Latest news with #Darshan
The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Air India Art Collection at NGMA Bengaluru carries a whiff of nostalgia
Once upon a time, there was a maharajah who flew around on his private jet, sharing glimpses of India with people all over the world. And whenever he returned to his country, he would come laden with tales of the many wonders he had seen during his travels. The Maharajah (for that was his name and title) has long been the mascot for Air India, the country's national carrier; though, over the years, his role has been diminished and he is rarely seen in public. For those who remember his glory days, or wish to relive the nobility of a bygone era, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru (NGMA-B) is displaying art from the Air India Collection. Titled Sanhita : A New Beginning for the Air India Collection, the exhibition showcases works of art that Air India collected over the years. The public rarely gets a chance to view these pieces, which were housed in the Air India offices in Mumbai. They were recently transferred to the NGMA and are on display for the first time in Bengaluru. According to Darshan Kumar YU, deputy curator at NGMA-B, Sanhita is an exceptional offering as it showcases important artworks, particularly from the Progressive Art Group (these were Indian artists who broke away from traditional art forms and established modern Indian styles), and offers insight into the culture and heritage of the times. Start of a repertoire Air India started collecting works of art and cultural assets in the early '60s — a time when modern Indian art needed the patronage, says Darshan, who not only curated the show but also conceptualised its design and display. The idea of creating such a collection began when artist B Prabha walked into the Air India office in Mumbai, following her graduation from the Sir JJ School of Art in the 1950s, to sell her artwork. Six of Prabha's paintings were purchased for 'a sum of 87 rupees and 8 annas each' and were later displayed at the Air India Booking Office in London, garnering a lot of attention. This prompted the start of a project to not only showcase Indian culture, but also give fillip to the airline's reputation and came to be known as the Maharaja Collection. 'These works of art would be displayed at official airline launches and other prestigious events where bhoota kunita and other cultural performances from different States would also be presented,' says Darshan. The collection built up over the years, and in some instances, a barter system was chalked out where artists would give the airline artworks in lieu of airfare. When artist Jitish Kallat had a show in London and the gallery could not afford his fare, Air India sponsored his travel. As a token of his gratitude, he created a painting which is on display at Sanhita, adds Darshan. The untitled piece of acrylic on canvas, was executed in 1998, and reflects Jitish's attention to detail, colour and texture, in his quest to capture contemporary life. Over time, the Air India Art Collection amassed over 10,000 pieces of art and artefacts that comprised paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and more, besides rare books and clocks, costumes and jewellery. The collection of six decades is testament to both, traditional and modern Indian art history. Change of hands Needless to say, the transfer of this collection from Air India's treasure troves to NGMA's archives was a time-consuming process taking the the better part of five years, and was completed late last year. Darshan says, 'The Air India building in Mumbai housed a huge collection built over a period of time with works from so many artists; there were many formalities that had to be taken care of, especially in terms of documentation, before they were moved to NGMA Delhi.' Sanhita comprises as many as 180 works by iconic Indian artists such as MF Husain, KH Ara, FN Souza, B Vital, Kanchan Chandra, Arpana Caur, Pillo Puchkanwala and Achuthan Kudallur, alongside sculptures by Janaki Ram, Bhadri Narayan and S Nandagopal, among others. A statement by NGMA-B reads, 'The transfer of Air India's collection to NGMA symbolises the enduring connection between Indian art and institutional treasures, ensuring that the legacy of Air India's art collection remains a vital part of our artistic heritage. This collaboration has been instrumental in preserving and promoting India's cultural history.' Royal welcome A passageway in deep red and cream welcomes visitors to Sanhita — starting with a mirror ensconced in a jharokha frame reminiscent of the airline's windows. Illustrations by celebrated cartoonist Mario Miranda line the corridor throwing humorous light on the workings of the industry. 'The purpose of placing a mirror there was to look inwards and associate yourself with the journey of Air India. Not only is it about the art, but also the airline as a cultural asset. At its peak, Air India was a luxurious airline with journals and magazines of its own, crafting souvenirs to hand out to privileged passengers and of course, the use of the Maharaja as their ambassador,' says Darshan. A statuette of the Maharaja welcomes visitors, while brightly-coloured illustrations and souvenirs draw in visitors who may not be art lovers in the classical sense. Posters, postcards and other memorabilia depicting the Maharaja, as a debonair ambassador of all things Indian and his experiences in far off lands, make the showcase imminently relatable, especially a set of coasters designed by cartoonist RK Lakshman in his trademark style. A hand fan with a map of India cobbled together with different tourist attractions, and pages from the Maharaja's Book of Fairy Tales lining a wall, beckons visitors to participate in this immersive exhibition. Pages of an early inflight magazine, blown up and displayed on the wall, shed light on India's culture and heritage. 'These small-format stories make the show interesting and inclusive for visitors of all ages,' says Darshan. 'Besides, there is a clever play of words in The Book of Air, which offer a metaphorical understanding of Air India,' he adds, indicating the sepia-tinted pages which show the Maharajah at the salon in 'Hair-India' or in a rickshaw as 'Fresh-Air-India' or his head as a hot air balloon in 'Lighter-than-Air-India'. According to Darshan, it was not thoughtfulness or gimmickry alone that prompted Air India to bring out souvenirs and miniatures or postcards celebrating '100 Years of Bombay' or a particular wildlife species. 'They were keen on crafting items that were engaging and utilitarian as well. In an age where our entire lives revolve around our phones and laptops, the charm of those days remain unmatched.' Wonder walk While the entire collection includes rare works, a must-see is a piece by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. 'The artist was commissioned by the airline to create a souvenir and he crafted an unusual ashtray. From one side it resembles a swan, but when viewed from another angle, one can see two swans and an elephant. If turned upside down, a swan and two elephant heads are visible,' says Darshan. As many as 600 editions of this piece crafted out of glazed bisque porcelain in two iterations — a blue or green serpent forming the rim of the ashtray. For his efforts, Dali requested a baby elephant as payment and the ashtray is part of an immersive and interactive display at Sanhita. 'It is interesting to see a proficient and internationally known artist in contrast with India's art scene at the time. It also captivates viewers' interest on how versatile artists can be.' he says. Among the other works, look out for art by husband-wife duo B Vital and B Prabha, Pilloo Pochkhanawala, tantric artist GR Santosh, a set of small format works by VS Gaitonde, an eight work cluster by Badri Narayan, and a huge canvas from MF Husain's Horses series. 'Anjolie Ela Menon's window works are also on display. Painted on windows, they have a 3D feel and have been beautifully incorporated into the space. With NGMA-B being a 100-year old building, her art offers a different connect,' he says. With over 180 works on display to marvel at, plan to spend the better of your day soaking in the spirit of these masters. It is a chance that may not come by in a while. Sanhita: A New Beginning for the Air India Collection will be on display at NGMA Bengaluru till August 31, 2025, with the possibility of an extension. Call 08022342338 for details.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
Knives, ganja tools, cash found in Bengaluru jail during surprise raid
In a surprise operation, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) raided Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Jail on Monday, unearthing a stash of illegal items inside the high-security CCB team seized ganja-smoking paraphernalia, tobacco, sharp weapons including knives, blades and scissors, and Rs 16,180 in cash from the possession of raid, which began in the morning and continued till noon, exposed significant security lapses within the City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh confirmed the findings and said the raid also revealed that some jail staff had played a role in smuggling the banned items into the investigation has been launched into the isn't the first time Parappana Agrahara prison has come under August last year, Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, then lodged in the jail in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, was seen receiving VIP treatment in a viral photograph. The undated image showed him relaxing in what appeared to be a park inside the jail, with a beverage and cigarette in hand, alongside a few other photo triggered massive outrage, prompting the Karnataka government to suspend nine prison officials and order an enquiry.'There was a clear lapse. Seven officers were initially suspended, and more will face action. Senior officials including the prison superintendent will be transferred,' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said at the time. He also directed the Home Minister to take stock of the situation and hold those responsible the controversy, a Bengaluru court ordered that Darshan and other co-accused be shifted to different prisons across Karnataka. Darshan has since been granted bail. IN THIS STORY#Bengaluru#Karnataka
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
How to choose your hairbrush for your hair type: Ranveer Singh's hair designer Darshan Yewalekar shares
Take a second—what brush did you use this morning? A paddle, round, boar bristle, maybe just your fingers? Believe it or not, that simple choice can make or break your hair's health. After all, managing your tresses is a lot more than just shampooing and conditioning them! 'It's all about choosing the right hairbrush to tame your tresses', says, Bollywood's popular hair designer Darshan Yewalekar. 'A good brush can help close your cuticles, style the hair, and maintain its healthy shaft," adds the man behind Ranveer Singh's 'Khilji' look. For over 20 years, Darshan has shaped hairstyles of famous superstars, like Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vicky Kaushal, Ananya Pandey, and the list goes on. We asked him if a wrong hairbrush can damage your hair, he says, 'A wrong hairbrush can damage your hair and cause a lot of breakage, especially depending on how you brush it. It can also create a lot of frizz in your hair' Most importantly, it is also crucial to use the right hairbrush as per your hair type. Darshan reveals that your hairbrush must be chosen as per your hair type. Fine, thick, long, or thin hair: If you have any of these hair types, go for a paddle brush, either a big one or a small one. Based on the style of haircut you have, a hairstylist can recommend the correct size of a round brush to help you achieve the look you want. Curly hair: If you have curly hair type, you simply cannot use any hairbrush. Darshan shares an expert tip: 'Right after a shower, when the hair is fully wet, you should comb it using a wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends and moving up to the mid-lengths. If it is completely tangled, you can use a detangling brush to work through the mid-lengths and ends. After detangling, wet it again before styling.' Straight hair: Your hair's best friend should be a paddle brush. In case your hair breaks easily, it is a good idea to consult a doctor to see if there's an underlying issue. Any serious concerns should be checked by a dermatologist. That said, even breakable hair can often be managed with a paddle brush. Paddle brush is a winner all the way, says Darshan. However, he recommends not to remove the knots from dry hair. So, it's better to remove the knots when your hair is slightly damp. He insists on applying a leave-in conditioner, making detangling much easier. When talking about curly or coiled hair, he says that brushing this type of hair can be tricky, but the crux is, that after shower, such hair types must be brushed from the ends, and gently remove all the knots at the bottom first. Darshan reveals that one of the biggest mistakes people make is starting from the roots. If your hair is tangled in the middle and ends, you'll only make it harder to remove the knots. So always follow the right order and use a wide-tooth comb for brushing curly hair. While these tips might reduce hair fall and may give you a healthy-looking scalp, it's advisable to keep yourself well hydrated and eat nutrition-rich diet. So, next time you're ordering online, or strolling through the mall, buy your hairbrush considering your hair type. PAC cosmetics review: From compacts to foundations, is this makeup brand a real hidden gem? Find out Malaika Arora reveals her pre-makeup skincare ritual; Know 6 skin prep steps she swears by Top 8 anti pigmentation creams to fight pigmentation and dark spots for spotless, glowing skin Disclaimer: All the above-mentioned information is based on our interaction with Darshan Yewelekar.
India.com
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Akshay Kumar was the first choice for this blockbuster of Ajay Devgn, Kajol exited the film due to..,film is.., lead actress was...
Akshay Kumar was the first choice for this blockbuster of Ajay Devgn, Kajol exited the film due to..,film is.., lead actress was... In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, numerous key factors contribute to the creation of a film. From multiple delays, location changes, and time alignment, sometimes a movie finds its fate in the most unlikely places. But out of all the elements that can make or break the film's success at the box office, casting is the most important factor. It holds paramount importance. Imagine your favourite film with an entirely different cast. Would it still look the same to you? But in Bollywood, fate often rewrites scripts more often than the screenwriter. What might at first seem a chaos would be destiny's way of lining up things in perfection and sometimes what is one actor's rejection first is another actor's revival. One such story is of the film Jaanwar. Released in the year 1999, this emotional, action-packed film was a major hit which also redefined Akshay Kumar's career. But what many people don't know is that the filmmaker didn't imagine Akshay Kumar for the lead role initially. In an interview, Jaanwar's filmmaker Suneel Darshan revealed the casting reshuffle story of the film. Suneel's first choice for the lead role was Sunny Deol, not Akshay Kumar. Sunny and Suneel were all set to collaborate for the film; however, due to a sudden fallout between the two, this partnership couldn't go ahead. 'We were nearly set to go ahead when we had a fallout over some very ugly issues. Those issues are still pending. So I decided to move forward and find someone else', he shared. After Sunny Deol, the filmmaker's next choice was Ajay Devgan, who was a leading star at that point of time, however, even that didn't turn out as imagined. 'Ajay and I met on a Saturday and agreed on the film. We were supposed to finalise everything that Monday, but Sunday changed everything.' Destiny had other plans, and the film eventually went to the actor whose fate was destined for it. In a turn of events, Suneel got a call from one of the top leading stars of today. 'It was from someone I had never met before, Akshay Kumar,' Darshan revealed. 'He was very keen to meet immediately. I invited him over, and he said he wanted to do Jaanwar. He asked me, 'Would you consider making the film with me?'' Darshan was initially sceptical. 'I knew I couldn't make money on his name then, but I believed in my ability to bring out his potential. I felt we'd strike a good rapport—and that would reflect on screen.' However, it was Akshay's honesty and attitude that convinced the director. Darshan added, 'Akshay was going through the worst phase of his career at the time. But I thought, 'Here's a good-looking, disciplined actor willing to give 100% of himself.' He even told me, 'Sir, I will offer you 100% of myself.' That stayed with me.' Despite being aware of Akshay's low graph at the box office during that time, Darshan played all his bets and followed his instincts, which eventually paid off. Meanwhile, the female lead of Jaanwar also changed. It was Kajol who was first chosen to star opposite her then-boyfriend Ajay Devgn. However, she also had to back out because of her wedding plans 'Tanuja ji called and informed me that it would be difficult for Kajol to do the film. I appreciated her honesty and professionalism,' Darshan shared. Later, Karisma Kapoor quickly agreed to step in, and Shilpa Shetty further completed the final cast. Besides being a hit commercially and critically, Jaanwar was a film that changed Akshay Kumar's career trajectory. The film showcased Akshay Kumar as a versatile actor, as it helped him break free from his typecast action-hero image. After multiple cast re-shuffles, the film eventually went on to who was destined for it, proving that some casting decisions are not made by filmmakers but the fate itself.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Akshay Kumar's Jaanwar was originally meant for Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgn; Kajol exited due to wedding plans, reveals Suneel Darshan
Filmmaker Suneel Darshan has opened up about the unexpected casting journey behind his 1999 hit film Jaanwar, which eventually became a turning point in Akshay Kumar 's career. In a recent interview with India Today, Darshan revealed that Akshay was never the first, or even second, choice for the lead role in the film. 'Jaanwar was not written for Akshay,' he stated plainly. 'The film was originally planned with Sunny Deol . We were nearly set to go ahead when we had a fallout over some very ugly issues. Those issues are still pending. So I decided to move forward and find someone else.' Ajay Devgn almost signed the film, but 'Sunday changed everything' After parting ways with Sunny Deol, Darshan turned to another top star of the time, Ajay Devgn. The two had even agreed to work together. 'Ajay and I met on a Saturday and agreed on the film. We were supposed to finalise everything that Monday, but Sunday changed everything,' he recalled. That Sunday, Darshan received a surprise phone call that changed the course of Jaanwar forever. 'It was from someone I had never met before—Akshay Kumar,' he revealed. 'He was very keen to meet immediately. I invited him over, and he said he wanted to do Jaanwar. He asked me, 'Would you consider making the film with me?'' Akshay Kumar was at a low point in his career, says Darshan Darshan was initially hesitant to cast Akshay, given the actor's declining box office standing at the time. But something about Akshay's attitude struck a chord with him. 'Akshay was going through the worst phase of his career at the time. But I thought, 'Here's a good-looking, disciplined actor willing to give 100% of himself.' He even told me, 'Sir, I will offer you 100% of myself.' That stayed with me.' Despite knowing that Akshay's name alone wouldn't guarantee commercial success at that point, Darshan decided to follow his instincts. 'I knew I couldn't make money on his name then, but I believed in my ability to bring out his potential. I felt we'd strike a good rapport—and that would reflect on screen.' Riteish Deshmukh & Akshay Kumar's Titanic Moment Breaks The Internet Karisma said yes instantly; Kajol opted out due to marriage plans The female lead casting also saw a series of changes. Karisma Kapoor joined the project without any hesitation. 'She didn't flinch. She just said, 'Of course. Why not?'' said Darshan. Meanwhile, Kajol, who was initially slated to be a part of the film alongside then-boyfriend Ajay Devgn, had to step away due to personal reasons. Darshan shared that Tanuja, Kajol's mother, informed him of the development. 'Tanuja ji called and informed me that it would be difficult for Kajol to do the film. I appreciated her honesty and professionalism,' he said. Eventually, Shilpa Shetty was brought in to complete the cast, and the team moved ahead with the new lineup. Released in December 1999, Jaanwar not only received commercial success but also changed how the industry and audiences perceived Akshay Kumar. The role helped him break free from his action-hero typecasting and gave his career a dramatic boost. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
