Mumbai, May 1 () Personalities from the field of entertainment and sports have come together for a digital concert to be held on May 3 to raise funds for the frontline workers, who are working round the clock to contain the coronavirus pandemic.Facebook has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Indian entertainment to put together a home-to-home fundraiser concert, I For India.All the proceeds from the fundraiser concert will go to the India COVID Response Fund managed by GiveIndia, to support on-ground relief efforts.The vision for the concert is three-pronged: to entertain those locked down in their homes, to pay tribute to those who are working on the frontlines and to raise funds for those who have no work and no home and do not know where their next meal is coming from.The four-hour long concert will be live globally on Facebook on May 3 and will feature performances and personal messages from over 85 Indian and global stars including Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chorpa Jonas, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherji, Madhui Dixit Nene, Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh, Dulquer Salmaan, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Anushka Sharma, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tiger Shroff and Sophie Turner.The music fraternity will see presence of AR Rahman, Bryan Adams, Mindy Kaling, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Jay Sean, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Jonas Brothers, Amaan Ali, Ayaan Ali, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Sonu Nigam, Anoushka Shankar, Arijit Singh, Badshah, Rekha Bharadwaj and others.Filmmakers such Farhan Akhtar, Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Kiran Rao, Zoya Akhtar and personalities from the field of sports such as Rohit Sharma, Saina Mirza and Virat Kohli will also be part of the event.Anushka Sharma said, "While we may be social distancing and that's the requirement I don't think we've ever been more connected. People helping each other, spreading awareness just so that we can protect each other and that is the victory of human spirit."Veteran actor Shabana Azmi said it's time to come "together in kinship and harmony.""It's time we realised how interdependent we are on each other. Irrespective of caste, class, gender, religion or country. It's time for introspection. It's time to shed our prejudices," she added.Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar said, "May we remember the lessons learnt and never forget we aren't above nature, we're just a small part of it."While Rani Mukerji expressed her concern towards instances of child abuse, that has increased during lockdown."I urge you all to stay more vigilant. If you see or hear anything suspicious or odd please report it to the authorities immediately," she added.Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director, Facebook India said, the social media platform is committed to being an ally for India as the country fights the coronavirus outbreak."Our efforts so far have been focused towards providing access to accurate health information and supporting communities around the country. We recently launched Facebook Fundraisers that allow people to leverage the full scale and power of the platform, and their passion, to direct resources to initiatives that can protect and save lives," Mohan said.Mohan said they are grateful to the creators, celebrities and publishers participating in 'Social For Good' Live-athon to drive the fundraisers.Atul Satija, CEO, GiveIndia, said, with the concert going live on the largest social media platform, it will help reach the millions of people who want to contribute."The 'I For India' fundraiser concert, backed by a fabulous line up of stars, really feels like a nation coming together - though we are isolated, we are united in our efforts to win this battle against COVID-19," Satija said. KKP RBRB

COVID-19: Actors, musicians and sports personalities to come together for fundraiser concert

A local's ultimate guide to visiting Dubai

London, Apr 19 () An award winning Indian dancer and choreographer in the UK has started offering a range of online sessions on Indian and Western music under the banner 'Dance Karona' to participants from several nations to beat the blues after the coronavirus lockdown led to cancellations of her upcoming performances in several countries.'Dance Karona' -- says Kuchipudi dancer Arunima Kumar, who begins her class with a digital hug to participants from Poland, Spain, Britain, India, US, Brazil and the UAE.Arunima, former Delhi Police chief Neeraj Kumar's daughter and a London School of Economics (LSE) graduate, left her corporate career to run a dance company in London and the news of the lockdown brought her cancellations for upcoming performances in UK, Poland and France, putting her team under pressure financially and emotionally.However, few days later she had over 100 participants grooving to both Indian and Western music digitally with Arunima offering a range of sessions using Facebook, Instagram and Zoom. The classes include yoga, Indian classical dance, Bollywood fitness, chair dance moves for the elderly with breathing exercises, among others which are also customised as per demands of participants."It was depressing, scary and we felt we had lost our livelihood. It was our darkest hour. I have worked hard past 10 years to build my team and company, engage with my communities through Indian art and culture and at a time when there is so much anxiety and stress, I felt I must stay resilient."I believe that physical distancing may be a new reality in these times but not social distancing. Socially, we must stay connected even more, else we will lose our sanity," she told .She said she was also connecting with artists who have suffered huge losses in their profession due to the lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak that has claimed more than 160,000 lives worldwide."Without people there are no arts and the gig economy is the hardest hit. So it's critical that artists come together in new ways and continue to do what they love - let arts heal the world. Due to this disruption, technology is enabling us to be connected to anyone across the globe online. The world is our stage, through a screen," she added.Arunima, a trained Kuchipudi dancer, an Ustad Bismillah Khan awardee and Sahitya Kala Parishad Scholarship for Dance in 1998, plans to take performances online too. She is also empanelled as an Established artiste with the Indian Council of Cultural Research.She has 700 performances to her credit which include her dance at the Buckingham Palace for the Queen's reception to mark the UK-India Year of Culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit at Wembley stadium where she presented her choreography before 70,000 people and world media as well as Rashtrapati Bhavan in India. According to Kornelya, a participant from Poland, "we need this, it was super energetic and now I am in a positive mood. Next time, I will bring my husband Roberto"."To me, it was meaningful because I got fired last week from my job. I was so low but today I could smile and dance and be free," she said.For Mala Kumar, "it is fun and fitness at its best and there is a reason to dress up and feel good during the lockdown. After two weeks of isolation, I felt happy. I was e-meeting others and had put on make up. It is also great for kids as they can exercise, sing and dance. They feel normal despite the physical closure of schools".Arunima also has an extra-hand during digital classes. Her 6-year-old daughter Aishwarya Gupta, who is now at home until schools open again."She joins in on most sessions, changes her costumes. This keeps her healthy and happy. It's a special moment for me too," she said.Several countries across the globe have imposed lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus which has infected more than 2 million people worldwide. SKL ZHZH

'Dance Karona': Indian dancer's digital classes help beat lockdown blues

The Enforcement Directorate has issued a show-cause notice to singer <keyword id="32443" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rahat-Fateh-Ali-Khan">Rahat Fateh Ali Khan</keyword> and his manager Maroof Ali, both Pakistani nationals, for allegedly violating <keyword id="666765" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="foreign-exchange-rules">foreign exchange rules</keyword> involving Rs 2.61 crore, officials said on Wednesday. The notice, issued on Monday, has been served in a case that pertains to the seizure of undeclared US dollars from Khan at the Delhi airport in 2011. Khan and Ali both live in Pakistan. "The show-cause notice has been served to Khan and Ali for violation of foreign exchange rules," an ED official said. An ED statement said that Khan had engaged the late Chitresh Shrivastava (elder brother of Bollywood singer Aadesh Shrivastava) as global event manager, who used to collect payments on his behalf for various shows performed by him in India. Major part of these payments were received in cash. This was illegally converted into US dollars through unauthorized sources by Shrivastava and the same was handed over to Khan, the ED said. It said that Khan had illegally received $340,000 in India through unauthorized sources with the help of his event manager and with the support of his manager he had illegally taken out $225,000 out of India. The ED has registered a case against Khan and Ali under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) for illegal dealings in foreign exchange and also some Indians for their involvement in supplying foreign currency unauthorizedly. This followed a case filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). On February 13, 2011, Khan and Ali were going to attend a music programme from India to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Khan, a popular Bollywood playback singer, who was in Delhi to perform at an Indo-Pakistan peace initiative, was to board an Emirates flight to Karachi via Dubai with his entourage of 14 persons. Khan and Ali were detained at the Indira Gandhi International Airport for travelling with undeclared currency to the tune of $300,000 (around Rs 2.10 crore) along with Pakistani and Indian currency, the ED official said. The DRI then said that Khan had not declared the amount to the immigration authorities. As per rules, a foreign national cannot carry more than $5,000 in cash and $5,000 in other instruments. In the event he has more cash, he has to declare it to the Customs Department. Khan was unable to give a proper response regarding the source of the money and he also did not show any relevant documents for the same. The ED had earlier questioned Khan a number of times. A case under FEMA is not considered a criminal case. Even the accused is not arrested but if the charges are proven, then the agency can impose heavy fines of up to three hundred times of the said amount. India has had a tenuous relationship with Pakistani stars in the past. Earlier, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam was under the heat for singing Indian songs at an event celebrating Pakistan's Independence Day. In 2017, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a political party in West India, asked all Pakistani artists to leave India following Uri attacks. The 45-year-old nephew of Pakistani singing legend late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was earlier also involved in a controversy when organisers of a concert in Gurugram filed a police complaint against him in July 2010 for his failure to turn up for a show. With inputs from IANS

A Pakistani music icon is accused of smuggling currency

It was a proud moment for A.R. Rahman, also known as the Mozart of Madras, as his band NAFS debuted on the stage in front of the who’s who of <keyword id="369120" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Music-Industry">Indian music industry</keyword>. 
 The occasion was the fifth <keyword id="476600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Global-Indian-Music-Awards">Global Indian Music Awards</keyword> (GiMA), presented by Gionee and Star in Mumbai yesterday. The awards ceremony was anchored by Mika Singh and Manish Paul, and had performances from Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, Pritam, <keyword id="89958" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shraddha-Kapoor">Shraddha Kapoor</keyword>, Benny Dayal, Sonu Nigam, Ankit Tewari, and Shankar Mahadevan among others. 
 
"It has been my privilege to showcase NAFS at GiMA for the first time ever," said Rahman after the sensational debut performance of his band. "For me, to give a platform to the next generation is my mission and this is one of the first initiatives to represent India internationally. The inspiration behind was Stevie Wonder," he added. 
 
Another performance that kept the audience entertained was done by 'The S7- Super 7', which was an act comprising some of the most talented singers of the Indian music industry. 
 
"It has been an absolute honour to bring together some of the world's finest musicians on a platform like GiMA. We've had the privilege of seeing greats like Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Jasraj, Usaat Zakir Hussain and A.R. Rahman on the same stage today," said Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd. 
 
Following is the list of major wins during the ceremony: 
 
· Lifetime Achievement Award – Classical: Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia 
· Global Musician Award: Ustad Zakir Hussain 
· Wizcraft Honour for Best Live Performer: Daler Mehndi 
· Best Fusion Album in the Non-film Category: A.R. Rahman (Coke Studio MTV Season 3) 
· Special Award for Best Music: Red Bull Tour Bus 
· Best Film Album: A.R. Rahman (Highway) 
· Best Music Director: Pritam 
· Best Music Debut (Film): Armaan Malik 
· Best Film Album: Yaariyaan 
· Best Playback Singer Male – Arijit Singh (Muskrane, CityLights) 
· Best Playback Singer Female – Kanika Kapoor (Baby Doll, Ragini MMS2) 
· Best Music Debut (Non-Film category): Armaan Malik 
· Best Celebrity Singer: Shraddha Kapoor (Ek Villain) 
· Best Devotional Music: Shankar Mahadevan (My Devotional Favourites) 
 
The awards were powered by Hungama.com and Kellogg’s Chocos, and would be telecast on Star Plus on March 15.

5th Global Indian Music Awards Held In Mumbai: Highlights

Mumbai is home to several Zoroastrians, who shifted here from Persia and Iran after the Islamic invasions in these countries. Today, the largest population of Zoroastrians resides in India and they are an integral part of the life and culture of Mumbai. They have contributed a lot in its development and continue to mark their presence felt in every sector of the society. 
 Today, we present to you the famous Zoroastrians in the field of <keyword id="1943887" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-entertainment">Indian entertainment</keyword>. 
 
1. Ardeshir Irani 
He is, and will always be, remembered as the person who gave voice to Indian movies. He directed the 1931 film Alam Ara, which was the first sound film of India. In his professional career, he made films in several languages and immortalised his name as the early contributors of <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>. 
 
2. <keyword id="31951" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Boman-Irani">Boman Irani</keyword> 
Perhaps the best known Zoroastrian in Bollywood today, Boman Irani needs no introduction. Starting his career in 2001 with Everybody Says I’m Fine, he has established himself as the leading character actor in Bollywood today. Known for his comic roles, Boman Irani has also won awards for playing negative roles in movies. 
 
3. Daisy Irani 
One of the earliest child actors in Indian cinema, Daisy Irani started acting when she was only three years old. Some of the most memorable roles she did as a child actor were in the movies Jagte Raho, Bhai Bhai, Naya Daur and Dhool Ka Phool. Getting married at a tender age of 19, she made a comeback on screen in 1990s. She was last seen in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, directed by Bela Sehgal. She is the maternal aunt to <keyword id="5015" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Farhan-Akhtar">Farhan Akhtar</keyword>, Zoya Akhtar, Sajid Khan and Farah Khan. 
 
4. Honey Irani 
She too started her career as a child actress (with her younger sister Honey Irani), she turned to script writing after her marriage with playwright Javed Akhtar went sour. The first film to have been penned down by Honey Irani was Sridevi and Anil Kapoor starrer Lamhe. Her other famous films include Aaina, Darr, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Koi... Mil Gaya, Krrish and Krrish 3. She is the mother of Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, and maternal aunt to Farah Khan and Sajid Khan. 
 
5. Shammi Aunty 
She was born as Nargis Rabadi, but has always been lovingly called as Shammi Aunty. Starting her career as a supporting actress in Begum Para and Sheikh Mukhtar starrer Ustad Pedro, she has completed more than 6 decades in the industry. She was last seen as Boman Irani’s grandmother in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. 
 
6. Tanaaz and Bhakhtyar Irani 
The celebrity couple is known for showing some dancing moves in the celebrity dance show Nach Baliye. Their stint in the third season of the popular show Bigg Boss made them a household name, with Bhaktyar Irani reaching in the final four. The couple will soon make a comeback on the television screen, with a new show Badi Door Se Aaye Hai by Hatsoff Productions. The show goes on air on 9th of June, on SAB TV. Delnaaz Irani is the sister of Bhakhtyar and is a famous <keyword id="18579" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="TV-artist">TV artist</keyword> herself, last seen in Sony TV’s Kehta Hai Dil Jee Le Zara. 
 
Other than these, the industry also has several prominent actors and actresses who are half- Zoroastrians. These names include Aruna Irani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, John Abraham, Cyrus Broacha, Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and the late Farooq Sheikh.

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