When Mumbaikar Verus Ferreira started covering music as a journalist in the early 90s in the city, little did the Bandra resident know he would fall head over heels for music photography. At a time when owning a camera was a luxury, Ferreira armed himself with a keen eye and a point-and-shoot camera only so that he could capture musicians and singers at music concerts in Mumbai. It stemmed from his love for music since he was a young child. Even though the 50-something veteran journalist had the opportunity to click only 24 photographs at the time, he did it will full zest. It is one that resembles the enthusiasm of young child discovering something new for the very first time. For Ferreira, clicking these photographs was like falling in love with music like it was his first introduction to the art form every time he attended a music concert. This very passion can be seen even today, every time you spot him at music concerts. Quickly whipping out his camera, he dodges attendees – young and old – to get the perfect shot before it goes away. Today, the Bandra resident clicks photographs with his digital camera but has come a long way since his analogue days – but the photographs always tell a story, one that is hard to capture from your phone cameras – that many youngsters boast of. Over the last 32 years, he has captured many artistes but without a doubt, he has a favourite. It is not only the artistes but also honing his skill that let the Mumbaikar find his groove at a time when the music concert scene in India is blowing up with the likes of Coldplay and Diljith Dosanjh to name a few. The exhibition titled 'Lights, Camera, Action! An Exhibition of Concert Photography' took place from November 17 - November 22 and was inaugurated by India jazz legend Louiz Banks.Sifting through more than 2,000 photographs put together over the years, the Mumbaikar displayed his photographs in an exhibition at The Bombay Art Society in Bandra. The exhibition, which he believes is the first of his kind, was from November 17 - 23, and today is the last day and took you through the history of music concerts in India over the last decade. It was inaugurated by Louiz Banks, who is fondly regarded as the ‘Godfather of Indian jazz’. Here are edited excerpts from the interview: What inspired you to get into music concert photography? Was it a by-product of your job as a music journalist?I was always interested in music from a very young age. While I was in my final year of college in the early 90s, I began writing for a youth magazine called ‘The Teenager’, where I had a music column called ‘Pop Talk’. I used to attend events and meet music artists for my page. Slowly, one magazine led to another, and soon, I was writing for a few publications. Whenever I used to attend an event, I used to carry my camera and take pictures with the artists I'd interviewed. After the interview, I would usually attend their concert and shoot a few pictures. This way, photography began to be a part of music journalism, and even today, I carry a camera with me to all music events. When did you click your first concert photograph and what was it about? Ever since then, how have you seen yourself evolve as a music concert photographer?An Indian record label Crescendo Music was tying up with the Bertelsmann Group of Germany to form BMG-Crescendo. To commemorate the merger, pop-rock band Air Supply were invited to India. I am a very big fan of Air Supply and was always waiting to see them in India. I was invited to the launch, which was held at the Tulip Star Hotel in Juhu. It was a by-invitation gathering and Air Supply performed live. I carried a small Hot Shot Nikon Point and Shoot spool camera with me, and with that, I shot my first concert photos of my favourite band ever. I had to wait until the roll of 24 exposures were completed and only then give it for processing and see the photos I had shot. I still have those photos and cherish them. That time we had postcard size prints. I have displayed a few of those postcard pictures at the exhibition. Even since then, I have always wanted to shoot music artists. Some other artists whom I have shot and have a few postcard size prints are Diana King, Savage Garden, Boney M when they visited Pune. I now attend most live events and shoot music artists photos whenever possible. This love for music, interviewing music artists has only fuelled me to take to photography. How many photographs have you clicked over the last 32 years, one from every concert? How many did you have to sort through to arrive at this collection for the exhibition? How many photographs are exhibited?I have shot over a couple of thousand assorted images of various music artists, including press conferences to live concerts. For this exhibition, I kept the artists in mind first, the quality of the photo, and tried to bring out the personality of the artists in the photo. All the pictures in this exhibition, which is the first ever music concert photography exhibition in India, are digital pictures from 2013 to 2024. I didn’t use any of my analogue pictures. The exhibition has 64 photos. Which is your favourite photograph from the exhibition and why? Which is the most memorable concert you have attended as a music concert photographer and why? Which would be your dream concert to photograph?All photos that are displayed here are my favourites, but one of those that was the most difficult to shoot was Coldplay’s Chris Martin and AR Rehman performance at the Global Citizen India Festival on November 9 in 2017. I was pretty far from the stage, but I managed to get a few good shots of both these legendary singers. The Global Citizen India Festival is my most memorable concert where I saw my favourite band, Coldplay, performing. I also featured Coldplay in my second book ‘The Great Rock Music Quiz Book’, which I released in December 2017. Wiz Khalifa performing at Sunburn Arena, Jio Garden, BKC, Mumbai on September 15, 2019.As for my favourite picture from the exhibition, it has to be Wiz Khalifa performing at Sunburn Arena, Jio Garden, Mumbai, on September 15, 2019. This shot was taken as Wiz Khalifa was signing off his powerful performance. Wiz Khalifa has tattoos all over his body. At the concert, he removed his shirt, displaying his tattooed body. While each tattoo on his body has a meaning behind it, the one most noticed in this picture is that of an angel praying on his left side of his abdomen. As for my dream concert photo shoot, I would really like to shoot photos of Air Supply. After the merger launch of BMG Crescendo in 1995, when I met them, the duo visited Mumbai for the Channel [V] awards in 1996 and then in 1997 for their album release of 'The Book of Love' where I met them again. After that, they have never visited Mumbai, although there are many music concert promoters in India who want to get them here. Ever since you started out, how have you seen music concert photography grow in India? Do you believe it gets the importance it deserves? If not, why?Unlike wildlife, food, travel, portrait, wedding, and other styles of photography, music photography has never been given its due credence in India. There are just a few music photographers in India who really do music photography but cannot showcase it to the world later as once they are published in a newspaper or magazine, it is done with. This was always the case. Even music magazines that were there a few years ago, when featuring certain music artists, sometimes carried music artists pictures which the record label sent them, this despite a few bands performing in India, record labels still sent their own music pictures to magazines. Leaves you wondering why the magazines or newspapers didn’t use the pictures when the artists performed in India. In fact earlier this year, Smart Photography carried an 8 page Showcase of my Concert photos in their March 2024 issue. This was the first time ever they carried a special on Music Photography. Later the Sunday Free Press Journal also carried my concert photos in a special feature story on March 17 this year. Jascha Richter of Michael Learns To Rock, performing at Phoenix Marketcity, Mumbai on December 4, 2022. Ferreira says unlike others, this one shows Richter interacting with the audience, an important part of every performance, and that is what makes this photograph unique for him.Nowadays, most photographers are freelance photographers who want to shoot music photos and at times are happy to do it for free as they get a photographer’s pass and free access to the concert or festival and do it as a hobby or for their Instagram page. The reason being firstly there are no music magazines left that cater to music specifically, and even newspapers don’t devote much space to music stories. A really sad state of affairs, considering the influx of music artists from the West visiting India nowadays. Add to that the number of music festivals happening all over the country has increased manifold. Unlike in the West, where concert photography is huge, with big bucks paid to the photographer, here it sadly is more on the photographer’s Instagram handles. No doubt Instagram has contributed to photographers uploading their pictures, but it remains just there as online work. Photographers would do well to use these pictures on their personal website to showcase their work and in turn get more offers for music photography. You could also offer photos to online portals that display them on their website for sale. Also music bands now get photographers to shoot their portfolios, album covers and sometimes even concert gigs. Have you ever faced a challenge with music concert photography in India?While it is fun to see your music idols performing right in front of the stage, shooting images can pose a real challenge. When it comes to international artists performing in India and even overseas, the thumb rule is usually shooting the first three songs or first 10 or 15 minutes with no flash. In that span of time, you have to get all your shots done, as once you are out of the photographer’s pit, you can no longer shoot any images. You are then part of the audience enclosure, which is jam packed. Another issue is that most concerts are in low light to sudden bursts of powerful stage lights that sometimes shoot straight into your eyes. Besides that, you also have smoke screens that pop up all the time making it difficult to get a good shot at moving singers and guitarists which could make your picture turn blurred. Other challenges include pyrotechnics, which come in the form of fire flames and confetti cannons with multi-coloured confetti popping up. All that goes well with the audience but could be dangerous for a photographer who is at the edge of the stage. In India, most concerts are now commissioned to photographer agencies who have multiple photographers at the venue. You will find maybe two photographers below the stage, one in the centre of the ground and two at the end of the concert ground, to capture the concert from all angles. With the result, the media is not given its due importance in obtaining a photographer’s pass to shoot these big-ticket concerts. One has to rigorously follow up with the PR agencies who invite media for these events. Accredited media houses rarely bother to follow-up to send photographers to these events, mostly relying on the PR agencies sending them photos. Going back to around five to seven years, it was much easier to obtain a photographer’s pass for a concert, but now it’s difficult. As for the indoor concerts and smaller acts, things are much better. Sometimes even the venue where a band performs has No Photography restrictions in place.Ustad Zakir Hussain performing at the Ajivasan Music Academy, Juhu, Mumbai on February 26, 2019.At a time when many people use their phones for photography, what do you believe makes the craft unique? What camera do you use?To those who use smart phones, it all sounds good, as now everyone with a Smartphone is a photographer. Go to any concert these days, and you will find everyone with their phones recording the show, going live on social media platforms. A photographer shooting at a concert is lucky to be in front of the stage. To those at the back with a smart phone, the pictures would be either pixilated or too tiny. However a high-end phone camera can at times give you good photos, it all depends on how close you are to the stage. Besides if you are at the GA section you would get a set of hands and phones in your pictures, as everyone is shooting photos of the show. I presently use a Canon 1500D. Do you have a favourite spot to get the perfect photographs or any other rituals?At any big-ticket live concert you attend, shooting images is going to be difficult as the artists keep moving on the stage. You have to pan your camera and follow every movement to get that perfect shot. So, if you are shooting in front of the stage, you have to keep moving around, and also take care of other photographers in the photographer’s pit. If you are lucky and get an All-Access pass, you can go backstage and shoot pictures of the artists from the wings to get some excellent pictures, of the band, the crowd and of course the pyrotechnics from all angles.
25 November,2024 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoPhoenix Palladium introduces a remarkable addition to its collection of iconic art – Salvador Dalí’s celebrated bronze sculpture, Cosmic Rhinoceros. Launched by Gayatri Ruia and art connoisseur Shalini Passi, this striking piece encapsulates the mall’s longstanding commitment to delight and further elevate the Palladium experience for its shoppers.Dalí, one of the 20th century's most iconic surrealist artists, continues to inspire with his dreamlike works that challenge the boundaries of reality. This exclusive bronze installation at Phoenix Palladium aims to offer visitors a unique opportunity to step into Dalí’s fantastical world, enhancing the artistic and cultural ambiance of the destination.Salvador Dalí's "Cosmic Rhinoceros": Art Meets ScienceSalvador Dalí's "Cosmic Rhinoceros" exemplifies the surrealist master's unique fusion of fantasy and science. This striking installation features dreamlike imagery and meticulous detail. The rhinoceros, often explored by Dalí, symbolises his fascination with natural geometric patterns, particularly the logarithmic spirals of the rhinoceros’ horn. The piece reflects Dalí's deep interest in the interplay between art, mathematics, and the cosmos, captivating audiences with its bold, imaginative vision. "Cosmic Rhinoceros" merges earthly strength with cosmic symbolism, embodying Dalí's philosophy and transforming the sculpture into an exploration of strength, virility, and the surreal. “Art has always been a passion of mine and an integral part of Phoenix Palladium’s vision,” shared Gayatri Ruia, Director at Phoenix Palladium. “We are honoured to bring Salvador Dalí’s Cosmic Rhinoceros to our patrons, a symbol of our dedication to not only luxury retail but also to fostering an environment where art and culture thrive. Our journey over these fifteen years has been one of constant evolution, and Dalí’s work now crowns our commitment to offering Mumbai’s most enriched lifestyle experience.”The exhibit was an indulgence for the senses, a celebration of artistry and culture. The event was graced by Atul Ruia, chairman at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, and Gayatri Ruia, alongside distinguished guests from the art world. Among them was renowned art collector and philanthropist Shalini Passi, founder of MASH & SPAF, who served as the esteemed chief guest for the occasion. Mumbai's elite and discerning art aficionados were mesmerized by a captivating Flamenco performance, a visual and auditory feast, while their palates were delighted by an exquisite menu crafted by the St. Regis Café. Each canapé, imbued with the surrealism and avant-garde spirit of Dalí, was a miniature work of art, reimagining textures and flavours with a dreamlike quality reminiscent of his iconic melting clocks and enigmatic landscapes. This specially curated Dalí-inspired menu by Chef Domenico Iannone will be available for a week, starting from November 23rd at the St. Regis Mumbai.Shalini Passi, celebrated for her dedication to fostering contemporary art in India and championing women's voices in creative fields, shared her admiration for the initiative, saying, “Art has the power to transcend boundaries and elevate spaces beyond the ordinary. Here to support my friend Gayatri Ruia, I am inspired by Phoenix Palladium’s commitment to bringing exceptional art into public spaces. It reflects a forward-thinking vision, creating immersive experiences for the community while highlighting the vital role of women in shaping cultural narratives.”Over the years, the mall has showcased remarkable installations, transforming the mall into a vibrant cultural destination where luxury shopping seamlessly blends with artistic expression. From exquisite metal art by Valay Shende to works by artists acquired by Phoenix malls over the years including Thukral & Tagra, Ravinder Reddy, and William Kentridge, along with breath taking seasonal décor, the mall has continually redefined its space as one where retail and artistic expression converge.
25 November,2024 02:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTrans women in India face significant stigma, and have high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, according to a study on Monday. Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health India with global collaborators, have highlighted the stigma and mental health challenges faced by trans women in India. The study examines their experiences of rejection, discrimination, and social exclusion, calling for urgent action to address these issues. The study, published in the journal Wellcome Open Research, sheds light on how stigma begins early in life -- within families where trans women are often rejected, leading to a loss of self-esteem. In schools, bullying and harassment force many to drop out, leaving them without education or stable employment. Many trans women are left with limited options, often turning to begging or sex work to survive. Healthcare discrimination also emerges as a major issue. Stories of mistreatment by hospital staff and lack of understanding from healthcare providers discourage many trans women from seeking medical help. As a result, their physical and mental health needs often go unmet. These experiences take a significant toll on mental well-being, contributing to high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among trans women. “One of the most pressing revelations from the study is the lack of mental health research focusing on trans women, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. While global studies often focus on HIV-related issues, the mental health needs of transgender communities remain largely unaddressed. This research highlights the urgent need for interventions to address stigma and its impact on their lives,” said Dr. Sandhya Kanaka Yatirajula, Program Lead- Mental Health, The George Institute for Global Health India. For such people, social support is a beacon of hope. Acceptance, education, and opportunities for employment are powerful tools that can foster resilience and promote mental well-being. However, in India, where an estimated 4.8 million transgender people live, such opportunities remain scarce. The study pressed the need for gender-affirming policies that promote inclusion and equity. Researchers stress the importance of creating safe spaces where trans women feel valued and respected. Also Read: Creating an inclusive workplace: HR strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ employees 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
25 November,2024 12:51 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAustralian researchers have discovered the oldest direct evidence of hot water activity on Mars, revealing that the planet may have once been habitable. In a study published on Saturday, a team led by researchers from Curtin University in Western Australia analyzed a 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain from the famous Martian meteorite NWA7034, also known as Black Beauty, that was found in the Sahara Desert in 2011. The researchers found that the grain of zircon, a type of mineral, contained geochemical fingerprints of water-rich fluids, suggesting that water was present during early Martian magmatic activity. Aaron Cavosie, a co-author of the study from Curtin's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, said that the discovery would open up new avenues for understanding ancient Martian hydrothermal systems, as well as the planet's past capacity to support life. "We used nano-scale geochemistry to detect elemental evidence of hot water on Mars 4.45 billion years ago," he said, Xinhua news agency reported. "Hydrothermal systems were essential for the development of life on Earth and our findings suggest Mars also had water, a key ingredient for habitable environments, during the earliest history of crust formation." He said that even though Mars' crust endured major meteorite impacts that caused surface upheaval, the research shows that water was present on the planet during the early Pre-Noachian period prior to about 4.1 billion years ago. The study also involved researchers from the University of Adelaide and was led by Jack Gillespie, a former research associate at Curtin's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences now at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. Also Read: India set to explore Venus; Cabinet approves mission 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
23 November,2024 02:08 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSZomato Feeding India Concert is all set to electrify Mumbai on November 30 at MMRDA Grounds in BKC. Many Mumbaikars and Indians music fans are excited to witness global pop sensation Dua Lipa, who will headline the concert, delivering a high-energy performance of her viral hits like 'Houdini', 'Levitating', and 'Don’t Start Now'. A week before the concert, the full line-up has been announced. Joining the star-studded lineup is Canadian rapper and producer, NAV, making his highly anticipated India debut. The lineup also features a stellar cast of talent, including JONITA, Talwiinder, Lothika, Ishani X Bobkat (IB Inc.) and OG SHEZ. The concert brings together artists, changemakers, philanthropists, celebrities, and citizens to unite to raise awareness about hunger and malnutrition in India and building a hunger and malnutrition-free nation. Limited additional tickets available on the Live tab of the Zomato app.
23 November,2024 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbaikars and theatre-lovers can step into the world of fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone, an unusual teenager with an extraordinary mind. When he discovers Mrs. Pinto’s dog speared with a garden fork at seven minutes past midnight, he takes it upon himself to uncover the mystery, recording every detail in his notebook. Christopher’s journey to find answers becomes a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and the complexity of human connection. Award-winning director Atul Kumar brings this adaptation of Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel to life, beautifully reimagined for a Mumbai setting. The production uses projections, dynamic physical movement, and an evocative soundtrack to immerse the audience in Christopher’s heightened sensory experience, making his story both touching and thought-provoking. The stellar cast includes celebrated actor Jaimini Pathak (Scam 1992, TVF Pitchers), Dheer Hira (Jigra, Sardar Uddham Singh), Dilnaz Irani (Sukhee, Sense 8), Shivani Tanksale (Talaash, 24), Salone Mehta (The Archies, Dear Zindagi), Harssh Singh (Special Ops, Rocket Boys), Vidushi Chadha (Deep Water), and Abhay Kaul (The Open Couple), each bringing rich layers to this unique story. Date: November 23 at 7:30 pm and November 24 at 4 pm and 7:30 pmVenue: St. Andrew's Auditorium, Bandra West
23 November,2024 01:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIf you like scrolling through social media, chances are you might have seen a video of a dancer moving to the beats of ‘Mundian tu bachke rahi’ on the battle floor, with the crowd completely mesmerised. This dancer is MT Pop, the winner of the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals 2024, which was held in Mumbai earlier this month. The viral video, with 21.1 million views on Instagram, is just a glimpse of many impromptu yet exemplary performances delivered by dancers from across the world at this street dance competition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Bull Dance (@redbulldance) MT Pop, who hails from Vietnam, competed against France’s hip-hop dancer Rubix in the final round. Expressing his emotions on clinching the trophy, the world champion told mid-day.com, “I feel really happy to be here, to share my dance with everyone. It’s not easy and it’s a dream for a lot of dancers to be on this stage.” His love and passion for dance shine through in his conversation and movement alike. “Dance means a lot to me. Many people say ‘It’s just dance’, but for me, it’s my life, my friend,” he excitedly remarked. “Every time I feel low or stressed, dance is there for me. When I listen to music and move, I can take all the bad energy out and feel myself healing,” he added. One characteristic that stands out in MT Pop is his connection with his roots and the happiness of representing his country on a global stage. “We have a lot of dancers in Vietnam and we are hungry for knowledge and learning. I am here for all of them because I want to show that if I can do it, they can do it too!” Talking about his experience in the city, he says, “Mumbai is amazing. I like the culture here. When I hear Indian music, it automatically makes me move. It is exciting and challenging at the same time. I just enjoy it.” One message he wants to share with all aspiring dancers is, “Dream it, wish it, do it!” Representing India Indian dancers are claiming their place on the global stage, a fact that shines through as they proudly represent the country in international competitions. Two artistes from India showcased their skills at the Dance Your Style World Finals – T and Saumya Kamble. T, who is from Darjeeling, won the National Finals and went on to represent the country in the World Finals. The dancer, whose stage name is inspired by a cartoon character, won everyone’s hearts with his talent and respect for his opponent on the stage. Sharing the story behind his name, he said, “I used to watch Tom & Jerry. Jerry always used to tease Tom but he didn’t give up. I found inspiration in that and kept my name Tom, which then became T.” What is it that he doesn’t want to give up on? Dance, one would assume, given how deeply connected he is with the art form. “I left home at the age of 15. It has only been me and my dance since then. Some things can’t be expressed. You just need to feel it. That’s what dance is to me,” he shared. Sharing his plans, T stated, “I’ll just keep going. There’s no trick to success. I am going to experience the journey, see what it is that I can do. I’ll just represent myself and my dance.” Also Read: How Garba crosses boundaries and unites the world The other Indian artiste, who was a wildcard entry into the World Finals, became a known name in the country when she won India’s Best Dancer Season 2. Saumya Kamble, at the age of 19, gave a tough competition to the street dance veterans. Expressing her gratitude for this opportunity, she stated, “Dance is everything for me. It’s my heartbeat. I had so much fun here. The crowd, the stage, the people I was battling with – everything was amazing.” If there’s one word she would use to describe her style, it’s “flow”, something she also strongly believes in. “I want to go with the flow. God will give me the best. But I’ll start battling more,” she concludes.
22 November,2024 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainAfter a long wait, the date of Diljit Dosanjh’s Mumbai concert was finally announced on Wednesday. The show, which is a part of his Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024, will take place in the city on December 19. Dosanjh started the tour in India with a packed stadium in Delhi, followed by performances in Jaipur, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. His Mumbai concert will be the penultimate show of the tour, before he performs the grand finale in Guwahati on December 29. How to book tickets for Diljit Dosanjh Mumbai concert? The venue for Dosanjh’s Mumbai concert is yet to be announced. However, the tickets for the show go live on Friday, November 22 on Zomato. The general sale of tickets will start at 5:00 PM. However, HSBC cardholders have a special advantage! There’s a pre-sale from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM exclusively for those who have HSBC cards. Diljit Dosanjh Mumbai concert ticket prices According to the website, there are four categories of tickets. Silver – Rs. 4999 Gold – Rs. 11,999 HSBC Star Struck Fan Pit – Rs. 21,999 Lounge – Rs. 60,000 If all his other shows are anything to go by, the Mumbai concert tickets are also expected to be sold out within minutes. Also Read: 'Yeh pagdi hamari shaan hai': Diljit Dosanjh expresses love for country at Dil-Luminati Jaipur concert About Dil-Luminati Tour As a part of his Dil-Luminati Tour, Dosanjh has performed overseas in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and has now returned to India for a 10-city tour across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, and more, before concluding with a grand finale in Guwahati on December 29. Mumbai was not included in the initial list of cities for the tour, and was later added due to the high demand.
22 November,2024 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWorld Television Day is observed annually on November 21 to highlight the ever-expanding influence of television across the globe. From entertaining and informing to inspiring and shaping public opinion, the content is evolving. While we have gained access to many critically acclaimed shows and movies across genres and languages, audiences continue to turn to television to seek comfort, and escapist entertainment through guilty pleasure television, where we indulge in the addictive and melodramatic. From the sensationalism of reality TV to the over-the-top dramatic antics of cringe dramas, there is an endless stream of shows that have audiences hooked. On World Television Day, fans of the medium disclose their guilty pleasures and offer us a peep into their comfort shows. It may not be perfect, but it takes a bold shot at normalising topics that are often considered ‘taboo’ “My all-time guilty pleasure? It has to be ‘Four More Shots Please!’ The show offers a glimpse into the lives and daily struggles of four women who break norms, navigate life’s transitions, and embrace all the messy, unpredictable parts of life,” says popular entertainment, lifestyle, and dance creator Zaid Darbar. ‘Four More Shots Please!’ follows four fiercely independent women, living in Mumbai, who bond over their shared experiences, aspirations, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Married to actress Gauahar Khan, Darbar also lives in Mumbai and finds inspiration in the lives of the four lead characters. He reveals, “I love how the show tackles feminist themes in a way that feels fresh and genuine. It dives into real issues and authentic emotions. Watching Damini, Umang, Anjana, and Siddhi support each other through thick and thin—whether it's love, career challenges, or motherhood—is both inspiring and real. There’s something special about seeing such strong, supportive friendships at the centre of the story.” While ‘Four More Shots Please’ has been praised for its bold portrayal of modern Indian women, it has also faced criticism for its focus on the lives of affluent, urban women, often perceived as being disconnected from the realities of most Indians. What makes it his guilty pleasure? “Four More Shots Please’ is a show to watch with an open heart. While some storylines come from a privileged perspective, it's the genuine emotions that matter, it’s part of what makes it relatable and engaging. The show bravely addresses many topics like career setbacks, body image struggles, and feelings of self-doubt—even if it sometimes focusses on what we deem to be first-world problems. It may not be perfect, but it takes a bold shot at normalising topics that are often considered ‘taboo’—from sexuality to independence—in a way that makes you reflect, laugh, and maybe even text your friends to say, we need a night out—just us,” shares the 29-year-old. These performances could seem cringe-worthy to some viewers, but each audition brought something fresh and interesting, making it hard to look away “Watching old ‘Roadies’ auditions is my guilty pleasure, where each participant is a unique character,” admits Gunjan Saini. The New Delhi native is an actor, writer, lyricist, and jingle writer who continues to be entertained by the challenges posed by judges Raghu and Rajiv to the contestants. Roadies, a long-running reality show, tests contestants' physical and mental endurance through rigorous challenges. The show is known for its high entertainment value through dramatic twists and intense competition. Saini shares, “These auditions are pure entertainment. Their unique way of testing the patience and resilience of participants is fascinating, often pushing them to their limits in unforgettable ways. Each audition showcased participants as distinct characters, with their attempts to prove they had what it took to be a ‘Roadie’ ranging from bold to downright hilarious. Some contestants would reenact iconic Bollywood scenes with over-the-top drama, while others would perform athletic feats, trying to showcase a mix of physical strength and personality. These performances could seem cringe-worthy to some viewers, but each audition brought something fresh and interesting, making it hard to look away.” The has often faced criticism for being scripted, and showcasing a one-dimensional portrayal of the contestants and their experiences. “One audition that stands out was a girl claiming to be a UPSC aspirant, a serious credential, yet when Raghu and Rajiv asked her the name of India’s Prime Minister, she froze, completely lost. Moments like these make you wonder if some of it might be scripted, but the unpredictability keeps it engaging. Every participant brought a story, a quirky ambition, or a wild confidence, making each episode a unique experience—unfiltered, intense, and sometimes unintentionally funny. Watching these old auditions remains an oddly fascinating, if guilty, pleasure,” she recalls. Saini can hardly contain her laughter while she recalls a line on the show, that has permeated her life, “One of the most memorable parts for me was when Raghu Ram would suddenly shout, ‘Tu Roadie banega?’ with his intense expression and deadpan delivery. It’s become a running joke among my friends and me; whenever one of us tries to back out of plans, someone inevitably drops that line, and we all burst into laughter. The humour lies not just in the phrase itself but in the way, Raghu would keep a perfectly straight face while saying it, which made the challenge sound both intimidating and ridiculous That simple line has become a catchphrase among me and my friends.” The high street fashion is to die for! What’s your number one comfort watch? “Gossip Girl. I can watch it on repeat, any number of times. I think I must be on my 8th or 9th rerun of the show right now,” says beauty creator Ruchika Methwani. Set in Manhattan, the cult American teen drama series follows the lives of elite teenagers, and features an anonymous blogger who exposes their secrets. “I love it because it's the absolute perfect mix of scandal, gossip, and fashion. The drama in the show manages to excite me and get me hooked every single time. Even though the show is based on the lives of teenagers, the drama in a week of their lives is more than I, as a 27-year-old have collectively had all my life,” reveals Methwani. The show is particularly known for its glamour and high fashion which continue to draw in viewers from across the globe. “The high street fashion is to die for! The show's stunning fashion and glamorous aesthetic have inspired my style. However, I believe the mark of a good show is a gripping love story, and what keeps me truly hooked is the romantic tension between the lead couples. The tumultuous yet passionate relationship between Blair and Chuck is very comforting to me. Their transformation from enemies to lovers is a classic trope, executed flawlessly. Blair's strong, independent character and iconic lines like ‘I'm not a stop along the way, I'm a destination!’ have inspired me,” she shares. Over the years, Gossip Girl has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning a reboot and multiple international remakes. However, the show's unrealistic portrayal and glamorisation of wealth have been termed excessive, as it perpetuated harmful stereotypes about wealth, beauty, and social status. Methwani states, “It's a show that's heavy enough to not let you sleep and still light enough to enjoy it every single day. The intense friendships and rivalries between Blair and Serena, especially during moments like the university application drama, are incredibly relatable. It highlights the complexities of female friendships, where love and competition can coexist. Despite their conflicts, their unwavering bond reminds us of the enduring power of friendship.” It’s almost like watching a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it is romantic interests, and the music never really stops Entertainment creator Ayushi Rai calls ‘Too Hot to Handle’ her all-time favourite guilty show. The British reality show brings together a host of attractive singles to form romantic connections, but they must abstain from any physical intimacy. What ensues is the contestants struggling to navigate awkward encounters, and temptation while strategizing to win. “It’s like the international version of ‘Splitsvilla’ but even crazier. It’s hilarious because everyone struggles to follow the rules, and the drama is just over the top. I can’t stop watching every time a new season comes out,” she confesses. While ‘Too Hot to Handle’ continues to be a popular choice for those seeking escapist entertainment, the show has received flak for heavily edited and scripted drama, and shallow relationships. “It's the cheesy lines and the ridiculous characters. They all talk about finding ‘deep connections’ and ‘true love’, but their actions don’t match their words at all. It’s funny watching them say they’re looking for something real while they flirt with every new person who shows up. The whole show is full of these buzzwords about love, but it’s obvious they’re just there for the fun. It’s cringy but in the best way, and I love every minute of it,” shares the Mumbai resident. Rai poses that the superficiality of the over-dramatic show is what makes it enjoyable, “The most entertaining moments are when they try to convince the audience (and maybe themselves) that they've found a "genuine connection Every episode features at least one scene where someone dramatically professes their feelings, only for their affections to shift the second a new, more attractive cast member shows up. It’s almost like watching a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it's romantic interests, and the music never really stops. The rapid emotional U-turns and the sheer level of superficiality make it endlessly entertaining. I’ve watched all three seasons so far, and at this point, I see it as a comedy show disguised as a dating reality series. It’s a masterclass in what not to do in a relationship, and I can't help but laugh every time they try to take themselves seriously.”
21 November,2024 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalIf your social media feed is filled with comedy clips, you are bound to chance upon Singaporean comedian Kumarason Chinnadurai, popularly known as Kumar, with his funny jokes that open you to a whole world of being in Singapore. While being hilarious is natural, it is his ability to tell risque jokes unabashedly that makes the Singaporean, who has roots in Chennai, absolutely unique, while still retaining the essence of his set. The best part is that everything fans are going to see is going to be new because he hasn’t been to India for a long time. In India, and more particularly Mumbai this November, the comedian will be performing at NCPA on November 21 as a part of his ‘Kumarsutra India’ tour. Incidentally, Kumar, whose career in comedy and live entertainment started in 1992, will be visiting India for the first time in over 20 years; the fact that it is a performance, makes it even better but not without being bolder than he was almost 30 years ago. “My father strictly and religiously disconnected me with India. Coming to India is like going back to motherland, which it is good to go back to because you get to touch base without your own mother.” It is also why Kumar adds, “People can expect a lot of raunchy and relatable stuff and just come with an open mind.” However, telling controversial jokes comes with their own sets of challenges because while many may like it, there are quite a few who may find it hurtful or offensive. So, what does he say to such people? In typical fashion, Kumar shares, “If people find jokes at comedy shows offensive, they shouldn’t even come because we all laugh together and laugh at each other. If you cannot handle that, then stay at home and watch Netflix and Amazon Prime. Using an interesting mix of risque jokes, cross-dressing, along with song and dance on stage, Kumar has been entertaining audiences the world over. With such a delightful mix of expecting something new every time, the formula for which has been simple for the comedian. Kumar explains, “You have to laugh at yourself first and then you can laugh at others. You don’t laugh at the expense of others because it is really not nice.” In the same amount of time, it is not only the Singaporean who has evolved as a comedian but also the people of Singapore who have learned to enjoy comedy now more than before. The comedian adds, “Comedy is evolving a lot in Singapore. People want to go for comedy shows more because everyone wants to laugh because of depression, and everyone has mental health issues, getting out of Covid and even work pressure. People want a good laugh.” Beyond comedy, Kumar has also been cross-dressing for a very long time, and even came out to the world as gay, a little over a decade ago. While cross-dressing isn’t new, and neither is coming out, for at least some people, around the world, India has had a tumultuous relationship with the LGBTQIA+ but even that has slowly improved over the last decade if not more. It is no different around the world. Being a part of the entertainment industry, cross-dressing has also seen an evolution, which Kumar believes has been seen around the world. He explains, “I don’t know if cross-dressing is more acceptable now, but I think cross-dressing is more tolerated now. Every other family has a gay person or person from the LGBTQIA+ community. The tolerance level now is higher, so people really like it. People like to watch a man in a dress especially if you are really beautiful. So, I think it is more accepted now and that is why it is not an issue anymore.” Dressed in all kinds of shimmering gold or pink hues among other colours, it is hard to believe that the Indian-origin comedian doesn’t choose his costumes, but it seems like Kumar is naturally fashionable, which means that anything picked up looks good. Kumar shares, “I don’t have a personal costume because I wear whatever is available. Initially, when my big shows used to happen, I used to do it but for my standup comedy shows, I just pick anything from my wardrobe – whatever is available – short dress or long dress.” While cross-dressing is still acceptable, it is often difficult for many entertainers to tell their fans for the fear of losing the latter or simply facing backlash. With that in mind, Kumar believes coming out depends on what career you are in. The comedian adds, “I feel that if you are in the corporate world, people don’t want to come out because they are scared of discrimination and remarks given to them. For me, since I am in standup, I believe people need to know because I am tired of people asking me – are you married? or do you have children? I have dogs, which is good enough for me.” It is simply because Kumar started his career in 1992. At the time, the comedian says it would have been difficult to come out. “Even my family didn’t know. My father thought I was a prostitute, and it was tough coming out. Now, I think it is easier to come out because it is well-accepted, and everybody is well-travelled, and everything is on social media. The world now knows that people are creative, and you can benefit from them,” the comedian concludes. While preparing to not only make people laugh in India, he is also eager to visit his roots in Chennai after his Mumbai or Delhi show, and most of all enjoy vegetarian food here, which the comedian believes is delicious. When: November 21Where: Tata Theatre, NCPAPrice: Rs 1,500 onwardsTickets: bookmyshow.com
21 November,2024 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThe Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited is all set to develop a tent city at Prayagraj coinciding with next year's Mahakumbh Mela.Sanjay Kumar Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of IRCTC, said the 'Maha Kumbh Gram' will be a transformative addition to the pilgrimage and tourism landscape combining luxury accommodation and a cultural immersive experience in a way that celebrates India's spiritual diversity."Our objective is to provide an accessible, comfortable and enriching experience for all visitors", Jain said in a statement.The company, a public sector undertaking of the Railway Ministry, said it has expertise in mass-scale pilgrimage tourism and extensive hospitality services over a nationwide rail network with domain experience of successfully managing 6.5 lakh plus customers to date on the Aastha and Bharat Gaurav Trains."IRCTC is uniquely positioned to make Kumbh Gram an unparalleled spiritual and cultural destination," the company said.It added, "The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City shall be patronised through direct bookings as well as IRCTC Tourists availing the Rail Tour Packages, Bharat Gaurav Trains etc."Rahul Himalian, director (Tourism & Marketing), IRCTC said, "Maha Kumbh Gram Tent City at Prayagraj will offer deluxe and premium camps equipped with modern amenities to ensure a high level of comfort for guests, providing a premium experience amidst the spiritual ambience of Mahakumbh 2025"."The tariff begins at Rs 6,000 plus applicable taxes per person per night on double occupancy, including breakfast," the statement said.For more information or to book a stay, one can visit irctctourism.com or contact customer support at 1800110139, it said. 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.
21 November,2024 09:50 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
