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Hanumankind joins Karan Aujla at sold-out Bengaluru ‘It Was All A Dream’ Tour

Punjabi music superstar Karan Aujla's highly anticipated ‘It Was All A Dream’ India tour reached fever pitch on December 13 with a completely sold-out show in Bengaluru. Over 20,000 fans packed Nice Grounds, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of energy and excitement. Presented by Team Innovation and supported by Live Nation, the concert showcased Aujla's undeniable stage presence and captivating vocals. The setlist, filled with fan favorites such as ‘Softly’, ‘Players’, ‘Tauba Tauba’, ‘Admirin You’ and ‘Winning Speech’, had the crowd singing and dancing throughout the night. Special guest and viral rapper Hanumankind joined Aujla on stage for a special mash-up of 'Big Dawgs', adding to the electrifying performance. Karan Aujla states, "I'm incredibly grateful for the incredible support in Bengaluru, and a huge thank you to Hanumankind for joining me. The connection with my fans is what makes this tour so special." Rishabh Talwar, business head, Team Innovation, states "The Bengaluru show was a resounding success! Karan's performance was electrifying, and the audience response was phenomenal. The 'It Was All a Dream' India tour is exceeding all expectations." The Bengaluru leg of the tour solidified Karan Aujla's position as a leading force in the Punjabi music industry and demonstrated the phenomenal success of his artistic aptitude The 8-city ‘It Was All A Dream’ India Tour is a celebration of Karan Aujla's journey from being a small-town artist to now, an international superstar. The title, inspired by his rise to fame, reflects the dreams he's had and how he's turned them into reality. This tour marks a significant step in his global mission to bring modern Punjabi music to a wider audience, having already broken ticket sales records in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.

15 December,2024 12:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NH7 Weekender was set to take place this weekend with the likes of Amit Trivedi set to take the stage.

NH7 Weekender in Pune has been cancelled due to 'law and order restrictions'

The much-awaited NH7 Weekender set to take place at Teerth Fields this weekend has been cancelled due to law and order restrictions, according to an official statement released by the festival organisers. The announcement came three hours after they had put out a story on Instagram stating, "UPDATE Unfortunately, the opening of gates to the festival has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your patience, please stay tuned for further updates." The 15 edition was all set to take place with over 30 artists like international headliners like Jorja Smith and Indian favourites like Amit Trivedi, Usha Uthup, King and Kayan. The statement released on their social media reads, "We are extremely disheartened to inform you that nh7 weekender 2024 will no longer take place on 14th-15th December due to law and order restrictions in Pune. We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. Despite our best efforts to resolve the situation and having everything ready for the gates to open, it ultimately remained beyond our control. We assure all ticket holders that they will receive a refund via our ticketing partner, insider/district within 7-10 days. Detailed instructions for the refund process will be communicated in the coming days. We apologize for the inconvenience and deeply Appreciate your unwavering support. As we enter the 15th year of the festival, the weekender family means more to us than ever. Thank you for standing by us." Important announcement pic.twitter.com/180c9hKFXf — NH7 Weekender (@NH7) December 14, 2024

14 December,2024 04:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bryan Adams performed in Mumbai for the first time since 2018 and played some of his greatest hits. Photos Courtesy: Special Arrangement

Bryan Adams delivers breathtaking performance in Mumbai

Returning to Mumbai after six years, Canadian rock music icon Bryan Adams delivered an unforgettable high-octane concert at the NESCO Centre in Mumbai's Goregaon on December 13. In the city as a part of his massively successful 'So Happy It Hurts' India Tour, the evening began with a stellar performance by pop queen Vidya Vox who expertly prepared the enthusiastic crowd for the main show, building anticipation for the arrival of Adams. Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one the most exciting live musicians in the world. His energetic vocals and stage presence have proven to entertain for over 40 years. His songwriting has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards. And while the tour bears the name of Bryan’s latest 15th studio album, his set was a sheer celebration of his entire music career. The evening was not only musically exciting but also visually entertaining. It got better because of how Adams engaged the crowd in so many ways. They were featured many times singing and dancing along on the large video screen behind the band. The remote-controlled blimp car during the 'So Happy It Hurts' song was another highlight. Bryan Adams brought the audience to their feet during most of his songs with hard-hitting tunes and a lot of personal stories throughout the show. The performance from all four band members including lead guitarist Keith Scott, who has recorded and performed with Adams for 40 years, and even keyboardist Gary Breit for 20 years but now without drummer Pat Steward was with Adams in the beginning and is back touring with the band. All four provided backing vocals, and they are clearly a well-tuned machine. Adams played an incredible 24 songs, including some requested online by fans prior to the concert, and others requested in person using hand-made signs. From the opening chords of his latest work 'Kick Ass' to the anthemic finale of a solo acoustic rendition of 'All For Love', each performance was a masterclass in rock and roll, as the crowd filled the arena with their voices. The setlist showcased Adams' incredible musical range, encompassing older hits like 'Shine A Light', 'Here I Am', 'I Will Always Return', alongside newer releases such as 'So Happy It Hurts', 'Always Have (Always Will)'. His powerful vocals, combined with the impeccable musicianship of his long-time band, created an unforgettable experience for every attendee. Some of his most played songs were from his fourth studio album 'Reckless' that released in 1984 (Heaven, It’s Only Love, Run To You, Somebody, Summer Of 69, Straight From the Heart), and his compilation 2017 studio album 'Ultimate' (Please Forgive Me, Cuts Like A Knife, Cloud Number 9) and his sixth studio album 'Waking Up The Neighbours' (Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, Everything I Do (I Do It For You), You Belong To Me) that released in 1991. Crowd favourites from his other albums such as '18 ’til I Die' (The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You), 'Into the Fire' (Take Me Back, When The Night Comes), 'On a Day Like Today' (When You’re Gone; Back To You) were well populated within the setlist. Bryan Adams shared, "Mumbai's energy was electrifying. The crowd's passion for the music was contagious!" Deepak Chaudhary, founder, EVA Live shared, "The Bryan Adams concert in Mumbai exceeded all our sales projections, demonstrating a strong demand for international artists in the Indian market. Our goal was to create an unforgettable experience for the audience, and based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, I believe we achieved that. We are committed to bringing more world-class entertainment to the city.” At the conclusion of the concert, crowds walked away from their seats with tears still in their eyes, portraying the excessive excitement and the rush of adrenaline in their bodies, marking the fourth leg of the 'So Happy It Hurts' India Tour.

14 December,2024 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
ZAMNA is born in the heart of Tulum, Mexico - a city that has its roots in the Mayan civilization. Photo Courtesy: ZAMNA

Global electronic music festival ZAMNA returns to Mumbai on March 29

After its debut edition in India earlier this year that left music lovers truly mesmerised, the globally acclaimed electronic music festival, ZAMNA returns for yet another edition to take place in Mumbai on March 29 and Delhi on March 30. Curated and promoted by Paradox, district by Zomato and WMS Entertainment, this next chapter of ZAMNA promises to elevate India’s techno music scene to a new level.  Earlier this year, ZAMNA came to India for the first time, bringing with it a little slice of paradise that is Tulum to Delhi and Mumbai. With over 12,000 fans captivated by its infectious energy, the festival left an indelible mark on the country’s soundscape. Now, following this extraordinary success, ZAMNA returns with a promise to be even bigger, bolder and better. Expect a sublime production featuring custom-designed lighting, cutting-edge sound design and stunning visuals that will collectively invoke a primal, jungle-inspired ambience.  Furthermore, with a line-up of some of the most celebrated names in the international techno scene - artists and DJs who have headlined ZAMNA’s previous editions in Tulum - fans can dive into the festival’s unmistakable electric vibe.  Sharing his excitement, Stefano Laporta, Founder of ZAMNA said, “It’s an honour to bring ZAMNA  back to India for 2025. India’s vibrant music community inspires us, and this year, we’re creating an experience that celebrates unity through music, art, and unforgettable moments.” Varun Khare, head of events, district by Zomato said, “We are thrilled that India will host a second edition of ZAMNA after its monumental success last year. Partnering with Paradox and WMS Entertainment enables us to present this popular culture electronic movement to Indian audiences, further enriching the country’s dynamic music scene. For fans of electronic dance music, this is an unmissable event; an opportunity to experience the genre on a truly international scale.” Akshat Kumar, co-founder, WMS, stated, “Together with district by Zomato and Paradox, we’re excited to bring ZAMNA to India for yet another year. This time, we aim to make it a larger-than-ever celebration of the finest in dance music. We’re thrilled about the opportunity to craft a memorable experience for all attendees and continue the magic of ZAMNA. Let’s bring the spirit of Tulum to India!”Karan Narang, founder, Paradox stated, “Bringing ZAMNA back to India for 2025 fills us with pride and excitement. After last year’s incredible response, we’re raising the bar with our partners district by Zomato and WMS. ZAMNA India 2025 promises an even more immersive celebration of dance music, offering unparalleled experiences and redefining how we connect with sound and art. We can’t wait to share the magic once again.” Born in the heart of Tulum, Mexico - a city that has its roots in the Mayan civilization, ZAMNA is more than just a festival. It’s an immersive experience, where music, nature and art blend together for an unparalleled atmosphere of community and celebration, attracting attendees from over 120 countries every year.  Music festival attendees can book their tickets now on district by Zomato and Insider.

14 December,2024 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bryan Adams said the first time they performed in Mumbai nobody came to pick them up at the airport. Photos Courtesy: Special Arrangement

Bryan Adams recalls first Mumbai performance; 'elephant sleeping on the road'

Bryan Adams received an electrifying reception as he returned to the city, for the first time since his 2018 visit. He kicked off his performance with fan-favourites 'Kick Ass' and 'Please Forgive Me', while sharing memories about his first performance in Mumbai. It was 1993, and the Canadian singer-songwriter shared, "There was nobody to pick us up at the airport, so I took a cab with Keith (Scott). After some time, the driver stopped, and we asked him what had happened. He looked at me and pointed ahead—an elephant was falling asleep on the road." SEE PHOTOS: Bryan Adams enthralls Mumbaikars with immersive performanceWhenever Adams shares this story with his friends, they always respond, "Yeah, right." He went on to share that this is how it used to be, but he's not sure if it's the same anymore in India. "I love the memory, and those are the things that keep me coming back to India. This trip has been so wonderful." Adams, who is visiting Mumbai for the sixth time, is in the city as part of his seven-city 'So Happy It Hurts' India tour. He performed at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon to a packed arena, delighting the crowd with fan favourites like 'Heaven' and 'Summer of 69', and even 'Whats Love Got To Do With It' and 'Blue Suede Shoes'. SEE PHOTOS: 5 Bryan Adams songs you need to listen to before his Mumbai concert today

14 December,2024 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: Pexels)

The ultimate guide to tablescaping for the festive season

A time for holiday cheer, and family, the Christmas season is among the many festivities centred around a table of indulgent food. During this time, savouring a feast with our loved ones is a long-held tradition. No matter the occasion, no gathering is complete without breaking bread. To elevate your dining experience this festive season, we delve into the world of tablescaping: the art of setting a table in a visually appealing and functional way. “Tablescaping is not merely about setting a table. It's about creating an ambiance, a mood, an experience that elevates the entire dining occasion, and curating an atmosphere where every element of the table reflects thoughtfulness and intention, thus deepening the connection between the host and the guests,” shares Krsnaa Mehta, founder and design director, India Circus. To transform your tables, we’ve got experts to share tips and tricks to help you curate the ambient sensory dining experience that your guests will applaud and cherish for days to come. 5 basic elements of tablescaping Before you start setting up your table, there are some fundamental elements in tablescaping that you must familiarise yourself with. These work together to create a visually appealing and functional dining setting that are central to all occasions. Mehta outlines five key elements below: 1. Table linen: A well-chosen tablecloth, placemats, or runners set the stage and establish the colour palette or theme. 2. Dinnerware: Plates, bowls, and glasses should harmonise with the theme but also serve as a visual anchor. The choice of porcelain, ceramic, or glassware can define the formality and mood of the setting. 3. Flatware and glassware: The arrangement of utensils and glasses should not only be practical but balanced. Fine crystal glasses can introduce sophistication, while modern or casual settings might lean toward simpler, but still considered, pieces. 4. Centerpiece: This is the heart of any tablescape. Whether floral arrangements, candles, or sculptural objects, a centerpiece should complement the theme without overwhelming the space. 5. Lighting: Proper lighting, whether through candles, chandeliers, or ambient lighting—adds warmth and intimacy, softening the atmosphere and encouraging conversation. Creating a personalised tablescape for special events A personalised tablescape can not only enhance the dining experience for your guests, but also be an elegant reflection of your personal style. The attention to detail can spark conversation among guests, and offers opportunity to take aesthetic photographs. Anandita Kothari, founder of Plate and Peonie, recommends leaning into your creativity to curate personalised tablescapes for special occasions. “Don’t shy away from your personality. Your tablescape is a canvas for creativity- try to play around with textures, prints and colours,” says Kothari. Below, she shares six expert tips to help you personalise your celebrations: 1. Pick a theme or colour palette in alignment with your personality Try to incorporate your favourite colours into your tablescape whether it be neutrals, bold colours, or pastels! For special occasions, choose colours or themes that suit the occasion, like romantic blush tones for anniversaries or bold gold and black for milestone birthdays. 2. Use personal sentiments on the tableAdd a touch of nostalgia with items that have been in your home- vintage cutlery, handcrafted items, unique pieces from across the globe. 3. Feature a signature centrepieceFor floral arrangements, use blooms, herbs or foliage to resonate with your personal style. Design a statement centrepiece, with the guest of honour's favourite flowers or themed accessories that tie into the occasion. 4. Personalise place settingsAdd custom name cards, small mementos, or thoughtful quotes at each place setting to make guests feel extra special. Remember, this attention to detail makes your tablescape uniquely yours. 5. Incorporate keepsake decorUse small, themed items that guests can take home as keepsakes, like mini champagne bottles or personalised candles. 6. Set the mood with lightingUse candles, fairy lights, or lanterns to create ambiance. Warm lighting can instantly elevate the setting and add to the celebration's atmosphere. Crafting a scented tablescape Often overlooked, fragrance can be a gamechanger when it comes to providing an immersive sensory experience. Adding fragrance can evoke nostalgia besides complementing the visual aesthetic. “Fragrances speak volumes about a person’s style and personality. For sizable get-togethers, or grand occasions, select fragrances reminiscent of summer glow, tender coconut, fresh breeze, and warm vanilla that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Floral and earthy blends like rose and patchouli evoke romantic and intimate moments, while bright citrus notes like mandarin can add a burst of freshness and positive energy to any gathering, uplifting the mood and creating an inviting vibe throughout your space,” poses Arushi Agrawal, founder of Seva Home. She shares tips to help you craft a fragrant tablescape and create a welcoming atmosphere. 1. Begin with a brass urli half-filled with water, and float freshly picked marigolds along with scented tea lights for a gentle, serene touch. 2. Add candles with intricate designs and gold accents to bring a sense of cultural heritage to your setting. 3. Opt for fragrances with rich, woody, and floral notes to fill the space with a divine, soothing aroma. 4. For a cohesive look, play with pastels, metallic finishes, and soft floral touches around the centrepiece. 5. Incorporating a variety of home fragrances, such as candles, diffusers, and room sprays, will allow you to enhance the atmosphere and transform your tablescape into a truly scented sanctuary. What are some common tablescaping mistakes to avoid? Since there are multiple elements involved; decision making can be overwhelming while setting up your perfect table. To steer you clear of oversights, Mehta believes there are a few common missteps to be mindful of: 1. Overcrowding the tableWhile it's tempting to use many decorative items, clutter can detract from the beauty of the meal itself. Always remember that the food should be the focal point. A clean, elegant space allows the food and the conversation to take centre stage. 2. Ignoring practicalityThe best-designed tablescapes are also functional. If your centrepiece is too tall or obstructs guests’ views, or if the silverware is not easily accessible, the experience becomes less enjoyable. Think of your guests' comfort first. 3. Inconsistent theme or colour paletteA mismatch of colours, textures, and materials can create a chaotic visual experience. Stick to a cohesive palette or design language that reflects the occasion and creates harmony. 4. Neglecting the small detailsSmall touches—such as a well-chosen napkin fold or a unique table number—can bring everything together. Overlooking these details is often the difference between a good tablescape and a great one. 5. Overusing trendsTrends can be fun, but they can also age quickly. It’s best to incorporate them sparingly or to choose timeless elements with just a hint of current style to keep your tablescape both fresh and enduring. Also Read: With real estate prices rising, is micro-dining the future in Mumbai?

13 December,2024 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
Bryan Adams has already performed in Delhi and will be performing in Mumbai today. Photos Courtesy: Special Arrangement

With Bryan Adams in Mumbai, fans express their excitement ahead of the concert

Bryan Adams is all set to perform in Mumbai as a part of his 'So Happy It Hurts' India tour today at NESCO Centre in Goregaon. The last time the Canadian-origin singer-songwriter was in Mumbai was in October 2018.  Coming to the country after six years on a five-city tour, Mumbaikars will be eager to watch the rocker live. Ahead of the concert, they express their excitement: Sanju ShibuEver since I head 'Summer of 69' in college, I did not know a lot of his songs for a really long time. And then one day I came across “Everything I do” and OMG, I could not believe that these two songs are by the same artist. Since then I wanted to attend his concert. So no I have not seen him before but I’m very excited to see how energetic he still is. I mean he is 65? Who would believe that? Karen Fernandes I think Bryan Adams is an integral part of every Catholic household. So I think it’s safe to say I was raised on his music. We learnt to dance on tracks like Summer of 69, Heaven, Can’t Stop This Thing We Started, Look Into My Eyes. Watching him live feels like a full circle moment. And the best part is that I get to see this with my best friends. A CORE MEMORY at every level! 18 TILL I DIE INDEED! Caryn Putman I’ve grown up listening to Bryan Adams music. Summer of 69 may be a cliché now, but it was one of the first songs I downloaded on my first Sony Ericsson Walkman phone! Some of my best memories are singing along to his tunes with a bunch of friends! I am equal parts nostalgic and excited to be going for this concert with some of the people who I share these special memories with! Diane DuttonAs a proud ‘90s kid, Bryan Adams’ music has been the soundtrack of my youth and beyond. Growing up, his music echoed in our home every Sunday morning while my parents cooked together. I’ve never missed a chance to see him perform live in India, and each show feels like reliving the best days of my life. His music is evergreen and I’m absolutely thrilled to witness the maestro himself back on stage! Shanice FerreiraBryan Adams has performed in India multiple times but never had the chance or budget to watch him live. I've been performing his songs such as Everything I Do and Heaven on piano during my sets as a pianist and I'm extremely excited and lucky to finally get to watch him live.

13 December,2024 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: Pixabay)

Broadway-style musical 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' coming to NMACC in January

The musical show ‘Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical’ will unfold its 300th exhibition in the national capital, Delhi in February after the Mumbai exhibition from January 9 to January 26. The musical follows the timeless love story of Prince Salim and Anarkali, featuring 12 iconic compositions from the original film. The show is directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, and has captivated audiences with over 275 performances across eight countries since its debut in 2016. The musical will unfold in Mumbai at NMACC from January 9 to January 26, 2025 followed by a show in Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 13. Also Read: Award-winning theatrical ‘Life of Pi’ debuts in India; premieres at NMACC in Mumbai Talking about the show, Feroz Abbas Khan said, "For our milestone 300th performance, we had to come to Delhi as the audience here has unfailingly showered us with extraordinary warmth and love. What has remained unchanged since the time we started staging the musical is how it not only evokes nostalgia but also renews appreciation across generations for our rich artistic heritage. The musical play has grown to be more than just a musical entertainer and is now recognised as a cultural landmark and this speaks volumes for the essence of K Asif’s masterpiece, which continues to captivate even after 65 years”. He further mentioned, “This story magically transcends all barriers to be embraced by a diverse audience across the world. During our most recent season in North America, our flash mob performance at New York's Times Square went instantly viral and we were overwhelmed by the effusive response of those who just stopped in their tracks to watch and applaud us”. The show features over 550 exquisite costumes, majestic sets, live singing, and dazzling Kathak choreography, and is celebrated as one of the most extravagant in the history of Indian theatre. It is produced by Deepesh Salgia under the patronage of Shapoorji Pallonji. Deepesh Salgia says, "When we started this journey, we, at Shapoorji Pallonji, just wanted to pay a heartfelt tribute to one of the most masterful achievements of Indian cinema. However, with time, the production has grown to be celebrated as a theatrical masterpiece in its own right. We have travelled all over the world with this musical and everywhere we go its multilayered story and grand production have captivated audiences and made them laugh, sing and cry. Delhi is one of our favourite cities and we are thrilled to stage our 300th performance for the audience here”.

13 December,2024 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Bryan Adams (Pic: Special Arrangement)

Bryan Adams to perform in Mumbai today: Here’s all you need to know

Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams is all set to take the stage in Mumbai today as a part of his ‘So Happy It Hurts' World Tour. The singer-songwriter kicked off the six-city India tour on December 8 in Kolkata. After enthralling audiences in Kolkata, Shillong and Gurugram, he is now here to make Mumbai fans sway to his classics. At the show, attendees can expect to hear his iconic songs like ‘Summer Of '69’, ‘Everything I Do, I Do It For You’, ‘Please Forgive Me’, ‘Run To You’, ‘18 Till I Die’ as well as an introduction to his Grammy-nominated 2022 album ‘So Happy It Hurts’ that shares a name with the tour.  The carefully curated setlist will allow fans to relive the nostalgic days of roaring guitars and soaring vocals sprinkled with fresh energy of Adams' latest hits, catering to both longtime patrons and those discovering his music for the first time. Bryan Adams Mumbai concert time, venue and tickets Adams will perform at NESCO Centre, Goregaon. The whole concert will span three hours, from 7 PM to 10 PM. The tickets for his Mumbai concert are sold out. How to reach: The nearest local train station is Ram Mandir on the Western Line. You can also reach the venue directly by road. Bryan Adams and Mumbai This is Adams’ sixth visit to India, and he has a special connection to Mumbai. In an interview with mid-day.com, he had said, “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.” Also Read: Bryan Adams India tour 2024: 'My favourite memory of India is playing in Mumbai in 1993 in a packed cricket ground' About Bryan Adams’ ‘So Happy It Hurts’ India Tour This multi-city India tour is an extension of the musician’s global tour across USA, UK, Europe and Canada. Adams is touring in support of his 15th studio Grammy nominated album which comprised 12 rock anthems and powerful ballads. This tour marks his sixth visit to India - the 1993-1994 tour was followed by multi-city gigs in 2001, 2006, 2011 with his last outing being with the Ultimate Tour in 2018. After Mumbai, Adams will perform in the following cities: Saturday, December 14 - Bengaluru Monday, December 16 - Hyderabad Tuesday, December 17 - Goa

13 December,2024 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
'Rise Up for Equality' aims to bring women's safety and empowerment in focus (Pic: Special Arrangement)

Mumbai: This festival spotlights women's safety and empowerment through theatre

Rise up for Equality, a theatre festival dedicated to creating a safer and more equitable Maharashtra, is returning to Mumbai this weekend. Spearheaded by ace theatre personality Raell Padamsee’s Create Foundation in collaboration with actress Lushin Dubey, this event blends powerful storytelling with a pressing call for societal change. Through compelling theatre performances, the festival will spotlight the urgent need for women’s safety and empowerment. In the previous edition, Padamsee had partnered with the Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Government, and the Judiciary to amplify the initiative’s impact. In a symbolic moment, the theatre ace had presented a specially-crafted ‘103 Rakhee’ to Vivek Phansalkar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, underscoring the importance of the 103 helpline number. This vital service, supported by the Mumbai Police’s Nirbhaya Squad, ensures swift assistance to women in distress, with a response time of mere minutes. Over two evenings, the festival will bring performances that delve deep into narratives of resilience, justice, and the unyielding spirit of women. Padamsee, the creative force behind this initiative, underscores the festival’s purpose, stating, “With each passing year, through the ‘Rise Up for Equality’ festival, we aim to spark meaningful conversations, inspire change, and make Maharashtra a beacon of safety and empowerment for women and children.” She further adds, “The festival is not just a series of performances; it’s a call to action. True social and attitudinal change can only be achieved when civil society comes together, united by a common goal. It is through collective action that we can create a lasting impact, leaving behind a legacy of equality, safety, and empowerment for future generations. This is the world we must strive to build for our children and grandchildren. We invite the audience to join hands with us in making Mumbai the safest city in the world for women and children.” Show details When: December 14 and 15; 7 PM On Saturday, December 14, Lushin Dubey will present ‘Untitled,’ a solo performance inspired by Vijay Dan Detha’s ‘Nyari Nyari Maryada’ and Nobel Laureate Dario Fo’s Medea. The story follows a Rajasthani queen who dares to break free from age-old traditions to claim her identity, embodying defiance against patriarchal norms. On Sunday, December 15t, the stage will come alive with ‘Aruna’s Story,’ a deeply moving tribute written by Pinky Virani and enacted by Dubey. Based on the harrowing yet inspiring true story of Aruna Shanbaug, the play chronicles the nurse’s fight for justice after a brutal attack that left her in a coma for 42 years. Aruna’s ordeal spurred landmark legal reforms in India, including the discourse around passive euthanasia. Where: Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Breach Candy Tickets on: BookMyShow Also Read: From food to sports: Explore these unique events in Mumbai this weekend

13 December,2024 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kumbh Mela (File Pic)

Cultural village 'Kalagram' to showcase India's heritage at Mahakumbh 2025

The Union culture ministry has planned to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj to showcase the country's rich, spiritual and cultural heritage during the upcoming Maha Kumbh, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said. The Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. Interacting with mediapersons at his residence on Thursday, Shekhawat, who holds the culture and the tourism portfolios, said the culture ministry aimed to set up and run a cultural village -- 'Kalagram' -- in Prayagraj for which an area measuring 10.24 acres had been allocated at Nagvasuki. "A Ganga pandal with a capacity of 10,000 people will be set up by the mela authority where celebrity performances will be held," the ministry said in a statement. Three stage pandals with a 4,000-audience capacity each at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil, as well as a 1,000-capacity amphitheatre at Kalagram, will showcase the emerging Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees, National School of Drama productions, and zonal cultural centre ensembles, it said. Besides, 20 stages will be constructed throughout the city, which will be equally distributed between the Uttar Pradesh government's culture department and the culture ministry. Sharing data on tourists, the Union tourism ministry said the sector created 76.17 million (direct and indirect) jobs in 2022-2023, compared to 69.56 million in 2013-2014. In 2023, foreign exchange earnings from tourism were USD 28.07 billion against USD 19.69 billion in 2014, registering a growth of 42.53 per cent, it said. The number of foreign tourist arrivals in India during 2023 rose to 95 lakh from 77 lakh in 2014, registering a growth of 23.96 per cent. India saw 250 crore domestic tourist visits in 2023, an increase of 95.64 per cent from 123 crore in 2014, it added. India's ranking in the global Travel and Tourism Development Index improved from 65th in 2014 to 39th in 2024. In 2022, India ranked sixth globally in terms of tourism's contribution to national GDP. Highlighting a series of "achievements" and ongoing initiatives taken by the ministries of culture and tourism, Shekhawat said the more than 10-year tenure of the Narendra Modi government had been driven by a "steadfast commitment to realising the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi'". The minister also said that under Modi's leadership, "revolutionary reforms" had taken place in the fields of culture and tourism, "benefiting Indians not only socio-economically but also intellectually". Also Read: Luxury tent city to be set up in Uttar Pradesh 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

13 December,2024 09:47 AM IST | Prayagraj | IANS
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