The world’s second-largest Khadi Tricolour installed on the western steps of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Karnataka's Belagavi was unveiled on Tuesday, said the Chief Minister's Office. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after unveiling the flag, said that the Indian Tricolour is not merely a Khadi cloth, but a symbol of the nation’s pride and self-respect. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, who took the initiative possible, and also the family of Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna from Kamalapur in Kalaburagi district, who contributed the flag. "During the freedom struggle, the Tricolour was adopted. It is not just a piece of Khadi fabric -- it embodies India’s pride and self-respect. The flag includes three colours and the Ashoka Chakra. The saffron, white and green colours represent national self-respect, economic strength, sacrifice, peace, and convey a message of patriotism," the CM said. White represents peace and truth, while green signifies prosperity. The Ashoka Chakra symbolises the nation’s progress and the creation of equal opportunities for all, he explained. “We must view our national flag with respect and pride. Every citizen must cultivate patriotism. On this occasion, it is important to remember those who sacrificed and fought for the nation. Under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, the freedom movement was carried out. Gandhi also chaired the Congress session held in Belagavi. As it has been 100 years since that event, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed beside Suvarna Soudha,” he said. “We must all be patriots. India is home to many castes and religions. It is essential that we all remain secular. Human beings must love each other instead of harbouring hatred. Only then can a just society be built. Otherwise, it will be difficult to build a secular nation,” he remarked. “It has been 79 years since Independence. We must introspect on how far we have progressed in terms of brotherhood, patriotism, and human values in our society. Without these, it is not possible to live as true human beings. This spirit must grow among all students and youth,” he said. “We are ensuring that Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Preamble to the Constitution is read in schools and colleges. This is why we are organising such historic programmes,” the Chief Minister said, expressing gratitude to Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna for donating the national flag. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar praised the initiative, stating that displaying the massive Tricolour at Suvarna Soudha sends a strong message of patriotism to future generations. He was speaking on Tuesday at the unveiling ceremony of the giant national flag installed on the grand steps of Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi. “Congratulations to Speaker Khader, who is creating new records. Last year, on the occasion of the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership of the freedom movement, the Speaker installed a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Suvarna Soudha. Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and many others took part in that programme. Today, a massive Tricolour prepared by our Khadi Centre in Dharwad has been displayed at Suvarna Soudha,” he said. “On behalf of the people of the state, I congratulate the Speaker and his team. This is an exemplary initiative and should become a model for everyone. The public must be given an opportunity to view it. Congress members carry the national flag on their shoulders and patriotism in their hearts,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 December,2025 03:58 PM IST | Belagavi | IANSPost Malone took the stage in Guwahati for his first-ever solo headline performance in the country in Guwahati on Monday, December 8. Kayan kicked off the evening with her warm vocals and genre-fluid sound set the tone for the night, the perfect prelude to Post Malone’s set. A mellow, immersive performance that drew everyone in, with Kayan’s style keeping the crowd grounded, yet electrified. She delivered some of her most popular songs such as ‘Cool kids’, ‘Good kinda love’ and ‘Hold me down’ which showcased her signature blend of soulful R&B, indie vibes and raw emotion. By the time Post Malone stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere transformed into something electric. Dressed in his signature relaxed style, he wore a white T-shirt featuring a graphic of the Indian map with the Taj Mahal prominently depicted and ‘India’ inscribed below. With a guitar slung over his shoulder, he stepped into the spotlight to a roar that swept across the Khanapara Veterinary Ground. From the very first chord, the connection was instant. His seamless blend of rap, rock, pop and country unfolded like a cinematic journey, shifting effortlessly between soaring guitar-driven moments and laid-back anthems that had the crowd singing along to every lyric. Reflecting on the concert, Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer - Live Events, BookMyShow, said, “Tonight in Guwahati showcases the continued evolution of India’s live entertainment landscape. Post Malone’s ability to draw audiences across generations and cultures reflects a new India confident, connected and firmly positioned within the global music ecosystem. The overwhelming response from the Northeast reaffirms what we have long believed: the country’s cultural appetite is expanding rapidly, with emerging regions proving ready to host world-class talent. This performance is not just an artistic milestone but a clear signal of how global entertainment experiences are evolving across India." Echoing this, Padmapani Bora, managing director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC), commented, “Assam is entering an exciting new phase with the introduction of our Concert Tourism Policy, designed to position the state as a leading destination for international cultural experiences. Post Malone’s debut headline performance in Guwahati tonight marked a significant step in this direction bringing world-class music talent to the region while generating wider economic and cultural opportunities.” Much like his celebrated international shows, Malone crafted an emotional arc rather than a conventional setlist during the show that was produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, and Live Nation in collaboration with the Government of Assam.. From ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Congratulations’ to ‘Circles’ and ‘Sunflower’, he captivated fans with his biggest chart-toppers. At one point, he turned to the crowd and said, “I am grateful to be back in India and in Zubeen Garg’s homeland”. These were the moments when the venue erupted, phones lit up and thousands of voices merged into one giant chorus an energy Guwahati experienced for the very first time.
09 December,2025 01:44 PM IST | Guwahati | mid-day online correspondentAge is just a number for 87-year-old Mandakini Shah and her sister Ushaben, who zoom around the streets of Ahmedabad fearlessly on their scooter, earning the nickname 'Biker Dadis'. Videos of Mandakini, aka Mandaben, riding a scooter with her sister, Ushaben (84), sitting in the sidecar, have gone viral on social media, with people comparing them to Jay and Veeru, characters portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra in the Bollywood cult classic 'Sholay'. The sisters, dressed in crisp cotton sarees, riding their two-wheeler in city traffic, are a sight to behold and cut an inspiring picture of empowerment. Mandaben, the eldest of six siblings and a daughter of a freedom fighter, said she was fond of riding motorcycles and scooters, but never had the money to buy one when she was young. "I learned to ride a scooter when I was 62, and I still ride my scooter without any trouble. I give a lift to children whenever I go to the garden. I also offer lifts to strangers and drop them off at their destination. Thanks to my strong willpower, I can ride a scooter at this age, that too in the city's traffic," says Mandaben, a former teacher who never married. The spirited octogenarian said that the love and appreciation she received from people after going viral on social media is beyond her imagination. "I never thought I would become famous. Random people contact me and appreciate my spirit. People motivate me, saying I am doing so well. However, some also advise me to sit at home because of my age. At a hospital, doctors clicked photos with me and did not charge anything," Mandaben said. Although she walks with a stick, Mandaben also knows how to ride a jeep and drives down to her village if a driver is not available. "I go everywhere on this scooter with my sister. After seeing me, some men urge their wives to learn to ride two-wheelers fearlessly. Some women told me that they are now inspired to ride," she said, adding that women must learn to drive and not depend on anyone. Ushaben, who enjoys riding with her older sibling in the sidecar, said she loves it when people notice them and call them 'Jay-Veeru'. "We roam all over the city on this scooter. We used to live in densely populated areas of Manek Chowk and Kalupur in the past, but in those areas, too, my sister rode effortlessly. Age is not a barrier for us. We hope that other women will get inspiration from us," she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 December,2025 12:16 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIGoa, known for its parties that go on sometimes all night-long, turned into a shock for many after the unfortunate tragedy that claimed 25 lives and injured at least six people. However a Mumbai-based DJ narrowly escaped the tragedy. DJ Nicky was scheduled to perform that night at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora on Sunday, December 7. Taking to Instagram, she wrote that the incident occurred before she arrived at the nightclub. "Still shaken and heartbroken thinking about what happened. Praying for the souls we lost and for all those who are injured to recover soon," she said. DJ Nicky, whose real name is Mita Nikky, described the emotional impact of the event, "Life is unpredictable. Stop fighting. Stop arguing. Spend as much time with your loved ones, because you never know what might happen." She added that she had been mentally and physically disturbed for the past few days and requested space to cope with the trauma. A screenshot of an Instagram post by DJ Nicky Authorities are investigating the incident, with fireworks suspected as the likely cause. The deceased included four tourists and 14 staff members, while the identity of the remaining seven had yet to be established, the police said. The tragedy has raised concerns over fire safety in nightclubs and entertainment venues in Goa. Meanwhile, the Goa government on Monday announced the formation of a four-member magisterial inquiry committee to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the massive fire that broke out at the nightclub. Officials stated that fireworks are suspected to be the primary cause of the blaze, which took place at 'Birch by Romeo Lane', a popular party venue located in Arpora village, approximately 25 kilometres from Panaji. According to an order, the committee will examine the sequence of events leading up to the fire, verify the compliance of all statutory licences, and identify any lapses. It will also determine accountability of the agencies or departments responsible and recommend preventive and corrective measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. The committee has the authority to call for records, documents, and other evidence from relevant departments and is empowered to summon individuals concerned as part of the investigation.
08 December,2025 08:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe recently concluded Indian Sneaker Festival (ISF) 2025 held across two days on December 6 and 7 at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC in Mumbai felt like a true cultural collision of music, fashion, and youth energy. Far from being just another festival, the seventh edition of ISF transformed the venue into a vibrant, multi-sensory playground. Neon-clad sneakerheads browsed exclusive drops, streetwear enthusiasts traded custom pairs, graffiti-inspired art installations blended effortlessly with brand activations, and music lovers floated between stages to experience a rare mix of global and homegrown talent. The debut Mumbai edition produced and promoted by Trix Entertainment, following successful outings in Delhi and Gurugram, recorded a footfall of over 35,000 fans across two days, underscoring the festival’s growing momentum and cultural relevance. Nikunj Duggal, co-founder of the sneaker festival states, “Mumbai has embraced ISF with incredible energy. Our debut here exceeded expectations, showing that the city is ready for a festival that combines global music, street culture and fashion in a way that feels both authentic and vibrant. This is just the beginning — we’re excited for what’s next.” The first day set the tone with an eclectic, high-voltage blend of electronic and dance music. International heavyweights like Charlotte de Witte delivered pounding techno sets, while Alok brought unmatched energy with his signature electronic sound and immersive stage production. Techno and underground flavours punctuated the evening, giving the crowd a balanced taste of both mainstream and niche soundscapes. Throughout the day, fans navigated a buzzing ecosystem of pop-ups, sneaker-customisation zones, trading pits, brand showcases and streetwear activations — a visual and sensory feast for anyone who views sneakers and fashion as vital expressions of identity. The second day elevated the experience further, marking the festival’s most anticipated moment — Grammy winning Afrobeats superstar Tyla’s India debut. Opening her set with a warm ‘Namaste Mumbai,’ Tyla charmed audiences instantly. Her ‘Mumbai’ hair-art and bindi were subtle yet powerful nods to the city’s culture, setting the tone for a performance defined by intention, respect and connection. She powered through a rapid-fire set featuring hits like ‘Chanel,’ ‘Push 2 Start,’ ‘Truth or Dare,’ ‘Show Me Love,’ ‘Is It,’ and of course the global phenomenon ‘Water.’ Her show was more than just a string of hits — it was a burst of choreography, commanding stage presence and genuine audience engagement. A spontaneous dance face-off mid-show sent the crowd roaring, cementing her set as one of the festival’s standout memories. Sharing the spotlight on the very same day, American rapper Lil Yachty delivered his first-ever performance in India, bringing a wave of international hip-hop and trap energy to the ISF stage. His set reinforced the festival’s identity as a platform where global youth culture meets Indian audiences in real time. Together, Lil Yachty and Tyla shaped Day 2 into a dynamic fusion of Afropop, rap, and contemporary global sounds — a shift in flavour from Day 1’s electronic intensity but equally powerful in impact. Beyond headline acts, Pan-Pot and Nicole Moudaber unleashed their avant-garde, hard-hitting signatures, drawing massive crowds into pulsating late-evening sets, while Magdalena and Cristoph added depth with their refined, melodic and progressive electronic textures. On the homegrown front, KR$NA stood out with a commanding performance — his raw emotional delivery, razor-sharp lyricism and socially charged anthems resonated powerfully with fans. Kayan impressed with a genre-blurring live set that seamlessly fused indie-pop warmth with dance-driven energy, while rising rapper Baby Jean brought youthful fire to the stage, dropping hard-hitting bars over infectious beats. Together, these acts created a dynamic cross-genre tapestry, showcasing the festival’s commitment to blending global excellence with India’s evolving contemporary sound, whilst highlighting ISF’s intention to nurture local talent while featuring established global names. For many attendees, the festival signaled the arrival of a new cultural era where sneaker culture, street fashion, art and music converge seamlessly. It demonstrated that India’s youth are not only consuming global culture — they’re actively shaping it. With powerful headline performances and a thriving ecosystem of fashion, art and lifestyle experiences, the festival left Mumbai wanting more. As the city’s first edition wraps with strong attendance and glowing buzz, ISF’s future in India looks not just promising, but transformative — the spark of something much bigger in the making.
08 December,2025 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMe’gong Festival 2025 concluded with a spectacular finale in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, drawing thousands of visitors who witnessed international headliners, national performers and powerful homegrown talent over two days. The festival was attended by over 55,000 people from the region and beyond. The second brought an electric close to the festival as British pop sensation Blue, global electronic duo Yellow Claw, singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, and Bollywood favourite Kanika Kapoor performed back-to-back on the Aski Stage to roaring crowds. Antony Costa, from the band Blue stated, “Garo Hills’ Megong Festival is amazing! The crowd was on fire." Vocalist Simon Webbe, along with Antony Costa, Lee Ryan and Duncan James thanked the festival-goers stating, “Great-Great turnout; thank you everybody; one love to you all! Garo Hills is amazing: a paradise; so good; thank you” Each act added a distinct energy, beginning with Kanika Kapoor’s high-tempo hits like Chittiyaan Kalaiyan, Baby Doll, Jawaani Le Doobi, to her rendition of Desi Girl, It’s the time to Disco, London Thumakda, Matlabi and many other Bollywood superhits. She added her delight in performing in Meghalaya for the second time and praised the visitors for being one of the best audiences she has ever received. An electric and ever-energetic beginning to the evening followed Prateek Kuhad’s soulful melodies. Visitors were drawn to Kuhad’s renditions like Saansein, Cold Mess, and many soulful songs that defined the beautiful evening. This followed Blue’s nostalgic pop anthems. The audience, in thousands, sang together vibing with One Love, All Rise, Guilty, One Last Time, and many more. Then came Yellow Claw’s explosive EDM finale, turning the festival grounds into a sea of lights and cheering fans, all across the Bolbokgre-Watregre Festival Ground. Earlier, the evening also brought crowd favourites such as Hoi Hoi Makbil, G-Hills Finest, Crack Gang, Rough Road and Nokpante to the Kingfisher Stage, which attracted thousands of people alike. While the second day captured an unforgettable finale, the festival’s momentum was set on the opening day with a star-studded line-up featuring Richard Marx, Neeti Mohan, Julian Marley and Nucleya. Marx performed classics and unreleased tracks from his upcoming album Afterhours, marking a rare appearance in India. Neeti Mohan’s Bollywood hits drew enormous crowds, and her moving rendition of Mayabini, a tribute to Zubeen Garg in his birthplace of Tura, became one of the most shared and talked-about moments of the festival. Julian Marley’s reggae set and Nucleya’s high-octane closing performance sealed Day 1 as a musical spectacle not seen before in the region. The Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP) continued to be a significant platform at the festival, with seven emerging CM-MGMP bands performing on the opening day, a rare opportunity to share the same event as global performers. Many young artists said the experience was transformational, calling it the biggest platform of their careers so far. Beyond music, Me’gong Festival offered an immersive cultural experience that drew families, tourists and festival enthusiasts throughout the weekend. The Great Garo Hills Cook Off saw participants reinterpret traditional food using indigenous ingredients, with Nambie Jessica Marak, runner-up of MasterChef India Season 8, present as a special guest to help judge the competition. Traditional sports, a vibrant Brew Village, a colourful Cosplay Contest, Miss & Mr Me’gong Contest, a bustling craft and food market, VR experiences, and stalls by entrepreneurs under PRIME Meghalaya added to the expansive range of attractions. The opening day of the festival was graced by Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, who has been vocal about making the northeastern state a key destination for India’s concert economy. Over the last few years, Meghalaya has hosted global performers across festivals like Me’gong, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival and Winter Tales, positioning the state as a cultural hub of the Northeast and creating new opportunities in tourism, music and creative enterprise. As the lights dim over the Bolbokgre-Watregre grounds, the festival leaves behind a trail of powerful performances, new memories and a renewed sense of pride in the artistic and cultural identity of the Garo Hills.
08 December,2025 04:03 PM IST | Tura (Meghalaya) | mid-day online correspondentAdding to the growing number of literature festivals in the country including the inaugural editions in Thane and Powai around Mumbai in Maharashtra, the first-ever Nalanda Literature Festival (NLF) is all set to take place to celebrate India's rich literary heritage and contemporary voices. Scheduled to take from December 21 to 25 later this month, the festival will be held at the Rajgir Convention Centre in Rajgir region of Bihar. The NLF 2025 aims to ignite a literary renaissance rooted in the ancient ethos of Nalanda, focusing on the themes of Legacy, Language, and Literature. The festival aspires to revive and honour classical and contemporary languages and literary traditions of India, while fostering regional, national, and global literary exchanges. The Nalanda Literature Festival is guided by a distinguished team including Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, who serves as the chairperson, with social activist D Aaliya as festival chairperson, social activist and festival director Ganga Kumar, and Writer Pankaj Dubey as Festival Curator. The festival will also feature an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Abhay K, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Akhilendra Mishra, Koral Dasgupta, Rajesh Kumar, Reshma Prasad, Sachchidanand Joshi, among others, who bring diverse perspectives and voices to the celebration of literature and culture.
08 December,2025 02:37 PM IST | Rajgir (Bihar) | mid-day online correspondentWhile celebrating their love for sneakers, Mumbaikars and Indians from all over the country also witnessed an interesting lineup of performances at the Indian Sneaker Festival 2025 in Mumbai this weekend. Among the many performances, South African singer-songwriter Tyla put on the perfect show with her India debut, as she mesmerised everybody with her immersive performance that not only included some of her biggest hits but also talking about her visit. The singer, who had arrived earlier the same day and spotted by fans in Mumbai, said, “Namaste Mumbai! How are you guys feeling? Wow! This is my first time in India. I am so happy to be here. This is such a beautiful country, my gosh! Earlier today, I wore a sari for the first time, and I was with so many amazing people. I am so excited to be performing here.” Amid this interaction, a fan did not fail to express his love for her, showcasing how her music has transcended boundaries over time. The 23-year-old musician sang some of her most popular hits including ‘Water’, ‘Push2Start’, ‘Chanel’, ‘Truth or dare’, ‘Dynamite’, ‘ART’, ‘Is It’, ‘JUMP’, and ‘Show me love’. The Grammy Award-winning singer was also joined by Jasmine Sandlas on stage as a part of a surprise act where she performed the title track of ‘Dhurandhar’. Tyla's debut single, ‘Getting Late’, released in 2019. Her breakthrough came with her viral 2023 hit ‘Water’. She got her Grammy for the inaugural Best African Music Performance category for the same song. The two-day festival on December 6 and 7 also saw performances by American rap superstar Lil Yachty, Belgian techno queen Charlotte de Witte and superstar DJ and producer Alok, among others.
08 December,2025 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrom the election of Zohran Mamdani to the intrigue surrounding the jewel heist at the Louvre, keeping up with this year's news also left some Americans struggling with pronunciations. That's put both the name of New York City's incoming mayor and the famed Paris museum on a list of the most mispronounced words in 2025. The language-learning company Babbel and closed-captioning company The Captioning Group on Thursday released a list of the words that news anchors, politicians and other public figures in the US struggled with the most this year, giving an overview of the people and topics that had Americans talking. As Mamdani made his political rise, the democratic socialist's name was often mangled. When he takes office in January, the 34-year-old will become the city's first Muslim mayor, first born in Africa and first of South Asian heritage. Babbel said his name "which should be pronounced zoh-RAHN mam-DAH-nee" was most commonly mispronounced when people swapped the 'M' and 'N' in his last name. Mamdani has said he doesn't mind if someone tries to pronounce his name correctly and misses, but that some mispronounce it intentionally. During one mayoral race debate, he chided former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's pronunciation of his name, telling his opponent, "The name is Mamdani. M-A-M-D-A-N-I." The theft of France's crown jewels from the Louvre in October had many people mispronouncing the name of the world's most-visited museum. Babbel says the correct pronunciation is LOOV-ruh, with a very soft pronunciation on the 'ruh,' which can be a challenge for English speakers. "A lot of these words come from different languages, and so we have to adapt to a sound that we've never made before," said Esteban Touma, a linguistic and cultural expert at Babbel. Other words and names on the list include:--------------------------------------------------Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is pronounced uh-SEE-tuh-MIH-nuh-fen. President Donald Trump gave comedians plenty of material when he stumbled over the word as he implored pregnant women to avoid taking the painkiller despite inconclusive evidence about whether too much could be linked to autism. Alex Murdaugh, the prominent South Carolina attorney who was sentenced to life in prison for the 2021 fatal shootings of his wife and son, is pronounced AL-ick MUR-dock. This year, the case was dramatised in a series on Hulu. Mounjaro, pronounced mown-JAHR-OH, is part of a wave of diabetes and obesity medications that soared in popularity because of the weight people have lost while taking the injections. Several words on the US list, including Louvre and Mounjaro, also made the list for the UK, which was compiled by Babbel and the British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, an organisation for subtitling professionals. Storm Eowyn, which battered Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland in January, put that name on the UK list. Babbel says the correct pronunciation is ay-OH-win, said with a three-beat pattern. Throughout the year, captioners note words that come up over and over as difficult to pronounce, spell or are newly emerging. Linguists at Babbel also track new pronunciation challenges they see. In a pronunciation surprise of the year, actor Denzel Washington told late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel that he was named after his father and their first names are actually pronounced DEN-zul. But, he said, that became confusing, so his mother decided to pronounce her son's name Den-ZELLE. 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
07 December,2025 12:29 PM IST | Dallas | APRenowned architect Frank Gehry, whose innovative designs reshaped skylines around the world, has died at his home in Santa Monica, according to multiple reports, Deadline said. He was 96. Gehry, a Canadian-American visionary known for pushing the boundaries of modern architecture, transformed public spaces with his bold, sculptural use of steel, glass and wood. According to Deadline, among his most iconic contributions is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, recognised for its gleaming curved stainless-steel exterior that reflects changing light, giving it a dynamic, almost musical presence. The interior, home to the L.A. Philharmonic, is regarded as one of the most acoustically sophisticated performance spaces in the world, featuring Douglas-fir panelling and an oak-finished floor. Internationally, Gehry revolutionised Bilbao, Spain, with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, widely credited with transforming the industrial city into a global cultural destination. He also designed technology campuses for giants such as Google and Facebook. In New York, Gehry's first full-building project, the IAC Building, completed in 2007 for Barry Diller's internet company, features twisting tower forms and floor-to-ceiling glass that fades from clear to white to soften sunlight. The building has appeared in films including The Other Guys (2010) and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010). More recently, he designed the Second Century Project for Warner Bros. in Burbank, two LEED-certified commercial towers totalling 800,000 square feet, resembling sculpted blocks of ice stacked atop one another. Gehry's contributions earned him the highest honours in his field, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016. He studied architecture at the University of Southern California and later pursued city planning at Harvard University.
06 December,2025 03:59 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANIAmerican guitarist Tom Morello doesn't need an introduction for many rock fans not only around the world but also in India. This is because he is a legend synonymous with some of the most addictive rock riffs and tunes for many Indians who have grown up listening to Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, among his other bands and solo acts. It’s this fandom that has led the Grammy Award-winning musician to make his way to India this December for the very first time. He explains, "I'm very excited to come to India. It’s really a dream come true. I wanted to travel to India my whole life and to be able to not only travel to India but to play shows for fans there who have been waiting a very, very long time is so exciting." Morello is on a three-city tour with performances in Gurugram on December 17 at HUDA Gymkhana, Mumbai on December 19 at MMRDA Grounds, and Bengaluru on December 21 at Phoenix Marketcity, Whitefield. The tour is the first in a series of rock music live shows for 'Bandland On Tour', an extension of Bandland, the rock and alternative music festival, helmed by BookMyShow Live in India, coming at a time when there are so many different kinds of music festivals mushrooming in the country. Evolution of rock musicHe adds, "I've been hearing from Rage Against the Machine fans, Audioslave fans, Prophets of Rage fans, even Bruce Springsteen fans, and fans of my solo work in guitar playing, for decades and now to be able to go there and to play Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave music, to play my guitar to the absolute best of my ability for fans who have been waiting so long is really a dream come true." Rock music has evolved a lot since Morello started out over four decades ago but the guitarist isn't thinking about the larger picture at all because he loves spending time in his own zone and growing as an artist. "I pay less attention to how rock music has evolved generally and really only focused on how my music is evolving - from Rage Against The Machine to Audio Slave, the more melodic music of Audio Slave to my solo work which includes folk music working with EDM artists, working with Bruce Springsteen -- it has really been a journey." During this time, Morello says he's made 22 albums, and very much looks forward to playing music from throughout that career when I'm in India. This very lifelong experiment with music has led him to learn a lot from all the bands and musicians he has played with. He shares, "There's a lot you learn from each group of musicians that you perform with - band chemistry is what makes a band great, each person making a contribution, but the collective outcome is something that none of you could have created alone. So, in Rage Against The Machine, it was the anger, the aggression, the political urgency. With Audio Slave, it was deep poetic lyrics, the melodicism of Chris Cornell's incredible voice matched with an expanded musical palette but also rocking very hard with my solo stuff, as an artist is able to explore purity of artistic vision unblemished by other people's opinions and I greatly enjoyed that as well. So, in some ways, I think I've had the best of both worlds." Social activism and India visitOver the years, Morello hasn't only been a musician because he has also been very vocal as a social activist about many issues including the more recent Israel-Gaza conflict, but it feels like it's in his nature because of how passionate he is about activism. At a time when people with influence and power aren't vocal for their own reasons, ask him what role musicians play in speaking up about socio-political issues and he is quick to say, "I wouldn't limit it to musicians. I think that each of us has a responsibility to be who we are in what we do. So as a musician, I make albums, I give interviews, I have T-shirt designs, I play shows, and in those things it's important to me to express my opinions. I think it's no less important for a music journalist or a carpenter or a student in whatever it is that they do to not leave behind who they are." Even as he brings this very energy through his music, a visit here is going to be a lot more, he says. "I'm bringing my family and cannot wait. It’s a place that I've always dreamed of visiting. So I'm looking forward to hearing more Indian music and of course visiting the Taj Mahal which I've seen since I was a tiny child as one of the great wonders of the world. I'm also excited to experience the different cultures and different foods in different parts of India that we're travelling to, and most of all experience what it’s to play in front of fans," he concludes.
06 December,2025 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoADVERTISEMENT
-1765275532309_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic")
