A whopping 90 per cent of rural women entrepreneurs in India save a portion of their monthly income, according to a new report on Thursday, ahead of International Women's Day. The report by DBS Bank India, in collaboration with Haqdarshak, is based on a survey of 411 women entrepreneurs across rural districts in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, with 402 being members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Of the 90 per cent, 57 per cent save less than 20 per cent of their monthly income, while 33 per cent save between 20 per cent and 50 per cent, said the report. About 5 per cent save more than 50 per cent of their income, while the remaining respondents are unsure about the portion of their income saved, suggesting a need for improved financial literacy and planning. The report noted that 56 per cent of rural women entrepreneurs opt for bank deposits, 39 per cent participate in SHG savings programmes, and 18 per cent set aside cash without investing it in any instruments. Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Recurring Deposits (RDs), as well as investments in gold, were found to be less common, with only 11 per cent and 5 per cent opting for these methods, respectively. Approximately 64 per cent reinvested their business profits into their enterprises, reflecting a strong orientation towards business expansion and growth. "Our report offers valuable insights to inform programmes aimed at accelerating women's entrepreneurship and addressing growth barriers," said Azmat Habibulla, Managing Director and Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at DBS Bank India. “We aim to drive meaningful dialogue and build actionable solutions that bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring these women have improved access to social protection and financial services, ultimately fostering a more equitable economy," added Aniket Doegar, Co-Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak. Noting a shift towards greater financial autonomy, the report stated that 18 per cent of rural women entrepreneurs make financial decisions independently, while 47 per cent make financial decisions jointly with their husbands. About 24 per cent stated that their husbands make all financial decisions, and the remaining 11 per cent consult their immediate or extended family members. This distribution highlights both progress and persistent traditional norms. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSMumbai-based Tanushree Nekkanti comes from a background in designing film sets, but along the way, she found her love for music. "I’ve not been in the scene too long, maybe less than two years but in that short period, I’ve seen many newcomers, especially younger women who remind me of my early days. I would always go to shows, look at all the equipment and get overwhelmed, and almost overstimulated until I learned how to mix and realised that most of my blockage was mental not physical. My close friends from Bengaluru really inspired me to do this professionally. I started out wanting to play for them at after parties but together, they give me the confidence to be who I am as an artist," she shares. DJ Tanushree believes that talent should be the focus, regardless of gender, and hints at her experience in overcoming industry norms. "I think talent speaks for itself. I personally have never faced discrimination based on my gender, but I can’t comment for the rest of the industry. In fact, I find myself mostly on all-male line ups. So, I’m glad that the promoters I work with, programme me well into events that suit my sound. It’s always fun meeting more female artists because I find that they’re more open to quirky collaborations in terms of production and even just general content.""I typically play at places such as Antisocial, Bonobo, Khar Social and Nesco Social, Veranda and Kitty Su. Then there are festival venues and some fun podcasts that we get to play at," she mentions. On pay parity, she firmly believes compensation is based on experience and talent in her industry. "I think the pay scale doesn’t differ based on gender but rather years in the industry, skill and popularity. DJ Tanushree emphasizes on the idea of continuous learning and improvement. "I am constantly learning and only practice will make you physically better at DJ’ing." DJ Tanushree had no plans of being a DJ. "I studied architecture to design sets for movies, but I was very young, and my family wasn’t comfortable with me working late hours in the film industry which is kind of funny now as I work in another industry that has late hours. Although I loved architecture as a major and wouldn’t change my college experience, I feel that my musical journey has given me back everything I’ve put into it. It’s something that comes to me naturally. Luckily (or some would say unluckily), clubs in India shut quite early, so our gig slot times are not very late at night, at least not compared to the slots in other countries," she quips. Encouraging aspiring female DJs to push through barriers, she advises, "I think it’s best to remember that you’re not in any race with anyone or the industry. Everyone gains success in their own due time so it’s best not to burn yourselves out before you can reach that. Comparison is the biggest killer of confidence so just lock yourselves in, learn as much as you can from the people around you. Make music. Don’t try to make music like that of artists you like. Just dive into it and see where your mind takes you because the constant studying of precedents and favourites might influence your raw creativity."
06 March,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThe UK's iconic Glastonbury Festival unveiled its line-up Thursday, with new artists Charli XCX and Olivia Rodrigo set to perform alongside veteran stars Neil Young and Rod Stewart. Other big names on the bill include Raye, The Prodigy, Alanis Morissette and Snow Patrol, organisers said. Stewart is due to perform the Sunday legend slot while Rodrigo will close out the festival which runs from June 25 to 29. Neil Young will headline for the second time despite pulling out in January saying the festival had become "a corporate turn-off, and not for me like it used to be". Young quickly had a change a heart and said he would be playing after all, blaming his decision on "an error in the information I received." Charli XCX, who picked up three Grammys last month, also scooped five gongs at The Brit Awards, the annual celebration of UK music on Saturday. "Brat", the 32-year-old artist's sixth album, a celebration of a relaxed, partying lifestyle, transformed her into one of music's top stars in 2024. Tickets for this year's Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in southwest England sold out within 35 minutes when they went on sale in November, with standard tickets priced at £373.50 ($471.50). Glastonbury attracted more than 210,000 fans in 2024, hosting 3,000 performances across some 80 stages. Many of the gigs were broadcast by the BBC, which has partnered with the festival since 1997. Glasto, as the festival is popularly known, was inspired by Britain's 1960s counterculture and hippie movements, with its first iteration as the Pilton Festival in 1970. Glam rockers T. Rex were the first headliners. Since then, it has attracted cult status and big names, from David Bowie and Paul McCartney to Stormzy and Elton John, who played his final UK gig there in 2023. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 04:18 PM IST | London | AFPFormer England cricketer and captain Kevin Pietersen absolutely loves India and more so Mumbai. In fact, this time when he was in the country for the India-England series, he spent a lot of time travelling around the country not only for his matches, but also with his family. “Everybody knows how much I love India; everybody knows how much I love Mumbai and its people. This city has got such a vibe. It is a 24-hour city. It is a busy city. It is one of the best cities in the world.” In the city to launch Dram Bell scotch whiskey, Pietersen is not only the marquee investor but also the brand ambassador for the whiskey, which is the latest addition to the luxury Blended Scotch Whisky segment; it is bottled in Scotland and available in two variants - premium and reserve. While talking about his food habits, he doesn’t mince words when he talks about how he likes to eat and drink. “I don’t pair food with drinks. I am not one of those guys. I like to eat my food and drink afterwards,” adds the former cricket-turned-commentator and cricket expert, who adds that the whiskey is a smooth drink that was easy to consume. Even as he finds time to indulge in the luxuries of life, Pietersen reveals he is extremely disciplined in what he eats. “I am not very adventurous. I am more of a hermit. I just like to be in my room on my phone and iPad working. I am very strict with my diet. I have to train every day. I have to get 8-9 hours sleep every night. I am boring and very strict.” Interestingly, not many except hardcore cricket enthusiasts may know that Pietersen, who represented England, actually has roots in South Africa, as he was born then. Interestingly, even though he moved to the United Kingdom, his heart is in both places. “South Africa is home because that is where I was born and brought up but the home for my children is the UK because that is where they were born and brought up. We get enough time to spend between South Africa and England. It is not really an issue anymore. Geography is history as they say. It is easy because if I want to go to South Africa today, I’ll just go. It is very easy to get there.” Even as he is juggling his life between travelling for cricket and his family life, the former English cricketer also finds time to make a difference in every way he can to do good by protecting animals in South Africa. “I am trying to protect the rhino in South Africa through my social enterprise SORAI (Save Our Rhinos in Africa and India) and we do a lot of great work through our foundation. We put many thousands of children through school every year, supply technology, look after animals and people. I believe in building a human fence and not a fence with electricity or wire, that can collectively save animals.”
06 March,2025 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoFor over six decades, Barbie’s brand purpose has been to inspire the limitless potential in every girl, championing stories of trailblazing women across industries. This International Women’s Day, Mattel Inc.’s Barbie brand is celebrating five extraordinary Indian women who have shattered stereotypes with their resilience, passion, and achievements, paving the way for the next generations. This year’s International Women’s Day campaign features none other than Indian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, popular Indian singer Neeti Mohan, fashion designer Anamika Khanna, Mumbai chef Beena Noronha, and fire fighter Meghna Sakpal, each of whom has made a significant impact in their respective fields, having broken barriers and continues to inspire future generations to pursue their ambitions without limits. 1. Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, has redefined the landscape of Indian cricket with her leadership and record-breaking performances. As the first Indian woman to score a century in a T20 international, she has paved the way for aspiring female athletes to pursue professional sports.2. Neeti Mohan, an acclaimed singer, has made an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. Her journey from a reality show contestant to one of the country’s most recognizable voices reflects the power of perseverance and passion.3. Anamika Khanna, one of India’s most celebrated fashion designers, has played a pivotal role in modernizing Indian couture while preserving its rich heritage. Her innovative approach and commitment to craftsmanship continue to influence and inspire the fashion industry.4. Beena Noronha, head chef of Scarlett House, Lyla and Gigi, has brought a fresh perspective to India’s culinary landscape. Her success serves as an inspiration for women in hospitality, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in the industry.5. Meghna Sakpal, a third generation firefighter, stands as a symbol of courage and determination in a field where women remain underrepresented. Her dedication to her profession highlights the importance of resilience and the belief that no profession is beyond reach. By sharing their journeys, Barbie continues to help kids unlock their limitless possibilities, reinforcing the message that every child should have the confidence to dream big, whether they aspire to be an athlete, an artist, a leader, or a changemaker. Through this initiative, Barbie reinforces its “You Can Be Anything” message, encouraging young minds to embrace their ambitions, no matter how big or unconventional. A legacy of representation and empowermentBarbie has a longstanding commitment to celebrating female role models across industries, showcasing real-life stories of women who redefine what’s possible, ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the brand and believe that they can anything. In India, the brand has previously honoured icons like para-badminton champion Manasi Joshi, Dipa Karmakar, both of whom have played a role in shaping young girls' aspirations. The 2025 campaign further solidifies Barbie’s commitment to championing inclusion and instilling confidence within the next generation.
06 March,2025 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia is about to be drenched in beats, bass and a whole lot of Holi colours as some of the world’s biggest EDM stars land for a March that’s nothing short of legendary. From chart-topping anthems to mind-blowing live sets, here’s your ultimate guide to the biggest names bringing the heat this month. 1. Zedd’s Telos Tour is on its way to India: A decade in the makingIf you’ve been waiting for Zedd to return, your patience is about to pay off—big time. After nearly a decade, the Grammy-winning maestro behind ‘Clarity’, ‘The Middle’ and ‘Stay The Night’ is back! With cutting-edge visuals, a heart-thumping setlist and that signature Zedd magic, this Sunburn Arena tour is a must for any EDM fanatic, kicking off in Bengaluru at Manpho Convention Center on March 6 before lighting up Delhi-NCR’s Huda Gymkhana on March 7. You can expect synth-heavy bangers, goosebumps and a night you’ll never forget. When: March 6 and 7Where: Manpho Convention Center in Bengaluru (March 6) and Huda Gymkhana in Delhi-NCR (March 7) 2. John Summit’s coming too: House and techno’s rising superstar visits IndiaThe underground meets the main stage as John Summit makes his long-awaited India debut, bringing his electrifying house and techno sound to Hyderabad on March 8 and to Mumbai at Lollapalooza 2025 on March 9. If you’re into deep, rolling basslines and extended sonic journeys, this is your moment. Summit is set to deliver high-energy sets that will keep the dancefloor pulsing till the early hours. Attendees can expect a no-frills, no fluff—just pure, unfiltered dance music at its finest.PHOTOS: Love EDM music? Here are 5 international DJs performing in India this March 3. Martin Garrix’s Holi spectacle: Mumbai’s biggest partyIf Holi is about going all out, who better to soundtrack it than the World’s No. 1 DJ? Martin Garrix is making a grand return to India for an insane Holi celebration at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on March 14. You already know what’s coming—massive drops, mind-melting visuals and an ocean of colour-drenched ravers losing themselves to ‘Animals’ and ‘Scared to Be Lonely’. When: March 14Where: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai 4. Holi madness with Timmy Trumpet: Drop everythingWhile Martin Garrix plays in Mumbai, there is another favourite play elsewhere in the country. When it comes to festival energy, nobody does it like Timmy Trumpet. The Australian DJ-producer-trumpeter hybrid is bringing his signature high-energy performance to India for unparalled Holi-themed Sunburn Arena shows. Think Holi colours in the air, pulsating beats and an unforgettable party as he kicks off the madness with an afternoon show in Delhi on March 14, followed by a sundowner set in Pune the same day. If ‘Freaks’ gets you hyped, just wait till you experience it live—with a trumpet solo to match. When: March 14 Where: Delhi and Pune 5. Keinemusik’s &ME: A deep house odyssey in IndiaPrepare for an immersive sonic experience as Berlin’s iconic Keinemusik collective lands in India with &ME at the helm. Famed for hypnotic beats and genre-bending soundscapes, &ME is bringing his signature deep house and techno fusion to Mumbai on March 22 and Bengaluru on March 23. Expect an atmospheric, groove-driven journey filled with pulsating rhythms and anthems like ‘The Rapture Pt. II’ and ‘Fairchild’—tracks that have defined underground dancefloors worldwide. Festival attendees can expect a deep, hypnotic journey through pulsating beats, tribal grooves and ethereal soundscapes—more vibe, less hype, all rhythm. When: March 22 and 23Where: Mumbai and Bengaluru Whether you're chasing euphoric drops or vibing to hypnotic house beats, March has an EDM kind of dancefloor for everyone. The tickets are available on BookMyShow.
06 March,2025 02:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s job market continued its upward momentum in February 2025, with hiring growing 10 per cent month-over-month (MoM), according to a report on Thursday. The report, based on the latest insights from the jobs and talent platform foundit, showed that the trend is particularly evident in fresher hiring, where employers are increasingly prioritising skills, certifications, and industry-specific expertise over formal degrees. The share of job listings prioritising competencies over qualifications has risen from 4 per cent in 2023 to 14 per cent in 2025, reflecting a shift towards a more skills-driven workforce in line with evolving industry demands. "The shift towards skill-based hiring is undeniable. Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates with practical expertise and industry-relevant skills," said V Suresh, CEO, foundit. “This presents a valuable opportunity for recent graduates to focus on acquiring in-demand skills, earning certifications, and building robust portfolios that highlight their capabilities, ultimately enabling them to differentiate themselves in an ever-evolving job market," he added. The report stated that India’s fresher job market maintained steady growth in February, with hiring rising 6 per cent month-over-month (MoM), reflecting sustained employer demand for entry-level talent. Among sectors, IT hardware and software continued to lead fresher hiring, nearly doubling its share from 17 per cent in 2024 to 34 per cent in 2025. Further, the recruitment and staffing industry has also seen notable growth in fresher hiring, highlighting the rising demand for fresh talent across various domains. Meanwhile, sectors such as BFSI and BPO/ITES have experienced a decline in fresher hiring, reflecting changing industry priorities. Across job functions, IT remains the most in-demand field, though its share has slightly dipped. Sales and business development, marketing and communications, and medical roles have gained traction, with marketing and communications now accounting for 11 per cent of fresher job postings -- a significant increase from previous years. Beyond the major metropolitan areas, Tier-2 cities like Nasik, Jaipur, Surat, Coimbatore, Indore, Kochi, Thane, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Nagpur are also emerging as key locations for fresher job opportunities. Fresher salaries in February 2025 reveal a diverse landscape across industries. Animation, gaming, and medical/healthcare sectors lead in year-on-year (YoY) growth, showcasing a 15 per cent and 8 per cent increase respectively, while also offering competitive average salary ranges. In February 2025, the import and export and BPO sectors recorded the strongest MoM hiring growth at 14 per cent, followed by energy at 12 per cent, and logistics and transportation at 11 per cent. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
06 March,2025 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThirty years after world leaders adopted a historic blueprint to achieve gender equality, a new United Nations report says women's and girls' rights are under attack and gender discrimination remains deeply embedded in economies and societies. The report released Thursday by the UN agency focused on women's rights and gender equality found that nearly one-quarter of governments worldwide reported a backlash to women's rights last year. Despite some progress, including on girls' education and access to family planning, UN Women said a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member and that cases of conflict-related sexual violence have increased by 50 per cent since 2022. The report, released ahead of International Women's Day on Saturday, also noted that only 87 countries have ever been led by a woman. Globally, women's human rights are under attack, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we're seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny. He said the world must stand firm in making human rights, equality and empowerment a reality for all women and girls, for everyone, everywhere. The 189 countries that attended a 1995 Beijing women's conference adopted a landmark declaration and 150-page platform for action to achieve gender equality, calling for bold action in 12 areas, including combating poverty and gender-based violence and putting women at top levels in business, government and at peacemaking tables. It also said for the first time in a UN document that human rights include the right of women to control and decide 'on matters relating to their sexuality, including their sexual and reproductive health, free of discrimination, coercion and violence.' In the new review, which includes contributions from 159 countries, UN Women said countries have taken many steps forward on gender equality and women's rights in the past five years but that such rights still are facing growing threats worldwide. On the positive side, the report said some 88 per cent of countries have passed laws to combat violence against women and established services to help victims in the past five years. Most countries have banned workplace discrimination, and 44% are improving the quality of education and training for girls and women, it said. Yet gender discrimination is deeply embedded, with wide gaps in power and resources that restrain women's rights, the report said. The weakening of democratic institutions has gone hand in hand with backlash on gender equality, UN Women said. It warned that 'anti-rights actors are actively undermining longstanding consensus on key women's rights issues' and seeking to block or slow legal and policy gains they can't roll back. UN Women said almost 25 per cent of countries reported that backlash on gender equality is hampering implementation of the Beijing platform. According to the report, women have only 64 per cent of the legal rights of men, and while the proportion of female lawmakers has more than doubled since 1995, three-quarters of lawmakers are still men. UN Women also said women aged 15 to 24 lag behind other age groups on access to modern family planning; maternal mortality ratios have remained almost unchanged since 2015; and 10 per cent of women and girls live in extremely poor households. The UN agency said cases of conflict-related sexual violence have increased 50% since 2022 ¿ and women and girls are victims of 95 per cent of these crimes. UN Women executive director Sima Bahous said that based on the report's findings, the agency has adopted a roadmap to bring the world closer to the UN goal of achieving gender equality by 2030. It calls for a digital revolution ensuring equal access to technology for all women and girls; investments in social protections, including universal health care and quality education to lift them out of poverty; and zero violence against girls and women. The roadmap also includes equal decision-making power for women and financing for ¿gender-responsive humanitarian aid in conflicts and crises. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 March,2025 12:02 PM IST | United Nations | APThe Prestige Centre for Performing Arts in Bengaluru echoed the musical spirit of the late Ustad Zakir Hussain’s great legacy as the third edition of the Mahindra Percussion Festival paid homage to the legendary artist. The festival saw musical connoisseurs congregating to celebrate the transcendental musical traditions through the power of percussion on March 1 and 2. From world-renowned virtuosos like Trilok Gurtu to the future of percussion music, SNAX, the artists took the audience on a musical trail, an unforgettable experience at the intersection of ancient and contemporary music. The two-day celebration of the Grammy-winning artist’s legacy saw some incredible artists taking forward the fusion music movement that he pioneered. And what better way to begin the third edition with none other than Aruna Sairam’s meditative performance with the Thrillana Project. She curated a spellbinding musical ensemble with Shalini Mohan, Arun Kumar, Sangeet Haldipur, Jyotsna Srikanth, Giridhar Udupa, and B.C. Manjunath, who delivered a soulful rendition of thillanas accompanied by modern and traditional sonic instruments like violin, ghatam, tabla, and bass guitar. Ravi Chary, a sitar virtuoso with an international repertoire, infused the string instrument’s magic into the Indo-Jazz fusion album ‘Crossing’. Along with his quartet, he struck a synergistic chord on the first day of the festival with an interweaving of jazz, funk, and rock, sending ripples of pulsating energy into the audience. He was accompanied by other percussionists like Sangeet Haldipur, Satyajit Talwalkar, Gino Banks, and Sheldon D’Silva. The final act of the day very well encapsulated the spirit of this year's edition, as Trilok Gurtu, a master percussionist, took over the stage for a magnificent performance, along with accompanying percussionists. With the Trilok Gurtu Project, a one-man percussionist, Gurtu, collaborated with other artists like Chandanabala Gullapalli, Vaibhav Wavikar, Rahul Wadhwani, Rohit Khavale, Dhruv Ghanekar, Prashant Paradkar, and Umesh Warbhuvan. Trilok proved his distinctiveness by experimenting with various percussion through improvisation, redefining musical boundaries by infusing a rhythmic life into inanimate objects. The second day saw the musical duo, SNAX, comprising Ramkumar Kanakarajan and Sumesh Narayanan, take stage with their electrifying performance. The duo brought their signature styles, incorporating Tamil kuthu beats, metal, and dubstep, while performing their debut album, Thrillex. Ramkumar’s synthesis of rock, metal, and electronic drumming, accompanied by Sumesh’s energetic mridangam, was a palatable fusion for the fans of both modern and classical schools of percussion. The final act of the night and the festival was one for the history books. Bringing tropical and arid percussion traditions of Kerala and Rajasthan, BeatRoute, helmed by veteran artist Ranjit Barot and theatre director Roysten Abel, gave a fitting conclusion to the two-day extravaganza. From the powerful mizhavu and chenda to the dynamic dhol, nagara, and khartal, BeatRoute took us on a journey through India’s diverse soundscape—where desert beats meet temple echoes, and tradition meets innovation. The audio-visual storytelling of two diverse folk traditions through folk instruments added a great heartland flavour to the strong Indo-Western fusion theme this year. This year's edition saw curation of a great line-up of artists for the commemoration of the eminent artist in the ancient tradition of Indian percussion, Ustad Zakir Hussain.
05 March,2025 03:56 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentMumbai-based Paroma Chatterjee Kaul, popularly known as celebrity DJ Paroma started out in the music industry 14 years ago. At the time, there were not too many female DJs but once she had set her mind, passion took over and she never looked back. Being good at what she does, the Mumbaikar soon became one of the most sought-after disc jockeys in the country, even performing during the Indian Premier League and for SaReGaMaPa on television. However, that came with its own set of challenges as there were people who doubted her skill, friends and family who questioned her choice of career, and even social media was unforgiving. Even as she achieved fame, the city DJ says it hasn’t always been easy for her, but it was her passion for being a DJ that helped her navigate through it all and break the industry that was once known to be male dominated. Today, she has come a long way, and believes she sees an equal number of men and women take up the spot behind the console. Just like many other females, Paroma has paved the way not only for herself but for many other female DJs in Mumbai and India along the way. Today, she can be considered a trailblazer, that helps set the dance floor on fire. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, she takes us through her journey from her early days in the industry to shutting out the noise around her. She also dwells on how the DJ ecosystem has evolved to see so many women, who are able to not only showcase their craft but also demand the attention and money that comes with it. Here are edited excerpts: What inspired you to become a DJ?I have been a DJ for about 14 years now. Before being a DJ, I used to be a cabin crew for about five years, and I tried a couple of different professions that didn't suit me. Earlier my professions were just the hunger to earn money. Eventually, I thought about converting my passion into my profession. So that's how I became a DJ. How have you seen this industry evolve?There are so many of them, some that come from my era and some that have come maybe a few years after that. The ones who've come very recently are a mix of some celebrities who have decided to become DJs or celebrity/model DJs, or some makeup artists -- whoever have not been content in their own creative field with what they're doing at some point, or they have realised that they are quite inclined towards music, and they were going to take up DJing. So right now, there are many female DJs. So, would there be about 100 female DJs in Mumbai now?That is a ridiculously low number you're talking about. There are different genres of music. If you have to divide it into Bollywood as opposed to all the other genres, I think it's easily like a 70:30 ratio or an 80:20 ratio, where there's 70 or 80 in on the Bollywood side and the rest of them are female DJs that are playing techno or different kinds like a D’n’B (drum and bass), and some are playing hip hop and other genres. Bollywood has the biggest chunk. We live in a country like India that is crazy for Bollywood, right? So, it has a far bigger and wider market. If you're a Bollywood DJ and a successful one, then then you're going to be loaded with gigs. So, when a female DJ, or just any DJ gets called from Mumbai, you play Bollywood music, there is a whole different charm because people directly connect to Bollywood music as it is coming from the land of Bollywood. Even if there are DJs who play Bollywood from the other parts of the country, they would want to come and settle down or migrate to Mumbai, just so that they can get more work or be prominently known as a Bollywood DJ and that ‘I'm from Mumbai’, that's a whole different price Bollywood DJ coming From Mumbai. It is like how it is for the actors. They come from different parts to Mumbai to settle and then they have their own journeys from here. Do you think it is still a male-led industry?I would like to believe that it's not really a male dominated industry anymore. However, I think we play a part equally in the industry. In my experience, I have seen at least 10 per cent women as resident DJs in different clubs but still, 90 per cent of them are men who are resident DJs and clubs. There could be various factors for that including everyday timings -- like coming back home late and all of that. So, as DJ, that's far easier for a woman because it's not an everyday affair because that is quite tedious. Residency is not easy at all. It's hours and hours of standing and performing, and then the travel part depends on where you are travelling from because of the late-night hours, the lifestyle and everything. I have equal respect for everybody out here, because it's a hard job to do. When it comes to the guest DJs who are freelancing, I think there is equal number of women and men at the moment. Is sexism prevalent and does that affect the opportunities you get?If you're a DJ, whether a male or a female, it doesn't matter. Talent is still the same; it’s your knowledge and craft of performing. However, female DJ, or a female in any other profession, as you know, I must say, always, will add a glam quotient, it she just comes along with a lot of, like, maybe, you know, a lot more fancier clothes than the makeup, the whole attire changes, as opposed to a man who still looks much simpler than a woman. If that is what we're talking about, glam quotient always comes with a woman. So, for a male, unfortunately, his music must be so strong because he doesn't have anything else to add on to, apart from the music. Whereas the women, they can add the outfits that they wear, or the glam quotient that they bring along, or women are more of the dancing types to pull on behind so it adds a lot to the music. I think that is why a lot of people still like to call female DJs. As weird as it may sound, but whenever there's a female DJ on the creative then it obviously attracts a lot more attention for the crowd who's also going to be coming. So, they are like, ‘Oh, wow, there's a woman playing. Okay, they've got something different’. I don't think it's very different now, because they have become so much in numbers. It is not a rare sight for one to see a female behind the console any longer. Being a DJ means you have to often juggle professional and family life due to late hours. Has that been difficult and how have you managed to navigate it?It is a really challenging bit of life. I must say, I don't think it's only about a female DJ. I think there are many other females in different professions that work at night, whether it's the call centre or it's in any sort of entertainment industry, which has all odd hours, or even a cabin crew, for that matter, who's flying at all odd hours. They are out of homes, and there's lots going behind at home in the family, and they're not able to give that kind of time. I would say women here specifically, because in most of the houses, it's still a woman who's running the show. I don't have a child until now, at least, and I can still be ‘Okay, that's like one responsibility less but there are some who are really running home, being DJs, or any other profession, and taking care of the child. I really don't know how they do it, but trust me, I salute them, really. I mean as not just female leaders, as well as DJs, you're missing out on a lot of family time, especially during festivals. Do you face any challenges and has that ever demotivated you or made you think of a career change?I am thankful to my stars that I haven’t really questioned my profession ever, except for at the very start, when I had just come into the industry, and maybe because I took it all by the storm. I was offered crazy number of gigs. And then I got IPL and SaReGaMaPa. If I have nine to 10 shows right now, I was probably doing 20 shows a month at that time, and I was giving interviews, and I was going for gigs, and it was absolute madness. So, at that point, a lot of people around in the industry were not able to maybe take it well, there were a lot of rants on social media about ‘where has she come from, and who is she, and how come she's getting so many shows, and how is she getting paid that?’ There were some positive opinions as well, but there were quite a bit of negative ones, and I was very new to all that. Social media was not like a big thing in 2010 or 2011, I had never come across all this. So, you know, it disturbs your mental space for some time, until you figure out that internal strength, and I must tell you that, unless you're not very passionate about what you do, you can’t do it. That was the strength that I got, you know, that's where I got the strength to fight this out mentally. I went on sulking and was almost depressed. I thought, how do I fight this? Why are people talking like this? What have I done? So, I was questioning myself, and eventually there came a point where I was like, ‘to hell with everything’. If I love what I'm doing and if it brings me joy and happiness, very purely in the right manner, and ethically and morally, everything being correct, then I don't care what the world has to say, and I will ensure that my work speaks so good about itself that all of this will shut and that's exactly what happened. It took some time. It took a few months, but it happened. It happened, and that this was like a very prominent challenge that I have faced in my initial years of DJing, when there were not many female DJs. So, I had the pressure from everywhere, the society, the community, you know, other friends were like, who becomes a DJ? You know you're a woman; you can't be a DJ. What do you think you're getting into? You know, you're going to be stared at by so many people. You're going to be having late hours. Will it even pay you enough? So, broke the male-dominated barrier. The first few years were very critical, but then there was no looking back.
05 March,2025 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoCelebrated sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash have announced the forthcoming release of their Holi-themed album, ‘Colors And Celebrations’ on March 10. This sophisticated musical offering represents a remarkable confluence of classical and folk traditions, featuring an extraordinary collaboration with Padma Shri recipient and renowned folk virtuoso Malini Awasthi, affectionately known as the folk queen of India. ‘Colors And Celebrations’ presents five expansive, intricately composed pieces that capture the multifaceted spirit of Holi: ‘Holi Hues (Hori Re Rasiya)’, an exuberant celebration of spring's arrival; ‘Divine Celebration (Hori Khele Raghuveera)’, a devotional piece honoring Lord Krishna's legendary Holi festivities; ‘Spirited Splashes (Rang Darungi)’, a playful, rhythmically complex composition; ‘Crimson Flush (Sakhi Solah Hazaar)’, a contemplative exploration of color symbolism; and ‘Colours of Love (Rasiya Ko Naar)’, a romantic interpretation of Holi's emotional resonance. Amaan Ali Bangash states, "This album represents our artistic interpretation of Holi's profound cultural significance, beyond the surface revelry to explore its deeper spiritual dimensions. Each composition deliberately weaves multiple thematic elements—from the triumph of good over evil to the celebration of divine love between Radha and Krishna, to the universal joy of renewal that comes with spring's arrival." Ayaan Ali Bangash elaborates, "Our approach was to create a complete sensory experience through sound. The interplay between sarod and voice mirrors the interaction between colour and canvas during Holi celebrations. We've employed specific ragas that evoke particular emotional colours—from the serene tranquillity of morning ragas to the passionate intensity of evening melodies. Working with Malini ji has been transformative, as her profound understanding of folk traditions brings authenticity and emotional depth that complements our classical framework.” Malini Awasthi, whose illustrious career spans over three decades preserving and elevating the folk traditions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reflects on the collaboration, "Working with Amaan and Ayaan has been a profound artistic dialogue that transcends conventional genre boundaries. What emerges is neither purely classical nor folk, but rather a new musical language that honours both traditions of Awadh Brij and Banaras while creating something entirely distinctive. The compositions we've created together speak to the universal emotions that Holi represents—joy, devotion, playfulness, and the eternal cycle of renewal." Dr. Lakshmi Subramanian, eminent musicologist and cultural historian, notes in the album's detailed liner notes: "What the Bangash brothers and Malini Awasthi have achieved with 'Colors And Celebrations' is nothing short of extraordinary—a sophisticated reimagining of traditional Holi repertoire that maintains scholarly rigor while achieving remarkable emotional accessibility. The innovative use of rhythmic patterns, meticulously researched lyrics, and the seamless integration of sarod and vocal techniques represents a significant contribution to the evolving language of Indian classical music in the 21st century." Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who represent the seventh generation of the revered Senia Bangash lineage established by their legendary father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, have consistently pushed the boundaries of the sarod tradition while maintaining its essential integrity. This release follows their critically acclaimed collaborative projects including ‘Sand And Foam: Music Inspired by Kahlil Gibran’ (2023), their pioneering work with Grammy-nominated vocalist Krishna Das on ‘Peace Mantra: Loka Samastha’ (2022), which bridged Hindu and Sufi devotional traditions; and their groundbreaking experimental album ‘Amalgam’ (2023) with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The sarod luminaries’ recent musical ventures demonstrate remarkable versatility, from the contemplative ‘Morning Ragas’ (recorded at dawn in the historic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur) to the boundary-pushing ‘Prophets Of Prose’, a bold fusion project with Chilean jazz vocalist Claudia Acuña and American rapper Caliph. Their October 2024 trilogy of singles—'Ram Dhun’,’Payoji Maine’ and the ambitious ‘Diwali Project’—showcased their continued commitment to making classical Indian music accessible to contemporary global audiences while preserving its spiritual essence. ‘Colors And Celebrations’ was recorded using a pioneering spatial audio technique at the legendary Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, employing rare vintage microphones and custom-built acoustic environments to capture the nuanced tonal qualities of the sarod alongside Malini Awasthi's powerful vocal performances. The production process incorporated both traditional analog recording methods and cutting-edge digital technologies, resulting in an immersive listening experience that places the audience at the center of the musical narrative. The album release anticipates the Bangash brothers' highly anticipated summer 2025 international tour, which includes a residency at London's prestigious Wigmore Hall. The July 12th performances will feature a morning collaboration with acclaimed British violinist Jennifer Pike exploring the intersection of Western classical and North Indian musical traditions, followed by an evening concert featuring their father, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, in a rare family performance showcasing three generations of sarod mastery. The tour continues with appearances at the Salzburg Festival, Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival, and the Esplanade in Singapore. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms and for digital download beginning March 11.
05 March,2025 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
