Lesser known dance forms of Kerala

Southern state of India, Kerala is known for its rich diversity of art forms. Way back in 1930 Mahakavi Vallathol established Kerala Kalamandalam and introduced two distinct classical dance styles of India, namely Kathakali and Mohiniatam, that enthralled European audiences with the performances by Kalamandalam dancers led by the great poet. While two classical dances gained international recognition, there are several other art forms of Kerala, that are comparatively lesser known.

Dilip Kumar in his Songs

On the 7th of July, the acting institution passed away, leaving behind a body of work that has influenced generations of actors in India and beyond. The great Dilip Kumar left the world at the ripe old age of 98, after living a full bodied life. Much has been written about his approach to acting and how he brought method into it by becoming the character that he played in that particular movie. So, I thought of talking about what the great man brought to the songs in his movies.

Vanraj Bhatia - The soundtrack of my life

The name Vanraj Bhatia entered my life, through the television set that my parents got home, one fine day. This was the mid 80s and entertainment in India was going through a sea-change. Movies, shows, serials, cricket matches, daily news, concerts and TV commercials entered homes and people’s lives through the good old Doordarshan.

Women revolutionizing the web through clutter-breaking performances

International Women's Day is celebrated across the globe on March 8th. While we do not need a specific day to honour and celebrate the achievements of women around the world, this day reminds us to celebrate, respect and appreciate women. If you are a Bollywood buff, here are a few titles to help you celebrate the strength, power, and courage of every woman :

Father Aniceto Nazareth – A Gem like no other

Innumerable are the people who will grieve the passing of Father Aniceto Nazareth into eternity. Priests, nuns and lay folk alike will miss the man who made music flow like a paen to the Lord and like a shower of soothing comfort on troubled souls.

When Corona came Home

Did we ever imagine a change that would have all of us locked up indoors for months? Isn’t it ironically strange that a microscopic virus could shatter all the tall claims by man of being the supreme creation, of countries who claimed to be super powers only to be brought down and in turn bring entire humanity to its knees?

Indian origin artists that shine on International television

As the country celebrates Republic Day, it is very important to celebrate the artists who have made us proud internationally. Indian origin actors today are being recognized internationally for their talent and are not confined to playing characters hailing from the subcontinent.

SPB - The Man with the golden voice

There was a phase in my childhood when I would just be singing one song throughout the day. I had memorized the entire lyrics as well. Sach Mere Yar Hai from the movie ‘Saagar’ was my anthem for the large part of the years 1985 - 1986. And that’s how my love affair with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam’s voice and singing started.

Teresa and the Slum Bum - The unofficial opera on Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Some 13 years ago in 2006 the first musical on Mother Teresa of Calcutta entitled Madre Teresa il Musical with lyrics by Piero Castellacci and music by Michele Paulicelli featuring 13 songs in Italian was performed by parish theatre groups in Italy.

Pt. Jasraj – The ethereal singer

Indian Classical music can be sung or played in different styles which are governed by the Gharana, or a kind of music school. While the Raag (melodic frameworks) maybe the same but the rendition style changes depending on the Gharana that the musician comes from. Some of the famous Gharanas are Kirana, Gwalior, Mewati, and many others.