july2021

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF
PERFECT GROUP OF COMPANIES

I AM PROUD TO MAKE THIS
ANNOUNCEMENT

SAM THAKKAR As the CEO of the Perfect Group of companies, I am
Group CEO very happy and proud of my wife Vaishali Thakkar who
is a well-deserved current recipient of the prestigious
INC5000, 2020 award, which is presented to a select
few. She is instrumental in bringing Perfect Tax to great
heights through her role as the CEO. Recently she also
stepped-up into the role of CEO Funasia. With many
feathers to her cap, she is shining bright and gaining a lot
of accolades for herself and the fortune of the company.
Vaishali has proven time and again, that nothing is
impossible when one commits to accepting challenges.
She has a learner’s vigor. When she makes up her mind,
she is unstoppable. She started at the entry level position
in Perfect Tax and grew to lead the Perfect Tax Team as
their CEO. We started with 4 employees and now we
have over 100 employees.

When we had taken over Funasia in August of 2017, Vaishali was settled in her role as the
CEO of Perfect tax. Least did we know that In November of 2018 we would have a crisis, and
Vaishali would be forced to investigate the day to day matters of Funasia. I was stuck with
some business commitments in India and Dubai. Our media company which was still in infant
stage needed a lot of nurturing. That is when once again, Vaishali had to step in by putting
more hours. She started acquiring knowledge about media and the way it works. She accepted
the CMO role, and I guided her along the way for some time. She has already created a
competent team in Perfect Tax and now Funasia. She has been tirelessly wearing different hats.
The past two years under the leadership of Vaishali Thakkar FunAsia has seen some amazing
changes and growth. Departments have been streamlined and processes created to make it a
profitable media company. We have also expanded in Dubai and India. Perfect Tax has shown
great strength in fighting all the odds even at the midst of the pandemic and has come out as
a winner. We have helped many of our clients with Government Tax benefits and helped them
face the pandemic and the dire situation. Our team has worked tirelessly, and we have in fact
grown 3 folds during this pandemic year.

The INC 5000 award was an icing to the cake. The perfect timing for bringing hope and
happiness to the dedicated and exceptional hours Vaishali puts into her work. Her unique
quality to balance work and the family is a huge strength to all of us. I have great vision and
plans to grow the Perfect Group of Companies which cannot happen without the support of
leaders like Vaishali. We have many divisions and I wish many such awards for each leader.

ItwWAcnhesedeeleewfbpereeeeannbltmidventiehggornoienvcneefmreinesJthnDuonltay.eAyspTstrhhbiionleey,f DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 4
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entertainment from Pakistan here. Also
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settle into summers!

DesiPages

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Pooja Hegde bollywood talkies

The first film is like a
national audition for

an actor

Pooja Hegde has six films in the pipeline- opposite Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo
a few in Hindi, Telugu, and one in Tamil. Daro, admits, “It does pressurize me. I will
The actress will be seen playing pivotal not lie. I have to tell people to calm down
parts in Salman Khan’s Kabhie Eid Kabhi when they start discussing my work. I don’t
Diwali and Rohit Shetty-Ranveer Singh’s like to hide. I won‘t live my life like that.
Cirkus among others. One of her last Mohenjo Daro was tough on me. It didn’t
releases was Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo work as well as we wanted it to. People
with Allu Arjun, a huge Telugu hit that was don’t offer more films to someone whose
released at the beginning of 2020, which previous film has not worked. The first film
is now on the verge of being remade in is like a national audition for an actor. I
Hindi. Looking at her current workslate, got myself out of that phase as soon as I
one wonders if Pooja feels the pressure could and picked the best out of the offers
to deliver bigger and better projects with that came my way. After some success, I
passing years. don’t want to stop now. I only hope that
Pooja, who made her Hindi film debut the films I work in do well. At the end of
the day, you cannot be certain what will
work - part and parcel of filmmaking. You
can’t alter destiny. I detach myself from
it after I have finished work on a film. I
just believe in putting in the effort. I also
believe that pressure might be a good
thing because it makes the sportsman
or the artiste perform better. Today, it is
really exciting that I am on the right path -
I wanted to be more of a pan-India actor.
It’s a dream that came true.”

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DAHI KE Super Dahi ke
SHOLEY Sholay recipe for you

DesiPages HEALTH FACTS

1. Total Time: 20 min
2. Calories: 388 calories
3. Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/2 cup hung curd/yogurt
2. 3 tablespoon chopped onion
3. 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
4. 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur)
5. 3 tablespoon coriander leaves
6. 1 cup paneer
7. 3 tablespoon chopped green pepper
8. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
9. salt as required
10. 6 bread slices

INSTRUCTION

1. In a bowl add paneer and hung curd, chopped onion,
bell pepper, salt, red chilli powder, garam masala,
amchur and coriander leaves. Mix well to prepare a
mixture.

2. Next take bread slices and chop off the edges. Use
a rolling pin and roll out the bread slices into thin
sheets.

3. Now add 1-2 tbsp of the stuffing in the middle of the
bread slices and bring all the edges together, apply
some water on the edges, press gently to seal and
make a small ball.. Make more such stuffed balls.

4. For frying heat oil in a kadhai and drop the stuffed
balls in it. Deep fry them until golden brown. You
can also air fry them. Serve with mint chutney and
ketchup.

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ALIA BHATT WRAPS UP cover story

GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI

Alia Bhatt has officially wrapped up Gangubai of me.. Gangu I love you!
Kathiawadi! The actress took to Instagram to announce You will be missed. P.S -
the big news and even penned a heartfelt note as she special mention to my crew
reflected on the two-year-long journey. She thanked - my family and friends for
her team and the film’s crew and called it a “gigantic these two years! without
life-changing experience” with director Sanjay Leela you, nothing would have
Bhansali. Sharing photos from the film’s sets, Alia wrote, been possible! Love you
“We started shooting Gangubai on the 8th of December guys!!!”
2019 .. and we wrapped the film now 2 years later! This Director Sanjay Leela
film and the set have been through two lockdowns.. two Bhansali whom many,
cyclones.. director and actor getting covid during the including yours truly,
making!!! the troubles the set has faced is another film consider the finest living
altogether!” filmmaker of India feels
She further added, “But through all that and more.. what the obstacles that come
I take away is the gigantic life-changing experience! in the way of his creativity
Being directed by sir has been a dream all my life, but helped him to grow as a
I don’t think anything would have prepared me for the filmmaker. “Sometimes
journey I was on for these two years. I walk out of this set I feel the hurdles and
a different person today! I love you, sir! Thank you for obstacles are God’s
being you .. there is truly NO ONE like you.” ways of making me stronger as a
An emotional Alia concluded by saying, “When a film person and filmmaker. Every time my
ends a part of you ends with it! Today I’ve lost a part underproduction film was attacked
DesiPages I used my pain and suffering as an
impetus to work better. During the
havoc that Covid played with the
shooting schedules of Gangubai
Kathiawadi, I channelized all my
anxiety into giving the best possible
shape to my vision. I think suffering
has always been an incentive for my
creativity.”
Alia Bhatt will be seen stepping into
the shoes of legendary brothel owner
Gangubai Kathiawadi, which is
based on the life of a real-life mafia
queen.
However, many who knew her would
also say that she is not the white knight,
as she is a whorehouse madam and
did all it takes to keep it running. It
is to be seen if these shades would
DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 10

Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 08/15/2021
Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 08/15/2021

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 11

be well represented in the movie or would be portrayed Gangubai as a woman of spirit and
whitewashed to turn her into a Bollywood-style not a victim of circumstance. When a Pathan
hero. raped her brutally leaving her invalid for days,
Gangubai Kathiawadi was born in Kathiawadi, she decided to accost his boss after his Friday
Gujrat and her real name was Gangubai prayers. The boss was none other than mafia
Harjivandas. According to S Hussain Zaidi’s don Karim Lala. Not only did Lala mercilessly
book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’, she was beat up her tormentor but also warned
pushed into prostitution at a very young age. everyone against ill-treating his ‘rakhi sister’.
She ran a kotha (brothel) in the Kamathipura After that, her rise to the top was meteoric as
area of Mumbai and later, many notorious she developed contacts with police and other
criminals became her customers. Gangubai key people with power.
did a lot of work for sex workers and the well- During her reign, the red-light area was one
being of orphans. of the most prosperous lanes as it had rich
Gangubai first wanted to become an actress in and powerful clients not to mention a steady
Bollywood films. When she was 16 years old, stream of earnings from the underworld. So
she fell in love with his father’s accountant and much so that Gangu would often wear sarees
ran away with him. They came to Mumbai and with golden borders and blouses with golden
settled down there. Just when she was dreaming buttons. Gangubai slowly rose to power
of starting a new life with her beloved, he through her links with the Mumbai underworld.
betrayed her. Gangubai’s husband sold her for She maintained and operated many brothels in
INR 500 at a brothel. the red light district of the city, ultimately earning
After weeks of crying, the young girl who was herself the name, ‘Madam of Kamathipura’.
aware that she now had nowhere else to go, She rode in a black Bentley, the only brothel
decided to stay back. Soon, she became one owner to have one in those times.
of the most-prized prostitutes known for her However, Gangubai never kept a girl in the
gab and her knack of making many Seths brothel against her consent. She also dedicated
open their purse strings. Journalist Hussain her life to the betterment of sex-works and
Zaidi’s book on Mafia Queens of Mumbai orphans. She even led the movement against
DesiPages the removal of Mumbai’s prostitute market at the
same time. Even today, the statue of Gangubai
is installed in Kamathipura, Mumbai.
Because of her ordeal, Gangubai was
compassionate towards other women from
the community. She used her influence to
champion the rights of sex workers and their
empowerment and affirmed that her job didn’t
authorize anyone to violate her. Reportedly, she
even requested then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal
Nehru to address difficulties encountered by
sex workers. Her attempts to better the living
conditions in Kamathipura won her respect
from the community.
Gangubai Kathiawadi’s official teaser was
dropped in February 2021 and took social
media by storm. Netizens were all praise for
Alia’s impressive and refreshing act.

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VACATIONS People speak

PEOPLE GROWING UP IN INDIA- GROWING UP IN USA.
SPEAK
BY RJ Navneeta

(an article created from listeners responses to a question asked on 104.9FM
FunAsia Radio on her show)

Vacations are always fun for kids. The idea of not Most moms in India & Pakistan live with their in laws and this was
going to school is fascinating. The kids might be a true vacation for them too. Saavi from Irving, TX shared her fond
having the best time of their life in school with memories of growing up in Delhi and visiting her grandparents
friends, yet, vacation is extra special. Probably who lived in a remote village in Hyderabad. “The long train
the idea of no rules of a school, no classes ride and then the 3 hours car ride that reached just at daybreak
and no teacher supervision is what makes all sunrise is a scenic memory I still cherish apart from all the fun
the difference. Not waking up to the call of the I had on the vacation” she expresses. She also mentioned that
alarm and routines are what makes school a little todays kids are informative but do not explore, “Partly because

bit less popular than vacations. The summer of us .We do not get out so much”.
vacations are timed to keep kids off the heat that
might be exhausting to them. Due to this timing, THE TRAIN RIDES
there are many wonderful things one could do in
the comfort of their homes, that help them form The train rides in India were very instrumental
beautiful memories. in creating many memories. No two journeys
I asked my radio listeners how was it growing up in would be identical. The train vendors especially
their country vis-à-vis their kids growing up here. the chaiwalas, the card games played, the
This topic took my listeners into their childhood lunch and dinner times had their own aromas.
memories, and it was a nostalgia created on the Sutanuka shared that she and her family took
airwaves of 104.9 FM Funasia Radio. the train from Delhi to Kolkata which was a
VACTIONS-GROWING UP IN INDIA 21-hour ride. The names of the trains she
FAVORITE DESTINATION VISITING recollected was fascinating -Rajdhani, Poorva,
GRANDPARENTS. Calka etc. “ I had a craze for the Middle Berth.
On the top of the list was kids visiting their It was the happiest feeling” she said. She
Grand Parents. Meeting cousins, aunts, uncles misses the street food of Kolkata- the mutton
and many others during this time. The kids who chops, the Kolkata sweets, Kacha gola Sandesh etc .
are now adults have built memories around
their grandparents’ home where they would be “In summer vacation we would travel from Andhra to Rajasthan.”
pampered and loved beyond rules. Pinky a listener shared. Her cousins would also join from different
cities. Her fond memory was to fill buckets with rainwater and
turn it on themselves in the heat. Playing hide and seek, hiding
inside shops were some fun memories she shared.

NO RULES- MOSTLY PLAYING OUTDOORS

Growing up in our home countries was all about getting together
with neighbor friends and indulging in many indoor and outdoor
games. These listeners are mostly who grew up in the 90’s.
Gadgets were not evolved at that time.

Shekhar grew up in Goa. He mentioned how he would be out
of his house at 9:00 in the morning and be in the fields playing
with friends only to come back home during lunch and dinner
times. His concern for kids growing here is, “Kids these days do
not play outside and are glued to their gadgets.”

Milan recollects that it was also the time when the exams would
get over and they had the entire vacation planned out. He grew
up in Thane, Maharashtra and played cricket, football and other

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outdoor games which were common. They also played a lot of PEOPLE SPEAK PAGE #2
desi games like kanche, gilli danda, daba I-spy. Kham kham
khamboli etc.. is very expensive, and one would want to spend
more time when they have flown so far. Anyways,
FOOD AND SEASONAL FRUITS -THE HIGHLIGHT. time is always short when in India. This is a huge
event in the lives of kids growing up here. It is
South Asian countries have a tropical climate and there are about getting introduced to the culture, family,
amazing seasonal fruits at that time, especially mangoes. Each of food and all the nuances of their parent’s home
my listener who called miss mangoes and other regional fruits the country which is also their roots. It is fascinating
most. Milan mentioned “ I loved kachche aam with salt in early how the kids settle within the huge difference of the
summer, Jamoon , Hafus Ratnagiri mangoes in late summer. western and the eastern cultures. Neerja mentions
Amras (Mango milkshake) puri was the best. Tash khelo aur aam “In normal days an India vacation creates great
khao” were his closing remark. memories of grandparents, cousins, mangoes,
cultural awareness”.
For kids here he mentions,” We try to connect India to our kids.
The only difference is we buy mangoes for kids if we cannot pluck SUMMER ACTIVITIES & CAMPS
and eat”.
A major part of staying in the city itself if not
THE NAUGHTY CAREFREE FUN travelling centers around a lot of planned activities
for the kids. Since parents are working, they sign
I don’t know what is with the kids about breaking rules, pilfering them up for many interesting and innovative
when no one is watching and little merriments. Almost everyone camps which they would otherwise not experience
openly accepted how they would sneak into people’s gardens in normal school days. Sonali mentions how her
and farms to steal fruits. They definitely tasted better than what kids love art camps and hangouts over lemonade
their parents got them from the store. Jeevan said,” We would get stands.
into anybody’s farm and eat their mangoes, Ber &False (berries).
We would not even be bothered about getting caught”. We would SLEEPOVERS
be scolded, and we enjoyed that. It felt like an accomplishment”,
she said. Sleepovers and Sleep-in are another attraction for
the kids. They make many fond memories sleeping
KIDS GROWING UP HERE IN THE US at their friends and cousins’ homes and wake
up late in the morning to a breakfast they look
Kids in America are mostly in nuclear families. Their extended forward to. The games they play, and the bonding
families are largely friends. That is a big challenge for working totally goes into forming some great memories.
parents raising their kids here. Nonetheless, they are always
excited about the vacations and do many different things growing MOVIE NIGHTS
up here. The kids here have a very long vacation unlike India.
Movie nights are exciting! Most homes here have
DESTINATION TRIPS & VACATIONS their own media room with the experience of a
Big Cinema Theatre. To add to the fun, popcorn,
People are big on planning vacations in the US. Either the kids go food, dessert become a part of this whole event.
to their grandparents in India and experience some part of what
their parents experienced while growing up or plan a vacation INNOVATIVE FUN IDEAS
in the US itself. America and Europe have many scenic and fun
destinations and that is the highlight of the kids summer break. Lemonade stands, Garage sales are fun and
They look forward to not only spending quality time with family, creative ideas around which kids plan together for
but there are many exciting activities around the vacation. Here days to make these successful. During the process
each destination has its own charm and kids do create many fond they gather many memories.
memories around them.
Vacations are about fun and creating memories
POOLTIME & ACTIVITIES whether you grew up in India or grow up here. Kids
have the energy and at their age they are exploring
Summertime is pool time too! A lot of activities and playdates and creating the foundation for their future. There
are planned around the pool. It involves food, fun and splash! is more exposure to places, technology, camps
Neerja mentions that pool time with siblings and friends is what here in the US and while growing up in the 90’s
her kids love. “If not at each other’s homes, then at the recreation there were no gadgets and kids played more
centers/community pools for sure.” outdoors. There were extended families. Even
here, kids do indulge in a lot of outdoor activities
For Sreyoshi’s kids water melons, splash parks and beach are like skate boarding, football, bicycling etc. and
huge fun activities. that should be encouraged. Kids are like sponge,
the more the exposure, the more they gather!
INDIA-PAKISTAN TRIPS

India Pakistan trip is a big one to consider in the vacations. It

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TOP 12 FOODS THAT LOWER lifestyle

BLOOD PRESSURE

Hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure has become a common lifestyle disease that
could cause various health complications. Overlooking this condition could lead to major issues,
which may include brain damage, stroke and a few other life-threatening diseases. Hence, it is not

only important to lead a healthy and active life but also to watch your diet.

BANANAS and all these properties help
in lowering blood pressure.
Eat bananas and maintain a healthy blood
pressure.Eating bananas is a great SWEET POTATOES
option to keep your blood pressure
under control. As bananas are loaded Sweet potatoes have great
with potassium, they help in lowering potassium content which
your high blood pressure level. This also keeps the sodium level
reduces the risk of stroke, helps blood low and blood pressure in
vessels to relax, and makes artery walls control.
function efficiently.
DRINK SKIMMED MILK
WHOLE GRAIN
Prefer skimmed milk over full-
Whole grains include several health fat milk. Loaded with calcium
benefits. Adding oats and cereals to and vitamin D, it helps in
your breakfast helps you in staying active lowering down your blood
all day long. It also keeps your blood pressure and strengthening bones.
pressure in check.

GREEN-LEAFY VEGETABLE

Rich in iron, fiber magnesium, and
folate, spinach is another super-food.
It is loaded with heart-healthy nutrients

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Skimmed milk is also beneficial in reducing LIFESTYLE #2
the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
WATERMELON in vitamin C and fiber, it also reduces your
Loaded with water content, watermelon risk of developing high blood pressure.
promotes health. It is enriched with fiber, Drink fresh orange juice or eat the fruit,
just load yourself with its various benefits.
vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene. These
all are the essential nutrients that have DARK CHOCOLATE
lowering blood pressure effects.
ORANGES If you are a dark chocolate lover, here’s
Another great food that helps in maintaining some good news for you! Eating a square
the ideal blood pressure rate is orange. Rich of dark chocolate daily helps in lowering
down your blood pressure reading
because of its richness in flavonoids.
Make sure that it has at least 50 to 70
percent cocoa content in it.

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

These super seeds are loaded with vitamin
E, fiber, protein, and folic acid. Eating
just a handful of sunflower seeds not only
promotes heart health but also keeps your
blood pressure under control.

GRAPE JUICE

Grape juice contains polyphenols that help
in lowering down your blood pressure.

BEANS

Adding black beans or red kidney beans to
your diet is the best way to get the benefit of
soluble fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
All these sources are important to keep an
ideal blood pressure rate.

BERRIES

All types of berries are packed with
anthocyanins, flavonols, and polyphenols.
Apart from this, they are also loaded with
fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Hence,
they boost your heart health and keep
your blood pressure in control.

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Wealthiest People duty to pay more than the law demands. Billionaire like Jeff
Who Pay The Bezos, CEO of Amazon, Tesla founder Elon Musk, Michael
LOWEST TAX Bloomberg of Bloomberg LP and Warren Buffet pay lowest
tax that anyone could imagine. President Donald Trump
The court of appeals, in the case of Gregory v. Helvering was able to wing of White house not providing information
(1935) in the case of Gregory v. Helvering (1935) concluded to his accusation that he hardly paid any taxes on his
that anyone may arrange his affairs so that his taxes shall be billion’s dollar of income.
as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern
Government provides various tax incentive that can legally
which best pays the treasury. There is not even a patriotic lower your tax liability. Many take legal advantage of that.
duty to increase one’s taxes. Repeatedly, the courts have All of us are anxiously waiting for new tax law that Biden
said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging affairs as is coming with shortly. President has claimed that he will
to keep taxes as low as possible. Everyone does it, rich and make sure that the wealthy will pay the most taxes that will
poor alike and all do right, for nobody owes any public eventually help individual with lower income.

Many Americans live by paycheck to paycheck,
amassing little wealth and paying the federal government
a percentage of their income that rises if they earn more.
In recent years, the median American household earned
about $70,000 annually and paid 14% in federal taxes.
The highest income tax rate, 37%, kicked in this year,
for couples, on earnings above $628,300. (ProPublica,
2021).

Many legal tax strategies like income deferral, changing
character of your income, bundling your 529 plan can
legally lower your taxes. Many Tax Advisors with many
years of experience are great guide on this. Some of the
common way to defer your income is contributing to a
401(k), 403(b) or 457 plans. When you restructure your
business entity, it allows you to choose the tax structure
that works best for you financially. By investing on health
savings account, it allows your earnings will grow tax free
and future distributions are tax free if used for a qualified
medical expense. If you bundle your 529 plan, you can
maximize your 529 contributions. Under the law, an
individual can give up to $75,000-, or five-years’ worth of
gift-tax exemptions, in a single year as an initial contribution
to a student’s 529 plan.

My suggestion is for everyone to choose right advisors who
can guide them to lawfully structure your taxes so that pay
the right amount of taxes.

Diwas Dhungel,
Senior Director
Perfect Tax & Finance

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income required.

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STARs REVEAL

MALAIKA ARORA KNOWS ME INSIDE OUT: ARJUN KAPOOR
SAYS SHE CAN KNOW HIS MOOD BY HIS EXPRESSION

Arjun Kapoor has said that his girlfriend, actor and television personality
Malaika Arora knows him the best. The actor added that she can easily
identify his state of mind without him having to say it to her.

The Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar actor has been dating Malaika for a while
now. They made their first public appearance together in 2019, during the
release of India’s Most Wanted, confirming the rumors of their relationship.
In a recent interview Arjun was asked to name the one person who knows
him well. Arjun responded, “My girlfriend knows me inside out from that
way. Even if I hide, she can spot if I’ve had a rough day or there is something
amiss or if I’m in a good mood, she can spot it easily.”

Arjun has mostly been private about his personal life. However, he has been
letting fans know more of his relationship with Malaika in recent interviews.
Arjun was also asked in one of the interviews about dating ‘someone older
with a son from an earlier marriage.’ The actor said, “I don’t try and be
overly talkative about my personal life, because I feel you should respect
your partner, and there is a past there... And I’ve been in that situation where
I’ve seen things pan out publicly and it’s not always very nice, because there
are kids affected.”

PARINEETI CHOPRA WILL BE COLLABORATING WITH RANBIR KAPOOR, ANIL
KAPOOR, AND BOBBY DEOL IN SANDEEP REDDY VANGA DIRECTORIAL
ANIMAL.

Actor Parineeti Chopra says she is privileged and honored to be part of Sandeep
Reddy Vanga’s next Animal as the film will allow her to learn and observe from
actor Ranbir Kapoor. She says, “I am really, privileged and honored to be a part
of the film. I wanted to work with Ranbir for a long time, so I’m excited to you
know just be, on the sets and observe and learn from him.”

Animal, will be director Sandeep Vanga’s second Hindi film after Kabir Singh
which was released in 2019. Produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, Pranay
Reddy Vanga, Murad Khetani, and Krishan Kumar, Animal also stars Bobby
Deol. The makers had announced the film earlier this year with an audio teaser.
The Saina actress, who is scheduled to start the film later this year, says Sandeep
Vanga has made an “amazing” film. “I love Kabir Singh and he is quite an
interesting director. I have spent some time with him and trust me Sandeep Sir
has made an amazing film.” She further adds, “I am actually really excited to be
on that set because of the cast and just because of who all I get to learn from.
and like I said I signed that film also this year so it’s been good so far. Speaking
about the shoot Parineeti says, “We have some time now, we will figure out when
we can shoot safely because we have a huge crew so yeah, there is time for the
shoot”

Parineeti Chopra has had back-to-back three releases this year, starting from The
Girl on the Train on Netflix, Saina in theaters, and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar on
Amazon Prime Video.

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 24

A Timeless Collection For

/TanmaiJewelers Showroom At

+1 972-900-1771

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 25

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS IN JULY

Along the way, critics have shunned her
acting, so far as to calling her ‘pretty prop’
and ‘unabashed eye candy’. She didn’t give
in, instead waited for her fortunes to be
reversed. While doing the conventional roles
she chose for herself, she also experimented
with them. Through these roles she began
exploring unknown facets of her personality,
which again reflected in her choice of roles.
Rajneeti, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and New
York, did prove her mettle.
So, here’s a big Birthday wish to the actress
and star who taught us it’s okay to play it safe
and defied all the hurdles to become what she
is today. We look forward to learning more
from this ever-affable personality.

Priyanka Chopra

Katrina Kaif

Unlike her contemporaries, Katrina didn’t have Priyanka Chopra’s life is nothing short of an
a much talked about debut rather it was a box American dream. She came, she saw, she
office dud. But what the industry did notice was conquered. Now an international celebrity in
this enigma wrapped inside this naïve 20-year- her own rights, Priyanka’s journey began in a
old that could work wonders under the right small town in a small town in Uttar Pradesh,
guidance. But who would be her mentors? Bareilly.
Who’d take this herculean task of grooming
a foreigner to suit the Indian audience? Did DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 26
she know acting at all? What about her Hindi
language skills? The impediments seemed too
many for her growth. However, these were too
little to dampen her spirit. One after the other
she overcame them and established herself as
one of the top stars of Bollywood.
This road to stardom couldn’t have been
possible without her two important mentors,
Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan who looked
beyond her shortcomings and helped her climb
the ladder to success. From Humko Deewana
Kar Gaye to Bharat, she grew leaps and bounds
in her skill and continues to even today.
DesiPages

Priyanka Chopra never limited herself when it know his life from the drug scandals, failed
came to success. Imagine, if she stopped at Miss love affairs, and underworld connections. Due
World, who’d be our Desi Girl? If she thought to frequent parties at his father’s place, he fell
Bollywood was her pinnacle,where would Nick prey to cigarette and drug addiction at a very
Jonas be? Her life is a perfect example of young age. In addition to all this, his mother’s
turning opportunities into moments. death affected him severely, causing a relapse.
That being said, it wasn’t easy for her to come Soon after, he was caught in the Bombay 1993
up without having any godfathers in the industry. serial blasts in
She made mistakes, was rejected, but took all possession of arms and was sentenced to jail
these in stride and made them her life lessons. for 5 years. A lot of drama conspired between
Twenty years after her debut, she is working these years and his back and forth in jail.
towards all the causes that hindered her and Against all these odds, he managed to win a
will hamper the success of other small-town Filmfare Best Actor Award for Vaastav in 1999.
girls who dare to dream big. She vociferously After his performance in Khalnayak, people
advocates for Body Positivity, Education, Hunger branded him as the bad boy of the industry.
and Equal Rights for women, wage gap in the What people didn’t realise is the turmoil that
industry. this blue-eyed boy went through in life, at
Her track record in Bollywood is no less every stage.
commendable. She started as an actress and His decisions did cost him. They cost him his
forayed into singing, producing, hosting. Her life, career, parents, family but in the end stood
role for the film Fashion, gained her a National tall and now gives his signature smile for all
award. Subsequently, she started aiming at that he has been through in his life. He found
Hollywood. Thanks to her manager’s tenacity, peace very late in life. Sanjay Dutt is one actor
she managed to secure a role in the action who faced numerous troubles and overcame
thriller Quantico which gave her two consecutive them victoriously. He dared to change his
People’s Choice Awards, making her the first destiny. He proved to all of us that redemption
South Asian actress to receive them. is what matters the most. It’s not about who
She was appointed as Brand Ambassador for you were rather who you choose to be and are
UN’s Girl Up Campaign for Girl Rising. This is willing to be.
just one of the feathers in her cap. Like Steve On his 62nd birthday, Desi Pages couldn’t
Jobs said, stay hungry, stay foolish. Priyanka’s be proud to honour someone who didn’t shy
life after her marriage with Nick Jonas pushed away from his flaws rather taught all of us that
her visibility further. She started The Priyanka it’s these scars that make us strong.
Chopra Jonas Foundation for Health and
Education.
Now occasionally starring in the Jonas Brothers
videos, she’s managing her production house,
Purple Pebble Productions, along with her
mother Madhu Chopra. Happy Birthday,
Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Thanks for teaching us
that no dream is too big.

Sanjay Dutt

We hear stories about how it’s easy for all the
star kids. Unfortunately, the one person who
didn’t fall into this stereotype is Sanjay Dutt. Born
to two phenomenal actors of the generation,
Nargis and Sunil Dutt, his life is no less than any
Bollywood drama flick.
If you’ve been following Sanjay Dutt, you’d

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TALENT

THE TRUE STANDARD OF BEAUTY
“TRUE BEAUTY IS FOUND IN PROFOUND THINGS -

LIKE LOVE OR KINDNESS.”LAURA CHOUETTE. 

Hello I’m RJ Anya have a sparkle of beauty in it. We just must be
and in my show willing to appreciate it. Our world has so much
I recently talked beauty to offer such as the trees we pass, the
about the standard flowers we step on, the mountains we wish to
of beauty, how it move, the sky that beats our limits of reality.
is perceived in the Everything in our world has beauty but learning
minds of Gen- to appreciate that beauty is our limit as humans.
Zers and how the We think so fast and work so hard that we don’t
views of beauty in stop to smell the roses anymore and that is a
society affects our sad truth. Through my show I encouraged my
appreciation for listeners to take a breath and appreciate the
ourselves and life life they are living, not think about the future
but live this minute completely and appreciate
BY RJ ANYA THAKKAR the beauty.

around us. Misunderstood is a platform to spread positivity
There’s a saying that beauty is in the eyes of the and to give others a glimpse into the mind of
beholder, but beauty is in so much more than just a Gen-Zer. It is a show not only about how
skin deep. Beauty is in our flaws both physically we think but what we feel should improve in
and emotionally, beauty is in the kindness we our world. One of the biggest issues that must
show to others, the love we emanate, the warmth be improved is the standard of beauty in our
we exude to those around us. Beauty is in our cells society. In all honesty there should never have
from the way we cry to the way we laugh. There is been a standard to reach. Beauty for me is
beauty in every single person around us. We just infinite and more than just skin deep. Beauty
need to open our eyes. is in our passion, drive, kindness, love.  Beauty
In our society we have been taught to be a is in everything, No person should be judged
specific shape, size, to always smile, and to look because they don’t fit the “standard of beauty”
like everyone else and sadly that is what we define in our society.  We need to start loving and
beauty as. But, what we don’t realize is that there’s appreciating ourselves and those around us
a reason no person is made the same way. It is our no matter what color, shape, or size we are.
individuality; our flaws are our secret kryptonite. We are all beautiful. My mom has always said
Our imperfections are what make us sparkle. In “Everyone is worth something, you just have
‘Misunderstood’ I talked about how we mustn’t to understand your worth.” -quote by Vaishali
suppress our differences to be called beautiful. Thakkar. 
We must embrace them and look for the beauty
within everything, even ourselves.

What I’ve learned in my 17 years of life is that DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 28
there is not a single thing in our world that doesn’t

DesiPages

KIDS CORNER
Listen to Kids Club with Ambreen Hasnat every
Wednesday from 3:00- 4:00 pm.
Coloring Book

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]

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Businesses On-Air At FunAsiA Radio

MORTGAGE RATEBEAT.COM MORTGAGE MONDAY 4.05 PM SHAAM SHAANDAR RATEBEAT.COM
INFO FRIDAY 4.05 PM JOY RIDE

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 34

bollywood news

GOVINDA RAJKUMMAR AYUSHMANN

Actor Govinda recently visited the Rajkummar Rao is one of the most Ayushmann Khurrana feels the
sets of Indian Pro Music League accomplished actors and stars of pandemic and lockdowns have
and shared the story of his life and his generation. The actor has given made people more opinionated
journey. Govinda was joined on the some exemplary performances in than before, adding that only
stage by his wife Sunita Ahuja and films like Newton and Trapped, superlative content would bring the
daughter Tina Ahuja. They gave while raked in the moolah at the box audience back to theatres post-
him a surprise as they arrived on the office with prolific films like Stree and pandemic.
show and Sunita even sang his song, Bareilly Ki Barfi. The actor was last Ayushmann, whose film Article
Tum Toh Dhokebaaz Ho. He greeted seen on screen in the early 2021 15 completed two years, said:
her with a kiss. release Roohi, a horror-comedy “Article 15 is a special film in my
Govinda said, “Thank you so much costarring Varun Sharma and Janhvi filmography and I can’t thank
for this, seeing this video made so Kapoor. The film underperformed (director) Anubhav Sinha sir for
many memories came back. I must at the box office also considering giving me one of the most cherished
say that there are very few lucky that it was dropped in the theaters films of my career. It was an eye-
people who get to serve their parents in the middle of the pandemic. In opening film for me and helped
and get the chance to take care of his recent conversation, the actor me see things from a different lens.
them, I have been lucky that I got spoke about blurring the distinction We will need films like Article 15
a chance to serve my parents. I am between stars and actors. He also with its superlative content to pull
really thankful. I remember how my shared his experience regarding the people back to theatres.”
mother used to sing every day for upcoming Badhaai Do. I’m a firm believer that the
us and our day would start with us Speaking about stardom in pandemic and lockdowns have
listening to her beautiful voice. At Bollywood, he said, “Stars, I don’t made us more opinionated than
that time, people also used to ask know... but I know for a fact that before and people would only want
her why she prays so much, but this our superstars will always be there. to invest time and energy in things
dream of ours, getting a home and They’ve been here for so many that are unique and different. They
being successful was the result of decades and the love and adulation would want to have community
her, her hard work and her blessings. they’ve seen, I don’t think our experiences that are worthwhile.”
I never thought I will come out of that generation will ever experience that. Ayushmann is a firm believer
chawl, but it all happened because I love them, too,” he continues, “But, that fresh, unique, and disruptive
my mother believed in me.” the way our cinema has seen this cinema will manage to restart
Sunita also shared her feeling gradual shift, for me, the script is the the theatrical business in India.
towards Govinda, saying that she real star. I’m just happy with the fact “Cinema will provide them with
wished she had a son like him. “In that we’re investing a lot of time in that option but we will have to
the last 36 years of marriage, I have writing.” He added, “Our audience produce the best content that we
seen him as the best brother, the best decides who they want to call a star have ever produced. People will
son, the best father and best husband or not.” want to be entertained with films
as well. But I have one wish and that Speaking about his journey, that celebrate new ideas. The
is I had a son like him because the Rajkummar mentioned that he is scale of the film will be immaterial
way he was with his parents and how here for a marathon and not a sprint. because the content will take
much he took care of them, makes He always looked at himself more as precedence in a whole new world,”
me want to have a son like him,” she an actor than a star which is why he is Ayushmann’s opinion.
said. took formal training before coming
to Mumbai.
DesiPages
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I Speak Bengali. contribution
By RJ Rikhi
sweetest mother language.
Bengali is the sweetest language in the world that Wherever we went- Romantic Paris, Beautiful
everyone knows. I often get complements that Brussels, Historical Madrid, very lush Black
our accent in Bengali, can be compared with our Forest, alpine white Swiss alps, Popular Vatican,
world famous Bengali sweet ‘Rosogolla’. Today we never felt that we were missing speaking in
I wanted to share a story from my experience Bengali to a new friend. Every new city reassured
how Bengali as a language, supported us to the belief that “Bengalis are everywhere” and
communicate in many places in the world. Sounds it’s a “global language now”. Till this date, we
a little odd, isn’t it? We meaning my husband cherish those moments after being back home,
and me also felt the same way, but it is true, and West Bengal and Tripura are the most Bengali
we have learnt this through our own experience. speaking states, in India. Assam, Bihar, Orissa
Long before Pandemic, when we all use to live and Andaman and Nicobar Islands also have
normal lives, we visited the European countries several Bengali speaking populations. Big cities
for a month-long trip. It was our first Europe tour. like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bangalore have
The excitement was at its peak-travel, exhibits, a huge portion of Bengali speaking crowd too.
shopping, of course for exploration and much It is the second most widely spoken language in
more. However, our biggest worry was how we India.
would communicate in five different languages, Bangladesh recognized Bengali as their National
in remote cities where people only use their local language and entire Bangladesh speaks in
language? We worked hard, practiced, and learnt Bengali.
basic communication in those languages, so that Many Bengalis live in UK and rest of the Europe,
we could communicate with the locals and do UAE, Australia, Singapore and USA. Bengali
not have an alien feeling. After we visited a few became the second language in UK after English.
of the cities, we were surprised that many people Almost 300 million people speak in Bengali all
who we met on the roads, restaurants, and other over the world.
places actually spoke in Bengali. They were also According to History, Bengali is a 900–1300-year-
delighted to meet us and communicate in our old language. Derived from ancient “Magadhi”
language, modified, and mixed with various
languages over the years and formed into
modern Bengali language in the renaissance
period of Bengal in 1800-1900. It has influences
of ancient Drabir language, Austroasiatic and
Tibet-Burman language. Along with all, Bengali
language has 45 percent unmodified Sanskrit
words and significant number of Persian words
too.
Various world-famous Poets, novelists wrote
their creations in Bengali. It has a very enriched
history of literature. Legendary Bengali writer
Rabindra Nath Tagore was the 1st Nobel prize
winner in the literature section.
UNESCO recognized 21st February as
International Mother Language Day in honor of
the Bengali language Movement. The day we all
Bengalis feel proud of!

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goodreads MADHURI’S MUSINGS

Freedom of Spirit

“The self is free and cannot be contained”

As the US celebrates its independence in the MOON-GAZING: We are all energy
month of July and India in the month of August,
it’s a great time to reflect on what freedom and barometers and when we are charged by the
independence means to us. Freedom is what beauty of the universe’s natural wonders, it
every individual, community and country have elevates our spirits and sets us free. This past full
a yearning for. Humanity has evolved through moon I delightfully compared the moon pictures
phases of freedom and oppression, redefining taken by my parents in India with the ones taken
its meaning and becoming stronger along the from my backyard. A marvel that we share the
way. same moon and its energy. We have the freedom
Every one of us wants freedom of thought, word to enjoy this priceless jewel of the universe, no
and expression. We all wear different hats and matter where we are. Step into the great outdoors
play multiple roles in society. Freedom is the on a full moon night and let moonlight uplift your
joy of “being you” without frills, titles, spirit and refresh your soul.
roles, and stereotypes that bind us.
Keeping your spirit free, no matter
the earthly chain of expectations that
bind us, releases fear and is the key
to inner freedom. Freedom of the self
and the spirit cannot be claimed from
another. It springs from within and must
be cultivated. Here are just 4 simple
activities that help in keeping your spirit
free:

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I put it shining anywhere I please. MADHURI’S MUSINGS
By walking slowly on some evening later,
I’ve pulled it from a crate of crooked trees, we are. Letting go of the external ego and
And brought it over glossy water, greater, aligning with our true inner self. The more our
And dropped it in, and seen the image wallow, inner self is reflected in our outer persona, it
The color run, all sorts of wonder follow. Freedom of brings to light the spirit of our soul, freeing us
the Moon, Robert Frost from within.
As we celebrate the month of independence,
READING: Reading and absorbing a book also the pandemic has been humanity’s learning
moment of realizing that we are inter-
frees your spirit. Delving deep into a great book or dependent, inter-connected parts of the
poem fuels you mind, thoughts and emotions. Books global community. Freeing your spirit
can take you on timeless journeys in your mindscape, raises your personal vibration and of those
where you can play the protagonist or the lover, around you. Freedom is double-edged
switching characters and feelings in a jiffy. from an individualistic perspective when one
individual’s sword of protection becomes the
He ate and drank the precious words, poison arrow for another. Respecting our own
His spirit grew robust; unique self is also appreciating the unique
He danced along the dingy days, identities of another. Only when we free our
And this bequest of wings spirit can we release the shadows of fear and
Was but a book. What liberty the clouds of bias and bring the heaven of
A loosened spirit brings! A Book, Emily Dickinson freedom to earth.

SINGING: It’s been said that singing from your Where the mind is without fear and the head
is held high,
heart and soul can free your spirit like none else. Where knowledge is free,
While listening to music of your choice is uplifting Where the world has not been broken up into
at all times, your own voice has the potential to fragments
make you feel open and liberated. We don’t need By narrow domestic walls,
to be professional singers or musicians. Building a Where words come out from the depth of
relationship with your voice and allowing the musical truth,...
rhythm to flow from within is both powerful and Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my
healing. country awake…Rabindranath Tagore
Where the voice of the wind calls our wandering feet,
Through echoing forest and echoing street,
With lutes in our hands ever-singing we roam,
All men are our kindred, the world is our
home….
No love bids us tarry, no joy bids us wait:
The voice of the wind is the voice of our fate.
Wandering Singers, Sarojini Naidu
Embracing Your Authenticity: Each one of us
is a unique puzzle piece. Staying authentic
is a daily practice of going within, knowing
thyself and embodying the essence of who

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Chamber of Commerce among many others to raise
awareness for donation drives through our weekly
‘Community Round-up’ radio program.

As you all are aware, ‘Community Round-up’ is a weekly
segment to help all nonprofit associations, religious and
social organizations to promote their organizations,
events, and activities. It airs every Saturday, between 2
PM and 3 PM on 104.9 FM.

In the past month, we have helped several organizations
such as VYO Foundation, Essential care of Frisco, and
others in promoting their activities and initiatives.

Namaste /Aadab I also had an opportunity to talk to two high school
students of our community in the segment. They both
A big hello to the vibrant community of the DFW were high school students and trying to help community
metroplex.I am so glad that we are connecting with the and our motherland through their efforts like providing
entire community on so many levels, and “Desi Pages” medical kits and also raising funds to help less privileged
is one of the best platforms where we can bring the community in our society.
community together.
It was really matter of pride for me to see these young
June was the month of a gratitude and we all celebrated individuals talking so passionately about community
Father’s Day. Father’s Day is a celebration of fathers, service. I can see that our youths are really understanding
honoring fatherhood, paternal bonds and the role the value of community service and volunteering.
fathers play in society. It is celebrated on the third Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to their self-
Sunday of June. confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. By doing
good for others and the community, provides a natural
Father’s Day is commemorated in most parts of the sense of accomplishment. It also gives you a sense of
world on the third Sunday of June. This year it was pride and identity.
observed on June 20. Father’s Day is a celebration of
fathers, honoring fatherhood, paternal bonds and the If you are part of any such organizations or if you are an
role fathers play in society. First proposed in 1909, this individual trying something for community and would
day is an opportunity to show your dad how much he like to be a guest on our weekly segment “Community
means to you and the role he has played in shaping Roundup,” then please do email me at neelam@
your life. funasia.net.

While we all are coming back slowly and gradually to In this short amount of time, we have received an
our normal life , things are still not so great at other overwhelming amount of support from the community
parts of world like our own mother land INDIA for this new segment. Once again, I am thankful to
INDIA has been struggling with second wave of Covid. our dynamic CEO, Mrs. Vaishali Thakkar, for her
second waves historically, they’ve always been more exceptional leadership in our endeavor to reach out
aggressive and bigger in number than the first. The to the community. Once again, many thanks to the
intensity this time round, though, is more about the community for continually supporting FunAsia Radio
overbearing medical requirement for people . and helping us in ‘Bringing The Community Together’.

We here at FunAsia always want to help entire Always at your service,
community at large in every possible way. We have Neelam Dave
helped many individuals along with few organizations
such as DFW Gujarati Samaj, VYO, and the Indian

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vaishali thakkar

The CEO of FunAsia RADIO, Entertainment, Concerts, DesiPages
Magazine and Perfect Tax.

By Navneeta Khemka

While leading multiple departments in her tax and accounting. With sheer hard work and
business, one tends to become a workaholic, her desire to learn and embrace challenges,
but our Person in Focus Vaishali Thakkar is she was leading a team and growing in her
different. She is a successful female leader in role and finally became the CEO of Perfect
DFW Texas who believes in living a balanced Tax in 2017.
work and family life. She is a great human Perfect Group of Companies took over
being, a doting wife, caring daughter-in- Funasia in August of 2017. In November of
law and a loving mother to two beautiful 2018 she was forced to investigate the day
daughters. She gets into many different roles to day matters of Funasia since Sam Thakkar,
and shoes and smiles through the most FunAsia CEO at that time was expanding
stressful and difficult situations and decisions. the business in Dubai & India. The media
The proud winner of the INC 5000, 2020 company which was still in infant stage
award has a very inspirational story to share, needed attention and nurturing, Vaishali had
and we are honored to feature her as our to step-in and eventually accept the CMO role
Person in Focus this month. which fell accidently in her lap. In retrospect,
Vaishali came from India to the US in 2003 she knows that creativity has always been her
with an accounting degree. Thereafter, she passion and she was meant for this role. Now
finished her taxation and ongoing studies she successfully leads Funasia as their CEO.
at UTD and completed other management Vaishali is very passionate and instrumental
courses. She joined her father-in-law Mr. in converting ideas into real projects. Where
Mahesh Thakkar, at the entry level in his firm. Sam Thakkar her husband and CEO of
She gives credit to him for her knowledge in
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Perfect group of companies is the visionary occasions like birthdays
behind the ideas, she holds the anchor to and anniversaries into big
make them into reality. She admits, it is not events and surprises. She
an easy role. One needs to create processes believes that one needs
and procedures and enforce them at all the to put in effort to keep the
levels of the departments. It also requires happiness quotient high
striking a balance between people’s emotions in one’s life.
and the business requirements. She is aware Dance has always been
that employees seek strength and motivation her passion and she
from her and pick up hints from the way she has leaned from the
leads them. Nevertheless, she sincerely gives best ‘Mallika Sarabhai’
credit to her team at every stage who are her and also performed her
strength. Arangetram (Debut stage
Her philosophy is that life is short, and performance). Music
one must not complicate it and should makes her happy.
enjoy it thoroughly. Time management and Her message to all
balancing professional, family, and social life working, non-working
is the key. She is very involved in her family women, mothers, wives
and has two beautiful daughters who she and daughters are to
loves to spend time with. She makes small never kill one’s desires
and dreams. One
should love life and not
underestimate oneself.
“I came to the USA and
learned everything from
scratch, so everyone can
do it”, she says ,
When asked how she uplifts herself on a
low day she says, “When you are low, do
something that makes you happy and when
you are high support people who are really
in trouble.”
“In their difficult times you are their strength.
Never forget that we all are humans. Try to
be humble, kind and have contentment of
giving. Otherwise, the position is a waste.”
She says
It was fascinating to know how she has carved
her way to what she is today. Her belief in life
and the go-getter attitude is contagious. She
is a people person with a big heart. Vaishali
makes her dreams come true, and I am very
grateful that she is my leader. The team at
Funasia wishes her more power to accomplish
all that she aspires!

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DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 45

ODISSI

A DANCE THAT CELEBRATES TRADITIONS, RITUALS AND LORD JAGANNATH

By Parul Bhatia
(Dancer, Actress, Filmmaker, Director)

classical Indian performing
arts, makes a reference to
an Odra-Magadhi style of
dance, which many scholars
consider a precursor of
20th century Odissi, thereby
making this dance form
the oldest of the Indian
classical dances. Lord
Jagannath is the Deity of the
Odissi dance form.

I noticed Odissi dancing in the classrooms Every year it is a tradition
of Triveni center in Delhi. The music and to have a Ratha Yatra (The
the beats aroused my interest, so much Chariot’s Ride or Journey)
so that I decided to pursue this form. for Lord Jagannath and his
I have been training in this Classical siblings, not only in Puri but
form since more than a decade and across the different temples
the journey has been very rewarding, of the world – any temple
especially aesthetically. where Lord Jagannath, his
Odissi, recognized as one of the eight sister Subhadra and brother
classical dance forms of India, hails Balaram reside. On this
from the Eastern state of Odisha. It is occasion the deities are brought from their
celebrated around the world for its Temple sthan (pious spot) and are seated
unique form, that is rich in torso and inside the beautifully decorated chariot.
feet movements, along with chin-neck
and eye coordination. Natyashastra, the DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 46
text that is referenced as a source of all

DesiPages

Then during Ratha Yatra the devotees from 6 p.m. to 9 pm.
fervently pull the chariot, while praising At 6:00 p.m. “Pahandi”
the Lord and his grace. Many Odissi that is carrying of big
dancers perform at the Ratha Yatra, along Deities one at a time will
with Chhau dancers and Folk dancers, take place which will be
commemorating the sacredness of the followed by Ratha Yatra,
festival. The Ratha Yatra is an important Prasad offerings and
ritual, not only for devotees but also for Aarti.
dedicated Odissi dancers around the Mr. Maini also mentioned
world, that has been continuing since that the volunteers
generations, symbolizing the values of have selflessly devoted
traditions and culture. many hours, despite
In Plano, Texas, the Jagannath Ratha the challenging Texas
Yatra will be held at the Shree Raghunath weather, in constructing
Temple on July 12th. One day prior to the Ratha which is one
the Chariot Yatra, that is on Sunday, July of the tallest Ratha that is built completely
11th Netra Utsav Naba Darshan will take manually, including the constructing of
place. The schedule will start at 10:00 the complex wheels.
a.m. and continue till 12:30 p.m. This is The annual cycle of the different festivities,
a historic event as this marks the return associated with the Ratha Yatra, begin with
of Lord Jagannath returning after a 14- Akshayaya Tritiya, which was celebrated
day quarantine from his sickness. Upon on May 14th of this year, that marks the
return Lord Jagannath gives darshan and construction of the world famous Ratha
blessings to the devotees. Yatra. This is considered a very auspicious
In conversation with Rajiv Maini, one of day for buying gold and other household
the core personnel at the Temple, it was items. After that comes the Birthday of
found that the Ratha Yatra is scheduled Lord Jagannath, Devasnana Purnima,
when the three deities are brought outside
the temple and are given a bath with 108
pots of sacred water. This is followed by
the Anabasara period when the devotees
are forbidden to see the idols of the Lords
as the deities have developed fever after
the prolonged bathing on Devanana
Purnima day. Then falls the day of the
Ratha Yatra which eventually leads up to
the Lords returning to their home when the
chariots are drawn backward to the main
temple. This is called Bahuda Yatra and
Suna Besa. This year it is on July 21st. On
Suna Besa the deities are adorned in gold
ornaments.

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EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
AWARDS AND DINNER

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 48

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
AWARDS AND DINNER

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 49

EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION AWARDS
AND DINNER

DesiPages DFW | July 2021 VOL 29 | 50