The Hindu Business Line : <I>Chalo</I> Mumbai

Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist, Padmabhushan Prabha Atre turned 75 recently and is being duly feted by her fan club, Swarmayee, with felicitation programmes in New Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, and Trichur. Atre's fans are orchestrating the shows with support from Tata Motors and TCS. Justice Chandrashekar Dharmadhikari (retd) presided over the Mumbai Amrutprabha, which was co-sponsored by Dena Bank.

Two new books accompanied by CDs were released on the occasion at the Nehru Centre. Dr Atre told this writer, "This is the happiest occasion in my life. It is comforting to know that I am not alone at this age but that I have a large family of admirers and students." A former assistant producer with All India Radio, retired head of the department of music, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai, and erstwhile producer-director with recording company Swarashree, Dr Atre has been performing for the past 55 years. She enjoys listening to... hold your breath, Western pop music.

Filmi cool

Thanks to Bollywood, Switzerland has been a favourite destination for Indians. Unsurprisingly, Switzerland Tourism was the first European Tourism Board to arrive in India. This year, the land of cheese and watches posted an annual growth of 22.8 per cent; there were more than 101,300 arrivals in Switzerland from India.

And now, Switzerland Tourism is observing the run up to its tenth anniversary with a multi-city road show — the Switzerland Travel Experience, which was kicked off in Mumbai with a special trade relationship programme that includes 100 members from 40 top Swiss tour operators. To be conducted in semesters of six months each in Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Mumbai, the programme will certify 500 specialists by 2008.

"The 10 per cent increase in marketing budget reflects our commitment to India," says Federico Sommaruga, Director - Switzerland Tourism. Attractions for Indian tourists include a free rail pass for children (up to 16) and free public transport passes. Tour operators however will not sing "Bruder Jakob" in unison as they did for us in Mumbai.

Big B's game

While film-lovers flock to see Amitabh Bachchan's just released film, Baabul, GenNext might consider flexing its fingers with a MobGame bearing the same moniker as the film. The game is available on a free multi-user gaming portal www.gaminghungama.com and on `Mauj'. Two mobile games — `The Garland' and `Shaadi ki Rasam' — were cobbled from select sequences in the film and Indian traditions. These will be available across leading cellular operators.

Bachchan doesn't think he's too old to play with mobiles. "Why should I be? I first played a video game 25 years ago. Now, I play with my grandchildren who beat me, they're that good. Shahrukh Khan came over recently and told me he wants to play a video game with me but we haven't got round to doing that yet," he says.

On the BR Chopra production, Bachchan had this to say: "Baabul is a progressive film; we are trying to rehabilitate the young widow. On film sets today, women are doing jobs which were previously done by men..."

Frankfinn blows hot

The music soundtrack from the movie Mr. Hot Mr. Kool directed by Partho Ghosh is a first from Interworld Digital's new venture, Planet 41. Featuring Zulfi Sayed, Yash Pandit and Samiksha, the movie's songs are sung by Kaif (a US rapper) and Shweta Pandit. Mani and Rakesh Nirala have penned the lyrics to music composed by Rishi-Ranjit. Was the name of the movie inspired by an old Hollywood flick, Blow Hot Blow Cold, one wonders.

Baba Saigal's new hip hop, rap and bhangra album, his first in five years, called `Welcome to Mumbai' has been produced by Frankfinn Music, a division of Frankfinn Aviation Services Pvt Ltd. Baba first burst on to the Indi-pop music scene with the hit "Thanda thanda paani".

Director Stanley D'Costa shot the music video at the Mukesh Mills. Interestingly, Frankfinn's Chairman K.S. Kohli makes a cameo appearance in the video a la Hitchcock. A former Supreme Court advocate, Kohli provides free legal aid for needy sections of society.

He is also setting up six training centres abroad and foraying into the entertainment industry. The first movie, to be launched early next year, is a mega budget (Rs 20 crore) multi-starrer.

Golden fest

It looked like a zillion jewellers were present at the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation's celebration of Lucky Lakshmi 2006, India's first and the largest National Jewellery Festival. Small-town jewellers struck it rich in the lucky draw, winning prizes ranging from 1 kg of gold to the grand bonanza of 5 kg. This was followed by a fashion show choreographed by Shaina N.C, jazz dances and a performance by Mehnaz whose request to the jewellers to clap and holler "Haan" for a repeat celebration next year was met with silence, smiles and nods signifying assent.

More Stories on : Entertainment & Leisure | Cinema

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Specially flavoured win

Caring for the airway

Gandhigiri in fashion

Designer dreams

Taking on the big fish

The Greek romance with the olive

Chalo Mumbai