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Mumbai: Here’s what you can expect at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF), a significant pillar of Mumbai's vibrant art scene, is returning this year, marking its silver jubilee with an extensive line-up of events across art and culture domains. The marquee event is set to take place from January 25 to February 2, 2025. KGAF’s silver jubilee celebration This year’s festivities will open with Silver Sitaare Fusion, a grand spectacle showcasing 25 dance styles, bringing together 55 renowned artists and institutions who have been part of KGAF's legacy. Complementing this is the much-anticipated release of the KGAF Anthem by acclaimed composer Shantanu Moitra, capturing the spirit and energy of the festival. Adding to the celebrations, KGAF will launch a commemorative coffee table book documenting its journey, with contributions from personalities like Brinda Miller, Ranjit Hoskote and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. This volume offers an intimate reflection on the festival’s impact and evolution, capturing cherished moments and milestones. KGAF line-up The schedule continues with cultural performances, thought-provoking discussions and immersive experiences across multiple genres. Theatre: One can witness productions by stalwarts like Makarand Deshpande, Juhi Babbar and Aakarsh Khurana, alongside other innovative works.   Literature: The line-up includes insightful sessions led by luminaries such as Devdutt Pattanaik, Gurcharan Das and Jerry Pinto. From explorations of mythology to modern queer narratives and poetic journeys through the by-lanes of Kala Ghoda, this segment promises intellectual engagement and inspiration. Stand-up comedy: This segment brings fresh laughter with Shreeja Chaturvedi and Kumar Varun's ‘Kvizzing with the Comedians’. Dance: Extraordinary performers, including Aditi Mangaldas, Padma Shri Narthaki Nataraj and Prachee Shah Pandya will mesmerise audiences with their artistry. Food: This segment will pay homage to culinary creativity, featuring the Chefs of Kala Ghoda with RPG Foundation. It also includes a special celebration of Om Puri’s legacy with a screening of The Hundred-Foot Journey and a fireside chat with his family and friends. Architecture and design: These conversations bring a future-focused perspective with names like Abha Narain Lambah and Sarah Sham, while music tributes and dynamic installations enliven historic venues like Afghan Church and Hamilton Studios. Sharing more about this edition of the festival, Brinda Miller, fine artist and director of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, says, “For 25 years, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has brought out the best of Mumbai’s creative spirit, giving all kinds of artists and art forms the platform and freedom to express, engage and inspire. We’re delighted to present the Silver Jubilee edition - standing testimony to the incredible past and present of the festival, and an even greater future - for our shared heritage, diverse arts and celebrated culture.”

21 January,2025 08:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A multi-platinum-selling artist, Timmy Trumpet's breakthrough track ‘Freaks’ has amassed over a billion streams. Photo Courtesy: Sunburn

Holi 2025: Australian musician-DJ Timmy Trumpet to embark on 4-city India tour

This Holi, World-renowned Australian DJ, producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet will perform in India for fans as a part of the Sunburn Holi Weekend.  Brought to the country by popular electronic dance music festival Sunburn, it aims to be a spectacular celebration across four cities with shows in Delhi, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.  Known for his electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, Trumpet will take centre stage as his performance will kick off with two shows on Holi, March 14 -- with an afternoon set to take over Delhi, followed by a sundowner performance in Pune, setting the backdrop for a stellar night.  The celebration will continue with high-octane performances in Kolkata on March 15 and Chennai on March 16 bringing the vibrant colours of Holi to life with Trumpet’s signature energy and showmanship.  The tickets will be available on January 22 from 5 pm starting at Rs 999, exclusively on BookMyShow. Ranked the No 5 DJ in the world by DJ Mag’s Top 100 in 2024, Timmy Trumpet’s rise to stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. A multi-platinum-selling artist, his breakthrough track ‘Freaks’ has amassed over a billion streams and several of his singles have broken the 100 million mark on Spotify alone.  The Australian DJ's sets have been a staple at the biggest festivals worldwide, including some of the biggest international techno festivals, where Trumpet’s debut mainstage performance became the highest streamed set of all time on their official YouTube channel. Timmy’s powerful blend of live instrumental performances and high-octane DJ sets has made him a crowd favourite. Each stop across the four cities will bring in the heat with a sterling lineup of homegrown artists.  Excited for his upcoming India tour, Timmy Trumpet said, “India is next level – every time I perform here, the energy blows me away. The culture, the people, the vibe – it’s like nowhere else in the world. I’m absolutely pumped to be back for Holi. It’s going to be pure madness, and I can’t wait to celebrate with all my amazing fans. Let’s make it a weekend to remember!” Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, added, "Over the years, Sunburn has turned Holi into so much more than just a festival of colours – it’s become a celebration of music, energy and togetherness like no other. This year, we’re thrilled to have Timmy Trumpet headlining the special edition of Sunburn Holi Weekend. Famous for his high-energy performances and the unique way he combines live trumpet melodies with electronic music, Timmy brings something truly special to the stage. His talent and passion promise to make this celebration unforgettable, creating moments that will stay with us long after the music fades."

21 January,2025 03:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Both Indian women's and men's teams won the tournament in respective categories (Pic: PTI)

Kho Kho World Cup: International players laud Indian culture and hospitality

The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi came to a close with both the men's and women's Indian teams lifting the trophy. However, the memorable tournament that mesmerised the nation and captured the imaginations of global audiences left unforgettable memories behind for many. The tournament kicked off with a vibrant cultural festival welcoming the 23 participating nations from across six continents. An unforgettable opening ceremony that highlighted the extravagant nature of Indian hospitality, featuring captivating musical and dance performances, kicked off the competition, and the thrilling nature of the sport left the audiences glued to their seats. "It was our first time in India and we had a great time. The Indian hospitality was very good. From the first time we reached here, we had everything provided for us. The hotel that we stay in and the food we had was customised for us, so we had no problems. It was also our first time to witness Indian culture and we really enjoyed the cultural celebrations. It was amazing," Iran's Amir Ghiasi said on being asked about his experiences in India. Amanadeep Kaur, a native Indian, who was a part of the New Zealand women's team further said, "We thoroughly enjoyed it. The main thing was we never thought the competition would be that tough. So now we are excited to prepare for the next level." The tournament organisers led by Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF) president Sudhanshu Mittal, KKFI General Secretary MS Tyagi, and IKKF General Secretary Rohit Haldania took the onus on themselves to ensure that all facilities are provided to the travelling nations, customised to their native needs. The herculean task was completed with much success, as the foreign stars praised the facilities available. "Everybody just loved the atmosphere here in India, and even the players from other teams. The hospitality offered by India to the other nations was just absolutely amazing. It's great to see the whole world under one shade. If there is any problem, we get support immediately. Doctors and physios are available, and any food or drink items required by players were immediately handled. India is the best country to have hosted this tournament," Amandeep added. The international Kho Kho players were also able to soak in the cultural environment of India, getting a chance to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, and also getting a taste of Indian street food. "Everything from the hospitality, from the food was amazing. I really enjoyed the dance shows, the dresses, and the music. Over here, you do not know where to look because you want to see everything and you want to be everywhere all at once. The experience has been excellent of the World Cup," Peru men's team head coach Silvana Patricia said. "Everything is so different from our culture. I am just looking at every single detail in every place. I am super happy and glad that I came here. The people here are so nice and the hospitality is the best thing ever. I want to learn some dance moves here as well and carry that back with me," Brazil men's team head coach Laura Doering signed off. 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 January,2025 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
The Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Photo Courtesy: PTI

Maha Kumbh: More than 1.59 mn devotees take dip in Sangam on Day 9

Despite the chilly weather and fog conditions, a large congregation of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday to take a dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh. As per the data of the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 1.597 million devotees took a dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the ninth day of the Mahakumbh. As of January 20, over 88.1 million have already taken a dip in the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati. On Tuesday morning, a dense layer of fog engulfed the Prayagraj city with inclement weather conditions in the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Prayagraj for today is 11 degrees Celsius with a forecast of fog in the morning and mainly clear sky later in the day. Amidst the dense fog in the morning, flight operations were normal at the Prayagraj airport. Thousands of people gathered on the ghats of Sangam to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence of three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. On Monday, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty expressed her immense joy as she arrived in Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh, saying that she was excited, hopeful, and extremely happy. She is on a three-day visit to the Maha Kumbh. Speaking to ANI, Sudha Murty said, "I am very excited because this is 'Teerthraj'. It (Maha Khumbh) came after 144 years and I am excited, hopeful and extremely happy. I am here for three days." Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregation in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. The next key 'snan' dates are: January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). Uttar Pradesh police deployed over 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces for the event's security. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed "water ambulance" stationed at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees. The Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. 

21 January,2025 11:18 AM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANI
Pic: PTI

Coldplay fan misses Mumbai concert after housemaid 'throws' tickets in trash

While people from all over the country were busy reaching DY Patil Stadium to watch Coldplay perform live in India after more than nine years, Instagram user Prachi Singh couldn't. It wasn't because she was stuck in traffic but because her tickets were thrown into the garbage by her housemaid, according to her account on Instagram.  Singh, who goes by the Instagram ID @prachisingh2202, now has over 62,400 followers, uploaded a reel titled 'Coldplay K Tickets Kachre Mai Chale Gaye', talking about her ordeal. Ever since she posted about it, her reel has gone viral with over 53,100 likes, 437 comments and 30,700 shares.  In the post, Singh says, "STORY - Yess so this disaster happened. Yesterday, we got two coldplay tickets and they were kept in a wrapper on dining table. Today, we got ready, driver was waiting and while we were leaving we couldn't find the bands and our maid said woh toh safai main phek diye :-') the building guys were so sweet to actually let check all the garbage which was thrown today. It's okay guysss, aaj kismat main nahi tha jaana @coldplay pls give two tickets.  A day after she put out the reel, Singh put out a story for all her well-wishers saying, "All you sweet ppl giving me their Ahemdabad/Mumbai tickets, thank you for the concern but won't be able to make it. Much love <3".

20 January,2025 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: iStock)

Many professionals in India looking for new job in 2025: LinkedIn report

A significant percentage of professionals in India are looking for a new job this year, but the search is tougher than ever, according to new research from leading global professional network LinkedIn. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of Indian HR professionals feel it has become more challenging to find qualified talent for a role, signalling a necessary shift in the way professionals will need to apply for - and land - a job in 2025. According to LinkedIn, 49 per cent of job seekers are applying to more jobs than ever, but are hearing back less. Hirers are also finding the process increasingly challenging. Over one-fourth (27 per cent) of HR professionals spend between 3-5 hours a day reviewing applications and 55 per cent said that less than half the job applications they receive meet all the criteria, LinkedIn added. "The job market is tough, but it's a reminder for Indians to take a more thoughtful approach to their job search," Nirajita Banerjee, Career Expert and Sr. Managing Editor for LinkedIn India said, adding that "being more strategic and deliberate can reward you with new opportunities and meaningful career growth even in a challenging job market." This research was conducted by Censuswide between November 27 and December 16, 2024, among 22,010 respondents, and among 8,035 global HR professionals between November 28 to December 18, 2024. Markets included the UK, the US, France, Germany, India, Spain, Brazil, Ireland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Australia, Indonesia, and Italy. Three out of 5 (60 per cent) professionals in India say they're open to a role in a new industry or area, and 39 per cent plan to learn new skills this year to open up opportunities. Moreover, AI will continue to drive up the value of skills as it becomes relevant to every job in the future and woven into most tasks, according to LinkedIn's just-released Work Change report. LinkedIn's India Jobs on the Rise report gives insights on the fastest-growing jobs over the past three years. Almost two-thirds of this year's Jobs on the rise roles are new to the India list and half of these roles didn't exist 25 years ago. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Robotics Technician, and Closing Manager are the top three fastest-growing jobs in India. This year's ranking also highlighted an uptick in roles for security-focused engineering, travel and in-person service sector roles, as business-as-usual returns in many parts of India following pandemic shifts. 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

20 January,2025 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Coldplay are all set to perform at their last concert in Mumbai on January 21. Photo Courtesy: BookMyShow Live

Mumbaikars witness Coldplay after nine years like never before

While Mumbai has hosted many concerts over the years, 2025 started off on a high as Coldplay sang their favourite tunes during their much-anticipated concert. It also helped establish its footing as the entertainment capital of India, etched itself into the archives of live music history as Coldplay’s iconic 'Music Of The Spheres World Tour' made its long-awaited debut in India.  Under ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’ at the D.Y. Patil Sports Stadium, fans from across the country gathered for what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime musical odyssey. From the moment the gates opened at 3 PM, fans poured in, racing to secure the perfect spot to witness the spectacle they’d waited with bated breath for. Produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, in partnership with Live Nation, the global producers of the tour, the evening felt like a pause in time with an overwhelming blend of music that touched the soul, emotions that left a yearning for more and visual brilliance that felt like a kaleidoscope of colours, cementing the band's legacy in the hearts of their fans in India. The concert was a dream come true for Coldplay fans who eagerly waited for nearly a decade to witness the band perform live in India again. As the lights dimmed and the first notes of ‘Higher Power’ reverberated through the stadium, an explosion of cheers set the stage for an unforgettable night. The band delivered an extraordinary performance that seamlessly wove tracks from their Grammy-nominated album ‘Music Of The Spheres’ with beloved classics that have stood the test of time, being a friendly emotional support for many, like ‘Fix You,’ ‘Yellow,’ ‘Paradise’ and ‘Viva La Vida,’ taking fans on a journey through their unparalleled discography. Excited to catch a few tracks from their recently released album Moon Music, such as ‘We Pray’ and ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’, fans sang along to the new anthems of the year. The evening began on a high note as Elyanna, the rising global sensation, graced the stage with her soulful voice and mesmerising presence. Her spellbinding set, featuring a mix of chart-toppers and soulful ballads, set the perfect tone for the night, leaving the audience captivated. Following Elyanna, the energy soared even higher as Shone took over with his dynamic beats and infectious energy, seamlessly blending electronic rhythms with live instrumentation. Jasleen Royal, known for her heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring tunes like ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’, ‘Love You Zindagi’ and ‘Ranjha’, the first Indian artist to open for Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour, made the country proud accomplishing no small feat to share the stage with the iconic band. From the very first song, the stadium was alive with energy, transforming into a sea of glowing LED wristbands that pulsated in harmony with the music. The band's trademark visual artistry was on full display, with dazzling lasers, fireworks and a massive stage design creating an immersive, otherworldly experience. Chris Martin’s soulful vocals, paired with the band's impeccable performance, left the audience spellbound, as every track was met with thunderous applause and uproarious singalongs. Jasleen Royal returned again for a captivating collaboration with the band on the soulful track 'We Pray,' leaving the audience spellbound. A poignant moment during the show was when Martin paused to connect with the audience, saying, “It's been our 4th time in the country. Thank you for being a wonderful audience! Mumbai main aa kar humein bohot khushi ho rahi hai”. His heartfelt Hindi words were met with a wave of emotion and the atmosphere grew even more magical when the band performed ‘A Sky Full of Stars’. The crowd transformed the stadium into a galaxy of twinkling lights, while fireworks illuminated the night sky, creating an unforgettable spectacle.  He paused ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ midway to crack a joke about Jasprit Bumrah wanting to play with him, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Then, with a grin, he encouraged everyone to put their phones away, urging the audience to join him in song. "Your phone in your pocket, your hands in the sky - that’s how we’re going to make Mumbai fly," he said, inspiring a wave of cheers and participation. The crowd joined in, singing along to the acoustic version of this beloved song, with Martin thanking the audience for a wonderful performance after. Immediately after, the band invited one of the security guards up on stage to wear an alien mask for the powerpacked, groovy and energetic performance that stole the hearts of audiences.  The stadium buzzed with an emotional symphony of joy, nostalgia and heartfelt moment and in this atmosphere of love and gratitude, Chris urged the audience to raise their hands high, inviting them to send their beautiful energy all over the world!The evening was filled with unforgettable highlights. Designed to enhance the celestial theme, Coldplay’s quirky, futuristic moongoogles transported attendees into a cosmic space as they caught the lights, fireworks and visuals in a whole new way - think a sky full of stars and hearts, while huge planets floated around the crowd and confetti showers amplified the experience for a truly interstellar vibe. Fans held up handmade banners proclaiming their love for the band. The emotional crescendo arrived with ‘Fix You’ where tears and smiles blended into one as the crowd sang along, their voices echoing into the night. Fans of all ages, from teenagers to families with children, came together in a celebration that transcended generations and borders. The concert reaffirmed India’s growing reputation as a global hotspot for live entertainment. The stadium roared to life like never before, with BookMyShow Live’s all-black steel VerTech Stage towering high and delivering unparalleled production value, solidifying its status as a landmark moment for the country. As Coldplay closed the show with ‘feelslikeimfallinginlove’ dedicating it to their fans, the crowd erupted in cheers, a moment that will forever remain in the hearts of those who were there. For fans, it wasn’t just a concert – it was a deeply personal and transformative experience, a night when music united thousands in an unforgettable celebration of love, life and the magic of live entertainment. Chris Martin’s interaction with the crowds was heartwarming with him reading out fans’ placards - wishing some of them a happy birthday and recognising another from their visit to Babulnath Mandir the previous day.  The anticipation was palpable as thousands thronged the venue hours ahead of showtime, queuing for exclusive Coldplay merchandise that flew off the shelves within minutes. From cosmic-themed T-shirts to commemorative posters and LED wristbands, the merchandise counters were abuzz with excitement as fans grabbed their keepsakes to mark this once-in-a-lifetime event. With the second night of ‘Magic’ just over on January 19, and another unforgettable performance on January 21, the city is bracing for more history in the making. It doesn’t end there - the tour heads to Ahmedabad for two spectacular shows on January 25th and 26th at the Narendra Modi Stadium, setting a record officially becoming the largest stadium shows the band will have ever played in their career.

20 January,2025 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mahakumbh 2025 (Pic: PTI)

Permanent ghats transform devotees' experience at Mahakumbh 2025

The grand Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj is underway, drawing a huge number of devotees daily for a holy dip in the Ganga. This year, the event stands out not only for its spiritual significance but also for the government’s transformative infrastructure developments, including the construction of permanent (pucca) ghats.  These permanent structures have improved pilgrims' experiences, ensuring safer and more convenient access to the riverbanks. With an estimated 400-500 million visitors expected throughout the event, the Maha Kumbh is set to be one of the largest religious gatherings in history. The new permanent ghats, particularly the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat in Daraganj, are at the heart of this transformation, drawing widespread praise from devotees and local priests alike. The Dashashwamedh Ghat, measuring 100 metres in length and 80 metres in width, has been entirely revamped, ensuring devotees can bathe without the risks associated with earlier temporary setups. Vishal, a pilgrim from Kushinagar, remarked, “This is a Maha Kumbh occurring after 144 years, and the facilities this time are far better than ever. The permanent ghats have made bathing so much easier and safer. I encourage everyone to come and experience this incredible event. The government has truly outdone itself.” Local priest Pramod Dubey echoed this sentiment, stating, “Earlier, the temporary ghats often caused injuries with sharp objects like bricks and glass. The construction of permanent ghats has eliminated such issues. This is a monumental effort by the government, and we are extremely satisfied.” Millions of devotees, undeterred by the freezing temperatures, have been flocking to Prayagraj to immerse themselves in the holy waters. The improved infrastructure, along with enhanced safety and sanitation measures, has significantly added to their experience. Meenu, a devotee shared her thoughts: “I came here alone but felt completely safe. The cleanliness and security measures are exceptional, and the permanent ghats have made the bathing experience so much more convenient. Everyone should come and witness this grandeur.” Gita, another devotee, praised the government’s efforts, saying, “This is the first time such well-planned arrangements have been made. Earlier, temporary ghats posed many challenges, but this time, everything was perfect. The permanent ghats are a blessing for all of us.” In addition to the permanent ghats, roads leading to the event have been widened, and access routes to the ghats have been improved to ensure a smooth flow of visitors. With its unparalleled infrastructure and spiritual significance, the Maha Kumbh 2025, from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj, is drawing huge crowds of devotees. Also Read: Adventure of a lifetime: Why these Mumbaikars are visiting Maha Kumbh like never before 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

20 January,2025 02:03 PM IST | Prayagraj | IANS
With over 11.4 million followers, Mahindra is known to inspire many people and many people have replied positively. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Anand Mahindra's Monday Motivation is all you need to get through the week

Among many things, Indian billionaire Anand Mahindra is known for having a realistic yet positive outlook on life. As the world starts yet another week in January, the chairman of the Mahindra Group, has shared wise words that will inspire many Indians and people around the world too.  In a post on X, he shared, "This tree obviously fell a long time ago. But it never saw the fall as the end of its existence. It simply accepted its new posture & found new avenues for growth. Adaptation. It’s the way of nature. And we’re part of nature too… #MondayMotivation" The post was accompanied by a photograph of a tree that was once standing upright but had bent over time, and found new roots, in the vicinity.  This tree obviously fell a long time ago.But it never saw the fall as the end of its existence. It simply accepted its new posture & found new avenues for growth.Adaptation. It’s the way of nature.And we’re part of nature too…#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/pqyHwfx7q4 — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) January 20, 2025 With over 11.4 million followers, Mahindra is known to inspire many people and many people have replied positively. Earlier this month, Mahindra was also very vocal about a video featuring Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan that sparked an online outrage after suggesting a 90-hour work-week.  At a time, when Monday blues are a real Internet trend, his post is certainly a reassurance for many.  Incidentally, the third week of January is also observed as Blue Monday, as one of the days in January Blues, when people usually feel a little low not only due to the weather but because of the start of the new year, in addition to Seasonal Affective Disorder.      

20 January,2025 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Dylan, now 83, is garnering attention with last month's release of the movie

Bob Dylan's draft lyrics of 'Mr Tambourine Man' sell for USD 508k at US auction

Draft lyrics to Bob Dylan's song 'Mr Tambourine Man' went for over a half-million dollars as part of a weekend sale of dozens of items related to the iconic American singer-songwriter. About 60 Dylan items -- including photos, music sheets, his guitar, pencil drawings and an oil painting composed by the Nobel Prize for literature winner -- were sold on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee, through Julien's Auctions. The items generated nearly USD 1.5 million in sales overall through in-person and online bidding, the auction house said. Julien's said 50 of the items, including the lyrics that received the highest sale price, came from the personal collection of late music journalist Al Aronowitz. The typewritten lyrics, which covered three drafts of the 1965 song, were written on two sheets of yellow paper, with Dylan's annotation on the third draft. Dylan wrote the original draft lyrics in the journalist's New Jersey home, according to Julien's, citing a 1973 newspaper article by Aronowitz. Dylan sat "with my portable typewriter at my white formica breakfast bar in a swirl of chain-lit cigaret smoke, his bony, long-nailed fingers tapping the words out" on copy paper, Aronowitz was quoted as writing. The third draft, while close to the final version, still had significant variations from the final lyrics, the auction house said on its website. The song appeared as the lead track on the acoustic side of his 1965 album "Bringing It All Back Home" and was the first Dylan composition to reach No. 1 in the United States and the United Kingdom, Julien's said. Other high-selling items included a 1968 Dylan-signed oil-on-canvas painting for USD 260,000 and a custom 1983 Fender guitar that he owned and played for USD 225,000. Dylan, now 83, is garnering attention with last month's release of the movie "A Complete Unknown", which focuses on his rise to stardom in the early 1960s. Dylan is played by Timothée Chalamet, who has worked for several years on the role, which involves singing and playing guitar. 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.

20 January,2025 11:11 AM IST | Nashville (US) | AP
Kerala-based band Thaikkudam Bridge, who were also in the city to perform at Phoenix MarketCity Kurla, performed a unique version of 'Sky Full of Stars'. Photo Courtesy:

Performing at the same time as Coldplay, Thaikkudam Bridge play unique tribute

While the whole of Mumbai and India was busy witnessing Coldplay live in concert at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, there was another section that was enjoying the melodious songs of popular Kerala-based band Thaikkudam Bridge, who were also in the city to perform at Dublin Square in Phoenix Marketcity Kurla.  While they performed many of their hits, fans of the Kerala band were in for a surprise when they got to witness Coldplay, or at least a version of their song, at the performance. Knowing that many fans weren't able to witness the British band live, and at the same time chose to witness the Kerala band, known for many hits over the last three decades, they were in for a treat. Sanju Shibu, a city-based creative professional, who was at the performance, said, "Vivian (Fernandes) said, "So what if you missed 'Sky Full of Stars', you are the stars tonight. It felt amazing."  The performance that followed saw the band, led by vocalist and founding member of the band Govind Menon on the violin, play a melodious version of 'Sky Full of Stars' that left many people gaping, including Shibu, who said, "I missed watching Thaikkudam Bridge twice in the past, and this was my first time and I loved the performance. Their version of the song also helped relieve the pain of not getting the Rs 7,000 tickets."  Without a doubt, the Malayalam band ended their performance with 'Fish Rock', their popular song that left fans wanting for more. On the other hand, Coldplay will take the stage yet again today at the same venue for another unique performance that will be followed by a last one in Mumbai on January 21, and then in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26.  

19 January,2025 04:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
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