Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Bangalore Fashion Week kicks off

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Despite news that the Bangalore Fashion Week may not be able to take place, the show started on Thursday as planned.

It had been reported that Dream Merchants, the organisers of the week, hadn’t bought ‘adequate licenses’ for playing music during the fashion shows.

Consequently, the Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL), the apex music licensing arm of the Indian music industry, obtained an injunction by the Delhi High Court against them and the Interncontinental Hotel Group.

The injunction meant that during the fashion week, which will go on till February 5, no music administered by the PPL can be played since that would amount to music copyright infringement.

Sowmya Chowdhury, country head for PPL, told us, “The Bangalore Fashion Week is a habitual offender. They’ve now told us that they’ll not play our music, but how can you have a fashion show or a fashion week party without popular songs like “Kolaveri Di” or “Ooh La La”? We will monitor their shows closely to see if they are defying the injunction. We’ll not do anything during the event, but will only decide our course of action post February 5.”

However, Feroz Khan, creative director, Dream Merchants, told us, “They can’t take action against us. They’ve been speaking to our designers and telling them stories, but we know we are not in the wrong. PPL has about 200 labels under their ambit, but it’s not mandatory for me to play only the music they have. I’ve paid the licence fee to a company named Novex Communication Pvt Ltd, which has 5-6 labels under it. Our DJs are also creating their own music. Why should I pay lakhs for the PPL license when I don’t need their music? My requirement’s limited and that’s what I’ll pay for. Also, the order from the Delhi High Court clearly says that we’ll not use music administered by the PPL, which we’ll abide by, and they in turn will not derive mileage out of this issue. Why are they still forcing us to pay the license fee?”

Among others, Delhi designer Ritu Beri is participating at the fashion week, doing the grand finale.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Collections> Life & Style> Fashion / by Garima Sharma / TNN / February 03rd, 2012

YEDE THUMBI HADUVENU: B’lore Girl Wins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Mysore, Jan. 31:

S. Sanjana of Bangalore has won the first prize at the second edition of the 8th mega final of ETV’s Yede Thumbi Haduvenu which was organised at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangotri here on Sunday. She bagged a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh after scoring 84.75 marks.

An audience of over 3000 enjoyed the show with the kids rendering songs from recent movies. The other 7 contestants too were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 1 lakh each contributed equally by ETV and the sponsors Canara Bank.

ETV General Manager R. Subba Naidu, Judges S.P. Balasubramanyam (playback singer), Hamsalekha (film Director), Jayanth Kaikini (lyricist), Canara Bank GM V.S. An-anda Murthy, AGM S.T. Rama-chandra and others were present.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 31st, 2012

 

City’s Oriental Research Instt. gets US Aid

Arts, Culture & Entertainment


US  Consul General hands over cheque for $50,000 to VC

Caption: Consul General of US Consulate in Chennai Jennifer McIntyre handing over the cheque to Mysore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. V.G. Talwar at a function at ORI this morning. Others seen are University Registrar P.S.Nayak, ORI Director Dr. M. Shivakumara Swamy, Acting Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Chennai, Corinnay Arnold and Economic Officer Maxwell Hamilton. [Pic. by Pragathi Gopalakrishna]

Mysore, Jan.31-“Out of deep respect for the culture and heritage of countries around the world including India, the United States has provided a grant of nearly 26 million dollars for preservation of 640 projects in over 100 countries,” said Jennifer McIntyre, Consul General of US Consulate in Chennai, here this morning.

She was speaking after handing over a cheque for 50,000 US dollars (Rs. 25 lakhs) to Mysore University Vice-Chancellor Prof. V.G. Talwar towards the development of Oriental Research Institute (ORI) on Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Avenue, opposite Crawford Hall in city.

She said these funds were being used to support a wide range of activities such as restoration of historical buildings, assessment and conservation of museums, preservation of archeological sites and documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques.

Stating that she was aware of the 1000-year-old cultural heritage of India, she added that one can spend their lifetime in India studying its culture and tradition. She also said that she was glad to be in India as she had the opportunity of witnessing some of the traditions of the country.

ORI, which was established in the year 1891 by the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Chamaraja Wadiyar, has over a lakh rare palm leaf and paper manuscripts including Kautilya’s Arthashastra on State craft and Military strategy which was being used during those days and lauded the efforts of Dr. R. Shama Shastry, who was the former librarian at ORI to whom goes the credit of bringing the manuscripts to the attention of the world.

Political Specialist Anjana Chatterjee, Cultural Affairs Specialist Rathna Mukherjee, ORI Deputy Director Dr. Sathyanarayan were present. ORI collects, edits, exhibits and publishes rare manuscripts in Sanskrit and Kannada. It also has manuscripts in Sanskrit, Devanagari, Kannada and Tulu.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 31st, 2012

 

Budding designers rule Bangalore FW

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Several budding designers on Friday showcased their collection at the ongoing Bangalore Fashion Week. Debutant designers, Mandeep and Shubhangi Pandey, seemed quite excited about displaying their creations at the do.

Model Bhoomika, who walked the ramp for Mandeep and Shubhangi, praised the couple for their exquisite designs.

Later in the day designer, Pallavi Mahindraa, showcased her collection. Her line consisted mostly of Indian trousseau with the western touch. The colour palette ranged from beige, peach, red, blue and pink to orange, fuschia, yellow, green and gold.

source: http://www.IndianExpress.com / Saturday, February 04th, 2012

Antiques on Display at Farmers Convention

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Caption: N.J. Ramakrishna seen with his gramophone player and radio. Picture right shows lanterns & rare wooden cradles.

Mysore, Feb. 4:

Thousands of farmers who have assembled at the the Dasara Expo in connection with the ongoing farmers convention have an opportunity to witness a rare exhibition of antiques like old radio sets weighing more than a present day TV in working condition, a gramo-phone player, primitive models of rifles used for hunting during British times, stone cannonballs etc.

These are only some of the numerous other items, which are on display at the expo by N. J. Ramakrishna, a former Councilor of Nagamangala in Mandya district, who is a professional collector of antique items. His collection includes old lamps that are hard to come by even in rural areas, a large pot filled with rice called Kanaja in Kannada.

Ramakrishna, who claimed that he is a collector of antiques for decades, added that he helped Dharamsthala Manjunatheswara Trust in augmenting the collection. He has also put up his personal collection of Kannada newspapers since 1949 and a visitor is greeted with the headline of the newspaper of 1950 which indicated a hike in rail fare saying ‘Railu dara dubari’ and another newspaper documenting the resignation of D. Devaraj Urs as Chief Minister with inside pages having photographs of litterateur Ha.Ma. Nayak, which can be instantly recognised.

He also has displayed a few copies of Kannada magazine Prajamatha which was sold for three annas in 1951.

Adding to this, an expo of old coins by a retired teacher, Thimmashetty Gowda, has also been put on display. These coins are those of the Vijayanagar rulers which had been supplemented by the coins issued by East India Company and the British.

Thimmashetty said that he achieves satisfaction by understanding history of the age which had inspired him to involve in collection of rare coins.

These antiques have been put on show at the building of the Archaeology Department at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / February 04th, 2012

 

Beethoven listens as Patdeep flows in

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

WHAT AN ORCHESTRA! Rahman’s collaboration with the Babelsberg group had its evocative moments. Photo: Sampath Kumar.G.P.  / The Hindu

The Babelsberg German Film Orchestra playing A.R. Rahman’s compositions was a rich experience. The 100-odd musicians and the audience gathered in thousands were engaged in finding home in each other’s musical ideas, says Deepa Ganesh

Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Daniel Barenboim said this in one of his interviews. “Where are you at home?” his interviewer asked. Barenboim said, “Wherever I make music.” He further explained: “My feeling of being at home somewhere is really a feeling of transition. Music is transition, too. I am happiest when I can be at peace with the idea of fluidity.”

The air was thick with curiosity at the “Classic Incantations” concert in the city on Sunday evening — the Babelsberg German Film Orchestra performing our own A.R. Rahman’s compositions. As the phenomenal hundred-odd orchestral group presented a rich aural and visual treat, I, perhaps like several others, was trying to catch glimpses of ragas Charukeshi and Patdeep in the Soprano, and when I found shades of Yaman emanating from the absolutely grand cello portions, I was truly elated.

An audience who is witness to a synthesis of such nature, is anxiously awaiting its entry point – most in the audience found it when the theme music of Rahman’s first film “Roja” (Cry of the Rose) was played. The piece was a melange of all the musical ideas that crisscross in “Roja” – from the soft romantic tones of “Kadal Rojave” to the more forceful mood of patriotism in “Tamilah Tamilah”. Navin Iyer, Rahman’s flautist, worked his own little details, and stole the show.

The opening piece, “Warriors of Heaven and Earth suite”, was subtle and serene. It gave you a complete sense of listening to a live, full blown orchestra with a lush violin section – complete with cellos, violas, sax, cymbals and harp. The piece reminded one of many earlier musical experiences, for instance, the luxuriant violin passages were reminiscent of Ilaiyaraja, and did the overall texture of tones bring Beethoven to mind?

The challenge in most such cross cultural collaborations is the articulation of the “other”. Matt Dunkley, the conductor, orchestrator and composer of Babelsberg executed this daunting task with remarkable elan and perfection. So much so that in the piece that was a tribute to the great maestros — which the audience loved — evergreen numbers like Madan Mohan’s “Aap ki nazarone samjha”, Ilaiyaraja’s “Sindhoora Poove”, Lakshmikant Pyarelaal’s “Suhana Safar” and Rahman’s “Kehna Hai Kya” sparkled with a refreshing emotive quality.

The compositions chosen were in themselves largely “Western” in idea – “Lord of the Rings suite”, “127 hours suite”, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age Suite” and several others. Nevertheless, it needs to be said to the credit of the conductor and his remarkably-talented orchestra, that the journey was constantly outward, seeing it in Rahman’s way and never an affirmation of one’s own identity. It would have perhaps been more interesting to see what new meanings would have emerged if the orchestra had played some of Rahman’s stunning compositions in the typical Indian repertoire, like his compositions in Vasanta or Natakuranji.

The outstanding soprano singer Kavitha Baliga and Bangalore’s vibrant Arun H.K., the audience favourite Asad Ali Khan on sitar, and the perfectly co-ordinated choir group, made the concert extremely lively and also provided some of the most intense moments.

It was a perfect orchestral experience. However, I am more an admirer of Rahman’s compositions of pan-Indian feel, than those of global sounds. It could have perhaps been richer if Rahman had built some artistic tension into the Babelsberg orchestra that was so immensely accomplished.

If your passion becomes your way of life, then geographical location is less important. Daniel Barenboim, who brought together Arab and Israeli musicians to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Goethe years ago, did agree that it was impossible to have “multiple identities” but remained emphatic that the sense of belonging to different cultures can only be enriching.

At the end of all, one didn’t feel a sense of belonging.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Arts> Music / Bangalore / by Deepa Ganesh/ January 30th, 2012

Gem of a career with opportunities galore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Lucrative trade

The glitter will just does not fade away, it seems. No wonder, a career in the jewellery industry is being seen as an increasingly lucrative option for students.

The burgeoning gold market in India is beckoning students and there was more proof of this when close to thousand students and working professionals thronged Vijaya College for the career fair organised recently by the Gemological Institute of India and Jewellers’ Association, Bangalore.

India is the leading consumer of gold in the world with about 800 million (80 crore) tonnes – 20 per cent of the global consumption. More than 50 per cent of this is used for making gold jewellery.

According to industry sources it is estimated that the size of the Indian jewellery market is Rs 1,25,000 crore annually.

The Indian Diamond Industry has established itself as the world’s largest manufacturing hub of cut and polished diamond in the last many years, contributing 60 per cent of the world’s supply in terms of value, 85 per cent and 92 per cent in terms of volume and pieces respectively. Eleven out of 12 diamonds set in jewellery worldwide are processed in India.

Participating in the panel discussion at the career fair, Vinod Hayagriv, Managing Director of C Krishniah Chetty & Sons, said: “Gems and Jewellery (G&J) is one of the fastest growing sectors in Indian economy, with significant employment opportunities. We at the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation are looking at targeting a 40-lakh strong skilled workforce demand in the next 10 to 15 years.”

Mahesh Rao, Managing Director of Peakok Jewellery Ltd, said: “With the jewellery industry getting professional, there are several openings for designers at the manufacturing level in factories and also at retail jewellery stores.”

Rao said: “They can become entrepreneurs themselves by setting up boutique catering to a niche market.”

Agrees Pratap Kamath, CEO of Abaran Jewellers. He said: “The working atmosphere has changed compared to the past 10 to 15 years. The industry is structured and very well organised with the entry of many retailers.”

Pallavi Foley, designer, opined that one must have a passion for design and fashion to make a mark in the profession. The designers are the link between jewellery houses and fashion, she said.

Says Hayagriv: “Jewellery designers start with preparing design sketches by hand or on the computer. With time, they have options to become merchandisers and heads who manage profitability of companies.”

He said: “They can become consultants for the customers or the manufacturing team. They create detailed drawings, a structural model, computer simulations or full-scale prototyping. Increasingly, computer aided design programmes and tools are being used to create and better visualise the final product.”

Pratap Kamath said: “At the manufacturing level, it involves understanding current trends and developing collections based on the brief provided. At the retail level, designers have opportunities to interact with customers and help them choose the design of their choice,” Kamath said.

A fresher trainee in jewellery designing starts with Rs 10,000 and upwards per month. The salary can go up to between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. With an experience of five years, one can earn about Rs 50,000 per month. Designers can rise to the top management if they possess business acumen.

Says Kamath: “The demand is huge and supply short, therefore the opportunities available are huge. Also, we see the entry of many retail jewellers into the market. This is an indication of the great opportunity for designers. “A five per cent increase from the current figures will really help the industry. Over 5,000 is our estimate of the requirement of specialised professionals,” Kamath added.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> State / Bangalore/ DHNS / by Umesh M Awannavar

Students generate funds for the needy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Uncategorized

Bangalore:

The world probably first took notice of the underprivileged when a princess got her hands and feet dirty while working towards aiding those who required her help, almost three decades ago. The ripple effect of which is felt when 57 students from the Richard Ivey School of Business recently donated $47,000 to the Dream School Foundation (DSF), a NGO that works in the improving the educational facilities for the underprivileged students.

The batch of 2012 of Ivey Executive MBA (EMBA) raised the funds through numerous fundraising events, including sporting tournaments, silent auctions and raffles, marathons, etc.

Brigit Rameseder, one of the students who took part in the initiative said that though she and her batch-mates had regularly worked for such causes in Canada, this was the first time they have raised funds to help someone from another country all together. “We have never done something like this on such a large scale. When we got this opportunity, we decided to make the most of it. We wanted to set an example and leave a legacy behind for other students who came to the school,” informed Rameseder.

She also said that apart from the ‘feel good factor’, the exercises also taught them a lot. “When we visited the government school here I was surprised to see that education here is imparted in so many different languages. I had no idea that the curriculum in India inculcated the use of different languages,” she said.

Though the batch would finish their school within a week’s time, most of them hope to keep in touch with the organisation in some way or the other, she added.

Maitreyee Kumar from DSF said that the money will ensure that 80 students can pursue dreams. “We want to fund education for these children beyond their tenth standard and the aid we have received from the School will greatly help. The first batch of students have already been enrolled in vocational and professional colleges,” said Kumar. She also informed that while professional courses were usually taken in Government colleges, a few students have performed exceedingly well in their academics and have landed themselves in private institutions as well. “Depending on the child’s aptitude and scores, a professional career counsellor suggest options that might interest the students. Once the choice was made by the students, we help them get into their respective colleges,” she said

Kumar also mentioned that the funds provided by the school will see the students through their education for the next two years.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / South> Bangalore / Express News Service/ The New Indian Express / January 24th, 2012

An Artist from Iran who portrays ‘Moods of Life’ on Canvas

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion

People take up art for various reasons. For some it is a life-long passion, for others it is just a hobby and for yet others, it is the only way to express their views, feelings and ideas to transform the world.

Tala Afshin, a young artist from Iran, has been a resident of Mysore city since six years. Hailing from Mashhad city in Iran, the 30-year-old bubbling Tala is fond of painting in sombre colours.

With a passion for painting since teenage, Tala took up Graphic Design in high school itself, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Painting from the University of Applied Science and Technology in Iran.

Tala came to Mysore in 2006 and joined Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) course in Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA). She later completed MFA in Sri Allamaprabhu Lalithakala Academy.

She has displayed her paintings in various exhibitions including a group show in Mashhad city (2004), a group show in Whitefield, Bangalore (2007) and in Sublime Gallery of UB City in Bangalore (November, 2011).

Apart from painting, Tala’s hobbies include interior designing, which she learnt while working with her brothers and father who are architects.

She says when she came to Mysore in 2006, she immediately fell in love with the city and this country. Hence she joined CAVA to continue her fine art course as she wanted to stay here and enjoy the hospitality and culture of the people.

Tala says nature is her best teacher in painting which reveals itself to her in its myriad forms. She loves to draw abstract art as abstraction differs greatly than most traditional styles of art because it is more focused on the use of imagination or ideas expressed through emotion.

When asked how she defines art, Tala opines that art is a creative way of expressing a modified view of the world and its objects by simplifying or complicating the use of colour, shape and form.

She says there is a real power in terms of making a connection with people, if the artist applies discipline and works from an authentic form of creativity and expression, whether it be through the use of colour, a mixed media form, figure or shape manipulation…

Art, she adds, is creativity; therefore no single form of art could really be more creative than another form of art.

Tala Afshin has a wonderful imagination, diving into colours to signify her innermost feelings and the moods of life. Her passion to paint is immensely inspired by a person’s adaptation to the changing circumstances in one’s journey of life.

Her paintings portraying women are seductive, revealing the inner thoughts of the character with an alluring body language and facial expression.

Tala, meaning ‘Gold’ in Persian, has been embodied into her art with vibrant hues of colour adding glimmer and richness like gold.

Tala Afshin is not the only person in her family who loves Mysore. Her sister Mona is studying BDS in JSS Dental College in the city.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / by Shwetha Halambi  / January 22nd, 2012

SHRUTHIMANJARI’s 14th Music Fest from today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Caption: Srilatha, Sharma, Vinay, Pranesh, Shubha, Ramaa

Shruthimanjari Foundation was established in 1998 by Dr. R.N. Srilatha, Professor of Music, Mysore University and reputed violinist Veena Suresh. M.K. Seetharam, K.S. Suresh, Dr. R. Vasudeva and Subhadra, lovers of music, are closely associated.

Two of its aims are worth noting — to provide concert experience to young and promising artistes and to conduct mikless chamber music concerts. Every year Shurthimanjari conducts two festivals — Sharavana festival for young artistes during August/September and Annual classical music festival with Purandara and Tyagaraja Aradhana in January.

The 14th Karnatak Classical Music fest will be held from Jan. 18 to Jan. 22 at 6 pm at Rotary West Auditorium. On Jan. 18, Dr. S.C. Sharma and S.R. Vinay (vocal); on Jan. 19, Dr. R.N. Srilatha (vocal); on Jan. 20, M.K. Pranesh (flute); on Jan. 21, Shubha Santhosh (veena); on Jan. 22, T.S. Ramaa (vocal) will be performing.

Dr. S.C. Sharma, a reputed academician and Vice-Chancellor of Tumkur University, holds several Doctorates and has presented numerous research papers on technical subjects. He is passionate about classical music.

Dr. R.N. Srilatha, being a reputed artiste of Mysore, need no introduction. M.K. Pranesh of Bangalore is a ‘B’ grade artiste of AIR and DD. He has performed at prestigious organisations both in India and abroad.

Shubha Santhosh of Bangalore is a ‘B’ high artiste. She has received several scholarships and numerous awards, latest being ‘Ananya Nadajyothi Yuva Prathibha Puraskar’ for the year 2012. Prof. T.S. Ramaa is a ‘A’ grade artiste and was the HOD of Music. She has also performed both in India and abroad. All these artistes will be accompanied by popular accompanists of Mysore.

The festival is being held jointly with Rotary Club of Mysore West. C.V. Nagaraj Memorial Trust, Karnataka Bank Ltd. and State Bank of Mysore are also associated with the festival, which will be inaugurated today at 6 pm by Dr. S.C. Sharma under he presidentship of Rtn. Sam Cherian.

There will be two notable features of the festival. Veteran violist and Sangeetha Kalanidhi M. Chandrashekaran will accompany Dr. Sharma . On Jan. 22 at 10. 30 am, Purandara Tyagaraja Aradhana is organised wherein renowned artistes will join in the goshti gayana.

—K.R.Mohan

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Feature Articles / January 18th, 2012