DesiPages June 2021

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF
PERFECT GROUP OF COMPANIES

SAM THAKKAR Summer, heat and Dallas are synonyms! We are stepping into
Group CEO summers. The last few weeks due to rains have been great and
the temperatures low, but we know what to expect in June.
VAISHALI THAKKAR Nevertheless, the bright sun brings with it a lot of hope and
energy. After the vaccines and since now that they are available
CEO Perfect Tax & Finance & CEO FunAsiA for 12 years and up, there is a huge shift towards things getting
normal. Kids are in their summer vacations and many activities
for them are opening up. We also see a lot of businesses
approaching us for their advertising needs and we totally and
completely see a great movement towards normalcy.

We also did out first big event this year after things stopped
from last year Holi which we had to cancel in March 2020
due to the pandemic. This year we stated with The Chand Raat
Mela. We could feel the pain how our community has been
curbing our festival charm and celebrations. We have stayed
indoors, followed the protocols and our community has been
very a strong contributor towards keeping the pandemic from
spreading. We have stayed indoors and that is remarkable and
calls for a shout out!

We were overwhelmed to see the turnout at the Chaand Raat
Mela. It was a great event with sumptuous food, entertaining
performances, and great Mela Booths. We loved seeing people
shop once again and come together for festivities. We at FunAsia
and the event team with Moody Akhtar, I (Vaishali Thakkar)
promise to bring as many events as possible keeping safety and
protocols in mind, so that we can bring the happiness back to
our community.

FunAsia would once again like to thank you for your continued
support. Your enthusiasm keeps us driving for more innovation
to give you the best in media and entertainment.

To all the businesses, our message is that make your product
known to the consumers by advertising on FunAsia Radio. We
must make up for the lost business, and we will together uplift
each other. As our team for incentives and promotions. We
have great customized packages which gives you visibility on all
our different mediums of advertising. Do get in touch with our
professional sales team.

Last but not the least, we are very accessible to our community,
so never hesitate to write to us directly at [email protected] or
[email protected].

Have a great Month and fun Summer!

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DesiPages

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Tamannaah Bhatia bollywood

Star Culture Is
Changing Rapidly
After the Boom in

Digital Space

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia feels the star owing to the pandemic, emotions around
culture is changing rapidly after the boom in films are different. The way cinema is viewed
the digital space. Tamannaah has been one is going to be different,”said Tamannaah.
of the biggest names in the Tamil and Telugu “So, the whole idea of a star itself is changing
industries for well over a decade, and has very rapidly, and people are watching content
also acted in Bollywood and Kannada films. and liking content for the content and not just
After tasting success on the big screen, she for an individual actor or individual talent,”
has now forayed the digital space. This year, she added. Tamannaah feels fortunate that
she was seen in the web series The 11th Hour she amassed a loyal fanbase through cinema.
and, more recently, November Story. “I think the idea of stardom I saw 10 years
She doesn’t feel the need to choose between ago was probably the most organic way of
the two mediums, of course. “There is developing a loyal fan following, which I
nothing to choose from because at least in have been fortunate to experience,” she said.
my case I get to have both. I just feel that the Talking about her new show, the crime thriller
fan following one could have amassed, say, November Story, the actress says it’s not
10 years ago will be tricky for the generation every day when one gets a character that
today, because with the situation we are in, has a detailed emotion graph. “I have never
been a part of a crime thriller before. So, the
DesiPages genre for me is new and it got me to explore
primarily a father-daughter relationship. There
were many angles to this as to why it became
unique and new for me, and it was literally
like keeping the tension going through the
show in every scene. It was challenging and I
had never done that in my career,” she said,
about the seven-episode whodunit that also
features Pasupathy, GM Kumar, Aruldass,
and Vivek Prasanna, and airs on Disney+
Hotstar VIP.

DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 6

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APPLE, GIN Super Easy Apple, gin and juniper
AND JUNIPER tarte tatinrecipe for you
TARTE TATIN
INGREDIENTS

1. 375g frozen butter
2. puff pastry, thawed
3. 2/3 cup (150g) caster sugar
4. 1/2 cup (125ml) gin
5. 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped
6. 1 1/2 tsp juniper berries
7. 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cores removed,

quartered
8. 50g unsalted butter
9. Vanilla ice cream, for serving

DesiPages INSTRUCTION

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut the pastry into a 24cm
round.

Place sugar, gin, vanilla pod and seeds, and juniper in
a 22cm ovenproof frypan over medium heat, stirring to
dissolve sugar.

Cook for 3-4 minutes or until light golden, then add
apples, core-side facing up, and cook for 1-2 minutes or
until light golden.

Add butter and remove from heat.

Lay pastry over apples and, using metal tongs, carefully
tuck in edges. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is
golden and crisp.

Invert onto a serving plate while still hot and serve with
ice cream.

DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 8

DesiPages Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 07/15/2021

Present coupon before consultation begins. valid till 07/15/2021

DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 9

SARDAR UDHAM cover story
SINGH

and Banita Sandhu as

Shruti Tiwari. Sporting

a vintage look, dressed

in an overcoat with a

hat and a wound scar

on his right cheek, he

looks intense in the

avatar. The period

drama highlights

Udham Singh’s role

in the assassination of

Michael O’Dwyer in

London to take revenge

for the Jallianwala Bagh

massacre in Amritsar

in 1919. The film has

Vicky Kaushal is one of the most sought-after stars been shot in Russia,
in Bollywood, and why not. After giving impressive
performances in several films, he has established UK, Europe, Ireland, Germany,
himself as a bankable actor. In a recent interview,
the actor admitted that while all the success he had and North India. It was wrapped
achieved had not caused him any insecurities, he
did have a fear that one day he would wake up and up in December 2019 and is yet
realize that he has forgotten
how to act. Vicky added that to be released.
somehow losing his talent
would be very difficult for Talking about Sardar Udham
him and something that he
wouldn’t be able to accept Singh, Sircar had said, “I chose
easily.
Shoojit Sircar’s dream project, DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 10
Sardar Udham Singh was
announced in March 2019.
Stepping in the shoes of the
revolutionary freedom fighter
is yet again Vicky Kaushal

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this event as it is one of the most pivotal SARDAR UDHAM SINGH RELEASE
revolutionary contributions to the freedom DELAYED
movement which has albeit gone unnoticed
for generations. Udham’s struggle and Sardar Udham Singh was supposed to
sacrifice is a very important story for be released on January 15, 2021, but
today’s audiences to be made aware of, the release got delayed due to the novel
and I have collaborated with my esteemed coronavirus pandemic. Talking about
writers Riteish Shah and Shubendu his first collaboration with Shoojit Sircar,
Bhattacharya, along with my friend and Vicky had earlier said in a statement,
producer Ronnie Lahiri once again for this “It’s a surreal feeling because it’s like a
humble tribute to the maverick freedom dream come true as I am finally getting
fighter and his story.” to work with him. I have always been a
big admirer of how Shoojit sir looks at
WHO WAS UDHAM SINGH? his stories. The way he is looking at the
character (Udham Singh) and the world
Udham Singh was a well-known freedom is extraordinary as well as beautiful. Plus,
fighter from Punjab. Udham Singh it’s also a big honor for me that finally, I
belonged to the Ghadar party and was am going to be directed by him. Honestly,
best known for assassinating Michael O’ that’s something that will take time to sink
Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor in,” added Vicky Kaushal.
of Punjab in India. Dwyer’s assassination Shoojit Sircar last helmed October, starring
on March 13, 1940, was carried out as Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu. Vicky
revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre Kaushal was last seen in the hit war drama
in 1919. Uri: The Surgical Strike.

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People speak

PEOPLE May 31st -Anti Tobacco Day.
SPEAK
What makes a person stop the consumption of tobacco/
smoking and what hinders them to do so...

Most people who smoke or consume I got some amazing responses. People who could not
tobacco in any form start when they quit, wanted to quit but were unable to do so due to the
are teenagers. Those who have friends addiction. Kevin mentions’” I smoke and want to give it
and/or parents who smoke are more up but am still trying. I would however like to mention
likely to start smoking than those who to people that no one should begin at the first place”.
don’t. Some teenagers say that they “just So people are aware of the consequences but it takes a
wanted to try it,” or they thought it was village to make that change.

“cool” to smoke. Eventually it becomes Nevertheless there were many who quit.
an addiction. Inspite of desiring to quit Here are some top reason why people
people are unable to do so. However, quit smoking.
there are many who go through this
journey of intense addiction, but PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
something triggers them to quit.
Last Month Funasia brought in awareness If anything, you should give up smoking
through our radio frequency 104.9FM for your own health’s sake. Tobacco
FunAsia Radio and through our social smoke contains addictive nicotine, as
media promotions about tobacco usage well as a whole range of other harmful
and observed May 31st -Anti Tobacco chemicals, including carbon monoxide,
Day. formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide.
Different RJ’s brought in awareness on Smoking causes a very long list of
why one should avoid the consumption problems including various cancers, heart disease,
of tobacco and it’s effect on heath. strokes, impotence, and osteoporosis — so stopping
For the people speak column I asked my now will reduce the risk of being affected by these
listeners what the main reason was ‘why conditions in the future. Many RJ’s on the radio talked
someone quit and why some could not’. about the ill effects.

PROTECT THE HEALTH OF OTHERS

Not only is smoking bad for you, it affects others too.
Passive or second-hand smoking means other people
are put at risk by your habit. If you smoke at home, then
you’ll be putting your family at risk too. Many listeners
mentioned how they quit as they felt responsible for their
families, and they were guilty about smoking.

Look & Vanity Reasons

Smoking causes premature aging. Most likely a
smoker’s’ skin is far more wrinkled, pale and generally

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damaged. And think about this: a single cigarette is PEOPLE SPEAK PAGE #2
thought to reduce the blood supply to the skin for up to
an hour. Smoking also stains the teeth which looks bad. smoking for her child’s wellbeing.

FAMILY & SMELL THE PANDEMIC AN EYE-OPENER

Smoke stinks! Non-smokers who spend a few hours Smoking will probably leave you short of
in the company of smokers know how much is smells breath because of the tar it contains, which
because when they get home they stink. Smoke gets inhibits your lungs’ ability to extract oxygen
everywhere — both in your clothing and your hair — from the air you breathe. Giving up will
so that you’ll always need to wash everything to get rid have you feeling better, and your improved
of the nasty smell. One of the listeners Ravi says’ I left lung function may enable you to start doing
smoking when my 4 year old daughter came running more exercise too! If you give up, your lungs
towards me to hug me and immediately pushed herself will begin to heal themselves and eventually
away saying, papa you smell so bad. I could not bear much of the tar that has collected in your
the pain and I quit from then on”. lungs will clear up. The pandemic was the
biggest eye opener to the smokers. Many
Even if you don’t put the health of your family at risk by left at this time.
smoking around them, you may be putting their long-
term security and happiness at risk. GUILT REASONS

EXPENSIVE Sometimes you hide your smoking habit
from family. Mostly in our community kids
Smoking is unbelievably expensive. A 20-a-day smoker hide it from their parents. Chetan says, “I
is thought to spend in excess of £1,800 each year on smoked for 3 years and then gave up, as I
their habit. Plus, if you think about all the cigarettes could not tell my family and it hurt to hide
that you give away to fellow smokers, the cost to you is from them.”
actually even higher. It’s also worth noting that if you Maybe you have your reasons to quit or
have life insurance, it will be significantly cheaper if you one of the above may inspire you to do so!
are a non-smoker.
By Navneeta Khemka
MORE SOCIABLE WHEN NOT SMOKING. as discussed on her show

You might think that enjoying a cigarette with friends is Hit Hai to Bajega
a good, sociable thing to do. But, what about the non- Mon- Thurs 6-8 pm
smokers? Having a cigarette isn’t like enjoying a drink
with friends. When you have a cigarette, you blow the DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 16
smoke around for everyone to share, and quite often
directly in their face. You might be avoided socially.

FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY RISKS

Smoking can have a major impact on a person’s ability
to have children by affecting women’s ovaries and
men’s sperm counts. Additionally, if you’re a woman
and you’re pregnant, there are even more reasons to
give up. Smoking when pregnant can cause low birth
weight, premature birth, abnormal bleeding, and even
miscarriage. Smoking during pregnancy is also thought
to increase the risk of a baby being a victim of cot
death and of going on to develop a range of illnesses
later in life. Priya left smoking because she wanted to
have a baby and after she quit she never got back into

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LIFESTYLE TRENDS lifestyle

POST COVID

Typically, consumers’ supermarket shopping habits are stable and slow to change. When
people do dramatically change their behavior around buying food and beverages, it’s usually
driven by a major life event such as having a baby, moving to a new town, or changing jobs.

The Covid-19 crisis is, of course, changing everyone’slife How much will it increase? 
at once — and anyone who’s been to a grocery store
can bear witness to the industry’s whiplash. During one That is a function of two key factors, namely
week in March, U.S. grocery store sales spiked 77% what employers can gain from more work from
over the previous year, while restaurant sales declined home and what employees want. A survey of
by 66%. In late April, grocery sales were still running CFOs noted that they planned to shift 20% of
8% above average, with restaurants down 48%. their employees to remote work to save costs.
This seems very likely as it shifts a decent part
Now, with the majority of U.S. states poised to reopen of their cost structure from fixed costs (e.g., 10-
businesses, everyone is wondering what the “new year real estate leases) to more variable costs
normal” will look like when it comes to shopping, (e.g., employee compensation). According to a
cooking, and eating. consumer pandemic study by The Cambridge
Group, 44% of Americans fall into archetypes
That extreme scenario is unlikely, but the “new normal” that are highly worried and are taking
will probably include a shift toward more eating at more extreme measures to socially distance
home, which includes both cooking/groceries and themselves. An average of the two ranges
takeout/delivery. The surprising truth, however, is that suggests that 20–30% of workers could end
the food and beverage industry has relatively little up working from home a meaningful amount,
agency in what the future looks like. which is a four to six-fold increase from what it
was just a few years ago. An important note is
Specifically, three factors having nothing directly to do that this massive migration to work from home
with food will influence the future of grocery shopping will be pretty concentrated among high-income
— and many other industries, too. workers in high-income geographies. Sixty-
two percent of Americans in the top 25% of
WORK FROM HOME household income had the option to work from
home, more than double the average. These
The first factor is how many employees can and do local markets will be the canary in the coal mine
choose to work from home permanently. Cooking is for much of the restaurant industry, grocery, and
correlated with time spent at home, and working at many other industry verticals as well.
home is likely to permanently increase post-Covid.
Google has said a majority of its employees
can work from home until 2021. Twitter CEO
Jack Dorsey told employees that they’d be
allowed to work from home permanently, even
after Covid. According to the U.S. Census,
about 5% of American workers primarily
worked from home in 2017, up from over 3%
in 2000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted
that in 2018, 29% of workers had the option
and ability to work at home. Both numbers will
surely increase as a result of the many weeks
in which most professionals found ways to be
productive outside the office.

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DINNER FOR ONE LIFESTYLE #2

The second factor is the continued growth of restaurants to find profitable ways to facilitate that.
single-person households. The benefits of cooking Smart restaurants may even become mini-grocers,
dramatically differ if you’re cooking for one versus selling related food items (shredded cheese with a
many. Cooking for one person is inconvenient and pizza) as consumers seek to consolidate trips. 
not as cost-effective as cooking in bulk. (This is why
recipes rarely offer instructions for making a single Outside of the food-related industries, consumers
serving.) The continued rise of the single-person now want less density. At work, that will mean
household is one of the major culprits in the decline fewer open work environments, crowded elevators,
of cooking overall.  According to the U.S. Census, skyscrapers, or crowded commutes. It may lead to
single-person households increased from 17% in a dramatic rethinking of living in big cities.
1969 to 28% in 2019. From 1984 to 2018, the
number of annual marriages declined by 16%, The business model of college/higher education
to 2.1 million per year, while the U.S. population is predicated on densely packed classrooms and
increased by 72% in that same period. Birth rates in dormitories, which is why so many schools are at
the U.S. fell in 2018 to 3.8 million births, which is a risk of bankruptcy. Airline industry profits rose as
32-year low since 1986. they increased their load factor from 75% in 2005
to 85% in recent years, but that strategy has gone
And despite all the jokes about the potential for out the window. 
a post-Covid baby boom after so many people
have been housebound for months, that is unlikely. Entire schools of thought related to business
Shelter-in-place has probably restricted many would- strategy — from asset utilization, to cost leadership,
be couples from meeting each other, and research to economies of scale — need to be fundamentally
suggests that anxious times tend to depress the birth re-assessed for their viability in a post-pandemic
rate. world. If work from home dramatically increases,
household sizes continue to decrease, and people
DON’T BE DENSE continue to fear density, there is no going back to
the old strategies that drove profits and growth.
The final factor is the realization by investors and
executives that density is no longer desirable Investors and executives need to realize that
by consumers, and numerous industries must band-aid solutions will only prolong the pain.
rapidly revamp both their value proposition, Instead of trying to preserve legacy strategies and
business models, and valuation theses to business models predicated on notions that are
recognize this. Scale, which was previously being upended, they would be better off creating
a massive competitive asset, is increasingly a new categories built on higher levels of working
large liability. from home, the continued growth of single-
person households, and protection from “stranger
In the food business, drive-throughs will likely danger.”
become ubiquitous, not just for fast food, but
for grocery stores and sit-down restaurants. As it turns out, cooking may not be the only
This will require capital expenditures. Delivery category going the way of sewing.
demand will grow, forcing grocers and

DesiPages DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 20

A BHISHEK BACHCHAN bollywood talkies

SAIF ALI KHAN

It has been over a year since the Covid-19 While Saif Ali Khan is one of the most established
crisis hit India, and thus began the rise of online actors in Bollywood right now, he did not enjoy the
streaming platforms. With theatres shut for most same success as the other Khans - Shah Rukh Khan,
of the last year, and even now, many films meant Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. In a new interview,
for a theatrical release took the OTT route. Saif talked about the same and agreed that it worked
Abhishek Bachchan had not one, but two of in his favor, as it not only gave him the freedom to
his films — Ludo and The Big Bull — released experiment but also to forge his own path as an
digitally. actor.
The best thing about such releases, says the As Film Companion’s Anupama Chopra said that
actor, is the fact that the hype around numbers Saif’s relatively less success was a ‘really good thing’
doesn’t take place as it is the case with big-screen for him as an actor, he ‘absolutely’ agreed. “I have
outings. to say these guys - Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir
“Earlier, traditionally, the film’s trailer would - were kind of born somehow to be actors. I think
come out six to eight weeks before its release; it must have been a childhood ambition. Certainly,
now it’s a shorter window. By the time the film I know it was for two of them. I don’t know if it was
comes out, as an actor, the excitement goes out Salman’s ambition anyway but he was certainly built
of the window because of all the nervousness for it and made for the kind of success he saw. I
around initial reactions to the film,” he says and joined movies at a time where you got to aim to
quips, “Although I’ve to admit that on a scale either be a superstar or not bother. And there’s a
of one to hundred, if theatrical was a 100, with point there. It wasn’t really about nuance, different
films coming out on streaming platforms directly, kinds of characters...all that has happened now,” he
nervousness level is at 98.” said.
The 45-year-old notes how in the case of theatres, Saif said that another reason he experimented with
the opening day and weekend collections, different roles is that he became more interested
and this whole number game at the box office in acting and understands it better now. He asked
consumes an actor. everyone to be hopeful because there is no definite
“But in case of the web, they don’t release this path to make it big. “For me, films have also changed.
kind of info. So, it’s a sustained release. There’s I am being offered complex roles and parts, and it is
no pressure to watch it first-day first show, it’s possible to make a lucrative living that can support a
going to be available. That’s the only thing slightly fairly lovely lifestyle,” he said.
lesser — the pressure to meet the opening day Saif credited Akshay Kumar for helping him make it
figure. The rest of it is pretty much still the same,” in Bollywood. The two worked together in films such
he explains. as Yeh Dillagi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, and Tashan.
Having spent two decades in the film industry and
played a variety of roles on screen, Bachchan DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 21
admits that even today, he gets anxious before
any of his projects are about to release.
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5 Myths Regarding out when they will get their refund. Where’s My Refund
Tax Refund tool will always notify taxpayer their tax return has been
issued or not.
Most taxpayers have already filed their tax returns by now.
Due to the catastrophic Texas Storm recently, various Myth 3: Calling the IRS or a tax
individual and business tax deadline were extended for 2 professional will provide a better refund
months for Texans. Estimated tax payments were extended
as well. Many early filers did not get their tax returns in the date.
timely manner as IRS did in the past. Normally IRS aims to
deliver refunds within 21 business days, but it was different Many people think talking to the IRS or their tax professional
this year. In this article we will talk about several myths that is the only way to find out when they will get their refund.
mislead taxpayers. The quickest way to check the status of a refund is online
through Where’s My Refund tool or use the app IRS2Go
Myth 1: Info on Where’s My Refund mobile App. Next option to find your refund is by calling
is wrong because refund amount is IRS hotline 1-800-829-1954. Taxpayer should expect long
hold time on this. There is
different. no need to call the IRS unless Where’s My Refund tells you
to do so.
Just because the refund amount is different in IRS web tool
does not mean that IRS did mistake. There could be many Myth 4: No withholding is required
reasons why the refund amount could be different. Some when I get refund.
of the common ones are taxpayer made typos, taxpayer
owes federal taxes in the prior year, taxpayer owes state This myth is not true because we still need to plan for
taxes, child support, or other delinquent federal non-tax forthcoming year income. Taxpayers expected income
obligations. IRS usually holds a portion of the refund while might go lower or higher depending on personal
it reviews an item claimed on the return. circumstances. Depending on how income will change,
we should adjust their tax withholding with their employer.
Myth 2: Secret way to know the refund is Easiest way to do this is either talk to your accountant
getting tax transcript from IRS. or use Tax Withholding Calculator. Special life event like
spouse starting to work, spouse stopped working due to
Ordering tax transcript from IRS will not assist in any way to pregnancy, job promotion & pay increase, job change &
discover your refund. Doing so will not help taxpayers find pay decrease, job loss for partial year, divorce, birth of a
child, change in dependent due to children now working
etc. can change your withholding.

Myth 5: Where’s My Refund Info May
not be Accurate.

Many taxpayers think that online IRS tax tool must be
wrong when their deposit info is missing. This updates ‎on
both IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app are made daily.
Updates usually happen overnight. Although IRS aims to
issue all refunds within 21 days, it is very possible that
they are backlogged due to unforeseen circumstances.
Often, IRS might need additional information to issue the
refund. In such case, IRS will contact the taxpayer by mail.
Taxpayers should also consider additional time that the
bank might also take to process the refund into the account.
In addition, postal mail service might be backlogged if you
are expecting manual check from IRS.

Diwas Dhungel,
Senior Director
Perfect Tax & Finance

Must present coupon at the time Must present coupon at the
of appointment. Not valid with time of appointment. Not valid

anyother offer. with anyother offer.
Offer expires 30 June 2021 Offer expires 30 June 2021

Conditions Apply Conditions Apply

DesiPages DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 23

STARs REVEAL

DISHA PATANI: EACH FILM THAT
I HAVE DONE IS SPECIAL TO ME

Disha Patani is basking in the success of her recent release Radhe: Your Most
Wanted Bhai, co-starring Salman Khan. Incidentally, Disha has completed
five years in Bollywood this year; her debut in Bollywood was with the sports
biopic MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, which hit the screens in 2015.
Elated with the big achievement, Disha reveals that things just happened
organically. She shared, “Time just flew and I am so grateful that I got such
amazing opportunities. Each film that I have done is special for me. And I
feel I really just got lucky with everything that I have got, I’m very happy. I had
never planned this, in fact, I had planned to be an air force pilot and clearly,
that is not working.”
When lockdown norms were eased, Disha had taken off to Goa to shoot for
her next thriller ‘Ek Villain Returns’. Giving a sneak peek into her role, the
actress quipped, “Fans will get to see a very different side of mine, hopefully!
We have shot quite a lot for it but we still have some important parts to can.”
Directed by Mohit Suri, Ek Villain Returns also features John Abraham, Arjun
Kapoor, and Tara Sutaria.
Apart from this, Disha will also be seen in KTina, wherein she essays the role
of a superstitious Punjabi girl. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, this entertainer is
being directed by Ashima Chibber.

NEENA GUPTA SAYS NOW ACTORS HAVE THE CHANCE
AND CHOICE TO EXPERIMENT WITH THEIR WORK

Neena plays Sardar a fiery old grandmother with a heart of gold, who
has a wish to see her home in Lahore. The 61-year-old brought tries
bringing alive a 90-year-old with the aid of prosthetics for the perfect
look.
Talking about actors now pushing the envelope and not shying away
from portraying older characters, Neena said, “It is because times
have changed. and the way people are writing scripts -- various kinds
of scripts. The way actors are getting a variety of roles and the most
important thing is that the audience is accepting it has also helped.
It is a very encouraging thing.” She hopes that the audience likes her
role in the film.
“If people like me in this film, it will be such a great thing for me and
I think there will be a lot of other actors who would also have the
courage to do something like this. The first thing I said was ‘I don’t
want to play such an old woman’, but when I read the script I said ‘I
have to do it’,” she said.
The actress added, “Nowadays, we actors have a chance to pick up
stuff that is a little ‘hatke’, different, and not the usual stuff. Actors are
very happy to experiment -- like the producers, directors, and writers
are experimenting. It is a great time.”

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Vidya Balan’s Sherni to release BOLLYWOOD BONANZA

on Amazon Prime Video

Vidya Balan-starrer Sherni will be directly released on Amazon Prime
Video. The OTT platform announced that the film will begin
streaming from June. Directed by Amit Masurkar and produced
by T-Series and Abundantia Entertainment, Sherni stars Vidya
Balan as an honest forest officer.
In the poster, Vidya Balan is seen in a forest officer’s uniform
with a walkie-talkie in hand.
Speaking about the film, producer Bhushan Kumar said
in a statement, “Sherni is one of the most unconventional
and engaging films I have had a chance to produce and
I am thrilled that it’s premiering on Amazon Prime Video
as the movie will travel to a global audience. As always, it
has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Vikram
and I look forward to creating more entertaining and
exceptional content with Abundantia Entertainment.”
Apart from Vidya Bala, Sherni’s cast includes Sharad Saxena,
Mukul Chaddha, Vijay Raaz, Ila Arun, Brijendra Kala, and
Neeraj Kabi. As an honest forest officer, Vidya Balan’s character
struggles for a balance in a world of man-animal conflict. Sherni
has been shot in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh.

Vidya Balan was last seen in Shakuntala Devi, which released on
Amazon Prime Video

DesiPages Amrita Rao

says male actors can have two kids and still

romance younger leading ladies

Amrita Rao talked about how female actors’ careers are impacted by
their decision to get married and have children. She said that male
actors’ professional lives are not affected by these factors.
Amrita admitted to being worried about the change in her professional
life after having a baby. “Invariably, you are afraid of things changing.
You are afraid of the whole perception changing and it happens to girls
only. It doesn’t happen to guys. You can have a kid or two kids and
still romance younger leading ladies. Life doesn’t change at all for the
leading men but it changes a little for the leading ladies,” she said.
This was not the case in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Amrita said, citing
the example of Nutan and Sharmila Tagore, who continued to have
successful careers even after marriage and having children. However,
from the 1980s onwards, the scene suddenly changed, she said.
Amrita said that Kajol is perhaps the only exception in recent times. “My
generation yet has to see that,” she said, adding that many actors who
chose to embrace motherhood are yet to ‘get back to plummer roles’
and resume from where they left off. “I think we might achieve that,”
she said.

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TALENT

BEAUTY
LYRICAL POEM
BY: ASHVI THAKKAR

DesiPages You said I wore too much makeup so I took it all off
You didn’t want me to be perceived like a “clown”.
I took off all my make up and you said i looked tired “did you get enough sleep”
Have you not been drinking water?

You Told me I was putting on weight, so that day I didn’t eat
The cycle tended to repeat
AND you told me i was looking too skinny and you could see through my bones
So I put on more weight.

You said that my waist should be small but my curves should be big.
I should be tall but not as tall as a “mammoth”.
My lips should be big but not too big that they’re not fun to kiss.
My skin should be clear like a porcelain doll or like an abyss.
My thighs should be big but if there isn’t a gap then I’m fat.
If my butt wasn’t big than I’m “flat”
But so help me if I see fat on my back or my stomach then I am overweight and you said
nobody wants that.

You built me how you want
And you slowly broke me down
You taught me if my proportions were not aligned then I would be ugly.
You told me your version of beauty is never what I would be.

but here’s the thing

I wasn’t made to please you and I wasn’t made to tease you
I am and always have been the definition of beauty
No matter my hip dips
My height, my stomach or my thighs.
No matter my curves my lips or my skin
No matter how much makeup I wore or chose not to wear.

Because it’s not yours, it’s mine.
I dictate who I am what I am what i wear and how I see myself
My confidence radiates above you
And that’s my beauty
My beauty is my pride that I didn’t let you break
My beauty is my Lips that I didn’t let you take
My beauty is my words that I didn’t let you shake
My beauty is me And in my eyes that is the best beauty to be.

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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]

DesiPages DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 29

bollywood news

ANANYA PANDAY SONAKSHI DISHA PATANI

She made her Bollywood debut with Just when things were beginning Disha Patani is basking in the
Student Of The Year 2 alongside to look up for the entertainment success of her recent release
Tiger Shroff and Tara Sutaria. In the industry, film and TV shoots once Radhe: Your Most Wanted
past two years, the actress has grown again took a backseat owing to a Bhai, co-starring Salman Khan.
and transformed into a complete constant spike in cases amid the Incidentally, Disha has completed
performer. Ananya has moved from second wave of Covid-19. Luckily, five years in Bollywood this year;
strength to strength ever since she actor Sonakshi Sinha was able to her debut in Bollywood was with
has set foot in the show-biz. wrap her web debut project, Fallen, the sports biopic MS Dhoni: The
Reflecting upon the journey she has in the nick of time right before the Untold Story, which hit the screens
had, the actress shared, “It’s been latest curbs were imposed. The actor in 2015.
such a wonderful journey these past admits that she could sense the Elated with the big achievement,
two years and I’m truly so grateful tension when she was working with a Disha reveals that things just
and blessed to be living my dream. host of restrictions and it felt “scary” happened organically. She shared,
I wouldn’t be here without the love, to remove her mask during the shoot, “Time just flew and I am so
encouragement, wisdom, and advice though, given the circumstance one grateful that I got such amazing
from all the people I’m surrounded can’t do much but get used to it. opportunities. Each film that I have
by. I’m forever thankful to all the “You have to move with the times done is special for me. And I feel I
technicians, directors, DOPs, and and what’s happening. This is the really just got lucky with everything
actors I’ve worked with because I’ve circumstance we are in, we can’t that I have got, I’m very happy. I
learned so much from every one of crib and complain,” she says, quick had never planned this, in fact, I
them which will be lessons I’ll carry to admit that it does feel “weird” as had planned to be an air force pilot
with me forever. And nothing would nobody is used to working like that. and clearly, that is not working.”
be possible without my fans (I don’t “It’s a new thing for all of us involved, When lockdown norms were eased,
like that word so I’m going to call so it took time getting used to. And Disha had taken off to Goa to
them Ananians - a word they cutely the entire experience of being inset shoot for her next thriller ‘Ek Villain
coined for themselves) the immense before the second wave felt “very Returns’. Giving a sneak peek
love they shower me with every day surreal” to Sinha, who explains, “It into her role, the actress quipped,
motivates me to work doubly hard. was such a proud feeling that we “Fans will get to see a very different
I hope to continue working even were a unit of 300 people and not side of mine, hopefully! We have
harder, challenging myself, never one person tested positive for Covid. shot quite a lot for it but we still
stop learning and have many more Everybody was taking precautions, have some important parts to
adventures on movie sets.” followed all protocols, and was really can.” Directed by Mohit Suri, Ek
has donned challenging roles for her careful. Finishing an entire series like Villain Returns also features John
films, right from SOTY2 where she Fallen wasn’t a small task, as it was Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, and Tara
played a girl in college to a mature an outdoor shoot in Rajasthan. I’m Sutaria.
girl in Pati Patni Aur Woh, and happy we were able to do it. Apart from this, Disha will also be
recently a proper Bambaiya girl with Besides this web series, Sinha had a seen in KTina, wherein she essays
swag in Khaali Peeli. She is also the few more professional commitments the role of a superstitious Punjabi
youngest actress to boast the likes of lined up, but she is “consciously” girl. Produced by Ekta Kapoor, this
a Pan-India film. not going out right now and will step entertainer is being directed by
out the moment things seem under Ashima Chibber.
control.

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Businesses On-Air At FunAsiA Radio

DesiPages DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 34

MORE THAN A MANAV

The first time I heard the name Manav was when Sushant Singh Rajput was in the final year of
I took my tenth-grade board exams at an external his engineering degree at the coveted Delhi
examination site: Manav Public School in New College of Engineering when he enrolled
Delhi. The second time was twelve years back in himself in Shiamak Davar’s dance classes,
New Jersey when I had begun watching Pavitra and later, in Barry John’s acting classes.
Rishta on Zee TV, a soap opera that I followed for Soon, he moved to Mumbai, jumped from
at least a couple of years. The lead male actor’s theaters to Balaji Telefilms, from a side role
name in that popular drama was Manav. He was in “Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil” in 2008 to
a dutiful son and a devoted husband, who was the lead role in “Pavitra Rishta” in 2009. So,
sandwiched between his overbearing mother and a when in 2011 he decided to enter Bollywood,
submissive wife. Years later, this “Manav” created a and to enroll in a course in filmmaking at
buzz in the media by ditching his small screen fame Stanford University, both his friends and fans
for the tantalizing but obscure world of Bollywood, were surprised. But they shrugged. With
allegedly angering his producer, and disappointing his deep interest and profound knowledge
his dedicated fans, who in the two-and-a-half years in astronomy and physics, he was already
had been loving him as a modern-day Shravan an anomaly in India’s tinsel town. He was
Kumar. As one of the most popular television someone who possessed an innocent smile
faces in 2011, at the time he was considered a and a kind attitude; someone who not only
torchbearer for upholding Indian culture and carried heavy books with him to the sets, but
sanskriti on small screen, a position he relinquished also read them with abandon.
overnight to pursue bigger dreams. This was not We all are familiar with SSR’s nine-year-long
the first time he had decided to take the “road less Bollywood journey. Whether as an impulsive
traveled” or play with fire. And certainly, this would and idealistic young man in Kai Po Che, or
not be his last.
DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 35
DesiPages

Indian cricket captain in the biopic M.S. Dhoni: practices of mayanagari to be challenged; And
The Untold Story, his work displayed the same hence, sparking a revolution, the kind of which
dedication and honesty, which was the reason Bollywood had never encountered in its one-
his first famous character––Manav––had swiftly hundred-year-old history.
become a household name. While his popularity The case of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death
was growing exponentially, his charm and remains unsolved, and from last year has been
intelligence and humility and talent and hard with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
work must be making many uncomfortable, or After several ugly political, and news and
at least that had been the speculation in the last entertainment industry wars, and countless top
one year. trending twitters by the fans of SSR, who are also
called warriors, his strange and untimely death
This month marks the one-year death anniversary continues to be a mystery even after a year.
of Sushant Singh Rajput. Lately, I have been Despite his consistent power-packed
thinking about how his death has impacted performances, Sushant Singh Rajput never won
us in ways his life has failed to do so. How in a Filmfare award (though he did garner some
the end, he outgrew his popular screen name, other awards during his short career), but if
“Manav,” which means a human, to morph there would be a Filmfare award for an actor’s
into a superhuman, who is not at all like the popularity freshly measured after his or her
familiar Marvel comics superheroes in enticing death, or its impact on his or her fans and world
costumes ready to save humanity at the drop of at large, doubtlessly SSR would have won it in
a hat, but rather is the essence, definition, and 2020, though the same year saw the unfortunate
symbol of humanity itself. SSR was the mirror in and unexpected demise of the legendary and
which a common Indian caught in the throes highly acclaimed actors: Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan
of pandemic, serial lockdowns, unemployment, Khan.
and uncertainty saw his reflection. The death
of SSR became the portal that allowed the As I reflect on the turmoil that the demise of SSR
has caused in the last year, both among Indians,
DesiPages and Indian diaspora in the US and elsewhere;
reminisce about SSR’s splendid work; remember
his smile; wonder about his brilliant mind; and
get inspired from his aspirations; I think of his
first TV series, “Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil,”
in which after having died prematurely, he was
brought back as a spirit in the last episode.
And strangely enough, as if the spirit of SSR has
returned in real world too, he continues to affect
and arouse us, and rule the hearts of Indians in
an unprecedented manner.

RJ PARO

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goodreads MADHURI’S MUSINGS

When my Bike became
my Best Friend…

I have a new BFF and one that I never envisioned. to your heart’s content. Cycling is enjoying the
Yes, it took a pandemic to realize that my cycle wildflowers dancing in the wind, setting your own
could become my new best friend. From a prior rhythm even when life is a whirlwind.
busy schedule of driving to work, kid’s school INTEGRATING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT:
and social commitments, the world suddenly Focusing on the road keeps your mind sharp,
shrank with restraints on travel and even local body balanced and the spirit happy and carefree.
socializing. But my bike quickly doubled up Although counter-intuitive, even when you feel
and filled some of the new gaps that arose tired or down, just go for a spin and you can feel
after Covid-19. Cycling helped in stepping into the difference after a ride. Cycling elevates your
the great outdoors and being on the move; spirits.
an experience where the journey itself is the EXPLORING TRAILS: While the travel industry
destination! was hit by Covid-19, travelling through trails was
Just keep moving: As Einstein said,
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep
your balance, you must keep moving”.
While the pandemic gave a feeling of
being stuck, cycling was the opposite
and gave a feeling of moving forward.
Cycling regularly energized me and
even with unmasking and returning to
normal life, cycling is a habit that will
continue to be a part of my life.
SIMPLE PLEASURE: There is both a
freedom and joy in pedaling away

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indeed revived. Trail usage increased by nearly 50% MADHURI’S MUSINGS
and bike sales surged this past year. I’ve explored
secret trails and back routes on my cycle. Sometimes standards to compete with yourself and raise
it’s the GPS and Google maps and sometimes it’s the bar! When I first graduated to 10+ double
my own inner compass navigating me and guiding digit miles on my cycle, I was ecstatic. I never
my next turn or direction. thought miles would be a milestone for me!
SUNRISE AND SUNSET RIDES: A sunrise jaunt gives I’m sure race riding is fun too, but for now I
a refreshing start to the day. Early morning biking is enjoy my solo riding.
not only invigorating but gives you a precious dose Discovering Hidden Gems: The joy of
of morning sunlight for your soul. While I enjoy discovering hidden gems during your rides
listening to music while biking, sunrise rides don’t adds to the pleasure of cycling. From old
require headphones. You can enjoy birds’ chirping bridges with a story, or delightful encounters
their sweet and sharp melodies as you witness the with surrounding wildlife, I began writing
glorious morning sun waking the world from your stories from the trails, thanks to cycling.
bike. Rails to Trails: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
SUSTAINABLE LIVING: World Bicycle Day is is a national movement to reconnect America
celebrated on June 3rd and was designated by the UN and transform communities with trails and
as a day dedicated to cycling. What better mode of pathways. Check out the The Great American
transport than cycling which has zero pollution! Your Rail Trails project of exploring America’s
own energy is the fuel that keeps you moving. Urban heritage by trail and connecting cyclists across
planning of the future will be more oriented toward the country from Washington DC to Washington
having cycling pathways to promote environmentally State. I hope to one day experience this trail
friendly transport and a sustainable lifestyle. when it is fully functional.
FITNESS FRIENDLY: From cardio-vascular fitness Well, because of the pandemic I discovered
to flexibility, cycling is a great fitness activity across a new buddy and one that will be in my life
different age groups. Whether it’s up the hills or forever. Every ride and every mile, brings
down a backroad, cycling can take you on nature’s new possibilities and a boost of happiness
natural treadmill. Whether you are a trail rider or a hormones. If you haven’t cycled in a while,
backroad biker, it’s a fun way to burn away some head out for a quick ride and you will find that
calories and improve your fitness quotient. life gets better on a bike.
BOOSTING BRAINPOWER: Research
reflects that cycling helps in building
new brain cells as it boosts oxygen to the
brain. University of Illinois researchers
found that a 5% improvement in
cardio-respiratory from cycling led to
a 15 % improvement in mental tests.
I’ve personally felt creatively inspired
when I cycle.
CAREFREE TO COMPETITIVE: If
carefree riding is not for you, you
can easily switch gears to competitive
cycling. Start with having your own

DesiPages DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 39

nation of immigrants, and one so interconnected
to the world through family, trade and culture,

Indian American doctors and public health
experts who gained prominence during the
pandemic are using their platforms to raise
funds

FunAsia has helped many local organizations
such as DFW Gujarati Samaj, VYO, and the
Indian Chamber of Commerce among many
others to raise awareness for donation drives
through our weekly ‘Community Round-up’
radio program,

Namaste /Aadab Community Round-up is a weekly segment
to help all nonprofit associations, religious
A big hello to the vibrant community of the and social organizations to promote their
DFW metroplex. organizations, events, and activities. It airs
every Saturday, between 2 PM and 3 PM on
I am so glad that we are connecting with the 104.9 FM.
entire community on so many levels, and “Desi
Pages” is one of the best platforms where we In the past few weeks, we have helped several
can bring the community together. organizations such as Shri Saibaba temple of
Plano, VYO Foundation, HNA, Animal Rescuers
May was the month of a lot of festivities including of Texas and others in promoting their activities
celebrations for Eid and Buddha Purnima, all and initiatives. If you are part of any such
around the community. We had a successful organizations and would like to be a guest on
community event, ‘Chand Raat mela’ that had our weekly segment “Community Roundup,”
great participation from the entire community. please do email me at [email protected].
It is great to see all our lives coming back to
normal in a slow and gradual manner. In this short amount of time, we have received
an overwhelming amount of support from the
We have a vaccination drive that has reached community for this new segment. Once again, I
nearly half of Americans and anticipation of a am thankful to our dynamic CEO, Mrs. Vaishali
“return to normalcy” by July 4th. At the same Thakkar, for her exceptional leadership in
time COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed in our endeavor to reach out to the community.
India, placing a severe strain on the health Once again, many thanks to the community
system. Hospitals have run out of beds and for continually supporting FunAsia Radio
oxygen, medication is running low, and there and helping us in ‘Bringing The Community
are vaccine shortages. Together’.

The ongoing crisis in India and the fallout in Always at you service,
the United States illustrates how the global
pandemic will continue to inflict misery even if Neelam Dave
infections plunge inside American borders. A

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Malik Jamal

Senior Manager - Marketing at Discount Power NRG
Texas - Houston, Texas, United States

By Navneeta Khemka

When I addressed Malik Jamal from Discount the flight. He has no regrets but thanks his
Power as a tycoon and a well-known figure grandfather and uncle because of whom
in the community, He laughed and corrected his entire family is happily settled in the US.
me by saying that a tycoon has wealth and
power, and he has neither. His wealth is his Malik’s love for music started him off as
knowledge and the support he gets from a Disc Jockey (DJ) and his personality
the community. The power is the electric of involving everyone is contagious. He
power he supplies through Discount Power. was soon noticed as a person who could
He gives the credit of being well-known to entertain people and he made good friends
his friends, supporters, and the community. along the way. He jokes and says that he
That was a very humble gesture, but we at did not know when his career began. He
FunAsia and the community is well aware of had finished his under graduation from the
his contributions. University of Houston and was working in
a call center providing support to callers.
Malik Jamal had his own share of struggles. He was approached by a startup electricity
Success did not come easy to him. He came company to join him immediately. He says,
to the US at a mere age of nine. He gives ‘At that time I was not even aware who my
the credit to his grandfather who was a own electricity provider was, as I was in
visionary and sent him to the United States my comfort zone and ignorant about it”.
of America with his neighbor to live with his However, he took the opportunity and rest
uncle. He remembers how his mother got is history. He has been in this industry for
to know about this just a few hours before the past 17 years.

DesiPages DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 42

Mr. Jamal went on to do his master’s from struggling with absurd bills of thousands
Rice University and joined Discount Power of Dollars that they received from other
after the old company was bought out. Since companies during that time. Hence, he
then, he has been with them for over 8 years. cautions people to beware of smaller
He says “I am not a salesperson. I just educate discounts and not go after short windfall
people, on their electricity bills. I will never gains and go with stable companies who
force anyone”. That is a personality of Malik will take care of them always.
Jamal that goes a long way, along with his Malik Jamal’s love for music and crossword
intense desire to help the community. puzzles help him unwind. He feels blessed
to have a strong network of friends. We
He is involved in a lot of community services at FunAsia and Desi pages are so blessed
and helps people whenever he can. He says, to have him as our biggest supporter in
“I am what I am because of the community”. everything that we do towards our motto
He sponsors events that the community goes of bringing the community together. We
to. He believes that if no one sponsors, wish him more power to accomplish all
such events will not happen- whether they that he aspires!
be religious, entertainment or social events.
Through Discount Power and personally Other works and Titles
he makes sure that he gives back to the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
community. In fact, his dream is to make South Asian Chamber of Commerce-2018
enough so he can dedicate his entire time to – Present
help and volunteer. Of the many volunteering
activities, he even looks into essays of young CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
kids applying for schools, as he is aware how Nizari Progressive Federal Credit Union-
important that is from his experience, growing Apr 2017 – Present
up.
IPN LEAD FOR THE SOUTHWEST REGION
He has been the 1st Generation here in Ismaili Professionals Network (IPN)-Jul
the US and his message to the younger 2013 – Present
generation is to never give up, be ethical, PRESIDENT
keep Morales high, think before action, and South Asian Chamber of Commerce- Jan
include your mind and not only heart when 2016 – Mar 2018
making decisions. He strongly believes that
what goes around comes around and people
need to treat others with respect.

Regarding the future of his industry, he reflects
that there will always be a need for electricity.
However,the winter storm of March impacted
the industry in a big way. Many companies
became bankrupt and lost billions of Dollars.
It did impact Discount Power, but since it has
strong financial backing, they survived. They
also gave back to the community to rebuild.
In fact, he mentions that many people are still

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PAKISTAN CORNER

Celebrating
the Celebrities

Waseem Akram

EXCITING & INTERESTING

Till date, two Pakistani’s have won the Nobel June 3rd marks the birthday of such an
Prize. amazing Pakistani sportsman, without whom
the world of cricket would not have been the
1. Abdus Salam (late): He was a theoretical same. A man who needs no introduction, a
physicist who won the Nobel Prize in man who redefined cricket, a man who is
physics for his contribution to electroweak considered one of the greatest bowlers of all
unification theory in 1979. He shared this time. He is none other than, Wasim Akram.
award with Sheldon Glashow and Steven He played as a left-arm fast bowler for
Weinberg. He was the first Pakistani and Pakistan in both Test Cricket and One Day
Muslim to ever receive a Nobel Prize in International (ODI) matches. With several
science. records and accolades under his belt, he is
still amongst the top favorites of many cricket
2. Malala Yousafzai: She is a woman’s lovers both nationally and internationally.
education activist known for her dedication With his ventures like, international
and hard work towards protection of commentator, coaching for Pakistan Super
women and children’s educational rights. League (PSL) teams, coaching for Indian
She won the Nobel Peace prize in 2014 Premier League (IPL) teams, as well as
and shared it with Kailash Satyarthi of modeling, Wasim Akram has kept himself
India. Both Malala and Kailash struggled relevant and a lovable personality of the
against the suppression of children and cricket world.
young people and for the right of all
children to education” Malala was only 17 Let’s all wish him a very happy birthday!
when she was awarded the Nobel prize,
making her the youngest-ever laureate.

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IMTIAZ ALI

8 BEST MOVIES OF IMTIAZ ALI THAT NO MOVIE BUFF SHOULD MISS!

1. Highway

When Veera is kidnapped a day before her wedding
with a man she doesn’t love, by a local gangster
named Mahabir, rather than being terrified for
her safety, she instead finds a kind of freedom she
had longed for her entire life. In the course of the
journey, they both eventually let down their guards
and share each other’s deepest, darkest secrets.
Highway received widespread acclaim upon its
release, with particular praise for performances
by Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. For its deep
message, Highway can be considered one of the
best movies by Imtiaz Ali.

Imtiaz Ali turns 50 on June 16th. We would 2. Laila Majnu
like to rejoice and highlight the great work
he has contributed towards Indian Cinema, Based on the classic folklore of Layla Majnun, and
akin to Romeo and Juliet, Imtiaz’s Laila Majnu
as this film director, producer, and writer follows the story of a young girl named Laila who
strides towards his milestone birthday. falls in love with a man named Qais. However,
their families are rivals and do not support the
Born in Jamshedpur (part of Bihar back in the union, and Laila is married off to another man.
day), Imtiaz Ali is a renowned film director Qais on the other hand leaves for London. When
in India and is especially known to have told he comes back after 4 years, they’re tempted to
some of the most relatable love stories of our rekindle the old romance. The movie launched two
time. Ali made his directorial debut with Socha new faces: Tripti Dimri and Avinash Tiwary, whose
Na Tha, which didn’t do well at the box office, chemistry on-screen was praised immensely. The
but received critical acclaim. It was however the two went on to star together in another critically
Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor starrer Jab acclaimed movie, Bulbbul.
We Met that put Imtiaz Ali on the map for the
most popular Indian directors working today. 3. Socha Na Tha
He delivered back-to-back hits thereafter, with
movies like Love, Aaj Kal, Rockstar, and Cocktail. Viren and Aditi meet each other through their
And while his recent ventures haven’t been the families, who want them to consider marrying.
best (including the forgettably drab Jab Harry However, Viren, who has a girlfriend, rejects
Met Sejal), we look forward to his future ventures Aditi, which offends her aunt, who had set up the
in hopes of some good cinema. With that, we meeting. Some days later, Viren and Aditi meet
bring you the 8 best movies of Imtiaz Ali that you again and strike an instant friendship. Despite
must not miss! being a box office failure, Socha Na Tha received
critical acclaim and set an early tone for Imtiaz’s
DesiPages often whimsical love stories.

DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 46

4. Rockstar one of the best movies of Imtiaz Ali in general.

Janardan is a simpleton from Haryana who wants 7. Tamasha
to be a rockstar like his idol, Jim Morrison. He
is told that to be a rockstar, one needs to be Tamasha follows Ved Pradhan, picking up his
heartbroken. When he meets Heer, a girl from story at various points of time in his life – at
Stephen’s, he is struck by her beauty and pursues childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and
her. They eventually strike a connection, but Heer presents it in a non-linear narrative. As an adult,
falls in love with another man and moves to Prague, Ved meets Tara in Corsica, where they playfully
leaving Janardan devastated, and causing him to decide to not reveal their real identities to each
transform into Jordan – the rockstar he had always other unless they fall in love. Tara however ends
wanted to be. However, that is not the end of up falling in love with Ved anyway but doesn’t
their story. Rockstar opened to critical acclaim as tell him anything. Years later, Tara meets him
well as praise from the general public. Kapoor’s again, and they begin a relationship, but Ved’s
performance as Jordan and A.R. Rahman’s music personality has changed drastically due to the
was unanimously lauded. The movie has earned monotony of his job. Tamasha opened to mixed
a cult following over the years and is undeniably reviews from critics, but the performances by the
one of the best movies of Imtiaz Ali. main cast were lauded. Over the years, the movie
accumulated a cult following.
5. Love Aaj Kal
8. Cocktail
Love Aaj Kal follows two parallel stories set in
different periods. In the present, Jai and Meera are Cocktail opens with Meera, a girl from India,
dating but do not wish to settle. They break up with landing in London with her newly wedded
each other when their careers give them an excuse. husband who informs her that he only married
Meera comes to India and starts a relationship her for her money. Veronica, a wild party girl,
with her boss, and Jai dates a Swiss woman. They notices Meera crying in the washroom and takes
think they have moved on – until they meet again. her home. The two then go to a nightclub, where
In the past, Veer pursues Harleen. Despite never they meet Gautam, a flirtatious man who ends
having talked to her, he wants to marry her. Her up spending the night with Veronica. Although
family has however already fixed her marriage, Meera doesn’t like him at first, they soon become
and Veer must convince them somehow. Love friends and all three of them start living together.
Aaj Kal was a critical and commercial success, However, Gautam’s mother comes looking for
receiving praise for the Imtiaz’s direction and her, and Gautam lies to her that he’s with Meera.
vision, and its melodious soundtrack by Pritam. Cocktail was much liked by audiences and was a
box office hit, even though reviews by critics were
6. Jab We Met mixed.

Probably the film that brought Imtiaz Ali to the We hope you liked our list of the best movies by
spotlight to a much wider audience than before, Imtiaz Ali.
Jab We Met follows the story of two strangers who
meet on a train – a ridiculously boisterous and DFW | June 2021 VOL 28 | 47
talkative girl named Geet who’s planning to elope
to marry her boyfriend, and a rather depressed
business tycoon Aditya, whose life is in shambles.
They initially bicker amongst each other, but
eventually form an unlikely bond and set out on
a journey that changes their lives forever. Jab We
Met was Imtiaz Ali’s first hit, and was one of the
most successful movies of the year 2007, and is

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