'Concert For Hope – Sarod Concerto Samaagam' Digital Premiere on Sarod Records

A Promenade Concert Featuring Sarod Maestros Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash to premiere on 30th April

In a bid to entertain the masses during an extended lockdown, courtesy to the COVID-19, Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Ustad Amaan Ali Bangash and Ustad Ayaan Ali Bangash are all set to premiere a live concert they've conducted earlier! Titled 'Concert For Hope – Sarod Concerto Samaagam', the stellar performance held at the prestigious Victoria Hall in Singapore was conducted by Tsung Yeh along with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra,

Delving into the proceedings of the concert in a tête-à-tête with the members of the illustrious Khan-Bangash family, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan imparts that Samaagam, derived from sanskrit, actually means confluence or the act of flowing together. 'Concert For Hope' has been organized with an aim to preserve the essence of both Indian and Western traditions to flow into each other with no artistic compromises... “Every raga has a soul and every musical note is the sound of God. In Samaagam 12 different ragas are presented. Some will make only a fleeting appearance; others will be explored for longer.”

“The aim is through this process to joyfully explore the common musical 'DNA' of both traditions. In an interesting fusion, of course,” says Ayaan Ali Bangash.

“We have used the orchestration of Indian ensemble music in the pre-Bollywood era as inspiration and have also looked back to the ancient Western tradition incorporating elements which, because of their antiquity, do not violate the rules of Indian music,” says Amaan Ali Bangash.

The 'Concert For Hope – Sarod Concerto Samaagam' is all set for a worldwide premiere on the official YouTube channel of Sarod Records on 30th April, 2020. Don't forget to tune in for a truly musical promenade concert.

Shahroz Ali Khan brings back to life blockbuster Mareez-E-Ishq

After delivering critical hit's like Mushkil – Fear Behind You starring Rajniesh Duggall, Kunaal Roy Kapoor, Nazia Hussain, Pooja Bisht, Shafaq Naaz and Archana Shastry in pivotial roles, Producer Shahroz Ali Khan is back with his next avant garde project... a sensational music video and the reloaded version of Mareez-E-Ishq. The song was the Original Soundtrack for 2014's film Zid and it was sung by Arijit Singh.

Voiced by Shaarib Sabri of Maahi fame (Raaz: The Mystery Continues) and Shaarib-Toshi duo, Mareez-E-Ishq was shot in the scenic locales of Italy and Austria! The song features Neha Rana, a fresh face of the entertainment industry, and is directed by Aman Prajapat, a man who has already delivered hits like Yaad Kar Ke, Milo Na Tum among others.

Producer Shahroz Ali Khan was in awe with the ideation of the recreation! He made up his mind on the locations according to the two different stories the music video offers! Having made no compromises in the production quality, the talented team behind the recreated Mareez-E-Ishq present to you, a track worthy to be played on repeat, this quarantine!

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFlkgTR1uwI

Despite lockdown shutdown, Patiala Babes' producers pay stipend to workers and creative team till lockdown ends

Patiala Babes, Katha Kottage's women empowerment show on Sony TV, which also spoke of feminist men, has emerged to be the most recent casualty of COVID-19. The show has been discontinued this week.

Writer-Producer Rajita Sharma, while expressing her sadness and trauma on the story "remaining unfinished and untold" adds that "it was encouraging that Sony gave us a platform to bring to life our very bold narrative. Since the whole world is under siege, these times call for some unfortunate but necessary measures. Patiala Babes will always remain close to our heart."

The makers, however, believe in  the concept of lighting lives despite darkness. "Sony was kind to entrust us at Katha Kottage with the show. The pandemic seems to be preparing for a long haul and as the show is shut, our workers are jobless." Vivek Budakoti and Rajita Sharma aver that sharing is caring. "We have decided to share whatever little profit we earned with our fellow workers who made us what we are as a production house." Hence, the daily wage workers including light men, spot boys, setting workers, sound assistants, assistant directors, production assistants and the creative team will be given a regular fixed stipend every month till such time the lockdown is in effect. "This is our commitment and support to our colleagues and will be on for as much time it takes for the industry to resume shoot."

Considering that Patiala Babes is the story of a daughter being the wind beneath her mother's wings, it sure looks like this production house is taking a leaf from its own creation and paying it forward.

Celebs Pledge Their Support To A Gesture Of Love Spreading the message of love during these troubled times – A Nisha Haraale Initiative

As the rampant COVID-19 spread across the world, India has had to brace itself for a severe impact on its public health in general as well as the economy. During these trying times, we have Nisha Haraale spreading the message of peace, love and harmony.

Roping in Ashmit Patel, Mugdha Godse, Terence Lewis, Shibani Kashyap, Suchitra Pillai, Manasi Scott, Sandhya Shetty, Deepti Gujral, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Vicky Idnani, Kishori Shahane, Aanchal Kumar, Candice Pinto, Tina Singh, Kunal Thakur, Diandra Soares, Shawar Ali, Shakir, Aziz, Zulfi Sayed, Sid Kher and Anaida among many other celebrities and dignitaries from her friend circle, Nisha Haraale aims to showcase hearts; the symbol of love, across social media. “Be it a painting of a heart, or your heart shaped pillow at home, or the heart print tshirt, or just the heart symbol with your own hands. Take a picture of yourself with the symbol and share it across social media at 5pm this Sunday!”

With the intent to spread the message of love, unity, oneness and peace, Nisha Haraale asks you to do this from home, keeping in mind the social distancing rules. “Love goes a long way. In the end, it doesn't matter who we are and where do we come from. What matters is that we stand together in love, peace, unity and oneness. That is exactly what we are showing on Sunday at 5pm and passing tons of love. The world heals with love,” signs off Nisha.

Rahul Kanal & Hindustani Bhau Help Feed Strays

In a first for Politician-Philanthropist Rahul Kanal, President of 'I Love Mumbai' Foundation, and social media sensation and Big Boss 13 contestant Hindustani Bhau, have come forward to help the stray canines, felines and birds across Mumbai.  

Rahul Kanal along with Hindustani Bhau, solved the food crisis for an NGO Vice President Sham Ghorpade stated within two hours of intimation. Expressing their gratitude, the NGO spokesperson said, “I am grateful to Bandra rock star Rahul Kanal ji and your team coming down and helping me out at this hour. In 2 hours notice you sorted the entire provision needful for 500+ furry babies in this lockdown. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of furries every where from Mahim, Bandra till Meera road. With loads of cuddles and wags along with swishes of tails.”

Trustee Sham Ghorpade of Animal Rescue and Care Managing, that looks after feeding area of from Bandra till Kandivali said, “We are grateful to Rahul Kanal and Hindustani Bhau for their support in feeding the stray animals during the nationwide lockdown. Appreciate it,” while Utkarsha Naik of Animal Rescue and Care, with the help of Rahul and Bhau, will be taking care of over a hundred dogs and cats.

“Our NGO is feeding strays and people in need, while also providing medicines if and when required,” says Rahul Kanal. “Let us not forget the poor innocent people, migrant workers, stray animals and birds. They are left all by themselves on these empty streets,” he adds.

Amid Lockdown Blues, Baiju Mangeshkar Releases A 1967 English Classic Recreated At Home

Song Link: https://youtu.be/75f_xko1KbQ

From the critical acclaim for his debut Sufi album 'Ya Rabba' with Lata Mangeshkar as a singer/composer to the soulful singles ‘Kitida' & ‘Ya Nadichya Paar’ and a few more Baiju Mangeshkar has come a long way as a soulful singer. In a first-of-a-kind virtual music collaboration, he is back with the cover of Burt Bacharach & Hal David's 'A House Is Not A Home'.

As the government extends the nationwide lockdown till May 3 due to COVID-19, Baiju Mangeshkar conceptualised a virtual musical collaboration with musician Shivansh Kapil.

“This is a non profit initiative in support of the Covid-19 #stayhome #lockdown. This is not a mere experimental collaboration but a professionally crafted and executed musical work carried out despite the odds, with the marvels of modern technology in absolute isolation!” he avers.

Baiju has also lent his voice to a few Marathi films and television serial. He dedicates this music video as a small contribution to all those on the frontline risking their lives for others. “We hope this can also motivate everyone to continue with their respective work if possible and utilise this time on hand positively,” feels Baiju.

When quizzed on why an English song, Baiju says, "This is a world pandemic and English is more or less a universal
language today. The world needs to come together to conquer this battle thus an english song. Besides, I was raised with World Music, along with Hindustani Music shaping my sensibilities. I love this particular song and the poignant words resonate with me in this difficult period for us all!"

A talented young musician from the A R Rahman academy, Shivansh Kapil is trained in Hindustani classical as well Western music. He is a pianist and music arranger who has worked on several projects in the South and Marathi films and is currently occupied with Bollywood assignments.

For the uninitiated, Baiju Mangeshkar is the nephew of Lata Mangeshkar and the son of Hridaynath Mangeshkar. His last album had him compose and sing Sufiyana duets with the Nightingale titled 'Ya Rabba'.

Mumbai teen Abishek Avarsekar raises funds to feed150 families in the Alibaug, Murud and Roha

They say the youth is the hope of our future, and the pandemic the world is currently weathering, has realised this by bringing out the best in many of our country’s youngsters.

One such 15-year-old that has lead by example, is Mumbai-based Abishek Avarsekar- a 10th grade student of Hill Spring International School. Realising the helplessness of daily wage workers in the 21-day lockdown imposed in India, Abishek set out to raise funds to equip them and their families with food and basic necessities needed to fight off the virus.

In order to achieve his goal, he tied up with the Centre For Transforming India (CFTI) to provide 150 families in the Alibaug, Murud and Roha region of Raigad, with 5 kgs of rice, 3 kgs of wheat, 1 kg of dal, 1 kg of oil, 1 kg of salt, 200g of spices, 4 face masks, and 1 hand wash and sanitizer each, to help them tide over till the end of the announced lockdown.

Abishek’s determination has lead him to raise Rs 1,53,000 for his cause so far, and the number keeps increasing. One can only hope that others are inspired by his empathy and willpower, to follow in his footsteps, and do their little bit to contribute to their community.