Latest news with #Heer
India.com
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Heer Express Teaser Out, Debutant Divita Juneja-Starrer Set To Release On THIS Date
New Delhi: Directed by Umesh Shukla, Heer Express introduces Divita Juneja and features Prit Kamani in lead roles roles, alongside celebrated actors Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, and Gulshan Grover. Set against the backdrop of deep-rooted family drama. Heer Express traces Heer Walia's (played by Divita) journey as she strives to balance her own aspirations with the weight of a legacy she never chose. Her story is one of strength, emotion, and finding oneself amid chaos. Heer Express Teaser Out: After generating excitement with the motion poster, the filmmakers recently unveiled the teaser of Heer Express, inviting audiences into Heer's world. The teaser explores Heer's heartfelt wish to fulfill her mother's dream abroad, but what unfolds is far more challenging than she ever expected. Will Heer overcome the obstacles standing in her way? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heer Express (@heerexpress) The film is helmed by acclaimed director Umesh Shukla, known for blending social themes with entertaining storytelling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heer Express (@heerexpress) Tulip Entertainment and Divisa Entertainment, in association with Merry Go Round Studios and Creative Strokes Group, present Heer Express. Produced by Umesh Shukla, Ashish Wagh, Mohit Chhabra, and Sanjay Grover, the film is co-produced by Sampada Wagh and directed by Umesh Shukla. Get ready for a whirlwind of love, chaos, and tangled emotions in this express that has it all.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
The many Heers of Punjab: Harleen Singh's archive of resistance, resilience and remembering
Amid renewed tensions between India and Pakistan, revisiting shared histories can build bridges, says Canada-based Harleen Singh whose debut non-fiction 'The Lost Heer' highlights the silenced stories of women from colonial Punjab. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now From Dr Premdevi, likely Punjab's first female doctor to Khadija Begum--the 'first Punjabi lady MA', the book—which sprang from Singh's seven-year-old Instagram archive—seeks to challenge divisive, male-centric narratives. The author talks to Sharmila Ganesan Ram about his singing grandma and other unsung women whose lives and legacies cross borders Your book 'The Lost Heer' is dedicated to 'Bibi'. Tell us about her. Did she play a role in shaping your curiosity about history? The Lost Heer is dedicated to my nani, whom I lovingly called Bibi. She was born in Sheikhupura and raised in Lahore, cities that became part of Pakistan in 1947. That year, she became a refugee, forced to leave behind her home, her community and a world that after that would live on only in her memories. Her folk songs carried centuries of emotion, her recipes preserved rituals of daily life and her stories painted vivid pictures of places I had never seen but could almost touch through her words. When I told her I'd submitted the manuscript of 'The Lost Heer', she gifted me her mother's prized phulkari. Sadly, Bibi passed away before the book was published. But her voice, her spirit, and her stories live on in every page. You began volunteering at the 1947 Partition Archive in Delhi when you returned to India from Canada in 2014. Was that the seed for 'The Lost Heer' Project, the Instagram page you launched in 2018? Yes. I was in India on a summer break. Searching for ways to reconnect with the history I'd grown up hearing in fragments, especially from Bibi, I volunteered for the 1947 Partition Archive. It was a turning point. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I interviewed Partition survivors, many of them women, and was struck by how much remained unsaid in public narratives. Women lamented the loss of their local recipes, folk songs, dialects and all the intimate domestic things. Layered with silences, grief, resilience and a quiet dignity, their stories were starkly different from that of men, which were usually stories of rags to riches. This planted the seed for 'The Lost Heer' Project, which I launched on Instagram in 2018 to create a space to explore women's histories from colonial Punjab. This eventually grew into the book. 'The Lost Heer' evokes Punjab's legendary lover. What does Heer symbolize in your book? Heer is much more than a romantic figure—she's a symbol of defiance, choice, and emotional strength in Punjab's oral and literary tradition. I wanted to reclaim her not just as a tragic lover, but as a woman who speaks, resists, and asserts agency. Like Heer, many women in colonial Punjab lived through upheaval—displacement, violence, cultural loss—but their voices were rarely recorded. They were often remembered only through the men around them. By invoking Heer, I wanted to show that these voices aren't lost. To me, Heer represents a quintessential Punjaban, a chorus of women whose truths have long been buried under history's noise. As a male author telling the stories of women in colonial Punjab, were there moments of doubt or hesitation? Absolutely. I often questioned whether I could truly capture the nuances of their experiences, and whether I might unintentionally impose a modern or male gaze on histories that weren't mine to claim. What guided me was a deep commitment to listening with care, humility, and respect. Much of 'The Lost Heer' is based on years of engaging with oral histories, family memories and the silences that run through the stories of Partition-era women. What struck me most was how often these women's agency was overlooked--their choices, resilience, and emotional complexity reduced to stereotypes of suffering or sacrifice. These women were active participants in history, even when their options were painfully limited. The goal was never to speak for women but to hold space for their stories to speak through me. From teachers to preachers, poetesses to editors, your book uncovers the lives of many remarkable Heers including social reformer Dr Premdevi and writer Khadija Begum Ferozeuddin. Which stories moved or surprised you most? Hardevi Roshanlal's story fascinated m. A child widow, she moved from Lahore to London in the 1880s, where she experienced 'freedom' from purdah for the first time. She learned the Montessori system, returned to Lahore in 1888 and set up a press and started Punjab's first women's magazine 'Bharat Bhagini'. She didn't stop there. Hardevi also wrote a Hindi travelogue called 'Landan Yatra', sharing her experiences abroad for Punjabi women to read. Later, she transformed into an anticolonial activist, organizing women's gatherings within purdah and conspiring against the British during the intense disturbances in Punjab around 1907–1908. Her story revealed how women's agency took many forms - education, publishing, political activism - amid social and political upheaval. Given the lack of documentation of women's voices, how difficult was the research process? Many of these stories were hidden in silences, absent from official archives, or scattered across fragmented sources. To uncover them, I had to go beyond traditional histories and piece together clues from a wide range of materials: old newspapers, pension records, private letters, family papers, oral testimonies, etc. I call this process 'informed imagination.' It's about carefully assembling these fragments, sometimes just names, dates, or brief mentions, and imagining the fuller lives behind them without straying from historical plausibility. You write that 'controlling women's sexuality' was a key concern in colonial Punjab… Controlling women's sexuality in colonial Punjab was closely linked to the purdah system, which restricted women's movement and enforced their seclusion as a marker of honour. Victorian morality clashed with local customs during this period, introducing new ideas of modesty. One major controversy was Punjabi women bathing naked in rivers—a long-standing communal practice seen as indecent by colonial officials and missionaries. This led to fines on men who failed to control their women and even debates at the 1893 Lahore Congress. Religious reform groups like Arya Samaj and Singh Sabha, influenced by Victorian values, pushed dress reforms, replacing traditional garments like the choli with fully covered attire like the kameez. While women's bodies became battlegrounds for competing ideas, the women of Punjab continued to navigate, negotiate, and sometimes resist these norms in their own subtle ways. From purdah parties to early feminist journals, elite women engaged in various ways with both colonial power and local reform. What forms of agency stood out to you? What stood out to me was how they used the spaces available to them. Purdah parties, for instance, might seem like spaces of seclusion, but they were also sites of social networking, and collective organization. Women exchanged ideas, interacted with newer inventions, supported reformist causes, and sometimes even engaged in subtle resistance to colonial or patriarchal control: exposing a racist memsahib or decrying polygamy. Similarly, through editing and writing in early feminist journals, they challenged norms around education and women's rights, engaging with both colonial and local reform movements on their own terms. How did caste, religion and class shape women's experiences in colonial Punjab and how do these layered identities echo in South Asia today? Upper-caste women faced strict controls like purdah and arranged marriages but often had access to education and reform circles. Lower-caste women faced economic hardship and different social pressures, sometimes with more freedom from strict gender norms. Religious identities—Sikh, Hindu, Muslim—added further layers, all influenced by colonial laws regulating personal and social life. Today, these intersecting identities still affect women's opportunities and challenges across South Asia, seen in ongoing debates around issues like triple talaq, polygamy, and women's access to religious spaces. Recent works such as 'The Kaurs of 1984' have drawn attention to the voices of women in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star. In the context of today's strained Indo-Pak and Indo-Canada ties, can historical storytelling--especially through the lens of unsung women--offer a bridge across borders in your view? Historical storytelling that focuses on unsung women can serve as bridges across strained borders by highlighting shared human experiences like loss and resilience. Women's stories from Punjab—whether about Partition, Operation Blue Star, or migration—reveal connections that transcend political divides and challenge narrow nationalisms. These narratives remind us history is not just about nations, but about people, often women, whose lives and legacies cross borders in ways official politics rarely acknowledge. I believe storytelling grounded in empathy and complexity can foster healing and connection, helping us imagine futures where shared histories become foundations for peace rather than division. What's next for 'The Lost Heer' Project? Do you envision these stories taking new forms—perhaps on stage, screen, or in classrooms? The archive is still growing. Thousands of stories remain undocumented, lying untouched and untranslated in archives, family collections, and oral histories. I hope these stories find new life on stage, screen, or in classrooms, reaching wider audiences and helping future generations connect deeply with their history and heritage.
Int'l Business Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Int'l Business Times
Being You Is Changing the World: How Dr. Dain Heer Sparked a Global Movement of Authenticity
While the world might be obsessed with perfection and plagued by comparison, being true to oneself can feel radical, maybe even rebellious. But for Dr. Dain Heer, authenticity isn't just a personal value. It is a movement, a lifeline, a global catalyst for change. Heer, founder of the Being You movement and co-creator of Access Consciousness , is the visionary behind International Being You Day, celebrated every June 22. What began as a deeply personal awakening has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, reaching people through global classes, an annual event dedicated to the power of self-trust and inner freedom, and his book Being You, Changing the World . Yet this global ripple didn't start with a grand strategy. It started with hitting rock bottom. Two decades ago, Heer was a successful chiropractor in California. To the outside world, he had it all. Inside, he was unraveling. He had reached the point of preparing to end his life. "I had everything people said I should want," he recalls. "And I still wanted out." Everything changed after one Access Bars session, a gentle, hands-on modality rooted in Access Consciousness. Heer says that in a single hour, the hopelessness lifted. "I had this overwhelming sense of possibility," he says. "And for the first time in a long time, I laughed." It was a turning point, after which he made it his mission to help others. In 2011, Heer published Being You. It struck a global chord as it invited readers to explore the possibility that being true to oneself could be enough. "The world didn't need me to be perfect," Heer says. "It needed me to be real." He followed the book's success with Being You classes and workshops offered around the world. These experiences go beyond personal development, creating spaces for people to explore what's true for them without judgment, comparison, or the need to perform. "There are no prerequisites, no credentials required," Heer says. "Just a willingness to show up and ask: What else is possible for me?" In 2020, Heer launched International Being You Day , held annually on June 22. Now in its fifth year, the celebration includes livestream events, in-person gatherings, and meetups hosted by facilitators around the world. The intention? To empower people to embrace their true selves, appreciate their unique capabilities, and foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance. "It's so sold to us that the path to success is to do it like someone else did it," Heer says. "But that's exactly the path to burnout. The real path is finding out what's true for you. And that's where success and joy live." This year's celebration includes a global livestream, local community events, and a headline gathering in Mexico City. The agenda features candid conversations on courage, creativity, and choosing presence over performance. Heer's message couldn't be more timely. In an age of rising stress, digital pressure, and mounting anxiety, more people are questioning the roles they've been told to play. A study in the U.S. revealed that nearly two in five adults (37%) report being too stressed to even function, with a significant number experiencing forgetfulness, indecision, and emotional fatigue. "We've been taught to chase success, perfection, or approval," Heer says. "But what if the real win is waking up each day and liking who you are?" He believes presence starts with a decision to stop pretending and start choosing to be truly oneself. A powerful part of the process is the willingness to ask open-ended questions like: "Will this choice create more lightness in my life? What else is possible I haven't considered?" According to Heer, functioning from a place of curiosity and self-trust allows people to shift from judgment to possibility: one choice at a time. "If something feels heavy, it's usually not true for you," Heer says. "But if it brings lightness, that's your truth trying to speak." This approach invites people to dismantle conditioning, stop living on autopilot, and engage with life in a way that feels meaningful.' The mission of Being You Day reflects this deeper commitment: "To empower all of us to know that our dreams of what is possible are way more valuable than fitting in. To inspire everyone to embrace their unique capacities, release judgment, and follow the lightness, joy, and laughter that guide us to who we truly are." It's a philosophy that resonates not only with seekers and self-explorers but also with business leaders, creators, and changemakers looking for a new paradigm of leadership. It values inner alignment over outer achievement. "From my point of view, when you're being authentically you is when the magic happens," Heer says. "That's when everything can change." And as June 22 approaches, people will gather, both online and in person, not to celebrate fame, wealth, or productivity but something far more potent: the truth of being fully, audaciously, unapologetically themselves.
News18
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Divita Juneja Boards The Heer Express With Ashutosh Rana And Sanjay Mishra
Last Updated: In the poster, Divita Juneja is seen holding a spatula in one hand and riding the Heer Express along with her fellow actors. Rising star Divita Juneja is all set to make her Bollywood debut as a lead actor in director Umesh Shukla's upcoming film titled Heer Express. On June 9, the actress took to social media to share a glimpse of the movie, where she stars alongside veteran actors, including Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra and Gulshan Grover. Taking to Instagram, Juneja shared a motion poster of the film, where she was seen holding a spatula in one hand and riding the Heer Express along with her fellow actors, offering a quirky and energetic look at the film. Sharing the poster, the actress wrote, 'Pan in one hand, power in the other, Heer is on the way to meet you tomorrow! Lijiye Chatpate Emotions Ka Swaad, Parivar Ke Saath! #heerexpress releasing in cinemas on 8th August." The teaser of the film dropped on June 10, which provided a glimpse into Heer's world. The film revolves around Heer Walia, an ordinary girl who strives to fulfil her mother's dream abroad while facing the weight of a legacy she never chose. The plotline sheds light on strength, emotion, and the struggle to find oneself in the midst of chaos. Dropping the teaser on social media, the official channel of Heer Express wrote, 'All aboard! The Heer Express, packed with emotions, love, and drama, arrives in cinemas on 8th August 2025. Don't miss out on this." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heer Express (@heerexpress) The film features Divita Juneja and Prit Kamani in pivotal roles, while other veteran actors played prominent parts in the film. Produced by Tulip Entertainment and Divisa Entertainment in collaboration with Merry Go Round Studios and Creative Strokes Group, the film promises to offer a heartwarming tale of an ordinary girl with extraordinary family problems. Divita Juneja rose to fame after her appearance in multiple music videos, including a popular track titled Akhiyan. On the other hand, Ashutosh Rana, Gulshan Grover, and Sanjay Mishra are known for their versatility and impactful on-screen presence. From action-packed dramas to spine-chilling thrillers, the trio has appeared in dozens of widely acclaimed films over the decades. First Published:
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Singer Gurdas Maan's brother Gurpanth Maan passes away at 68; Last rites to be held on June 10 in Chandigarh
Gurdas Maan's younger brother, Gurpanth Maan, has passed away at the age of 68 in a Mohali hospital after a brief illness. Gurpanth, a farmer and commission agent from Gidderbaha, had been receiving treatment for two months. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, all residing abroad, with his cremation scheduled for June 10 in Chandigarh. Renowned Punjabi singer and actor Gurdas Maan 's younger brother, Gurpanth Maan, passed away at 68, according to several media reports. Gurpanth reportedly breathed last earlier today at a private hospital in Mohali after a short illness. According to a report in News18, advocate Gurmeet Mann, a cousin of Gurpanth Maan, revealed he had been improving and was even discharged from the hospital. But his health suddenly worsened, and he passed away shortly after. Gurpanth Maan, who lived in Gidderbaha, Punjab, worked as a farmer and commission agent. He had been receiving treatment for nearly two months at a multispecialty hospital in Mohali. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter, who all live abroad. His cremation is scheduled for June 10 in Chandigarh. Gurpanth was the middle sibling, between Gurdas Maan and their sister. Gurdas Maan is one of the most iconic names in Punjabi music, rising to fame in 1980 with his hit song Dil Da Mamla Hai. Over the years, he has become known for soulful melodies and poetic lyrics that connect deeply with fans worldwide. Albums like Apna Punjab, Boot Polishan, and Heer have solidified his place as a beloved figure in Punjabi music. Besides his musical achievements, Gurdas Maan has also made a mark as an actor. He has appeared in acclaimed films like Waris, Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh, and Des Hoyaa Pardes, receiving praise for his powerful performances. The passing of his brother is a profound personal loss for the celebrated artist and his family.
