Prakash Raj says ‘half of Bollywood is sold and the other half is scared' to speak up
Actor Prakash Raj has never shied away from sharing his political opinions and has often voiced his criticism against the policies of the ruling party. In a recent interaction, the Duet actor spoke candidly about his colleagues in the Hindi film industry who avoid speaking on political matters in public.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Play on 3 RSS chiefs begins statewide tour, first show at Khamgaon in Vidarbha today
1 2 Nagpur: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commemorates its centenary year, a special two-act Hindi play, 'Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath', based on the lives of the first three Sarsanghchalaks, began its statewide tour, Shatabdi Sangh Yatra, from Nagpur on Saturday. The first show will be staged at Khamgaon in Buldhana district on Sunday, where Maharashtra minister of labour, Akash Fundkar, is expected to be present. The 150-minute production marks a major cultural initiative in the centenary year of the RSS which was established in 1925. A 30-member cast will stage the play in 15 cities across Maharashtra, with a goal of completing 100 shows across India. The plan is also to stage the play at international platforms. Written by Shridhar Gadge and directed by Sanjay Pendse, the play chronicles the journey of the Sangh through the lives of RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, known as Guruji, and Madhukar Dattareya Deoras, popularly known as Balasaheb Deoras. The tour was flagged-off at Jamnalal Bajaj Hall, Barrister Abhyankar Smarak Trust, Dhantoli. "It began about a year ago in a discussion with Bhaiyyaji Joshi, the then RSS general secretary. We agreed the play must reach audiences across India and beyond, so we chose Hindi to ensure it transcended language barriers," Pendse said recounting the origins of the project. Pendse also spoke about the challenge of presenting the vast contributions of the three leaders in a two-and-a-half-hour show. "We focused on crucial turning points, moments that not only defined their lives but also inspired generations of swayamsevaks," Pendse said. Krida Bharti national committee member Prasanna Hardas, the chief guest of the flagging off ceremony, highlighted the ideological foundation of the RSS. "Dr Hedgewar always maintained that nothing in the Sangh was his alone. The ideology we uphold is rooted in the Sanatan Dharma, an ancient philosophy of global peace and service handed down by our sages." Hardas shared an anecdote from Guruji's life, emphasising his relentless dedication. "Even while suffering from a high fever, Guruji insisted on keeping to his travel schedule. Only once, on a doctor's insistence, did he pause and felt under the weather the whole day. But the very next day he addressed swayamsevaks and he was fine again. That's the spirit this play brings to life." Blending storytelling, music, dramatization, and multimedia, 'Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath' offers audiences a vivid look at the RSS's 100-year journey. Entry to all shows is free. The event is supported by the Tararani Foundation and Vishwaraj Environment. Dharampeth Mahila Bank president Nilima Bavane, senior theatre artist and Natya Parishad office bearer Rakesh Khade, along with Nayantara Foundation founder Sarika Pendse were present at the flagging-off ceremony.
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- The Hindu
Keeping old Hindi melodies alive
If you are in a mood for some retro Hindi music then head to Kaviko auditorium in Mylapore on June 29 at 4 p.m. There are no tickets for this show. A motley bunch of music enthusiastic promise to make it a nostalgia fest for lovers of old Hindi songs. Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi's melodious presentation of love in Saaz e dil chhed de from Passport will be the highlight of the evening. Twenty passionate singers make up ShreeDhwani, a music group that meets to rewind to good old Hindi songs. It started in 2013 when Mohan Krishnan and V. Sivasubramaniam met at a friend's son's wedding reception. The host wanted some old Hindi melodies to be sung and this music journey began with fanfare but quiet determination. 'The two of us managed to sing for close to three hours as requests after requests poured in from guests. That is when we thought: why not bring like-minded people together?' says Mohan Krishnan, who retired as general manager from Reserve Bank of India. In the initial years, the group would rent an auditorium for the performances. (Now, they meet at a school) ShreeDhwani continued without any hindrances until the pandemic, when the routine was disrupted. In 2023, ShreeDhwani was revived with a renewed focus. 'The coming event is special as it is the first anniversary of ShreeDwani 2.0,' says Mohan, who has a database of 500 songs and also anchors along with singing. Since this year, the group has started raising funds for a cause. The proceeds from the February show was given to Dignity Foundation's Dementia Day Care Centre. 'So far we have not raised funds through sale of tickets but we get sponsors. We plan to raise funds for old age homes and organisations working towards autism awareness,' says Mohan, a resident of RA Puram and a professional storyteller. Legendary singers Renditions of songs by Hemant Kumar, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt feature in the performances. Among themes based on musicians include an RD Burman show, artistes from Bengal and Mohammed Rafi (two events are held a year in his memory). The eclectic mix of the group makes the performance rich. 'We would have met either at a performance or on a common platform, and most of us are either retired or reaching retirement,' says Mohan, adding that they take karaoke support. There is Badrinarayana who retired from the Indian Institute of Fashion Technology; Sukanya, a student of Carnatic musician M.L. Vasanthakumari; Neeta, a medical administration professional; and Vishwa Padmanabhan, a practising chartered accountant. A. Surya Narayana Rao, an octogenarian and correspondent of Jawahar Vidyalaya Schools, and a connoisseur of music, gives the team infrastructure support by offering a space at the school at no cost. Sixty-two-year-old V. Sivasubramaniam says there is so much learning and sharing in the group and that makes every event special. 'I was not well-versed in Hindi when I started singing. I had the lines written in English. It was Mohan who mentored most of us,' says the cost accountant who retired from the Southern Railway. Sheettal Rayathatha, a storyteller-cum-psychologist, who is taking part for the second time, says the motivation that she got from the group when she sang her first song was a big moral booster to join the platform and quench her thirst for Hindi melodies. To connect with the group members, call 9840322236/ 8610888056/ 9840091290
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Maar na': Shubman Gill tells Rishabh Pant to hook bouncer for six, his reply: ‘Respect karna pada tagda'
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant's stump mic chatter was as entertaining as their batting during the India vs England first Test at Headingley. In between their solid defence and attractive boundary that made England's bowling attack appear ordinary, Pant and Gill constantly chatted while standing at the striker's and the non-striker's positions. Sometimes, it was teasing each other, sometimes related to what the bowler was trying to do, and sometimes it was just pure fun. And all of that was in Hindi. India's Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill(Action Images via Reuters) They were so entertaining that they also caught the attention of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who termed it a strategy to confuse the English fielders. Among many episodes between Gill and Pant during their mammoth 209-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Gill teasing Pant to go after Brydon Carse was perhaps the best. It happened in the first session of Day 2. The over number was 94. Carse was trying to test Pant's backfoot play by banging the ball in. In the fourth ball of that over, Carse bowled a well-directed bumper at Pant's body. The Indian keeper-batter ducked under it. As Carse was going back to his mark, Gill told Pant "maar na," which translates to "Hit ma, no." Pant generally likes to take on the short ball, but this one from Carse was a bit too short. His reply to Gill was pure gold. "Bada ball daal dia yaar. Respect karna pad gaya bohut tagdaa. (He bowled a good one, man! I had to give him a lot of respect)." Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill's remarkable 209-run partnership was the highlight of India's first innings in the opening Test against England. Resuming on 359-3, with Gill unbeaten on 127 and Pant on 65, the pair displayed a compelling mix of composure and aggression that pushed India firmly towards a commanding position before an unexpected collapse. Gill, captaining India for the first time after Rohit Sharma's retirement, played with maturity beyond his years. He brought up his highest Test score of 147 with elegant strokeplay, surpassing his previous best of 128. His innings, laced with 19 boundaries and a six, was a masterclass in timing and placement. His off-drive against Chris Woakes to reach the milestone was particularly memorable, showcasing his growing stature as a leader and batsman. At the other end, Pant unleashed his trademark attacking style. Resuming on 65, he brought up his seventh Test century—and fourth against England—in thrilling fashion, lofting Shoaib Bashir for a one-handed six. The celebration that followed, a somersault, was as energetic as his 134-run knock. His 146-ball innings featured 10 fours and four sixes and kept the scoreboard ticking briskly. Together, Gill and Pant added 209 runs in just 49 overs, steering India to 430-4 and seemingly toward a total in excess of 500. Their contrasting styles complemented each other perfectly: Gill anchored the innings with finesse while Pant injected momentum with his fearless hitting. However, the end of their partnership triggered a dramatic collapse, with India losing their final seven wickets for just 41 runs. Still, the stand between Gill and Pant stood out as a blend of flair and focus, a vital foundation in India's innings that showcased the next generation of Indian batting brilliance.
