a life of service.” When asked between the many engagements around the nation, where she finds the time to study, Shree says, “I study on the plane, while waiting for flights, as almost every weekend, there is an event I need to attend.”

Kim Kumari is Miss India USA 2019; Esha Kode is Miss Teen India USA; Vidhi Dave is Mrs. India USA

February 27, 2019 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Kim Kumari, 18, from New Jersey, who is planning to be Optometrist and help Third World Nation Children learn about the importance of eye care, was decalred the winner of the prestigious Miss India USA 2019 on February 17^th here at Royal Alberts Palace, Edison, NJ. Kim also won the Best Talent Award for her performance of Lavni (Maharashtra folk dance) with a fusion of Bhangra.

Mrs. India USA, Vidhi Dave, 31, from Connecticut has a Data Scientist degree from Harvard University is a Project Manager with an IT company. Her hobbies include all kind of dancing including Bharatnatyam, Folk and Bollywood. She wants to be a social activist and become a voice for women’s empowerment.

Esha Kode, 16, from New Jersey was crowned Miss Teen India USA who also got the Miss Talented Award. Esha aspires to be a top fashion model and movie star and academically pursue to be a pediatric surgeon. Kim and Vidhi will represent USA in the Miss & Mrs. India Worldwide 2019 to be held in Mumbai in September of this year. The three won the crowns out of 75 finalists from all over USA. The annual pageant which also celebrated thirty seventh anniversary of Miss India USA had a record number of participants and was attended by hundreds of people from across the USA.

Renuka Joseph from New York and Aanchal Shah from Florida were declared Fist and Second Runners Up respectively in the Miss India USA section. Amrita Chehil from Ohio and Sowmya Saxena also from Ohio were declared First and second runner ups respectively in the Mrs.India USA section. In the Teen section Aishwarya Vallem of Georgia and Tanvi Gujral also from Georgia were respectively declared first and second runner ups.

Organized by the New York based India Festival Committee (IFC) and chaired by Neelam & Dharmatma Saran is the longest running Indian pageant outside of India.” I am overwhelmed with the great response this year, said Dharmatma Saran, “with a record number of 75 contestants representing 26 states from the United States.”

The pageant started with a stunning performance by all the contestants led by the outgoing queens Shree Saini and Kavita Malhotra Pattani and choreographed by Shilpa Jhurani. All contestants presented their best in the Indian and the Evening Gown segment after which the top ten were selected. The top ten contestants from Miss Section then amazed the audience with their talent which included Bollywood dances, Indian classical and folk dances, singing and speech.

Dharmatma Saran, Chairman & Founder, presented Lifetime Achievement Award to Bollywood legend Meenakshi Seshadri for her contributions to Indian Motion Picture and performing arts.Meenakshi Seshadri also served as Chief Judge along with Bollywood Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar, Indian Latin Actor Prabhakar Sharan, Miss India Worldwide 2017 and a rising singing star Madhu Valli and Dr. Binod Sinha from New Jersey.

IFC partnered with Ketto, a NGO based in Mumbai, and started by Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor and Varun Sheth, to raise funds for PURNATA who works with stopping human trafficking. With the help of all Mrs. Contestants over $8000.00 was raised with Mrs. Nikita Shah from Florida raising the maximum amount and was awarded as Miss Philanthropist.

“We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to imbibe Indian values, tradition, culture and performing arts among Indian origin youth across the world” with our motto “bringing India closer,”said Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of the pageants.

Nikkitasha Marwaha – Miss India Worldwid 2009 and Bollywood actor and Anuradha Maharaj – former Miss India Trinidad were emcees for the function and Nishi Bahl was the choreographer assisted by Shilpa Jhurani. This year pageant was presented by 27th Investments and supported by TV Asia and Royal Albert’s Palace.

Vibrant India @New York Fashion Week

February 13, 2019 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

For the 3rd consecutive season, India-based Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) and London School of Trends (LST) took Indian fashion abroad by celebrating the craftsmanship of emerging Indian student designers at Vibrant India during New York Fashion Week on February 9, at the famed NYFW location 172 Norfolk St. Manhattan.

The fashion show is “In tandem with the 5 “F” formula given by Honorable Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi from Farm to Fiber, Fiber to, Fabric to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign,” organizers said in a press release.

Deputy Consul General of India at New York Shatrughan Sinha, and other dignitaries, was present to support the young Indian designers.

INIFD have been showcasing their work at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai for last 22 consecutive seasons. Alongside that, aspiring designers from INIFD are showcasing their talent in London & New York Fashion Week to take the 5F formula forward, organizers said.

The show amalgamated rich Indian textiles and techniques with internationally accepted cuts and designs, according to the press release. The show was based on the themes Art & Craft, Bad Girls, Evening Wear & Tailoring.

“Models sashaying on the ramp displaying rich Indian cultural heritage blended with western aesthetics. Capturing the spirit of India with students coming from diverse backgrounds, they focused on fall winter trends while embracing a certain and exciting season,” the press release said, and indicated that the ‘Fashion glitterati’ of New York were in attendance.

35th Annual Dance Pe Chance’ 2019 – 70th Republic Day Celebrations

February 6, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion, Entertainment, Fashion, Profiles 0

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of the tri-state, one of the oldest and the largest nonprofit Umbrella Organization of the Indian Diaspora celebrated India’s 70th Republic Day in grandeur with its annual show “Dance Pe Chance” promoting the 2nd generation of the Indian Diaspora while promoting the culture and heritage at the Union County Arts Center, in Rahway, New Jersey.

The packed show was a cultural extravaganza as the students from various dance schools of four different states participated in festive spirit to prove their mettle at the “Dance Pe Chance” dance competition. Nine dance schools performed in front of a sold-out auditorium in four categories: Minor, Junior, Senior and Adult. Aum Dance Creations, Arya Dance Academy, Aatma Performing Arts, B2Z Dance School, Dancing Shiva, Natraj Dance Studio, Nirmiti School Of Dance, Simply Dance, Pranavam School Of Dance are among the schools that participated.

The event commenced with the National Anthem of US and India, during his welcome address FIA President Alok Kumar triumphantly welcomed the spectators and applauded the children parents and choreographers. He also dedicated the 35th year of this cultural performance competition to children who with this year total surpassing an accumulated total of over 18000 children that have participated in this cultural dance competition that spans 3 decades.

The community event also honored the dignitaries in attendance, judges, guests and the traditional ceremony of oath for the FIA’s incoming executive committee of 2019 – Alok Kumar President; Himanshu Bhatia, Executive Vice President; Saurin Parikh, Vice President; Amit Yadav, General Secretary; Amit Ringasia, Treasurer; Srujal Parikh, immediate Past President and Mardavi Patel, Joint Secretary. The oath was administered by Deputy Consulate General New York Shatrughan Sinha who was on hand, acknowledged and welcomed the incoming FIA Executive team. He expressed his appreciation for the role FIA has played in the community for 49 years and how working CGI-NY and FIA working in sync is pivotal and progressive beneficial for the Indian diaspora here in the Northeast.

DCG- Sinha also administered the oath to two new members added by FIA to the Board of Trustees, Jayesh Patel Past President & Ankur Vaidya, two-term Past President both long-time FIA veterans. Vaidya addressed the gathering on behalf of Chairman Ramesh Patel and recognized the support of the FIA Board that currently holds a line of distinguished community leaders including Ramesh Patel, Padma Shri H R Shah, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Albert Jasani, Ram Gadhavi, Dipak Patel, Chandrakant Trivedi, Pravin Pandhi and Yash Paul Soi.

FIA also honored and had as a Guest of Honor Emmy Award-winning travel show host and PBS Travel celebrity Darley Newman who graced the event with her presence. Ms. Newman applauded the performances and efforts including costumes and props displayed by the participants.

Participants were judged by an array of talented personalities including Palvesha Latiwala, decorated dancer and the CEO of Bombino Express, Smt. Gomathi Manoj, decorated Bharatanatyam artiste, teacher and Artistic Director of Soundarya Natya Kalalaya and Nirali Vakharia, Director and founder of Natraj Nrityala School of Dance. The event was sponsored by Pyar.com, BCB Indus American Bank, Movers.com, RWJ Barnabas Health, The South Asian Times, Air India, Cox & Kings, SBI New York, New York Life, Bombino Express, Akbar Restaurant, Universal Relocations, TV Asia, Parikh Worldwide Media, Hotstar, The Indian Panorama, EBC Radio and Printzazu.

FIA added variety and diversity by including a ‘grownups or adults’ category that showed the 3 glitz-filled performances by majority the participating moms. There was also a spectacular martial arts form – Tae Kwan Do performance by Kim’s Tae Kwan Do which was compiled by Tae Kwan Do Master J D Kim. Concluding the event, FIA honored all the dancers, choreographers and judges with Prize-Winning amounts, mementos, and certificates. In addition to other offerings extended to participants by the FIA.

The List of Winners:

Minor Category

Best Costume:- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Singham, Mamta se bhare

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Best Choreography:- Arya Dance Academy

Song: Singham, Mamta se bhare

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Technique:- Dancing Shiva

Song : Song from Lagaan

Choreographer: Jeanie Beri & Neal Doshi

3rd prize:- Aum Dance Creations

Song : Sridevi Medley

Choreographer: Rina Shah, Anu Mysore

2nd prize:- Dancing Shiva

Song : Song from Lagaan

Choreographer: Jeanie Beri & Neal Doshi

1st prize:- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Singham, Mamta se bhare

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Junior Category

Best Costume :- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Shah ka Rutba, Gajanan, Vande mataram

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Best Choreography :- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Shah ka Rutba, Gajanan, Vande mataram

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Technique :- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Shah ka Rutba, Gajanan, Vande mataram

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

3rd prize:- Aatma Performing Arts

Song : Kanna Nidurinchara, Soja Zara, Gulaab Gang

Choreographer: Amit Shah, Serena Ortiz, Sapna Advani

2nd prize:- Aum Dance Creations

Song : Garba/Raas – Kamariya, Chogada, Dholi Taro, Raangtaali, Dholida, Nagada Sang Dhol

Choreographer: Rina Shah, Anu Mysore

1st prize:- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Shah ka Rutba, Gajanan, Vande mataram

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Senior Category

Best Costume :- Aatma Performing Arts / Arya Dance Academy

Song : Pyar kiya toh darna kya , Dil cheez kya hai / Albela Sajan, Jai Jai kara, Jai Hanuman

Choreographer: Amit Shah, Sapna Advani, Swarali/ Arya Instructors

Best Choreography :- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Albela Sajan, Jai Jai kara, Jai Hanuman

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

Technique :- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Albela Sajan, Jai Jai kara, Jai Hanuman

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

3rd prize:- Aum Dance Creations

Song : Balleilaka, Suno Gaur Se,Satyamev, Maa Tuje Salaam

Choreographer: Rina Shah, Anu Mysore

2nd prize:- Arya Dance Academy

Song : Albela Sajan, Jai Jai kara, Jai Hanuman

Choreographer: Arya Instructors

1st prize:- Aatma Performing Arts

Song : Pyar kiya toh darna kya , Dil cheez kya hai

Choreographer: Amit Shah, Sapna Advani, Swarali

The top performance in all aspects in all categories ‘Best of the Best’ Judges Choice:- AUM Dance Creations (Junior Category)

How ‘Glass’ May Cement M. Night Shyamalan’s Comeback

February 6, 2019 Staff ReporterFashion, Finance/Economy 0

Glass is a $20 million-budgeted, self-financed, distribution-only flick that just nabbed a $40.5 million Fri-Sun/$48.06m Fri-Mon debut weekend. Yes, it’s a sequel, it but it’s a sequel to what began as a wholly original genre flick and a sequel to a genuine cult favorite. So, to the extent that this opening feels anything like a disappointment, it’s mostly a matter of potentially unrealistic expectations, concern for long-term grosses and what its critical reception means for the guy above the title. There’s a lot of context to discuss, but for the record, this is a $20m superhero flick that just nabbed a $90m global opening weekend, which is a record global bow for M. Night Shyamalan. Even if it is as frontloaded as Watchmen or Green Lantern, it will make money for all parties.

Universal/Comcast, which distributed Glass in North America, swore that it wouldn’t open any higher than $50 million for the four-day weekend, and they were correct. A $48m launch is close to the projection, and I’d argue that reviews (36% rotten and 5.1/10 on Rotten Tomatoes) and word-of-mouth (a B from Cinemascore) were to blame. There is nothing wrong with how the movie was presented or how it was marketed, other than, like WB’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald trailers, it tricked me into thinking the movie would be good. That Glass opened to the same as Split (a $40m Fri-Sun launch in 2017) and Unbreakable ($32m Fri-Sun/$46m Wed-Sun in 2000) shows that perhaps the fan base for both IPs was almost entirely overlapping.

Glass is a combo sequel, existing as 2 Split 2 Unbreakable. The film plays off the twist epilogue from Split which revealed that the James McAvoy/Anya Taylor-Joy thriller took place within the same world as the 2000 Bruce Willis/Samuel L. Jackson cult classic Unbreakable. That film was somewhat divisive 18 years ago, turning off many with its unspoiled “Hey, this is a real-world superhero drama!” reveal just before (2.5 years after Blade and four months after X-Men) the superhero movie sub-genre entered its secondary mainstream phase. Ironically, it suffered a fate not unlike Mystery Men, a pinpoint superhero satire (one very much aimed at the notion of superhero stories as white male power fantasies) that got clobbered by the opening weekend of… The Sixth Sense.

18 years later, superhero movies are all the rage, and Glass (hopefully) represents the culmination of Shyamalan’s recent artistic and commercial comeback which began with The Visit and continued with Split (which snagged a $40 million opening weekend and legged it to $137m domestic and $275m worldwide). It also represents the first wholly original cinematic universe (in at least a few decades) give-or-take Fast and Furious (which became a cinematic universe by accident by being unable to snag both Vin Diesel and Paul Walker for the first two sequels). Come January 18, 2019, Glass will be a big deal to fans of Unbreakable, fans of Glass and folks who just think it looks like an exciting and offbeat fantasy thriller. It’ll benefit from being the first “big” movie since the triple whammy of Aquaman, Bumblebee and Mary Poppins Returns a month prior.

Moreover, and this could be the kicker, it may benefit from a generation of adult moviegoers who grew up with Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs and now have kids who are old enough to tag along. As someone who never gave up on him even during the grim years (2006-2014), I’m beyond thrilled to see my faith (eventually) rewarded as the filmmaker has embraced his destiny (ala Bruce Almighty) as a maker of high-end pulp. It has been even more wonderful to see a generation of young genre filmmakers who grew up on Shyamalan’s early triumphs making their own genre classics (Searching, A Quiet Place, etc.) that retain the empathetic spirit which made everyone cry at the end of The Sixth Sense. Even if this comeback doesn’t stick, that’s a hell of a legacy.

Miss India New England 2019 brings out personality and tradition

January 29, 2019 Staff ReporterCommunity, Entertainment, Fashion, Profiles 0

The 7th annual ‘Miss India New England’ 2019 held on January 19, was a unique blend of talent and a celebration heritage providing a platform to bring out both traditional and modern elements of Indian society.

Participants included women and girls of Indian origin from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Each had to complete four rounds – Evening Gown, Ethnic Dress, Talent, and On-stage Question. There were three categories of contestants -Miss India, Miss Teen or Mrs India, a press release from organizers said.

Those crowned for the top spots included – Sivani Jonnalagadda, Miss India New England 2019; Mihika Abraham – Miss India Teen New England 2019; and Mrs India New England 2019 Deepa Jayavelu. The pageant was directed and produced by Ruchika Arora who is also state director of Miss India USA.

Organizers with Miss India New England 2019 winner and past winner at Jan. 19 pageant held in Foxborough, MA. (Photo: Miss India New England) of the Miss India New England pageant held

The Miss India New England pageant is designed to identify and support talented young Indian American people and promote culture, traditions of India in United States for modern generations, the press release said.

The Miss India New England 2019 pageant on Jan. 19, attracted participants from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, who had to compete in four rounds – Evening Gown, Ethnic Dress, Talend, and On-stage Question. (Photo: courtesy Miss India New England)

“The inspirational women introducing themselves on the stage represent strength of Indian American girls/women and community when they talk about their educational background, professional achievements and aspirations” organizers said, thanking all the sponsors, supporters and friends including Neelam and Dr Dharmatma Saran of Worldwide Pageants. Crown sponsors were Tewarie Enterprises.

Deepa Jayavelu, Mrs India New England at the Jan. 19, pageant held in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo: Miss India New England)

List of 2019 Winners:

Miss India New England -Sivani Jonnalagadda

Mrs India New England – Deepa Jayavelu

Miss India Teen New England-Mihika Abraham

Viewer’s Choice NE -Aradhana Surapaneni

Miss India Massachusetts- Ann Varghese

Mrs India Massachusetts- Madhurima Agrawal

Miss India Teen Massachusetts- Trinjan Kaur

Miss India Rhode Island- Sai Kurapati

Mrs India Rhode Island- Medha Rastogi

Miss India New Hampshire- Zaina Ahmed

Mrs India New Hampshire- Preeti Potdar

Mrs India Photogenic- Suruchi Sinha (NH)

Miss India Teen New England 2019 Mihika Abraham. (Photo: Miss India New England)

Teen Awards:

Miss India Teen Catwalk- Aishwarya Narayanan

Miss India Teen Talented- Shruthi Puranik

Miss India Teen Photogenic- Nandini Mandaloju

Catriona Elisa Gray from Philippines crowned Miss Universe 2018

December 26, 2018 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Catriona Elisa Gray from Philippines was croened Miss Universe when she beat 93 contestants from around the world to emerge the winner — as chosen by an all-women jury.

India’s Nehal Chudasama failed to make it to the Top 20 of the Miss Universe 2018 pageant. India had pinned high hopes on Nehal, 22, to end a long drought for the country at the pageant as Lara Dutta had last brought back the crown in 2000.

But South Africa’s Tamaryn Green, a medical student, and Venezuela’s Sthefany Guterrez, studying to be a lawyer, secured the first runner-up and second runner-up spots at the gala ceremony, where Spain’s Angela Ponce made history as the first transgender woman to contend for the title of Miss Universe.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning Steve Harvey, the show here on Sunday saw Gray taking an ecstatic first walk as Miss Universe in a dazzling red gown with a thigh-high slit. She was crowned by Miss Universe 2017 Demi Leigh Nel-Peters, who comes from South Africa.

Gray holds a Master Certificate in Music Theory. An adventure junkie, she is an HIV/AIDS advocate and volunteers as a Teacher’s Assistant to the students at an NGO according to the official Miss Universe website.

In the final question round, Gray was asked about the most important lesson she has learnt in life and how would she apply it in her time as Miss Universe.

She said: “I work a lot in the slums of Manila and life there is very poor and sad. I have always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look for the beauty in the faces of the children, and I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining and to asses where I could give something and provide something.

“And if I could also teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity would not brew and foster, and children would have a smile on their face.”

Earlier in the competition, Gray was asked about her views on legalisation of marijuana. She said: “I am all for it being used in medical use but not so much for recreational use, because I think if people were to argue what about cigarettes and alcohol… Well, everything is good, but in moderation.”

The competition began with the Top 20, with five semi-finalists being chosen from each region — The Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, as well as a Wild Card category.

In a newly formed segment, the contestants were made to make an ‘Opening Statement’, giving out a message for the world.

Then, the contestants were narrowed down to the Top 10, leading to the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. They were further streamlined to the Top 5 and were asked interesting questions ranging from issues like MeToo to immigration.

Singer Ne-Yo lent a musical touch and Ponce took a proud walk down the ramp, winning a standing ovation for representing diversity and inclusion in its true sense.

The House of Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla Invites Fashionistas to two NYC Trunk Shows

December 26, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion 0

The past year has seen its fair share of Indian celebrity weddings – from Anushka to Sonam to Deepika to Priyanka to Isha – and the House of Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla has been there every step of the way to dress some of the most glamorous brides on their most memorable occasions.

Mirai, a brand-new fashion house bringing curated South Asian designer experiences exclusively to New York City, is proud to host this dynamic duo for TWO trunks shows at the Taj Pierre Hotel (2 E 61st St. & 5th Avenue) on January 18th and 19th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing the following Couture, luxury and pret collections for women AND men:

ABU JANI SANDEEP KHOSLA – best known for their ability to infuse Indian craftsmanship and textile heritage with a European tailored silhouette. Their signature is to combine traditional aesthetics with modern design. This is their Couture and Bespoke line.

KHOSLA JANI – luxury womenswear line that specializes in Couture, Ready To Wear and Bridal, where stunning designs meet flawless execution as a myriad of processes combine to fuse Couture fashion with timeless and elegant style. This is the duo’s Western line.

ASAL BY ABU SANDEEP – the label carries forth the design philosophy of its parent, Couture, but is reworked in meticulous machine embroideries, accented with handmade craftsmanship to create a range of style for women and men who want fine clothing which is both current and timeless.

GULABO BY ABU SANDEEP – a luscious expression of natural fabrics, fluid silhouettes and deliciously easy style. The collection includes dresses, tunics, kaftans, kurtas and dhotis that break the style meter without breaking the bank and put the “luxe” into ready-to-wear.

The events are FREE and open to the public, but participants MUST RSVP to info@mirainy.com to save their spots. The designers will be available for private appointments with brides and serious buyers ONLY. To book a private appointment with Abu Jani or Sandeep Khosla, please email Sindhu Rao at sindhu.rao@mirainy.com.

The media is invited to a special meet-and-greet with the designers on Friday, January 18th from 10 a.m. to noon at the Taj Pierre Hotel. Please RSVP to info@jingomedia.com. One-on-one interviews will be made available by request.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla met in August 1986. They formed an instant rapport and decided to combine their creative energies. Their original joint company, Abu Jani – Sandeep Khosla was formed in 1992. Best known for their ability to infuse Indian craftsmanship and textile heritage with a European tailored silhouette. Their signature is to combine traditional aesthetics with modern design.

The Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla label is internationally feted for its cutting edge quality and classically elegant style. Each ensemble is a delicate mélange. The richness of India’s heritage suffused with divine design makes every AJSK garment a modern masterpiece. The last three decades have seen them establish an enviable reputation as pioneers in resurrecting the best of the past and fashioning it for the future.

The label stands for excellence. The finest fabrics combine with the most exquisite embroideries and intricate embellishments to create unparalleled quality and aesthetic appeal. The emphasis is on timeless style rather than transient trends. It is this concentration on uncompromising quality and eternal elegance that result in clients wearing outfits purchased a decade ago to important events today. An AJSK ensemble is considered a wise investment, due to its repeat value.

In the words of a devoted client: “Yes, they are expensive! But like art or jewels, they are an investment. An Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla outfit will be as stylish and look as brand new ten years from now as it does today.”

Shree Saini is Miss India Worldwide 2018

December 19, 2018 Ajay GhoshCommunity, Entertainment, Fashion 0

Indian-American Shree Saini was crowned Miss India Worldwide 2018 at a glittering pageant held at the Royal Alberts Palace, in Fords, New Jersey on Friday, December 14, 2018.

Shree, 22, who was told by the doctors that she can never dance after being installed with a pacemaker at the age of 12, said one should never give up. “I truly believe your legacy is defined by how you make others feel and the positive difference you make in your lifetime,” said Shree, who started her non-profit organisation, when she was 15. Shree said it was her dream to compete for a world title, which was started when she was in the elementary school.

Indian-origin girls from as many as 17 countries participated in the annual beauty pageant on the final day, while nearly 40 women from as many countries from around the world had competed fro the coveted title. Organised by the New York-based India Festival Committee (IFC), the pageant is said to be the oldest and largest event for the Indian Diaspora community.

Sakshi Sinha from Australia and Anusha Sareen from United Kingdom were respectively declared first and second runner ups in the 27th annual global pageant for people of Indian origin.

India’s Mandeep Kaur Sandhu, who hails from Haryana, was crowned Mrs India Worldwide 2018. A mother to a boy, she lost her husband in a road accident in the first year of her marriage. “I decided to stay single to show to all those who told me that I cannot raise a child alone being a widow. I am here to represent all the widow women. If I can do it, you can do it,” Mandeep said. Jeya Priya Pandian from Malaysia and Kavita Malhotra Pattani from USA were declared the first and second runner ups of the Mrs India Worldwide 2018 respectively.

The next edition of the Miss India Worldwide will be held in Mumbai in 2019, said Dharmatma Saran, chairman and founder of the India Festival Committee that organises the pageant.

“We are proud of the fact that we have been able to imbibe Indian values, tradition and culture among Indian origin youths across the world,” he said. “We have also been successful in promoting Indian performing arts in the world,” Saran said.

Shree created the website www.ShreeSaini.com to educate people about her experiences. “It was created based on my personal struggles during my high school,” Saini says. Her hope is that it would inspire others to emulate and face the world with confidence and love. Her former tormentors are now her fans. Via social media, she’s received their congratulations – and apologies.

“I am so incredibly honored, overjoyed, humbled and excited to be chosen as your “MISS INDIA WORLDWIDE 2018”! God’s amazing grace has surpassed all the words I may have to express this fete. I am astonished by the blessings showered over me,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Her passion for education started when she was very young. Even in high school, her drive led Shree to graduate with the highest number of high school credits (46, although only 26 were required). “I know education is vital to solving any of the world’s problems, and have therefore always stayed curious and dedicated myself to obtaining life skills, like public speaking, as well as gaining more knowledge by studying political science at Harvard University, and establishing my own emotional wellbeing startup at Stanford University.”

Pointing to the hard work she had to put in, Shree says, the Acting Program she attended at Yale was a very intensive conservatory program for actors comprised of 12+ hours of classes daily, which were then followed by rehearsals. With my heart condition, I had to work extra hard (just as I need to do in dance or as a UW student) in order to match the performance level of other physically-able actors. And, she succeeded through determination and hard work.

Shree’s ambition to learn and conquer what she is set to achieve in life has taken Shree to some of the most prestigious schools across the United States. Saini, who studied journalism at UW and has attended as a visiting student at Harvard, Yale and Stanford, aspires to push legislation through local governments.

Shree is working on pushing through a Bill nationwide that will help implement emotional well-being classes for K through 12. “The classes will help start at a young age to build self-esteem.” Saini hopes to follow up her undergraduate degree with graduate courses at an Ivy League school, where she intends to study public administration or policy making and nonprofit management.

A brilliant student and learner, Shree believes that children learn what they live in their own households. “Parents need to radiate kindness, and be generous enough to overlook minor offenses, while still raising responsible kids who will heal our societies.”

As the reigning Miss India Worldwide, “I believe I will be able to make even more of an impact. During my reign, I am responsible for reaching out to individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and schools to make at least 100 appearances during the next 12 months. At every event, I strive to raise public awareness about the value of emotional fitness. I find I am able to engage audiences by asking them my most powerful question: ‘What is more important to you than your own emotional wellbeing?’ I also share my personal story of receiving a pacemaker at age 12, being brutally bullied, and then having to build myself back up emotionally.” She is committed to live a life of service where she intends to teach people about love, harmony and tolerance.

Exquisite Jewelry Exhibition opens at the Met Museum

December 13, 2018 Staff ReporterBusiness, Fashion, Finance/Economy 0

What is jewelry? Why do we wear it? What meanings does it convey? At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, an exhibition, “Jewelry: The Body Transformed,” traversing time and space to explore how jewelry acts upon and activates the body it adorns, opened On November 12th.

The exhibition emphasizes the universality of jewelry, including from India—precious objects made for the body, a singular and glorious setting for the display of art. Great jewelry from around the world are presented in a radiant display that groups these ornaments according to the part of the body they adorn: head and hair; nose, lips, and ears; neck and chest; arms and hands; and waist, ankles, and feet.

This global conversation about one of the most personal and universal of art forms brings together some 230 objects drawn almost exclusively from The Met collection. A dazzling array of headdresses and ear ornaments, brooches and belts, necklaces and rings created between 2600 B.C.E. and the present day are shown along with sculptures, paintings, prints, and photographs that will enrich and amplify the many stories of transformation that jewelry tells.

“Jewelry is one of the oldest modes of creative expression—predating even cave painting by tens of thousands of years—and the urge to adorn ourselves is now nearly universal,” commented Max Hollein, Director of The Met. “This exhibition will examine the practice of creating and wearing jewelry through The Met’s global collection, revealing the many layers of significance imbued in this deeply meaningful form of art.”

If the body is a stage, jewelry is one of its most dazzling performers. Throughout history and across cultures, jewelry has served as an extension and amplification of the body, accentuating it, enhancing it, distorting it, and ultimately transforming it. Jewelry is an essential feature in the acts that make us human, be they rituals of marriage or death, celebrations or battles. At every turn, it expresses some of our highest aspirations.

“To fully understand the power of jewelry, it is not enough to look at it as miniature sculpture,” stated Melanie Holcomb, Curator, Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters. “While jewelry is ubiquitous, the cultures of the world differ widely regarding where on the body it should be worn. By focusing on jewelry’s interaction with—and agency upon—the human body, this exhibition brings in a key element that has been missing in previous studies of the subject.”

The exhibition is being shown along with sculptures, paintings, prints, and photographs that will enrich and amplify the many stories of transformation that jewelry tells; how it served as an extension and amplification of the body, accentuating it, enhancing it, distorting it, and ultimately transforming it.

There is also a riveting Jasmine Bud Necklace (Malligai Arumbu Malai), a marriage necklace made of gold, from the late 19th century, with its origin in Tamil Nadu. Elaborate necklaces of this type were presented by the groom’s family during wedding celebrations of the Chetiar community, a Shaivite mercantile caste, and formed part of the bride’s wealth (stridhan) thereafter.

The necklace was initially part of a dowry given to the bride by the groom at a climactic moment in the ceremony, the three knots ritual. This form of necklace is known as a Kali-Tiru; the elaborate Thali type generally includes a central Shiva and Parvati on a medallion. The four fingers of the central pendant are understood as denoting the four Vedas. There is another Jasmine Bud Necklace, from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The ornament is inset with ruby and with tapering extensions. A pair of gold royal earrings from India, from the 1st century B.C. are in exhibit.

While splendid jewelry adorns the regal and divine figures represented on early stone sculptures and terracotta plaques, few actual ornaments still exist. It is thought that jewelry was not kept and reused but instead was melted down possibly to avoid transmitting the karma of the former owner.

In addition to clusters and rows of beads, each earring is decorated with a winged lion, and elephant and two vases filled with vegetation. Put on by slipping through a distended earlobe from the back, they are worn with the lion facing the wearer’s cheek and the elephant on the outside.

The place of these earrings in the history of Indian art is assured, not only for their intrinsic beauty, but also because of the light they shed on the superb quality of early gold-smithing in this region.

Early Indian statues of both male and female figures were usually portrayed with elaborate jewelry that sometimes seemed fanciful, since very little comparable jewelry from that period survived. The discovery of this pair of earrings provided the first tangible evidence that the jewelry depicted by the sculptors was in fact based on real exemplars, for a very similar pair is shown on a first century B.C. relief portrait of a Universal Ruler, the Chakravartin, from Jaggayapeta.

These earrings, judging from their material worth, the excellence of craftsmanship, and the use of royal emblems (a winged lion and an elephant) as part of their design, were most probably made as royal commissions. Each earring is composed of two rectangular, budlike forms, growing outward from a central, double-stemmed tendril. The elephant and the lion of repoussé gold are consummately detailed, using granules, snipets of wire and sheet, and individually forged and hammered pieces of gold.

The two pieces are not exactly identical: On the underside they are both decorated with a classical early Indian design of a vase containing three palmettes, but the patterning of the fronds differentiates the two earrings. They are so large and heavy that they must have distended the earlobes and rested on the shoulders of the wearer, like the pair worn by the Chakravartin.

An exquisite collection of jewelry over the ages from cultures globally, including some from India, is the focus of the exhibition ‘Jewelry: The Body Transformed’, which will be on exhibition through February 24, 2019.

Kamala Harris is ‘Glamour Woman of the Year 2018’

December 1, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion, Politics, U.S. 0

When Kamala Harris took the stage at Glamour‘s 2018 Women of the Year Awards on Monday, November 12th in New York City, she stressed the importance of one thing: truth. In what’s proven to be a categorically challenging year for women in the U.S.

Senator Harris (D-Calif.) directed her acceptance speech at the women in the room, explaining the importance of speaking up in a nation that’s becoming increasingly divided in the face of political polarization. In her address, Harris pleaded with those watching to take their frustration to the polls, inspiring the room to take action and ultimately leaving the ball in the voters’ court.

“The truth and speaking it is a powerful thing. And speaking truth can often make people quite uncomfortable. But if we are going to be a country that engages in honest conversations with the point of getting beyond where we are and seeing what we can be unburdened by what we have been, we must speak truth—and speak the truth uncomfortable and difficult though it may be to hear,” Glamour quoted her as saying.

“You speak the truth, the honorees tonight, about the need for women—particularly women of color—to be seen and heard and for their stories to be told, from the Senate floor to movie sets to concert stages…You speak the truth about gun violence… (about what) tears our communities apart and takes away our children, from Parkland to Chicago to South Los Angeles…You speak the truth about America’s history—in all of its greatness and in all of its complexity.”

Harris said that this is an “inflection” moment in the history of America. “This is a moment where there are powerful forces trying to sew hate and division among us. And if we’re going to deal with where we are in this inflection moment, we must speak all these truths,” she said. “…And years from now, people are going to look in our eyes, each one of us, and they will ask us, ‘Where were you at that inflection moment?’ And what we’re all going to be able to say is we were here together and we were fighting for the best of who we are.”

According to Glamour magazine, these women, which include actress Viola Davis, 97-year-old National Park Service Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, model-author Chrissy Teigen, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, young female activists of March for Our Lives, the women who took down Larry Nassar, Saudi Arabian women’s rights activist Manal al-Sharif, and singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe, “aren’t waiting for the world to change; they’re getting the job done themselves.”

Kim Kumari crowned Miss India New Jersey 2018

October 18, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Kim Kumari was crowned as Miss India New Jersey 2018, while Esha Kode was crowned as Miss Teen India New Jersey 2018 and Ruchita Modi Shah was crowned as Mrs. India New Jersey 2018, at the 2018 Miss India New Jersey beauty pageant held on Sunday, September 30 at Royal Albert’s Palace, in Fords, NJ.

The 37th Miss India NJ 2018 was officially powered by Albert Jasani from Royal Albert Palace, with State Director Shobhana Patel. Janki Shah was crowned as the runner-up for Miss India New Jersey 2018 while Aashna Gheewala came in as the second runner-up.

Aarohi Unadkat was crowned as the runner-up for Miss Teen India New Jersey 2018 while Jhanvi Patel came in as the second runner-up. Rohi Singh was crowned as the runner up for Mrs. India New Jersey 2018 while Priyanka Shinde came in as the second runner-up.

The evening consisted of 45 contestants with 12 in the Miss Category, 11 in the Miss Teen Category and 22 in the Mrs. Category, all of whom dazzled in their ethnic wear in the first round and kept it simple yet elegant in their evening gowns in the following round.

The third round featured the talent of the top seven contestants in the Miss & Miss Teen category, and top five contestants in the Mrs. Category. The contestants then went on to Question-Answer round, where each was given a different kind of question to answer.

Along with pageant organizers Albert Jasani and Shobhana Patel, those who spoke were Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, founder and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac.

The celebrated beauty pageant is the premier platform to promote women empowerment and Indian culture, in New Jersey. Showcasing compassion and connection, the event celebrated Indian American women and their identity through talent rounds, ramp walks, question/answer segments, and more.

Kumari is a trained Bhangra dancer who has had the opportunity to dance with Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan. She is the co-president of the International Human Rights Club at JFK Memorial High School, where she is a senior and actively works to serve the local community.

Kode loves be onstage and has been trained in classical as well as Bollywood dancing. She has also performed at various Bollywood events and desires to pursue a career in the medical field.

Shah is an IT Professional who is currently working for the New York State Department. She is trained in Indian Classical music and loves cooking, Do-It-Yourself crafting, photography, digital arts and travelling.

Talking about the essence of the pageant, Shobhana Patel stated that, “Miss India NJ provides a place to these young girls and women in which they can truly empower each other and see beyond beauty.”

Community pioneer Albert Jasani has supported this event whole heartedly every year saying that, “We want to bring more women to the forefront and have them succeed in whichever manner they look at success.”

The judges’ panel consisted of entrepreneur and State Director of Miss India Connecticut Sumathi Narayanan, physician & cosmetologist and wellness advisor Kavita Payyar, founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee and CEO of Touchdown Media Rahul Walia, actor Javed Pathan, Bollywood fashion designer Deepali Shah, entrepreneur and Mrs. India Worldwide 2017 Sarita Patnaik, classical dancer Bina Menon and promoter of Bollywood shows in the U.S. Kanu Chauhan.

At the beginning of the third round Bollywood star Dia Mirza walked the Miss India New Jersey ramp for the first time, to join the judges for the remainder of the show. Mirza also crowned the winners of the Miss India New Jersey 2018 pageant

MISS/Mrs./Teen INDIA CONNECTICUT 2018 held : “Crowns aren’t made of rhinestones. They are made of discipline, determination, and a hard to find alloy called courage.”

September 27, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion 0

These are the qualities that the women of Connecticut displayed on Saturday, Sept 15th in Cromwell, CT at the Miss India Connecticut 2018 Pageant. The pageant, directed by Sumathi Narayanan, featured three categories: Miss, Teen, and Mrs. A total of 23 contestants participated in the pageant and confidently portrayed Indian culture, unique talents, and American pride with grace and elegance. The pageant was not just about outer beauty, but also valued inner beauty, intelligence, and ambition of the young women of Connecticut.

Miss India Connecticut is associated and part of IFC, a pioneer in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows in USA, and aptly called the ‘Mother of all Indian Pageants in USA.’ The event started with an opening dance choreographed by P&P Dance Crew of CT, in which all the contestants performed energetic and graceful introductory dances alongside the reigning Miss India CT 2017 and 1stRunner Up of Miss India USA 2017, Prachi Shah.

The opening dance was then followed by the ethnic wear round, where each contestant proudly displayed their Indian culture. Next was the talent round, in which contestants displayed their talent through dance and musical performances, acting, martial arts, crafts, and even magic shows! The contestants then gave their introduction in the evening gown round. Lastly, the finalists amazed everyone with their wits in the question and answer round.

The judges of the pageant were accomplished patrons of the arts. The judges’ panel included: Tirthankar Das, a filmmaker and music composer from New Jersey; Sankar Gangaikondan, a singer and musician; Shaila Verma, Artistic Director of Shaila School of Dance in Massachusetts; Dr. Kavita Pattani, Mrs India USA 2017; and Namita Dodwadkar, Mrs India USA 2014 and Mrs India Worldwide 2016.

Finally, the crowning moment arrived! Various subtitles were given in each category, including Miss/Teen/Mrs. Social Media – Radhika Rathore, Athulya Narayanan, Debashree Rupalin. Miss/Teen/Mrs. Congeniality – Radhika Rathore, Nikitha Kikanamada, Mamatha Puttaswamy. Miss/Teen. Talent – Alka Marala, Athulya Narayanan. Miss/Teen/Mrs. Photogenic – Alka Marala, Dhruvi Patel, Nidhi Sinha and Miss/Teen/Mrs. Viewer’s Choice – Alka Marala, Archita Mundrathi, Mamatha Puttaswamy.

The winners will also be going forward to compete at the national level pageant hosted by Mr. Dharmatma Saran, Chairman of IFC, for the title of Miss/Teen/Mrs. India USA!

INIFD shows 2nd edition of “Vibrant India” at New York Film Festival

September 17, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion 0

NEW YORK – ‘Vibrant India’ celebrated a second season at the New York Fashion Week, on Friday, September 7. The designers, all students from the Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) in India, showcased their creations, which included mostly western outfits. A traditional Indian bride and groom outfit kicked off the show. The show was powered by Art Hearts and took place at Pier 59 Studios.

The students from the INIFD’s various locations showcased mainly western wear collections but there were also traditional pieces thrown in. The show began with a traditional Indian men’s and women’s wedding ensemble and other looks included a floral printed gown and rainbow striped dress that celebrated India’s recent decision to legalize homosexuality in the country. There were 14 outfits in total.

Prominent guests included the Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty and his wife Tanuja Chakravorty. Consul General Chakravorty, speaking at the meet, praised the designers and was happy to see their designs showcased during the New York Fashion Week.

“I think whatever I say will not match the incredible beauty we just saw right now,” Ambassador Chakraborty reportedly said. “I didn’t find a signature in the collection and that is because every collection was made by a different designer who is a student of the organization in India, which brings together the diversity, color and vibrancy of India,” Chakraborty said.

Chakravorty also mentioned that the event showcased the vibrancy of Indian design and that the world should see it as an example of the country’s diversity and heritage. He also stated that it was an example of shared values between India and the US.

There were a few outfits that were intriguing – like a floral patterned dress with a very low back; a rainbow colored dress with blue beads on the side – in time for legalization of LGBT rights in India; a pink dress with blue butterflies, and a pink skirt with ruffles on it.

The rest of the 14 outfits, however, just looked out of place. The golden flake eyebrows displayed by models didn’t help the overall look of the creations either.

“The U.S. is the world’s oldest democracy and India is the world’s largest democracy and I think we share an alliance, a passion and values for the future. When you deal with India, you deal with the future because 70 percent of India’s population is below the age of 30, so you are dealing with a young nation. Thus, India has to succeed somehow and what better success can we have than on the ramp of fashion,” Chakravorty added.

INIFD is the largest network of design Institutes in the world and they have many centers all across India and in 11 other countries. It is the only Indian student body to successfully showcase for five consecutive seasons at ‘India Day’ during London Fashion Week.

Miss India USA: Shree Saini – A life story of inspiration, dedication, determination, ambition, and courage

September 9, 2018 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion, Profiles 0

Beautiful, compassionate, talented, ambitious, gentle, humble, determined and dedicated to achieving the lofty goals she has set before herself at a very young age, Shree Saini is a woman with a golden heart. Shree from the state of Washington was crowned ‘Miss India USA 2017-2018’ at the pageant held in December last year in New Jersey. And her life has not been the same ever since.

Born in India, young Shree says, she moved to the United States as a toddler. Being uprooted from one’s culture and dear ones was undoubtedly a major challenge. She had to experience hardships while in high school, where she was bullied. Young Shree fought bravely a heart ailment which required her to use a pacemaker. Shree, who had a pacemaker implanted at the age of 12 and was told that she would never be able to dance, is an inspiration for all. “I practice dance almost every day for several hours,” Shree says, pointing to the pacemaker she carries with her all the time.

A woman with a noble mission, what the 22-year-old University of Washington student, is aspiring to achieve in her life, is to create awareness on a number of pressing social issues through her organization, and through her web-portal. “I began my nonprofit at age 15. I work on raising awareness and raising funds for several nonprofits including anti-human trafficking and anti-bullying,” the young visionary says. “I am very passionate about my nonprofit and want to lead a life of service,” she says. “I want to help end human trafficking and work to promote the importance of emotional well-being in our society.”

More than 50 contestants from over two dozen states participated in the three different pageants – Miss India USA, Miss Teen India USA and Mrs. India USA. “I am so incredibly honored, overjoyed, humbled and excited to be chosen as your “MISS INDIA USA 2017”! God’s amazing grace has surpassed all the words I may have to express this fete. I am astonished by the blessings showered over me,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Shree, who was also voted as ‘Miss Congeniality,’ and will represent the USA at Miss India Worldwide Pageant, where all national title holders like Miss India France, Miss India Australia, Miss India United Kingdom etc. will contest for the title of Miss India Worldwide in December this year. Winners of the pageants here have gone on to act in various Bollywood movies.

Indian American beauty pageant winner Shree Saini has been in a public profile for years. She literally can make her choice on how she wants to mold her image and pave the way for her future.

Shree Saini, an undergraduate student at the University of Washington pursuing a double degree in public administration and business, wants to “lead a life of service.” When asked between the many engagements around the nation, where she finds the time to study, Shree says, “I study on the plane, while waiting for flights, as almost every weekend, there is an event I need to attend.”

Pointing to some of the hard work she had to put in, Shree says, the Acting Program she attended at Yale was a very intensive conservatory program for actors comprised of 12+ hours of classes daily, which were then followed by rehearsals. With my heart condition, I had to work extra hard (just as I need to do in dance or as a UW student) in order to match the performance level of other physically-able actors. And, she succeeded through determination and hard work.

Her ambition to learn and conquer what she is set to achieve in life has taken Shree to some of the most prestigious schools across the United States. Saini, who studied journalism at UW and has attended as a visiting student at Harvard, Yale and Stanford, aspires to push legislation through local governments.

Shree Saini is working on pushing through bill nationwide that will help implement emotional well-being classes for K through 12. “The classes will help start at a young age to build self-esteem.” Saini hopes to follow up her undergraduate degree with graduate courses at an Ivy League school, where she intends to study public administration or policy making and nonprofit management.

As the reigning Miss India USA, “I believe I will be able to make even more of an impact. During my reign, I am responsible for reaching out to individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and schools to make at least 100 appearances during the next 12 months. At every event, I strive to raise public awareness about the value of emotional fitness. I find I am able to engage audiences by asking them my most powerful question: ‘What is more important to you than your own emotional wellbeing?’ I also share my personal story of receiving a pacemaker at age 12, being brutally bullied, and then having to build myself back up emotionally.” She is committed to live a life of service where she intends to teach people about love, harmony and tolerance.

Shree is now focused on winning the title of Miss India Worldwide. And if good offers come her way, Shree is open to acting in movies, whether it be in Bollywood or Hollywood. Another effective way to showcase her talents and still more importantly, another way to champion and spread her message for a better, just and peaceful world. “Meanwhile, I want to continue working on my nonprofit and become an ambassador of emotional health by continuing to visit s many places as possible,” Saini said.

Redmond Fashion Week held

August 29, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Redmond was able to host its inaugural Redmond Fashion Week (RFW) on August 05, 2018! With major support from Experience Redmond, Suley Era, and Ravishing women, RFW launched this historical event at the Seattle Marriott Redmond which is located at the heart of Redmond Town Center.

This event was graced with the presence of many brilliant designers both local and international, each one showcasing their art on stage with over 60 models and a multicultural array of splendor. The representation of global culture was easily spotted on the runway as designers presented clothes from across multiple continents. We were proud to host designers such as Lisa Mensonides, Vibhuti Malhotra, Joy Sircar McMillen, Joy Egbejimba, Vartika Mittal Garg, Chany Venturini, Parul Mathur Nag, Ritu Goyal Mongia, & Gustavo Apiti.

Attended by hundreds of guests as RFW unfold into reality and became a very successful event by great networks & connections to bring communities together . This event truly lifted Redmond onto the global arena of diverse and multicultural fashion! Flying in from across the US, Africa, India, Italy, and Canada, guests were greeted warmly as they joined in the celebrations as they also had the chance to connect with other audience members. Some such members included Tankia Padhey from the City of Redmond, Aisha Qadri from OneRedmond, Sony TV Celebrity actor Jagjit Athwal and many other exceptional movers and shakers including models, hair artists, make-up artists, photographers, videographers, sponsors, volunteers, and a lively DJ.

Rohit Verma was another designer who brought a celebrity show alongside his designs from Bollywood. Sophisticated and creative apparel exploded on the stage as Verma paid tribute to women of substance by hosting Ms. Wheelchair, Ms. Tourism World Priyanka Shah, Miss India USA Shree Saini, Ms. World Meghan Buelt, and many more community leaders as his runway models of choice. This was a perfect addition to RFW because this event was founded by Ravishing Women and API Chaya which are two major nonprofits that seek to inspire, encourage, and protect women. It was a perfect celebration of women empowerment!

RFW proudly received substantial media coverage across the platforms including on television, social media, newspapers, and broadcast on radio stations. With such strong support, RFW has created a platform that will bridge gaps in city culture and promote a sense of global citizenship using fashion as a tool. Finally with a fashion week of its own, Redmond will stand alongside Seattle and Bellevue as a fashion industry hotspot in the coming years.

To further the message of diverse fashion, RFW also hosted the inaugural Mr. Asia North America contest. The winners are as follows:

Mr. Asia North America 2018: Sooraj Nagpal working as IT Manager in Microsoft,

Mr. Asia Washington 2018: Adi Naidu

Mr. Asia Seattle 2018: Adarsh Kumar

Mr Teen Asia North America 2018: Ishaan Sandhu

Mr. Pre-Teen Asia North America 2018: Aryan Boparai

Mr. Pre-Teen Asia Washington 2018: Mahad Vakil

Mr. Personality Asia North America 2018: Zuhair A Hussain

Mr. Gentleman Asia North America 2018: Ashish Bhatia

Mr. Best Smile Asia North America 2018: Saravjeet Yadav

Mr. Photogenic Asia North America 2018: Karan Daftary

Mr. People’s choice Asia North America 2018: Fiqqy A. Randolph

Mr. Director’s Choice Asia North America 2018: Chaitanya Nalla

TV Channel links:

www.facebook.com/2037059633219783/videos/236111467240122/?modal=admin_todo_tour

www.facebook.com/2037059633219783/videos/306625586777453/?modal=admin_todo_tour

More Pictures:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2067858593473220&type=1&l=d8bd81674c

Prakshi Fine Jewelry unveiled as part of its ‘Art Nouveau’ collection

August 11, 2018 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Jewellery crafted for the modern-day bride dazzled all and sundry at the FDCI India Couture Week (ICW) 2018 in India last month. Unveiled by Prakshi Fine Jewelry as part of its collection ‘Art Nouveau’, the ornaments complemented the shimmering ensembles showcased by Shane and Falguni Peacock at the event. The designer duo’s outfits were set in shades of gold, silver, dust rose, and cream, giving a whole new dimension to Indian bridal wear.

Prakshi Fine Jewelry unveiled as part of its ‘Art Nouveau’ collection

Showstopper Kareena Kapoor Khan rocked the runway in a gold A-line lehenga with a matching full-sleeved choli and a dupatta with feathery flourishes. Adding glamour to her look was jewellery from Prakshi Sharma’s Art Nouveau collection.

Among the adornments that feature in the range are diamond chokers, ear sliders, dramatic stackable rings, pendants, and bracelets. All of these are a fine blend of elegance and glamour, making them must-haves for every bride-to-be.

Speaking on the occasion, Prakshi Sharma, Creative Head and Designer, Prakshi Fine Jewelry, said, “We are delighted to have joined hands with India Couture Week this year. We attempted to exhibit the modern era of contemporary jewels from the atelier of Prakshi Fine Jewelry. This bold and beautiful collection is an ideal choice to set the tone for every bridal occasion.”

Also, Falguni Shane Peacock’s new collection featured a medley between the queen of the French capital and the grand palace of Junagarh – Rajasthan’s cultural jewel. As the kaleidoscopic carousel illuminated with light, it casted a shadow on the fluttering peacock across the hall gliding with other wild and exotic beings at the carnival assembled inside the Juna Mahal. In the honour of the Parisian queen who was enamored by the ingenious display of colour and magnanimity. Every detail accumulates into translating a visionary saga of love. From transcribing the innumerable structures of the architectural gem on ensembles to varnishing them with ethereal stones, feathers and crystals, it reflected the true essence of the 13th century wonder.

Fashion and technology have always inherited traits from the other while creating innovating products individually. For our couture collection we’re portraying the cotemporary bride, who is unconventional and avant-garde. Styling our state-of-the-art pieces with the Apple watch, is a fashion-forward move to blend tech with couture seamlessly. While the apple watch is redefining the functionalities of a gadget, when paired with a couture gown, it looks sleek and exquisite. This is a one-of-a-kind revelation, which is being showcased on the runway for the first time, making this collaboration a path breaking one.

Making of a collection is a strenuous process that involves a number of ordeals. While, the initial stage is all about research and design, a gadget like i-pad with pencil eases the task. Having an on-the-go tech piece for research and putting down creative ideas and designs, worked as a time saving asset for us in the development of the line.

Deepika Padukone’s Wax Figure to Be Unveiled at Madame Tussauds London, Delhi

July 31, 2018 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Actress Deepika Padukone will be joining the world’s biggest superstars at Madame Tussauds, with wax figures in London and Delhi.

The first figure will be launched in London in early 2019, while the Delhi figure will follow a few months later to draw more attention to tourists and fans of the actress, a statement said.

Padukone, the daughter of sports personality Prakash Padukone, made her Bollywood foray with “Om Shanti Om,” beginning a journey that has seen her experience a whole lot of success. Known for her savvy style and versatility seen via films as diverse as “Piku” and “Padmaavat,” Padukone has also done a Hollywood film, “xXx: Return of Xander Cage.”

The team of Madame Tussauds expert artists met Padukone in London for the all-important sitting for her figures, where they took over 200 specific measurements, as well as photographs to create an authentic likeness.

“The sitting with the team of experts was a special experience and I look forward to the incredible figure at the attraction,” the actress said in a statement. “Deepika is an extremely talented actress that Bollywood has seen over the years. Her fan following is huge and is growing across the world. Her beauty has won the hearts of millions across the nation and worldwide,” said Anshul Jain, general manager and director at Merlin Entertainments India Pvt Ltd. “We are thrilled to announce her figure at the Delhi attraction. We are certain that our guests will love to see her wax figure.”

Powered by a pacemaker, Miss India USA seeks to dance her way to Miss India World

July 25, 2018 Staff ReporterCommunity, Entertainment, Fashion, Health 0

All Shree Saini wanted to do was dance.

As a 7-year-old living in a small town near the border of Washington state and Canada, there was no dance studio to join. So she taught herself from DVDs.

At 12, her family moved to a town big enough to offer three dance studios. She persuaded her mom to enroll her at all three. And that’s when the trouble started.

First came the discovery of a heart problem, followed by surgery to fix it. Then came the teasing. The bullying. The shunning.

It was enough to break anyone’s spirit. Except Shree loved dancing too much. If anything, the physical challenges and social pressures fueled her – all the way to the Joffrey Ballet and beyond, including winning the title of Miss India USA.

For this, the biggest performance of her life, Shree choreographed it around her life. It began with a heartbeat and shifted to a song featuring the hook: “You shoot me down, but I won’t fall. I am titanium.” It culminated with her receiving the crown and sash.

Since earning the title in December, Shree has used her platform to spread her story of perseverance, tolerance and heart health. The stakes go up this December when she competes for Miss India World.

I’ll be rooting for her. Once you learn the rest of her tale, I’m sure you will be, too.

***

In the early 2000s, Sanjay and Ekta Saini were living in Punjab, India, with two kids and several thriving businesses. Then Sanjay’s father died, and he decided to do something different. Very different.

He moved the family to the United States. After starting on the East Coast, he wound up owning a gas station in Colville, Washington, a town of about 4,500 in the northeastern part of the state.

Dancing was a solo pursuit for Shree. Through school, she joined team sports: softball, basketball and cross country.

Running seemed like a great outlet for her boundless energy. Yet she finished last in every race. Her parents bought a treadmill and she ran five miles nearly every day. She still finished last.

***

Shree Saini and her parents, Sanjay and Ekta.

The summer before Shree entered seventh grade, the Sainis bought a truck stop in Moses Lake, Washington, and moved there. With more than 20,000 people, it was a metropolis compared to Colville.

Shree’s new hometown boasted a ballet academy and two other dance studios. Now she could take classes in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, clogging and more.

All the studios required a physical exam. That’s how she learned her heart was beating only 20 times per minute. A normal heart rate for someone ages 6 to 15 is 70 to 100 beats per minute.

“You need to have surgery – now!” said the doctor, astounded that the girl was so active with such a slow heart rate.

Shree went home with a heart monitor. It showed that she sometimes went five seconds between heartbeats, long enough to cause many people to pass out.

Now Shree understood why she couldn’t keep up in cross country. Her grandmother in India, however, couldn’t believe that this girl “so full of light and joy” could have a heart problem. Nobody on either side of the family had heart problems.

At her grandma’s insistence, Shree went to India for tests from the country’s top cardiologists. They agreed with the folks in Moses Lake: Shree needed a pacemaker.

***

Shree smiles as she recovers following her pacemaker implantation.

On the day in June 2009 that her new peers performed a recital, Shree underwent a procedure to implant the device.

She came away with a scar on her chest and her left arm in a cast. She wasn’t allowed to raise the arm for several weeks for fear of jarring the device and the leads threaded into her heart.

Because of this fragility, doctors encouraged Shree to give up dancing.

Not a chance. Her parents didn’t bother trying to persuade her otherwise.

“They knew I would find a way to dance again, with my pacemaker,” she said.

***

Seventh grade is an emotional roller coaster for everyone. Shree went into it as the new girl with the scar and the cast and the different name and a heritage foreign to classmates in the town named after a Native American leader from the 1800s.

“You’re Indian?” kids said. “What tribe?”

“No, not that kind of Indian,” she said. “The country in Asia.”

Finally dancing with a heart that pumped at a normal rate, her talent blossomed. She advanced three levels in a single year.

So now the outsider was threatening the established pecking order.

Girls rolled their eyes at her. Sometimes they’d talk about Shree loud enough for her to hear them.

“Sometimes they’d do it right in front of me!” she said.

The social poison infected some instructors, she said. Fearing backlash from other parents, they refused to give her private lessons.

So Shree taught herself.

She watched videos of ballet moves like fouette (French for “whipped turn”) and middle leap, slowing the replays to break down each nuance. Working alone, she challenged herself with inner dialogue such as: “Can’t do more than three turns in a row? Now see if you can do six.”

***

Shree Saini speaking with Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar of India.

The better Shree became, the more vicious the bullying.

For years, she left the studio crying. While the tears soaked the feelings of energy and freedom that dancing gave her, they couldn’t douse the flame.

“When life gives you those tests, you can either grow up or fall down into a pattern of bitterness and anger,” she said. “I knew what I stood for. I had my moral values.”

Those values were forged by her parents and bolstered by stories she read of people such as Nelson Mandela.

“While he was jailed, he wanted to go to his son’s funeral, but the jailer didn’t allow him to go. When he was free, he invited that exact same jailer to his presidential inauguration,” Shree said. “So he taught me the value of forgiveness, of kindness, of choosing love over hate.”

It worked.

Her former tormentors are now her fans. Via social media, she’s received their congratulations – and apologies.

***

After high school, Shree took a gap year. That’s when she worked with the Joffrey Ballet.

She also volunteered with a project fighting human trafficking in Nepal, studied acting at Yale, and took classes at Harvard and Stanford. She’s now a full-time student at the University of Washington.

Along the way, she began entering pageants, climbing the ladder from Miss India Washington to the national title, beating 51 other contestants.

In the first six months of her reign, she participated in more than 50 events across 10 states and four countries. Her Facebook feed is filled with pictures of her alongside Miss World, Miss USA, televangelist Joel Osteen, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Bill Gates’ mom and more. Now she’s sharing her story on behalf of my organization, the American Heart Association.

It’s a hectic pace for anyone, much less someone who’s overcome a congenital heart defect. Shree sees a cardiologist regularly and knows she may need new batteries in her pacemaker in the next year or two.

“I don’t want to think of my pacemaker as a disability – ever,” she said. “It gives me the ability to do everything I love doing. It makes me even more grateful that I’m able to dance.”

Anukreethy Vas crowned ‘Miss India World 2018’

June 26, 2018 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion, Social Media 0

Anukreethy Vas, a 19-year old beautiful and talented young woman from Tamil Nadu, triumphed over 29 contestants from all over India to clinch the ‘Femina Miss India World 2018’ title on Tuesday, last week. She was crowned by Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar, who brought home the coveted ‘Miss World’ crown the first time since 2000.

Vas, raised by a single mother, was crowned at a star-studded grand finale of the beauty contest on June 19 night at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium in Mumbai. Meenakshi Chaudhary, 21, from Harayana was declared the first runner-up, while Andhra Pradesh’s Shreya Rao Kamavarapu , 23, became the second runner-up in the annual beauty pageant.

A student of Chennai’s Loyola College, Vas is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in French to become an interpreter, but she works closely with an NGO for the education of transgenders – a cause close to her heart. She wishes to become a supermodel as she loves facing the camera, but Bollywood is not her focus right now. Her eyes are set on winning the Miss World crown for India again, Vas told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

The Femina Miss India show saw participants proving their aptitude by facing some tricky questions from the judges’ panel, which included Bobby Deol, Kunal Kapoor, Malaika Arora, fashion designer Gaurav Gupta and cricketer Irfan Pathan, along with Chhillar.

Talking about Miss India 2018, Manushi had earlier said, “I think there is no set formula and there is no one path that can be taken to the crown as every one has their own way. Even when you look at past winners of Miss World, everyone was unique. So you can’t give a set example but all I can tell them is to learn as much as they can and be themselves…We do have a lot of expectations from India. It’s going to be a tough one for whosoever wins.”

The event was hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Ayushmann Khurrana. Bollywood was prominently present at the grand finale, as Jacqueline Fernandez set the stage on fire by shaking a leg on “Desi Girl.”

Dancing diva and actress Madhuri Dixit Nene performed a beautiful dance number during the India round, with her co-dancers presenting various forms of Indian classical dance. She also hummed a few lines from her latest Marathi release, “Bucket List,” during an interaction with the hosts. Kareena Kapoor Khan looked ravishing in her stage performance on “Tareefan” from her latest film, “Veere Di Wedding.”

All the selected participants were groomed by Neha Dhupia, Rakul Preet Singh, Pooja Chopra and Pooja Hegde. The organizing team of the beauty pageant toured all 30 states of the country, including Delhi, and crowned one representative from each state, all aspiring for the coveted Miss India crown.

Anukreethy Vas will now represent India at Miss World 2018 while the two runners-up will represent the country at Miss Grand International 2018 and Miss United Continents 2018 respectively.

Supriya Sharma is youngest to win Bikini Bodybuilding Championship in Georgia

May 28, 2018 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Supriya Sharma, 23, has become the youngest Indian to win a gold medal for Bikini Bodybuilding Championship. Sharma won the title of “Overall True Novice Champion” at the IFBB NPC Eastern Seaboard Classic held on May 12 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sharma is originally from Jammu and Kashmir and she moved to New Delhi in 2012 to further her education, according to reports. She has been the captain of the senior and junior handball teams of J&K as well as the University of Delhi and decided to pursue her passion for bodybuilding in the bikini category, last year.

She now plans to compete in Arnold Classic in Ohio in March 2019 where a win would get her the highly reputed IFBB pro-card. Back home in New Delhi, she has several personal training clients and she also trains several people from different states through her online training program.

55% of all new bank accounts in the world opened from India, says World Bank report

April 25, 2018 Staff ReporterBusiness, Fashion 0

India’s financial inclusion efforts have won recognition from the World Bank, as their data indicates 55% of new bank accounts opened globally are from India, financial services secretary Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday.

“World Bank Global Findex Report recognises India’s Financial Inclusion efforts. Of the 51.4 crore bank accounts opened from 2014-17 globally, a whopping 55% from India” he said in a tweet.

The World Bank report released on Friday cited the success of the Jan Dhan Yojana — the government’s initiative aimed at bringing masses within the formal banking system.

The total number of Jan Dhan account holders has risen to 31.44 crore in March, 2018, from 28.17 crore a year earlier, according to the government data.

As per the World Bank Global Findex Report, the percentage of adult bank account holders in India increased to 80% in 2017 as compared to 53% in 2014 and 35% in 2011, he said.

Women at the forefront, he said, highlights a sharp fall in gender gap from 20% in 2014 to 6% in 2017 in bank accounts due to Government efforts.

The report acknowledges impact of government policy in reducing gaps in bank account ownership between rich and poor to 5% in 2017, down from 15% in 2014, he added. The Global Findex Report, 2017 released by the World Bank noted the rapid increase in financial inclusion that has taken place in India and how the number of account holders in the country has risen from 35% of the adults in 2011 and 53% in 2014 to 80 % in 2017.

This, it states, is comparable to 80% of adults in China who have an account. The Report also attributes this progress as being driven by the Jan Dhan Yojana policy which has used biometric ID to expand access to financial services.

It may be pertinent to note that the Report sources its data largely from surveys that were conducted in the summer of 2017.

Shah Rukh Khan has over 33 Million followers on Twitter

March 26, 2018 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Since the launch in 2006, Twitter has increased in popularity and celebrities are extensively using the social media platform to promote their newest product. Twitter currently has more than 330 million users and this figure is expected to grow exponentially as more features are added.

Like Instagram, the social media site has become a place where A-listers can influence fans and speak out about current affairs.

With YouTube being the eighth most followed account and Twitter the 11th, who are the top most followed people on Twitter? Katy Perry, Obama and Justin Bieber are some of the most followed people around the world.

While President Donald Trump is notorious for making political announcements on Twitter, sometimes, taking his staff and Cabinet by surprise, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan dived into a pool and went underwater after garnering over 33 million fans on Twitter.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was sporting a tuxedo paired with dark sunglasses and completed his look with gelled hair, took to Twitter, where he shared a video and captioned it: “This didn’t go as planned… But on a lazy Sunday afternoon, with my limited floatation expertise, this is the best I could do! Judge nahi karna, feel karna (don’t judge, just feel). Thanks.”

Before jumping into the pool, Khan said: “Hi guys, this is me, and I thought every time we reach a big number… I should always do something special for you, but normally I do not get the time. But today I have got the time, so I gelled my hair back, wore my coolest dark glasses and I am even wearing a bow tie.

“A full tuxedo and today I want to give the most overwhelming loving message that I’ve given you in the last decade. So listen to it carefully because this is very heartfelt.”

After he dived into the pool, popular dialogues said by the star from his over two-decade-long journey, played in the background, like “pyaar dosti hai” and “bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai.”

Once he came out of the pool, the “Raees” star said: “I hope you heard every word I said it was right from my heart and so overwhelming that I am running out of breath and where are my glasses. Lots of love to you all.”

Once the video got over, the caption came: “Thank you 33 million.” Shah Rukh Khan is an avid user of social media platforms.

Shah Rukh Khan, 52, is one of the most-successful actors of Bollywood. He has completed over 25 years in the industry. Most of his films have been hits and some like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer Zara, Kal Ho Naa Ho, were incredibly successful at the box office. DDLJ, which released in 1995, is still playing at a theatre in Mumbai.

He was last seen in Jab Harry Met Sejal and is currently filming Zero, with Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. In Zero, SRK plays the role of a dwarf. The film releases this December.

President Donald Trump bested Pope Francis and took the top slot among current world leaders on his favorite method of communication: Twitter. The @realDonaldTrump personal account crossed 49 million followers to overtake the nine different language accounts that the pope uses, making the president the most-followed world leader, according to measurements kept by public relations firm Burson-Marsteller.

Next on the world stage for Twitter followers was India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with 34.9 million followers for his official @narendramodi account, plus an additional 21.3 million followers who track the @PMOIndia prime minister’s office account.

Fifth largest diamond in history sells for $40 million

March 19, 2018 Staff ReporterBusiness, Fashion 0

The 910-carat Lesotho Legend was sold for $40 million in a tender in Antwerp, Gem Diamonds Ltd. said Tuesday. The company found the stone, which is about the size of two golf balls, at its Letseng mine in the African country this year.

While it’s the most Gem has yet received for a diamond, other companies have sold for more. Lucara Diamond Corp. got a record $63 million for an 813-carat stone last year and $53 million for the 1,109-carat diamond it found at the same time, which was the second-biggest in history.

And another 2 precious world biggest diamonds Niravmodi and Mehul choksi escaped out of India. The Letseng mine is famous for the size and quality of the diamonds it produces and has the highest average selling price in the world. Gem sold a 357-carat stone for $19.3 million in 2015 and in 2006 found the 603-carat Lesotho Promise.

So far this year, the company has found six diamonds bigger than 100 carats, putting it on track for its best year yet. Twitter Appoints ‘Distinguished Software Engineer’ Parag Agrawal as New Chief Technology Officer

Parag Agrawal appointed COO of Twitter

Twitter has appointed distinguished software engineer Parag Agrawal, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology at Mumbai, as its chief technology officer, according to an update at the micro-blogging site. The Indian American computer scientist takes the position most recently held by Adam Messinger, who left in late 2016, CNBC reported March 8.

The appointment of Agrawal, who completed his doctorate in computer science from Stanford University in 2011, was announced internally in October 2017. Agrawal joined Twitter in October 2011 as an ads engineer, and he most recently held the title of distinguished software engineer.

Before joining Twitter, he did research internships at AT&T, Microsoft and Yahoo. His contributions at Twitter include leading efforts to increase the relevance of tweets in Twitter users’ timelines using artificial intelligence. AI also helps Twitter in preventing abuse on the social network.

“In his capacity as CTO, he’s focused on scaling a cohesive machine learning and AI approach across our consumer and revenue product and infrastructure teams,” a Twitter spokesman told CNBC.

Twitter also announced this week that it intends to hire a director of social science in an attempt to “increase the collective health, openness and civility of public conversation” on its platform.

Turban is not a fashion accessory, Sikhs remind Gucci

March 5, 2018 Staff ReporterCulture/Religion, Fashion 0

Now that the dust has settled on the baby dragons and severed heads that models carried in the Gucci show last week, the Italian design house is coming under fire, something that is becoming rather commonplace. The Kering-owned brand is on the hook – this time around – for using Sikh turbans as “fashion accessories,” and thereby, as some are arguing, disrespecting an item that is central to the Sikh identity.

Models sashaying down the runway sporting creations by Gucci during the brand’s Fall/Winter 2018/2019 collection at the Milan Fashion Week would’ve attracted the attention of fashionistas and those closely associated with the fashion world. However, one accessory that the luxury brand chose to accentuate its outfits has created a major furor.

The fashion giant put turbans – which is one of Sikh’s five articles of faith – as an accessory on a host of white models and is now drawing flak on social media. And not just turbans, it also used hijabs and elaborate headgears to showcase its collection.

Gucci’s use of the turbans – which are worn as a headgear by many men and women in various countries, including non-Sikhs, as noted by a number of Twitter users – as a fashion accessory has been met with mixed opinions.

The New York-based civil rights group Sikh Coalition tweeted: “The Sikh turban is a sacred article of faith, @gucci, not a mere fashion accessory. #appropriation. We are available for further education and consultation if you are looking for observant Sikh models.”

Twitter users, led by Sikh social activist and restaurateur Harjinder Singh Kukreja, have been debating Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele’s choice to include the turbans in his Fall/Winter 2018 collection, especially on white models.

A tweet posted by Singh Kukreja read, “Dear @gucci, the Sikh Turban is not a hot new accessory for white models but an article of faith for practising Sikhs. Your models have used Turbans as ‘hats’ whereas practicing Sikhs tie them neatly fold-by-fold.” Kukreja continued on to note that “using fake Sikhs/Turbans is worse than selling fake Gucci products.

Leading ethnic media outlets echoed this notion, stating that as many religions and cultures across the world have distinct characteristics, “the turban for the Sikh culture” is a “customary symbol that has become [part of] their identity over the years.” It is a symbol, according to the publication’s columnist Avantika Chopra, that Sikhs are “often protective and sensitive about.”

No shortage of individual sided with Singh Kukreja in his distaste for the Gucci accessories. For instance, one Twitter user stated, “Gucci is appropriating [the turban] for no reason other than to get some buzz for their business.”

A small section of observers, however, did not find anything wrong with non-Sikhs wearing a turban. “I can’t understand your logic… You have turban days in New York and proudly create awareness of Sikh turban by tying turbans. What is wrong with models wearing it. I think they are sporting it in good spirit. @gucci please ignore this guy,” wrote a user who goes by the name of @thewrysingh.

Others, however, were not as put off. One Twitter user wrote in response to Singh Kukreja’s tweet, “I think its positive and creates awareness. They’re wearing them in a respectful way.” Another stated, “They are promoting wearing turbans. There is no vulgarity in their costume to disrespect the turban. We need to add on to the fashion statement with the values and reason that goes with the custom of wearing it.”

Gucci is not the only brand that is being accused of engaging in cultural appropriation. Recently, people called out Zara for its $90 plaid “check mini skirt,” which was a refashioned lungi

South Asian designers showcase extraordinary creations at New York Fashion Week

February 24, 2018 Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion, Fashion 0

From splashes of red and black to purple velvet, with models that defied tradition both in size and age, Indian-American fashion designers showed their metal at the New York Fashion Week that started Feb. 9 and continues till Friday the 16th. They included Bibhu Mohapatra, Prabal Gurung, Misha Kaura, Naeem Khan, Sachin & Babi, and the MacDuggal brand.

Gowns in luscious colors of bright blue, yellow, red and silver, mingled with flowing wedding gowns in ivory, lingerie pieces, and elegant dresses in all sizes, made Mac Duggal’s sometimes playful, but always unique creations on the catwalk Feb. 10, at the Angel Orensanz Center in New York, NY, engaging. Mac Duggal, who came to the U.S. at the age of 23, continued his engagement with rich, royal, and opulent traditions of his home country with a contemporary design esthetic, his website says.

Ieena Duggal, Mac Duggal’s daughter, has played an integral part in brand development. Spending endless hours when growing up going through Mac Duggal catalogs and magazines and day dreaming about wearing the beautiful garments, shifted to wearing the gowns and then to creating them. Her first collection debuted in 2015 and was “designed for every woman” says the website, which notes that one philosophy she lives by is to ‘embrace change.’ And it certainly showed in this Fall 2018 collection.

The Mac Duggal brand has been featured in leading magazines, and worn by an “A list celebrities, TV personalities, athletes, pageant titleholders and influencers globally,” the website says. This design house stands out also for its “entrance-making drama, feminine detailing and modern sensibility,” showcasing seasonal collections ranging from couture one-of-a-kind styles fabricated for red carpet, performance, stage and screen to cocktail dresses and gowns to mark special occasions and milestone moments.

From the casual to the formal, there was no stereotyping Bibhu Mohapatra Feb. 9, at Gallery II of Spring Studios. Video of the live performance shone Prabal at his best with his wide range from very wearable dresses that Millennials might sport, to formal wear for the young and the mature, nothing that could pigeonhole him, and something for every occasion. Dominant reds and blacks in mingling paint strokes and splashes, with purples thrown in; jackets and skirts, short dresses, knee length pleated skirts, tight black and gold mid-calf skirts, and even long formal dresses; puffed sleeves. loose pants, furs, a sudden space-age blouse, leather looks in some cases, and elaborate sequin-embroidered short flouncy dresses to formal long dresses in silver sequin, purple thick silk. All modern imaging.

Growing up with his family in Orissa, Mohapatra says his appreciation for sumptuous Indian fabrics and vibrant colors permeates his collections. In America since 1996, moving to the Big Apple in 1999 after getting a Masters in economics from Utah State, he studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, honing his skills as an assistant designer at the iconic American fashion label, Halston.

A relative newbie at NYFW, 25 year-old Misha Kaura’s creations were presented Feb. 10, off-site according to the NYFW website, at Industria Studios in West Village. She told Desi Talk she is influenced strongly by her Punjabi background and time spent exploring Patiala, her father’s ancestral village and the sights and sounds of Chandigarh. Writing from her sickbed following a major surgery which prevented her from being present, she said she focused on fluidity, moving beyond her training in sharp tailoring to fluid dresses that allow for movement and ease in draping, adding, “By deconstructing normal silhouettes and adding innovative touches—ostrich feathers, pearl-like beads—I was able to reflect the modernity present in the modern woman not just in the US, but worldwide.”

She regretted that her complete collection for NYFW was not featured because she was indisposed. “Unfortunately over half of the collection was unable to be shown. The remainder will be displayed at presentations over the course of the next month, including 15 other gowns, full and deconstructed hijab styles, workwear, childrenswear, outerwear, jewelry, and several new evening clutch styles,” Kaura said.

She wants to infuse her work with a social message, using materials highlighting the work of female artisans in Punjabi villages. “Deconstructing traditional symbols of oppression—heavy corsetry and deconstructed princess seams—was also a key theme this season,” she said. “As well, I am deeply inspired by strong, smart, confident, powerful women. This collection speaks to female empowerment and the resiliency of the female spirit in the face of oppression and upheaval,” said Kaura who lives and works in Seattle, Washington.

According to Facebook entries, her show was well attended in New York. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology who interned with couturiers for top brands in London and Paris prior to launching her label in Spring Summer 2018, Kaura, says her heritage is very much a part of her even though she was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. “Whether a woman is 99 or 29, she will look slim, stunning, and sparkling in Misha Kaura apparel and accessories,” according to her advertizing.

Prabal Gurung showed his electic collection on Sunday, Feb. 11 in Gallery I at Spring Studios. He was a stark contrast walking out after his elaborately dressed models were done, in a simple, well-worn white T shirt and black jeans. He shot to fame since his appearance on the catwalk in 2009. In this show, his collection wove tribal, native weaves, some with Japanese touches, others more African, or Native American, alongside plain bright and deep reds and purples, even grey pant-suits, ordinary thick cableknit sweaters, but also a very traditional thick velvet gown, some sharp blue lines, a few furs. Most interesting was the footwear, some flat shoes that verged on flip-flops, with overhanging bows, but also simple gold, white, and black boots. He also included large size models on the ramp.

Though of Nepalese descent, Gurung was born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu. He studied design in New Delhi and moved to Parsons The New School for Design in New York. He worked at Bill Blass as design director for five years before launching his own eponymous brand.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama wore Gurung during her stay at the White House. The Dutchess of Cambridge also wore his design. Gurung has received several accolades and recognitions, and has collaborated with cosmetic houses for supporting non-profits in Nepal.

Sachin & Babi (Ahluwalia) who showed their creations Feb. 10, featured veteran model Maye Musk, noting on Facebook that, “Each silhouette in the collection was designed with intention for women of all ages and body types.” Using “Rich, floral fabrics and lush green tones” they set the stage for the Fall/Winter 2018 collection. According to their website, this season, the duo chose to forgo a traditional runway show “and instead create a compelling lookbook, and video campaign featuring 69-year-old, IMG Model, Maye Musk,” on the sidelines of NYFW.

The couple say they are inspired by Bali’s vibrant landscapes, and that the garments are a play on texture of those landscapes. They have paired “luxe batik motif inspired jacquard textiles with hand-embroidered signature beadwork and sequins with delicate tassels.” A crane motif is incorporated throughout, “to breathe life into the collection and add a touch of whimsy,” they say. The Ahluwalias founded their eponymous label in 2009 “in a quest to redefine evening wear” and first gained recognition in New York by designing and manufacturing embroideries for the city’s renowned couture houses, according to their website.

Naeem Khan, whose runway shows are among the most anticipated events of New York Fashion Week, was scheduled to show his work on Feb. 13 afternoon, as this went to press. Among this Indian-American designer’s fan base is former First Lady Michelle Obama, singers Beyoncé, Taylor Swift Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, and a host of stars, Pénelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Emily Blunt. His creations were seen on popular shows like Sex & the City and Dreamgirls.

Khan was born in India and learnt the craft from his grandfather and father, both well known for designing intricate clothing worn by the royal families, his website says. Moving to New York as a teenager, Khan apprenticed for Halston. His collections are now sold at more than 100 specialty stores across the world. In 2008, Khan was inducted as a member of the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Shivangi Maini crowned Miss India New York 2017

December 13, 2017 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Shivangi Maini, of Queens, was crowned Miss India New York 2017 at the 36th Miss, 10th Teen and the 4th Mrs. India New York Pageant held on December 3, in Long Island, NY. The event was hosted by Nishi Bahl of Panache Entertainment and IFC, and coordinated by Shilpa Jhurani.

The largest reputed pageant held outside of India, it has provided a platform for several Bollywood actresses in the past, like Richa Sharma Dutt, and Aarti Chhabria. The event consisted of judged segments including Ethnic Wear, Evening Wear, Talent, and Question and Answer.

Preliminary judging included a three-minute talent portion, which ranged from traditional Kathak pieces, to modern Bollywood dance, and playing instruments, to public speaking skills. The Best Talent was awarded to Vinika Shikapuri of Melville, NY. She played the violin to the Indian National anthem, along with performing a dual genre dance performance to the chartbuster ‘Aisa jadoo dala re’, where she displayed her modern dance skills inclusive of props from jumping off the chair.

She concluded her performance with a medley performing traditional Indian classical kathak choreography to a mainstream song Don Omar – Danza Kuduro featuring Lucenzo. For the finale, each contestant was asked a question by the judges’ panel.

The judges’ panel included Adnan Khwaja, Director of supermodel pageant Runway Princess, expert photographer and event planner of AA Film Studios and Dream Moulders; Box Office and South Asian Insider founder Sharanjit Singh Thind, social worker and community leader Nilima Madan, founder of The Ticket Guru Abhinav Madan, and Director of Social Services in Nassau County Sunita Manjrekar.

The event was emceed by the 2016 outgoing queens Miss India New York Riya Kaur, Miss Teen India New York Rhea Manjrekar and Mrs. India New York Nishtha Chadda. The Miss India New York 2017 title went to Shivangi Maini of Queens, New York; 1st Runner-up: Renuka Joseph from Long Island; 2nd Runner-up: Inpreet Rattu of Suffolk County, New York; 3rd Runner-up: Nishigandha from Queens, Long Island.

In the Teen category, Miss Teen India New York 2017 title went to Vinika Shikapuri from Melville, Long Island; 1st Runner-up: Simran Kohli from Hicksville, Long Island; 2nd Runner-up: Priya Aguilar Bhanot of New Hyde Park; and 3rd Runner-up: Geetika Kochar from Bethpage, Long Island.

In the Mrs. Category, Mrs. India New York 2017 title went to Talath Quadri from Long Island; 1st Runner-up: Devinder “Devin”; 2nd Runner-up: Gurpreet Singh and 3rd Runner- up: Anjali Jain from Hicksville, Long Island.

In addition to these titles, there were multiple subtitle winners in all three categories, including Best Talent: Vinika Shikapuri; Beautiful Smile: Anjali Jain; Most Photogenic: Nidhi Tomar; Best Model: Sofia Win Aung.

This year, a new title of Panache Brand Ambassador was awarded to Sofia Win Aung. The winners will now proceed to compete representing the state of New York, at Miss, Teen and Mrs. India USA hosted by Neelam and Dharmatma Saran of IFC.

Manushi Chhillar of India crowned Miss World

November 23, 2017 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Manushi Chhillar, 20, from India was crowned with the coveted “Miss World 2017” title at a glittering pageant, ending 16 years of drought for India at the international pageant. “The feeling is still sinking in and I am very excited to make India proud too. I’m also looking forward to the year ahead,” Manushi said in a statement after the win. Following her win, Chhillar tweeted, “Thank you, everyone, for your constant love, support. This one’s for India.”

It is estimated 126 women from all around the globe took part in the pageant which occurred in the Sanya, China. But only one lucky lady could walk away with the crown, which eventually went to a 20-year-old medical student from Haryana, India. Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was announced the first runner up, while Miss England Stephanie Hill was declared the second runner up at the event, held at Sanya City Area in China last Saturday, .

Apart from the main title, Manushi also won the “Beauty with Purpose” award. A medical student, Manushi, is the sixth Indian winner of the prestigious competition, following in the footsteps of Bollywood actresses Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai. Her win means that India is now level with Venezuela as they both hold six victories over the course of the pageant’s 67 years.

Manushi was born to doctor parents in the northern Indian state of Haryana, which once ranked the worst among all states in sex ratio in India. “My parents have always been my pillar of support and having them here tonight by my side has only brought me more strength and joy.

Manushi studied in St. Thomas School in New Delhi and Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women in Sonepat, Haryana. According to her profile on the Miss World website, the winner of the Miss World title aims to be a cardiac surgeon and has plans of opening non-profit hospitals in rural areas. A trained classical dancer, Manushi has a passion for outdoor sports like scuba diving, snorkelling and bungee jumping. Manushi enjoys painting hopes to open a chain of non-profit hospitals in rural areas, according to the Miss World website.

“My final answer also came to me by having them here with me in front of me,” said Manushi, whose family members, including a brother and a sister, were present at the gala. In the question-and-answer round after she was shortlisted among the top five, Manushi was asked: “Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?” She said a mother deserves it most.

Manushi was ecstatic and emotional when she was announced the winner from among contestants from 108 countries. She was crowned by Miss World 2016 winner, Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Del Valle.

Priyanka Chopra, the previous winner of the title from India, was joyous about having a “successor”. “And we have a successor! Congratulations Manushi Chhillar on becoming Miss World 2017. Cherish and learn, and most importantly enjoy it. Bravo,” she tweeted.

Former Miss World Sushmita Sen wrote: “India wins Miss World 2017! Congratulations Manushi Chhillar. Yipeeeee, about time! Super proud! Jai Hind.” Neha Dhupia, a former beauty queen and who mentored India’s Miss India pageant contestants this year, tweeted: “Congratulations Manushi Chhillar. We knew you had all the qualities to conquer the world ever since we met you for the first time! You go girl!”

Manushi did her schooling in the national capital Delhi and became a student of medicine in Sonepat. In an interview during her grooming, she said: “The only thing I believe is certain in life is uncertainty, and this is what is amazing about the pageant.” She was always confident about winning the crown. The first Miss World crown was won for India by Reita Faria in 1943, followed which Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999) and Priyanka Chopra (2000).

The competition returned to Sanya, on China’s Hainan Island for the seventh time, where the event was last held in 2015.

Madhu Valli, Miss India Worldwide 2017 wants to be “the next biggest bridge between Bollywood and Hollywood”

October 17, 2017 Ajay GhoshFashion, India, Profiles 0

Madhu Valli, an emerging hip hop artist and a student of criminal law at George Mason University in Virginia, was crowned as Miss India Worldwide 2017 during a glittering pageant that drew crew contestants from around the world at the 26th edition of the beauty pageant held at the Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey on Sunday on October 8th. “I want to be the next biggest bridge between Bollywood and Hollywood,” Valli said a day after winning the pageant. She bested 16 other contestants to get the crown from the last year’s winner, Karina Kohli.

Another Indian-American, Sarita Pattnaik, an interior designer from Texas, was declared Mrs. India Worldwide; the mother of two, said she wants to be a social activist and become a voice for women’s empowerment.

Stephanie Madavane from France was declared runner up Sangeeta Bahadur from Guyana took the third spot at the pageant that had contestants from 18 countries. Canada-based Guyanese and humanitarian Sangeeta Bahadur also secured for herself the Miss Congeniality Award.

Valli, 20, released her latest album, “High School,” a day before the pageant. “I want to be the next biggest bridge between Bollywood and Hollywood,” Valli said. She said her dream is to be a recording artist, and music is her passion. Valli started learning vocals at the age of eight. The beauty pageant attracts people of Indian origin from across the world. It provides a platform to showcase how Indian culture has been preserved thousands of miles away, she said.

Organized by New York-based India Festival Committee, Miss India Worldwide is the only international Indian pageant with affiliates in over 35 countries and considered among the top ethnic pageants in the world. Last year, it also launched the Mrs India Worldwide, which provides a platform for married women of Indian origin.Namita S. Dodwadkar of Boston won the first Mrs India Worldwide crown, while Karina Kohli of New York won the Miss India Worldwide title in 2016.

“I definitely want to speak to a lot of young Indian American women about women empowerment and positive self- image,” Valli said. “I love both my countries, India and the US and I always wanted to discover a way to be a leader in both!” she said. The beauty pageant attracts people of Indian origin from across the world. It provides a platform to showcase how Indian culture has been preserved thousands of miles away, she said.

“This past week has been the craziest yet happiest week of my life,” Madhu, centre, wrote on Instagram. “Last night, I walked in as your Miss India USA, but I walked out as your new Miss India Worldwide 2017 with France as my 1st runner-up and Guyana as my 2nd runner-up, both who I love dearly.

“I still can’t believe it. All that was going through my mind throughout the whole week was ‘USA BABY!!’ I love both my countries, India and US and I always wanted to discover a way to be a leader in both! Cheers to dreams that come true and cheers to God, who loves us enough to make those dreams come true.”

Miss India Worldwide draws contestants from India and from among the members of the Indian diaspora residing in other countries. It is conducted by India Festival Committee (IFC), founded and headed by Dharmatma Saran in New York City.

A total of 18 contestants from different countries participated in the international pageant and Fairfax-resident stole the show which also witnessed a stunning performance by TV actress Shiny Doshi. The judges of the event were Fashion Choreographer Sandip Soparrkar, Host Aman Yatan Verma and supermodel/ramp trainer Jesse Randhawa. The pageant started in 1990 and Valli is the eighth Indian American to win the crown followed by the 2016 winner Karina Kohli.

The beauty pageant attracts entrants of Indian origin from across the world, organizers say.. It is yet another forum for Indian living abroad to showcase how they have preserved Indian culture thousands of miles away from their original homeland, organizers believe.

Congratulating the contestants and winners at the pageant, Dharmatma Saran, chairman and founder of the New York based India Festival Committee that organizes the trail blazing Miss India Worldwide, said, “We have used the title to raise funds for the poor and the needy. We made the beauty work for a good cause. We are pioneers in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows in the USA and other parts of the world, of which the Miss India Worldwide has been acclaimed as the “most glamorous Indian function in the world.” And, of course, the Miss India Worldwide is the only international Indian pageant.

“When Miss India New York started in 1980, I had perhaps not even in my wildest dreams imagined that in less than twenty years, we would fledge out to be a mass movement with affiliates in over 40 countries, let alone that we would one day have a live internet webcast and broadcast our most prestigious function, the Miss India Worldwide, to an audience of over 300 million people!” Saran recalls.

“We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to provide a common platform for the international Indian community through pageantry. We are equally proud of the fact that we have been able to imbibe Indian values, traditions and culture among the youth of Indian origin around the world. We have also been successful in promoting Indian performing arts in the world,” he says.

“I sincerely hope that our website will provide all information regarding Indian pageants in the world. We plan to include many more channels, especially of interest to the youth, and believe this will become the one-stop website for Indian youths around the world,” Saran hopes.

3 NRIs among top 16 contestants at America’s Miss World Pageant

September 13, 2017 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Krithika Rajkumar, Marjana Chowdhury and Shivali Patel have been selected to be among the 16 who will be competing for the title of America’s Miss World 2017.

Rajkumar, 25, of Ohio, triumphed in the multimedia round while placing fourth in the ‘beauty with a purpose’ competition. She received a double-major bachelor of arts degree in political science and psychology and is currently pursuing a law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Rajkumar, who aspires to become a civil rights attorney, will graduate with her juris doctorate in May 2018.

Chowdhury’s ‘beauty with a purpose’ project of ‘The Young Women’s Leadership Network’s Collegebound Initiative’ landed her the third spot in the competition. Chowdhury, 23, received her bachelor of arts from Columbia University. She currently works as a legal analyst at BlackRock, Inc., an investment management company. She is also the lead coordinator with the Robin Head Foundation, New York’s largest poverty fighting organization.

Twenty-year-old Patel of North Carolina, who was the first runner-up at the 2016 edition of the pageant, was ranked third in the ‘top model’ round of the competition. She is currently obtaining her a double-major degree in psychology and communication with a minor in biology at North Carolina State University. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

Eat beef in your country and then come to India, says tourism minister

Newly sworn-in Union tourism minister K J Alphons has an advice for foreigners visiting the country: Eat beef in your own countries and then come to India. Asked whether cow vigilantism and restrictions on beef consumption in several states had affected India’s hospitality sector, the minister said on Thursday: “They [foreigner tourists] can eat beef in their country and come to India.”

He was speaking on the sidelines of the 33rd annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators in Odisha’s capital city. Alphons’s comment comes just days after he purportedly said people in Keralawould continue to eat beef. “As Goa chief minister, Manohar Parrikar, has said that beef will be consumed in the state. Similarly, it will be consumed in Kerala,” the former bureaucrat was quoted as saying after taking charge as tourism minister.

When asked about his earlier comment, Alphons said: “It’s a cock-and-bull story. I am not the food minister to decide on it.” Talking about the tourism sector, Alphons said his ministry had sought innovative ideas to promote tourism across India. “We are getting people to come and give us ideas and within a month we will have a plan for action soon,” the minister said.

Tina Tandon introduces new Fall/Winter line during New York Fashion Week

September 13, 2017 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Indian American designer Tina Tandon showed off her “Fall and Winter 2017/2018” line on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 230 5th Rooftop Bar, at the New York Fashion Week.

The fashion line started off with red and maroon colored clothes reflecting the typical color of the Fall season and continued onto purple, which linked the reds with the blue color clothes that ended the line, highlighting the cold temperatures of the Winter season.

Tandon works with natural fabrics, such as cottons, modals, linens, silks, and wools, but her new line is made with leather featuring 12 outfits; being a mix of bottoms and tops, and dresses above knee length.

The first three outfits were all vegetable dyed with the first one being a jumpsuit with pintuck details and umbrella cut sleeves making the wearer look “out of this world,” something you would see in a Star Wars movie; the second one looked like a simple dress that one would wear in the late Summer, early Fall time, as it had a V-neck with ruffled details; the third outfit was a pleated flared sleeve cape worn with Ponte leggings. Burgundy, vegetable dyed leather jumpsuit with pintuck details and umbrella cut sleeves

The next two outfits in the line were burgundy silk burnout prints, one that was a top with origami trim detail and puff sleeves worn with Ponte lace-up side pants with the other being a dress with pleated puff sleeve details and a burgundy leather peacoat.

The sixth outfit was a lace top with georgette cape and a Ponte pencil skirt with Needlepoint embroidered leather ruffles; the seventh outfit was a violet Ponte bodycon dress with leather and lace-up details on the shoulders and hips; the eight outfit was a sapphire blue silk top with a cold shoulder worn with Leather and Houndstooth brocade lace-up pants.

Vegetable dyed pleated flared sleeve cape and perforated leather and Ponte legging

The line ended with darker colored outfits, one which happened to be made of silk and was a multi-stripe print fitted waist dress with origami trim detail; another was a black leather lace-up bodycon vixen dress after which came a black leather mini fitted dress with a laser cutout hem; the last outfit in the line was a sapphire wrap-front jacket with wace-up sleeves worn with sage leather joggers.

All of Tandon’s outfits define femininity while she finds her strength in it and her toughness while she hides her softness in it. Tandon started her fashion career with designers Escada and Christian Lacroix and has now completed 10 years in the fashion industry.

She was born in the U.S. but spent her early childhood in India and grew up in North Carolina before moving to New York, aspiring to have a career in fashion from an early age while she was still living in India and took courses in fashion design while attending high school and won recognition for her work.

Tandon then received a scholarship to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and graduated Summa Cum Laude, receiving many awards, including the Presidential Scholars award, from the school’s faculty and top industry professionals, including Jay Baker, the former President of Kohls.

Her fashion line and company, T.Tandon, is a Contemporary RTW line that is known for its feminine, sophisticated, luxuriously draped and adorned collections; her silhouettes are modern with a hint of vintage, blending the two to create newly inspired classic pieces that are timeless, yet effortlessly modern and chic and are designed to be comfortable, practical, and versatile, while also being style-forward and novel as well as eco and socially-conscious.

“All started with a dream. Wanted to find something that would bring me pleasure daily:” Olga Noskova Tells Ancy James in an Exclusive Interview

September 4, 2017 Staff ReporterBusiness, Fashion, Profiles, Social Media, Tourism 0

By Ancy James

Cake Artist and Columnist

Olga Noskova, Russian Pastry Chef extraordinaire broke Instagram on May 2016 by gaining 300k followers overnight, a jump from her previous 34,000 followers, after sharing a few pictures of her eclectic cake which would go on to become her trademark “mirror glaze” technique. The internet drooled over every glamorous and blindingly shining masterpiece that she shared. Even as thousands of cake enthusiasts shared her cake designs praising it with words like “flawless”,”trippy and groovy”, “mesmerizing” and it was Britney Spears tweet: “This cake is too perfect to eat” that made the Russian Pastry Chef realize her own multimedia celebrity status.

A year into her phenomenal rise as the most sought after Cake designer and being in the spotlight has in no way dampened her ongoing passion to deliver the most perfect, glamorous and awe inspiring confection and her thriving Instagram account is proof of that

Currently she is gearing up for a Mega event where she will get to rub shoulders with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Samuel L Jackson, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and many others at “The 9th Shorty Awards” to be held in October this year in New York City. She has bagged a prestigious nomination as a finalist in the “Food” category. The Shorty Awards annually honor the best of social media by recognizing the influencer, brand and organization on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, snapchat and others.

Ancy James got in touch with her to share with our viewers her inspirations and share some light on the creative process of making her gorgeous cakes. We asked her about her journey to the top and how much life has changed since 2016, between then and now and her plans for the coming years.

Ancy James:

You have to give yourself credit for making history in instagram by adding 300k followers in less than 24 hrs last year with your glamorous mirror cakes and being the inspiration for cake afficianados around the world. Even the DIY(Do it yourself) kitchen table entrepreneurs are trying their hand at replicating your mirror glaze technique. In less than a year you have been recognized as a social media influencer with your prestigious nomination in the food category this year at ‘the shorty awards thanks to your every increasing followers. How do you feel about your phenomenal path to the top?

Olga Noskova:

In cooking, as in the fashion industry has its own legislature, trendsetters. Most often, they are world-famous masters of their craft, working with well-known restaurants or influential persons. Perhaps ordinary people have never heard of them, but they are well known in their circles. However, sometimes previously unknown confectioner can surprise the world with any of his incredible technique and conquer it, becoming the progenitor of a new trend. This is what happened to me. Many manufactures made mousse cakes, but my style of mirror glaze helped me stand apart from the general mass, and now, many associate mousse cake with my name. It’s a big responsibility because, now the world, professionals and amateurs alike are watching me and my work, and I always must be at a decent level in representing this trend in the confectionery art.

Ancy James

Pl share a little bit of the journey to becoming a multimedia celebrity. How has life changed after becoming the most popular and followed cake artist on the net?

Olga Noskova:

All started with a dream. I was an economist but I wanted to find something that would bring me pleasure daily. Do you know the English say: “Water dripping day by day wears the hardest rock away”? So, every day I tried to create something so beautiful and lovely. And thanks to my unbelievable mirror and delicious cakes my popularity started to grow. The stars smiled at me. In my case, the first star who rated my talent is Britney Spears 🙂

The British “Independent” wrote my cake is “absolutely impeccably”. The BuzzFeed called my work is “absolutely flawless” and wrote that they are “too good to be eaten”.

One day I woke up famous in the world. My Instagram increased to 613K followers. I could not believe what had happened to me! Their comments, admiration, love – that’s what makes me understand that this is not a hobby and not a job. This is my life!

Ancy James

You have seen phenomenal success in an industry where it is very important to offer something unique and different. How have you kept yourself grounded and what is your strategy to keep the internet drooling over you flawless and incredible creations in the coming years?

Olga Noskova:

I do not follow trends; I try to develop myself in the direction I have chosen. I love to experiment and explore new design options, combinations of textures, fillings and colors. Minimalism in details, incredible play of colors and combinations, memorable taste – all part of my style. Therefore, throughout 2017. I plan to continue to develop in this direction. But that’s not all) To remain trendsetter, it is needed to look ahead of the curve. Therefore, I now firmly engaged in studying extremely difficult, but at the same time, incredibly beautiful and unique technology that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Ancy James:

What inspires you to work so hard to create new designs. How do you draw inspiration from your life?

Olga Noskova:

My cake for me is pure “art”. I’m a pastry chef and an artist. I’m inspired by paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Gauguin, Korovin. Their style and the transmission, infinite movement, fluidity of moment, a riot of colors – everything is so dynamic and passes you up a glimpse of the artist. The cake is my canvas. I paint my works in the soul and reproduce it. I strive to make every of my cake better than the previous. I guess what my followers want; I feel them and create for them. I draw inspiration from everywhere: from nature and its constant mutability, from the universe and its forces, from the world’s largest events. For example, when I think of infinity and majesty of the universe, I feel her strength and energy. I know that the universe helps, if you really want, and so always speak to her. I have a whole lot of cakes, dedicated to space, each of which is unique, as the universe itself. Every time it’s a new cosmic history, combining the incredible aureole, shine, color versatility, depth and power of outer space. As they say it is better to see once, so check my Instagram @olganoskovaa.

Ancy James:

Every month we see new and innovative tools and technology being introduced to the Cake decorating and Pastry world on some social platform or another. Which ones are your favorite?

Olga Noskova

To be honest, I like to do everything myself, using my hands. I do not have a large, mass production, which requires special equipment to accelerate the process.

I can afford to create. Sometimes ideas for cake decoration come during the actual creation process, and sometimes I ponder them in advance each detail, color. In each cake I put my love, happiness, and a piece of my soul. I think this is one of the secrets of the popularity of my cakes.

Ancy James:

How do you de-stress/let-off steam after a hard day at work?

Olga Noskova:

Orders are enough. Even if I’m not making cakes, I’m always looking for ideas. Now a lot of problems for the development of the brand, especially abroad. The Arab countries are showing great interest in my cakes and spent a lot of time to negotiate and discuss details.

But I always find time for family! It is very important for me to be there, do not miss any important moment. We like to spend weekends out of town, a break from the city bustle, enjoying nature and family gatherings.

And I love hockey! I try not to miss the games of Salavat Yulaev and root for them with all my heart. Now, I began to actively participate in the life of the club, most recently, my cake was put up for charity auction as a lot, and we helped to make this world a better place for special children.

Ancy James:

What advice would you give cake decorators who are flooded with new ideas but haven’t yet managed to develop their own style?

Olga Noskova:

Of course, in the beginning it is important to get the basic knowledge of the confectionery business in any kind of courses or workshops. This will be your foundation. I got my first experience from well-known foreign and Russian chiefs, absorbing like a sponge, their knowledge and advice. But if you want to become a true professional, stand out from the masses, you should not be afraid to take a chance. Begin to experiment, to try, to mix and find your perfect recipe. The true recipe can only be achieved by trial and error. Do not look at others, choose what you like, what you do best and take that route, developing and improving. Always keep learning, do not stop there.

Ancy James, after pursuing a career (16 years) as a television producer, at age 37, changed her life course by getting a Culinary and cake diploma and a few international cakes decorating certifications from international cake artists. Her stint of two years (2014-2016) running a small business in New Delhi, boosted her network with top notch cake aficionados and it got her thinking of writing a column with their views on global cake decorating trends. In 2016, she wrote columns for Indian top two bakery industry magazines, bakery biz and bakery review.

https://www.instagram.com/olganoskovaa

http://www.youtube.com/c/OlgaNoskova

https://www.facebook.com/olga.noskova.311

India LaRoda crowned Miss India America 2017

August 28, 2017 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Indian-African American India LaRoda was crowned Miss India America 2017 at the 25th anniversary gala, in Los Angeles, California. The Miss India America 2017 and The Elite Awards were announced during a star-studded red carpet gala in Los Angeles. The event organized by South Asia Magazine, Wells Fargo, and JINmodels.com will be later aired on B4U TV.

Jinnder Chohaan, producer and creator of the show, organized this year’s event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event, which is touted as a show to showcase the South Asian community internationally.

“I’ve been dedicated for decades promoting South Asians internationally and enhancing the South Asian community image,” said Chohaan in a press statement. She is the creator of many prestigious pageants, such as Mr. & Miss South Asia, Mr. & Miss India Globe.

Chohaan’s pageants are the longest running South Asian pageants by a female in the world. She was the first to create and produce a Mr. India pageant; the event superseded India’s version by five years. Also to her credit is the successful trend of Mr. India pageants that she continues to produce. It has now become the longest running Mr. India event in the world.

Chohaan added, “Over the years, I have mentored and guided thousands of young South Asians that I met for the first time through my pageants. It’s not an easy task to do this for one year, let alone twenty-five years. “

“I have worked diligently to provide them with a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The continued positive results and success of the pageants speak volumes about their impact,” she said.

Chohaan also created ‘The Elite Awards’ to honor those in the entertainment industry that have gone on to inspire others. Past recipients have included: Garry Marshall, Randall Emmett, and Steven Seagal.

The Elite Awards 2017 saw Actress Briana Evigan (Step Up) and actor Brett Dalton (Agents of Shield) presenting the Media Legacy Award to the founder of E! Entertainment Television Larry Namer.

Actor Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds, Godfather 3) was awarded for over 40 years in Hollywood. Actress Rekha Sharma (Star Trek Discovery) and actor Charles Mesure (The Magicians) honored executive producers Jane Fleming and Mark Ordesky with their Elite Award.

Bollywood director Vivek Agnihotri (Chocolate, Zid, Hate Story, Buddha in a Traffic Jam) was also honored. The Elite Awards were brought on stage by the gorgeous Priya Patel, Miss India America, Heart Hayes, Miss India Globe, and Gurleen Kaur, Miss India Galaxy.

Celebrity judges for the night included – director Vivek Agnihotri, Bollywood actress Pallavi Joshi, actress Rekha Sharma, actor Charles Mesure, actress Rini Bell (Jarhead, The Terminal), Playmate of the Year Kennedy Summers, award winning TV host Sarah Zapp, actress Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), Cindy Cowan (IEG co-founder) and other celebrity attendees included: popular singer Mickey Singh, model/actress Eugenia Kuzmina (Bad Moms, Dirty Grandpa), actor Brett Dalton (Agents of Shield), actress Briana Evigan (Step Up franchise), Chris Osborn (How I Met Your Mother, Vampire Diaries, The Game), actor Ken Davitian (Borat), actor Yancey Arias (Queen of the South), actress Debbie Sherman (The Forgiven), actress Kate Linder (The Young& The Restless), Punjabi singer/actor Jasbir Jassi, actress Wedil David (Valentine’s Day), Playmate Khloe Terae, executive producer Sunil Perkash (Salt), actor Monty Geer (Awkward), Julia Ling (Chuck), and many others.

The dazzling fanfare concluded with India Laroda being crowned Miss India America by singing sensation Mickey Singh. India Laroda has an African American father and East Indian mother.

While receiving the award, Laroda said, “I’m honored to be crowned Miss India America 2017! It’s a blessing to be part of history as the first African American & East Indian to win this title in 25 years”.

Mr. India America 2017 was grabbed by Karan Malik from Virginia. Other 2017 winners included: Jaskiran Waraich – Miss India Globe, Georgia’s Satrugna Chowdry – Mr. India Globe, Veena Gurbani of Michigan – Miss India Global, Ricky Prasad – Mr. India Galaxy, Anisha Gupta – Miss India Galaxy, Aditi Parikh – Miss India North America, and Navjot Kaur – Miss India California 2017. India LaRoda and Karan Malik also won JINmodels.com’s Mr. & Miss Photogenic 2017. Navjot Kaur and Arizona’s Nitish Singh were People’s Choice Awards for 2017. The evening ended with celebration dance party by DJ Raj Gujral of Sound Nation.

Chhavi Verg wins popular vote, but loses title to be Miss USA 2017

May 20, 2017 Ajay GhoshFashion, Profiles 0

Chhavi Verg, a 20-year-old Miss New Jersey 2017 nearly won the 2017 Miss USA competition Sunday, May 14th in Las Vegas, but for the second year in a row, the crown and sash ended up going to Miss District of Columbia. Verg of Edison, who in October became the second Indian-American Miss New Jersey USA, emerged as first runner-up to Miss USA, Kara McCullough. And some say that given their answers to questions during the competition final, Jersey should have won.

During an evening that celebrated beauty and diversity Kara McCullough was crowned Miss USA 2017, while Chhavi Verg was adjudged the first runner-up on May 14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Verg, wearing a sparkly black dress, stood alongside McCullough and Miss Minnesota, Meridith Gould, who was second runner-up, as the winner was announced. On Twitter, many seemed to be pulling for Miss New Jersey to take the title, especially after McCullough, who majored in chemistry at South Carolina State University and works as a scientist at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, referred to healthcare as a privilege, not a right (she was asked if it was a privilege or a right and why).

The Indian American student, of Edison, N.J., who bested 49 other contestants but ultimately lost the title to Miss District of Columbia Kára McCullough during a night full of glitz and glamor, ended up winning the popular vote on social media with her phenomenal poise, elegance and intelligence. The second runner-up was Miss Minnesota Meridith Gould.

A student at Rutgers University studying marketing and Spanish, Verg is a total fitness freak, a certified personal trainer, and a Bharatanatyam dancer. She also runs a health/fitness website, which features vegan/vegetarian recipes and other healthy living tips and tricks. She used the platform to address the faceless demon called cyberbullying.

“With social media, I believe it has given us so much power in this world, but with great power comes great responsibility and I have seen both ends of social media,” said Verg. “For me, it has been one of the most empowering experiences because I have met so many empowered women, but at the same time, I have also been a victim of cyberbullying like many of the contestants with me standing on this stage. Social media is again a privilege, it’s something you have to be careful of, you can’t just say anything just because you are anonymous, and once we realize that, that’s when we can truly live in a better world for everyone.”

After these answers, both the contestants moved on to the top three spots, where they were asked the same question, “What do you consider feminism to be, and do you consider yourself a feminist?” McCullough said: “I don’t want to call myself a feminist,” she said. “Women, we are just as equal as men, especially in the workplace.”

Verg, who is strong proponent of female empowerment through education, said: “Feminism is striving for equality and I do consider myself a feminist. I think it’s a misconception when people believe that feminism is women being better than men. But it’s really not. It’s a fight for equality. And we need to realize that if we want a stable society, a better future for every single individual, we need to be equal. And that’s why I advocate for education for women, because women are still held back in places of the world. They still don’t have that right to their independence, that right to their equality, all because of education. And once we do take that step, I believe that an equal world will be a better world.”

Though McCullough’s answers may have helped her clinch the crown, they also sparked a row on social media, with netizens mostly criticizing her for both her answers, and at the same time lauding Verg for hers. “#MissUSA Miss DC just lost me with that answer…Affordable healthcare is a privilege? Girl bye,” wrote one user on Twitter. Few went as far as saying that “Miss New Jersey was robbed” of her title.

“I want to show Americans that the definition of what it means to be American is changing,” Verg said. “It’s not just one face. There are many different people who are Americans, and I feel like Asian-Americans often-times are left out of the conversation.”

Prutha Patel crowned Miss England US International

May 13, 2017 Staff ReporterEntertainment, Fashion 0

Indian American Prutha Patel of Providence is the new Miss England US International, and will compete at Miss US International, to be held in Kissimmee, Florida, in June. Patel made the announcement at an appearance on GoLocal LIVE. She said that she will be competing with 30 contestants from all over the US for the crown.

Patel, a relative newcomer to the world of pageantry – having started out in 2015, is involved with various causes, including being on the board of The Providence Lady Project. Patel told GoLocal Live she’s imbibed stronger time management and public speaking skills competing in pageants and those in turn have helped her professionally at work in the real estate property management business.

Patel has two upcoming fundraisers in May; one is on May 4 at XO Cafe in Providence. The money raised will help on her “Road to the Crown” and a portion will go to the Lupus Foundation of New England, she said.

Patel revealed that she was diagnosed with Lupus, and it was hard to cope with it. “I was stripped of my identity,” she said of the malady. Patel said her platform at the pageant would be women, to encourage them in all walks of life. “I want women to be comfortable in their own skin,” she said. “I want to be a role model for other women as well,” she added.

Patel said that competing in pageants was a “great way to build your self-confidence and discover yourself, and what you are passionate about.”

Indian American designers impress audience at New York Fashion Week

February 22, 2017 Staff ReporterFashion 0

Indian American designers made a distinct impression and impressed the audiences at New York Fashion Week with plenty of glitz and glamor starting on February 1th. Prominent among them was the Indian American and Chicago-based fashion designer Mac Duggal, who had made his New York Fashion Week debut this year, among the items featured this year from his highly-acclaimed ‘Fabulouss!’ line were a prom collection for plus-sized teens, who often go unrepresented in the fashion industry.

Duggal’s line has become the gold standard in plus size clothing for those seeking a full-figured option. His enthusiasm for women’s fashion was originally conceived from merging the colorfully rich designs of India’s royal history and opulent traditions. His early creations have stamped his legacy as a force to be reckoned with in the world of prom dresses and apparel.

Mac Duggal’s enthusiasm for women’s couture fashion began with the merging of the vibrant designs of his homeland’s royal history and opulent traditions with a sophisticated and contemporary design aesthetic.
Arriving in the United States in 1983 at the age of 23, Duggal began his road to success with his first collection, “Creative Creations,” a line of dazzling gowns blending Indian beauty and elegance with Western styling.
Expanding his collection to 12 distinct social occasion lines, the Mac Duggal brand has transformed into a highly sought after label courted by A list celebrities including Shakira, Carrie Underwood, Gwenyth Paltrow, Khloe Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton and many more.
As Khan’s final design made its way down the runway Feb. 14 — a grand, glistening, golden bridal gown, with a gold floral crown and a cascading veil with a black-and-gold train — the soundtrack played Maya Angelou reading her poem, “Human Family.”
“The variety of our skin tones can confuse, bemuse, delight, brown and pink and beige and purple, tan and blue and white,” the poem reads in part. It closes by saying, three times: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
Actress Sara Jessica Parker was seen sitting in the front row for Duggal’s show, and was seen standing and cheering, as well.

Designer Naeem Khan’s gowns have become a favorite of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Raised in Mumbai, Khan’s vast knowledge of textiles was influenced by his father and grandfather, both of whom designed clothing for India’s royal families. Khan started his own line in 2003 and has dressed other well-known names, including Beyonce, Kate Middleton, and Taylor Swift.

“My family has been in the fashion business for over one hundred years in India, so it has always been a part of my life,” he said. “I have brought the tradition and craftsmanship of my heritage to very classic and sleek shapes, and I think that is what sets me apart,” he said.

IANS reports that Indian American designer Premal Badiani also showcased her latest collection, titled “Root Cause,” at the New York Fashion Week and her inspiration was to “bring awareness of the human impact on the environment.”
“The inspiration behind this collection is to bring awareness of the human impact on the environment and to promote social responsibility by adopting sustainable fashion as a lifestyle choice,” she said in a statement.
“The primary fabric used that is made from natural cellulosic fibers and produced from wood pulp, a natural renewable resource. This highlights the brand’s philosophy of environmental awareness that believes caring about the planet is not a seasonal choice but needs to be done all year round. Through this collection, the brand wants to promote sustainable fashion in the luxury market,” added Badiani.

Most religious groups in USA rate Hindus fairly warmly, according to “polling and analysis” posted by Washington DC headquartered Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank, on February 15.
Asked to rate a variety of groups on a “feeling thermometer” ranging from 0 to 100, Americans’ feelings toward Hindus have shifted from relatively neutral place of 50 in 2014 on the thermometer to somewhat warmer rating of 58.
Americans aged 18-29 put the Hindus at 64 on the thermometer, which is higher than Jews, Atheists, Evangelical Christians, Mainline Protestants, Muslims and Mormons. Jews gave Hindus a thermometer rating of 70, which is highest given to Hindus by any religious group.
Hindus were rated at 70 by those who had personal connections with someone in the Hindu community, as compared to 54 given by those who had no such connection.
But only 22% of Americans say they personally know a Hindu. These were among the findings of a new Pew Research Center survey of 4,248 adults conducted between January nine to 23 on the Center’s nationally representative American Trends Panel.
Meanwhile Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, congratulating the American Hindu community on climbing higher on the warmth scale; urged them to continue with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc.; amidst so many distractions.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, advised Hindus to focus on inner search, stay pure, explore the vast wisdom of scriptures, make spirituality more attractive to youth and children, stay away from the greed, and always keep God in the life.

Festival Circuit Favorite “Miss India America” available on Netflix

December 16, 2016 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

(Los Angeles, CA – December 5, 2016) After theatrical runs in Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Jose, 23 sold-out screenings at mainstream and South Asian film festivals around North America and multiple audience and jury awards under its belt, the smart, witty, coming-of-age comedy feature, “Miss India America,” is now available to watch on Netflix.

The brainchild of husband/wife creative team Ravi Kapoor (director/co-writer) and Meera Simhan (actor/co-writer), the cross-cultural comedy is set against the backdrop of the Indian beauty pageant world in Los Angeles. Inspired by Simhan’s one-woman-show of the same title, “Miss India America” stars Tiya Sircar (The Internship, 17 Again, Vampire Diaries, The Good Place) and Hannah Simone (of Fox television series New Girl fame), along with a supporting cast of talented actors, including Kosha Patel, Satya Bhabha, Cas Anwar, Rizwan Manji, Anjali Bhimani and Bernard White. Produced by Megha Kadakia and Saurabh Kikani and distributed by MarVista Entertainment, the feature film “establishes an authentic tone that pays respect to Indian cultural norms, while poking gentle fun at these traditions,” raves The Hollywood Reporter.

“This film has already had such an incredible journey around North America,” said co-producers Kadakia and Kikani. “We are thrilled that our passion project is now available to the masses on an important and viable platform such as Netflix. We hope audiences continue to embrace the film, just as they have on the big screens.”

Indian Acid Victim Walks The Ramp At N.Y. Fashion Show

September 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

In the midst glamorous models, including Bollywood actress Sunny Leone, at the New York Fashion Week that began on September 8, a not-so-charismatic woman on the ramp seemed to draw a whole lot of attention of viewers.

Reshma Banoo Qureshi, a victim of acid attack in India that left her with a missing left eye and a badly-scarred skin, opened the show for designer Archana Kochhar who showcased the rural art of India. Qureshi wore an ivory gown, which was offset with digitally printed motifs, to create awareness of the initiative “Bring Beauty Back”.

“This is my first time in New York and I’m very excited,” she told The Independent, the evening before her appearance. “I think it’s important that people hear the story about the survivors of acid attacks and to know they can lead normal lives.”

Before the opening of the show, Ilaria Niccolini, producer of New York-based FTL Moda, that helped organize the show, said in a statement that it has been “a journey of discovery that led us to ‘Make Love Not Scars,” the most recognized entity supporting survivors of acid attacks in India. “We want to give voice to these amazing women, who have been silently suffering, hiding, and too often depriving themselves of the opportunity to declare how beastly, and cruelly they have been attacked,” the statement said.

Despite the attack and the defacing of the then 17-year-old, Qureshi has refused to hide behind closed doors. She began working with ‘Make Love Not Scars’, an NGO focused on providing acid attack victims with the “opportunity to regain their life.” Before coming to New York she said that she has realized that beauty is “not just about how we look in the mirror.”

Although as a Bollywood actor she is constantly under media limelight, Leone too was excited to be present at the show. “It’s unbelievable that I just walked at New York Fashion Week for designer Archana Kochhar, wearing her Banjara Collection. The energy here was superb and the response we received was phenomenal”, Leone said after the show. “I Love this gown, it looks so ethereal. Archana is my favorite Indian designer,’ Leone said, adding that although very few Indian designers have reached New York Fashion Week, Kochar has made it here.

The designer herself was overjoyed, describing her experience as surreal. “This is arguably, the largest fashion platform in the world. It is a great honor to be one of the few Indians to have showcased at New York Fashion week, for the second time. It is one of the most professionally- run events in the world. As the Nyfw organizers had told me, they don’t talk fashion – they own fashion”, Kochhar said.

“I am very grateful to Sunny (Leone), who’s a dear friend, and I think she looks stunning in whatever she wears. Also, I am very honored to have Reshma Qureshi walking the ramp and showcasing different facets of beauty to the world,” Kochhar said.

“Beauty should not be affirmed by a certain height, color or size, it is beyond that. It should be an all-inclusive concept. We need such acceptance in society and I think such endeavors of mine will increase sensitivity towards this concept in our society”, Kochhar added.

Kochhar’s fashion week collection showcases beautiful prints inspired by the carvings of Taj Mahal, with colorful embroidery representing the royal era. Promoting the concept of “all-inclusive beauty”, Kochhar is supporting the initiative “Bring Beauty Back” at the event.

Her creation, “A tale of Two Travels” imparts royal individuality of the surreal Taj and gleams in the colorful essence of Banjara. The first inspiration of the collection is by the nomadic tribe of India called Banjara, known for the craft of the vibrant mesmerizing colors and rustic mirror work in India.

The color pallet of this collection is ivory offset with colorful digitally printed motifs, which is further highlighted with multi-color thread work and mirror work. The second inspiration of the collection is by the magnificent Taj Maha

When she was told she had been invited to take her message to New York Fashion Week, Ms Qureshi said she had been thrilled. She said that just because someone’s face had been destroyed, they could could still carry within them inner beauty and soul. “That is all that should matter,” she said.

Kareena Garg among top 3 winners at National American Miss Pageant

July 15, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

Kareena Garg, a Naperville, Illinois, resident and Waubonsie Valley High School junior, won the first runner-up title at the National American Miss Illinois Jr. Teen pageant held July 1-3 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Indian American teen will now be competing for the National All-American Miss Jr. Teen title in Anaheim, Calif., this November.

Garg, who is the state winner of the NAM Spokesmodel speech competition, also won the Miss Personality title, where she was judged on several parameters such as an onstage personal introduction, interview with a panel of judges, formal wear round, community service involvement and her overall poise and presence during the final pageant.

Garg, who believes that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams, said National American Miss gives an incredible opportunity for girls to achieve confidence, communication skills, poise, and make lifelong friendships through the process of preparing and competing in a pageant which promotes a girl’s natural beauty.

The Colors Of India: Fashion Show By Rohini Bedi’s Exclusive 2016 Collection At AAPI’s 34th Convention

June 19, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

AAPI Convention has come to be recognized for its ways of catering to the varied needs of the delegates from across the nation. A ways of networking and strengthening bond, AAPI convention offers events, programs and services, always striving to provide the best in the world to the partiucipants.

While AAPI convention is packed with Seminars, CMEs, CEO Forum, gala, cultural events, scintilating Bollywood and Hollywood shows, one thing has come to be popular among the delegates is the live Fashion Shows. Participants at the 34th annual convention in New York City this year will not be disappointed.

This year’s Fashion Show is being led by Rohini Bedi. The much sought after South Asian designer Rohini Bedi brings to you her exclusive collection 2016 for APPI in her presentation for AAPI delgates, “The Colors Of India,” announced Dr. Seema Jain, President of AAPI. “Rohini’s collection infuses the vibrant colors of the East and the jaw dropping designs that rock the runways in the West,” she added.

According to Dr. Hetal Gor, an organbizer of the event at the Convention, “The Fashion Show will start with beautiful dancers, dancing to Caribean, Brazil, Hawaian dances provided by Bergen pac and music, while the screen will be projecting beautiful natural settings. These will be followed by models walking in Resort Wear.” In addition, there will be Fusion/Jazz/ Tap dancing to get everyone excited for the day wear/office wear which stunning models will show case. A sensational Kathak Dance with Pakiza set and Taj Mahal on the screen will be followed by Party and Wedding Wear. The grand finale will have breathtaking performances by Sonali Bhendre.

The exclusive Indian fashion designer Rohini Bedi has been custom designing and selling her label throughout various boutiques in India and worldwide. She has recently opened her flagship studio “Fashion by Rohini” next to Bhindi Jewelers in Cerritos bringing her exclusive showcase to the South Asian bride right here in So Cal. Rohini has the innate talent to bring any brides dream to life, so for those brides to be that want an exclusive one of a kind piece tailored to their vision…let Rohini bring that special touch to the most memorable day of your life.

AAPI’s 34th annual convention will be held at the Marriott Marquis, Time Square in New York from June 30-July 4, 2016. Expected to have a record attendance of more than 2,000 delegates including Physicians, Academicians, Researchers and Medical students, “the annual convention offers extensive academic presentations, recognition of achievements and achievers, and professional networking at the alumni and evening social events,” she added. For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org

2016 Festival Circuit Favorite “Miss India America” Available to Stream Online

April 6, 2016 Staff ReporterFashion 0

By Jitin Hingorani

(Los Angeles, CA – April 1, 2016) After a week-long theatrical run in Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Jose, 23 sold-out screenings at mainstream and South Asian film festivals around North America and multiple audience and jury awards under its belt, the smart, witty, coming-of-age comedy feature, “Miss India America,” will be available on the following broadband platforms starting Tuesday, April 5th: Amazon, GooglePlay, iTunes, Vimeo, Vudu, AT&T, Vubiquity (General, Charter & Verizon), inDemand General, Comcast, Xfinity, Cox, Time Warner Cable, Dish, Direct TV – IPVOD and Sling.

The brainchild of husband/wife creative team Ravi Kapoor (director/co-writer) and Meera Simhan (actor/co-writer), the cross-cultural comedy is set against the backdrop of the Indian beauty pageant world in Los Angeles. Inspired by Simhan’s one-woman-show of the same title, “Miss India America” starsTiya Sircar (The Internship, 17 Again, Vampire Diaries) and Hannah Simone(of Fox television series New Girl fame), along with a supporting cast of talented actors, including Kosha Patel, Satya Bhabha, Cas Anwar, Rizwan Manji, Anjali Bhimani and Bernard White. Produced by Megha Kadakia andSaurabh Kikani and distributed by MarVista Entertainment, the feature film “establishes an authentic tone that pays respect to Indian cultural norms, while poking gentle fun at these traditions,” raves The Hollywood Reporter.

“We feel like our child is finally going out into the world,” said co-producers Kadakia and Kikani. “This journey has been so fulfilling for all of us involved, and we really hope our online audiences support the film and share it with their friends and family members.”

Naeem Khan Impresses America’s First Family With Impressive Designs

March 30, 2016 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

First Lady Michelle Obama chose a floral gown made of Kashmiri fabric and embroidery by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan for dinner on the concluding day of the Obamas’ visit to Cuba last week. “The dress Michelle Obama selected for the Cuban dinner was in a Kashmiri fabric,” the New York Times reported. “It was embroidered with an Indian floral motif, and was similar to one in the same fabric from the designer’s pre-fall collection,” it added. The embroidery on the gown was Kashmir’s traditional “Ari work”. The dinner’s dress code was “casual cocktail”.

Celebrated designer Khan told the media “after what America has done for me, coming from India, I need to give back to this country. She (Michelle Obama) has made my brand and put America back in fashion,” he said. “I would do anything for her.” Barack Obama is the first US President since 1928 to undertake a three-day visit to Cuba along with his wife Michelle Obama and senior officials.

Speculation ran to two prominent Cuban-American designers whose work Mrs. Obama has championed: Isabel Toledo, whose canary-yellow dress and coat she wore to her husband’s first inauguration, and Narciso Rodriguez, whom she has worn several times, most recently to the State of the Union address in January.

In the end, Mrs. Obama went with Naeem Khan, the Indian-American designer she has worn often. “I had sent her a couple of different things,” Mr. Khan said in an interview on Tuesday morning. “I had no idea. You never know what she’s going to wear. I guess I got pretty lucky.”

Khan is responsible for some of Mrs. Obama’s best looks, including the gown she wore to a state dinner for India in 2009. (Cathy Horyn, then the fashion critic of The New York Times, wrote, “She probably never looked better.”) He has also become something of a family favorite: The first daughters Malia and Sasha Obama wore Naeem Khan dresses for their first appearance at a state dinner at the Canada dinner this month. (“I guess they see their mom in all the glam and want to be like her,” Khan said. “I was very happy when they chose something.”

Namrata Joshipura to present New York-inspired line at AIFW

March 10, 2016 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Fashion designer Namrata Joshipura will showcase creations inspired by the creativity and vibrancy of New York City — a mash-up of fascinating street style juxtaposed with the most innovative ideas in fashion, art and technology — at the Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) Autumn-Winter 2016 edition later this month.

Joshipura’s show will be held in association with Maybelline New York on March 19 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, read a statement from the beauty brand. The designer, who is known for global aesthetics and contemporary silhouettes with modern interpretations, will display creations which embody high-fashion New York style, complementing Maybelline’s latest innovations in make-up this season.

Talking about the new collection, Joshipura said: “Taking inspiration from the various hues of Color Sensational Lip Gradation by Maybelline New York, the collection has deep reds, berry tones, grape and wine used in ombre gradation in dresses, embellishments and other techniques.”

Joshipura is a fit for the association as she resonates the spirit, style and energy of the brand, says Pooja Sahgal, general manager, Maybelline New York – India. “We are looking forward to creating stunning ombré beauty and fashion looks on the runway. Through the show, we hope to inspire young girls and women to express themselves, define their beauty and make it happen with make-up,” Sahgal added.

Sunil Sethi, president of Fashion Design Council of India, is also excited about the collaboration and he is confident that the show “will see a resplendent amalgamation of the best in beauty and fashion, and create trendsetting statements that will capture the New York panache”. (Bollywood Country Report)

Shalini Vadhera Unveiling Experiential Power Beauty Living Platform At UN

February 29, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

(New York, NY: February 25th, 2016) – Shalini Vadhera, a renowned, award-winning global beauty and lifestyle expert, founder and CEO of Power Beauty Living, and best-selling author of Passport To Beauty, proudly takes her Power Beauty Living brand global on February 29th, 2016 at the United Nations alongside IMPACT Leadership 21, for an exclusive VIP POWER UP Networking and Cocktail event.

Vadhera was recently appointed to IMPACT Leadership 21’s Global Advisory Council (GAC) as its newest member. A global leadership platform that provides solutions to creating inclusive economies, IMPACT Leadership 21’s GAC is comprised of men and women in diverse leadership backgrounds and influence from multi sectors.

“We are thrilled to add such a dynamic, passionate leader with a strong track record of success and zest for empowering women to the GAC. Shalini’s extensive entrepreneurial experience and industry knowledge is a welcomed addition to our team, especially as we expand our international reach,” said Janet C. Salazar CEO and Co-Founder of IMPACT Leadership 21.

On February 29th 2016, Vadhera will be unveiling her experiential Power Beauty Living platform – a holistic approach to powering up your business, beauty and life for women, by women – at IMPACT Leadership 21’s 3rd Annual POWER of COLLABORATION Global Summit at the Power Beauty Living VIP Networking and Cocktail reception, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Vadhera will be showcasing how to live powerfully and beautifully to over 150 country heads, diplomats, ambassadors and high-level executive women from the United Nations. One of summit’s highlights will include a diverse panel of global thought leaders in the beauty, health and wellness space, curated by Vadhera, to discuss initiatives they’re implementing to turn conversations into action. Distinguished guests will also be treated to an enriching Power Beauty Living interactive experience and receive exclusive VIP gift bags from highly curated beauty and lifestyle brands.

“IMPACT Leadership 21’s Global Advisory Council is a first-class team of passionate innovators, creators and entrepreneurs and I’m thrilled to be a part of such a trailblazing group. I’m confident that together we will find unique ways to thrive in today’s increasingly diverse workplace and create game changing programs to help women live empowered and to lead their best lives. I’m excited to be bringing my Power Beauty Living platform to the United Nations to inspire women to be strong leaders while living their best life,” said Shalini Vadhera.

Vadhera created Power Beauty Living based on her own business experiences as an entrepreneur and the lack of mentorship, community and resources for women by women, in building their businesses and balancing their lives. She felt a strong desire to create a destination for women to get the insight and tools they needed to empower themselves in business, by providing mentorship, in beauty and in living a blissful balanced life.

Shalini Vadhera is an award-winning global beauty and lifestyle expert, founder of Power Beauty Living, a social platform for women, and best-selling author of Passport To Beauty. Her global influence with women and young girls stems from her entrepreneurial passion to build companies and create products to empower women. Vadhera’s rise from jewelry and fashion entrepreneur, celebrity make-up artist and best-selling author, to a regular contributor on Dr. Oz, The Today Show, and The View and the founder of a multi-million dollar global cosmetics company is nothing short of remarkable. Vadhera has transformed this platform while using her business acumen to create global beauty, lifestyle and business solutions to empower women around the world. Vadhera was named the #1 Person To Watch by The Economic Times of India, Winner of the Game Changer Of The Decade Award in Beauty and winner of the coveted Oprah Beauty O~Ward.

For more information, please visit: www.passport2beauty.com; www.powerbeautyliving.com

Veteran designer Manish Arora conferred France’s highest honor

February 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Manish Arora has become the first Indian fashion designer to receive the highest honour in France. French Ambassador Francois Richier conferred the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, the country’s highest honor, on veteran designer Manish Arora on February 16 in recognition of his renowned and critically-acclaimed contribution to the fashion world.

“I’m thrilled and honored by the recognition I have received from the country that I love with all my heart. France has been an inspiration always. I now live between Paris and Delhi, and for me France is literally my own country. I hope to keep getting inspired by France, the beauty and the elegance of the French people,” said Arora at the investiture ceremony at the French embassy here. “It is the first time in the world of fashion in India to be awarded this honor. Only the French can do it. They can spot you, pick you up and say you deserve it.”

“Manish has a long-standing connection with France, which is like a second home for him,” Francois Richier said. “He is a pioneer in bringing the fashion culture of both countries together with his exuberant imagination. I am delighted to confer this high honor on him. Beyond what you have created, you are also representing the best of India. An India that creates, that is successful – an image of India that everybody loves and recognises across the world.”

The event witnessed the attendance of socialites including Priya Paul, Ambika Pillai, Kalyani Saha, Rahul Mishra and Subodh Gupta. The Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur is France’s premier award to recognize eminent accomplishments of service to France. It is bestowed on both citizens of France as well as foreigners.

Pinning the insignia on the celebrated designer, Richier said: “Manish has a long-standing connection with France, which is like a second home for him. He is a pioneer in bringing the fashion culture of both countries together with his exuberant imagination. I am delighted to confer this high honor on him.”

Arora, who is best known for his obsession with gold and pink, launched his fashion label back in 1997, and went on to debut in London Fashion Week in 2005. The designer has regularly shown the fashion world his vibrant and exciting designs at Paris Fashion Week since 2008.\ He was appointed as the creative director at Paco Rabanne in 2011, and opened his flagship store in Paris in 2014.

With a long list of celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Aishwarya Rai, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, the designer has established a reputable status in the industry. In the past, eminent personalities such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Amitabh Bachchan and J.R.D Tata have been honored with the prestigious award.

Shahnaz Husain Invited To Speak On “Ayurveda – India’s ancient Cosmetic Science” at the Pre-Oscar Event

February 22, 2016 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion, Health 0

Los Angeles, CA: Recognizing the fact that India today leads the International cosmetic empire, leading Indian herbal beauty expert Shahnaz Husain has been invited to speak on “Ayurveda – India’s ancient Cosmetic Science” at the Pre-Oscar function, part of the Oscar Award event, highlighting the dangers of chemicals and power of herbs, to be held in Beverly Hills, California.

According to Siddhartha Sengupta, Chief General Manager of Corporation Communications, the formal invite mentions “Ayurveda is the only natural alternative – this is just what Beverly Hills and Hollywood is looking for.”

Shahnaz Husain has brought her unique range of products aimed at alleviating the effects of chemotherapy on the skin and hair around the world. The Shahnaz Husain story is the story of the spirit of true entrepreneurship. It provides a rare insight into the individual qualities that make one person stand apart from the rest. It is the story of a woman, a first generation entrepreneur, a pioneer, visionary and innovator, who introduced a totally new concept of Ayurvedic Care and Cure worldwide, with universal appeal and application. It is the story of a woman who created a brand and an international market for Ayurvedic beauty and health care. In a world ridden with environmental degradation, Shahnaz Husain opened the windows of the world to Nature and its healing powers, taking the Indian herbal heritage of Ayurveda to every corner of the globe with a crusader’s zeal.

Shahnaz Husain, the pioneer of organic beauty care, has achieved unprecedented international acclaim for her practical application of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing. Just when there was a worldwide “back to nature” trend, Shahnaz Husain recaptured an ancient herbal system and made it relevant to modern demands. Almost four decades ago, she adopted the principle of Ayurveda, based on an integrated system of clinical treatments and product ranges. In fact, her career has been a constant search for a better alternative. Her study of Ayurveda, the Indian holistic system of herbal healing, strengthened her faith in nature, finding that it could offer the ideal answers to protective, preventive and even corrective cosmetic-care. Today, her name has become the brand and she is herself the brand ambassador. She heads the largest organization of its kind in the world, with a chain of over 400 franchise clinics, shops, schools and spas worldwide, as well as Ayurvedic formulations for skin, hair, body and health care. Her journey, from one herbal clinic to a worldwide chain, is one of unprecedented success.

Born into a conservative family, Shahnaz had to comply with existing traditions and was married at the tender age of 15, becoming a mother by the time she was 16. She trained for ten years in cosmetic therapy and cosmetology, at leading institutions of the West, like Helena Rubinstein, Swarzkopf, Christine Valmy, Lancome and Lean of Copenhagen. Adopting the principle of “Care and Cure,” she set up her own herbal clinic, in her own home, with very little capital investment, formulating products for skin, hair and body care, based on the Ayurvedic system and devising clinical treatments for specific problems. Her formulations and treatments have become breakthroughs in natural beauty care. In fact, she has also become known for specialized treatments for specific skin and scalp disorders.

“Miss Universe 2015 is Philippines”

December 22, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Miss Universe 2015 is Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. For around 90 seconds, Miss Columbia Ariadna Gutierrez was crowned the winner and had been given her flowers. She was basking in her moment of glory on stage. She was then forced to give up her crown to Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Wurtzbach stood as the most beautiful woman in the universe as was crowned as Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Wurtzbach bested 79 other candidates from around the globe to get the coveted crown.

The 21-year-old, beaming with her bouquet of flowers, was forced to remove the bejewelled crown and give it to Miss Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Miss Wurtzbach appeared stunned as she walked to the front of the stage alongside the crown-wearing Miss Gutiérrez.

The ending left viewers on the edge of their seats. Miss Colombia was declared the winner of the beauty pageant – but then host Steve Harvey announced he’d made a mistake and the crown was handed over to Miss Philippines. “Okay folks, I have to apologize. The first runner-up is Colombia,” Steve Harvey, the host explained as the camera panned to finalists Miss Colombia, Miss USA and Miss Philippines.

Harvey, a comedian and talk show host, apologized effusively and made a point of showing the card to the cameras to prove that the second crowning of the night was, in fact, the correct one. “Horrible mistake, but the right thing,” he said. “I can show it to you right here. The first runner-up is Colombia.”

The two contestants stood awkwardly side by side, a smile on neither face, while one woman was de-crowned and the other was crowned. “I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbia,” he wrote. “This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am so regretful.” Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega of Colombia transferred the crown. The Cagayan de Oro beauty’s win marks the third time that the Philippines won the prestigious beauty title.

All the candidates answered the question: “Why should you be the next Miss Universe?” Miss USA Olivia Jordan was the first candidate who answered the question because she wants to empower women all over the world.

Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was second, where she said that she has certain qualities that only a Latin woman have which makes her a shoo-in as the third Colombian to win the crown. Miss Universe Philippines was the last candidate to answer the question. When asked why she wanted to be Miss Universe, Miss Wurtzbach replied that, “I will use my voice to influence the youth and I would raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness, that is timely and relevant to my country. I want to show the world, the universe rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart,” she said. The Philippines last took home the crown in 1973, courtesy of Margie Moran. It was a short wait after the first victory of Gloria Diaz in 1969.

The final 15 contestants paraded around in bikinis while Charlie Puth performed his hits including “Marvin Gaye.” The final five contenders were asked about some serious issues facing the world. In fact, Miss USA was asked about gun control, but couldn’t finish her answer before the time ran out.

Backstage, Miss Philippines described the ending as a “very non-traditional crowning” in a video posted by the Miss Universe Organisation on Facebook. In another message on the Miss Universe Facebook page, Miss Colombia said she was still “happy” while wiping away tears with a tissue. “Everything happens for a reason … I’m so happy, thankyou for voting for me,” she said.

The Miss Universe Organisation has also issued a public apology, saying that “a live telecast means that human error can come into play”. “We witnessed that tonight when the wrong winner was initially announced. Our sincerest apologies to Miss Universe Colombia, Miss Universe Philippines, their families and fans. We congratulate Miss Universe Philippines as Miss Universe 2015.” Regardless of the gowns, swimsuits, Q&A and performances, the public will likely be talking about Harvey’s mistake that he continues to feel awful about.

Jaya Iyer Launches Gender-Neutral T-Shirts for Kids

October 29, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion, Women 0

Ever since Jaya Iyer’s daughter was a toddler, she had been fascinated by Saturn and its icy rings. When Swaha turned three, she had a space-themed birthday party. But when her mom went to find clothes with space images for Swaha, she couldn’t find any. They were all in the boys section. Jaya Iyer, an Indian American clothing designer is attempting to do away with gender-specific clothing for children. Iyer, 41, of Washington, D.C., launched her clothing line, Svaha, in response to not being able to find a girl’s shirt with an astronaut graphic on it.

Iyer, mother of two, who has a doctorate in fashion merchandising, started her own business called Svaha (which is how her daughter’s name is pronounced) to sell clothes that upend gender stereotypes. One shirt features a grinning green stegosaurus, the plates on its back adorned with polka dots. A second comes in a blazing pink hue, with an astronaut planting an American flag on the moon. That one should satisfy her daughter. “She was very upset with me for not ever buying her anything with astronauts on it,” Iyer says. “Then she started telling me: ‘I want a ninja on my shirt.'”

Svaha is one of several startups that have emerged in recent years with the goal of changing the standards that govern what kids wear. These upstarts aren’t looking to replace current kid’s apparel entirely. Instead, their founders say they want to provide children with more options. Handsome in Pink says it’s all right for boys to wear pink and purple. BuddingSTEM offers science-themed garb for girls. Perhaps the buzziest label is Princess Awesome, which raised more than $200,000 in a successful Kickstarter campaign, showing demand for pirate-themed dresses and girl’s apparel covered in the symbol for pi. Most of the ventures remain in early stages as online-only entities using crowdfunded or bootstrapped cash to sell small numbers of shirts or dresses.

Originally from Dharwad, Karnataka, Iyer earned her undergraduate degree in India and moved to the United States in 2001 to pursue her master’s in fashion merchandising from the University of Georgia and her doctorate in the same field from Iowa State University. “Since I have experience in this industry, I decided to create a line of T-shirts,” the Indian American entrepreneur told India-West.

Jaya Iyer Launches Gender-Neutral T-Shirts for Kids — Jaya Iyer with her daughter

Iyer launched a Kickstarter campaign with her Svaha partners, Eva Everett and Mansi Patney, and raised more than $30,000 to fund the project. With the funding in the rearview mirror, Iyer noted the hardest part was finding graphic designers and production on a limited budget.

“I wanted to make the T-shirts in the U.S., but, since I was going to do small quantity, nobody was responding to me,” she explained. “I have been able to find a factory in India who is able to help me with production.”

Iyer said the next hurdle Svaha faces is reaching a wider audience, but she remains optimistic it will be accomplished. Svaha has zero gender discrimination, according to Iyer.

“We have astronaut, cars and diggers, along with T-shirts in pink, blue and purple for both girls and boys,” she said of the product. “We also have many STEM-based designs for both girls and boys. “We want to provide children with clothes through which they are able to show their love for anything that they want,” the designer added. “It does not have to be limited to princesses and pink for girls and cars and blue for boys.”

In addition to the design, Iyer said all the customers rave about the feel of the shirts, saying it is like silk, though the shirts are 100 percent cotton. Soon, Svaha hopes to shift to 100 percent organic cotton. “We want to be different and appealing to our customers in many different ways,” she said. Svaha has opened an Amazon store and Iyer said the business is continuing to grow steadily, though the company still has “a long way to go.”

Currently, Svaha offers T-shirts and dresses but plans to expand to more dresses, leggings and boys and girls underwear. In the future, she would like to add non-clothing items like towels and sheets, among other things. Iyer has taught fashion merchandising at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., for nearly five years. She has also authored “Retailing in Emerging Markets” and has been a buyer at ThinkGeek.

Kangana Turns Designer, Brings Global Trends on Indian Runway

October 13, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion, Profiles 0

After giving a new definition to fashion in her films and red carpet appearances, Kangana Ranaut, has now turned designer for a limited edition collection called ‘Marquee’ for fashion label, Vero Moda to create a collection that reflects her own style sensibility.

There are five broad themes — Dandelion Dreams, Deep Lake, Red Velvet, Royal Enchantment and Gold Rush — that make the “VERO MODA MARQUEE by Kangana Ranaut” collection. The designs include casual, formal and occasion wear.

“For the collection, I pretty much followed what globally is going to be trend. We have exciting categories with no confusion. There are dresses for brunches, gigs and many such special occasions so there is no confusion. You can just pick the right outfit and flaunt it,” Kangana told IANS when asked about the USP of the collection. The actress showcased her first show as a designer at Mehboob Studio here last week and it had to be one big affair.

From celebrities like Dino Morea, Elli Avram taking the front rows to the thumping live music while the models sashayed down the ramp in glamorous outfits, brought spark to the night. While Dandelion Dreams is a very dreamy collection with botanical design elements, exquisite and artfully crafted beaded embroidery in a buffet of diffused dandelion design patterns, Deep Lake takes inspiration from the colors of a deep lake.

Red Velvet is a classic theme with a very sexy and a bold feel. All the pieces in this story were very dramatic, accentuated with lace and embroidered in rich florals. Inspired by royalty, Royal Enchantment had a rich mix of luxe embroideries in interesting geometric patterns. Finally, Gold Rush takes its inspiration from the ‘Midas touch’ and sweeps golden hues into its mix, giving a metallic twist to the all over metallic gold fashion to minimalism.

Oman’s Stephanie Lohale Crowned Miss India Worldwide 2015

September 18, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Beating out 32 contestants from countries across the globe, Miss India Oman 2015 Stephanie Lohale was crowned Miss India Worldwide at the pageant’s grand finale at the Lalit Hotel in Mumbai Sept. 5.

“I don’t know where to begin,” Lohale, who was also the first runner-up at Miss India United Arab Emirates, posted on Facebook Sept. 8. “I’m so immensely happy and blessed. Thank you so so much to every single one of you, my supporters and everyone that truly believed in me. THANK YOU! It’s going to be one heck of a year!! So stay tuned for more, love you all.”

A design studies student at Heriot Watt University in Dubai, Lohale, 19, was the youngest contestant at the pageant this year, according to Muscat Daily.

The teenager told Muscat Daily she wants to contribute back to society with the help of the crown and spent most of her time mentally and physically preparing to win.

“I do a lot of running and attend zumba classes to stay fit. But I feel that success comes easily when you have good thoughts. You need to have the right mindset and attitude, and always feel good about yourself…That’s when a lot of doors open for you. Meditation has helped me in that sense. It’s essential to know the basis of success before venturing out to seize it,” she said.

India’s Miss India 2015 Apeksha Porwal was the first runner-up while the second runner-up was Miss India South Africa 2015 Shivani Govender.

The winners were crowned by last year’s Indian American winner from the U.S., Monica Gill.

The pageant also gave out several subtitle awards to contestants for specific qualities, such as friendliness. Miss India Netherlands 2015 Soesoe Mustafa was crowned Miss Congeniality, Miss India Qatar Jyotsna Arora was crowned Miss Talented, and Miss India Indonesia Grace Walia was awarded the title “Miss Bollywood Diva” at the 24th edition of the pageant.

Roopal Patel Appointed Director Of Saks Fifth Avenue

September 17, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Roopal Patel, a fashion consultant specializing in luxury retail, fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries, was appointed Fashion Director of Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s pre-eminent specialty retailers renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, last week.

Saks Fifth Avenue, which is part of the Hudson’s Bay Company brand portfolio, and operates 38 full-line stores in 22 states, five international licensed stores and saks.com, the company’s online store, announced September 10 that Patel has been appointed Fashion Director of Saks Fifth Avenue, effective immediately. She will report to Tracy Margolies, Chief Merchant of Saks Fifth Avenue.

The company said Patel’s appointment will strengthen the role of the newly shaped fashion office at Saks within the merchant organization, the fashion industry and ultimately consumers.

“Roopal is a respected force in the industry with high energy and a deep understanding of today’s luxury fashion consumer, and we are so pleased to welcome her to Saks,” said Marc Metrick, President of Saks Fifth Avenue. “I am confident that her demonstrated expertise in trend direction combined with Tracy’s leadership in fashion merchandising will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the brand and position Saks as a modern and relevant fashion authority in luxury retailing.”

Patel’s experience and expertise speaks to the multifaceted approach necessary to succeed in today’s global marketplace. She spent many years working in luxury retailing as senior fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and as senior fashion director for its parent company, Neiman Marcus, where she broadened her expertise, learning how luxury works beyond major cities.

She was previously a market editor at Style.com at its launch and also worked at Ralph Lauren’s Club Monaco. Most recently, Miss Patel served as executive fashion director at e-retailer Moda Operandi.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best retailers, industry leaders and designers in the fashion industry,” says Patel, according to Roopal Patel Consulting, a creative consultancy she founded in 2012 with a focus on brand development and positioning, merchandising retail strategy, and trend forecasting. “Roopal Patel Consulting allows me the opportunity to use my past experiences to support future initiatives in the fashion industry,” she earlier said.

At Saks Fifth Avenue Patel will play a key role in forecasting the trends that underpin all of Saks’ buying activities, articulating the store’s seasonal fashion message, and scouting fresh designers and collections.

Patel said, “I am truly honored to join Saks Fifth Avenue during this exciting and dynamic time. I have long admired Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic history and am thrilled to be on the team. I look forward to working with Marc, Tracy, and the entire Saks team to bring an elevated fashion message to the customer and build a strong future for Saks.”

Patel is regularly quoted as a fashion industry insider by such publications as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue India and Vogue Japan.

Hudson’s Bay Company, founded in 1670, is North America’s oldest company, one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury specialty retailers, comprises 38 U.S. stores, five international licensed stores and saks.com. The Company also operates Home Outfitters, Canada’s largest kitchen, bed and bath specialty superstore with 67 locations. Hudson’s Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Mumbai all set to welcome Miss India Worldwide 2015

September 9, 2015 Ajay GhoshEntertainment, Fashion 0

The 24th Miss India Worldwide will be held at the LaliT hotel in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, September 5, 2015. Acclaimed as the most glamorous event in the world, the pageant is sure to bring nothing short of spectacular. The present Miss India Worldwide, Monica Gill, has completed two Punjabi movies produced by Tip series and will be making her debut in Bollywood soon.

Contestants from over 35 counties will arrive on August 31 to kick off the week full of events including Talent Night, Mumbai sight seeing, visits to studios and meeting Bollywood celebrities. “We are very thrilled to bring back Miss India Worldwide to Mumbai after nearly 10 years. Miss India Worldwide is the only international Indian pageant that promotes Indian culture, traditions, values and performing arts” said Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of Miss India Worldwide based in New York. The event is managed by Emirates Vision, Dubai, U.A.E.

Introducing a Fusion of Classic Foods and Styles the EAT THIS COLLECTION

September 9, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

New York, NY – A taste to quench every appetite. The Eat This Collection by PUNARVI caters to all palates, whether the craving is pizza, French fries, donuts, or ice cream. Classic foods adored by all are seamlessly intertwined and designed into clothing to create this first collection from PUNARVI. In this collection, designer Punarvi Patel has created elegant and premium quality t-shirts that reflect her passion for cooking. The collection features designs that give women a sophisticated yet playful alternative to the basic tee by using colorful embroideries depicting classic food items that are universally loved by women.

“Food and clothing are two very personal things in a woman’s life. I aspired to blend the comfort and joy we get from our favorite foods with every woman’s favorite item of clothing, the classic tee,” said Punarvi. PUNARVI will be debuting their first collection at a launch party in New York City on Friday August 28th, 2015. The event is invite only.

Punarvi Patel has a degree in fashion design from Los Angeles’s acclaimed Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Upon graduating she went on to lead design and production roles at the fashion houses of Naeem Khan and Oscar De La Renta in New York City. Armed with that invaluable experience and her innate creativity, she launched her own clothing line. PUNARVI is designed to focus on individuality and ingenuity, with a perfect blend of style, creativity, and innovation enriched by superior craftsmanship. With an emphasis on quality, PUNARVI t-shirts are made from 100% Supima cotton. PUNARVI has partnered with expert craftsmen who are passionate about their work and are unrelenting in their desire to make sure every piece of clothing is impeccable. PUNARVI lives at the intersection of luxury and playfulness, allowing the modern woman to be uninhibited and free. PUNARVI creates clothes that real women love to wear, as an expression of themselves, striving to make getting dressed the most enjoyable part of their day.

If you would like more information about this release, please contact Suresh Bodiwala at +1.844.PUNARVI or email at press@punarvi.com. Please visit our website at www.punarvi.com .

Urban Outfitters Removes ‘Lotus Jewelry Stand’ After Protest

August 31, 2015 Ajay GhoshFashion 0

Urban Outfitters , a retail company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., has removed a Hindu goddess jewelry stand from its Web site within about 12 hours after a group of Hindus protested, calling it inappropriate.

The “Lotus Jewelry Stand,” depicting the multi-armed Hindu goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus, an “Online Exclusive” item which was described as “perfect for holding all of your rings + things,” did not show up after a search on the UO website Aug. 9, within 12 hours of Rajan Zed informing company officials via e-mail urging the withdrawal.

Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism and who spearheaded the protest, in an Aug. 9 statement thanked UO for understanding the concerns of the Hindu community. Zed, however, indicated that an official apology from UO and its CEO, Richard A. Hayne, to the upset Hindu community was still due, as it was their third incident trivializing a Hindu deity.

Urban Outfitters apologized to Hindus and removed its Lord Ganesh socks from stores and the Web after a protest spearheaded by Zed in December 2013, calling it inappropriate. It also removed its Lord Ganesha Duvet Cover from its Web site after another protest in July 2014.

In related news, Zed Aug. 6 criticized the distortion of goddess Kali’s image in Titan Comics, seeking the withdrawal of all the comics containing the image from stores and online. Titan Comics describing Kali on its Web site, said: “Kali, oldest and deadliest of these creatures, was thought defeated long, long ago; her body scattered throughout time to prevent her return.”

Zed stated that goddess Kali was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in re-imagined versions for dramatic effect in comics.

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