Millennials born during 1981-1996, especially in India, grew up around the time of globalisation, witnessing the arrival of cable TV, early internet, and flip phones and were shaped by cultural shows and channels such as Shaktimaan and Doordarshan. Gen Alpha, which is considered to the children born after 2010, were surrounded by tablets, smartphones, and social media from day one itself. This Children's Day, on November 14, mid-day.com dives into the debate to reveal how culture, technology, and social norms evolved over the years, giving a glimpse into how each generation's unique experiences shape their values and outlooks. Here’s a look at how two Millennials, Judson, 29, and Deidre, 28, and two 13-year-old Gen Alpha kids, Samson and Ruah, reflect on their childhood experiences. Childhood games and activities For Judson and Deidre, childhood meant spending hours outdoors. Judson recalls playing cricket, pakda-pakdi (catch catch), lock and key, lagori as a kid. We did not have a favourite spot as such.” Deidre had similar outdoor adventures and even enjoyed performing with friends: “I enjoyed playing games such as land and water, hide and seek, and chor police. One of my favourite activities was putting on dance shows with my friends for our parents. We even called it Nach Baliye, inspired by the popular dance show at the time! We’d perform in the corridors of our building and usually gathered to play in the chawl courtyard.” In contrast, Samson and Ruah had a mix of outdoor games with digital games. Samson says, “I like to play COD, FF, football, Minecraft, GTA, cricket & basketball. All three of them [outdoor, online, and mobile] because some friends are not in the country.” Ruah prefers traditional outdoor games: “I like playing outdoor games like badminton, chor police, and running games,” showing how Gen Alpha balances physical and screen-based play. Staying in touch with friends Image for representational purposes only (Pic: iStock) Millennials like Judson and Deidre had a simpler way of keeping up with friends. Judson recalls, “We would visit them in their homes or when they used to come to play,” while Deidre remembers using a telephone for more distant friends and connecting on SMS and Facebook only after finishing class 10. “Most of my friends lived in the same building, so staying in touch was easy — we’d just meet up in person,” she said. Gen Alpha, however, has more options to connect with their friends. Samson explains, “We text, play online games, or meet in-person depending on who is in the country.” Ruah enjoys talking with friends over the phone but also values face-to-face playtime. “I like to talk to my friends over the phone, but if we have time, we will meet to play and have fun. Normally, we like to go out and play and talk.” This flexibility to stay connected through multiple platforms is a distinct feature of Gen Alpha’s childhood. Favourite snacks Childhood foods are nostalgic for Judson and Deidre. Judson fondly recalls having Milk Bikis biscuit while Deidre’s favourites bring back memories of local flavours: “I loved eating puri bhaji from a small joint in the Nagpada bazaar, seekh kebabs from Sarvi, and samosas from A1 in Sion.” Samson and Ruah’s favourites are just as relatable but more modern. Samson says, “I eat French fries regularly, and my mom gives me potato fries.” Ruah loves Indian staples: “I like rice and dal and biryani and brownies,” reflecting how Gen Alpha blends traditional and modern tastes. What do the generations like to listen to? Deidre was a big music fan, often organising mini dance parties with friends. She remembers, “As a child, I had a CD with songs from my favourite artists like Vengaboys, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and Aqua. Some of the songs that I listened to on loop were ‘Barbie,’ ‘Doctor Jones,’ ‘Shalala Lala.’ I’d invite all my friends over, and we’d dance to their songs together.” Judson, on the other hand, wasn’t much of a music fan. For Gen Alpha, streaming means endless options. Samson says, “No particular band; I listen to sad & funky songs the most.” Ruah prefers faith-based music: “My favourite songs are those Christian songs like one of the Bible stories which is called Superbook. I like those songs and some movie songs as well.” Family Time Judson’s family gatherings were usually limited to special events: “We wouldn’t get much time...Only when we had birthdays or any other social event.” Deidre, however, spent more time with her extended family: “I spent almost all my holidays at my cousins' house. One of my favourite memories is from a time when my cousin and I snuck away during his party, opened all his gifts, and started playing with the toys!” Image for representational purposes only (Pic: Pexels) Gen Alpha’s Samson and Ruah also value family time. Samson says, “Yes, a lot, and I like to watch movies with them.” Ruah enjoys laughing and sharing stories: “I like to spend a lot of time with my extended family. I like their company. My favourite thing to do with them is tell jokes and laugh and also play many board games.” This shows that over the years the emphasis on family connections hasn’t changed. TV shows and internet For Millennials, technology was a gradual addition to their lives. Judson remembers his first internet experience in class 6. “When I was in class 6, I first used the internet, and it was for a school project. Other than that, I only used computers for playing Road Rash.” Deidre remembers fond visits to her dad’s office just to use the computer: “One of my favourite websites as a child was barbie.com.” TV shows like Bob the Builder, Pokemon, and Bollywood classics like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham were millennial staples. Judson recalls, “Watching our fav TV shows was a must since we didn’t have YouTube to go and re-watch it. If we missed an episode today, we didn’t know when it’d be replayed again.” Deidre on the other hand remembers watching Indian serials growing up, “I enjoyed watching TV shows and have fond memories of watching serials like Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki with my grandparents. Other shows I loved were Small Wonder, Full House, and Hum Paanch. My favourite cartoons were Sesame Street, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Baby Looney Tunes. I vividly remember watching Pokemon every day at 4:30 p.m. after school. Some of the movies I watched over and over were Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.” For Gen Alpha, screens are an essential part of daily life. Samson says, “I started using it [tablet] when I was 10. I use it to play games, call my friends, and for entertainment.” Ruah uses her tablet mainly for studies but also enjoys movies and cartoons: “I like to watch Kaun Banega Crorepati and movies. I like those Disney movies and Disney cartoons like DuckTales and Doraemon, so I watch them from my TV but sometimes I watch them from the tab.” Reflections on childhood When asked whether their childhoods have shaped who they are today, both Millennials and Gen Alpha shared heartfelt reflections. Millennials like Judson and Deidre reflect fondly on a simpler, more adventurous childhood. Judson says, “Playing in the open grounds with friends” remains a cherished memory. He goes on to say how their generation were truly able to enjoy life, “Ability to enjoy life by undertaking adventures. In our childhood, we used to try to climb small walls, in case our cricket ball got lost. We fell many times, but we still used to do it. Secondly, We didn't have much access to the internet back then, so we were forced to come up with solutions on our own” Deidre credits family bonds and early tech exposure with shaping who she is today: “Spending so much time with family and friends really shaped who I am today. I learned the value of relationships and being part of a close-knit community. Growing up with technology and the internet made me more curious and open to learning new things.” Samson and Ruah also sense the difference in their experiences. Samson loves visiting his village, saying, “My favourite childhood memory is my village. I’ll go there every year.” Ruah, who spends time with friends on Fridays at prayer meetings, believes these memories will shape her future: “I am not sure, but I think the good memories of my childhood will help me to become more confident and probably have a little courage, and I think I have the love of my family to help me in the future.”
14 November,2024 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Joy ManikumarIn a first for space novels, British author Samantha Harvey won the prestigious Booker Prize 2024 on Tuesday for her short novel ‘Orbital’, which follows six astronauts as they contemplate Earth from the International Space Station. Harvey was announced the winner from a shortlist of six authors, out of whom five were women – a historical feat in the award’s legacy. "I was not expecting that," Harvey said upon learning of her win, the first by a woman since Atwood was recognised in 2019 for ‘The Testaments’ alongside Bernardine Evaristo for ‘Girl, Woman, Other’. Who is Samantha Harvey? Harvey is a UK-based author who has written six books till now, including the Booker Prize winner ‘Orbital’. While she primarily writes fiction, her only non-fiction novel ‘The Shapeless Unease’ recounts her experience with insomnia. Her debut novel ‘The Wilderness’ released in 2009. Since then, her work has been nominated for and won several literary prizes. Novels written by Samantha Harvey 1. The Wilderness – This novel is written from the perspective of a man who develops Alzheimer’s Disease. 2. All Is Song – This novel has a philosophical tone as it examines subjects like morality through the story of two brothers. 3. Dear Thief – Harvey’s third novel is written in the form of letter from one friend to another, exploring the consequences of a love triangle. 4. The Western Wind – Deviating from her usual genres, this novel is a detective story where a priest unravels a murder in the village. 5. The Shapeless Unease – Harvey’s only non-fiction book explores her experiences with insomnia. 6. Orbital – Spanning the course of a single day, the story tracks astronauts from Japan, Russia, the United States, Britain and Italy as they observe and reflect on their home planet, touching on themes of mourning, desire and the climate crisis. About Orbital Just 136 pages long, ‘Orbital’ is the second-shortest novel to win the award and the first to be set in space, according to the Booker Prize Foundation. Edmund de Waal, chair of the judges, described it as "a book about a wounded world" with "everyone and no one" as the subject. "With her language of lyricism and acuity Harvey makes our world strange and new for us," he added. Harvey described her work as a "space pastoral" in an interview with prize organisers after she was named to the Booker longlist. "I wanted to write about our human occupation of low earth orbit for the last quarter of a century -- not as sci-fi but as realism," she said. "Could I evoke the beauty of that vantage point with the care of a nature writer? Could I write about amazement? Could I pull off a sort of space pastoral? These were the challenges I set myself," she added. About Booker Prize 2024 shortlist A record five women were in the running for the prize, which was announced at a ceremony in London. The others were Rachel Kushner for "Creation Lake", Anne Michaels for "Held", Yael van der Wouden for "The Safekeep" and Charlotte Wood for "Stone Yard Devotional". Percival Everett rounded out the shortlist with his novel "James". (With inputs from AFP) Also Read: Mumbai LitFest returns to NCPA: Get ready for a weekend of culture, books and stories
13 November,2024 08:12 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentWith AI-driven transformation, India is projected to increase its workforce from 423.73 million in 2023 to 457.62 million by 2028, a net gain of 33.89 million workers, according to a report on Wednesday. Emerging technology will transform talent across India’s key growth sectors, generating 2.73 million new tech jobs by 2028, according to new research by AI platform for business transformation, ServiceNow. The research, commissioned from the world’s leading learning company, Pearson, showed that the retail sector is set to lead employment growth, requiring an additional 6.96 million workers to fuel its expansion. This is followed by manufacturing (1.50 million jobs), education (0.84 million jobs) and healthcare (0.80 million jobs) sectors. “AI will be a key catalyst for job creation across India’s growth engines, particularly in roles requiring advanced technical skills. This strategic emphasis will not only create more high-value opportunities for professionals but will also empower them to build enduring digital careers,” said Sumeet Mathur, SVP and Managing Director, ServiceNow India Technology and Business Center. Tech-related jobs are growing across industries and leading this trend are software application developers, with an expected increase of 109,700 positions. Other notable roles include systems software developers (48,800 new jobs) and data engineers (48,500 new jobs). Web developers, data analysts and software testers are also on the rise, with projected additions of 48,500, 47,800, and 45,300 roles, respectively. Additionally, roles such as data integration specialists, database architects, data scientists and computer and information systems managers are expected to see increases ranging from 42,700 to 43,300 positions, the report mentioned. “Key tech roles were evaluated at a task level to explore how the impact of emerging technologies differs across them. Among these, Systems Administrators will experience the largest shift, with 6.9 hours of their weekly tasks automated or augmented by emerging technologies,” said the report. AI Systems Engineers will also benefit significantly from Gen AI, with half of the total tech impact on this role coming directly from AI technologies. 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
13 November,2024 12:19 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSSocial media is a double-edged sword for everyone, more so for children. The debate on whether or not children should be allowed to use social media has often gained prominence among parents and educators. Acting on this, the Australian government, in a landmark decision, recently announced their intention to ban the use of social media for children below the age of 16. "Social media is doing social harm to our young Australians and I am calling time on it. The safety and mental health of our young people has to be a priority," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters. Can this ban be effective? According to Mumbai-based psychologist Riddhi Doshi Patel, this move can have several benefits. “Banning social media for children under 16 could shield them from exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and unrealistic portrayals of life that can negatively impact their self-esteem and mental health,” she says. “Adolescents are at a crucial stage of emotional and social development; limiting social media use can reduce the pressure to fit in or seek validation through likes and comments. What they can and need to focus is more on real-life interactions, hobbies and outdoor activities, which will lead to healthier development,” she further explains. According to a PTI report, such a ban found favour among Indian parents. “Parents argue that social media including Instagram, YouTube, and X are addictive in nature and impact children's decision-making, self-perception and time management and also expose them to the risk of cyberbullying,” it stated. However, the move also comes with potential drawbacks. “A complete ban may feel too restrictive, especially in a world where digital communication is integral to how young people connect. It could lead to feelings of isolation, especially if their peers are active online. Additionally, social media platforms can offer educational content, creativity outlets and opportunities for self-expression. A blanket ban might prevent children from learning how to navigate the online world responsibly, which is a critical skill in today’s technology-driven society,” informs Patel. What are the alternatives? While the move is being considered important to protect children from the harms of social media, its potential drawbacks can’t be ignored. According to Patel, a balanced approach may be more effective. She suggests, “Instead of a strict ban, parents and educators can adopt a more balanced approach. Setting screen time limits, using parental controls or designating tech-free zones in the house can help regulate usage. Educating children about digital etiquette, online safety and the impact of social media on mental health can empower them to make wiser decisions. Encouraging and involving them in offline activities like sports, reading, or family time can also promote a healthier relationship with technology, helping children understand moderation rather than complete avoidance.” However, she stresses, “The parental controls need to be stricter and smarter so that children cannot find a loophole.” Should India also adopt such restrictions? As Australia takes this pioneering decision, it is only natural for other countries to assess its effectiveness in their social and cultural environments. Would such a ban be effective in India? No entirely, feels Patel. She says, “In India, where there is a blend of traditional values and modern technology, a blanket ban may not be the most effective approach. Instead, promoting digital literacy among both parents and children would be more beneficial. Educating families about healthy social media habits, setting boundaries and encouraging open conversations about the online world can create a safer environment.” Also Read: How social media addiction has given rise to popcorn brain in young adults
12 November,2024 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentReturning for its 15th edition, Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2024 is set to be held from November 15-17 at the NCPA in Nariman Point with over 125 writers, speakers, thinkers and performers from 13 countries. The three-day literary festival promises to once more regale audiences with lively and stimulating sessions across a wide variety of subjects ranging from poetry to business, history to conservation, society to travel, science fiction to entertainment, and beyond. This year’s stellar line up will include Arundhathi Subramaniam, Christopher Merrill, Farrukh Dhondy, Gautam Bhatia, Gulzar, Huma Qureshi, Hussain Zaidi, Ila Arun, Jane Goodall, Jane Ohlmeyer, L Subramaniam, Lavanya Lakshminarayan, Marcus du Sautoy, Mohinder Amarnath, Murzban Shroff, Pavan K Verma, Prajakta Koli, Pico Iyer, Ranjit Hoskote, Shahu Patole, Subhash Ghai, William Dalrymple. The festival highlights of The Great Debate, the prestigious Lifetime, Poet Laureate and Literary Awards, Book in Focus, book launches and daily dramatic performances will continue to feature. The Rotary Writing for Peace Award, the Sultan Padamsee Awards for Playwriting and the Binod Kanoria Awards for Children’s Literature will be announced. The keenly awaited book swap, daily workshops and campus outreaches for college students will also be held. Every year the Litfest mounts a new experience for its visitors. This year’s is a specially created Virtual Reality installation, that places the viewer right in the middle of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. The book is also this year’s Book in Focus at the Festival, to commemorate the author’s 100th death anniversary. The Little Festival, a special Litfest for children of ages 8 to 14 from city schools and NGOs, will be held simultaneously on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 November at the NCPA in collaboration with the H T Parekh Foundation, presenting children’s books by Indian and international writers. Unique features will be bilingual sessions, the moderation of discussions by children, a Literary Zone for storytelling, and nature walks. Celebrating this landmark year, festival co-director Amy Fernandes said, “The Literature Live! Mumbai Litfest was started by Anil Dharker, ably supported by Shashi Baliga. in 2010, both of whom tragically left us in 2021. Every year we bring to Mumbai a memorable cast of world-class thinkers, writers, and speakers in almost every field of human thought and action. As we reach the milestone of 15 unbroken years, we are proud of having kept the Festival running even through the pandemic years by going online, then hybrid. We are grateful to our presenting sponsor Godrej Industries for their support in sustaining this vital cultural endeavour, and to NCPA, Kotak and all our partners who have steadfastly supported us on this journey”. Quasar Thakore Padamsee, festival co-director said, “I have been associated with Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest since its inception and consider it a privilege to have participated in and witnessed its journey to the iconic status it has justifiably achieved. Over the years we have held a series of fantastic literary events, and most critically have built a vital platform of diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. In a convenient turn of numbers, this is a double celebration year as art management company QTP (of which I am a part), who produce the Festival, is celebrating its silver jubilee. I hope this most fitting and happy association continues well into the future.” Nadir Godrej, chairperson, Godrej Industries Group, said, “Godrej Industries Group is pleased to associate with Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest as the presenting sponsor. Our commitment to supporting and nurturing the literary arts aligns with our belief in the power of conversations and culture to inspire and connect communities. We look forward to fostering creativity, dialogue, and a deeper appreciation for literature through this cherished partnership.” Some past participants are A C Grayling, Adil Jussawalla, Alexander McCall Smith, Anita Desai, Amitabh Bachchan, Amitav Ghosh, Amy Tan, Anthony Horowitz, Christophe Jaffrelot, David Baldacci, Geetanjali Shree, Germaine Greer, Gieve Patel, Irwin Allan Sealy, Indra Nooyi, Javed Akhtar, Jeffrey Archer, Mahesh Elkunchwar, Margaret Drabble, Mark Tully, Marlon James, Miriam Margolyes, Neena Gupta, Neil Gaiman, Nick Hornby, Raghuram Rajan, Ramachandra Guha, Roger Penrose, Ruskin Bond, Salman Rushdie, Shashi Tharoor, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Steven Pinker, Sudha Murty, T M Krishna, Thomas Friedman.
12 November,2024 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFamous Bengali theatre personality Manoj Mitra, known for writing and directing farces and fantasies to highlight social and political issues, died at a hospital here on Tuesday due to old-age related ailments, family sources said. Mitra was 86. According to a doctor, Mitra breathed his last at around 8.50 am on Tuesday. "He was admitted to the hospital on November 3 with several illnesses. His condition kept on deteriorating and today at around 8.50 am he left us," the doctor told PTI. The octogenarian was earlier admitted to hospital on September 20 with breathing issues, imbalance of sodium and potassium among other health-related issues, doctors said. He was discharged from the hospital on September end. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief over the passing away of Mitra and described it as an irreplaceable loss to Bengali cinema and theatre. "Saddened by the demise of the famous actor, director and playwright, 'Banga Bibhushan' Manoj Mitra today morning," she posted on X. "He had been a leading personality in our theatre and film worlds and his contributions have been immense. I convey my condolences to his family, friends and admirers," she added. Famous for his stellar performance in Tapan Sinha's film 'Banchharamer Bagan', Mitra has also acted in the legendary director Satyajit Ray's classics such as 'Ghare Baire' and 'Ganashatru'. Bancharamer Bagan was based on Mitra's play 'Sajano Bagaan'. Known for his comedy and antagonist roles, Mitra has also acted in films of Buddhadeb Dasgupta, Basu Chatterjee, Tarun Majumdar, Shakti Samanta and Goutam Ghose 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
12 November,2024 01:08 PM IST | Kolkata | PTIThe nominations for Grammy Awards 2025 were announced on Friday. The 67th edition of the prestigious music honour features a range of new and veteran nominees in the list. Ricky Kej, an Indian musician and three-time Grammy winner, has been nominated yet again for his album “Break of the Dawn”. Other Indian or Indian-origin artists among the nominees are Anoushka Shankar, Varijashree Venugopal, Chandrika Tandon, Radhika Vekaria and Noshir Mody. Kej, a celebrated composer, has already won three Grammy awards. Best New Age category award for "Winds of Samsara" in 2015 Best New Age category award for "Divine Tides” with Stewart Copeland in 2022 Best Immersive Audio Album "Divine Tides" with Copeland in 2023 This year, his album “Break of Dawn” has been nominated in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. “I've already won three Grammy Awards in the past and this is my fourth nomination which I hope will lead to my fourth win. I have been a lifelong environmentalist and I've always believed our ancient Indian culture teaches us that the impurities of the environment are in direct relation to the impurities of the mind. So in order to solve any issue we face as a species, we first have to purify our minds,” he told ANI. "And Break of Dawn was created by me with this belief in mind as a catalyst to create a more kind, compassionate and environmentally conscious society through the power of music. So Break of Dawn is a new age album. It's based on ancient Indian rags. Each and every one of the nine songs of Break of Dawn has been based on an ancient Indian rag. It's been crafted very, very carefully by me to promote mental health and wellness and it's focused on India-rooted wellness music...I'm very grateful for this honour of receiving my fourth Grammy nomination," he added. Accompanying Kej in this category is sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar’s album “Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn”. Shankar also earned a nomination in the Best Global Music Performance category for her featured role on Jacob Collier's song “A Rock Somewhere”, which also includes vocalist Varijashree Venugopal, who bagged her first nomination this year. Other nominations in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category featuring Indian-origin artists are "Warriors of Light" by Radhika Vekaria and "Triveni" by entrepreneur and musician Chandrika Tandon, created in collaboration with flautist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Eru Matsumoto. The Grammy Award 2025 ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 2, 2025 in Los Angeles. (With Agency inputs) Also Read: Bryan Adams India tour 2024: 'My favourite memory of India is playing in Mumbai in 1993 in a packed cricket ground'
11 November,2024 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs Uttar Pradesh prepares for the Maha Kumbh 2025, authorities are bracing for a massive influx of 40 crore devotees, both from across India and abroad. The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is undertaking extensive preparations on the ground to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for the pilgrims. One initiative for the massive fair that stands out is the introducing of the paying guest (PG) facility, encouraging local residents of Prayagraj to open their homes to devotees seeking affordable and simple accommodations with all the comforts of home. This scheme aims to offer a warm, culturally immersive stay, relieving pilgrims from the high costs of hotels while providing them with quality facilities at reasonable rates. Local residents interested in participating are being trained by the tourism department in hospitality, cleanliness, and best practices for interacting with guests. Training modules cover everything from good behaviour to offering comfort and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for pilgrims. To streamline the process, a toll-free helpline and a dedicated WhatsApp number have been set up to guide potential hosts through registration. Currently, the tourism department has set a goal to establish the PG system in 2,000 local homes, with accommodations and food facilities available for devotees. This number may expand, depending on demand. To register, homeowners simply need to submit a nominal fee of Rs 50 along with basic documentation, after which they will receive a verified license valid for three years. The scheme promises not only to ease the accommodation crunch but also to provide a steady source of income for local families. Hosts are free to set their own rent rates, with no interference from the government. The Maha Kumbh is a 45-day religious event that is held once in 12 years. Slated to begin on January 14, 2025, the Maha Kumbh is spread across 4,000 hectares along the river bank. The event is being conducted on an estimated budget of nearly Rs 6,382 crore, of which over Rs 5,600 crore has already been set aside for the event and related projects. Also Read: Artificial intelligence to zero plastic usage, here's how Prayagraj is preparing for Mahakumbh 2025 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
11 November,2024 12:34 PM IST | Prayagraj | IANSAfter the inaugural edition that featured films and filmmakers from different corners of the world, Red Lorry Film Festival, an international film festival curated by BookMyShow, is back for its second edition in 2025. The festival made its debut in Mumbai in 2024. It saw over 100 titles from across the world spanning over 10 languages such as Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian Swedish), French, Spanish, German, Turkish, Russian and beyond, as the content slate branched into Premieres, Hollywood Blockbusters, World Cinema, Late Night Showcase, Columbia 100, TV Series, Scandinavian Noir, Hola Spain, Documentaries, Retrospectives and Tributes. With more than 70 films curated for an Indian premiere, the festival also hosted masterclasses and panel discussions appreciating films and its all-encompassing magnitude of talent from directors and cast to extended crew, and beyond. The second edition, Red Lorry Film Festival Take 2, will take place from March 21-23, 2025 in Mumbai. A new chapter will unfold in Hyderabad, titled Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse. This year, the festival is also unveiling the Competition Segment, inviting submissions, designed to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent and artistry in filmmaking. This segment will recognise work across two key categories: The Front Runners (Best Film) and Fresh Frames (Best Debut Film). Commenting on the return of the festival, Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, said, “Cinema is an integral part of India’s culture and over the years, we have observed a growing appetite among Indian audiences for world cinema. This realisation gave birth to Red Lorry Film Festival. The inaugural edition emerged from a simple idea: delivering curated world cinema on a beautifully crafted platter, all under one roof for Indian cinephiles. And to say our audience embraced it wholeheartedly would be an understatement. We’ve seen over the years that Hyderabad is a city that lives and breathes cinema and so taking Red Lorry Film Festival to the city, fit like a perfect puzzle piece. We are also pleased to announce the introduction of the competition segment at the second edition of the film festival. We aim to honour exceptional talent and diverse storytelling that cinema encompasses. We invite all filmmakers to submit their work and join us in celebrating the transformative power of cinema. Our goal remains unchanged; to create unforgettable cinematic experiences that connect audiences with the magic of storytelling in its most transformative form." The second edition of the festival in Mumbai will showcase a diverse line-up of films, TV series, documentaries, restored classics and retrospectives of international masterminds. Also Read: Holi 2025: DJ Martin Garrix to perform in Mumbai on March 14
11 November,2024 12:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIf you haven’t spent your teen years headbanging to ‘Summer Of 69’, are you even a fan of Bryan Adams’ music? Well, there’s also ‘Everything I Do’ and ‘Please Forgive Me’ that you have crooned to. That is what makes the Canadian rocker such a timeless musician in India for all the 90s kids who grew up listening to him through their dial-up song channel on local cable or at parties that ended in a couple dance. It is definitely one of the many reasons why he has been visiting the country over the last 30 years. He will be visiting India for the sixth time this December for his 'So Happy It Hurts' world tour. While this is going to be a six-city tour, the first visit still feels like yesterday for the Canadian singer-songwriter. In fact, Adams, who is known for many other hits like ‘Heaven’ and ‘Run To You’, shares, “My favourite memory of India is the first concert. We played in Mumbai in 1993. It was an absolutely packed cricket ground, and they had divided the ground in half with wooden posts, so on one side you had the audience, many of whom were in the traditional costumes, and on the other side of the wooden fence was the cricket club... drinking tea.” It is reminiscent of the city’s love for music while co-existing with cricket and its many other forms of entertainment. The city faces close competition from another major performance venue. “One of my favourite cities to play in the world is Madison Square Garden NYC,” he adds. So, what keeps him coming back? It is no wonder that Adams says he really enjoys the audiences, but his visits are also sprinkled with travel because he loves seeing new parts of the country because of how enormous India is. The Canadian took to music very early in his life and has produced many hits for five decades ever since he started out as a 15-year-old with Canadian glam rock band Sweeney Todd. Interestingly, listeners have got to see so many different sides of him with a mix of his smooth and raspy vocals. So, how has he seen his music evolve over time? He shares, "I like to keep things simple, and I usually just record in the same way. In some ways, I think you evolve as a songwriter with the more experiences you have, the larger library of memories to tap from." However, he believes that most of them have been hits only because of touring. "I’ve been quite consistent over the years to return to countries that I’ve performed in. As far as the songs go, I’m just glad we put the time in to making the recordings and the songs as good as they could be; that’s probably why they lasted," he adds. As the years pass, many fans often try to decipher the meanings of songs, especially if the songwriter and musician haven't spoken about it. It has not been any different with Adams, as there have been many theories floated about the origins of the song 'Summer of 69'. Putting the theories aside, the real summer of 69 had a lot happening, but more than that, it also led to the birth of Bryan Adams, the musician. He reminisces, "I was into music very, very early on. My father had bought me a flamenco guitar when I was around nine years old, and I was already a big Beatles fan as many of my friends had records from them, and we would often sit and listen to them together." With that being said, Adams has always thought that songs are meant to be interpreted by whoever hears them. "That, I believe, is the beauty of songs/music," he adds. With India on the cards yet again, does he feel the urge to experiment with world musical sounds? He reveals, "It’s so funny that you mentioned whether I’m going to experiment with Indian music, because last week I bought an electric sitar." Will he feature it? We'll have to just wait and see as he juggles tour dates and finds time to immerse in the culture. "We don’t have a lot of time off between our shows, but undoubtedly, we will be enjoying some fine Indian cuisine," he adds. With over 15 studio albums, ask him if fans can expect something new, and the answer is positive. He concludes, "Yes, I’m working on a new album, and it comes out in 2025. It’s called 'Roll With The Punches'. Aside from that, just before Christmas, I will be releasing a box set of three albums recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall."
09 November,2024 11:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThe bells of Notre Dame in Paris rang out together on Friday for the first time since a 2019 fire that devastated the historic cathedral, AFP reporters said. The sound of the eight bells in Notre Dame's northern belfry came a month before the cathedral is to reopen following five years of painstaking restoration work in the wake of the blaze. "This is a beautiful, important and symbolic step," said Philippe Jost, who runs the public body tasked with restoring the cathedral under challenging circumstances. On the evening of April 19, 2019 Parisians and the world watched in horror as flames ravaged the world heritage landmark and then toppled its spire. President Emmanuel Macron quickly set the ambitious goal to rebuild Notre Dame within five years and make it "even more beautiful" than before. Some 250 companies and hundreds of experts were mobilised for a restoration costing hundreds of millions of euros. Friday shortly before 10:30 am (0930 GMT), the bells sounded one by one until all eight chimed in harmony. "It's not perfect yet, but we will make it perfect," said Alexandre Gougeon who is in charge of the re-installation of the bells. "This first test was a success." The 2019 fire destroyed part of the northern belfry, requiring it to be restored and the bells to be removed, cleaned of dust and lead, and then returned to their space. The heaviest bell, called "Gabriel", weighs over four tonnes, and the lightest, "Jean-Marie", 800 kilogrammes. A weekend of ceremonies is to mark Notre-Dame's reopening on December 7 and 8. Also Read: Mumbai: ‘Up Indian tourist numbers to Eiffel’ 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
09 November,2024 08:51 AM IST | Paris | AFPADVERTISEMENT
