Saturday, 21 March 2020

Sonu Nigam To Hold Online Concert For Every Indian In Support Of PM Modi’s “Iconic” Request For Janta Curfew/Social Distancing; Takes To Social Media

If there is one singer that can stand out, it is none other than the talented and extremely versatile Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam! Having won hearts the world over, Sonu Nigam, as a celebrity and an influencer, has always made it a point to be vocal about issues concerning his fellow countrymen.

In a 30-minute address to nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the citizens of India to prepare so that the nation can combat challenges posed by the COVID-19 viral outbreak. Emphasizing on the urgent need of the hour – Social Distancing, National Film Award recipient Sonu Nigam supported the PM’s move as he took to social media, requesting the masses to adhere to the PM’s “iconic” address.

“During this curfew, we shall neither leave our homes, nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities,” addressed the Prime Minister, adding that to be prepared to combat challenges posed by viral outbreak, there is an urgent need and emphasis on “social distancing”. Lauding the intelligent move, Sonu Nigam explained that the Covid-19 has a lifespan of approximately 12 hours. “And the Janta Curfew is for 14 hours, a masterstroke that no other country except India will attempt!"

Sonu Nigam felt that in order to beat the virus, the only way was the every Indian joined this curfew. “I join both hands in reverence to the people of the Shaheen Bagh protests including mothers and sisters. Jaan rahegi toh awaaz rahegi,” said Sonu Nigam, literally translating to you can only voice your opinion if you stay alive! In a humble request to Swara Bhaskar, Anurag Kashyap and Asaduddin Owaisi among others who have supported the Shaheen Bagh protestors, he averred that the health issue has gone over politics! “This is an issue for the society and humanity, not politics. I urge you to ask them to stall protests till there is a cure for the Coronavirus. They (protestors) will listen to you."

Sonu Nigam, who is unable to reach his homeland as he is stranded in Dubai with his family, added, "I sincerely urge all of you to support 'Janta Curfew' this Sunday from 7am to 9pm and let's curb this pandemic successfully at this stage. Stay safe and take care.”  

Sonu Nigam will also perform Live on his YouTube Channel on 22nd March, 8pm onwards to entertain the nation that respected the curfew! “Enjoy the music while showing gratitude to India’s healthcare professionals. Also, don’t forget to spend quality time with your loved ones,” signed off Sonu Nigam.


Sonu will be performing live on his YouTube channel IST 8pm on 22nd March...enjoy the music while thanking the health officials and spending quality time with your loved one

Monday, 9 March 2020

Smita Thackeray’s Mukkti Foundation brings women of substance together with 'Each for Equal' All-Women Conclave

Mukkti Foundation, under the aegis of firebrand social activist Smita Thackeray, recently concluded a conclave curated in a bid to empower women. Apart from the conclave being moderated by Smita Thackeray, the event saw participation from other multi-faceted women across all walks of life including the charismatic politician Priya Dutt, the fiery top cop Maya More, the sought-after Academy Award winning and BAFTA nominated film producer Guneet Monga, the dynamic force behind OneLine Wellness as well as the Global Wellness Ambassador for India Rekha Chaudhari, the acclaimed Writer-Director of the Marathi film industry Meena Naik and Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, a celebrated journalist-turned-filmmaker, social activist-reformer and a sought-after TEDx speaker.

Enthused Smita Thackeray, “This Women’s Day Week, I am proud to have moderated and presented an all-women conclave. Mukkti supports all of womanhood and strives to attain absolute empowerment for the same. Let us women help one another and prove to the world that women can!” Aptly titled ‘Each For Equal’, the conclave celebrates womanhood and empowers women while trending with the #WomenCan.

Held at the Mukkti Cultural Hub in Andheri, a state-of-the-art equipped auditorium that has come up to be a junction of intersection for a wide variety of artistic and intellectual pursuits, pulled in diverse crowds through its doors. Comprising of students, entrepreneurs and women across all walks of life, the conclave turned out to be a massive success!

Along with the conclave, Mukkti Foundation also marked the week with a Breast Cancer Screening, Mental Health Awareness, Street Plays, Ribbon distribution and Disinfecting toilets across Western Railway platforms from Churchgate to Borivali as well as a Career initiative for Financial Independence for Women. More power to Team Mukkti!



Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Star-studded Premiere of Coconut Theatre's play 3Cheers!, produced by Rashmin Majithia with Keyur Sheth written-directed by Paritosh Painter


Writer-Director Paritosh Painter, known for his rustic yet contagious laughter-filled comedy and theatrics, is back with his next mega-production, Coconut Theatre’s 3Cheers!, a satirical comic rollercoaster, produced by Rashmin Majithia and written-directed by Paritosh Painter. Starring Sangita Ghosh, Shweta Gulati, Paritosh Painter, Balwinder Singh Suri, Jayesh Thakkar and Vishal Kotian, Coconut Theatre’s 3Cheers! is a play about Shree, Aditya and Manav; three friends who are Blind, Deaf and Dumb respectively… The characters are financially broke with a long list of creditors behind their back and the problem begins when the creditors hire a goon called Salim Supari to retrieve their money from the 3 friends.

Besides, Mr.Rashmin Majithia, Mr.Keyur Sheth and Mr.Ritesh Lalan of Coconut Theatre, director Paritosh Painter, cast Sangita Ghosh, Shweta Gulati, Jayesh Thakkar, Balvinder Singh Suri and Vishal Kotian, the premiere of Coconut Theatre's play 3Cheers!, held at Vile Parle's Mukesh Patel Auditorium, witnessed many stars from television industry, like Vatsal Sheth, Ishita Dutta Sheth, Harmeet and Manmeet of Meet Bros, Aamir Ali, Ananth Mahadevan, Varun Badola, Indra Kumar, Juhi Babbar, Annup Sonii, Dheeraj Kumar, Ayub Khan, Deepshikha Nagpal, Karanuday Jenjani, Ritoo K Jenjani, Rajendra Chawla, Rupali Ganguly, Ruslaan Mumtaz, Shalin Bhanot, Tannaz Irani, Sai Deodhar, Tushar Hiranandani, Umesh Pherwani, Shweta Pherwani, Vipul Roy, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Rishi Bhutani and Krishna Hegde among many many others.

Rashmin Majithia, Producer of Coconut Theatre’s 3Cheers! averred, “We are expecting an overwhelming response from the audience. The plot of play is very funny and suitable for people of all the age groups. It shows situational comic moments and reactions of each character in in a fun, light-hearted manner. I’m hoping that an appealing set and music, neatly incorporated in the narrative, will definitely entice and captivate the viewers.” Keyur Sheth – CEO of Coconut Media Box echoed the same!

The team is now all set to embark on a tour starting March 14 at St. Andrews in Bandra and March 15 at Mukkti Cultural Hub in Andheri.

Paritosh Painter’s association with the Indian entertainment industry goes back to the 90’s as an actor, producer, director and writer, previously having directed hit theatrical comedy plays like Double Trouble, Whose Wife Is It Anyway?; See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil; Get Rid of My Wife, SELFIE, Women Decoded, Liar Liar, Madhouse, Amar Akbar Ann Tony; I Do, I Don’t and I love You 2 among others. He has also delivered hit films like Total Dhamaal, Dhamaal, All The Best et al while creating and writing iconic TV shows like Tenali Rama, Akbar Birbal and Partner among others.