Indian-origin Danish conductor Maria Badstue recently came to Mumbai for the fourth time but every time she comes here Badstue is busy with work. However, this time she made a change. Badstue visited an art gallery and even dined at a few city restaurants, making the experience unique. She expresses, “Mumbai is very different from anything I have seen anywhere else, and really enjoy just to be in the city and soak in the atmosphere - I marvel every time I am her.” Regarded as one of the best young Danish conductors of today, Badstue received the prestigious 2019-2021 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship and made her debut in Italy, France and the United States in the 2022-23 season. The conductor returned to the city for her joint performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) earlier this April, with the Symphony of India Chamber Orchestra and Danish Chamber Players. While she was set to perform with soprano Indira Mahajan, unfortunately the Marian Anderson Award-winning singer couldn’t make it due to personal reasons. However, it was an Indo-Danish collaboration in more than one way because Badstue reveals it is the first time she brought the Danish Orchestra with her. They took the opportunity to celebrate the music of Aaron Copland, Gustav Mahler, Samuel Barber and Beethoven too. In an interview with mid-day.com, the Indo-Danish conductor delves into her recent performance with the Danish Chamber players and her fascination with the pieces they played. At the same time, Badstue also talks her inspirations as well as her Indian connection and what makes Mumbai unique for her. How does it feel to be back to perform at the NCPA? It is always a pleasure to perform at NCPA. This time it was extra special because it was the first time I brought a Danish orchestra with me – the Danish Chamber Players and it has been a tremendously, positive experience. Why did you choose to perform Copland: Appalachian Spring, Barber: Knoxville Summer of 1915, Mahler: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 and Beethoven: Symphony No. 4? Since I was bringing the Danish Chamber Players, I had to take their instrumentation into consideration. They have a harp and a pianist in the ensemble, and I wanted to use all the available musicians in the orchestral concert, now we had brought them all the way. With Indira Mahajan we were planning for an American first-half. Unfortunately, she had to cancel, but we kept Copland, where the piano has a prominent role. Furthermore, it is a real standard piece not so often played – and it is demanding and developing for the musicians to play. Known to the wider public for its appearance in the 1971 movie 'Death in Venice´ directed by Visconti, Mahler´s Adagietto is one of the biggest masterworks in the entire orchestral repertoire and it is always very popular. It is beautifully orchestrated with only strings and harp - and the harp has a really big role. I wanted the Mumbai audience to experience this instrumentation and Mahler in general. Beethoven is one of my favourite composers. To play Beethoven is very healthy for any orchestra. It is very good for the basics of the orchestra. As a conductor you can find new things in the Beethoven scores during a whole lifetime. If I went to a deserted island, I would definitely bring all my Beethoven scores. You are regarded as one of the best young Danish conductors today. Who were your inspirations while growing up and what inspired you to become a conductor? I have been blessed with meeting so many good, inspiring and important teachers throughout my life – both in my role as a musician and as a conductor. I’m grateful towards all my teachers – and especially towards my conducting teacher Jorma Panula who has taught more or less all Scandinavian conductors and is widely considered as the most important conducting teacher in the world. It really takes a village to make a conductor, but without Jorma I would simply never have been conducting today, and he is still one of the most important figures in my life. Besides Jorma, I was influenced by Esa Pekka Salonen, whom I have assisted, and also by Daniel Barenboim whose rehearsals I have followed quite a bit in the past. Bernhard Haitink has also been an important inspiration. Tell us about your collaboration with soprano Indira Mahajan for this performance. What were your learnings in the process of working together? I met Indira Mahajan last season when we worked together at Portland Opera. She is an amazing singer, and she has Indian roots as her father was Indian. I am so sorry that she had to cancel this performance for private reasons, but I really hope that we get a chance to present her in Mumbai sometime in the not-too-far future. When I worked with Indira in Portland, I really learned a lot from her and the way she phrases and takes chances - she really is an artist, and it widened my horizon quite a bit working with her. I love doing opera, and I have done quite a lot of this over the years. What do you believe is a striking aspect of an Indo-Danish collaboration in music while giving a Western classical performance? It is a big advantage when a group of musicians know each other – to have a shared sense of playing-style, way of working and more. In this case, we brought two orchestras from both ends of the globe together. I know both the ensembles well and I had a strong feeling that the temperament of these two groups would be a good match. Knowing both cultures, I am delighted to have experienced how this feeling was right; we are not that far from each other in the way we think and work. I very much enjoy working with both SOI Chamber and DCP, and I found it surprisingly easy to bring them together. This strengthens my sense that the Danish and Indian mentality fits very well together. You have Maharashtrian roots and have visited India quite a few times since 2017 now. What is your favourite part about Mumbai - its culture and food? This was my fourth visit to Mumbai. Most of the time when I’m in Mumbai I am pretty much working all the time. There is a lot to digest in the music and the scores, and I have not had a lot of time to really experience Mumbai. But this time I had the chance to visit an Indian art gallery for the first time and went to the Cymroza Art Gallery which was a very inspiring experience. - and then of course there are the many good restaurants I have visited such as The Table or Flamboyante. Having lived almost all my life in Denmark it is still very new for me to be among people who look like myself. For that reason, it´s still kind of a big experience for me just to have a walk on the Marine Drive or being in a restaurant. Mumbai is very different from anything I have seen anywhere else, and really enjoy just to be in the city and soak in the atmosphere - I marvel every time I am her.
26 April,2024 04:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Indian rapper and Mumbai's beloved Naved Shaikh, or Naezy as he is more popularly known, is on a mission with his new EP 'Anti Fitna'. After taking a break since 2022, he is back to correct what he believes has gone wrong with the Indian hip-hop scene. He shares, "The environment is not right, everyone has gone past their limits in doing wrong things, I wanted to come out with something that is righteous and one that will change the environment of the industry. Right now, everyone wants to swear in their songs and talk about women in the wrong way, and a lot of things are happening in the industry and all these things are 'fitna', which means evil." Today, he says this negativity is spilling over in the industry and more people want to spend time by making such music. "I don't know the actual reason but I am fighting for it. I want it to end. I don't want people to be stuck in negativity and do negative things, and leave a mark on society, people and circles. The positive vibes get killed. Me being a part of this culture, it is not right, it is my responsibility to raise a voice against it with my friends and this is a movement for us." Interestingly, the lives of Naezy and Divine inspired 'Gully Boy' (2019), which depicted street rappers in Mumbai, and that gave further boost to the confidence of every street rapper in India. With 'Intro 2024', 'Third Eye', 'Paar' and 'Anti Fitna', the Mumbai-based rapper, who is known for hits such as 'Mere Gully Mein' (2015) with Divine, is out with four songs. Clearly a new version of the rapper who broke onto the scene a little over a decade ago with 'Aafat!', Naezy reveals he wrote these songs in 10 days, and when he was at the lowest in his life. Having seen how hip-hop has evolved in India, he has clearly expressed his distaste but at the same time feels it is his responsibility to correct the course to celebrate it. "I am against that evil. I want to bring out good things that are 'Anti Fitnah', which is the opposite of 'Fitnah'. My music is rich, the quality of songs, themes and words are in the proper way. I want to bring out music and change the environment. I want to leave a mark on people and they should be thinking about it. I want them to choose one path, whether they want to be 'Fitnah' or 'Anti Fitnah'." It can be seen in the lyrics of the songs, most prominently in the title track. "I want to be that guy who will change hip-hop in India forever and maintain the limits and lines of respect and honour. Our culture should be protected," he added. Also Read: Anuvab Pal: ‘There is intolerance towards everything. Laughing is what makes it tolerable’ Making 'Anti Fitna' So, what has changed with his music? "It is slightly different this time," says Naezy, continuing, "I started paying attention to my work and craft. I am rewriting my verses, paying more attention to my verses, my craft, trying to put hard work into it. This is very different from my earlier songs. This is like an updated version of Naezy as I have pushed myself harder this time. I am expecting a very good response this time." With this rapper, Naezy says, he has experimented with different kinds of genres. "From dubstep, drum and bass, electronic, hip hop, East Coast hip hop, Gangsta hip hop, 50 cent-type of hip-hop, dark hip hop, conscious hip hop, I have covered a lot of things in this small EP," he adds. These experiments with his sound are testament to the fact that the Mumbai rapper is evolving with the times. He explains, "People want flavour and they are expecting things from us. They want versatility. I want to change my style. I want to keep switching and bringing new elements to my style. I didn't want to sound monotonous." Interestingly, his evolution comes not only for himself but also his audience, who he believes has changed over the years. "I used to write songs that worked for me but the audience has changed and shifted as they have become grownups now, and now my audience is the younger kids. So, I am trying to understand what kind of music they like and build something that is acceptable for kids and older people." Also Read: No respite! Amidst persistent chaos, Worli man remains Dadar railway station's guiding light Naezy took a break from his music in 2018 for the first time and then the last two years, but has evolved a lot since he started out and in a better way, he believes. The rapper says, "I think I protected my art. There was a rough time in my life and I went through a lot but I made sure that my art was protected. I was evolving quietly. In a busy life, I used to get less time to rehearse and think about it. I used to shut out my artist self. I was busy in life - in family, work and spirituality - a lot of different things were happening. But I came back to my artist self, it was slightly more polished, creative, modernised and futuristic. It is evolving day by day. I want to reach my full potential. I still haven't reached my full potential. I want to deliver my best ever. It is reaching there. I need to keep patience and I am confident I will reach there." While he is working on himself and his music, being a Mumbaikar, the city-based rapper who hails from Kurla, says he always wants to represent Mumbai in the best possible way. "It is in my breadth, heart and mindset. Everything started from here, and hip-hop started from here. I am planning an EP or album with Mumbai sounds in it. So, I am trying to work on it and make a blueprint, and when the right time comes, I will deliver," he concludes. Also Read: ‘I feel like I grew up with Taylor Swift in all these years’: Decoding Taylor Swift’s fandom in India
26 April,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoKnown to be South Asia's largest LGBTQ+ film festival, KASHISH returns for a spectacular 15th edition in May in Mumbai. The annual festival will take place by showcasing over 130 films from more than 40 countries. The event will feature a diverse array of activities, including red-carpet events, panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and live performances by LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. It celebrates diversity, inclusion, and creativity within the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters. The festival will take place from May 15 to May 19 across three venues in the city including Liberty Cinema, Alliance Francaise de Mumbai in South Mumbai as well as Cinepolis in Andheri. As always, the festival aims to celebrate diversity, promote LGBTQ+ visibility, and foster discussions around inclusion and equality in South Asia through the medium of film and arts.
25 April,2024 10:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
At the southern railway bridge connecting Dadar West to East, Narendra Patil stands at the crossway serving a higher purpose. While pointing to the west side, he announces: “For Andheri, head to the second station – ticket price Rs 10. Fast mein jana hai, toh teen number platform.” Interrupting his speech, a middle-aged woman screams hastily: “Grant Road?” Pat comes the reply: “Mataji, keep to your left and reach platform number 2 for the Churchgate slow train.” What prompted Patil to serve as a human signpost? Before the current layout of parallel foot overbridges, Dadar station had a single straight bridge connecting its platforms. “Back then, all the indicators used to work,” Patil informs this writer while pointing at the southernmost bridge of Dadar station. Post the demolition of the bridge by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) – a new bridge was constructed in 2022. While this served as a respite for crowd management at Mumbai’s busiest railway station – the absence of train indicators has led to confusion and chaos amongst new passengers. “This new bridge is confusing for people, many of them fail to locate the station and run around in circles. Ladies come running, seeking trains for Malad, Virar, Goregaon and Ghatkopar with puzzled faces. It is very frustrating to watch these people struggle.” Upon noticing the widespread confusion due to missing indicators – he complained to the station master “Indicator toh lagao!” The station master conveniently brushed him off by saying: “lagata hu!” Patil knocked on the authorities’ door for eight consecutive days. Despite repeated requests – there was no effort from the railways to install an indicator. “I approached Sawant sahab at platform number 2 and requested him to look into the matter. He shrugged and said: hamare hath mein kuch nahi hai, go speak to municipality or use a bigger jack!” They suggested he consult local ministers, but Patil, being just an average Joe, decided he'd rather not take on on the epic quest of persuading bureaucrats. Frustrated, he took matters into his own hands. “The railway master kept on stalling me, eight days went by and there was not even a single signage. I decided not to wait further.” The next morning, the cement firm worker reincarnated as a train indicator to end commuter woes. Rail doot or Railway messenger Patil has carved out a window for himself from 9.30 to 11:30 (rush hours) when he dictates his ultimate act of rebellion: Before he rides off to work, he guides helpless commuters on platforms and trains. In an interview with this newspaper, he tells Rajendra Aklekar: “I initially tried to help them while on my way to the office. Then a couple of years ago, before the lockdown, I started waiting outside the station on the western side before heading to work and spent some time guiding people.” It has been 26 months since there has been no indicator at the Dadar railway station. This was just before the renumbering of platforms at Dadar station which was not accompanied by appropriate signage and indicators. Therefore, people ended up on the wrong stations due to lack of signposts, informs Patil. “Public sochta hai k main idhar jau ya udhar jau?” He remarks that everyday commuters are well-versed with the routes, however, new passengers are lost without the sign boards. Mumbai’s Dadar Railway Station has always been a dramatic spot for local trains. Numerous episodes of overcrowding, congestion and train accidents have earned it a notorious reputation. Catering to almost 8-10 lakh commuters daily – this station is one the most important and busy junctions where the Western and Central lines of the railway meet. It also is a Terminus and stop for out-station trains. Special Sixties: What is the secret behind Chembur's age-defying grannies? An act of impact Patil had been serving at his spot for the past 15 months when the authorities acknowledged his efforts. What followed was one signboard that went up on December 6, 2023, marking Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth date. The boards read ‘platforms 2 and 3’ with an arrow pointing towards the respective platforms. “Another board has come up indicating platforms for Churchgate and Virar,” Patil said with a sheepish smile. However, these efforts are still not satisfactory for him and the general public as the font is small and the boards are placed hastily which misses the eyes of travellers. “Laga do na patra..for each platform.. why work half-heartedly? Their promises have failed us and now it has been 26 months with no solution in sight,” exclaims Patil. Dadar’s Good Samaritan “Namaskar...” – Patil greets a middle-aged man in white. An everyday face at Dadar station, people pay him in smiles and greetings for his selfless act. Before the lady clad in a formal suit could open her mouth, he gauged her baffled look and asked: “Kahan jana hai madam?” and later guided her to the desired platform. While guiding lost commuters, he exudes a positive light and has an inviting appeal. Not only is his smile wide, his vision is swift to identify the needy passengers. “Madam I don’t do this to get paid – for that, I have a job,” the Worli resident tells me. As the clock strikes 11.30 am, he hops on to Thane slow local and heads to Mulund where he works to sell cement. “I can do this only in the morning as I have to reach work by Midday. When I will get free – only the lord knows?” he jokes modestly. Man on mission Despite working till late in the night, Patil has a single-track mind to get back to Dadar station every morning and impart his duties (like clockwork). A daily commuter of Mumbai local, he is well-versed with the routes. “Doing this gives me immense satisfaction,” he remarks. Despite him giving free service – the railway authority has not taken cognizance of the missing indicator. The inconvenience remains ignored and people continue to rely on his directions to reach their destination. In our brief interaction, at least a dozen people greeted him, and another dozen followed his directions with obedience. Serving as a commuter’s guardian, Patil is an angel of a higher order. How long will he go on? “I will stop when the indicator goes up,” says the man on a mission. Also Read: Outrage in Santacruz’s Khotwadi: Builder denying transit rent for 6 years, erected 50 illegal flats
25 April,2024 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviMegastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was feted with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for his remarkable contributions to the field of cinema, has expressed his gratitude for the honour. Amitabh took to X (formerly called Twitter) and shared a picture of himself receiving the award from Usha Mangeshkar, sister of the late legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. "Aabhaar aur mera param saubhagya,” he wrote in the caption. Actor Randeep Hooda, actress Padmini Kolhapure, and music composer A.R. Rahman were also seen sharing the stage with Amitabh, who received the honour on the memorial day of Deenanath Mangeshkar, the theatre-music veteran and father of the Mangeshkar siblings. Rahman was also feted with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award for his contributions to the field of music, along with Randeep, Ashok Saraf, and playback singer Roopkumar Rathod. Also Read: No respite! Amidst persistent chaos, Worli man remains Dadar railway station's guiding light This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 April,2024 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIndia's manufacturing industry's intent to hire fresh graduates has jumped to 48 per cent in the first half (January-June) of 2024, an increase of seven per cent from 41 per cent in July-December 2023, a new report showed on Wednesday. According to learning and employability solutions provider TeamLease EdTech, this surge coincides with boosted capital investments and increased merger and acquisition activities within the automobile, electronics, and textile domains. "As investments pour in and technological advancements reshape production processes, there's a palpable sense of momentum driving the sector forward. This presents an exciting opportunity for young talent to contribute meaningfully to India's industrial resurgence," said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO, TeamLease Edtech. The report contains 377 companies of various sizes operating in 18 different sectors throughout India. Key roles in demand include product designers, automation engineers, embedded engineers, mechanical engineers and quality assurance assistants. As per the report, Bengaluru emerged as a hotspot for automation engineers, with a 61 per cent demand for professionals in this field. Meanwhile, Chennai leads in the demand for embedded engineers, with 56 per cent of companies actively seeking talent in this domain. Hyderabad and Gurugram stand out as preferred destinations for mechanical engineers, capturing 50 per cent and 47 per cent of the demand, respectively. The need for specialised roles expands beyond major metropolitan areas, with cities like Chandigarh and Nagpur showcasing significant requirements, the report noted. "It's interesting to see sectoral demand in smaller cities like Chandigarh and Nagpur. This offers a unique opportunity for job seekers to go beyond the traditional Tier 1 cities," said Jaideep Kewalramani, Head of Employability Business and COO, TeamLease Edtech. Outrage in Santacruz’s Khotwadi: Builder denying transit rent for 6 years, erected 50 illegal flats 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
24 April,2024 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSSongstress Sona Mohapatra and acclaimed music composer Ram Sampath have worked on a song titled 'Senti Akhiyaan', for which the two have drawn inspiration from Mexican painter Freida Kahlo. It was Sampath’s idea to make a music video where Mohapatra meets the icon. Mohapatra said: “I’ve always been inspired by the fearless spirit, art and unique fashion of the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Long before she was discovered by fashion editors in our art and lifestyle space, I had postcard prints of all her paintings framed and put up on my hostel wall even as a student." "Loved that she sported bushy eyebrows, wore colour unabashedly and flaunted her roots and identity as a Mexican with pride and aplomb.” She said that it was her partner Sampath’s idea to make a music video where “I meet the icon Frida.” “He felt that the Senti Akhiyaan composition and music arrangement had a strong Latin American flavour, and it was fitting to draw inspiration from her imagery and in a sense also pay homage to our common love of celebrating our roots vs blending into the generic landscape of what is considered pretty or glamourous in the larger public eye.” The song, born from the lyrical musings of young poet Roshanaara Qureshi, delves into the theme of eyes being the window to the soul. “The first-time young lyricist of the song Roshanara is also a rebel and firebrand also made us both believe that this would be a perfect fit for firebrands!” Talking about the song, she said: “The fusion of guitars, kalimbas, harmonium and percussion infuses the song with an organic Latin plus Desi swing, creating a vibe that is both chill and infectious and I believe Frieda would be happy to dance on this song if she was alive today.” Musically, 'Senti Akhiyaan' seamlessly blends timeless Indian melodies with a Reggaeton beat, accented by Hindustani harmonium interludes played by Tanmay Deochake. Also Read: Alan Walker to perform in Mumbai on October 19 for his WalkerWorld India Tour 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
24 April,2024 07:29 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSNorwegian DJ Alan Walker will perform in India start September as a part of his WalkerWorld global tour. Sunburn Arena has announced the dates of the India leg of the much-awaited tour from September to October of this year, following his recent collaboration with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.The expansive 10-city tour kicks off with Kolkata (September 27), followed by stops in Shillong (September 28), Delhi NCR (September 29), Ahmedabad (October 2), Bengaluru (October 4), Chennai (October 5), Kochi (October 6), Pune (October 18), Mumbai (October 19) and culminating in Hyderabad (October 20).The Norwegian icon will be touring in support of his WalkerWorld, the first installment of his most ambitious and ever-evolving project, a compilation that cut across genres as he beckoned audiences into an innovative and immersive chapter of his artistry. This initial release premiered in December 2023 and featured 10 tracks, including five new compositions, that transcended traditional sonic boundaries showcasing Alan Walker’s progression as an artist. The album opened with an inviting track, setting the stage for a diverse playlist. Collaborations with artists like Daya in 'Heart Over Mind' and Steve Aoki in 'Spectre 2.0' highlight Walker’s signature dance-pop style. In contrast, 'Land Of The Heroes' with Sophie Stray ventures into emotive electronic. The album culminated with 'Darkride', a solo track by Walker, ending on a cinematic note that leaves listeners eager for future additions. The project also marked a unique crossover into the virtual world, with the introduction of Alan Walker’s amusement park in Fortnite, aptly named after the album. The electronic dance music icon will be touring in support of his WalkerWorld concept, the first installment of his most ambitious and ever-evolving project, a compilation that cut across genres as he beckoned audiences into an innovative and immersive chapter of his artistry, whilst pioneering a new era of musical experience. Expressing his excitement about returning to India, Alan Walker states, "India, I can’t wait to be back on my biggest tour ever. I had a great run on my last visit to Bengaluru and my team and I are working extensively to create an unmatched show experience. The energy in India is always exciting and hospitable, and I can’t wait to create some unforgettable moments together with my desi fans.”Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn states, "We are thrilled to welcome Alan Walker back to India for what promises to be an electrifying tour across multiple cities. Alan's connection with his fans here is profound, and we look forward to creating spectacular shows that resonate deeply with audiences and amplify the essence of electronic music in India." Public sale tickets for Alan Walker India Tour are available at www.bookmyshow.comAt just 26 years old, Alan Walker has already made an indelible mark on the music industry. Walker burst onto the scene in late 2015 with 'Faded', a track that has since accumulated over 1.9 billion Spotify streams and 3.6 billion YouTube views. His success continued with hit singles and collaborations with renowned artists, leading to his critically acclaimed debut album 'Different World' and 'World of Walker'. With over 750 headlining shows, including Coachella and Tomorrowland, Walker’s journey is far from over, with WalkerWorld being his latest leap into uncharted artistic territories.
24 April,2024 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe story of 72-year-old Prema Dhanraj, who was honoured with the Padma Shri on Monday, is no less than a movie script. Surviving as a child from a fire accident after suffering 50 per cent burn injuries, as per the wish of her mother she made it her mission to provide succour to burn survivors who had lost hope. At the age of eight, Dhanraj suffered severe burn injuries in a kitchen fire at her residence. Fifty per cent of her body was burnt and her entire face had to be reconstructed. Rosie, her mother, prayed to the Almighty that if her child is healed, the girl would dedicate her life to the service of humanity. Being a fighter, Dhanraj survived multiple surgeries. According to medical experts, burns that exceed 30 per cent of a person's body can be potentially fatal. Dhanraj went on to become one of India's top plastic surgeons and Head of the Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Department at a prominent hospital in southern India. She is now an internationally recognized consultant for the establishment of multiple burn treatment centres around the world. Dhanraj is regarded as a pioneer in reconstructive surgery and has operated on over 25,000 burn victims. Originally from Vellore in Tamil Nadu, she now resides in Bengaluru. In 1999, she founded 'Agni Raksha' with a focus on holistic rehabilitation of burn survivors. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
23 April,2024 01:03 PM IST | Bengaluru | IANS
For many reasons, Indian comedian Anuvab Pal is excited to perform ‘The Nation Wants To Know’, his one hour-long special, which was first performed in Mumbai. Interestingly, this will be the first time that he performs it at the Royal Opera House this Friday. It is a city venue, that the comedian, who is also known for the Stephen Fry-starrer ‘The Empire’ comedy show, has always wanted to perform at in Mumbai, ever since he entered the standup comedy scene over 15 years ago. Pal has now done over 1,000 shows of ‘The Nation Wants To Know’ over the last decade around the world with the likes of Singapore, as well as cities such as Sydney, San Francisco before coming back to perform it in Mumbai. The special is the opening act for The Entertainment Factory’s The Royal Opera House Comedy Series starting this month on April 26. Interestingly, this special by the playwright, who is also a screenwriter for the likes of Bollywood film ‘Loins of Punjab’ (2007), will have a different flavour than all his other gigs performed around the world, he reveals, because there are some stories that he can tell in Mumbai, that work best only in Mumbai for him. Having spent 20 years of his life here in the city, that is what makes this even more enjoyable. ‘The Nation Wants To Know’ is a special that takes a very funny look at India. It explores the quirks of different Indian communities that still continue to inspire Pal for his material; it also explores the colonial hangover of the British in India. Interestingly, the show also explores the oddity of news headlines, which are always the talk of the town now, and the absurdity of everyday Indian behaviour. It also dwells into the new high-rises that define new India to the digital India that older people struggle to comprehend making it one that everybody can identify with. Over the years, comedians in India have been at the receiving end for picking up topics like politics, culture, and communities. With the social media boom turning from posts and tweets into reels and more, it doesn’t take long for them to be trolled. However, Pal says he keeps it simple and lets the creative side of him take over because he doesn’t have strong political opinions. Ahead of his act, mid-day spoke to Pal about coming back to Mumbai and what makes his performance in the city unique. The comedian also dwells on why he loves focusing on the quirks of Indian communities, his fascination with news headlines, and how he takes the creative liberty with politics by thinking about his opinion than that of the audience. Here are the edited excerpts: Firstly, how does it feel to be the opening act for The Royal Opera House Comedy Series?It feels great to be the opening act for the comedy series. I have wanted to perform at Opera House for years. 'The Nation Wants to Know' focuses on Indian communities among other things. What do you believe makes Indian communities unique as compared to communities around the world where you've performed. Which is your favourite Indian community to describe for their quirks?There is no other culture that has so many distinctions and differences than Indian communities. Most other cultures are quite uniform. News headlines and their virality are the talk of the town. What intrigues you the most about them and what made you include them as a part of this one-hour special?When I began ‘The Nation Wants To Know’, primetime news was the home for proper rubbish you could make fun of. Today, that has moved to Instagram reels but the idea of Indian news becoming comedy is great material. Having already done over 1,000 shows around the world, what makes performing it in Mumbai special and will you be adding a local flavour to it?Mumbai is home. It is where I have lived for over 20 years. There are stories I can tell in Mumbai that only work in Mumbai. Your one-hour special has a lot of subjects that are constantly been spoken about in India. However, most often than not comedians have been at the wrong side of things for touching upon politics and more. Do you consciously try to find a balance between not trying to offend anyone or do you take the creative liberty by not limiting your writing?I do take the creative liberty. Also, I don't have strong political opinions. I like to go with the flow and see how things evolve. I am less interested in offense and more interested in what my idea of the politics is. I try not to think about what people think or what people's opinions are. It is impossible to write if you think about the audience. Do you believe there is still intolerance towards serious subjects being made fun of in a comedy special?There is intolerance towards everything. Laughing is what makes it tolerable. Ever since you became a standup comedian, how have you seen the Indian comic scene change?The Indian comic scene is totally different now. There are thousands of comics. In all this time, how have you evolved as a comedian?I have not evolved enough as a comedian. I would like to evolve more, write more. I have travelled and seen a lot of the world, but I think as a comedian I need more tricks. What inspires your act and specials? Do current affairs in India help you in the process because of so much that is being consumed daily through social media and reactions to it?India's relationship with other cultures is what inspires my comedy acts and specials. How does the rest of the world see Indians? That is my favourite topic. Lastly, where do you go after Mumbai? Are you working on any new material simultaneously?After Mumbai, I go on tour across the United Kingdom from May 17 to June 8, ending at Soho Theatre from June 3 to June 8. Event details: When: Friday, April 26 Time: 7:30 pm onwardsWhere: Royal Opera House MumbaiTickets: BookMyShow.com
23 April,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
In today's rapidly evolving corporate landscape, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability not just as a moral imperative but also as a strategic advantage. However, achieving sustainability goals while maintaining productivity and efficiency can be a challenging task. The architectural and design industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Its ability to analyse massive datasets holds immense potential for environmental progress in various capacities. “AI-powered technologies are revolutionising how office spaces are designed and operated, focusing on enhancing both productivity and sustainability. From optimising energy consumption to improving indoor air quality and space utilisation, AI is driving a paradigm shift in workplace environments. AI empowers businesses to create more efficient, sustainable, and human-centric work environments,” says Sammeer Pakvasa, managing director and CEO of Eleganz Interiors. As organisations continue to prioritise sustainability and employee well-being, AI will undoubtedly play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of work. On World Earth Day, Pakvasa delves into seven key areas where AI can revolutionise sustainable office design. Streamlining design processesUtilising AI-powered tools enhances the efficiency of the design process by automating mundane tasks and enabling quicker iterations. Integrating AI into computer-aided design (CAD) software empowers architects to execute intricate calculations, produce optimised designs, and pinpoint potential errors or inefficiencies. Generative design algorithms offer a spectrum of design alternatives based on defined parameters, while automated error detection identifies flaws pre-construction, thus mitigating rework and reducing costs. Also Read: Why pastel palettes are perfect for Mumbai home interiors Intelligent site selectionAI generators support architects and designers in assessing potential building locations by evaluating factors such as water availability, solar radiation, wind patterns, and transportation infrastructure. Through comprehensive data analysis, AI generators recommend sites that are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. For instance, they can identify areas with abundant sunlight for solar energy utilisation or favourable wind conditions for natural ventilation systems. Furthermore, AI evaluates access to public transportation and infrastructure to minimise reliance on individual vehicles, thereby contributing to sustainability objectives. Ultimately, AI-driven site selection ensures strategic placement of office buildings to minimise energy consumption, transportation requirements, and environmental impact, which aligns with sustainable design principles. Sustainable material selectionAI algorithms play a crucial role in guiding architects and builders towards selecting sustainable materials by assessing various factors such as durability, environmental impact, and cost. Machine learning algorithms help identify environmentally friendly alternatives and offer insights into the entire lifecycle of materials. This encompasses recommending sustainable substitutes for conventional building materials, maximising the utilisation of recycled and locally sourced materials, and conducting thorough life cycle analyses to evaluate environmental footprints. Better space utilisationAI is emerging as a game-changer in space utilisation. By deploying occupancy sensors and analytics, organisations can gain a comprehensive understanding of how their office spaces are being used. This data-driven approach to space management allows businesses to make informed decisions about space allocation, identify areas of underutilisation, and optimise the usage of available spaces. AI-powered occupancy sensors can detect the presence of people as well as other variables such as light and temperature. By analysing this data, businesses can gain insights into how various spaces are being used and identify trends in occupancy patterns. For example, a company may find that certain conference rooms are rarely used or that employees tend to congregate in specific areas of the office during certain times of the day. Armed with this information, businesses can make data-driven decisions about space utilisation. They can identify areas of underutilisation and repurpose them for other uses, such as creating collaborative workspaces or installing additional amenities. By optimising space utilisation, businesses can reduce their real estate costs, improve the overall productivity of their workforce, and create a more comfortable and flexible work environment. Also Read: Renting in Mumbai? Your guide to budget-friendly home decor Energy optimisationEnergy optimisation is an innovative solution that uses advanced AI-powered algorithms to analyse vast datasets and make dynamic adjustments to heating, cooling, and lighting systems. These algorithms take into account various factors such as weather patterns, occupancy rates, and user behaviour to optimise the energy usage in real-time, thereby reducing energy consumption and minimising the environmental impact. One of the benefits of energy optimisation is that it enables businesses to significantly reduce their carbon footprint without compromising the comfort and productivity of occupants. By fine-tuning energy usage, businesses can save energy and reduce their operating costs. Moreover, energy optimisation helps to enhance the indoor environment by providing occupants with optimal lighting, temperature, and air quality. These factors are essential for creating a comfortable and healthy working environment, which in turn boosts productivity and reduces absenteeism. Predictive maintenanceAI enables predictive maintenance of building systems, helping organisations minimise downtime and extend the lifespan of their assets. By analysing historical data and identifying patterns of equipment failure, AI algorithms can predict potential issues before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance and cost-effective asset management. This not only reduces operational disruptions but also enhances the reliability and efficiency of building systems, ultimately contributing to overall sustainability efforts. Also Read: Modern maximalism: Experts help us decode the new home decor trend Personalised workspaces for employee well-beingAI technologies are transforming employee experiences within the workplace. By leveraging data on employee preferences and behaviour, AI-powered systems can personalise settings such as lighting and temperature to better meet individual needs. This data-driven approach fosters a more productive and inclusive workplace culture by enhancing employee satisfaction, engagement, and well-being. In conclusion, AI offers a powerful toolkit for architects, designers, and facility managers to create sustainable office spaces that prioritise environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and operational efficiency. As AI technology continues to evolve, its transformative potential in shaping the future of sustainable office design will undoubtedly become even more significant.
22 April,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalADVERTISEMENT
