WATCH LIVE ON
MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF
PERFECT GROUP OF COMPANIES
VAISHALI THAKKAR
CEO Perfect Tax & Finance & CEO FunAsiA
SAM THAKKAR POORVESH THAKKAR
Group CEO CEO Thakkar Developers
As the CEO of Perfect group of Companies, I feel very excited and proud to share that we are
ready to begin the first phase of our 1 million-square-foot office development in Allen. If you
have been following us or are aware of our projects, we had announced an 80-acre Avenue
mixed-use project at State Highway 121 and Alma Road. Our plans are ready to begin the
project with a 125,000-square-foot office building.
Construction on the building is expected to start in the second quarter of this year. We have
hired commercial property firm Cushman & Wakefield to market the office project. Brokers
Chris Taylor, Clint Madison and Rodney Helm are hunting tenants for the new building. We
expect office leasing activity to be strong based on The Avenue’s prime location with frontage
on State Highway 121 providing excellent access to all areas of the D-FW Metroplex.
Along with many other offices, we will have our fast-growing Perfect Group of Companies
business offices of Perfect Tax, Thakkar Developers and Funasia in the same building.
Our 80 acre project will be used for mixed use. Along with offices, we will have retail. The
plans for The Avenue include single-family homes and urban residential rental units on the
site on the south side of S.H. 121.
We have a great team, and I am proud of their dedication. Thakkar Developers under
the leadership of CEO Poorvesh Thakkar is making leaps and bounds and experiencing
a lot of the momentum in
the development of The
Avenue. We are excited to
bring this project to the Allen
community. I am sure all our
community people will benefit
immensely from this project.
Keep a watch on many more
interesting development
announcements from us. We
have some very exciting news
around FunAsia coming
soon!
Welcome to the February
2021 edition of DesiPages.
It feels that the air has
changed after our 46
th President of United
States Joe Biden alongside his new vice-president
Kamala Harris swearing-in ceremony happened
in January 2021. Amidst severe economic crisis,
deep social divisions, racism, and pandemic these
elections have created history and a ray of hope
and sunshine. For our community especially, it has
been more than one reason tocelebrate. We are
so proud of Vice President Kamala Harris who is
the United States first female vice president, the
highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and
the first Indian American and first African American
vice president. We acknowledge how hard she
must have worked to be in a position where she
is now.
Additionally, at least 20 Indian Americans have
been appointed or nominated to be part of the
Biden-Harris Harris administration. We also
have representation from Pakistan, Sri Lanka &
Bangladesh. Do check out the Person in Focus
column highlighting all of them. Also, we have
covered a snapshot of the inauguration ceremony
in this issue. The air has changed for our community.
Good Bless our Community. God Bless America!
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 4
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 5
Deepika spoke about what attracted her to DEEPIKA
Ranveer. Singh, who is touted as the entertainment
powerhouse is not really the same all the time, said
Deepika, who asserted that they’ve been together
for eight years and are still discovering each other.
“We started off not as lovers but close friends, who PADUKONE
connected at some level, even though we are very
OPENED UP ON HER UPCOMING
different people. So, even today, I don’t think he
PROJECTS IN 2021 AND HOW LIFE
knows everything about me, and I can’t say I know
everything about him,” she added. HAS BEEN POST-MARRIAGE WITH
However, when it comes to work, this power couple HUSBAND AND ACTOR RANVEER
like any other discusses with each other but doesn’t
interfere in their individual professional decisions.
SINGH
She said, “Of course, if he’s had a hard day or I’ve confirmed that she will be playing Draupadi in
had a hard day or if things are not going well, or
a film based on the popular novel Palace of
even if they are going well, we’ll definitely share
with each other, talk and guide each other, but, at
Confirming her projects, Deepika said, “It
the end of the day, the final decision is one’s own.”
(Shakun Batra’s film) is a relationship story
While many actors in Bollywood had a no show Illusions.
that we haven’t seen in Indian cinema before.
at the box office in 2020 due to the pandemic,
Then there is Pathan, an action film with Shah
Deepika Padukone was seen in Chhapaak which
Rukh Khan, next is Nag Ashwin’s multilingual
did not yield the desired result. The actress is now
film with Prabhas. Then I am doing which is a
back in action and has been shooting non-stop
since the last three months. For the unversed, post
which is so relevant in today’s times when you
lockdown, Deepika began shooting for Shakun
have the millennial and the older generation
coming together. And then, the most famous
Batra’s love story. remake of Anne Hathaway’s movie The Intern,
The actress also has Pathan with Shah Rukh Khan, story coming out of our country, Mahabharata,
a film with Prabhas and two other exciting projects.
in which I am playing Draupadi; I want to tell
Elaborating on her projects, Deepika said that she
that story to the world.”
used the lockdown period to lock exciting scripts.
When asked which is her favourite role out of
With a massive line up of five films, Deepika also
the five films, Deepika said, “That is like having
five different children and being asked to
choose one. I have always been someone who
only says ‘yes’ to a project when it comes from
my gut, and I know I have something special to
offer as a character. So, it’s not like I planned
it; in 2013, I remember people asked me, ‘Oh,
did you plan four or five releases a year?’ No!
When these films are written or offered to you,
you never know how they will play out.”
She added, “This year I am going to be doing
five films. I think in some ways the pandemic
panned out creatively because it was a time
when people in the arts were writing and they
were coming to me with stories I really connected
with.” The actress also recently announced her
film Fighter with Hrithik Roshan which is slated
to release next year.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 6
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 7
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 8
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 9
VARUN AND
NATASHA
After much wait, Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal are went for a light golden lehenga with a
married!. The couple was reportedly meant to marry last broad V-neck blouse featuring 3/4th
year but they had to postpone their wedding because of sleeves with sequins all over. This was
the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown. The high paired with a sheer georgette dupatta.
school sweethearts tied the knot on 24th January in an Both their ensembles were designed
intimate ceremony at The Mansion House in Alibaug, in by Manish Malhotra. Opting for a
the presence of a few close friends and family members. diamond necklace with emerald, her
A strict no-photo policy at the venue ensured the couple kaleerein were also in silver color. She
enjoyed their privacy. However, Varun Dhawan was
generous enough to share pictures first snippets
from his wedding festivities on his Instagram
profile.
Taking to Instagram, the Coolie No. 1 actor wrote:
“Lifelong love just became official”. The bride
and the groom opted for a similar color palette
comprising pastel pink, ivory white, golden, and
dove grey.
While Varun chose an intricately-detailed sherwani
in ivory white, complete with floral work sewn with
embellishments, rhinestones, and sequins, Natasha
NewYearFreshStartDP005
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 10
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 11
dating Coolie No. 1 star Varun Dhawan
for quite some time. The two were
batchmates in school and it was in the sixth
grade that Varun Dhawan met her first for
the first time, the actor recently revealed
on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s chat show
What Women Want. The duo remained
friends for many years before dating each
other. They fell in love when they met at a
music concert years later. They kept their
relationship hidden for years. After Varun
Dhawan became an actor, reports started
doing the rounds that he is dating Natasha
Dalal, a fashion designer. However, they
never admitted to their relationship status
publicly. They tried their best to keep it
hidden, but the paparazzi would always
click them whenever they would step out
for a date or an outing.
The couple has largely remained private
about their relationship, with Varun Dhawan
even commenting once that Natasha liked
to stay away from the limelight. In fact,
Natasha has to date kept her Instagram
did not go overboard with her jewelry and instead account private and never spoken about her life,
went for a smokey eye with a rosy pink lip. career, or Varun Dhawan on any public platform.
For the ones who don’t know who is Natasha It’s only in the last two years that Varun has shown
Dalal? a public display of affection for Natasha through
Natasha is a fashion designer based out of Instagram posts. Wishing her on her birthday last
Mumbai. After studying fashion designing from year, Varun Dhawan had posted two adorable
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York pictures of Natasha — one with him and the
more than 10 years ago, she returned to India other with her dog.
in 2013 and launched her own design house, Varun Dhawan, who started his career as an
Natasha Dalal Label. The label specializes in assistant director, made his big Bollywood
bridal and wedding couture. debut in 2012’s Student Of The Year, directed
On the personal front, Natasha Dalal has been
by Karan Johar. He is best known for
starring in films such as Humpty Sharma
Ki Dulhania, ABCD 2, Badlapur, Dilwale
and Sui Dhaaga. He was last seen in
the remake of Coolie No 1 with Sara Ali
Khan. Varun’s next project is Jug Jugg
Jeeyo, co-starring Anil Kapoor, Neetu
Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and Prajakta Koli.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 12
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 13
Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 03/15/2021
Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 03/15/2021
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 15
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 17
HEALTH & FOOD
WHAT’S IN SEASON
FOR FEBRUARY
Happy February! This month, we celebrate CABBAGE
Valentine’s Day and National Heart Month. Did
you know a diet rich in fruits and veggies helps Cabbage is full of Vitamins K, C
prevent heart disease? While you’re at the
grocery store, make sure to pick up some of
these in-season fruits and veggies.
ASPARAGUS
A very good source of fiber, folate, and Vitamins
A, C, E and K, this veggie is a great one to add
to meals. Try asparagus roasted in the oven, on
the grill or mixed in with pasta salads, stir-fry
and more.
BEETS
Beets get a bad rep due to their earthy taste, but
roasting them brings out their natural sweetness
and makes them perfect for adding to salads, and B6, along with a whole list of
other nutrients. Look for firm heads
blending into smoothies and more.
of cabbage with crisp leaves and
BOK CHOY a nice luster. Turn into a delicious
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage with a mild coleslaw or add to an Asian-style
salad
flavor that’s delicious both raw and cooked. While
bok choy is usually available year-round, it’s at its CARROTS
peak in colder months. Try it in a stir-fry, salad, or Carrots aren’t just for Bugs Bunny!
soup.
This kid-favorite veggie can simply
BROCCOLI be served with a side of ranch for
dipping, roasted (bringing out a
This veggie is full of vitamins and nutrients your natural sweetness), steamed, or
body needs. Fresh broccoli is available year-round shredded and added to muffins,
and can be added to almost any meal. Chop and soups, mac n cheese, meatballs
add to a salad or turn into a broccoli slaw, steam and more.
or roast for an easy side dish, or toss into pasta
salads, stir-fry, cornbread muffins and more.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts have made a serious comeback
the last few years, and they’re a winter staple. A
simple way to prepare them in by simply tossing
in olive oil, salt and pepper and roasting them in
the oven, which brings out their natural sweetness.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 18
HEALTH PAGE #2
CAULIFLOWER
your thumb. If it yields, it’s ripe! Great for
Talk about a comeback veggie! Cauliflower is snacking, desserts, smoothies and more.
taking the culinary world by storm and popping
up in everything from pizza crust to fried rice. This POTATOES
versatile veggie can be used to make pesto, added With more than 600 types of potatoes sold
to mashed potatoes for a lighter dish, turned into in the US, the possibilities are endless. While
savory waffles or used to replace rice in classic potatoes sometimes get a bad rep, skin-on
casseroles. potatoes are full of Vitamin C, potassium
CITRUS and Vitamin B6. Whether you’re looking
for healthy ways to top a baked potato,
Fresh citrus like grapefruit, oranges, tangerines different ways to season roasted potatoes
and mandarins are in season! As an excellent or just healthy potato recipes, we’ve got you
source of Vitamin C, citrus can help keep those covered.
pesky colds away.
GREENS STRAWBERRIES
This favorite fruit has endless possibilities
Fresh greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, and many beyond just snacking. Blend into muffins,
others are the basis for so many tasty recipes like make the perfect smoothie, add to a delicious
salads or for pumping up nutrition in smoothies, fruit salsa or top off your pancakes.
soups, casseroles, pasta dishes and more.
Pomegranates
KIWI BeSAFEBekindDP004 Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants. The
This little brown fruit was named after New arils are perfect for snacking, adding to
Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi. Fuzzy and salads or dressing up avocado toast!
brown on the outside, bright green or yellow on TURNIPS
the inside, this fruit adds color to any dish. Use it
to garnish a cake or toss in a fruit salad for family Turnips are a member of the cabbage family
gatherings. and are high in Vitamins B & C. They have a
slightly bitter taste so pair it up with a sweet
LEMONS & LIMES vegetable or meat dish like sweet potatoes,
Both lemons and limes are in season year-round onions or glazed pork.
and are great for adding flavor to dishes. Juice WINTER SQUASH
and use for a fresh, homemade salad dressing,
use season chicken, fish or veggies, or combine to Winter squash, like acorn squash, butternut
add zing to these Baked Avocado Fries! squash and spaghetti squash, are all in peak
season. We love to roast winter squashes to
MUSHROOMS bring out their natural sweetness. You can
Did you know Mushrooms are the only natural food also chop and saute for a delicious one-pot
source of Vitamin D? Mushrooms are so versatile, meal, or use spaghetti squash as a delicious
you can blend and add to tacos or burgers, or pasta substitute.
chop and add to easy weeknight dinners like this SWEET ONIONS
Asian Chicken Stir Fry.
Onions are a staple in our kitchen and we
PEARS use them in multiple meals each week. One
Pears come in over 3,000 varieties! When selecting still hasn’t mastered cutting onions without
pears at the store, remember to Check the Neck. crying, we can’t deny they’re essential to
Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with adding flavor to everything from soups and
chili to meatballs and breakfast burritos.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 19
BOLLYWOOD
talkies
After making a cameo appearance in Ali Fazal may have had to postpone
a web series recently, producer Boney his nuptials with actress Richa
Kapoor is now all set to make his full- Chadha, but that hasn’t dampened his
fledged acting debut in Luv Ranjan’s spirits. The couple was supposed to tie
next. He will be seen playing the role the knot in April last year but had to
of Ranbir Kapoor’s father in the film. defer their plans after the nationwide
Confirming and spilling the beans lockdown was implemented to curb
on the same, Boney reportedly told the spread of coronavirus. The latest
a news portal that when Luv and his reports suggest that the couple will
team were writing the script, they now tie the knot in 2021 and the dates
had a simple reference point for have already been finalized.
Rajkummar the character of Ranbir’s father — On the work front, Ali recently
‘somebody like Boney Kapoor’. The admitted that his war film, Codename
producer added that Luv insisted he Johnny Walker, which will see him in
plays the role. So he reached out the lead role, will take time to get back
to Arjun, who persuaded him for it. on track given the severe pandemic
situation in the UK. The Hollywood
Rajkummar Rao, who will be seen film is reportedly based on interpreter
sharing screen space with Priyanka Johnny Walker, who worked for the
Chopra in Netflix’s adaptation of US Navy Seals on missions across
The White Tiger, is all praises for his Iraq. The film was supposed to start
co-star. According to Rajkummar, shooting in February in the UK, but it
the Quantico actress is a “full-on will be a while before that happens
desi girl (his words).” Rajkummar Rao since the team will have to create a
interacted with the media, where he bio-bubble for the entire cast and
said, “Priyanka has become a very crew to ensure safety. However, in
dear friend of mine. I think she is very an interview, Ali revealed that filming
chilled out and the tag of Desi Girl, could even take place outside the UK
which has been given to her, is really Boney if required. Given that outdoor locales
apt. I think she is a full-on desi girl.” will form a crucial part of the story,
During the media interaction, filming will now commence only in
Rajkummar Rao also described his September, he said.
experience of working with his co-star Boney also revealed that while the Apart from this, Ali also has ‘Death
Adarsh Gourav and said that he is a team will be shooting at a stretch in of The Nile’ in his kitty. The mystery
wonderful co-actor. Delhi, they have given him the liberty thriller has been directed by Kenneth
The White Tiger is an adaptation of to fly down to Mumbai and attend to Branagh and will most probably
Aravind Adiga’s Man Booker Prize- his productions. release around September this year.
winning novel of the same name. The When asked if he is nervous, the
film will be directed by Ramin Bahrani producer said that he doesn’t have any
and it will be co-produced by Netflix butterflies in his stomach. According
and Mukul Deora. to him, he has been calm during life’s
On the professional front, Rajkummar ups and downs.
Rao was last seen in the film Made The film will also star Shraddha Kapoor
In China, co-starring Mouni Roy. He opposite Ranbir and Dimple Kapadia
also has Roohi Afza, opposite Janhvi in the role of his mother. The romantic
Kapoor and Turram Khan, co-starring comedy was supposed to kick-off with
Nushrat Bharucha in the pipeline. a schedule in Spain but given that the
pandemic is far from over, the makers
have started shooting in the country Ali Fazal
itself.
ByeByeCovid-19DP006
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 20
BOLLYWOOD
talkies
After making a cameo appearance in Ali Fazal may have had to postpone
a web series recently, producer Boney his nuptials with actress Richa
Kapoor is now all set to make his full- Chadha, but that hasn’t dampened his
fledged acting debut in Luv Ranjan’s spirits. The couple was supposed to tie
next. He will be seen playing the role the knot in April last year but had to
of Ranbir Kapoor’s father in the film. defer their plans after the nationwide
Confirming and spilling the beans lockdown was implemented to curb
on the same, Boney reportedly told the spread of coronavirus. The latest
a news portal that when Luv and his reports suggest that the couple will
team were writing the script, they now tie the knot in 2021 and the dates
had a simple reference point for have already been finalized.
Rajkummar the character of Ranbir’s father — On the work front, Ali recently
‘somebody like Boney Kapoor’. The admitted that his war film, Codename
producer added that Luv insisted he Johnny Walker, which will see him in
plays the role. So he reached out the lead role, will take time to get back
to Arjun, who persuaded him for it. on track given the severe pandemic
situation in the UK. The Hollywood
Rajkummar Rao, who will be seen film is reportedly based on interpreter
sharing screen space with Priyanka Johnny Walker, who worked for the
Chopra in Netflix’s adaptation of US Navy Seals on missions across
The White Tiger, is all praises for his Iraq. The film was supposed to start
co-star. According to Rajkummar, shooting in February in the UK, but it
the Quantico actress is a “full-on will be a while before that happens
desi girl (his words).” Rajkummar Rao since the team will have to create a
interacted with the media, where he bio-bubble for the entire cast and
said, “Priyanka has become a very crew to ensure safety. However, in
dear friend of mine. I think she is very an interview, Ali revealed that filming
chilled out and the tag of Desi Girl, could even take place outside the UK
which has been given to her, is really Boney if required. Given that outdoor locales
apt. I think she is a full-on desi girl.” will form a crucial part of the story,
During the media interaction, filming will now commence only in
Rajkummar Rao also described his September, he said.
experience of working with his co-star Boney also revealed that while the Apart from this, Ali also has ‘Death
Adarsh Gourav and said that he is a team will be shooting at a stretch in of The Nile’ in his kitty. The mystery
wonderful co-actor. Delhi, they have given him the liberty thriller has been directed by Kenneth
The White Tiger is an adaptation of to fly down to Mumbai and attend to Branagh and will most probably
Aravind Adiga’s Man Booker Prize- his productions. release around September this year.
winning novel of the same name. The When asked if he is nervous, the
film will be directed by Ramin Bahrani producer said that he doesn’t have any
and it will be co-produced by Netflix butterflies in his stomach. According
and Mukul Deora. to him, he has been calm during life’s
On the professional front, Rajkummar ups and downs.
Rao was last seen in the film Made The film will also star Shraddha Kapoor
In China, co-starring Mouni Roy. He opposite Ranbir and Dimple Kapadia
also has Roohi Afza, opposite Janhvi in the role of his mother. The romantic
Kapoor and Turram Khan, co-starring comedy was supposed to kick-off with
Nushrat Bharucha in the pipeline. a schedule in Spain but given that the
pandemic is far from over, the makers
have started shooting in the country Ali Fazal
itself.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 21
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 22
MORE PPP MONEY
FOR ROUNDS 1 AND 2
The latest pandemic relief law from
Congress reinstates the Paycheck
Protection Program for those who
missed Round one or adds a Round
two for those who qualify.
Under the new law, you can
Must present coupon at the
now qualify for both a PPP loan time of appointment. Not valid
and the employee retention with anyother offer.
FREE
credit retroactive to 2020. Offer expires 28 FEB FREE
2021
Diwas Dhungel We have been conducting regular Must present coupon at the APPOINTMENTS
Must present coupon at the
time of appointment. Not valid
Senior Director of webinars and we have been time of appointment. Not valid APPOINTMENTS
with anyother offer.
Operations providing you with the information Offer expires 30 June 2020 to discuss the Loan that you Qualify for.
with anyother offer.
Conditions Apply
Perfect Tax & Finance you need to understand the latest Offer expires 31 AUG 2020 to discuss the Loan that you Qualify for.
Conditions Apply
PPP program changes and help you Must present coupon at the
chart a course for exactly what you will need to do next. time of appointment. Not valid
Must present coupon at the
with anyother offer.
One-owner and married-couple-owned businesses time of appointment. Not valid
with anyother offer.
Offer expires 31 AUG 2020
(proprietorships, single-member LLCs, S corporations, Offer expires 28 FEB 2021
Conditions Apply
etc) with fewer than 500 employees, including dentists, Conditions Apply
physicians, and lawyers in private practice, real estate and 3. The new retroactive limit on the now
insurance sales professionals, financial planners, engineers, allowable use of all PPP proceeds and what
consultants, and other business owners can all benefit from it means for you.
these webinars. 4. What effect the employee retention tax
What are the questions to ask? credits will have on your income tax returns.
1. How to treat the deductibility of expenses paid with There are numerous questions like the above and
the proceeds from a forgiven PPP loan. we are here to answer those for you. If you would
2. What is on the expanded list of non-payroll like to know more about a second PPP loan, contact
expenses you can pay using PPP funds. our office at 469-213-1519 or attend one of our
webinars. The links are posted on FB every week.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 23
Pooja Hegde is excited for 2021
All pepped about the hectic start to 2021, Pooja shares, “I am super excited for
this year, couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new chapter of 2021, doing
what I love the most! Hope every year comes with so much in store for me and I
sure am excited to see how 2021 turns out.”
The actress has planned her calendar with back to back shoots, adds Pooja, “I
am ecstatic to be entering the new year on the sets, I began a new shoot schedule
of Radheyshyam from January, which will be followed by the shoot of Cirkus. So,
back to back shoots are lined up with absolutely no break in between the two.”
Ready to make 2021 a blockbuster year, Pooja has two Bollywood releases
planned for this year. She essays the leading lady in Cirkus which is directed by
Rohit Shetty. And apart from this, Pooja also signed up to romance Salman Khan
in the much-awaited Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali.
Actress Kiara Advani made her Bollywood debut in
2014 with Fugly, which was a no-show at the box office.
However, she was later seen in hits such as M.S. Dhoni:
The Untold Story, Lust Stories, Kabir Singh, and Good
Newwz.
The actress cannot name a particular role as a
gamechanger in her career, but credits all her work for
the success she enjoys today.
Kiara “For me, I think every film (mattered) -right from my
advani first film because that is what gave me my first step into
the film industry. People also say Kabir Singh and Lust
Stories (but) every film has been a turning point in my
life. I would want every film to be like that, even my future
films. So, I can’t think of just one film. I think my entire
journey has been special,” said Kiara.
The actress, whose latest release is Indoo Ki Jawaani, has
a string of releases coming up. She will be seen in the
Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Shershaah, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
with Kartik Aaryan, and the star-studded Jug Jug Jeeyo.
The new year has begun, but for many folks, setting up
a resolution is not on their agenda. They feel deciding to
do something that weighs down on the mind is not the
nimrat key to contentment or happiness. The Lunchbox actress
Nimrat Kaur also shares that thought.
Kaur She says, “I think what’s happened with this past year
is that everyone has kind of understood and realized
is that many things that we think we need may just be
right within grasp or under our noses and we don’t end
up looking at it. We don’t really need to externalize our
goals for us to feel successful or happy. Even me, I have
been questioning what does well-being and happiness
BOLLYWOOD really come down to for all of us. From that point of
view, it may be better to let go of things that are far
harder to realize and achieve. For instance, living in
the moment and being generally grateful for what we
BONANAZA have every single day – if we can do that, that will be
a very big thing. I can’t say enough of this and I don’t
think anything is beyond gratitude and counting your
blessings, especially now.”
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 24
Pooja Hegde is excited for 2021
All pepped about the hectic start to 2021, Pooja shares, “I am super excited for
this year, couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new chapter of 2021, doing
what I love the most! Hope every year comes with so much in store for me and I
sure am excited to see how 2021 turns out.”
The actress has planned her calendar with back to back shoots, adds Pooja, “I
am ecstatic to be entering the new year on the sets, I began a new shoot schedule
of Radheyshyam from January, which will be followed by the shoot of Cirkus. So,
back to back shoots are lined up with absolutely no break in between the two.”
Ready to make 2021 a blockbuster year, Pooja has two Bollywood releases
planned for this year. She essays the leading lady in Cirkus which is directed by
Rohit Shetty. And apart from this, Pooja also signed up to romance Salman Khan
in the much-awaited Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali.
Actress Kiara Advani made her Bollywood debut in
2014 with Fugly, which was a no-show at the box office.
However, she was later seen in hits such as M.S. Dhoni:
The Untold Story, Lust Stories, Kabir Singh, and Good
Newwz.
The actress cannot name a particular role as a
gamechanger in her career, but credits all her work for
the success she enjoys today.
Kiara “For me, I think every film (mattered) -right from my
advani first film because that is what gave me my first step into
the film industry. People also say Kabir Singh and Lust
Stories (but) every film has been a turning point in my
life. I would want every film to be like that, even my future
films. So, I can’t think of just one film. I think my entire
journey has been special,” said Kiara.
The actress, whose latest release is Indoo Ki Jawaani, has
a string of releases coming up. She will be seen in the
Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Shershaah, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
with Kartik Aaryan, and the star-studded Jug Jug Jeeyo.
The new year has begun, but for many folks, setting up
a resolution is not on their agenda. They feel deciding to
do something that weighs down on the mind is not the
nimrat key to contentment or happiness. The Lunchbox actress
Nimrat Kaur also shares that thought.
Kaur She says, “I think what’s happened with this past year
is that everyone has kind of understood and realized
is that many things that we think we need may just be
right within grasp or under our noses and we don’t end
up looking at it. We don’t really need to externalize our
goals for us to feel successful or happy. Even me, I have
been questioning what does well-being and happiness
BOLLYWOOD really come down to for all of us. From that point of
view, it may be better to let go of things that are far
harder to realize and achieve. For instance, living in
the moment and being generally grateful for what we
BONANAZA have every single day – if we can do that, that will be
a very big thing. I can’t say enough of this and I don’t
think anything is beyond gratitude and counting your
blessings, especially now.”
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 25
STARS REVEAL
Tusshar Kapoor Bhumi Pednekar
Actor Tusshar Kapoor started his Bollywood career in 2001. She had a busy 2020 with three film releases and this year
He has entered the 20th year of his Bollywood innings, too looks like it is going to be a packed one for Bhumi
and actor Tusshar Kapoor is only glad that he is doing Pednekar. The actor has already started shooting for
what he loves the most. He considers himself lucky to have Badhaai Do recently and promises that this year indeed is
been able to do a wide range of characters and genres, going to be exciting for her and her fans.
especially after he sort of got stereotyped in comedy roles, “I am starting 2021 with Badhaai Do with Rajkummar Rao.
especially because of the Golmaal film franchise. The film comes from a very celebrated franchise and I am
“I started with Khakhee, Shootout at Lokhandwala, then so excited to team up with Rajkummar and the whole team.
again did Shor In The City and The Dirty Picture, as many It is a cracking start for an actor like me who always strives
serious and dark roles as much as comedy. But because of to add variety to the filmography,” shares Pednekar.
Golmaal, it becomes like a brand for you. I don’t have a The 31-year-old has always taken a different path when it
problem with it, I am happy,” he says. comes to her film choices. While she acknowledges that
Over the years, have there been any films that the 44-year- how it is only because of the change in the film industry
old regretted doing? that has made it possible for her to dabble with different
“I don’t regret it, but yes, of course, there are some films films, she feels that there are still some things that need to
I did at the beginning of my career which I feel I could be altered.
have avoided. But I did it, and I should be happy because “I want to see change not just in the kind of films being
even the not so good experiences have taught me a lot. made but everywhere. Like the gender gap that exists, you
You learn that this is not something (you want to do), not know be it our pay scales, be it opportunities. I really hope
the people you want to work with, and it’s not a setup you that kind of reduces and diminishes. We have enough
would like to do again,” confesses the actor, who made his people who are working very hard from both sexes. So that
acting debut with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai. is definitely going to be my number one thing on my list of
To be seen next in the film Jersey, Kapoor believes that wants,” says the Durgamati actor.
doing all kinds of films is necessary to gain knowledge and Noting other changes that have happened in Bollywood in
experience. “I have had my share. That was part of the the recent past, Pednekar says that she is happy to see how
game, life, and journey. It was always full of surprises, my stardom has changed and evolved.
journey. In today’s time, if there are a bit lesser opportunities “I think today actors are a lot more accessible. You seem to
in films, there’s the web platform. Now, with Covid-19, we know a lot more about them because of social media. And
have the option to release films for an audience there. I that is how I like it as well, I feel that the audience needs
am grateful it’s getting bigger, and there is so much growth to know me, my fans need to know me. They know what I
within the industry. Different kinds of movies are being like, what I don’t like, what my ideology is what my value
made, and genres are being explored,” says the actor, system is like, that’s is why you can really create a good
whose production, Laxmii, released on an OTT platform community, that is something that has definitely changed,”
last year. The advent of different platforms and the content she explains.
shift has also made it possible for the longevity of an
actor’s career, he continues. “If you are fighting fit, even at Further adding to that, the actor says, “I also feel that we
a much older age, it’s getting bigger and exciting. Picture have become a lot more human, there is this human quality
abhi baaki hai,” he says. attached to stars today which I feel wasn’t there earlier.”
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 26
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 27
E
L
T
N
A
T TALENT
I Am From…
I am from the painting in the art room, and
the pictures on the walls
I am from the cozy, white colored house on
the corner of the street
I am from the fig tree in the backyard and
the huge elm trees in the park
I am from the kind hearted princess my
great grandmother was, from a nice loving
mom, and a hardworking dad
I am from the last minute parking, and the
early preparation
I am from the “be creatives” and the “go
play outsides”
I am from the fun festivals and parties
I am from Calcutta, and the delicious dal
Pamir Sanyal-13 Yr.
and chicken curry.
I am from the all the nice places we visited,
all in my heart and head
I am another leaf in the family tree.
Pamir
Prisha Sanyal 10yr Prisha-art Look within
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 28
C
D
S
O
E
R
R
N
I
K KIDS CORNER
Listen to Kids Club with Ambreen Hasnat every
Wednesday from 3:00- 4:00 pm.
Positivefeeling2021DP002
Coloring Book
Did you Know?
Positivefeeling2021DP002
If you want to wish your child a Happy Birthday,
Please send message to [email protected]/[email protected]
For all submissions of your kids talent: Poem, short stories, Jokes, Artwork please
send submissions to [email protected]/[email protected]
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 29
bollywood news Prateik Babbar
this Month 3
SIDDHANT
KOENA
1 It’s the new year and several folks
are realigning their priorities and
chalking up a plan for what they
hope to achieve in 2021. Koena
Mitra also has a few things that are
on her radar. For one, she’s turned to Prateik Babbar has just started work on
natural wellness therapies. She says Bachchan Panday, his first film project to
she has recently taken up Ayurveda roll out this year, with Arshad Warsi and Kriti
and is happy with the results of that. Sanon among others. The film is headlined
Koena also has a few goals lined by Akshay Kumar and directed-written
by Farhad Samji, who previously helmed
up for 2021. Says the actress, “My Housefull 4. The actor is understandably
mantra for 2021 is a mix of work,
Siddhant Chaturvedi, popularly travel, and holidays. We’ve been excited to start 2021 with a loud bang.
known as MC Sher from his debut stuck at home almost for the whole of “It’s a very exciting journey and a very
movie ‘Gully Boy’, is making sure last year. We had never experienced interesting film to be a part of. This is my
that has fans glued to his movies in lockdown, so this was the first time first film with Akshay Kumar sir. Like scores
2021. The actor has not just started for that. And we are outgoing, of men and women in our country, I, too,
shooting post lockdown but will the working people so it obviously was have been a huge fan of his work, his
Sher will be roaring at the box office very depressing.” Looking ahead discipline all my life. He was my favorite
with multiple releases lined up for to the new year, she plans to have action star in my formative years and life
this year. a balance of things on her plate. has come a full circle. It’s an honor. This
film is nothing like other Akshay Kumar
Pepped about the New Year, “My 2021 plan is to work and travel films. It’s very different and I am very happy
Siddhant shares, “I’m really looking at the same time. I want to spend to be here,” beams Prateik.
forward to 2021 because I have enough time with myself and my While the year has kicked off with this
multiple releases lined up throughout family and do all those crazy things film, the actor also has a whole lot of
the year. It’s super exciting for me that make me happy. I’m not going action planned for 2021. Elaborating on
because after MC Sher I get to to stop myself just because people it, he says, “The Year 2021 has a lot in
portray a variety of characters with get judgmental. I am not going to store for me. There is Power coming up,
each of my film. With Bunty Aur think about what others think and there’s Mumbai Saga in which I play John
Babli 2 I’ll be showcasing a fun and will just do what gives me happiness; Abraham’s brother. And there is another
fully entertaining character, with that’s my goal,” she reveals. film that I am not at liberty to talk about
Shakun’s film, it’s a new genre that just yet but I am super happy about it. I am
we are exploring so that’s gonna HappyNewYear2021DP001 looking forward to this year. I think it will be
be a surprise for everyone, and with a great year for all of us since all of us have
Phone Bhoot, it’s going to be a lot of been home for the most of 2020. It’s time
horror and even more comedy and 2 to get out and get cracking.”
then there’s an action film that is on When asked about the careful choices that
the cards so yeah I’m all geared up he has been making over the last two-three
to take the coming year by a storm.” years across platforms, Prateik says, “I think
Siddhant’s upcoming films are everyone has the right to choose with some
with some of the biggest actors in discretion and it’s important for everyone
Bollywood. He will share the frame to do that. I have been trying my best to
with Deepika in Shakun Batra’s next do that, too. So far, so good. The audience
untitled, while he has Phone Bhoot and the fans have appreciated some of my
alongside Katrina Kaif and Ishaan work that came out in recent years, and
Khatter. I am so very humbled by that. I am now
looking forward to a brighter future.”
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 30
Radio Shows
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 31
Download the Radio Fan App to
See & Listen to these RJ’s
Businesses On-Air At FunAsiA Radio
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 32
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 33
INAUGURATION
OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
President Joe Biden on Wednesday January 20th could engage in a safe manner.
2021, was sworn in as the 46th president of the United This included several virtual
States, alongside his new vice-president Kamala Harris, concerts and events hosted by
marking their commencement of the four-year term. celebrities, featuring live musical
There are many firsts to commemorate, and history in performances and speeches that
many ways. Biden, 78, who served two terms as vice spanned over five days. Saturday,
president to Barack Obama, became the U.S. president, January 16, 2021 through the
including Harris becoming the highest-ranking woman evening of Inauguration Day.
to hold office in US history, as well as the first Black The official YouTube channel
American and first person of South Asian descent to hold and other social media featured
the VP’s office. The two together have broken barriers exclusive content related to the
and prevailed in an election that drew the highest voter ceremonies. Nearly 40 million
turnout in a century amidst severe economic crisis, deep people watched Biden’s address
social divisions, and a strife-torn national reckoning with on the combined major cable
racism, as the country continues to struggle with the news and broadcast network
mounting cases and death toll of the deadly pandemic. television stations. In 2017, a
The Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies chose combined 38.3 million viewers
the inaugural theme “Our Determined Democracy: watched Trump’s inaugural
Forging a More Perfect Union” to highlight the inaugural address across the same
ceremony as a “hallmark of American governance and networks, according to Nielsen
democracy” and stressed the peaceful transition of data, representing a 4% increase
power. in raw television viewership.
The inauguration looked different because of the pandemic The ceremony was held at
but maintained the inaugural traditions so that Americans Inaugural platform at the United
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 34
States Capitol. Public access to the West ticket, with many taking their spouses. Only around 3,000
Front of the United States Capitol was people were to be permitted into the secure perimeter
restricted from September 7, 2020, to areas, and the total live attendance for the scaled-down
February 28, 2021, to allow for the safe event was to be just over 1,000 people, with guests
and secure construction of the Inaugural seated both on the inaugural platform and in front of the
platform, stands, and other infrastructure platform.
necessary to support the event Many could not attend due to the Covid-19 and travel
restrictions but the ones who attended were outgoing
Vice President Mike Pence, former presidents Bill
DAY OF INAUGURATION Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, along
Biden originally planned to travel to with respective first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush,
Washington, D.C. from Wilmington, and Michelle Obama, Dan Quayle . For the first time
Delaware on an Amtrak passenger train, in more than two decades, not every U.S. Supreme
which he routinely took during his time as Court justice attended. Other attendees included the
a U.S. Senator—earning him the nickname family members of Biden and Harris, Biden’s Cabinet
“Amtrak Joe”. However, this plan was nominees, various ambassadors to the United States,
canceled due to security concerns. and other dignitaries. For the first time, the representative
Biden and his wife, Dr. Biden, spent the of Taiwan in the United States (the country’s de
night of January 19 at Blair House, the facto ambassador) was invited to attend a presidential
President’s Guest House—a custom for inauguration, with Hsiao Bi khim attending the ceremony.
incoming presidents. Traditionally, the
president-elect meets with the outgoing The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets played ruffles and
president at the White House on the flourishes. The U.S. Marine Band played a medley
morning of their inauguration after a of patriotic music .The band had appeared at every
church service. Since Trump did not attend presidential inauguration since Thomas Jefferson’s
the inaugural ceremony—becoming the in 1801.
first outgoing president to do so since
Andrew Johnson in 1869—and did not Courtney Williams, Senior Chief Musician and concert
communicate with Biden directly since the moderator for the U.S. Navy Concert Band, returned
second presidential debate of the 2020 as the platform announcer for his fourth consecutive
campaign, this tradition was not upheld. inauguration.
ATTENDIES
Most traditional inaugural
festivities were conducted
virtually and the ceremony
took place outdoors on
the West Front of the
United States Capitol, the
site of every inauguration
since Ronald Reagan’s
in 1981. While members
of Congress, in previous
years, would receive
200,000 tickets to distribute
among constituents, on this
occasion, each member
was allotted one guest
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 35
Senator Amy Klobuchar opened the and “America the Beautiful”, and during the bridge, she
ceremony with a short speech, saying the translated the last phrase of the Pledge of Allegiance in
storming of the Capitol two weeks prior Spanish.
“awakened us to our responsibilities as SWEARING IN CEREMONY &
Americans”; she declared the inaugural
day “the day when our democracy picks OATH
itself up, brushes off the dust, and does President Joe Biden was sworn in on a Bible that has
what America always does: goes forward been in his family since 1893—held by his wife. Harris
as a nation”. was sworn in on two Bibles held by her husband, one
Senator Roy Blunt, chair of the Joint belonging to Regina Shelton, a person important to
Congressional Committee on Inaugural her and her sister Maya Harris, and another belonging
Ceremonies and the master of ceremonies, to former Supreme Court Associate Justice Thurgood
delivered a short speech; commenting on Marshall.
the Constitution’s Preamble, highlighting Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the oath
of office to Harris. Sotomayor became the first woman to
administer an inaugural oath twice
after she administered Biden’s at his
2013 swearing-in. Harris recited
the following:
I, Kamala Devi Harris, do solemnly
swear that I will support and defend
the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and
domestic; that I will bear true faith
and allegiance to the same; that I
take this obligation freely, without
any mental reservation or purpose
of evasion; and that I will well and
we are more than we have been and we faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am
are less than we hope to be”. about to enter. [So help me God.]
Leo J. O’Donovan, a Catholic priest, Chief Justice John Roberts then administered Biden’s oath
member of the Jesuit order, and of office with 13 minutes remaining in Trump’s term. Biden
former president of Georgetown University, recited the following, as prescribed by the Constitution:
delivered the invocation; he called I, Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., do solemnly swear that I
“American patriotism, born not of power will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United
and privilege, but of care for the common States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect
good with malice toward none and and defend the Constitution of the United States. [So help
with charity for all” a “thrust of
the Spirit”
PERFORMANCES
Lady Gaga sang the national
anthem Georgia firefighters’ union
leader Andrea Hall led the Pledge
of Allegiance, using American Sign
Language in addition to speaking.
Jennifer Lopez performed her
renditions of “This Land Is Your Land”
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 36
in the “common objects” that
define America: “opportunity,
liberty, dignity, respect, honor,
and ... truth”
Biden also discussed the
historical significance of Harris’s
ascension to the vice presidency,
recounting the movements
for civil rights and women’s
suffrage that permitted African
Americans and women to
participate in politics; he
celebrated their inauguration
as a “triumph” for democracy.
Near the conclusion of his
speech, Biden held a moment
me God.] of silence for those who died
Upon completing the oath, the U.S. Army in the COVID-19 pandemic. In closing his
Band (“Pershing’s Own”) played four ruffles speech, Biden promised to “always level” with
and flourishes, but a 21-gun cannon salute the American people and govern exclusively in
was not rendered. The 21-gun cannon salute their interest.
for President Biden was later rendered at the After the swearing-in ceremony, Biden, Harris,
wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National and their spouses participated in a Pass in
Cemetery. Review on the East Front of the United States
Capitol featuring members of the United States
PRESIDENT’S INAUGURAL Armed Forces. Traditionally, before the Pass
SPEECH in Review, the new president would escort the
outgoing president to a helicopter, Marine One,
Inaugural speech was regarded as laying out his where they would officially depart Washington,
vision to unite the nation prefaced by the various D.C. However, Trump’s decision to not attend
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic Biden’s inauguration and rather depart prior to
strife, climate change, political polarization, the event’s outset broke this custom.
and racial injustice. Biden repeated his There was a very positive feeling of hope and
campaign pledge to fight as hard for those unity in diversity in this new Government leaders,
who did not support him as for those who did. as the 41 million people watched the inaugural
Focusing on the struggles of American citizens, worldwide.
Biden expressed sympathy, but stressed that
distrust and fighting amongst one
another would not better their
conditions. He cited the Civil
War, Great Depression, world
wars, and September 11
attacks as moments in American
history where citizens “better
angels” prevailed, stating that
the solution—unity—must again
be invoked to rise from the
“cascading” crises of the present;
this unity, he proclaimed, exists
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 37
MADHURI’S MUSINGS
To keep moving forward, we keep turning the Adharma or Falsehood
wheel but must stay faithful to the core. The wheel As the world undergoes tumultuous changes,
may spin all around but always comes to rest in there will be the forces of darkness or gray
the center. No matter the stories you spin or the areas, which tempt and lure individuals to take
changes we encounter as we move forward, the short cuts or cross ethical borders. Analyzing the
simple underlying truth whether bitter or sweet, psychology of fraudsters, who cross the lines,
can never be denied. reveals a triangle that binds them. The three end-
points of the fraud triangle are a personal gain,
24 Rishis which incentivizes a fraudster of putting self above
Another symbolism of the chakra is attributed all else; an opportunity to commit a fraud without
to the 24 great Rishis who per Hindu mythology being caught; and the third end-point, the most
revealed the divine power of the Gayatri Mantra critical, is rationalization. If you observe any act
to the world. These 24 Rishis are represented of fraud right from lying on a resume, cheating
through the 24 letters of the Gayatri Mantra, on an exam or breaking a govt. rule, the fraud
considered the most powerful chant in the Hindu triangle prevails. Rationalization of an unethical
tradition. act reveals a value system that is off center and
not aligned with the wheel of truth.
Dharma and Duty
The 24 spokes also represent the Dharma or A Timeless Reminder
the 24 key principles in life. No matter which The past year has been a year of uncertainty and
corner of the world we live in or what form of struggle. It has made everyone reflect on his or her
government governs, practicing the 24 principles life values and principles. Irrespective of whether
keeps us aligned to a value-centered path. The it relates to pandemics or politics, we all have our
24 principles include many virtues and values personal yardsticks that define our actions. The
including courage, patience, love, selflessness, universality and simplicity of truth is that you can
sacrifice, humility, empathy, and faith (to name never escape from it. The wheel can keep turning,
a few). but the spokes are interconnected and meet at
the center. The Dharma chakra exemplifies the
truth and its symbol must flash in our minds in
moments of doubt.
The Chakra on the
Indian Flag is a reminder
of our Indian roots and
to stay true to our values
and principles even in
the face of challenges.
Our inner conscience
is the true gatekeeper
that will always prevail
because no matter the
circumstance, there is
always one truth and it is
timeless.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 39
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 40
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 41
MADAM VICE PRESIDENT
Joe Biden named Senator Kamala D. Harris as his running mate on Aug. 11,
making her the first woman of color on a major-party presidential ticket.
She is an American politician and attorney serving as the 49th and current vice
president of the United States. She is the United States’ first female vice president,
the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first African American and
first Asian American vice president.
She calls herself simply “an American” and said she has been fully comfortable
with her identity from an early age. She credits that largely to a Hindu immigrant
single mom who adopted Black culture and immersed her daughters in it. She
grew up embracing her Indian culture, but living a proudly African American life.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 42
MADAM VICE PRESIDENT
Kamala D. Harris
Kamala Harris graduated from Howard in 1986 with a degree
in political science and economics. A member of the Democratic
Party, she served as a United States senator from California from
2017 to 2021, and as the attorney general of California from
2011 to 2017.
We are so proud of our Vice President Kamala Harris who has
her roots in Chennai,India.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 43
PERSON IN FOCUS FROM THE
COMMUNITY APPOINTED TO BE PART
OF THE BIDEN’S ADMINISTRATION
President Joe Biden on Wednesday 20th 2021 was sworn in as the 46th president of the United
States of America, alongside his new vice-president elect Kamala Harris. There are many firsts
to commemorate, including vice-president elect becoming the highest-ranking woman to hold
office in US history, as well as the first Black American and first person of South Asian descent
to hold the VP’s office. Additionally, at least 20 Indian-Americans have been appointed or
nominated to be part of the Biden-Harris administration with as many as 17 of them in key
positions.
We at FunAsia Desipages are very proud to highlight these amazing achievers from our
community in our Person in Focus Column, who are appointed at prominent positions by US
President-elect Joe Biden .
Neera Tandon: Nominated as the Director of the White
House Office of Management and Budget, a high-ranking
position in the Biden administration. The 50-year-old Indian-
American headed the think tank Center for American Progress. Neera
said in a tweet, “After my parents were divorced when I was young, my
mother relied on public food and housing programs to get by. Now, I’m
being nominated to help ensure those programs are secure and ensure
families like mine can live with dignity. I am beyond honoured.” Born in
Bedford, Massachusetts, she currently serves as the president of Center
for American Progress (CAP), an influential domestic policy think tank.
She has been associated with the Centre in various capacities. Neena
Tandon was the top aide on Hillary Clinton’s first presidential campaign.
As an Obama administration official, she worked to pass the Affordable
Care Act, and during the Trump administration, she called the CAP to
the ramparts during Republicans’ efforts to repeal it.
Vanita Gupta: Nominated as Associated Attorney General
of Justice. She would be the first woman of colour to serve in this
role. She previously served as the head of the civil rights division in
the Obama Administration. Biden had described her as one of the
most “respected” civil rights attorneys in America. Vanita Gupta was
the country’s former chief civil rights prosecutor. Born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, to Indian immigrant parents, she did her Bachelors from
Yale University. In 2001, she received her Juris Doctor degree from New
York University School of Law.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 44
Uzra Zeya: Nominated as Under Secretary of State for Civilian
Security, Democracy and Human Right, an important position
in the State Department.. Zeya had quit her state department job
in protest against the Trump administration’s alleged racial and sexist
bias, as his under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human
rights Zeya is of Kashmiri descent was formerly the CEO of The Alliance
for Peacebuilding. Zeya has more than two decades of experience with
the department of state and has expertise in Near East, South Asian,
Europe, human rights and multilateral affairs. As chief of staff to the
deputy secretary of state from 2011 to 2012, Zeya also helped shape
the US response to the Arab Spring. In the 1990s, Zeya served in the
US Foreign Service. She has served as a US diplomat in capitals such as
New Delhi, Muscat, Damascus, Cairo and Kingston. Zeya is a graduate
of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. Zeya was born
in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to immigrants from Bihar, India.
Mala Adiga: Appointed as Policy Director to First Lady Dr Jill
Biden.. Mala hails from the prestigious Kakkunje Adiga family. Mala was
a senior advisor to Jill Biden and had served as a senior policy advisor
during the Biden-Kamala Harris campaign. Mala is known to specialize
in education policy and Jill, being an English professor, is expected to
focus on the education sector and community colleges. Mala served
as the deputy assistant secretary of state for academic programs at the
bureau of educational and cultural affairs in the Obama administration.
She also served as the director for human rights on the national security
staff. Mala graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa and earned her
Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. She did her
Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota.
Garima Verma: Named Digital Director of the Office of
the First Lady. She had served on the Biden-Harris campaign as
an audience development and content strategist. Before joining the
campaign, she was a volunteer with the content team, designing
graphics for distribution to Biden-Harris volunteers across the country.
She previously worked in the entertainment space, marketing films at
Paramount Pictures and television shows at The Walt Disney Company’s
ABC Network, and media agency Horizon Media. Garima was born in
India but grew up in Ohio and the Central Valley of California.
Sabrina Singh: Will serve as White House Deputy Press
Secretary to vice-president Kamala Harris. SPrior to her role on
the campaign, Sabrina Singh served as senior spokesperson for Mike
Bloomberg’s presidential campaign and National Press Secretary for
Cory Booker’s presidential campaign. She previously served as deputy
communications director for the Democratic National Committee,
spokesperson for American Bridge’s Trump War Room and Regional
Communications Director on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential
campaign.. She is married to Mike Smith, the political director for
Nancy Pelosi, the United States House of Representatives’ Speaker. She
is of Sikh heritage.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 45
Aisha Shah: Appointed as Partnerships Manager at the White
House Office of Digital Strategy. She had also held the position
of partnership manager for the Biden campaign, before joining the
museum, zoo and education organisation, the Smithsonian Institution,
as an advancement specialist. She also worked as an assistant manager
on the Corporate Fund of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing
Arts supporting the first-ever expansion of a presidential memorial. She
is of Kashmiri decent and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from
Davidson College in North Carolina with a degree in English language
and literature, and had studied Spanish at the Universidad de Sevilla
in Spain.
Sameera Fazili: Appointed as the Deputy Director at the
White House National Economic Council. She was at the Federal
Reserve Bank of Atlanta where she served as the Director of Engagement
for Community and Economic Development. In the Obama-Biden
administration, Sameera served as a senior policy advisor on the White
House’s National Economic Council and as a senior advisor at the
US Treasury Department in both Domestic Finance and International
Affairs. Prior to that she was a clinical lecturer of law at Yale Law School.
She received her law degree from Yale Law School and her Bachelor of
Arts in social studies from Harvard College. She is of Kashmiri origin
and both her parents are doctors, who migrated to the US from Kashmir
Valley in India.
Bharath Ramamurti: Appointed Deputy Director of White
House National Economic Council for Financial Reform and
Consumer Protection. Bharath is the Managing Director of the
Corporate Power program at the Roosevelt Institute. He was also
appointed in April to serve on the Congressional Oversight Commission
for the CARES Act by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Previously,
Ramamurti was the top economic adviser to Senator Elizabeth Warren
during her 2020 presidential campaign and senior counsel for banking
and economic policy in her Senate office. Born in Massachusetts,
Ramamurti is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. He
lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two daughters
Gautam Raghavan: Appointed Deputy Director in the
Office of Presidential Personnel. Previously, he served as Chief
of Staff to Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the
chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He also served as an
Advisor to the Biden Foundation, and as vice-president of Policy for
the Gill Foundation, one of the oldest and largest private foundations
dedicated to the cause of LGBTQ equality. During the Obama-Biden
Administration, Raghavan served in the White House as the liaison
to the LGBTQ community as well as the Asian American & Pacific
Islander community, and in the White House Liaison Office for the
US Department of Defence and as Outreach Lead for the Pentagon’s
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Working Group. A first-generation immigrant,
Gautam Raghavan was born in India, raised in Seattle, and graduated
from Stanford University. He lives in Washington, DC with his husband
and their daughter.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 46
Vinay Reddy: Appointed Director of Speechwriting. Vinay
Reddy serves as a speechwriter on the Biden-Harris Transition and was
the Senior Advisor and Speechwriter for the Biden-Harris Campaign
and is the first Indian American to be appointed a presidential
speechwriter. He previously served as chief speechwriter to former vice-
president Biden in the second term of the Obama-Biden White House,
after which, he worked as vice-president of Strategic Communications at
the National Basketball Association. He is originally from Telangana in
Pothireddypeta in Karimnagar district. He grew up in Dayton, Ohio, the
second one of the three sons in an immigrant family and is a product of
Ohio public schools from kindergarten to Miami University to The Ohio
State University College of Law. He currently lives in New York with his
wife and their two daughters.
Vedant Patel: Appointed Assistant Press Secretary to the
president.. He is only the third-ever Indian American to be part of the
White House press shop. He is currently the senior spokesperson of the
Biden inaugural committee and has been a part of the Biden campaign
as well where he served as Regional Communications Director.
Previously, he worked as Communications Director to Indian-American
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Western Regional Press Secretary at
the Democratic National Committee, and Communications Director to
Congressman Mike Honda. Born in India and raised in California, he
is a graduate of the University of California Riverside and the University
of Florida.
Tarun Chhabra: Senior Director for Technology and
National Security of Biden administration’s National Security
Council. He served on the National Security Council staff as Director
for Strategic Planning and Director for Human Rights and National
Security Issues during the Obama-Biden administration. He also served
as a speechwriter to the Secretary of Defense at the pentagon. Born in
Tennessee and raised in Louisiana, Tarun is a senior fellow at the Center
for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University. He is
a first-generation American.
Sumona Guha: Appointed Senior Director for South Asia,
National Security Council. Sumona Guha was co-chair of the South
Asia foreign policy working group on the Biden-Harris campaign, and
serves on the transition’s State Department Agency Review Team. She
is Senior vice-president at Albright Stonebridge Group. Previously, she
served in the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer and later,
on the Secretary of State’s policy planning staff where she focused on
South Asia. During the Obama-Biden Administration, she was Special
Advisor for national security affairs to vice-president Biden. Sumona is
a graduate of Johns Hopkins and Georgetown University. She lives in
Bethesda, Maryland with her husband and three children.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 47
Shanthi Kalathil: Appointed Coordinator for Democracy
and Human Rights. Shanthi Kalathil is currently senior director of the
International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment
for Democracy, where her work focuses on emerging challenges to
democracy. Previously in her career, she served as a senior democracy
fellow at the US Agency for International Development. She worked as an
associate with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Hong
Kong-based reporter for the Asian Wall Street Journal, and an advisor
to international affairs organizations. She is the co-author of Open
Networks, Closed Regimes: The Impact of the Internet on Authoritarian
Rule (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2003). Originally
from California, Shanthi is a graduate of the University of California at
Berkeley and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Sonia Aggarwal: Named Senior Advisor for Climate Policy
and Innovation in the Office of the Domestic Climate Policy at
the White House. She led America’s Power Plan, bringing together
200 electricity policy experts, at Energy Innovation, of which she was
a co-founder and vice-president. Sonia also directed the team that
developed the Energy Policy Simulator to analyze the environmental,
economic, and public health impacts of climate and energy policies.
Born and raised in Ohio, Aggarwal has a masters at Stanford University
in civil engineering
Vidur Sharma: Appointed Policy Advisor for Testing for
the White House COVID-19 Response Team. He served in the
administration of former President Barack Obama, when Biden was
vice-president. He was a health policy adviser on the Domestic Policy
Council working on implementing Obama’s signature program of trying
to ensure health insurance for all, known as Obamacare. As President
Donald Trump tried to end Obamacare, Vidur worked to counter it
as the Deputy Research Director of Protect Our Care, a coalition of
organizations against repealing it. He has also advised health sector
organizations.
Neha Gupta: Appointed Associate Counsel to the Office of
the White House Counsel. Neha has previously served as a Deputy
City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney’s office, where she
was general counsel to several city agencies, litigated constitutional
and statutory challenges to city laws and administrative decisions.
She participated in the office’s affirmative public protection advocacy.
A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School, she also
previously clerked for Judge Michael Daly Hawkins of the US Court
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge Richard Seeborg of the US
District Court for the Northern District of California.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 48
Reema Shah: Appointed Associate Counsel to the Office
of the White House Counsel. Neha has previously served as a
Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney’s office, where
she was general counsel to several city agencies, litigated constitutional
and statutory challenges to city laws and administrative decisions.
She participated in the office’s affirmative public protection advocacy.
A graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School, she also
previously clerked for Judge Michael Daly Hawkins of the US Court
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge Richard Seeborg of the US
District Court for the Northern District of California
Rohit Chopra: Chosen be the director of the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau. She would be the first woman of
colour to serve in this role. She previously served as the head of the civil
rights division in the Obama Administration. Biden had described her
as one of the most “respected” civil rights attorneys in America. Vanita
Gupta was the country’s former chief civil rights prosecutor. Born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Indian immigrant parents, she did her
Bachelors from Yale University. In 2001, she received her Juris Doctor
degree from New York University School of Law.
Ali Zaidi: To serve as the first deputy White House National
Climate Advisor. Zaidi is a Pakistani-American lawyer and political
advisor. He was the New York deputy secretary for energy and
environment. Ali Zaidi held climate policy positions in the Obama
administration including United States Domestic Policy Council deputy
director for energy policy and associate director for natural resources,
energy, and science at the Office of Management and Budget. Zaidi
was a policy aide to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. Ali Zaidi was
born in Pakistan and moved to Edinboro, Pennsylvania with his family
in 1993.
Rohini Kosoglu:Appointed as Domestic Policy Advisor to the
Vice President Kamala Harris.. She has served as a senior advisor
to U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) in her U.S. Senate office and
presidential campaign, Kamala Harris for the People. She was the first
South Asian woman to serve as Chief of Staff to a U.S. Senator and was
notably the only Asian American to serve in that role during her tenure.
Rohini served as a key advisor during the drafting and passage of the
Affordable Care Act in 2010. She received a B.A. in English with Honors
from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Legislative Affairs from
George Washington University. She currently resides in the Washington
D.C. area with her husband and three sons.
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 49
Zayn Siddique: TNamed Senior Advisor to the White House
deputy chief of staff. He becomes the first Bangladeshi-American to
be named to a senior position in the incoming Biden administration.
He was also a member of Vice President-elect Harris’s prep team for
the 2020 vice-presidential debate. He has also served as a law clerk
to Justice Elena Kagan of the US Supreme Court, Judge David Tatel of
the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, and Judge Dean Pregerson
of the US District Court for the Central District of California. Originally
from Bangladesh but raised in New York, Siddique is a graduate of
the Princeton University and the Yale Law School. Currently, he is the
chief of staff for the Domestic and Economic Team of the Biden-Harris
Transition.
President Biden has said that he will have one of the most diverse administrations in American history.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said these dedicated public servants reflected the very best of the
nation. “They have the knowledge and expertise to help us meet the unprecedented challenges facing
the American people. And President-elect Biden and I look forward to working with them to contain
this pandemic, provide more relief for families and businesses, and rebuild our country in a way that
lifts all Americans,” she added.
“Today’s skilled and experienced appointees bring a commitment to public service that will further
enhance our historic White House team. Each appointee will help ensure efficiency and collaboration
within the White House and throughout the administration as we work to build back better and improve
the lives of all Americans,” said incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain.
We are so proud of this diversity. God Bless America!
DesiPages DFW | February 2021 VOL 24 | 50
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search