Young violinists woo America

Ragini Shankar, is just 16 years old, but already following confidently on the footsteps of her illustrious mother Dr. Sangeeta Shankar and grand mother Padmashree Dr. N Rajam. Nandini is about 12 years old and it is amazing to see the enthusiasm in her voice and actions. Just like the two generations before them, for both of them the violin is very close to their heart.

The four of them are currently touring the US as part of the 'Three Generations Concert'. Here's how these two little girls describe their experiences so far:

Q. This is your first trip to the US. How do you feel?

Ragini (R): Coming to the USA has been extremely great! Since it is our first trip here, we are amazed to see everything so advanced, hi-tech and fast-paced. So far, we have covered Columbus, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and Charlotte and we were surprised to see everything so organized and beautiful! All our concerts went off very well and the response from the audiences have been wonderful.

We have concerts only during the weekends so the rest of our time is spent either in shopping, sight-seeing, practicing, drawing,meeting people and visiting their homes for lunches and dinners and travelling. The huge roads, moderntechnology, greenery, beautiful houses, the cleanliness, sight-seeing, the malls and every product that we see is so nice and new. We went to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Beaches and many places. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!!!

Nandini (N): Yes, first time here. USA is really beautiful, clean, organized, green, and best of all, everything is developed here. We visited Disneyland and Universal Studios a week ago. Stunning rides and technology accompanied with beauties made our day! We had fun :)

The first city we visited was Columbus - peaceful, green, calm and silent. Everything quiet and perfect for living! After that was the journey to Los Angeles - a city full of life, stunning beauty and everything fast like a horse-race! People running for time, so many traffic jams, reminded me a bit of Bombay too!!! Now we're in Charlotte - an evergreen-tree storehouse. Sunny, quieter and picturesque, the perfect location for a well-settled life!

Q. Ragini, how are the concerts going? Can you describe your experiences so far?

R: In most of these places, the audiences were amazed to see us performing at such a young age! In fact in Charlotte, we got a standing ovation for our performance and we had to play again with Ammaji and Amma(my grandmother and my mother) due to the audiences' demand. In LA, it was a packed audience and we had music stalwarts like Padmabhushan T. N Krishnan, Lakshmi Shankar, Paul Livingston and many other eminent personalities listening to us. Indeed, it was a privilege to perform in front of them.

Q. Nandini, how would you describe the audience response so far?

N: We've visited 4 cities so far. The response is wonderful! In fact, we have so many people complimenting and congratulating us! Yet, we have a long way to go in perfecting our violin-playing... we've only just started out.
So far, Los Angeles and Charlotte concerts went off very well. The main reason being that the audiences were encouraging and the response was excellent. Americans in particular are amazed at our technique of violin playing - "The Gayaki Ang". It is so new to them.

In the Charlotte concert, we got a standing ovation. People were extremely happy hearing our concert. That was an amazing experience!!

Q. How do you feel sharing the stage with your mom and grand-mom- both of whom are such renowned artists? Any special moments?

R: Both of us are extremely confident on stage and we enjoy when we play. The concert sequence is unique: We perform for about 45 minutes followed by our Gurus. We have never done such a unique idea before. US has been our first concert tour so far as we have not performed in India more than 5 times. In India, one of the performances was really special, it was in front of the Art of Living Guru, Sri Sri Ravishankar.

N: Actually, the three generations concert is designed in such a way that first Ragini and I play for about half an hour to 45 minutes, followed by Ammaji and Amma playing the rest of the concert. The opportunity to play with them on the same stage is yet to come!! We've once done a three generations concert in the same manner in Jan 2005. But now we're quite accustomed to it.... 3 concerts done already.

Q. What would be your advice to the young kids of your age? How should they balance academics with their love for music?

R: The key behind balancing academics and music is to focus on your goals and to plan your day properly so that you can stabilize work and fun together. But the main factor that makes a person excel in both is hardwork and interest in them!

N: To have a good balance in all the fields you're interested in, time management is very necessary. If we plan our time and do things, it becomes very easy to manage music and education as well as have time for playing and other recreational activities.

Q. What's in store for the rest of the tour?

R: We are looking forward to all the remaining places and we are expecting all of them to be as wonderful as our previous ones.

Have fun you two! I am sure you'll woo America just as America woos you!

Three Generations previous coverage on Made In India. [ USA Schedule] [Dr. Rajam]

Christian Yoga? Now what's that?

Today on the BBC:
Christian yoga becomes the latest craze to sweep the US [Video Link]

This is just crazy and not just a craze! Half baked knowledge is indeed more dangerous that anything else. Patanjali and other gurus of his time must be tossing in their graves! Christian Yoga, Hindu Yoga ... what's next?

Yoga is not associated with any religion as many are being made to believe. Yoga is not a form of exercise or workout as many are made to believe. And those who really know the truth about Yoga don't go screaming about it- they just live it.

Well if you are used to believing that Yoga is a form of exercise, then I should probably tell you that Yoga is not just an exercise for the external body- it is an exercise for your physical self, your internal organs and your mental frame. I am not an expert either but I can probably tell you that in truth Yoga is actually a discipline. It is like a good daily habit- like brushing your teeth, or taking a walk in the morning. When do we start talking about Christian brushing or a Hindu walk?

There's nothing complicated about Yoga. One needn't beat it over and over again trying to redefine it and reinvent it. It is really a very very simple and basic way for us to respect our bodies and souls and not take it for granted. And when one does this routine over and over again, one gets deeper and deeper into this rhythm and starts discovering the true meaning of a yogi. It's like opening a beautiful lotus petal by petal and discovering beauty and joy ... don't spoil the lotus by calling it Christian or Hindu!

No amount of talking can explain this until one truely experiences it ... but you can probably start your discovery here.

Taraana Playlist: Apr 26, 2006

1. Chand Sifarish:: Shaan, Kailash Kher:: Fanaa

Songs by Mohd. Rafi
2. Chand Mera Dil Chandni Ho Tum:: Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi
3. Yeh Jo Chilman Hai:: Mehboob Ki Mehndi
4. Baharon Phool Barsao:: Suraj
5. Chalo Re Doli Uthao Kahar:: Jaani Dushman

Songs by Kishore Kumar
6. Diye Jalte Hain
7. Aati Rahengi Baharein:: Kasme Vaade (with Asha & Amit Kr)
8. Chingari Koi Bhadke
9. Shei Raat
10. Ogo Nirupoma

11. Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies (Pulitzer Prize winner 2000)
An excerpt from a story in the book, read by Mira Nair
(originally featured on This American Life)

Mira Nair will be directing the movie based on Jhumpa Lahiri's second book- The Namesake. It's a story about American-born Gogol, the son of Indian immigrants, who wants to fit in among his fellow Bostonians, despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways. Tabu (Bhagmati, Sharhad Paar) and Irfan Khan (Salaam Bombay, Road to Ladakh) will play roles of the parents while Gogol's role will be played by Kal Penn (of Harold and Kumar fame [Link]). In fact, Jhumpa Lahiri herself has a small role in the film. The film will hit the box office this year.
Here's an interview with the author. [Link]

Songs from Mira Nair's Film- Monsoon Wedding
12. Chunari Chunari
13. Aaj Mera Jee Karda:: Sukhwinder Singh
14. Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan:: Mohd. Rafi

15. O Sukumari:: Shankar Madhavan, Harini

Three Generation Violin Concert update

Three generations of violinists- Padmashree Dr. N. Rajam with daughter Dr. Sangeeta Shankar and grand daughters Nandini and Ragini Shankar, in concert. Here's their complete itinerary:

April 14 - Cincinnati
April 15 - Columbus
April 22 - Los Angeles
April 23 - Charlotte
April 30 - Raleigh
May 06 - Ft. Lauderdale, Miami [Link]
May 07 - Houston [Link]
May 14 - New York [Link]
May 14 - Washington DC [Link]
May 19 - Boston [Link]
May 20 - Calgary, Canada[Link]

Stay tuned for more ... read my earlier report [Link]. Message from Ragini & Nandini [Link].

Taraana Playlist: Apr 19, 2006

Meenaxi- Tale of 3 cities:
Noor-un-ala-noor:: Murtaza Khan, Qadir Khan
Cyclist's Rhythm:: Shivamani, Navin Kumar
Potter's Village:: Hossam Ramzy, John Themis

Bollywood music from the 1940s:
Main Bhanra Tu Phool:: Mukesh, Shamshad Begum:: Mela
Hawa Mein Udta Jaaye:: Late Mangeshkar:: Barsaat
Jiya Beqarar Hai:: Lata Mangeshkar:: Barsaat
Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki:: Mohd. Rafi:: Dulari

Bollywood music from the 1970s:
Aapki Yaad Aati Rahe:: Chhaya Ganguli:: Gaman
Ajib Saneha Mujh Par:: Hariharan:: Gaman
Aaj Mausam bada Beiman:: Mohd. Rafi:: Loafer

Fanaa 2006
Chand Sifarish:: Shaan, Kailash Kher
Mere Haath Mein:: Sonu Niigaam, Sunidhi Chauhan:: Aamir, Kajol
Des Rangila:: Mahalaxmi Iyer
Dekho Na:: Sonu Niigaam, Sunidhi Chauhan
Chanda Chamke:: Babul Supriyo, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Master Akshay Bhagwat
Fanaa For You:: DJ Aqeel
Destroyed In Love:: Instrumental

Surya Namaskar:: Various artists: Naman (Mantras for Children)

Fanaa - Music Review

Fanaa 2006 (Annihilation, Destruction, over here- 'Destroyed in Love')
- some spell it as Fanaah (remember the song from Yuva?).

Directed by Kunal Kohli
Produced by Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra
Written by Shibani Bathija & Kunal Kohli
Starring Aamir Khan, Kajol, Tabu, Rishi Kapoor, Kiron Kher
Music by Jatin-Lalit
Distributed by Yash Raj Films

Expectation factors:
- Aamir starrer of 2006
- Kajol is back from her sabattical
- Aamir and Kajol are cast opposite each other for the first time
- Tabu possibly will create a few flutters [but that's just my wish :)]

Fear factors:
- That Rishi Kapoor, Kiron Kher don't steal the thunder with exemplary over-acting
- I doubt Lara Dutta can do any damage

Based on scoops available on the web at this point [Link] about the highly secretive story and listening to the songs over and over again, you can pretty much guess what's in store. But I am sure the story will do favourably with the audience. I would give the film between 3.5 to 4 stars out of 5. But it needs to be seen if Kajol and Aamir can pull it off to higher standards with their talents. And of course the credits would go to Kunal too if that happens.

The music for Fanaa seems to have drawn inspiration from too many places. This doesn't seem to be the best that Jatin-Lalit are capable of. A lot of experimentation in each of the songs, and a failure to give the album a unified single identity. After Rang De Basanti this was the next much-awaited album but seems like the performance pressure proved too much for Jatin Lalit. Sonu Niigaam (I hate that name change!) and Sunidhi Chauhan couldn't have done a better job. Shaan and Kailash Kher did an excellent job with the Chand Sifarish number.

Here's my evaluation of the music album:

Chand Sifarish- The song Chand Sifarish is the best of the lot, with a catchy guitar and tabla gig which gives it the extra kick. Sounds like a fusion band number, but a pretty good composition. Probably would look much better with the picturization. This song was reproduced as a remix version at the bottom of the album.

Mere Haath Mein- Hummable, slow and melancholic romantic number. Good to hear the voices of Aamir and Kajol interspersed in between. This song captures the music of the mountains as the story is set in a Himalayan village.

Des Rangila- A typical Bollywood number this one. Going by the the lyrics of the song it seems like a Holi number sprinkled with a patriotic theme. A curious spray of tribal drums, and mridangam beats in between the dhol beats. A run-of-the-mill number with a deliberate attempt to make it sound like a patriotic piece by throwing in some 'Vande Maa Taram'in between and some national anthem tune in the end.

Dekho Na- A simple romantic song. A wannabe Rahman type number, but not quite. I would have preferred that Udit Narayan had sung this, not because Sonu Niigaam wasn't good- just thought he didn't quite fit in there.

Chanda Chamke- This one seems like a song that the to-be-lovers or disgruntled lovers would be singing on-screen as a handful of kids try hard to make the pair click; or an excuse to bring the lovers together by throwing in a bunch of kids. Not a piece to talk about too much.

Fanaa For You- And as usual the music director is playing it smart by signing in these DJs and creating their own remix versions before somebody else ripped off a more club type from the original. A good reuse of the original song with a profusion of foot tapping beats. I am sure that'll be the chart topper at the discs around the nation.

I would give the album a 3.5 out of 5 at this point.
Disclaimer: I might change my mind after a few more rounds on the songs- which might be a good sign.
Visit the official Fanaa site here.
All image credits go to Yash Raj Films.

So many of you are bound to chance upon this piece looking for info on Fanaa. What's your take on the following?
1. Traces of Jatin-Lalit's previous works (KKKG?) have trickled into the current one (Fanaa). Y/N?
2. Fanaa reflects their best work. Y/N?
3. Do you like the music in Fanaa? 1/7 songs, 2/7, 3/7 ... ?
4. War of the Khans- Fanaa vs Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Which one will win?

Creative PUSH

A highly innovative solution to hit the message home!

Trikaya Grey, one of the few admirable advertising houses in India, won accolades for their soul searching design for PUSH. This effort for Childcare, India aims to help more than 20 million Indian street children who have to beg each day. Check out their other creations too. [ Link ]

For decades Mumbai remains the center of the advertising business in India. And, time and again the Indian firms have proved that they are really world class. They have dominated the Cannes Lion award list for several years in a row now. [Link] It is an amazing experience what happens when these creative minds at Grey, Ogilvy & Mather [red on the web], Saatchi & Saatchi [Link] and others, get their ideas rolling on to the billboards and television screens. And boy aren't these guys lucky too? With such a deep basket of cultural and traditional experiences to dip into, aren't they happy to belong to one of the oldest civilizations in the world?

Here are some of the remarks in The Wall Street Journal recently:
"Business is highly competitive, and clients say we need the best ideas," says Arvind Sharma, the company's CEO in India, internally named Burnett's top global office in 2003. "India can be a good place to turn, because quality is high and costs are significantly less." Read the full article ...

Geoffrey A. Fowler/ Cris Prystay
The Wall Street Journal, 22 March 2006

This weekend in Dallas area

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL
with Art Greenhaw
(as part of Dallas International Festival)

When: Friday, April 14, 2006
Where: McKinney Performing Arts Center
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: $10

Welcome by Art Greenhaw of the Grammy-winning Light Crust Doughboys. The sound of the guitar, its global relatives, and how they became part of the folklore in their own regions and of North Texas cultural heritage. Featuring artists from Asia, Africa, Middle East, and S. America besides several local US artists.

Get you tickets and info here. Ph: 972-547-2651

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asha Fundraiser with Indian Ocean

An electrifying fusion music concert by Indian Ocean featuring
Susmit Sen, Amit Kilam, Rahul Ram, Asheem Chakravarty.

April 14th Friday 7:30pm. Doors open 7pm
Hill Performance Hall, Eisemann Center
Richardson, TX.
Ticket prices start at $20, $35 and $55.

More information here. Ph: 214-223-9975

Taraana Playlist: April 12, 2006

Tonight we explore some excellent pieces in Indian Classical Music, besides our usual dose of main stream music. We explore how a handful of very talented artists have succesfully experimented with different Western instruments and created magic! Also learn about the 'Three Generation Concert'- a Mother's Day special event.

Classical Music on Guitar:
Guitarist Prasanna has single-handedly brought the Electric Guitar into prominence in Indian Classical Music with his authentic and explosive performances around the world. He was trained by Masters like S Balasubramaniam and Violinist A Kanyakumari. Check out his latest album. [Link]

1. Shakthi Sahitha Ganapathim:: Composer- Muthuswami Dikshitar
2. Bhajan
3. Karimuga Varada:: Raga- Nattai:: Tala- Adi:: Composer- GN Balasubramaniam

Spiritual Compositions:
Aradhna- Satsang
Chris Hale and Peter Hicks came together in London in August 1999, and formed this group called Aradhna (means worship in Hindi). They travelled across India and Nepal and were inspired by the culture and music of the sub continent. This album(Satsang) consists of songs sung in praise of Yeshu (Jesus) and represents modern evangelical compositions in Hindi. [Link]

4. Gaao Re (Sing with me)
5. Naam Leo Re (Take His name)

Krishna Das- Breath of the Heart
Krishna Das has been chanting on a regular basis in yoga centers all over the world. He has taught with Ram Dass and sung for many saints and yogis here and in India. [Link]

6. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (I bow to the Lord who lives in the Hearts of All)

Classical Music on the keyboard:
Abhijit Pohankar (keyboard), Ajay Pohankar (vocals)
Pandit Ajay Pohankar is a vocalist who has been in the Indian classical scene for almost four decades, throughout which he has experienced a magical... and musical journey he will never forget.
Abhijit Pohankar, son of Ajay Pohankar is probably the only Indian to play Hindustani classical music on the keyboard. He also has had the good fortune of training in various styles of music. [Link]
Check out his tour schedule here.

7. Gaathi
8. Bechain

Classical Music on Violin:
Padma Bhushan Dr. Smt N Rajam
Legendary violinist, Dr. Rajam is one of the foremost hindustani violinists. Born to a musical family, she is well versed with both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. Her brother is the well known carnatic violinists T N Krishnan. In recognition of her service to music, she was awarded the Padmashree in1984. [Link]

9. Narwar Krishna
10. Ghey Chand
11. Nath Aa Majha

Dr. Rajam's daughter- Sangeeta Shankar began her musical training at the tender age of four. Initiated and trained by her illustrious mother Dr. N. Rajam, she quickly mastered the intricacies of playing the violin and started performing concerts when she was only thirteen.

Dr. Rajam's grand-daughters- Ragini and Nandini Shankar are also following the path of the last two generations and have proved themselves to be budding artists.

Watch the Three Generations in concert at the Jones Hall, St Thomas University, in Houston, TX. On the eve of Mother's Day Sunday May 7th, 2006. Contact 713-522-7911 or 713-789-4653 for more information [Link].

See their complete itenerary here. [will be linked here soon!]

And now a taste of Bollywood before we wrap up for the night-
From the film Monsoon Wedding,
12. Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo:: Farida Khanum
13. Aaj Mausam Bara Beimaan Hai:: Md. Rafi
14. Aaj Mera Jee Karda: Sukhwinder Singh

15. Unbreakable Theme: Bianca & Ranjit Barot:: Aryan (2006)

Dr Rajkumar passes away

Popular Kannada (S. Indian) film actor Dr. Rajkumar passed away this morning following a cardiac arrest in Bangalore. He was the recipient of the Padma Bhushan from the government of India and the Dada Saheb Phalke award for lifetime contribution to the Kannada film industry. The 'John Wayne' of South Indian films had acted in over 200 films and was also an accomplished singer.

Indian actor Rajkumar dies at 77: BBC News [Link]

Complete information on Dr Rajkumar on Wikipedia. [Link]

Condolences

Dozens Killed in Indian Inferno: BBC online Monday Apr 10, 2006.[Link]
Our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their near and dear ones at the tragedy in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh- India.

Om Tryambhakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam ||
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||

--------- Apr 11 ---
And yet the carnage goes on ... China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iraq ... so comman-place that they don't get to the front pages any more.

A billion dollar team!

picture courtesy AP

Team India!
Yes, finally a note on cricket. I know, you already had enough of cricket everywhere else. Yes, and that's the reason I didn't talk about it here. So why now? Because I can't hold it any longer! :^(

But I am sure the Western audience would love to hear a few words on Cricket- a game that drives the Indian nation wild just as baseball and football does it in the US. A nation of billion people behind one team- Team India!

But there is another 'one billion' mark that is blessing the Men in Blue- sponsorship and media rights around the Indian cricket team touched one billion dollars following a new five-year deal for one-day matches across the world.

Ignoring that slight tinge of uncentainty involved with this game, I have to admit it that I have never felt this good about the Indian team ever before. A rush of young blood, a captain who is known as the 'Wall', and a dash of fearless attitude has sent shockwaves through every opponent camp this season.

And, here's what the Indian team is upto these days. Messing with the English team in our own backyard. [Link]

BTW, some recent Bollywood films that touched the subject of cricket:
Lagaan- where a team of poor Indian villagers take on an English team that represent the British Raj (occupying British empire) [Link],
Iqbal- where an underdog tries to make it to the national scene [Link]

and Ajay Jadeja [Link], who did just the opposite, a cricketer who touched Bollywood.

So what's more exciting- baseball or cricket? Anyone? Anything?

Shantaram: An extraordinary saga

Bet you haven't heard of a story like this one!

Imagine Johnny Depp as Shantaram ...

• born in Melbourne, 1952;
• union activist, founder of an anarchist group;
• student leader, Melbourne University;
• heroin addict;
• armed robberies in 1977;
• escape from maximum security prison;
• arrive in Mumbai 1982;
• runs free clinic for slum dwellers;
• recruited by the Bombay mafia;
• gunrunner in Afghanisthan;
• smuggler in Middle East and Africa;
• singer in Germany;
• actor in Bollywood;
• back to smuggling;
• captured and imprisoned in Germany and Australia;
• develops 'Resolution Theory';
• debutes as author and sells movie rights to Hollywood in 2004.

One hell of a story! Watch out for Shantaram in 2007, starring Johnny Depp, directed by Peter Weir. [Link]

Gregory David Roberts aka Shantaram's story is extraordinary! One man- a dozen faces- and amazing capabilities of human resolution. Visit his website and check out his book. [Link]

Can we do without television?

What do you do with someone who betrays you? What do you do with a friend who continues to mislead you every day? Foresake them? Show them the door?

What happens when the media betrays you everyday? We trust and remember things we see on television probably more than anything else. And they are using that trust to mess with our minds more than ever before. Both the government and the corporate crew are guilty of dishing out fake news guised in the suits of public service messages or just plain simple news-releases. It is being slipped in so smoothly that you won't even notice that something is astray- until you are lucky enough to catch the same information being quitely re-plastered into the minds, this time re-voiced and as part of your evening news health watch. See the Quest Diagnostics example below.

Now here's the real story:

A new study being released today by the Center for Media and Democracy reveals that at least 77 TV stations around the country have been caught airing corporate-sponsored propaganda disguised as news releases in the past 10 months. Companies funding the video news releases include General Motors, Intel and Pfizer.

Read the transcript or watch the video segments on 'Democracy Now!' [Link]. But before you do so, I'll forewarn you about potential after-shocks unlike some people out there in the market, who have coaxed, hoaxed and vioxx-ed their way into your hearts!

And if that didn't hit you good enough, try these video segments that were aired to the American audience in past few months! [Link] Take a look at these sample clips. You'll be astounded how sweet and serreptitious our labs and businesses can get.

Quicktime videos of the original VNRs with selected newscasts that incorporated them.

	A Fake News Report About Fake E-Mail Trend Micro
	A software company VNR is nationally syndicated through the Tribune network.
	Safety Information Sold Separately Stiefel Laboratories
	A pharmaceutical company dodges federal regulations through fake TV news.
	Work Woes at WBFS-33 Towers Perrin
	A Florida newscast uses a station reporter to disguise a VNR as journalism.
	"Is Your Child Constantly Sick?" Quest Diagnostics

You may think it is not hurting YOU, but if you think carefully enough you'll notice that attitude has permeated into every aspect of our life- so much so that we have accepted these as a way of life. Ignoring a crime or a wrong doing is not the smartest thing to do. It can get you one day!

So what do you do about it? Stand up and speak out. Express your thoughts. Let your local channel [Violater list- Link] know that they have been unfair to you and the community. Or just trash that idiot box! Just kiddin'! Ok, simply snap that cable!

Taraana Playlist: April 5, 2006

Right Here Right Now:: Abhishek Bachchan, Sunidhi Chauhan:: Bluffmaster [Scoop!]

Himesh Reshammiya [Link]
Tum Sanson Mein (Humko Deewana Kar Gaye):: Himesh Reshammiya
Tere Sang Ishq:: :: Tom Dick & Harry
Tanha Jiya Na Jaye:: :: Tom Dick & Harry

Dilnashin Dilnashin:: Kay Kay:: Aaashiq Banaya Aapne

Beeghi Beeghi:: James:: Gangster (2006)
Ya Ali:: Zubeen:: Gangster
Lamha Lamha:: Abhijeet:: Gangster

Rafta Rafta Tumse Pyar Ho: Udit Narayan:: Rafta Rafta
Pyar Mohabbat Romance:: Kunal Ganjawala, Madan:: Rafta Rafta
Lagi Lagan:: Kirti:: Rafta Rafta

Sonu Nigam [Scoop!]
Falak Dekhoon:: Sonu Nigam:: Garam Masaala
Soniye Sun Zaraa:: Sonu Nigam:: Lucky
Kal Ho Na Ho:: Sonu NIgam:: Kal Ho Na Ho

Classical
Dil Ke Dardiya:: Bireshwar Gautam
Bireshwar Gautam is a talented Kathak dancer and a trained thumri/ khayal vocalist. [Link]

Srimahaganapathi:: U Shrinivas:: Sangeet Sartaj
U Shrinivas is also known as Mandolin Shrinivas, and is an establised Mandolin artist (Indian classical) who has also made a name for himself in the world of Jazz. [Link]

Discover India with Jeremy Piven

Don't miss the Discovery Channel travel program on India, a two-parter which starts today (Monday) night. It's hosted by a comedian named Jeremy Piven. The first episode is on Southern India and much of it was filmed in the state of Kerala. He takes a boat trip through the "Backwaters of Kerala". [Link]

Jeremy titles it as 'Journey of a Lifetime':

Episode 1—Southern India
Airs Monday, April 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Jeremy Piven's Journey of a Lifetime begins in the hustle and bustle of Bombay, where Jeremy finds pockets of spiritual passion and human compassion in the heart of the teeming mega-city...

Episode 2—Northern India
Airs Monday, April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
In this episode, Jeremy arrives in Delhi and heads to Rikhi Ram music, where the Beatles first experienced the power of the sitar...

Thank you!

Thank you listeners!

Our fund drive went extremely well and we were very happy to touch base with so many of you over the last two weeks. We also met so many of you at the Forward Fest and Revolution during our Finale Event! It was wonderful!

If you still haven't met some of your favourite DJs, come by the Kyle Field on April 8th for the Woopstock Fest. We'll be there.

Thank you for your love and support!