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Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sumukhi Suresh: ‘I do self-censorship because I want to last for long'
Though comedian-actor Sumukhi Suresh's vivacity caught the attention of many as she danced with actor Dino Morea during a masquerade ball sequence in the recently-released Netflix series 'The Royals', it's her comedic talent that has been filling up large venues with audiences who turn up to watch her perform sketches. 'Performing for a big room has given me a risk appetite which artistes need sometimes. To taste the success of a big room that has assembled to hear you speak is such a boost and encouragement to perform and do better,' says Sumukhi, who recently performed 'Hormonal' at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre's (NMACC) The Grand Theatre. The set, initially named 'Hoemonal' (2022), borrows heavily from her experiences during the pandemic-induced lockdown. It was during this period that Sumukhi discovered that she had PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), causing hormonal imbalances and weight gain. Also, among her pandemic realisation was that she wasn't well-versed with the dating game. So much so that her disastrous experiences triggered a fear of dying alone, giving her enough fodder for 'Hormonal'. Sumukhi Suresh concedes that performing the show at the packed 2,000-seater NMACC venue is as much a surreal experience as it is a statement of power, which silences the critics who doubt whether women can be funny. 'How can women not be funny? Look at your mother. Our mothers are constantly funny,' says the Mumbai-based artiste, adding that 'the ultimate validation comes from the audience, who buy the ticket and attend the show.' Through a series of sketches, she examines the lives of single, urban women in their 30s, the search for love, the fear of being alone as well as the ideas of beauty. But balancing messaging with humour is not something Sumukhi does intentionally. 'If you simulate or plan that today I will talk about this, then it does not work. The audience will see through that,' says Sumukhi, who was born and raised in Nagpur. She moved to Chennai to do her graduation and later, worked at a children's library in Bengaluru. At a time when comedians often find themselves in trouble for speaking up against the authorities or system, Sumukhi believes in self-censorship. She says: 'The art of stand-up is connected to the performer's intuition, quick-wit and improv skills. These often land us in trouble. Second, the stand-up comedians are the voice of conflict. It is inevitable that our thoughts won't be widely accepted. I do self-censorship because I want to last for long and leave a legacy behind. That means I have to navigate the game accordingly.' Since there are a plethora of platforms available for comedians, artistes and digital content creators, Sumukhi believes that there is no room for complacency. 'You have to practise your art. You can't keep repeating something just because the audience liked that trick,' she says. Today, artists are also vulnerable to frequent online trolling notwithstanding the following they enjoy. 'You can't predict anyone's reaction. The only thing I can say is that if you are offended, then don't engage with it (content),' she says. Considering how naturally humour comes to Sumukhi Suresh, it is difficult to believe that being a stand-up comic wasn't a conscious career choice. She discovered her penchant for comedy when she accidentally walked into an improv event in Bengaluru, thinking it was an audition for a play. Even as she was working at a food lab, she began moonlighting as a comic on Bengaluru-based 'The Improv', a comedy show. Nearly two years later, she decided to solely focus on being a comic. She gained wider recognition when 'Pushpavalli', a web series created by her, started streaming on Amazon Prime Video in 2017 and its second season released in 2020. Sumukhi's popularity received a fresh boost following her appearance in 'The Royals'. 'I was a last-minute addition to the show. The makers gave me the freedom to do my thing,' she recalls. How does she react to fan comments that she is 'Pushpavalli' and she 'should not have played secretary' to Bhumi Pednekar's character? 'I feel validated that something ('Pushpavalli') I created, co-wrote and acted in left a mark. It's a community of women who expect me to do well. That's amazing,' she says. Though viewers want new seasons of 'Pushpavalli', Sumukhi says that writing for herself is not always a cakewalk. She wants to be cast in shows and movies written by others. With Vikramaditya Motwane's 'CTRL', for which she wrote the dialogues, Sumukhi made her debut as a writer. 'Though I am not trained in writing for films, working with a director-writer like Motwane became my training,' says Sumukhi, who is writing for another project directed by him. When asked how she manages to dabble in so many things, she says, 'This is the dream — to do all of this. Whatever little I learn from other projects, I try to incorporate in my stand-up performances.' She is also the founder of Motormouth Writers, which she aspires to turn into a hub of stories and facilitate development of shows. On the wishlist of this multi-talented artiste is the desire to create 'a massive multi-season comedy show and act in it too'. Sumukhi Suresh believes she has the ability to pull it off. 'I have been working hard for that moment. Pushpavalli was just the beginning,' she says. That apart, she wants to create a dance-comedy feature. 'I've written it already. At some point, I have to catch Farah Khan and ask her if she would direct it. She will take that script to the next level,' she says.
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
NR Talent & Event Management's Hariharan Live in Concert: An Evening to Remember
PNN New Delhi [India], June 16: Padma Shri Hariharan lit up The Grand Theatre at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) with his very first live performance at the venue, delivering some of his most beloved Bollywood hits in an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia. Each rendition was met with thunderous applause, as the audience immersed themselves in the magic of his timeless voice. The concert was beautifully curated and executed by NR Talent and Event Management, helmed by Namrata Gupta Khan and Rabbani Mustafa Khan. Despite heavy Mumbai rains, fans thronged the venue, united by their love for the maestro. Hariharan opened the show with Kesariya Balamwa. One hit followed another - Dheemi Dheemi, Roja Janeman, O Hansini, Chanda Re, Jhoka Hawa Ka, Kaash Aisa Koi Manzar, Baahon Ke Darmiyan, Nahin Samne, Jeeva Rangla, and each song met with love and spontaneous wah-wahs, and multiple song requests from an audience clearly unable to get enough! "It's so nice to be here singing for you at this lovely theatre," Hariharan enthused in the midst of his performance. The evening became even more special with the presence of his son, Akshay Hariharan, who joined his father on stage to reimagine and recreate the veteran singer's classics like Dauda Dauda Bhaga Bhaga Sa, Chhappa Chappa, and Kay Zhala with an electrifying EDM twist. The timing couldn't have been more perfect... performing together on Father's Day, the father-son duo brought an unmatched warmth and vibrancy to the stage. The maestro also led a spontaneous medley session, inviting the audience to sing along to favourites like Aye Dil, Sawan Barse, and Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera. And just when everyone thought the night couldn't get better, he delivered what the audience had been waiting for all along... a soul-stirring rendition of Tu Hi Re. The entire experience - immersive, emotive, and electric, was brought to life by NR Talent and Event Management. Founded by Namrata Gupta Khan and Rabbani Mustafa Khan, the company is known for organising concerts that are more than just shows... they are experiences where audiences feel, connect, and celebrate music in its truest form. Namrata and Rabbani, daughter-in-law and son of the late Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, carry forward a rich legacy of music. Rabbani, a singer himself who has also performed on Coke Studio, brings deep insight and artistry to the company's vision. Since 2016, NR Talent has produced large-scale concerts, corporate events, and festivals across India and the globe, working with celebrated names like A.R. Rahman, Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Yo Yo Honey Singh, among others. Their signature annual event Haazri honours Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan with the 2025 edition featuring A.R. Rahman in a soulful Sufi concert attended by over 10,000 people. Very recently, they had also managed and produced Sau Saal Pehle, a one-of-a-kind tribute to Mohammed Rafi with Sonu Nigam, marking Sonu's first-ever Rafi tribute show in India.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hariharan mesmerises Mumbai with his music
Hariharan captivated the audience at the NMACC's Grand Theatre with a nostalgic journey through his iconic melodies, spanning Bollywood hits and independent tracks. The concert, featuring duets with his son Akshay Hariharan, showcased his versatility and infectious energy. He concluded the evening with a heartfelt tribute, earning a standing ovation for his performance of Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai. Sunday evening (June 15) at the Grand Theatre at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) felt electric as Hariharan walked onto the stage, opening the concert with Kesariya Balam in all its folk-classical glory. 'So nice to be here, singing for you at this lovely theatre! Thank you very much for coming today,' he greeted the audience warmly. What followed was not just a concert — it was a mood, a memory, a masterclass. Hariharan's soul-stirring, crowd-favourite melodies including Roja (Bombay), Jhonka Hawa Ka (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), Chanda Re (Sapnay), Nahin Saamne Tu (Taal), and Ay Hairathe (Guru) created an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia and emotion. Introducing the title track from Yaadein, he said, 'Yeh gaana aap sab ko yaad hoga, toh hum saath mein gayenge,' inviting the audience to join in, and they did. From there, he eased into his evergreen tracks like Yeh Lamhe Yeh Pal (Lamhe), Chhod Aaye Hum (Maachis), and Bahon Ke Darmiyan (Khamoshi). His velvet voice flowed effortlessly, every pause turning into a silence worth listening to. The audience, an elegant blend of old-school connoisseurs and young music enthusiasts, sat enraptured. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Many mouthed the words, some sang along aloud, others simply remained still, soaking in every note. With his son Akshay Hariharan During the nearly three-hour-long concert, Hariharan also brought infectious energy to the stage. He performed upbeat tracks on stage with his son, Akshay Hariharan, who joined him in recreating songs like Bhaaga Sa (Chachi 420), Kabhi Main Kahoon (Lamhe), Telephone Dhun (Hindustani), and Dil Ne Dil Se Ikrar Kiya (Haqeeqat), engaging the audience with light-hearted anecdotes and behind-the-scenes trivia. A multiple National Award winner with over 8,000 songs in seven languages to his credit, Hariharan delighted fans not only with his voice but also his flair, changing jackets four times and glasses thrice as he delivered one beloved number after another. He also sang a Marathi song, some of his independent hits including Krishna, and ghazals like Kaash Aisa Koi Manzar Hota, which drew sighs and claps from fans. The final performance of the night was a heartfelt tribute in response to the recent airplane tragedy. As he sang Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai, the audience rose in a standing ovation. Visibly moved, Hariharan folded his hands and said, 'Thank you,' as the applause continued to pour in.
India.com
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Nita Ambani redfines retro elegance in a traditional silk saree with gold statement jewellery
Nita Ambani redfines retro elegance in a traditional silk saree with gold statement jewellery - SEE PICS Nita Ambani, Asia's most influential woman, is best known for her business acumen and philanthropic efforts. But besides, her sartorial fashion choices are equally famous. Whether it's attending a cultural event or going to a global touch, Nita's fashion picks exude a blend of Indian heritage and luxury. Nita Ambani is mostly seen donning traditional outfits that are regal and culturally rooted. In her recent appearance at the promotion of the NMACC India Weekend held in New York from September 12 to 14, she was once again seen making waves with her fashion picks. Nita wore a traditional red silk saree with golden embroidery. To complete the look, she paired it with a matching red blouse with vertical embroidery in gold. The saree also featured brocade detailing at the cuffs, a wide U-shaped neckline, and a cropped hem that added a modern touch to the traditional silhouette. To finish her look, she accessorised her outfit with a statement necklace with a humongous pendant, matching earrings, rings and kadhas. Her entire look exuded all bits of royal and regal. For her makeup, she kept it clean and minimal. She went with nude and dewy base, kohl rimmed eyes, and orangish pink lipstick with a glowing highlighter that gave her all the glow. She further elevated her classic look with a red bindi. For her tresses, just like her makeup up she kept it clean and minimal. She went ahead with a center-parted bun that highlighted her sharp face. In a video posted on the official Instagram page of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, she expressed her excitement about bringing NMACC to the global stage. She called it more than just a weekend of performances, saying, 'It's about spreading India's cultural voice to a global audience and truly taking the very best of India to the world.' She further added that the weekend would celebrate 'the soul of India in all its glory: culture, arts and crafts, song and dance, fashion, and food.' Nita Ambani has always had fashion enthusiasts taking notes, whether it's traditional or modern.
News18
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Nita Ambani Makes A Royal Statement In A Sindoori Red Banarasi Silk Saree
Last Updated: Nita Ambani stunned in a vibrant red Banarasi silk saree as she appeared in a recent video where she talked about the upcoming NMACC India Weekend in New York. Ahead of the much-anticipated NMACC India Weekend, the official page of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) India Weekend shared a video of Nita Ambani welcoming people to witness this grand spectacle at the Lincoln Centre in New York. While the video has got everyone talking about the event, fashion enthusiasts could not get over Nita's sindoori red Banarasi silk saree. The Reliance Foundation's chairperson captivated the audience with her stunning ensemble that celebrated Indian craftsmanship on a global platform. In the video, Nita Ambani donned a red Banarasi silk saree. The saree featured intricate gold brocade embroidery along with broad double gold borders that added richness to the ensemble. The saree featured intricate Gandabherunda motifs that were rendered in real gold and silver zari. Draped in a classic style, the six yards were pleated neatly at the front, while the pallu was gracefully draped over her shoulder and pinned elegantly at the arm. Nita paired the saree with a coordinating red silk blouse adorned with vertical gold thread embroidery. The blouse came with half sleeves. It was adorned with brocade detailing at the cuffs, a wide U-shaped neckline, and a cropped hem that added a modern touch to the traditional silhouette. She completed her look with striking gold jewellery – a statement necklace with a large pendant, matching earrings, traditional rings, and stacked kadhas. Her hair was styled in a sleek, centre-parted bun, accentuated by a red bindi. For the glam, she opted for bold brows, kohl-rimmed eyes, sharp black eyeliner, voluminous lashes, a hint of blush, luminous highlighter, and glossy coral-pink lips. The NMACC India Weekend is all set to take over New York from September 12-14. Nita said, 'Bringing NMACC to New York is not just about a weekend of performances; it's about spreading India's cultural voice to a global audience and truly taking the very best of India to the world." She was spotted wearing this saree in May when she visited New York with designer Manish Malhotra for a recce. First Published: June 10, 2025, 13:46 IST
