Spotlight

The Shehanai Plays On: Recalling Ustad Bismillah Khan On His 102nd Birth Anniversary

Published

7 years ago

March 21, 2018

FWDmedia

Image from: newsgram.com

Google pays its tribute to the maestro by featuring the greatest shehnai player on today’s Doodle

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

For generations of past and current Indians, the subtle melodies of the humble shehnai were recognized and raised beyond traditional Indian weddings thanks to the master of the instrument – Ustad Bismillah Khan. Born in Dumraon, in the Buxar district of British India on March 21 in 1916, the maestro passed away on August 21, 2006. On his 102nd birthday today, we continue to remember him and his rich musical legacy that he left behind.

Hailing from a family of traditional musicians, Ustad’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather were court musicians who played in the palace of the Raja of Bhojpur. Ustad had the privilege of playing his shehani at the Red Fort at the time of India’s independence, on August 14, 1947. Thereafter, it became an annual affair. It is little wonder then, that Bismillah’s stature led him to become a recipient of India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 2001, being only the third Indian musician to be awarded the tribute after MS Subbulakshmi and Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Having begun playing the shehnai at the age of 14, it was his concert at the Calcutta All India Music Conference in 1937 that shot him and the shehnai into the mainstream of classical music in India, after which the instrument and the man become synonymous with each other. His reverence for the shehnai was so much so that after the death of his wife, he began referring to his instrument as ‘Begum’. As a result, in a mark of respect, his shehnai was buried with him when he passed away.

A gentle soul, Ustad was known as a symbol of communal harmony. He has performed all around the world and has been venerated by various orgganisations. The Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi brought out an award in his name in 2007, titled, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 in 2008. And among many others, Google is celebrating his brith anniversary with his image as today’s Google Doodle. The image has been illustrated by Chennai-based illustrator Vijay Krish, in which the musician is seen playing his shehnai.

Shehnai

Source: Google

Hark back to those mesmerising tunes through one of his performances below:

Source: YouTube

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Spotlight

Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot

Published

4 months ago

September 3, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.

In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.

Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.

Spotlight

Starlit Weddings : Punya Elizabeth

Published

5 months ago

July 25, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Malayalam actress Punya Elizabeth just got married to Toby Koippallil, and she celebrated the happy news on her social media accounts. The film industry greeted her announcement with an abundance of well wishes and congrats.

Punya Elizabeth entered the movie industry in 2018 and made her screen debut in the movie “Tobama.” With a standout performance in “Gauthamante Radham,” in which she costarred with Neeraj Madhav, she carried on her success.

Punya starred in two major roles and had a supporting role in the popular film “Leo,” which was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starred Vijay in the lead role.

Let’s talk more about her wedding specifics.

Engagement

Punya’s engagement outfit by Ethereal, featured a green velvet blouse paired with an intricately detailed antique sequins lehenga

Bride’s Outfit : Ethereal

Jewellery : Sangeetha Jewellery

Makeup : Makeover by Fathima Ajmal

Wedding Planners : The Cheeseboard Caterers Pvt Ltd, Swas Wedding planners

Nails : Nails by Rakhi

Photography : Abhijith SK

Pre Wedding Functions

Punya is dressed in a Thunnal “Call me Violet” lehenga. The lehenga was woven with exquisite brocade and detailed embroidery.

Bride’s Outfit : Thunnal

Makeup : Makeover by Fathima Ajmal

Photography : Magic Motion Media

Wedding

Punya looks stunning in a gown from D’Aisle Bridals. The entire ensemble was elegant yet subtle.

Bride’s Outfit : D’Aisle Bridals by Twinkle Tom

Jewellery : Desire Diamond Jewellery

Makeup : Makeover by Fathima Ajmal

Wedding Planners : Swas Wedding planners

Photography : Magic Motion Media

Spotlight

Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

Published

9 months ago

March 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira.

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.