Mainstream and Indie Artists -Survival of the fittest

With more and more young talents getting into the arena of arts, the competition to stay alive becomes an arduous task for established as well as Indie artists, who often struggle to find a suitable launching pad to take their career into high pedestal.

Compared to Mainstream Vs Indie Artists, the former has their own advantages and disadvantages as well. Honestly, getting associated with a major label is becoming extremely harder these days. Also labels are only few and people are finding reality shows and social media as much easier mediums to showcase their talents for a wider audience. Established players are also losing their sheen due to piracy and are providing online access to downloading community for their survival.

However, those who are associated with established companies who have a good management skill to survive any odds, can relax as they don’t have to fear professional uncertainty unlike their Indie Music companies or Indie artists. But mainstream artists are like bonded labourers to the music company they are associated with for a particular number of years as they can’t work for others or other mediums.

Internet these days play a level playing field for Indie artists and have become a big boon for indie and amateur artists as it has the ability to create an audience worldwide just like mainstream labels.  The main advantage is low or almost nil advertising cost. One can reach millions of targetted audience through emails or Youtube or any other social media means. 

Finding entertainment in nudity

If one has to go by the latest ruling by the apex court on the superstar Aamir Khan’s forthcoming flick PK, India has indeed become a matured society and knows to differentiate between the nudity and art.

After 47 years of Independence, we have at least shown excellent growth in a field, so to say.

If the same thing was told to the Hindu hardliners when they protested about the nude pictures allegedly drawn by the acclaimed painter  MF Hussain on Hindu Goddesses a few years ago, he won’t  had quit the country and died in a distant land.

It’s baffling to understand, why a good actor like Aamir needs such publicity for his movie? His last film Doom 3 was a super-duper hit and still fills fresh in our mind. In one of the latest promotional events, he was asked about the reason for releasing such picture, which would be difficult for a family to watch with children in India. His answer was vague. He said, he wanted to check whether his friend Salman Khan would imitate this act also in his films.

If one considers the latest supreme court ruling on PK that the picture is more of an art than promoting nudity, then one can expect more such films in the future having Sunny Leone, Rakhi Sawant or any other frontline actresses who just cover their modesty with a piece of cloth or paper and roam around the streets. Does it an indication that our society has grown up?

We are already struggling with sociological and cultural degradation which leads to sexual crimes happening in large numbers almost every day. Not even a single day passed without a gang rape reported in a corner of the country. Women are subjected all sorts of assaults.

According to studies, the main reason for such large number of sexual crimes is due to the depiction of violence and sex shown on silver screens. A few years ago, say 20 years back, our celluloid heroes and heroines used to come closer to make love and two sunflowers would be shown indicating the obvious lip locking act. But now-a-days, films won’t become a box office hit unless it has, not one, but more such lip locking and sex scenes.

It won’t be correct to say that one should be conservative towards sexuality. We have to promote sex education in high-school level for safe sex. There have been talks for decades, but no government has come forward to pass the Bill in the Parliament. Even showing love on the silver screen can be an art. Why should we bring bedrooms in front of our GenNext? Of course we have Hollywood movies showing such scenes in almost every film, but the number of Indian audience, especially children, watching such movies is relatively smaller in number.

The court said, showing such scene is part of an entertainment. Then why we make a hue and cry about pornography? Human sex also an art. One can find several such art works in Ellora and Ajanta caves. Even in several south Indian temples, the Dravidian architecture depicts sexual acts on the temple towers by way of sculptures. These were once used to educate girls about sex and re-productivity by their mothers. But no one portrays it public domain with commercial interest in mind.

So, in the issue of PK, if the ad was made keeping only commercial reason in mind (which is obvious), then it is strongly deplorable. Such decision by the honorable court should not open a Pandora Box and pave the way for several such initiatives by producers and actors to fill-in their coffers at the cost of the society.

Jai Hind!

RTE Act, will it be beneficial to actual beneficiary?

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court exempting minority education institutions from the ambit of Right to Education (RTE) Act has evoked mixed reactions in Chennai with schools having minority status welcoming the decision, while parents of underprivileged and poor students belong to majority community decrying the order as ‘arbitrary’.

While certain schools in Chennai still to admit 25 per cent of students belonging to backward community in their respective areas, a section of parents have expressed apprehension that several wealthy parents belonging to backward community will take this Act as a route to enter into frontline private educational institutions to get free education for their wards.

Since economic status has not been clearly mentioned for admitting these students, a simple caste card is enough to comply the school authorities with extending admission for these students, they say.

However, one can’t rule out the possibility of deserving and intelligent children from middle or poor families belonging to upper cast getting left out or being denied quality education. It is mandatory to argue that by denying seats to these children, are we not denying their right for quality education?

Reservation is good for those who don’t afford quality education, which comes with heavy price these days. Instead of deciding on the basis of caste, economic status should be taken as yardstick to admit these students in private aided or unaided schools, which impart quality education. It will be a good investment for the state government too on these students, who shall utilise their education for the benefit of the state when they grow up.

Modi proposes, BCCI disposes

After a much hullabaloo, the Supreme Court has announced the results of the elections to the administrative body for Rajasthan Cricket Association and Lalit Modi has been announced the convincing winner for the president post.

However, Modi’s happiness was short-lived as red-faced BCCI under its new head Sunil Gavaskar, banned Rajasthan cricket body for lifetime and even appointed a separate team to look into its day-to-day affairs. The order was issued by BCCI’s interim president Shivlal Yadav.

Modi, the former IPL commissioner, has been living in London in exile for over four years after the allegation of financial bungling related to IPL broke out.

Modi won the election by a landslide margin, polling in 24 out of 33 votes, while his opponent Rampal Sharma received only five votes.

It was almost a 20:20 match between Modi and BCCI ever since the Apex Court appointed Justice Kasliwal to oversee the December 19 elections, as fortunes swung in favour of each other till the last moment.

Modi, who feels that the win as RCA chief will pave his way to return to BCCI, said he intended to cleanse the system in the state cricket body, formerly headed by CP Joshi. However, with the quashing of the cricket body, his dream will never come true.

Earlier, the BCCI disciplinary committee, comprising Arun Jaitley and Jyotiraditya Scindia, had submitted a 134-page report in July, 2013, in which it had found Modi guilty of financial irregularities, indiscipline and actions detrimental to the interest of the BCCI.

Marital Bliss at Cidade de Goa !

Wedding is an important day which one would treasure for a lifetime. Facing the serene beach of Vainguinim near Panjim, Central Goa, Cidade de Goa a premier 5-star luxury beach resort in Goa, provides one of the best exotic locations to have a dream destination wedding. 

In a peaceful location, with modern amenities and a multitude of entertainment options, Cidade de Goa is that rare venue - one singularly exquisite location with everything you could ever want!

A Wedding is the starting point of memories, which you would cherish forever. Cidade de Goa has a choice of settings when it comes to holding a wedding. Both for a grand and an intimate wedding, Cidade de Goa provides you with everything that your heart desires.

The wedding planners at Cidade de Goa take care of everything to create your special occasion as personal and unforgettable as you wish.  From the exquisite floral displays to innovative gourmet menus, from unique baarats to mehendi, sangeet parties besides the shimmering bay, you would find Cidade de Goa is an ideal marriage destination offering world class luxury and Goan hospitality.

Cidade de Goa has two “Indoor venues”:  Grand Sala which has an architectural detail, conferred ceiling arched opening and French doors complimented by chandeliers and more with the capacity of setting arrangement of 475 people. Sala de Banquet is another indoor venue, which can hold up to 180 people in a theatrical style which creates a perfect ambience for a romantic evening.

Terraced on a hillside overlooking the bay, Cidade de Goa’s breathtaking view abounds at every turn, sets the mood for wedding celebrations.

One can extend the event outdoors in any one of the Cidade de Goa’s beautifully landscaped lawns. The Sunset Lawns, the Mandovi Lawns and the Zuari Lawns provide a large idyllic setting for your family and friends to gather and celebrate your special day and can be a creative location for your wedding bash.

Your wedding day will spellbind your friends and family as they marvel over the

picturesque backdrop of the blue waters at the Vainguinim. Cocooned in this sprawling expanse of pure indulgence and makes Cidade de Goa a perfect way to turn your nuptial vows into wedding “wows”.

About Cidade de Goa :

Nestled in the serene beach of  Vainguinim near Panjim, Central Goa, Cidade  de Goa, premier among 5-star luxury beach resorts sprawls across 40 lush green acres, created to resemble a self-contained Portuguese hill hamlet (the resort's unique architectural grandeur, earned an international R.I.B.A. award). Cidade de Goa is centrally located near the capital city, a 30-minute drive from the airport or railway station.

The only five star luxury beach resort in Goa that is situated between a green hill and nearing the proximity of the sea – the sort of setting that can turn even the most ordinary person romantic. Surrounded by picturesque bay views, lush green spaces and attentive hospitality, it is ideal for a family getaway, total rejuvenation, wedding celebration and even business conference.

The 5-star resort's dining facilities include The Chef’s Specialty Dining, Alfama; Open-air Beachfront Grill, Barbeque, Poolside Café, Café Azul; International Buffet, Laranja; 24-hour Coffee shop, Doçaria; Poolside Bar, Bar Latino; the Lobby Bar, Taverna and 24-hour in-room dining. It’s an experience that seamlessly combines the old-world charm of Goa with the finesse and professionalism of a world class 5 star luxury beach resort.

Ambuja Cement launches new ‘Arjun Deewar’ TV campaign

Mumbai: Ambuja Cement has launched a new TV campaign after four years, focusing on social awareness.

The principal concept of the campaign captures, how there are many walls around us and not all of them are made of cement and concrete. There are walls of the metaphysical kind, the kind that infuse disrespect and disharmony among people.

Have you seen these walls that are invisible but yet exist? If you have seen them, then come forward and join in to become a good citizen of India.

This is the first time Ambuja has brought an exciting campaign on social awareness. The commercial subtly focuses on strength to break the walls of disparity and disharmony. Strength is one of the key elements of the Ambuja brand.

Ajay Kapur, Deputy MD & CEO of Ambuja Cement appreciated the concept of the TVC, as he said ‘’Strength is key aspect of Ambuja Cement hence the TVC is very well gelling with our tag line Giant Compressive Strength. He wishes that TV audience across the country will like the concept, as it is currently one of the key issues bothering citizen of the country. It is the responsibility of the good people to break the barrier of all such social stigma.’’

The 60-second TV campaign is already doing the rounds on television channels to coincide with the run-up to the general elections and the recently concluded T20 Cricket World Cup. The approximate total spends of the campaign will be 60 Cr for PAN India.

The advertising campaign has been designed and launched by a leading creative agency, Publicis, a part of Publicis Omnicom Group. This will be followed by digital advertisements in the leading social networking sites.

Kejriwal on a free-hit!

Aam Aadmi Party head Arvind Kejriwal is on a free hit, literally. Anyone from anywhere can come and slap or beat him and go. If we call it as a democratic right of those who attacked him, then our democracy is in for a real danger.

Ironically, no party, be it national or regional, has condemned the violence act against the poll campaigner, who’s fighting election on the basis of uprooting corruption. Probably, that is why, no one has come forward to denounce the attack on the AAP leader. After three attacks Congress and BJP reluctantly gave statements against the attack on AAP chief.

First, he was sprayed ink and mobile oil on his face while campaigning in Varanasi, where he is pitted himself against the BJP’s  prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi.

Later, the 45-year-old AAP chief was attacked by a man, who claimed to be a supporter of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, during an election rally at Charkhi Dadri in Haryana.

The attack on him continued when he was campaigning in Delhi as he was hit in two places – first in Dakshinpuri area of South Delhi and second, which is the latest, but hope to be the last one, he was slapped by an auto-rickshaw driver in Sultanpuri in north-west Delhi on Tuesday.

On his attack the AAP leader tweeted, "Our religion teaches us non-violence. If we raise our hands, this movement will come to an end," Kejriwal said. Is he a modern Mahatma?

Has Kejriwal become a butt of ridicule among his political opponents for fighting a lone battle to ward off corruption from the country?

Agreed, he lacks experience to take on political bigwigs. He needs to devise his plan according to the modern day’s need. He needs a team of good advisors. Like other political party leaders, he should too engage private security guards while campaigning. But this needs funds. All the more, he should be practical in his approach.

The former chief minister of Delhi could have been provided with the highest security by the Delhi police, had he been heed to their advice, as he worried a strong posse of police would stop him connecting with ‘Aam Aadmi.’ By doing so, he exposes himself to such unmindful attacks from a group of hooligans.

Can anyone dare to touch Mamata, Jaya, Mulayam, Mayawati or for that matter, Sonia? Leave alone hitting, no one would dare to show a black flag when their cavalcade passes through.

Though almost all political leaders, cutting across the party line, ganged up to criticize Kejriwal for his comments on them and corruption, they failed to get united when he was attacked, not once but many a times.

In the arena of polls, all the political leaders are just players. They may mud-sling on others, can talk ill about their political opponents or can heap accusations on them even without any base. All are acceptable, but when any of them was attacked, it is highly undemocratic and unethical to keep quiet. In the democracy, there is no place for violence and those who remain salient on such attacks are indirectly endorsing it.

Like a person on a hunger strike is force fed to save his/her life, Kejriwal should be given full police protection to thwart any such attack on him in the coming days. Or, his supporters should form a security ring whenever he goes out in public.

Hope Kejriwal would answer those slaps through ballots.