A momentous trip exploring the Stans

Abhimanyu Narayanmoorthy and his friends wanted a trip that was off the beaten track, somewhere special. With only a short timeframe to spend away they decided on Central Asia, colloquially referred to as "the Stans" because it's made up of the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Abhimanyu begins his story, explaining how the decision...

Of poetry and lockdown diaries

As a writer, raconteur and storyteller, I like to find my material, my stories in the real world. I then imbue them with a setting, a context and characters that find a voice to cut across the real and bring to life a message in my work that needs to be repeated constantly. My most recent work which came...

‘Evening Shadows’ to screen in London marking LGBTQ+ History Month

Sridhar Rangayan’s gay drama kicks off series of films as part of London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) The UK and Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, the London Indian Film Festival  (LIFF) is kicking off its 2021 series of films and marking LGBT+ History Month with a screening of Sridhar Rangayan’s feature film Evening Shadows, a tender heart-warming story, set in...

Dance to Nihira Joshi Deshpande’s authentic Cuban music with Hindi lyrics

Germany based Nihira Joshi Deshpande has created an independent song with Hindi lyrics set to the melody of authentic Cuban music. This song  Ishq Manayein Kya? has gone viral. Nihira is an internationally acclaimed popular singer, composer, independent music producer, Spanish translator come interpreter. Nihira Joshi Deshpande has been singing for many Marathi and Hindi films, worked with Shankar...

Immunity boosting Indian soup Rasam becomes hot favourite for Covid patients in New York hospitals

At a time when the entire world is looking up to the US for a “medical miracle” to contain Covid, those in New York, New Jersey, and Princeton are betting on a South Indian staple to beat the virus — the humble 'rasam'. Behind the “viral trend”, obviously, is a chef from Tamil Nadu. The idea came during the middle...

KASHISH 2021: Renuka Shahane and Onir join this year’s Advisory Board

KASHISH 2021 is scheduled to be held between May 20-30, 2021 under the theme ‘Unlock With Pride’ KASHISH is proud to announce that popular actress Renuka Shahane and national award winning filmmaker Onir have joined its Advisory Board, along with previous eminent board members like theatre personality Dolly Thakore, National award winning filmmaker Arunaraje Patil, president of Whistling Woods Meghna...

KASHISH 2021: Film Submissions open for South Asia’s biggest LGBTQI Film Festival

The twelfth edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is scheduled to be held online next year from May 20 to 30, taking into consideration the prevailing pandemic situation. The organisers have mentioned that they are still considering a two day on-ground festival if the situation improves, a decision which will be taken only in February 2021. Festival director Sridhar...

Legendary contemporary dancer Astad A Deboo passes away in Mumbai

It is with deep sorrow we inform you of the sad demise of the famous Indian dancer Astad Adarbad Deboo, aged 73, in Mumbai on the morning of Thursday 10 December. The dance pioneer, and Padma Shri winner's death is being mourned by artists, friends and family in India and across the globe. Astad was born on 13 July...

Rainbow Lit Fest’s ‘Digital & One’ 2020 to see coming together of over 50 leading authors, scholars, artists

To mark a year since its journey began and to underline the significance of oneness, the Rainbow Lit Fest – Queer & Inclusive has organized a two-day online series called 'Digital & One'. Being held over the weekend of December 5 & 6, the event will see the coming together of over 50 leading authors, poets, activists, scholars, filmmakers,...

Director Ram Kamal’s Rickshawala travels to Melbourne and Madrid

After winning the hearts of critics and audience worldwide for his film Season's Greetings, now author turned director Ram Kamal Mukherjee is gearing up for his third feature film Rickshawala, set in the heartland of Kolkata. The Indian film has been selected at the prestigious ImagineIndia International Film Festival in Madrid, Spain, and also been selected at 11th International...