MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF
PERFECT GROUP OF COMPANIES
We at FunAsia are always on a path of constant growth
and areas of improvements. October begins the last
quarter of the year and also brings in festivities. Things
have started to open, and we are able to start back on
planning our events. This month we will be seeing a
big event of Garba night with authentic Garba artist,
Kinjal Dave. We have a beautiful musical melodious
event planned on Pakistani singer Ali Pervez Mehdi
and voice of India artist Jahanvi Sangha. It feels great
to be gathering again for events. Funasia will once
again have regular events planned every month for
the community. Being far away from home, we do
understand the need of such events which keeps us
stringed to our roots.
On the radio, we keep upgrading our technology
and fine-tuning our programs. We are working on
our BigFan TV app extensively. We apologize for the
SAM THAKKAR amount of time it is taking, but trust us, we are working
Group CEO
on bringing the best in entertainment and experience
through that app. Good developments do need more
time.
On Digital DesiPages side, we are seeing that the
accessibility of a magazine online is the call of the
hour. We would be enhancing and engaging more on
the Facebook . So, you all can get the Bollywood and
community news on your smart phones and laptops.
Now, you will not miss your copy if you were unable
to make a trip to the grocery store.
Funasia is all about bringing the community together.
I Vaishali Thakkar the new CEO of FunAsia, am very
thankful to all of you for the encouragement, love and
messages on my new role and promotion. I am very
excited to take FunAsia to new leaps and bounds.
VAISHALI THAKKAR
CEO Perfect Tax & Finance & CEO FunAsiA
Welcome to another
edition of FunAsia
DesiPages. With
October, the air starts
to feel different, as there
is a slight easy chill
of Fall. The morning
alarm gives a sense of nighttime. The evening sun
sets a bit sooner. However, we would still need to
wait a month for the Daylight-saving time to end.
The stores are full of pumpkins and Halloween
decorations, as we are also gearing up for all the
major festivals of the year. This month we start the
festivities with Navratri by celebrating good over
evil. Traditional colors, dance Garba, Durga Puja,
savory and blessings. That is October for us!
This month check out the article by Parul Bhatia on
Navratri. We have a new column ‘Baatein Sitaron
ki’ by RJ Paro who already does a popular show on
104.9 FM FunAsia Radio. Also, an interesting read
is Goodreads ‘Moon Magic’ by Madhuri Musings.
Our youngest RJ Anya on FunAsia radio conducts
a show from the perspective of Gen Z. She helps
understand this misunderstood generation better.
Do check her article in the Kids Talent Column.
For Halloween, our Columnist Rajsri of ‘Melodious
Echoes’ has brought in the eerie angle of music
very beautifully in her article.
This month also look out for more interaction and
quiz on FunAsia DesiPages FaceBook Page to win
giveaways and indulge in exchanging ideas. We
would love to hear from you.
Follow us on FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/FunAsia-Desipages
Website: funasia.net/desipages
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 4
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 5
Nargis Fakhri bollywood talkies
She Felt ‘Unsafe’ in
Bollywood Due to
‘Unprofessionalism’
than most because I did not come from
a background in film and I came from an
entirely different culture. But with all that said
I am grateful that I got to experience many
amazing things and meet amazing people
while in the industry.”
Actor Nargis Fakhri took a break from Nargis also spoke about dating Uday Chopra
Bollywood right before the pandemic hit the for five years in the same interview. Nargis
world. However, she is back with a few projects was quoted as saying, “Uday and I dated
and is keen to explore the web space too. for 5 years and he was the most beautiful
The actor spoke about her initial days in the human I met in India. I never have said this
industry, the hard work she put in to create her to the press as people told me to keep my
place in Bollywood, and the love she received relationship quiet, but I regret that because I
from the audience for the same. However, should have shouted from the mountain tops
the actor also faced ‘unprofessionalism’ that that I was with such a beautiful soul.”
made her feel ‘unsafe’ at work. Nargis said
that even though she tried really hard, she She said that sometimes, the stars that the
could never ‘fit in’ the industry. people idolize are not worth all the love but
sometimes, you meet really good people in
The actor said, “There are so many stories. the industry. “The internet and social media
It was extremely difficult and I faced many are very fake and the people out there won’t
obstacles. Thank goodness for my agency know what the truth is. Most often, we idolise
who helped me navigate things. Besides certain people who are actually bad behind
intense workshops in Hindi and dance classes closed doors,” she said.
and tons of shoots and meetings, there were
also times I encountered humans that behave Nargis is soon going to be back in Bollywood
in unprofessional ways. That made it difficult with a new movie that she has shot with both
to feel safe at times.” Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta. The actor
is also exploring her way forward in the web
The Rockstar actor added, “It was hard to fit area.
in and I actually don’t think I ever did “fit” in.
It was overwhelming, I had to work harder
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 6
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 7
ALOO DAL PANEER JALEBI
PAKODA HEALTH FACTS
1. Total Time: 30 min
2. Calories: 387 cal
3. Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS
1. 1 1/2 cup green moong dal
2. 2 onions
3. 2 tsp ginger paste
4. 1 tsp cumin powder
5. 1 pinche baking soda
6. 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
7. 2 potatoes
8. 4 green chilies
9. 2 tsp cilantro leaves
10. A pinch of asafoetida
11. salt as required
12. 1 cup gram flour (besan)
INSTRUCTION
1 To make the pakoda, first, soak moong dal
in a bowl full of water for 3-4 hours. Once
soaked, drain the water, and blend the dal
with green chilies, cilantro, salt, ginger, and
asafoetida to a thick paste. You can also add
sooji to make it crispier.
2 Then boil the potatoes. Once boiled well,
peel and mash them in a separate bowl with
chopped onions and mix them with gram
flour. Next, add the moong dal paste, and
make a thick batter using the cut and fold
method.
3 To fry, heat oil in a small wok. Once heated,
slowly leave the pakoda batter from the
sides using a spoon or hand. Then deep fry
the pakodas and repeat the same with the
rest of the batter. Fry the pakodas till they
turn golden in color. Transfer them to a plate
with tissue papers to soak up the excess oil.
4 Sprinkle some chaat masala and serve with
mint chutney or a dip of your choice.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 8
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 9
KIARA ADVANI cover story
CARVING HER OWN NICHE
HER ROAD SO FAR
to becoming one of the country’s best
cricketers. Sushant Singh Rajput gave a
career-defining performance as Dhoni
and Disha Patani was seen as Dhoni’s
love interest in the film.
BHARAT ANE NENU
Kiara Advani made her Tollywood debut
opposite Mahesh Babu in Bharat Ane
Nenu. Helmed by screenwriter-turned-
director Koratala Siva, the political
drama had Mahesh Babu playing the
role of Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister.
The music of the film was composed
by Devi Sri Prasad. You get to watch a
love story, some family drama, and a
little bit of party politics in the film.
LUST STORIES
Whether it is humor or a comic role or a sweet naive girl
in Kabir Singh, or a woman who is aware of her choices Kiara plays a newly-married woman
and isn’t shy to express it like Lust Stories, the actress has whose husband is oblivious to her
always marked us by her work folio. Kiara Advani is one of sexual desires. To satisfy her needs,
the emerging stars of Bollywood. With her stunning work she takes charge of her happiness on
onscreen, the actress has managed to wow us with power- the advice of her friend and colleague,
packed talent and skills. However, the actress has also Neha Dhupia.
given us some of the best hits to binge upon over the years. KABIR SINGH
Speaking of that, today we are here with some of her best
movies and series that you should watch. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara
Advani in the lead role, Kabir
FUGLY Singh received backlash for being
Kiara Advani made her Bollywood debut in 2014 along misogynistic, regressive, and promoting
with Mohit Marwah and boxer Vijendra Singh with Kabir violence against women. But despite
Sadanand directorial Fugly. The film revolved around a negative reviews, the Sandeep Reddy
group of college friends who get framed in a murder case Vanga directorial became one of the
that has been committed by a police officer. They decide to most successful films of 2019. The
not give up and bring out the truth. Jimmy Sheirgill plays the film’s plot revolved around a brilliant
evil cop Chautala here. surgeon Kabir Singh who suffers
heartbreak and goes down the path
M.S. DHONI: THE UNTOLD STORY
of self-destruction and self-pity. While
Kiara Advani caught everyone’s attention as she essayed the Shahid played the titular role in the
role of Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s wife Sakshi Singh Dhoni in movie, Kiara essayed the role of his
the cricketer’s biopic. The sports drama chronicled the life romantic interest.
of Dhoni, from his days of being a railway ticket checker
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 10
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 11
INDOO KI JAWANI
The romantic comedy revolves around Kiara’s
character Indoo Gupta, who likes to experiment
with her dating life. Set in Ghaziabad, the film
explores Indoo’s misadventures after she swipes
right on a Pakistani man, played by Aditya Seal.
It also stars Mallika Dua in a pivotal role.
SHERSHAAH
Shershaah is based on the life of Captain Vikram
Batra and set during the Kargil War. While
Siddharth Malhotra essays the role of Vikram,
Kiara plays Dimple Cheema, Vikaram Batra’s
fiancée. Vikram Batra and Dimple Cheema’s
bond was so strong that Dimple didn’t marry
anyone else after Captain Batra’s martyrdom
and continued living as his widow.
She will next be seen in Jug Jug Jeeyo opposite
GOOD NEWWZ Varun Dhawan. They were last seen together for a
The Raj Mehta directorial revolves around two brief screen time in Dharma Productions’ Kalank
couples who opt for IVF treatment, but a mix- and now the duo is set to wow the audience with
their chemistry in the production house’s next
up leads to a comedy of errors. Though the film venture Jug Jugg Jeeyo. The film also stars Neetu
couldn’t impress critics, it did find its audience
and was loved for its light-hearted comedy and Kapoor and Anil Kapoor in crucial parts. Good
Newwz director Raj Mehta helmed the project
feel-good vibe. It starred Akshay Kumar, Kareena
Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kiara Advani in and promises to deliver yet another emotional
film with humor intact.
the lead roles.
Revealing the storyline a source said, “It’s a
GUILTY tale of two couples from different generations,
Guilty is a thriller drama film directed by Ruchi entangled around the issues post marriage. The
Narain and written by Ruchi Narain, Kanika premise beautifully merges the generation gap,
Dhillon, and Atika Chohan. Starring Kiara and puts out a unique point of about love, but
Advani, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Gurfateh Singh with ample humor.”
Pirzada, and many others, the film follows the While working for the film Kiara said, “When I
story of a songwriter whose boyfriend is accused came back from Chandigarh after the Jug Jugg
of rape during the era of #MeToo. Jeeyo shoot, I didn’t see my parents for days as
LAXMII I was in self-quarantine. So, it was like, one day,
It stars Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani in lead I was confident, and the next day, I wasn’t. It’s a
roles. The horror-comedy directed by Raghava constant battle and we have to figure things out
Lawrence is a remake of his own Tamil hit gradually, one day at a time. As for Jug Jugg
Kanchana. Produced by Akshay Kumar’s Cape Jeeyo, we had a few cases in our team, despite
of Good Films, Fox Star Studios, and Tusshar following all the safety rules. It was something
Kapoor, Laxmii also features Ashwini Kalsekar, that scared all of us and had us feeling a little
Sharad Kelkar, Manu Rishi, and Ayesha Raza. paranoid about everything. However, the moment
Laxmii revolves around an unsuspecting man the team members recovered, they were raring to
whose body gets taken over by a spirit. go. I’ve experienced what it means when people
say that, ‘The show must go on’.”
I
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 12
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 13
People speak
REMINISCING
PEOPLE NAVRATRI
SPEAK By RJNavneeta
Formed through interaction with listeners on her show ‘Hit Hai to Bajega’
Reminiscing Navratri a question posed to our listeners of FunAsia on
my show ‘Hit Hai to Bajega’. I received some
Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine diverse responses on what their celebrations were
nights and is celebrated every year in the
like? I can conveniently arrange the responses
according to regions, ‘cos
India is diverse and so are
the celebrations.
In North India, Navratri is
celebrated as the victory
of Lord Rama over the evil
king Ravana. It culminates
in the celebrations of the
Ramlila which is enacted
ceremoniously during
Dussehra. The effigies of
Ravana, Kumbhakarna,
are burnt to celebrate the
victory of good (Rama) over
evil forces on the ‹Vijaya
Dashami› day. Nandakumar
mentioned “Our whole
family every year would
Fall. It is observed for different reasons gather at Kasturchand Park (Kapur) to watch the
and celebrated differently in various Ravan Dahan. It was a sight and I have some
parts of the Indian cultural sphere. great memories associated with it”.
The legend associated with Navratri In Western India, particularly in the
speaks about the great battle between state of Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated
the powerful demon Mahishasura and with the famous Garba and Dandiya-
Goddess Durga. Each year, on each day
of Navratri, an incarnation of “Goddess Raas dance. Garba is a graceful form of dance,
wherein women dance gracefully in circles
Durga” is worshipped to celebrate the around a pot containing a lamp. Vineeta says
day of her victory over Mahishasura, and ‘Baroda celebrations have always been the
the ultimate victory of ‘Good over Evil.”
best celebrations she has ever experienced so
Navratri in India is celebrated in different far”. The excitement of buying 9 different outfits
ways in different states in India. This was especially Chania-Choli’s for the girls and kafni
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 14
Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 11/15/2021
Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 11/15/2021
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 15
PEOPLE SPEAK PAGE #2
experience.” The
10th day of
Navratri with
Dashami is again
a very beautiful
celebration of
Shidoor Khela in
Bengal.
Preeti from south
India mentioned
“Navratri is the
time to invite
friends, relatives
and neighbors
over to look at
the Kolu”. That
is essentially an
exhibition of
various dolls and
figurines. She has
kept the custom
pyjamas with a Ghagra for the boys to show off at alive even here
the Garba event is the most exciting part for the and invites friends for Kolu at her
shopping and dressing-up. place. In Kannada, this exhibition
is called Bombe Habba, Bommai
The last five days of Sharad Navratri is celebrated Kolu in Tamil, Bomma Gullu in
as Durga Puja in West Bengal and North East Malayalam, and Bommala Koluvu
India. Devi Durga is shown with various weapons in Telugu.
in her hand, riding on a lion. “I have grown up in
Kolkata and have nostalgic memories associated In America, the traditions are kept
with the occasion. These five days of puja was alive. There are Garba events
all about hopping Durga puja pandals, each organized, Bengali community
with a different theme and vibe, and of course, a celebrates the Durga Puja according
gorgeous & life-sized idol of the goddess Durga. to their customs, and so does the
Kolkata would be busy with shopping,as Bengali’s South India’s Kolu is celebrated at
usually shop for the whole year at this time. There different homes. However, in America
are gift exchanges too. It’s the time when women it is more about all the communities
take out their gorgeous Bengali saris, and men coming together and celebrating
dress up in kurta-pyjamas. But the favorite part of together. There is little demarcation
the puja is attending the Maha Aarti every evening according to the regions. Each is
with the sound of the dhol in the background, part of each other’s celebrations and
and as a result, the trance-like state many of us exposed to the different cultures.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 16
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 17
Batein Sitaron Ki
Amrish Puri VILLAIN NO. 1
presence. In early 1950s, Amrish
Puri followed his older brothers,
actors Madan Puri and Chaman
Puri, to Bombay in the hopes of
becoming an actor. However, as
luck would have it, he failed to
procure a role in movies, and
instead joined theater alongside
a government job. As the years
passed, Amrish Puri’s powerful
stage performances began
to gain traction and he won
the prestigious Sangeet Natak
Academy Award in 1979. He
had to take a detour from theater
to television ads to movies before
his talent got any recognition on
the silver screen. By the time he
got his first main villain role in the
super-hit movie “Hum Paanch,”
in 1980, he was almost half-
a-century old, an age at which
many consider retiring.
The first time I had watched “Mr. India,” I
was eight years old. That night I couldn’t During the 1980s and 90s, Puri acted in
sleep well. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw several hundred movies, many of which were
the cruel grin of Mogambo who widened his superhits. As soon as he entered the world
eyes at every miserable news he received, of Bollywood as a main villain, he began
announcing, Mogambo khush hua. Years climbing the success ladder, several rungs
passed before I stopped being fearful of that at a time, to become that formidable anti-
character and began to sincerely admire hero who needed not one but many heroes
and appreciate the actor behind the mask of to bring him to his knees, like in the movie,
merciless Mogambo. “Tridev,” the three crusaders had to arrive
to fight the fearsome Bhujang, and in the
One of the most powerful and popular villains movie, “Ram Lakhan,” two valiant brothers
of Bollywood, Amrish Puri, is known for his had to join hands to overthrow their crooked
iconic roles, intense acting, daunting stare, uncle Bhishambar Nath. In the movie, “Karan
deep baritone voice, and dominating screen Arjun,” the heroes had to return from their
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 18
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 19
The American film director Steven
Spielberg has called Amrish Puri
to be his favorite villain.
Over the years I have begun
to respect Amrish Puri’s acting
prowess and enjoy watching his
different characters and their
singular mannerisms. But what
I find most fascinating about
him goes further than his talent,
and that is his doggedness and
refusal to step down. Though
talent is a common commodity,
persistence is not. Forging forth in
the face of failure and obstacles
requires immense dedication and
grave, literally so, by reincarnating, as one determination, which not many
birth was not enough to overpower his force. possess. This quality of Puri is no secret and
certainly not to Google. To commemorate his
Moving on from action thrillers to family 87th birthday, fourteen years after his death,
dramas, Puri seamlessly molded into the role he was honored with a Google Doodle. The
of a father, who was sometimes stringent and text accompanying his picture read, “If at first
other times miserable. He even did a few you don’t succeed, try, try again—and you
comic roles like in the movie, “Chachi 420,” might end up like Indian film actor Amrish
displaying his versatility in acting. During Puri, who overcame an early setback on the
his peak career, Puri was offered Hollywood way to fulfilling his big screen dreams.”
movies and he reached international acclaim.
Now, as an adult, when I watch the
movie, “Mr. India,” I don’t suffer
from nightmares, but I still dislike
Mogambo, whose motto in life is
annihilation of India. I uphold this
feeling of despise and disgust as a
tribute to one of my favorite villains,
the villain no. 1, who has earned
this with his talent, dedication, and
diligence.
RJ PARO
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 20
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 21
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 22
HOW TO HANDLE down documents. Also, deadline dates need to be well-
communicated including internal cut off dates. If scope
LAST MINUTE CLIENT of work is clearly defined in the engagement letters,
the firm’s communication will be much easier. Setting
right expectations is the key to creating win-win situation
DURING TAX between client and the firm.
The key to managing deadline effectively is:
DEADLINE 1. Consider life’s special situation. Special events
like divorce, the death of a loved one, or
unemployment can delay tax filing. In this case
Many accountings firm we need to communicate plan of action to client
face a challenge where immediately.
their regular clients 2. Communicate workflow: Many times, client may
habitually come in the not know clearly how delivery process works.
last minute of deadline. Procrastinators may be overwhelmed by the
During the year they volume of what needs to be done and push things
procrastinate making for later.
several excuses eg. I was 3. Set cut off dates. When clear cut off dates are
travelling, my schedule communicated and agreed, delivery of tax return
was hectic, let me get if much easier. When things are open ended sense
back to you in few days, of responsibility goes way.
I still need to gather 4. Have extra person. For regular procrastinators, firm
documents, I will send can assign extra resources for update periodically.
documents early next 5. Create default decisions. Some clients are
year. If Account are anyway hesitant to deliver them right incapable of meeting the deadlines and habitually
away, aclients escalate to senior management to get come 1-2 days before deadline. Have agreement
things done in timeline. Clients with more complicated in place so that firm won’t take liability for penalties
situations tend to come last, increasing frustration or have an agreement to automatic extension.
in the industry. Many cloud-based software allows 6. Calm down. Sometimes we must accept the
accountants and their clients to interact year-round and reality for what it is. Don’t feel bad that you
track the progress. However, without documents, there couldn’t commit to something is it’s not your fault.
are nothing to prepare. Accountants are usually guilty when filing couldn’t
The best way to handle this situation is to set cut be done on time irrespective to the circumstances
off dates and if they are not met return cannot be that is out of your control.
guaranteed. Increasing reminders and letting clients
know ahead of time what deadlines are coming up and
what documents they need to provide to meet them
can prompt clients to keep it on their toes. Only
problem to the situation is that when high net worth
client come in the last minute it is difficult to fire or
ay no to the client as they pay top dollar to the firm.
When the firm gets lot of information sooner, they
will be able to take new clients, increasing revenue
to their bottom line. Being proactive and sending
auto notification and reminders both thru email and
text is the best way to overcome this obstacle. Many
firms file auto extension if documents are not sent
by cutoff dates.
Not filing tax within deadline might invite lots
of penalties. By communicating penalties costs
involved, it might be easier for employees to chase
30 MINUTES FREE
FREE CONSULTATION 3 MONTHS
Must present coupon at the time with FREE GIFT worth Must present coupon at the time
of appointment. Not valid with $150-$500. Min 250 K on W2 of appointment. Not valid with Bookkeeping and Payroll when
anyother offer. anyother offer.
Offer expires 30 SEPTEMBER 2021 income or 50K of business Offer expires 30 SEPTEMBER 2021 you sign 1 year of recurring
Conditions Apply income required. Conditions Apply services
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 23
STARs REVEAL
“FORTUNATE TO HAVE MANAGED TO FINISH THREE NEW FILMS IN THE
PANDEMIC”- AYUSHMANN KHURRANA
Young Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana has swiftly finished three big films in
the pandemic and he can’t wait for these high-quality content films to release in
theatres. The versatile actor’s Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui - directed by Abhishek
Kapoor, Anek – directed by Anubhav Sinha, and Doctor G – directed by Anubhuti
Kashyap, are among the most awaited films that are set to be released on the big
screen.
Ayushmann says, “I’m fortunate to have managed to finish three new films in the
pandemic. I can’t wait for audiences to watch these real gems as they are diverse
and disruptive and will give people a new viewing experience to discuss and debate.”
The star credits all the filmmakers of his projects for providing a safe shooting
experience to everyone. He says, “I have to congratulate the producers and
directors of all these projects because accomplishing what they have done during
the pandemic is a massive feat. They have run a tight ship and ensured that the
shoots happen smoothly, securely, and in a perfect bio-bubble.”
Ayushmann is confident that his projects will play a hand in bringing people back to
the theatres. He says, “I’m hugely excited about Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Anek
and now Doctor G - all the projects are high concept theatrical films because of the
uniqueness of scripts. I hope they will all contribute towards bringing people back to
the theatres. Films like these trigger community conversations about important issues
and it is imperative that such films have a community watching experience which can
only happen in a theatre.”
CHEHRE IS AMITABH BACHCHAN’S SECOND RELEASE SINCE THE PANDEMIC.
AND A SEQUEL TO THE MOVIE IS ON THE ANVIL.
The pandemic may have punctured the intended impact of the new Amitabh
Bachchan starrer Chehre. But producer Anand Pandit’s spirits remain high.
“It’s a film we all believed in. It is a creation we all are proud of especially so since
it showcases the histrionics of India’s greatest star-actor (Amitabh Bachchan)
who both my director Rumi Jaffrey and I idolize,” says Pandit passionately.
And yes, there is a sequel on the anvil. Revealing plans of carrying the suspense
thriller forward, Anand Pandit says, “I am open to the idea of a sequel, and we
are looking for a suitable story .”
Adds director Rumi Jaffrey, “We always planned it as a story that can be taken
forward, that’s why we’ve opted for an open ending.”
Reacting to Chehre seriously underperforming in theatres, Rumi says, “It was
always a risk. But a risk worth taking. We as a team support the save-our-
cinemas movement. We were ready to face the losses.”
Chehre is Mr. Bachchan’s second release since the pandemic. The first, Shoojit
Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo in 2020 was an unintelligible exercise in intellectual self-
indulgence released on OTT. Chehre is far more comprehensible to the average
viewer and likely to be released on the digital platform in a month’s time.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 24
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 25
HAPPY BIRTHDAY REKHA
HER LIFE IS A HEADY STORY OF SUCCESS & HEARTBREAK
Rekha had to take to acting. Three years later,
in 1969, aged only 15, she did her first adult
role in the Kannada film, Operation Jackpot
Nalli C.I.D 999. These early years proved
to be traumatic for young Rekha as she was
forced to grow up, much before time.
Seeking to improve her lot, Rekha moved to
Bollywood and appeared in her first Hindi
film, Saawan Bhadon (1970). Though the
film hit the jackpot, rejection and ridicule
were to be Rekha’s constant companions.
Before Saawan Bhadon, Rekha shot for
another film, Anjana Safar (1969, the film
would later be released as Do Shikaari).
The film had a deeply disturbing experience
during its shoot. It is said that the film’s hero,
the much older Biswajeet, in connivance with
the director, forcibly kissed her several times
while shooting a romantic scene amid whistles
and hoots, much to the embarrassment of a
teenaged Rekha. In today’s times, the senior
actor would have been called out for sexual
Actor Rekha is often dubbed as an enigma, the harassment but, back then, it was passed off
Greta Garbo of Bollywood. She has often been as a funny incident. It did, however, scar Rekha
called a loner and is known for her aloofness. further. The incident reportedly finds a mention
Sadly, none of these epithets do justice to either in Yasser Usman’s biography of the actor called
her talent or the strength of her personality. In Rekha: An Untold Story.
essence, the actor remains a rebel who fought
and triumphed over an intensely misogynistic and During the period, she went on to work in several
patriarchal world. On Rekha’s birthday, here’s a commercially successful films but remained the
look at her life’s several struggles, misfortunes, butt of everyone’s jokes for her dark complexion,
and challenges. her lack of command over Hindi, and her buxom
physique. In today’s world, her detractors would
Born Bhanurekha Ganesan, Rekha’s life should have been accused of racism and body-shaming.
have been one of privilege. Daughter of Tamil Sadly, there were no such safeguards back then.
superstar Gemini Ganesan and small-time Rekha worked in films like Rampur Ka Lakshman
Telugu actor Pushpavalli, Rekha instead grew and Namak Haram, which were hits.
up in neglect as her father allegedly never
acknowledged her younger sister and her. During this phase, love and disappointment were
Growing up in Chennai, at a young age, she was her constant companions. Her earliest crush was
pushed into acting to support her family. Rekha on one of her first co-stars, Naveen Nishchal.
was only 12 when he made her debut in the Sadly, he never reciprocated her affections.
Telugu film, Rangula Ratnam (1966). It is alleged According to an article in the National Herald
that her mother Pushpavalli got into gambling in
a big way and with no support from her father,
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 26
HAPPY BIRTHDAY REKHA India, during the making of Elaan (1971) and he reportedly committed suicide while she was
away in London. An insecure childhood and a
looking for an emotional anchor, Rekha was
drawn towards her co-star Vinod Mehra, which string of failed relationships should have made
HER LIFE IS A HEADY STORY OF SUCCESS & HEARTBREAK resulted in marriage. Vinod’s mother, however, her an emotional wreck but Rekha did manage
to stabilize her life. She lives a quiet life in Bandra
was against this match and reportedly didn’t allow
her to enter their home. Vinod tried to salvage in Mumbai and is known to be close to stars from
the situation by staying with friends
but Rekha wasn’t keen on that --
she needed an emotional anchor.
Dejected by the Vinod Mehra
episode, Rekha reportedly got
close to actor Kiran Kumar, son
of veteran actor Jeevan. Kiran
agreed to marry her but Jeevan
was against the match and Rekha
had to face rejection yet again.
Sometime during this period, she
worked with Amitabh Bachchan.
While much was written about
their alleged relationship in the
gossip magazines, Amitabh was
to leave a lasting impression on
young Rekha. They first worked together in Do
Anjaane (1976, they did Namak Haram in 1973 her generation like Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi,
both were not paired together). Aside from their Rakesh Roshan among others. She depends on
alleged romance, he proved to be a positive her secretary Farzana and has been making
influence in her life. For one, Rekha began to pay appearances in her trademark gold Kanjeevaram
more attention to her body, beauty and worked saris and heavy jewelry (that is how a millennial
on her Hindi. With yoga, an improved diet, and will see her today) at various film events.
a disciplined lifestyle, the changes were soon Rekha’s dreams of leading a happy married
visible. From a loud, giggling, and plump woman, life remained a dream but she ensured that her
she transformed into a seductive, young star with younger sister Radha got married and lives in
perfect diction, a certain restraint, and enviable the US. Speaking about her and her half-sisters,
physique. In films like Gulzar’s acclaimed Ghar Rekha had told Deccan Chronicle, “They are
(1978) and commercial potboilers like Mr. all doing very well in life, touchwood. My sister
Natwarlal (1978) and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar Radha, who lives in the US, has discovered her
(1978), the changes were obvious to the world. craft in painting. She is by far the most beautiful
among us sisters. If only Radha had been as tall
This transformation would soon result in Rekha
delivering some of her best works -- Gulzar’s as me, she’d have been the actor in the family.”
Ijaazat (1987), Shashi Kapoor’s Utsav (1985), It is believed that she had a frosty relationship with
Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan (1980), and Hrishikesh her father and that she rebuffed any attempts of a
Mukherjee’s Khubsoorat (1979). Umrao Jaan patch-up in later years. While is difficult to back
fetched her a National Award too. In fact, her this up with facts, in 2004-2005, she was seen
mastery over Urdu, in later years, shocked even posing with her siblings at an event in Chennai. It
the most vehement of her detractors. may be recalled that Gemini Ganesan had three
major relationships. Rekha, therefore, has one
Her personal life, meanwhile, remained
tumultuous as ever. In 1990, she married a sister, one half-brother, and five half-sisters.
Delhi-based businessman Mukesh Agarwal.
Sadly, this too would prove to be short-lived as
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 27
T TALENT
L
A
E
N
T
GEN Z
BY: RJ ANYA THAKKAR
Hello I’m RJ Anya. I have a show called beauty as far as the eye can go and the occasional pain and
‘Misunderstood’, where I give the listeners heartbreak. As a Gen Z’er and as a human I believe it is our
a glimpse into the mind of generation Z greatest strength to have knowledge of our world, to understand
as I play the most popular songs of today. and learn about all of the unpleasant situations around us, so
The show ‘Misunderstood’ was created to we can one day teach the
spread positivity, acceptance, and to help future generations of the
others understand why Gen Z is the way it is real world and how to fix a
and what goes on through the minds of the broken situation.
next generation. I am Gen Z’er myself and The most common
I speak out on the ideologies and mindsets question I received on this
of my fellow Gen Z’er because as we know topic of Blissful Ignorance
the world is ever changing and constantly was “shouldn’t we protect
evolving and with Generation Z being the our children from the
next wave of adults to enter the real world bad parts of the world?”
I believe it is beneficial to help with the And although I agree, yes
progression of change so we are not stuck in children should not have
the past and can evolve as humans. to carry the burden of the
To recap on the past few shows I have talked world just yet, I also believe
about the importance of fitness, the current we should teach our future
stresses of Gen Z, the importance of an adults about the bad in the world to prepare them for these
Adrenaline rush in the minds of Gen Z, and future trials they will undoubtedly have to face. As humans we
my personal favorite “Is blissful ignorance like to stay in the gray fogginess of certainty however we must
good or bad in the minds of Gen Z?” The take the steps to work in the path of evolution instead of trying
question “Is blissful ignorance good or bad to halt it for our convenience so the world and those inhabiting
in the minds of Gen Z?” is a particularly it can grow and become the best and brightest.
important topic to discuss in our world right The verdict of the question “Is blissful ignorance good or bad
now, with all the changes, trial and errors in the minds of Gen Z?” was, yes blissful ignorance can be
occurring as of recent. Many situations bad, because as i was told from a young age the only way to
have begun to arise around us and have achieve true growth is to learn and reflect on the mistakes made,
impacted the lives of hundreds of humans in and this philosophy applies to the topic of Blissful Ignorance
our communities. It is important to be awake in perfect symmetry because to evolve in this beautiful world
to the situations around us and not to be we have created we must take a step back and look over all
blissfully ignorant and to ignore all the bad the broken parts of our world to truly understand how to make
in our world, because if we can’t see the bad the world a better place, for our future. We musnt be blissfully
how could we ever fix it. ignorant but must brace for the truth of the world around us
In the show ‘Misunderstood’ I go in-depth because we as humans have the capability to change the
about what it means to be blissfully ignorant world nevertheless, we can’t attempt to change the world if we
and if it is a bad or good thing to be as such. choose not to understand the world in the first place.
The definition to be Blissfully Ignorant means
to be fortunately unaware of something It is important to me that the listeners of ‘Misunderstood’
unpleasant, this means humans don’t look acknowledge how incredible and capable they are, and in
into the bad and unfortunate situations in our my hopes for the show ‘Misunderstood’ I hope to help not
world today, thus being blissfully ignorant. only Generation Z but all generations to understand one
Blissful ignorance in theory sounds like a another and to make the world a better place, to be apart of
blessing, to not have to think about our real the revolution of growth. We are a generation moving towards
world and to live in an unreal perfect world. a greater, more beautiful future with the help of our past
However, that is not the world we live in, we and present. We are Generation Z
live in a world of wonder and chaos and
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 28
D
I
C
S
K KIDS CORNER
N
E
R
O
R
Listen to Kids Club with Ambreen Hasnat every
Wednesday from 3:00- 4:00 pm.
Did you Know?
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 | September 2021 VOL 31 | 29
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 30
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 31
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 32
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 33
MELODIOUS ECHOES contribution
By RAJI
like Psycho, Birds or Rear
Window to name just a few.
Bollywood has its own share
of horror movies ranging from
plastic cheesy horror, to erotic
thrillers and just pure blood
curldling experiences!
Although movies across
the world have captivated
audiences, Indian movies have
the unique distinction of having
some great songs associated
with this genre. Take a look at
a cross section of hit songs and
‘Lag ja gale, Kahin deep jale
kahin dil, Aayega aane wala
Read slowly... It was a cool November evening. , Gumnaam hai koi or Aaja
The sun had almost set, leaving behind re pardesi will feature. A mysterious female
evidence of its presence in the sky in the form apparition dressed in white and singing in the
of an orange glow. The breeze whispered a melodious voice of Lata Mangeshkar seems to
murmurous tune amongst the trees. A few boys have captured the essence of a ‘horrifying song’
gathered together to play a game of catch in from the perspective of the music directors
the open space across the pond. There were in the Golden age of Bollywood. Generally
no houses surrounding the pond except one while composing a haunting melody vakra
large mansion. And then it happened.. Jai swaras or discordant notes are inserted into
threw the ball so hard that it landed inside the the musical phrase giving the listener a feeling
mansion. The boys looked at each other with that something is abnormal here. Take for
trepidation while Jeet the new boy dashed into example, the song Kahin deep jale kahin dil.
the mansion to retrieve the ball…. There is a short alaap in the beginning of the
song which has the following pattern Shuddh
I will leave you all to imagine what could have Dha, Sa, Shuddha Ga, Komal Ga, Shuddha
happened after that. Although Horror is not my Re, Shuddha Dha, Komal Ga, Shuddha Re,
favorite genre I have always been captivated by Sa. So when we sing this alaap you instantly
its looming presence feel that something
in movies across the is out of place.
globe. The thrill of fear Amazing right! Music
mixed with curiosity creates the navarasa
is an emotion expert in one’s soul no
movie makers have doubt! A turn of a
banked on to create note here and there
some iconic movies can create a whole
in this genre. Not to lot of imagination in
get too much into the our sensitive minds.
subject of movies, but Who would have
I have been fascinated thought?
by Hithcock classics
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 34
song.
It’s a mixture of musical notes and recitations of
verses that creates this marvelous effect. The lyrics
are written by Jaideep Sahni and tells you the
state of this being, ‘mari hai par soi nahin - dead
but awake. Creep galore! If you are listening to
this song for the first time,and do it with a pair of
headphones it will certainly disturb you as it did
to me. A standing ovation to the music director,
Amar Mohile. The score is imaginative and exotic.
If the first song left you cold and bloodless, this
second one will leave you tapping your toes while
humming the song. And yet, as you progress
along you feel that there is more to it than what
fills your ear. The song I am talking about is from
the movie Talash, Muskan Jhoothi hai. Talash
starts off as a murder mystery and then stuns
you with its climax. No spoilers here for those
who haven’t watched this movie yet! The song
is written by the legend, Javed Akhtar and the
music is by Ram Sampath. Ram Sampath gave us
another beautiful semi classical number, Jiya lage
na set to Raag Desh in this movie as well. Muskan
jhoothi hai has been sung beautifully by Suman
Sridhar. Gifted with a voice that has great vocal
range, Suman renders this number with a mix of
Let’s talk about two songs here and I picked dreaminess and oozing sensuality. Well it is a club
them because both were not sung by Lataji! number and has been picturized on a stunning
This song gave me creeps like I have never Kareena after all! Perhaps the mysterious feeling
experienced before! The song I am talking behind the song is because of its picturization
about features in one of the best horror as well.. Its the lyrics of the song that hint at the
movies made in Bollywood, simply titled - mystery behind the song.
Bhoot, starring the beautiful and extremely Jo rooh pyasi hai,
talented Urmila Matondkar as the lady Jismein udasi hai,
possessed, Ajay Devgn as the husband and Woh hai ghoomti,
the enigmatic Rekha as the exorcist. The song Sabko talaash wohi,
is Bhoot hai yahan koi. There are two versions Samjhe yeh kaash koi.. These lines are a give
of this song, one by the veteran, Asha Bhosle away to the impending mystery behind the girl
and the other by Gayatri Iyer. Iyer does a who leads the inspector, Amir Khan with clues to
good job no doubt, but Ashaji walks away the murderer.
with err...our soul! Filled with little sounds of
a woman’s sigh and squeals this song will Who says now that horror has to be ugly and
create the ambience required for Halloween. grotesque! Come to the world of Indian cinema
An adventurous Ashaji does ample justice to and we will serve you a plate full of horror with
this number, singing on a scale so low that it is great music ..for a piece of your heart!
hard to believe that she is actually a soprano!
I am sure she had a great time recording this Happy Halloween you all!!
song! The song cannot be called melodious
and classicists may not even define this as a
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 35
Sanya Malhotra BOLLYWOOD BONANZA
I am living my dream
Sanya Malhotra made her foray into Bollywood with 2016 blockbuster
Dangal led by Aamir Khan. The film also marked Fatima Sana Sheikh’s
debut in the Hindi film industry. Since then Sanya has participated in
several popular films including Pataakha, Badhaai Ho, Ludo, and
Pagglait. In a recent interview, Sanya spoke about her first solo
film Pagglait which was released on a streaming platform. Sanya
also shared her views on the debate of being an outsider in
Bollywood. She also mentioned that irrespective of being an
outsider or insider, work is in abundance in the industry.
Speaking about being an outsider in Bollywood, Sanya said,
“It’s been two years and the debate is never-ending. Personally,
I am extremely happy with the way my career is shaping up
and consider myself blessed. Honestly, I am living my dream.
Irrespective of the insider/outsider debate, I would say that
work is in abundance in this industry. That’s the end of the
debate and I don’t want to be a part of it anymore.” Speaking
about Pagglait, Sanya said, “I did not do Pagglait because I
believed in myself, it was the confidence of my producer (Guneet
Monga) and director (Umesh Bist) that helped me pull it off.”
Further, in the conversation, Sanya mentioned that she is relatively
unaffected by the box office. She said, “I never worry about box-
office performances or numbers. I am not saying that I have risen
above it all, but somehow it has never bothered me. I only get worried,
anxious, and nervous about my performance and whether I will be able to
do justice to the character. That’s the only thing in my control. If the film works
at the box office, it’s always a plus.”
Priyanka Chopra
on reviews suggesting she ‘didn’t speak the truth’ in Unfinished:
‘You wanted gossip in my book’
Priyanka Chopra caught everyone’s attention with her memoir Unfinished.
While the actor shed light on her journey, from growing up in India and the
US, from Miss India to Miss World and to becoming a Hollywood star, she
chose to not drop names.
When the actor was recently asked if she was tempted to reveal people’s
identities in the book, she denied it, adding that her book is about her and
not others.
Speaking at a literary festival, Priyanka said, “It is no one else’s story but mine.
It says Priyanka’s Memoir, right, so my story. It’s actually really funny. I read a
few reviews that said that ‘oh it wasn’t, she didn’t speak the truth about things
like that.’ I was like, ‘oh so basically you wanted a gossip brag in my book.
You wanted it to be a tell-all.’ I’m not Stardust.”
“That’s the thing, I’m really grateful that my book is a no. 1 bestseller around
the world without it being salacious because I don’t respond to that, I’m not
that person. I believe in having grace. And a lot of media doesn’t,” she said.
Without revealing names, Priyanka did open up about a few unfortunate
incidents that she experienced at the start of her Bollywood career. Of the
many incidents she spoke about, one involved a director asking her to get a
‘boob job’ and other cosmetic enhancements when she was still starting off
as an actor.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 36
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 37
goodreads MADHURI’S MUSINGS
MOON
FEBRUARY
Moon
Snow
when the moon matches
the color of the landscape,
illuminating the snow.
MARCH Worm Moon when
worms emerge from the
ground and symbolize the
shifting of seasons from winter
to spring.
APRIL Pink Moon based on
a wildflower that blooms and
generates a pink glow.
MAY Flower Moon when the
blooming of the full moon
“The Sun watches what I do, but the Moon aligns with the abundant blooming of flowers
knows my secrets”. The Moon is the jewel of the in spring.
universe’s crown and has been my muse since
the time I was little. Although you have to wait for JUNE Strawberry Moon that mirrors the
the darkness of the night to feel its healing light, strawberry harvesting season and is also
it has the power to illuminate the landscape with popularly called the Rose Moon.
its brilliance. JULY Hay Moon to signify the harvesting of
hay, that is a celebratory time for farmers.
As a moon lover, I love gazing into the night sky
to spot my shining friend, even more so on a AUGUST Red Moon when the moon takes on
full moon night. We are all energy barometers a reddish tinge in the long summer days.
and when we are charged by the beauty of SEPTEMBER Harvest Moon is the moon
the universe’s natural wonders, it elevates our closest to the start of autumn when moonlight
spirits and sets us free. The modern
calendar is based on the solar cycle,
most traditional calendars are based
on the lunar cycle. Tracking Full moons
were important milestones in ancient
timekeeping.
Here are the full moon names and
their significance (based on native
American culture):
JANUARY Wolf Moon when the
howling of hungry wolves in winter is
amplified on a full moon night.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 38
MADHURI’S MUSINGS
helped farmers harvest crops into the night.
OCTOBER Hunter’s Moon when moonlight led the Another iconic symbol of the moon is
way for hunters hunting in the wild by night associated with Lord Shiva. The magnificent
NOVEMBER Frost Moon which denotes the crescent moon is a reminder that you don’t
beginning of winter frost. need to be whole and complete to shine. The
crescent moon is Lord Shiva’s splendid crown
DECEMBER Cold Moon when nights are the jewel which adorns his long locks, adding to
longest and coldest. his mystical beauty and spiritual power. The
Step into the great outdoors on a full moon night, waning crescent moon represents the moment
identify the type of full moon unfolding in all its glory between death and rebirth.
and let the cooling moonlight uplift your spirit and Moon symbolizes feminine energy in many
refresh your soul! cultures. Whether called Isis in Egyptian
To love the Moon is to find beauty in imperfections. mythology, Luna in Roman folklore or Selene
Just like the Moon that waxes and wanes, we all in Greek mythology, the moon is personified
move through phases of releasing, slowly evolving, as the sacred feminine – the Triple Goddess
and shining our light. The moon also symbolizes representing the female archetypes of maiden,
personal transformation. Every new moon is the mother and crone. Meditating on a full
perfect time to sow seeds of intention and generate moon night helps in enhancing creativity, self-
new ideas. The waxing moon is the phase when the expression and intuition.
new moon transforms to a full moon, when ideas Hope you enjoy the simple pleasure of moon-
take shape and form. The full moon is a time to gazing. The moon is magic for the soul and the
enjoy the fruition of seeds and ideas. The next phase senses. Every time, I gaze up into the moon, it
of the waning moon is when the full moon starts to feels like the lamp of the world, with its subtle
thin out. Personally, this stage is when we need to brilliance and mystical aura. Shine on and Be
release and let go of what no longer serves us. The You and the best version of you in every phase
full moon cycle represents a cycle of manifestation, of your life says the moon.
change, growth and renewal.
The energy of the moon is believed to have an impact
on human consciousness. In
Hindu folklore, it represents
a sacred connection to
the ancestral world and
the dream state when
the earthly and heavenly
dimensions meet. In many
parts of India, fasting,
offering food to ancestors
and special rituals are
performed based on the
lunar calendar. Per Vedic
astrology, the positioning
of the moon in relation to
the other planets influences
the romantic destiny of an
individual.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 39
of shlokas and Sangh songs and a short inaugural
speech by SW Regional Director for HSS Mahesh
Raghunandan. He invoked all the leaders of various
Hindu organizations to work together and face the
challenges to make the Hindu community have a
positive impact on American society.
Our community also celebrated pre-Navratri with
renowned Garba artist Kirtidaan Gadhvi at Lone star
park, FunAsia was exclusive Media partner, and the
event was very well received by thousands of people
of our vibrant community
We at Fun Asia always want to help entire community,
in every possible way. We have helped many
individuals and a few organizations in the past month
to promote the activities and talk about their vision.
Few organizations who came on air included DFW
Hindu temple, Chinmaya mission and Maharashtra
A big hello to the vibrant community of the DFW Mandal during our weekly ‘Community Round-up’
metroplex. radio program.
I am so glad that we are connecting with the entire
community on so many levels, and “Desi Pages” is As you all are aware, ‘Community Round-up’ is a
one of the best platforms where we can bring the weekly segment to help all nonprofit associations,
community together. religious and social organizations to promote their
organizations, events, and activities. It airs every
September was the month of celebrations of ‘Ganesh Saturday, between 2 PM and 3 PM on 104.9 FM.
Utsav’. If you are part of any non-profit organizations or if
Festivals are closely associated with the life of Indians, you are an individual trying something for community
which are nostalgic and auspicious at the same time, and would like to be a guest on our weekly segment
and bind them to their motherland, irrespective of “Community Roundup,” then please do email me at
where they go and where they live. Ganesh Chaturthi [email protected].
festival is a very important celebration for the Marathi,
Gujarati Tamil and Telugu communities of India. In this short amount of time, we have received an
Similarly, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in a grand overwhelming amount of support from the community
style in many major cities of USA, where there is a for this new segment. Once again, I am thankful to
large Indian population. our dynamic CEO, Mrs. Vaishali Thakkar, for her
exceptional leadership in our endeavor to reach
The biggest Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in DFW out to the community. Once again, many thanks to
was held at DFW Hindu Temple in Irving. . In addition the community for continually supporting FunAsia
to the local people, several people from nearby cities Radio and helping us in ‘Bringing The Community
came to take part in this grand festival. Together’.
On August 28th, 2021, the Dallas
Chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak
Sangh, U.S.A., celebrated its second
annual Hindu Sangathan Divas
(HSD) or Hindu Unity Day. The most
noticeable highlight of the event was
that despite its being organized online,
about 55 Hindu organizations came
together to celebrate the auspicious
occasion.
HSD has its own historical significance.
On this day, in 1674, in Maharashtra,
India, famous king Shivaji was
crowned, who played a key role
in uniting Hindus against foreign
invasion.
The function began with the chanting
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 40
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 41
Sanjay Kumar Singhania
THE OWNER OF ‘TANMAI JEWELERS’, PHILANTHROPIST, AND A
VERY SPIRITUALLY DRIVEN INDIVIDUAL
By Navneeta Khemka
Sanjay Kumar Singhania, the owner of the bring back the power, reputation, and money
most beautiful jewelry store ‘Tanmai Jewelers’ back to the family. He wanted wealth only
in North America, is a bright businessman, to take care of his family and everyone in
a kind-hearted philanthropist, and a very the world. He believed in charity from a very
spiritually driven individual. He believes that a young age, and would even drop coins, from
strong desire is the main component in one’s his measly pocket-money for beggars secretly
life. He desires to be invited to the Harvard before the stores opened, so they could find
School to give a lecture once he features in them.
the Top 10 business tycoons of the world. He
knows that after his achievements people will He came to the USA in 1995 at age twenty,
take him seriously when he introduces Krishna with huge dreams and determination to
philosophy to the world, which he believes is succeed. He applied for a job from a
the ultimate truth and guidance for anyone’s newspaper, the only doorway to the US.
existence
He had a very humble beginning.
His father relocated from Jaipur to
Hyderabad to start from scratch as
a CPA, where Sanjay was born. His
grandfather however was a Zamindaar
(feudal landlord) in Jaipur and had
seen the riches, which Sanjay had only
heard stories of. He formed innate
desires to be like his grandfather and
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 42
Initially he changed multiple companies and
did a lot of odd jobs trying to find his grip.
The first jewelry company that he worked for
gave him a mere $110 remuneration with to make a difference on the planet and direct
food, lodging and 10,000 INR to send back people towards salvation like a messiah.
to his family in India. He went to GIA and
learned about diamonds and finally started Some of his other philanthropic activities
his own business. (can you give the year?) involve distributing millions of free meals
to the needy, building schools, assisting
Sanjay accredits his success to his moral tribal communities, supporting women
empowerment and free handicap
operations, eye camp donations, free
medical help, building hospitals and
more.
He admits that he has his own
challenges as no one is perfect. But,
also strongly believes that if one has
genuine desires their possibilities are
unlimited.
It was a pleasure talking to Sanjay
Kumar Singhania, who intends
values and integrity with which he does his to make this world a better place with his
business. He also built great relationships charitable and philosophical outlook. We at
and people supported him when he started FunAsia DesiPages wish him success in all his
his own business. He learned wonderful life future endeavors.
lessons along the way to never ever quit and
begin charity today and not wait till the ideal
life situation. These are few innate qualities
on which he always rests his decisions on.
Currently he has achieved a well-diversified
portfolio including strip mall, medical office
building, apartments, Government projects,
venture capitalist, ancient supplements and
more. He invests heavily into real estate
business and desires to own huge properties
in near future to help him reach his goal.
His favorite pastime apart from the pleasure
that he derives from owning a high-end
jewelry store is watching movies, cooking and
singing. He loves to give talks on Bhagvad
Gita (the sacred Hindu scripture) which he
has read multiple times and understands the
true philosophy behind it. His sincere desire is
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 43
NAVRATRI
TIME FOR CELEBRATING GOOD OVER EVIL
By Parul Bhatia
(Dancer, Actress, Filmmaker, Director)
• NAVRATRI DAY 1: Orange. Day one of
the Navratri begins with a bright and
vibrant color which signifies energy and
happiness
• NAVRATRI DAY 2: White signifies purity,
peace and meditation.
• NAVRATRI DAY 3: Red signifies beauty
and fearlessness.
• NAVRATRI DAY 4: Royal blue signifies
good health and prosperity.
• NAVRATRI DAY 5: Yellow stands for
happiness and brightness.
• NAVRATRI DAY 6: Green signifies new
beginnings and growth.
• NAVRATRI DAY 7: Grey stands for the
strength of transforming.
• NAVRATRI DAY 8: Purple signifies the
power of intellect and peace.
• NAVRATRI DAY 9: is the last day of
the Navratri festival. The day is called
Navami. Peacock green is the color of
this day and signifies the wishes and
desires that get fulfilled with the blessings
Navratri undoubtedly a very significant of Goddess Durga.
festival for Hindus all over the world, is
considered as one of the most auspicious During this festival there is a mood of
times of the year. colorful celebration and devotional
The term “Navratri” is derived from
a Sanskrit word that translates into
nine nights. ‘Nava’ means nine and
‘Ratri’ is night. Each day represents
one of the nine avatars of goddess
Durga: Shailputri, Brahmacharini,
Chandraghanta, Kushmanda,
Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri,
Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
Additionally, each day also has
a color associated with it which
represents a certain feeling and
essence. Here is the significance
of each color for Navratri:
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 44
Goddess Durga is believed to have fought
with buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura,
a demon representing egotism. The battle
ended with the inevitable defeat of the
demon when he was beheaded by Durga.
This day of Mahishasura’s defeat is called
Vijay Dashmi.
Navratri observed during September
and October timeframe is called Sharad
Navratri while that celebrated during March
and April span is called Vasant Navratri -
both of these are widely celebrated across
the country.
The festival has various similar and
different nuances and rituals that are
observed in different parts of India with
rituals and traditions that vary from state
to state. A popular ritual is that od Kanya
Puja or “Kanjak” which takes place on
the eighth or ninth day where young girls
are worshiped, and their feet are washed,
and they are offered food and clothing. In
Northeast India it is celebrated as Durga
Puja. In the Northern and Western States
devotees observe Navratri by fasting,
and not eating meat-products. Pooja is
conducted and many children and theaters
reverence in the air. For many it is time for perform ‘Ramlila’ – the story of Lord Rama
abstinence and religious reflection through vanquishing Ravana. The defeat of Ravana
fasting and offering prayers while for is celebrated on the day of Dussehra where
others it is a time for dancing and feasting the effigies of Ravana and his brothers are
set to fire through firelit arrows. In Tamil
The temples are brightly decorated, and Nadu this festival is celebrated as Golu and
devotees begin preparing for the festival in Gujrat it is celebrated as Dandiya.
days, if not weeks, in advance. Special food Fervently this festival of Navratri is held in
is cooked, especially a wide variety of sweets honor of the divine feminine and the nine
that differ from region to region, be it ladoos, nights are dedicated to many different
jalebi, barfi, halwa and many more. aspects of shakti or the feminine principle.
For the most part the first three days of the
This festival stands for the message of festival focuses on Goddess Durga, the
retribution that is essentially the unanimous second three days on Goddess Lakshmi, and
spiritual message of religions from all the final days of the festival are dedicated to
over the world: Sow as you shall reap, Goddess Sarasvati.
You do good you get good, Karma comes
back around and similar such messages
that emphasize the importance of ethical Sarva Mangala Mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sadhike
behavior and morals. Quintessentially the Saranye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute
message is that victory always wins over evil.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 45
FUNASIA FACEBOOK LIVE
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 46
FUNASIA FACEBOOK LIVE
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 47
bollywood news
YAMI GAUTAM
I AM MY OWN GODFATHER
IN BOLLYWOOD
focused on finding good roles. URI: The
Surgical Strike [2019] broke the mold for
me.” The constant media scrutiny doesn’t
make matters easy, she adds. “Untrue
things are written about you; you have
to decide if you want to jump in the fish
market and become the noise. You have
to condition yourself. It’s ironic when the
media speaks about mental health, given
the role they play in [disrupting] it,” she
was quoted as saying.
Talking about landing ‘Bhoot Police’,
the ‘Bala’ star reportedly said, “Pavan
[Kirpalani, director] and I were to do
another film together, which didn’t work
out. When this came along, I was game.
We’ve tried not to compromise on the
film despite the pandemic. None of us
went home for Diwali because we didn’t
want to breach the bio-bubble.”
During an interview, Yami, who is nearing
a decade in Bollywood, said that she now As for turning 10 in Bollywood, Yami
has a better understanding of how things revealed, “I have a better sense of things
work in the industry and that she is her own now. Back then, I had made a debut on my
Godfather. own, and no one tells you what steps to take
thereon.” The turning point in her career was
“I am my own godfather. Also, I had a undoubtedly Bala (2019). Viewers walking
support system in my family that kept me in to see Ayushmann Khurrana spin his
sane. You can’t always understand this place magic again were pleasantly surprised to see
completely. People are always offering career Gautam matching him, spark for spark. “In
advice. They’ll say, ‘Dress up in a certain this industry, work is your only expression.
way for meetings, socialize more, be papped People told Amar [Kaushik, director] that they
everywhere’. I had to decide if I personally didn’t picture me in that role, but it took that
connected with [these ideas]. I had to push one script to change things.”
myself to not fall into this [trap] and stay
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 48
TRAVEL PAKISTAN PAKISTAN CORNER
A Ghazal by
Ahmed Faraz
Suna hai log usse aankh bhar ke dekhte haiN
so us ke shah’r mein kuch din thahar ke dekhte
haiN
suna hai rabt hai us ko Kharaab haaloN se
so apne aap ko barbaad kar ke dekhte haiN
Pakistan is home to some of the most beautiful places
in the world. Last month we talked about Naran-
Kaghan tour. In this issue we will talk about another suna hai dard ki gaahak hai chashm-e-naazuk
beautiful destination in Pakistan, Fairy Meadows. us ki
so ham bhi us ki gali se guzar ke dekhte haiN
Pastured at the foot of the majestic snowy peak,
Nanga Parbat, the ninth biggest mountain of the sunaa hai us ko bhi hai sher-o-shaayarii se
world, Fairy Meadows is famous for its esthetic lush
green plateaus and spell bounding scenery. Nestled shaghaf
in the Raikhot Valley, Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan, so ham bhi mojazay apne hunar ke dekhte haiN
Pakistan, high in the Himalayas, it is about 3,300
(10,826 feet) above sea level. It is considered the suna hai bole to baatoN se phuul jhaRte haiN
base camp for the climbers who wish to climb the ye baat hai to chalo baat kar ke dekhte haiN
Nanga Parbat (also know as the Killer Mountain).
Nanga Parbat is also the second highest peak in sunaa hai raat use chaand takta rahtaa hai
Pakistan, after K2.
sitaare baam-e-falak se utar kar dekhte haiN
Also known as ‘Joot’ amongst the locals, the place was
named by German mountaineers as Marchenwiese
(literally “Fairy Tale Meadows”). As the name suggests,
it is not hard to imagine how its beauty and serenity Did You Know?
must have touched the mountaineers that they were
compelled to call it Fairy Tale Meadows (something
straight out of fairy tales). It is a wide grassy meadow, ATMs are a part of our lives nowadays and
with beautiful green serenity, surrounded by dense did you know that the ATM at the world’s
alpine forest and breathtaking glaciers formed by the highest elevation belongs to the National Bank
Nanga Parbat. The spectacular views of the mighty of Pakistan and sits in the Khunjerab Pass, in
and snowy, Nanga Parbat from the meadows is an Gilgit-Baltistan. It was established in November
experience one can never forget.
2016 and is 15,397 feet above sea level
But, as they say, nothing good comes without
hardships, and in this case, the hardship is the tricky
mountain road that leads to the meadows. In 2014,
the World Health Organization ranked this mountain
road as the second deadliest road on the planet. The
six-month tourist season at Fairy Meadows starts in
April and continues until the end of September. So
if you wish to experience a trip of your lifetime, with
breathtaking views, thrill and complete excitement,
Fairy Meadows is one destination not to be missed. KIRAN HAYAT
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 49
HOROSCOPE
SEPTEMBER 2021
Capricorn Cancer
Marital bliss can be attained after the Planetary support is available for marital
second week. Singles will go all out to bliss and pregnancies. Singles will easily get
get into love relationships. Children fail to into love. Health will be excellent without
make good progress. Health will not pose any serious hazards. The family environment
any serious problems. Businesspersons will be congenial. Career persons will make
make huge profits. Career prospects are excellent progress. Gains can be made
very much bleak. from travel activities.
Aquarius Leo
Family conflicts mar the happiness of marital Married people can hope for good times
relationships. Planetary support is available after the first week. The month is lucky for
for the love affairs of singles. Health will be singles to get love mates. Health conditions
problematic. Family relationships will be will not be encouraging. The family
stressful. Travel activities will bring good atmosphere will be cordial. While finances
gains. Professional growth will be retarded. are bleak, a career offers very good
Finances face tough times. opportunities for advancement.
Pisces Virgo
Love life of married people will be enjoyable Married people can hope for good times
after the 17th. Singles will be forced into love after the first week. The month is lucky
alliances by the stars. Health conditions will for singles to get love mates. Health
be marvelous. The family atmosphere will conditions will not be encouraging. The
not be harmonious. Professionals will make family atmosphere will be cordial. While
good progress in their careers. Finances finances are bleak, a career offers very
face hard times. good opportunities for advancement.
Aries Libra
Marital life may be a little disturbed by Patience will help married people to regain
financial issues. Single persons will have a harmony in the relationship. Singles will find
problem taking decisions on love matters. love during the second week. Family affairs
will get beneficial support from the stars.
Family affairs will be smooth sailing. Health Health prospects are fantastic. The career
prospects are fabulous. Professionals will be a little problematic for professionals.
will have good career development. Finances will be bleak.
Businessmen will have a tough time.
Taurus Scorpio
Married people should be ready to face Career responsibilities will not hinder
conflicts. Singles will get love mates if they harmony in conjugal matters. Single
drop their suspicions. Children will have persons will be able to attract love. Health
problems with their activities. Career prospects are very much encouraging. The
family atmosphere will slightly be filled with
professionals will face rough weather. discord. Career people fail to get support
Prospects for health are encouraging. from colleagues. Finances may not be
Travel engagements are profitable. available for new ventures.
Sagittarius
Gemini Compromises are necessary to keep
Marital life may be difficult. Singles fail marriages going. Singles will get love
to get into love relationships. Health will partners during the last week. Star influences
not pose any hurdles. Family will present will make family life harmonious. Health
several problems. Businesses fail to make affairs will be exceptionally good. There
money, while career prospects are not will be hurdles for career growth. Business
propitious. Educational prospects are good prospects are excellent.
for students.
DesiPages DFW | September 2021 VOL 31 | 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