- Saturday, August 20, 2022
BRITISH ARTIST MOHAMMED ALI UNVEILS HIS IMMERSIVE NEW THEATRE PROJECT Having travelled the world from New York to Bangladesh, with his murals, performances, and installations, award winning street artist Mohammed Ali returns to his home city of Birmingham for a deeply meaningful new project. His immersive theatrical experience Waswasa –…
London-based yoga instructor Stacie Graham is on a mission to make the ancient practice more racially and socially diverse, urging her charges to become "warriors for change" in the booming industry. Yoga, which originates from India, and pilates -- a form of exercise focused on postural alignment -- are now…
More than 75,000 members of the local community as well as visitors from across London in particular and the UK in general experienced the ‘Festival of Inspiration’ at Neasden Temple – from July 22 to 31. The event celebrated the very best of Hindu values and Indian culture across a…
ALNOOR MITHA had an idyllic childhood, spending his days climbing hills, swimming in lakes and listening to the sounds of lions roaring in his home town of Ngora in Uganda. Then, when he was nine, it was all snatched away in a heartbeat. He and his family were among the…
Sara Ali Khan, daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, is undoubtedly one of the boldest actresses Bollywood has ever seen. She never shies away from speaking her heart. If you follow her on Instagram, you would know how often she keeps updating her fans about her personal and…
All of us have faced obstacles to exercising, be it a lack of motivation, a busy schedule, or an ‘all or nothing' attitude. Exercising is different for everyone and we all may have different ways of fulfilling our responsibility toward fitness. But how much exercise in a week is actually…
Teacher and reformer Sri M gives meaningful insights in new book Everyone needs a friend – for hand-holding during life’s many crises, and one who can give good directions at the many crossroads we reach. Who better than a wise and gifted spiritual guru? The book, The Friend, is the…
Here’s some good news for those who are unable to exercise daily due to time constraints. According to experts, you need not invest too much time to stay fit – all you need is 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise. Yes, you read that right. A total of 350,000…
HSS (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) Croydon recently held an evening of fun and celebration as a mark of appreciation and respect to the teaching fraternity. Children from the branch invited teachers from Elmhurst School and Harris Invictus Academy to the weekly session which is held every Friday evening at Coombe Wood…
IN a first since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, Raj Aggarwal OBE, India’s honorary consul in Wales, recently led celebrations on the occasion of the International Yoga Day at Cardiff Castle. He was joined by several yoga enthusiasts on the occasion. Aggarwal, who organised the event, said, “It was a…
HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati has met Indian vice president Venkaiah Naidu at his residence in New Delhi. Pujya Swamiji invited him to the Ganga Aarti and presented him with a Rudraksha plant and angavastram, a statement said. He also shared details about the recent International Yoga Day celebrations held at…
Alia Bhatt is one of the finest actresses working in Bollywood today. She has delivered multiple extraordinary performances and has won numerous awards for her exceptional acting chops. In addition to her impeccable acting talent, Bhatt is also known for having an amazingly gorgeous figure, which is, of course, the…
Prominent Indian-American legal expert Anjali Chaturvedi has been nominated by US President Joe Biden as General Counsel in the veterans affairs department, the latest from the community to be named for a key position in the administration. Ms Chaturvedi is a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of…
A Dubai-based Indian yoga teacher has created the Guinness World Record for holding a yoga pose for 30 minutes, according to media reports. Yash Mansukhbhai Moradiya has held the scorpion pose for 29 minutes and four seconds. The video of Moradiya has been posted by Guinness Worlds Records on their…
THE Indian High Commission in London on Tuesday (21) celebrated the eighth International Day of Yoga at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden. Besides Indian high commissioner HE Gaitri Issar Kumar, Lord Rami Ranger and East Harrow member of parliament Bob Blackman addressed the gathering. Yoga enthusiasts from all over London…
Diversity has eluded the UK’s yoga sector despite the practice having its roots in India, even as black and minority ethnic practitioners are challenging racism in yoga organisations. While the British Medical Journal found in 2020 that 91 per cent of British yoga practitioners were white, there are also reports…
THE chief minister of Uttarakhand led the state’s Yoga day celebrations from Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, with Yoga gurus HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawatiji on Tuesday (21), according to a statement. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with cabinet ministers Subodh Uniyal, Premchand Aggarwal, state lawmakers Renu…
ON the occasion of International Day of Yoga, prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (21) said that yoga is becoming a way of life and has become a source of inspiration for health, balance and cooperation. The Prime Minister remarked that India is celebrating Yoga Day at a time when…
A lot of people swear by Yoga to stay fit and healthy. Known for its healing techniques and proven benefits, Yoga has now become an integral part of a lot of people's lives. Like Bollywood celebrities, Television stars are also ardent believers in the magic of Yoga. On the occasion…
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson could this week lose two parliamentary seats that once illustrated his broad appeal, showing his declining popularity that could spur his party to try to find a way to oust him.His Conservative Party are contesting two by-elections on Thursday: one in Tiverton and Honiton, a…
International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, every year and it is the best occasion to include Yoga in our day-to-day life. Yoga helps to maintain a healthy and fit life, but in order to achieve that, one needs to perform it with consistency, at least 1 hour of…
Yoga is known across the globe for soothing one's mind and body. And while many practice Yoga regularly, Bollywood actors are no less. As the world celebrates the International Day of Yoga on June 21, take a look at 7 celebrities who swear by Yoga to stay fit and healthy:…
After glamorizing the film industry with her sexy moves, Malaika Arora has added yet another feather to her cap! She is all set to become an author. She will soon write her debut book which is going to be all about nutrition. The actor, who also serves as a judge…
JOHN Lyon School, Harrow-on-the-Hill, on Wednesday (8) hosted two events supported by the High Commission of India, London. The school welcomed Shitanshu Chaurasiya, first secretary of the Indian High Commission, and Amish Tripathi, author and director of the Nehru Centre -- the cultural wing of the High Commission of India…
Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev whose fondness for motorcycles is well-known recently completed 100 days of solo biking, traversing 27 nations as part of his 'Save Soil' campaign.The 64-year-old is aiming to cover a distance of over 30,000-km in the journey that he began in the United Kingdom. Sadhguru hopped…
While millions watched the Platinum Jubilee festivities to thank Queen Elizabeth and reflect on her 70 years on the British throne, for the monarchy itself, the four-day celebrations have also very much been about looking to the future.From parades in London and a party outside Buckingham Palace to a Service…
The week-long celebration over His Holiness Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati’s 70th birth anniversary was inaugurated on Friday (3) at a star-studded event held on the banks of River Ganges. Besides saints and government luminaries, noted personalities from Bollywood, the Indian film industry, assembled on the stage at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in…
Author Sir Salman Rushdie and cricketer Moeen Ali are among a number of British Asians honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List published on Wednesday (1). With doctors, politicians, educators, authors, community leaders and philanthropists among the 13.3 per cent of recipients coming from an ethnic minority background, this list showcases…
On the eve of World No Tobacco Day, they also asked the Centre to ensure that tobacco control laws and policies are made stronger and implemented effectively. Noted epidemiologist and public health expert Chandrakant Lahariya pointed out that children and non-tobacco users too visit the point of sale (POS) and…
Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum has been in love with Indian culture and cuisine for years now. His tryst with the country of multiculturism began with filmmaker Wes Anderson’s dramedy The Darjeeling Limited (2007), which was primarily shot in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Before The Darjeeling Limited, he felt…
ACCLAIMED actor Jr NTR is one of the most popular stars in Telugu cinema. He recently came to wider global attention with a stunning lead role in record-breaking Indian blockbuster RRR, which was released in multiple languages and has become one of the highest-grossing films in Indian film history, including…
THE World Health Organization (WHO) launched its global centre for traditional medicine (GCTM) at a site in India, aimed at unlocking its potential by blending ancient practices with modern science. The GCTM knowledge hub is intended to create a body of reliable evidence and data on traditional medicine practices and…
While shooting for his new film Goodbye in Rishikesh, legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan along with director Vikas Bahl, actress Elli Avram, as well as the rest of the cast and crew of the production joined for a special meeting with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji…
LONDON'S Parliament Square was the flag-off point for Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru's 30,000-km motorbike tour on Monday (21), as he set off on his Save Soil awareness campaign across Europe and the Middle East en route to India.The yoga guru, 64, donned his biking gear for the 100-day tour, which…
YOGA lovers, seekers, devotees and pilgrims from across India and around the world have joined for a special event on Holi and Holika Dahan at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh. The event was organised as part of the 100-day countdown to International Yoga Day in collaboration with India's Ministry of AYUSH and Morariji…
THE yoga craze hit east Asia in a big way but took a temporary hit from a pandemic called SARS. After the threat ended, in 2003, I resumed my search for yoga classes like many others in Hong Kong, and within a week, I signed up with a centre offering…
PAMARTH NIKETAN, a spiritual centre in the north Indian city of Rishikesh, honoured women on Tuesday (8) to mark International Women's Day. The centre’s president, HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati (HH Pujya Muniji), presented them with Rudraksha mala - a sacred Ashoka plant - and a certificate of appreciation for…
Parents' Worship Day, known as Matru Pitru Poojan Diwas was started by world renowned Saint shri Asharamji Bapu in 2007 as an alternative to Valentine's Day. Through this event Pujya Bapuji is getting more and more popularity each year worldwide. It is celebrated on Feb 14 to honor parents and…
A THOUGHT-PROVOKING book filled with power was always going to be inevitable from teacher and award-winning spoken word artist Jaspreet Kaur. Her debut book Brown Girl Like Me is a terrific toolkit that tackles taboo subjects in a way perhaps not done before, gives space to differing viewpoints and offers…
ROOTS & CHANGES LIVE When: Saturday February 5 and Sunday February 6 Where: Sue Townsend Theatre, 16 Upper Brown Street, Leicester LE1 5TE and Chickenshed Theatre, 290 Chase Side, London N14 4PE What: Acclaimed British bhajan singer Bhavik Haria delivers a devotional music concert combining contemporary and classical influences, including…
IN YOGIC culture, there are two aspects to Shiva. The word ‘Shiva’ literally means ‘that which is not’. Everything that is has come from ‘that which is not’. If you look up at the sky, you will see many stars and celestial objects, but still the biggest presence out there…
LIVE PERFORMANCE THE FOUR ACES When: Friday February 11 Where: Symphony Hall, 8 Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA What: Concert headlined by iconic artists Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia and Louis Banks, which mixes up a musical melting pot of world influences. They are supported by…
WHAT is gratitude? If we peel our eyes properly and look around at the way life is happening to us, if you are able to clearly see all that is involved to make your life happen, you cannot help being grateful. Let us say a plateful of food appears in…
LIVE PERFORMANCE BOLLYWOOD BLAST When: Sunday January 16 Where: Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2UE What: Ketan Kansara headlines an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of Indian cinema from the 70s, 80s and 90s. He will be accompanied by the band D26, along with fellow singers Anuradha Shukla,…
LIVE PERFORMANCE ATTAULLAH KHAN ESAKHELVI When: Sunday January 9 Where: 1078-1082, Mayfair Venue, High Road, Romford RM6 4BD What: The legendary Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi continues his UK tour and will perform the greatest hits from his very distinguished career. Tickets include a VIP meet and great option.…
'By dedicating 30 hours one can create a vehicle to turn inward' WHAT is the way to proceed if we are looking to know ourselves? Sadhguru: The only gateway for you to know anything in this universe is yourself. Anything you can experience can only happen within you. So, turning…
Dishoom boss's pride at feeding millions of children and NHS staff during pandemic IT IS probable that the hospitality trade will be grateful this Christmas and New Year for the chancellor’s £1 billion fund. According to global consultants Alix-Partners, one in 10 restaurants has been forced to shut permanently during…
Senior Tories urge PM not to “exacerbate and aggravate” pandemic fallout One in 10 health workers could be forced to stop working because of Covid come the New Year, according to the chair of the British Medical Association (BMA). The warning comes as senior Conservatives urged the prime minister to…
LIVE PERFORMANCE JUBIN NAUTIYAL When: Friday December 10 and Saturday December 11 Where: SSE Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA & Morningside Arena, 31 Charter Street, Leicester LE1 3UD What: The popular Indian singer behind songs like Lut Gaye, which has been viewed over a billion times on…
Tanishaa Mukerji explains why being a positive influence is important to her SHE may come from a distinguished film family that includes her legendary mother Tanuja and superstar elder sister Kajol, but Tanishaa Mukerji has not allowed the pressure of being surrounded by acting giants all her life to crush…
‘Intimacy without commitment will increase confusion and insecurity' FOR thousands of years, in almost every society in the world, though people have lived in various kinds of conditions, almost every society settled with some kind of arrangement for marriage. Whether it was one wife and one husband or many wives…
INDIA’S president Ramnath Kovind, his wife Savita and their daughter Swati concluded a two-day visit to the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, north India, on Monday (29). Spiritual leader His Holiness (HH) Pujya Chidanand Saraswatiji (HH Pujya Muniji), the head of the ashram, presented the president and his family with…
THE path-breaking DJ Redlox (aka Siri Adi Singh) is one of the original architects of the vibrant Chicago Bollywood, bhangra and dancehall scene. He has performed with world-famous artists and lit up explosive live sets for multicultural audiences. He is also co-founder of a Chicago-based meditation and yoga school, along…
KANNADIGAS living in the UK came together in London to celebrate the 66th Kannada Rajyotsava, the foundation day of Karnataka. Hosted on Saturday (13) by the KannadigaruUK, an organisation of Kannada-speaking Indian diaspora in the UK, the event featured food from Karnataka and performances by local talents who entertained the…
SADHGURU: Devotion is like a love affair with creation. Generally, people’s idea of love is discrimination. You love one person, not the other. If you look at one person, you are full of sweet emotions. If you look at the next person, you are full of negative emotions. This is…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday (1) interacted with members of the diaspora in Scotland who gathered in Glasgow to honour him and also unveil a bust of him. Modi, who arrived in the Scottish city last Sunday (31) night to cheers from a group of diaspora delegates, met…
COMMUNITY leaders from the Indian-American diaspora met Congressman James McGovern and discussed the spike in atrocities on Hindus in various parts of the world, including Pakistan and Bangladesh. McGovern, who is the chairman of the House Rules Committee and the Democratic co-chair of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission,…
HINDU, Jain and Sikh families across the UK are preparing to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, which falls on November 4 this year. London and Leicester kicked off celebrations last weekend, as people gathered in the capital last Saturday (23) for Diwali on the Square, with a light display,…
Web series was a dream project, says actress SHE may have been introduced to audiences with a lead role in 2019 Bollywood film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, but it is the success of recently released web series The Empire that has really kickstarted the acting career of Sahher Bambba.…
SADIQ KHAN, mayor of London said that once again Trafalgar Square will be decked up to celebrate Diwali on October 23 (Saturday). The festival of Diwali, celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities across London will see the Square having a light display, arts and crafts, range of food stalls…
AN action-packed music career has seen Tony Singh make a name for himself as an internationally acclaimed producer, composer, writer and lead singer of Canadian bands Punjabi By Nature and Sirens of Shanti. He has also shared the stage with big names like Beastie Boys, REM, The Screaming Trees, Shania…
ANANDIBEN Patel, the governor of the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday (17) concluded her three-day visit to Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh in the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand. The visit coincided with Navratri, the nine-day Hindu festival that celebrates the divine feminine energy. Patel observed Navami and…
A new mental health campaign has been launched in England to improve the mental health of adults and South Asians. The Every Mind Matters (EMM) initiative started after half of all adults and almost two-thirds of South Asians have said that the pandemic had negatively impacted their mental health, a statement…
Deftly parrying her son with a bamboo cane, Meenakshi Amma belies her 78 years with her prowess at kalari, thought to be India's oldest martial art. The great-grandmother in Kerala, southern India, has been a driving force in the revival of kalaripayattu, as the ancient practice is also known, and…
'The simplest physical postures can lead to a profound understanding of life's experiences' ONE of the fundamentals of hatha yoga is to change the definition of what is tough. In yoga, toughness means to be in a state of acceptance, to be able to absorb everything without reacting to anything.…
MENOPAUSE is literally a hot topic, being discussed now more than ever and that’s great. But according to leaflets in doctor’s surgeries or the internet, south Asian women don’t experience menopause, as neither feature them. It doesn’t help that it’s still taboo in our communities. We are expected to just…
MAHANT Narendra Giri, president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the largest grouping of sadhus in India, was found dead on Monday (20) at Baghambari Math in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The police said a seven-page ‘suicide note’ was found in which the…
THE moment man became religious it should have been the end of all conflict. Unfortunately, everywhere in the world, religion has become the main source of conflict. This has taken the maximum number of lives and caused the maximum amount of pain on the planet for thousands of years. This…
LEADING spiritual leader Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati and Indian American wellness guru Deepak Chopra discussed the “power of spirituality to heal and transform us” at an event in New York on Thursday (16). Sadhvi Bhagawati is in the US promoting her memoir, Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation.…
NEW guidelines on the mental health of workers have urged bosses to engage staff in small talk and offer them free yoga or meditation classes, reported The Daily Mail. According to a draft document from the Public Health England and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, action is…
DEVOTION is about you making your emotions so sweet that your life experience becomes beautiful. But right now, what is passing off as devotion is just deception. People’s idea of devotion is, “God, I broke a coconut for you, what are you going to give me tomorrow?” This is not…
'If the energy in one's system is balanced, outside factors will not affect the body' THE word ‘health’ originates from the root word ‘whole.’ Human beings are healthy when they ‘feel complete in body, mind and energy’. Many people are medically healthy, but do not experience a sense of inner…
WHEN I first landed in the United States a few years ago, one term I heard everywhere was “stress management”. Why would anybody want to manage their stress? I can understand if you want to manage your money, your business, your family, your property. But why would anybody want to…
A GUIDE TO LOSING LOCKDOWN WEIGHT AND FINDING FITNESS NOW that lockdown restrictions are being lifted, a top priority for many people will be to lose the weight they put on after prolonged time indoors. While some will jump straight back into old routines, many won’t find it so easy…
Deepika Padukone, who was last seen on celluloid in Chhapaak (2020), has a slew of interesting projects in the pipeline. She is presently busy with Yash Raj Films’ much-awaited action thriller Pathan, which reunites her with John Abraham and Shah Rukh Khan after Race 2 (2013) and Happy New Year…
PEOPLE often ask me about the role of surrender on the spiritual path. I tell them they cannot achieve it. Surrender is not an act. Surrender is a certain quality. If you try to surrender to someone, you will only become a slave. You will not become free. I have…
Sonu Sood and Farah Khan are good friends. Khan had directed Sonu in Happy New Year, and later choreographed songs in the actor’s film Kung Fu Yoga. Now, Farah and Sonu have teamed up for the recreated version of the 90s hit song Tum To Thehre Pardesi. The song also…
Shilpa Shetty Kundra is all set to make her acting comeback with Priyadarshan’s Hungama 2 which is all set to release on Friday (23) on Disney+ Hotstar. For the past few days, we have been hearing the actress’ name in the news as her husband Raj Kundra has been arrested…
Lockdowns might have been a great opportunity to get fit, but it’s not that simple. MIWorking from home, home-schooling, comfort eating, getting overwhelmed and feeling exhausted threw routines out of the window, and now you’re left wondering on how to get back on track. If this sounds familiar, you are…
'Spirituality is an inner process and not just about knowledge' THE Vedas are among the most ancient scriptures on this planet and yet the most comprehensive in content. Vedas are not books, and the content of the Vedas is not something that someone invented; it is not a moral code…
Sadhguru says yoga can help create internal stability IT'S uncertain and that’s what makes it challenging. Uncertainty means things are changing; in other words, there is no limbo. If you are walking fast, every step is new terrain. This new terrain is what you are calling “uncertainty” right now. For…
A TOP Israeli diplomat in India, Rony Yedidia-Clein, visited Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand and exchanged ideas with ashram president His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji on water conservation and environmental preservation. Yedidia-Clein, the Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Israel, presented a…
INDIA’S prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for making the international day of yoga "a resounding success" every year. On the seventh anniversary of the International Yoga Day on Monday (21), Modi said, "I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon." In a letter…
ONE OF India’s leading spiritual leaders describes her journey to enlightenment in her soon to be published memoir, Hollywood to the Himalayas. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, north India, tells the story of how she turned her life around, from a traumatic time as a child…
AN 11-year-old boy has this week become a recipient of the Point of Light award for conducting daily yoga classes for about 40 children across 14 countries during the lockdown. Ishwar Sharma was recognised for his dedication to yoga and his efforts to help other children through this practice during…
PRINCE CHARLES has urged people recovering from Covid to practise Yoga to “build a roadmap to hope and healing”. He also advised doctors to work together with “complementary healthcare specialists”, reported The Guardian. “This pandemic has emphasised the importance of preparedness, resilience and the need for an approach which addresses the health…
FAITH leaders, health experts, yoga instructors, mental health practitioners and fitness enthusiasts offered insights into the transformative practice of yoga during the pandemic at a three-day international yoga summit held virtually from May 28-30. The conclave was inaugurated by one of India’s leading spiritual leaders, His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami…
LEGENDARY ACTOR JACKIE SHROFF TALKS ABOUT HIS LIFE, CAREER, NEW MOVIE AND SUPERSTAR SON TIGER by ASJAD NAZIR LEGENDARY actor Jackie Shroff is loved around the world and has a loyal fan following that has lived through his remarkable journey in cinema, and saw him rising up from very humble…
TWENTY SIMPLE TIPS TO EASE INTO THE NEW NORMAL by ASJAD NAZIR WITH self-isolation restrictions slowly easing and most people getting the vaccine, the world will hopefully start opening up again soon and everyone will be preparing to pick up from where they left off. Reconnecting with the world won’t be…
AS India battles its second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, a leading Indian spiritual leader has initiated projects to provide help for Covid-19 patients in Uttarakhand, north India. His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (HH Pujya Swamiji) is president of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, in Rishikesh. Under his leadership,…
DOCTORS in India are warning against the practice of using cow dung in the belief it will ward off Covid-19, saying there is no scientific evidence for its effectiveness and that it risks spreading other diseases. The coronavirus pandemic has wrought devastation on India, with 22.66 million cases and 246,116…
The coronavirus situation affected the activities of all people. Concerts were canceled, cafes and restaurants were closed, numerous cultural events were canceled, and the whole world of entertainment was put on hold. However, despite all the restrictions, there are still ways to have fun, so we have prepared a list…
In a world driven by technology, health insurance remains a daunting investment to make. Many of us have this notion that health insurance pays for hospitalization expenses only. This is far away from today’s situation! Many health insurance companies offer plans that offer comprehensive coverage, including other medical costs and…
The Maldives is still welcoming Bollywood stars and other rich Indians to its secluded beaches and crystal-clear lagoons even as countries ban flights because of a brutal Covid surge. The Indian Ocean archipelago of more than a thousand islands reopened its international borders in mid-July after being shut for three…
Mental health has become more prevalent in recent years, and while people have only started to discuss it more openly in this time, it’s fair to say it has been around for much longer. Mental health issues can affect every aspect of your life, from home to work, and learning…
To master the art of Koran recitation, 21-year-old Hassan Ali Kasi had to follow a strict regime of yoga, hours of rehearsing vocal scales -- and a total ban on biryani. His dedication is paying off, and he was recently named champion of an international online qari competition hosted by…
By Thakur Anoop Singh THAKUR ANOOP SINGH is a talented Bollywood and Tollywood actor who’s mostly known for his roles as an antagonist. He will next be seen in the Telugu film, Khilaadi, and the remake of Singam 3 as the main lead. The former bodybuilding champion has inspired…
HOW TO MAXMISE EFFICIENCY INDOORS AND GET GREAT RESULTS by GURJ LONDON WITH global Covid-19 keeping us indoors and the uncertainty of the future, working from home is going to become a major part of our lives. Even when the pandemic does finally end, companies are already preparing to get…
‘Newham lacks place to engage in religious and cultural activities’ NEWHAM Council have been accused of ignoring the needs of their local Hindu community by not including plans to rebuild a community centre in the local area. The Upton Community Centre was in 2016 demolished to make way for development.…
THE 50th birthday celebration of Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji was held largely online on 14 March at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh due to the Covid-19 situation and restrictions on travel. This year the celebrations coincided with Mahashivratri, Haridwar Kumbh Mela and the conclusion of the first-ever online International Yoga Festival, a…
THE International Yoga Festival (IYF) 2021 will be held virtually for the first time at Parmarth Niketan at Rishikesh, India. This year's edition will be held from March 7 to 13, and yogis of every culture, colour and creed will come together for the global event. In the 7-day event, enlightened…
Yoga teachers in Britain, many in precarious positions due to the pandemic, have unionised for the first time and created a branch within the body representing self-employed workers, it said. Most yoga teachers in the country have no job security, no sick pay, no paid leave and no employer pension…
YOGA MASTER RAKHEE VITHLANI DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK by ASJAD NAZIR YOGA has helped mental and physical health greatly during the Covid-19 lockdown. Many globally have taken up the ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition, including attending online classes from professionals like Rakhee Vithlani. The London-based yoga master has now…
By Nadeem Badshah BRITISH Asians with a disability have been among the hardest hit during the coronavirus pandemic, experts have pointed out. Charities have highlighted the closure of face-to face-support services and how vulnerable people were feeling lonely after being isolated from loved and carers while shielding. The death…
Latently, Instagram is a trending social medial platform to post your reel videos, pictures, boomerangs, etc. With 800 million popularity of Instagram followers, most users desire to gain their followers on Instagram. However, extending followers on Instagram provides more amazing benefits in terms of earning revenues. Suppose any person becomes…
HOPES, STUNNING SECRETS AND INTERESTING FACTS WE LEARNED ABOUT 50 HINDI CINEMA STARS IN 2020 by ASJAD NAZIR 2020 may have cut the wings of Bollywood, but there were still plenty of revelations that flew across the cinematic sky, which enabled us to learn more about the film fraternity. Eastern…
AS SOCIAL INTERACTIONS ARE LIMITED AMID THE PANDEMIC, FEELINGS OF ANXIETY AND BOREDOM ARE COMMON BUT HELP IS AVAILABLE Christmas is around the corner and after weeks of being apart from our loved ones a temporary lifting of some restrictions will allow families to meet during the festive season. It…
STAY ACTIVE WITH DAILY BRISK WALKS, ONLINE FITNESS CLASSES AND BIKE RIDES WHILE FOLLOWING THE CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS AS THE days get shorter, and the nights colder, it can be tempting to stay indoors and swap our fitness routine for a night watching our favourite box set. But exercise is a…
by PRIYA MULJI ‘MY CHILD, you have put on some weight. You’re looking a little healthy.’ How many times have we heard this from an elder, ladies? Lockdown hasn’t been kind to anyone, and with gyms closing during the second lockdown, it isn’t going to get any better. With days…
HOW TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY AND TACKLE ANXIETY IN LOCKDOWN by MITA MISTRY THERE is no denying that 2020 has been a difficult year for people around the world, and it is fair to say that most have likely had their stress levels raised to new levels. Many have either…
A TWO-DECADE-LONG journey has seen award-winning actor Rajesh Kumar star in popular TV shows and demonstrate his versatility with a wide array of characters. The prolific Indian small screen star has used lockdown to slow down, spend quality time with his family, learn cooking and do yoga. He has also…
BHAGAVAD GITA teacher Dhruv Chhatralia received the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BME) during the Navaratri festival after being included in The Queen’s 2020 New Year honours list for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people. It was presented by Martin Russell, the Queen’s Representative Deputy…
The beach might not be the first thing you associate with India (unless we’re talking about Goa, of course). However, you might be surprised. India boasts more than 7,500km of coastline - so you’d be safe in assuming there are quite a few spectacular beaches in there. Whether you want…
LEADING British Asians from the arts, film and television industries have raised their concerns about race and the perceptions about minority communities in relation to a recent drama about honour killing shown on ITV. Honour, shown on ITV on September 28 and 29, was based on the 2006 murder of…
by ASJAD NAZIR A PROLIFIC career has seen talented Indian actress Shivani Gosain star in a string of successful drama serials. The hardworking small screen star is currently playing a challenging role in smash hit TV serial Naagin 5 and showing off her versatility once again. Eastern Eye caught up…
HOW BRITISH ASIAN WOMEN HAVE BROUGHT BRIGHT RAYS OF LIGHT DURING THE DARK TIMES OF COVID-19 by MITA MISTRY THE Covid-19 crisis has cast a giant shadow across the world and made life difficult for everyone, but there have been rays of light during these decidedly dark times. Many have…
UK prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to meet India’s leader Narendra Modi in early 2021, it was suggested during the annual Conservative Friends of India conference on Monday (6). According to India’s high commissioner to the UK, Gaitri Issar Kumar, Johnson is planning to travel to India next year…
By Amit Roy “WHY is Tantra so often equated with sex? And where does this stereotype come from?” This was the first question posed by someone called Julia Thompson when the British Museum launched a “landmark” exhibition Tantra: Enlightenment to Revolution, aimed at “demystifying” the ancient Indian practice. Imma…
MODEL turned acclaimed spiritual teacher and intuitive leadership coach, Robina Dhindsa teaches and practices ancient yogic science and sacred mantras. Both self-taught and guided by globally renowned spiritual teachers, she uses her knowledge to help others and that includes through her radio show The Journeying With Robina. She selected her…
MALKIT SINGH ON HIS CAREER HIGHS AND CREATING MUSIC IN A PANDEMIC by ASJAD NAZIR BRITAIN’S greatest bhangra star Malkit Singh continues his epic musical journey 34 years after he announced his arrival. The superb songs, awesome albums, magical moments, numerous awards including an MBE and record-breaking achievements have been…
SINGER, songwriter and musician Zameer Rizvi has released acclaimed songs, along with delivering winning live performances. The multi-talented artist has been putting his lifelong love of music to good use by hosting his global talk show Zamjamz on Rukus Avenue radio, which includes playing major hits and celebrating big-named artists.…
HEALTH EXPERTS have called on the Indian government to emulate UK's cycling strategy as a means of combating obesity, which has been linked to an increased risk of coronavirus complications. A recent report by Public Health England said severely overweight people faced a greater risk of death from Covid-19, and…
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has revealed that he drinks cow urine daily, joining a growing number of Indians who believe it has medicinal benefits -- including against the coronavirus. Kumar is considered a staunch supporter of Hindu prime minister Narendra Modi's party, which has earmarked millions of dollars for research…
HOW RASIKA MATHUR COMBINED A COMEDY CAREER WITH YOGA by ASJAD NAZIR FEARLESS, fabulous, funny and full of talent, there is little Rasika Mathur hasn’t excelled in. From being a yoga teacher and helping recovering-addicts as a mental health facilitator to working as a writer, actress and comedian, she has…
THE Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU) in Los Angeles -- world's first yoga university outside India -- has commenced classes virtually. Offering programmes that combine scientific principles and modern research approaches to the ancient Indian practice of yoga, VaYU was launched in June as part of the 6th International Yoga Day…
By Nadeem Badshah YOGA can be used to treat anxiety and has been a vital tool for thousands of people in the UK during lockdown, according to experts. A study found that doing the ancient Indian practice regularly was almost as effective as talking therapies, which are offered by…
By Amit Roy EVER wondered what the priest is actually saying when he leads prayers in Sanskrit at Hindu religious ceremonies? Most people tend to repeat the words after the priest without understanding what they mean but now help is at hand. Prof Diwakar Nath Acharya, who is the…
A French woman arrested for allegedly making a video of herself without clothes on a holy bridge in India apologised Sunday (30), but denied being completely naked and said she carried out the stunt to bring attention to sexual harassment. Indian police said Saturday that the 27-year-old -- identified as…
A FRENCH woman has been arrested for making a video of herself naked on a holy bridge in the sacred north Indian city of Rishikesh, police said on Saturday (29). The 27-year-old now faces charges under India's internet law with a maximum sentence of three years jail if found guilty. She was…
Labour Friends of India, a representative group part of the Labour Party, on Saturday launched its new 'Mahatma Gandhi Future Leaders Programme' to encourage greater Indian diaspora representation in the elected offices of the party. The group said that its new programme will cover modules such as community engagement, communications,…
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan said on Sunday he had been discharged from hospital, three weeks after being admitted with "mild" coronavirus symptoms after testing positive for the disease. The news came as powerful Indian home minister Amit Shah revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus, which is infecting tens of…
TEN men died in a southern Indian state on Friday (31) after consuming alcohol-derived sanitizer, as local liquor shops were closed due to a coronavirus-related lockdown, police said. The deaths in the town of Kurichedu, in Andhra Pradesh, came as India reported another record surge in daily Covid-19 cases, taking…
by S NEERAJ KRISHNA BHANGRA in the time of coronavirus? Manchester-based journalist Rajeev Gupta has seen scepticism make way for optimism as his online “bhangra-plus-exercise” training sessions recently won him the Points of Light award for “lifting the bodies and souls of thousands”. When the UK government announced a lockdown…
Searching for the best Australian music festivals? Look no further. This article seeks to discuss ono the best music events for students in Australia in 2020. Australia is a fun and astounding country to be in. You will never lack anything remarkable to do as there are a lot of events,…
GOOD THINGS ABOUT SELF-ISOLATION AND KEEPING THEM GOING by ASJAD NAZIR LOCKDOWN has been a terrible time for people around the world and now that it is slowly coming to an end there is a sense of relief. Although everyone is looking forward to resuming normal life again, there are many…
BRITISH INDIAN boy has won the 'My life My Yoga' global contest launched by the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. Ten-year-old Ishwar Sharma won the contest held on the digital platform by the Indian ministry of Ayush and the Indian council for cultural relations. It was launched on May 31, by Modi…
VERSATILE STAR ADITI RAO HYDARI ON ACCEPTING CHALLENGES AND HER NEW MALAYALAM FILM SUFIYUM SUJATAYUM by ASJAD NAZIR AN INTERESTING cinematic journey has seen Aditi Rao Hydari mix up genres and languages with all the skill of a seasoned professional. The popular actress hasn’t been afraid to take on challenges…
Kriti Sanon was psyched up about resuming work on her upcoming film Mimi after its shoot came to a halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic. But now it looks like the actress will have to wait a little longer before the film begins production. Though the government of Maharashtra has…
BHAVISHA PANKHANIA ON USING THE ANCIENT INDIAN PRACTICE TO HEAL by PRIYA MULJI MAINTAINING mental and physical health has been important during lockdown. The cross-generational exercise that has been helping people of all ages during self-isolation is yoga. Many have taken online yoga classes, while others have followed tutorials on video…
A hugely popular Indian guru touting herbal remedies as a $7 cure for coronavirus was told by the government Tuesday that he needed to prove his claims before further marketing. Baba Ramdev, a supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the remedy would be available from next week through his…
MILLIONS of people across the globe marked the International Yoga Day (IYD) on Sunday (21) as they joined virtual gatherings and shared online their pictures and videos highlighting the importance of the ancient practice for the world as it battles the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations…
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has extolled yoga as a way of building a "protective shield" of immunity against the coronavirus, as his nation battles a surge in infections. Modi, a keen yoga practitioner who has long espoused the benefits of the ancient Indian practice, gave the advice in a…
BEAUTY QUEEN TURNED BOLLYWOOD STAR ON HER WEB SERIES DEBUT AND FUTURE HOPES by MOHNISH SINGH BEAUTY queen turned actress Esha Gupta has come a long way in her professional life and never been afraid to take on a challenge. This desire to broaden her horizons has led the beautiful…
SITTING cross-legged on mats in a courtyard, dozens of Bangladesh policemen breathed in and out in sync as they took part in mass yoga sessions organised to boost their health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Police officers played a key role in enforcing a lockdown in the country of 168 million…
Yoga guru and spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, has said that hockey was 'more exciting' than cricket in college days, though he was ‘an all-rounder in school’. He revealed this to cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin during ‘In Conversation with the Mystic’ online chat. They talked about cricket, Covid-19,…
NHS CONSULTANT SOUGHT SOLACE IN SPIRITUALITY AS HE BATTLED LIFE-THREATENING VIRUS by S NEERAJ KRISHNA DR NEERAJ PATIL has had his hands full since recovering from Covid-19 in April. He was back at the frontline as an A&E consultant with Causeway Hospital in Northern Ireland as soon as he completed…
SMALL SCREEN STAR TALKS ABOUT HER TIME ON BIGG BOSS 13, LIFE IN LOCKDOWN, INSPIRATIONS AND FUTURE HOPES by ASJAD NAZIR EARLIER this year Bigg Boss 13 pulled in record-breaking figures, generated headlines globally and took over social media in a way not seen before by an Indian reality TV…
Actress Sobhita Dhulipala, who is known for delivering powerful performances is such hit OTT shows as Made In Heaven (2019) and Bard Of Blood (2019), turns 28 today on 1st June. The actress spent her birthday making group calls with friends. Talking to a publication, she said, “This lockdown has…
This morning, we woke up with the sad news that Wajid Khan of Sajid-Wajid fame has passed away. The 42-year-old music composer along with his brother Sajid Khan was composing music from the past 22 years. Their first Bollywood song was Teri Jawani in the film Pyar Kiya To Darna…
BEING a positive person means Parull Chaudhry has been handling the coronavirus induced lockdown pretty well. The hardworking actress has been spending time with family, embracing normality with open arms and taking a much needed rest after a hectic work schedule that includes working on hit serial Kasautii Zindagii Kay.…
THE INDIAN ACTRESS ON HOW TO BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT INDOORS by MOHNISH SINGH SHE may have made a name for herself in a variety of film, television and streaming projects, but Shama Sikander has also won admiration for her determination. The talented Indian actress has spoken openly about…
An Indian yogi whose claims he spent decades without food or water earned him a band of devotees and the scepticism of doctors died Tuesday (26), his neighbour told AFP. The long-haired and bearded Prahlad Jani -- who dressed in red and wore a nose ring in the fashion of…
On 8th May 2018, Sonam Kapoor tied the knot with businessman Anand Ahuja in Mumbai. The actress had not spoken about her relationship before the wedding, but after the marriage, we have seen a lot of social media PDA of Sonam and Anand. Today, Sonam and Anand celebrate their second…
Just like the rest of us, Bollywood celebrities are also cooped up inside their homes, following the nationwide lockdown, which has now been extended till 17th May. While some celebrities are isolating alone, others have been quarantining with their families amid the Coronavirus pandemic. But since actress Jacqueline Fernandez’s family…
GULSHAN EWING FEATURED ARTICLES FOR MODERN WORKING WOMEN IN HER TITLES by AMIT ROY GULSHAN EWING, who died last month, aged 92, from coronavirus at a care home in London, was photographed with the likes of Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Alfred Hitchcock, Danny Kaye, Ava Gardener and Roger Moore when…
AN A TO Z GUIDE TO KEEP MIND AND BODY FIT DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN by MITA MISTRY BEING indoors because of the coronavirus will likely lead to less activity, both physical and mental, which can have detrimental effects on health. If the lockdown goes on for a prolonged period,…
At a remote hillside retreat in northern India, Tibetan Buddhist nun Tenzin Drolma usually holds intimate, face-to-face classes - but since the coronavirus pandemic forced them online, her lessons have been packed with people seeking inner peace under lockdown. Drolma had expected around 100 students to join her free video…
Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, these three social media platforms help celebrities to stay connected to their fans. Actors post their pictures and videos on these platforms and inform fans about their day-to-day life. But apart from being on these social media platforms, there are many Bollywood celebs who have their…
The Art of Living Foundation, along with its humanitarian arm International Association for Human Values (IAHV), has reached out to over a million families across locked-down India, providing more than 500 tonnes of relief material. The foundation, founded by humanitarian, spiritual leader and ambassador of peace, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,…
Rajeev Khandelwal needs no introduction! Once a leading face on Indian television, the handsome star is now seen in movies and web-shows. Like the rest of us, Khandelwal is also staying at home currently, practising self-isolation. The 44-year-old actor is quarantining in a small village called Moira in Goa. Even…
THE DIVERSE INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES KEEPING PEOPLE ENGAGED DURING COVID-19 by ASJAD NAZIR VARIOUS individuals are demonstrating that self-isolation doesn’t mean solitary confinement by giving all those indoors during the lockdown ways to keep connected. From fitness and cooking classes to quizzes and Bollywood parties, technology is being used to keep…
While the 21-day long lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an effort to fight the Coronavirus pandemic has started taking a toll on several Bollywood celebrities, Saif Ali Khan is enjoying the long break exercising and doing some fun activities with his little son Taimur. View this…
THE Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam, issued another warning on Friday (4) for Indians stranded in the country amid the lockdown to not be misled by “mischievous” information being circulated around possible evacuation flights to India. Ghanashyam praised the “laudable contribution” of these Indian nationals in strengthening…
A GUIDE TO USING SELF-ISOLATION TO HELP IN EVERYDAY LIFE by ASJAD NAZIR BEING indoors during self-isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t need to be boring or just about binge watching box sets and movies. There are plenty of useful things to do indoors that are fun, healthy, enlightening…
Kangana Ranaut is surely one actress who doesn’t hesitate while telling the truth. Nowadays, the actress is in her hometown and her team has been sharing videos of her from there. Recently, a video of Kangana was shared by her team in which she is talking about her bad days.…
THE Indian embassy in Washington has announced free online yoga classes to help people maintain themselves "healthy" and "cheerful" even as they are forced to stay indoors and work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic that has taken more than 1,100 lives in the US. The free yoga class…
Family: A major reason for my happiness is the presence and constant support I receive from my family everyday. This helps me manage my work with my life at home, helping me better act as a representative for my country while engaging with charitable organisations. Goals: I find that taking…
A GUIDE TO KEEPING THE MIND AND BODY HEALTHY DURING SELF ISOLATION by ASJAD NAZIR THE global outbreak of coronavirus is affecting all areas of society and has brought the world to a literal standstill. The elderly are most susceptible to the killer disease and are having their lives disrupted,…
Currently, everyone is quarantined and staying at home, taking care of their health. Well, gyms are shut but our Bollywood celebs are trying different ways to be healthy. A few days ago, Katrina Kaif had posted a video of working out on the terrace of her residence. And now, Rishi…
Alcohol & drug abuse are one of the serious issues we face today. With its rise, more and more lives succumb to their addiction every year, taking over the control of their mind and body. Addiction impacts the life of not only the addict but his family too and make…
A leading medical school in the US has recommended yoga, meditation and controlled breathing to address anxiety issues related to the novel coronavirus that has now spread fast across America. There are at least 3,485 cases of the novel coronavirus in the US, according to the state and local health…
WITH the coronavirus outbreak spiralling into a pandemic, the humble ‘namaste’ is trending as a respectful and safe greeting option. Prince Charles was recently spotted offering namaste during the Prince’s Trust Awards event at the London Palladium, and through the Commonwealth Day service in Buckingham Palace. A video of the Prince…
KALPESH and Shailesh Solanki, the sons of Ramniklal Solanki, founder of the Asian Media Group (AMG), completed the last rites of their father on the banks of the holy River Ganges in Rishikesh, north India, last weekend. His wife Parvatiben, accompanied by Kalpesh and Shailesh, daughter Sadhana Karia, daughters-in-law Rashmita…
by ASJAD NAZIR A SECRET weapon most celebrities use is a good personal trainer to help keep them fit, healthy and ready to take on demanding challenges. One of the unsung heroes in Bollywood who trains stars like Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Gurmeet Chaudhary and Salman…
THE seven-day long International Yoga Festival (IYF) at Parmarth Niketan at Rishikesh, India, concluded on Sunday (8) with the celebration of International Woman's Day on the banks of river Ganga. More than 1500 participants from 76 countries and 20 states of India have attended the event which included yoga and…
by MITA MISTRY “WRITE it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Imagine waking up in the morning feeling calm and full of positive energy for the day ahead. Many will spring out of bed, but for those who are…
POPULAR STAR SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA ALL SET FOR FILM RETURN by ASJAD NAZIR SHE may not have been on the big screen for more than 12 years, but Shilpa Shetty Kundra has continued to live life to the fullest. The actress has been a judge on reality TV shows, done…
By Dinesh Sharma AS THE two leading democracies – US (oldest constitutional democracy) and India (largest constitutional democracy) – continue to tighten their embrace, prime minister Narendra Modi may be promoted to the “hugger-in-chief,” who was formerly known as the “chaiwallah.” Chai has now become a specialty drink – you…
In a first, Yoga classes are being held inside a mosque in Hyderabad in Southern India. The classes are aimed at fighting non-communicable diseases and obesity. The mosque committee of Masjid-e-Ishaq at Nawab Saheb Kunta at Tadbun, Hyderabad has given the nod to conduct Yoga classes. Earlier, one of the…
AN INITIATIVE designed to inspire Indian women was at the forefront of India’s Republic Day celebrations at an event in northwest London last month. The group Inspiring Indian Woman (IIW), based in the UK, helped to organise the Republic Day event at the Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow. Among those attending…
TALENTED actor Amal Sehrawat has kept his feet on the ground despite his impressive small screen success. The hardworking star is currently part of popular serials Choti Sardarni and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Eastern Eye caught up with Amal Sehrawat to talk television, health and inspirations. How did you…
The word tantra often finds a tantalising or titillating ring to it. For many people, the first thought that it evokes is about Tantric sex. And, to some, the marathon lovemaking sessions that Sting gushed about in drunken stupor back in the early nineties. No wonder that the British Museum’s…
by Sweta Vikram IN THE last week of December 2019, I saw several posts on Instagram about people’s reflections about the decade. A majority of the posts mentioned ending of friendships. My own core circle of friends has been the same for over 25 years. We have all grown up…
HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED AND GET MAXIMUM FITNESS RESULTS IN 2020 by ASJAD NAZIR THE most popular New Year’s resolution is perhaps to get in better shape, but it is also the one most likely to be broken. Many will start January in the gym and end the year regretting…
A ten-year-old schoolboy and under-11 yoga champion from the UK has been honoured with the Global Child Prodigy Award 2020 for achievements in spiritual discipline yoga. Ishwar Sharma, based in Kent in south-eastern England, was chosen from the UK for the awards which honour child prodigies from across 45 countries…
Family: It’s the most integral part of my life, and therefore, I am the happiest and a complete person when I’m around my family members. They could be my parents, sisters, nieces or nephews. They love, disagree, advise, criticise, dislike, and motivate, which all make me a better person. Travelling:…
by LAUREN CODLING A MOTHER-OF-TWO has spoken of her experience suffering from a brain haemorrhage in her 30s, as she revealed the difficulties of her recuperation. Kavita Basi, 43, was diagnosed with a life-threatening subarachnoid haemorrhage – a sudden bleed around the brain – in 2015. The survival rate for…
by PRIYA MULJI WHEN I first moved to London in June 2012, I never thought I would be where I am today. I thought that by the age of 37, I would be a homeowner, perhaps married with a child or at least a dog and that I would have…
DJ RAVIDRUMS ON AN AMAZING JOURNEY THAT INCLUDES OSCARS AND A-LIST STARS by ASJAD NAZIR DJ RAVIDRUMS has left a permanent mark on the North American musical landscape with a stellar career filled with scintillating moments. The DJ, drummer and radio host has performed with Mariah Carey and at events,…
MIRA MANEK ON HER NEW BOOK AND THE ART OF BEING HAPPY by ASJAD NAZIR IN HER younger days Mira Manek thought Ayurveda was a destination and benefited immensely from visiting health spas across India. It was only later on that she realised Ayurveda was a lifestyle filled with enriching…
Our very own Devasena aka Anushka Shetty celebrates her 38th birthday today. One of the biggest names in down South, Anushka became a household name after starring in the Baahubali franchise. But, there are a few things that not many people know about her. So, here we bring you the…
India Tourism unveiled its ''Find the Incredible You'' campaign at one of the world’s largest travel exhibitions in London to target internal as well as external experiences as the focus for travellers to India. The India Pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) opened on Monday with over 30 co-exhibitors…
US president Donald Trump will celebrate Diwali at the White House on Thursday (24), three days ahead of the formal celebrations of the festival of lights in India. This would be Trump's third Diwali celebrations at the White House, a tradition that began with his predecessor Barack Obama in 2009.…
PRAYERS and discourses marked the 86th birthday celebrations of His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), last Saturday (28). At the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in north London (popularly known as the Neasden Temple), young people sang bhajans. Saints also gave a…
Versatile singer Unnati Dasgupta is at her best in front of an audience. The artist can effortlessly perform in a variety of genres ranging from Indian classical to soulful English language songs. She is about to release her debut album Indigo Soul and will add to her impressive list of live performances…
Prime minister Narendra Modi hit Indian television screens like never before on Monday, talking about his life and the environment -- and smelling elephant dung -- with Bear Grylls. The Discovery Channel programme Man Vs. Wild saw Modi seek to burnish his credentials as a protector of nature, telling his…
SRI LANKA'S tourism industry, badly hurt by Easter day bombings, is showing signs of gradual recovery, industry executives say, although a national election later this year is likely to weigh on holiday season arrivals. The island nation's tourism sector, one of the country's top revenue streams, suffered a massive blow…
INDIAN origin British kid won the gold medal in the fourth world yoga festival and championship held in Bulgaria recently. Ishwar Sharma, 9, is a yoga prodigy and an international performer and speaker on yoga and its benefits. He was also the recipient of the ‘British Indian of the Year…
A LEADING Indian spiritual leader who was in hospital following breathing problems passed away today (25) at 8.30 am at his cottage in Haridwar, north India. His Holiness Pujya Swami Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj, 87, was admitted to a Dehradun hospital last week and put on a ventilator. He was later…
Problem-solving is important to challenge the brain and maintain or even extend its neural pathways One of the fastest-growing trends in the world today is brain training. Too many people don’t place enough emphasis on mental health and sharpness, instead preferring to focus on toning their abs and bulking up…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi led the way Friday (21) for International Yoga Day, this year with the theme of stopping climate change. Yoga Day, observed mostly in India but also worldwide on the Northern Hemisphere's longest day, was Modi's idea. It was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly…
A LEADING Indian spiritual leader who was in hospital following breathing problems has been moved to a cottage in north India after doctors said there was no improvement in his condition. His Holiness Pujya Swami Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj, 87, was admitted to a Dehradun hospital last week and put…
There has been a significant increase in the popularity of yoga in the United States after the UN in 2014 declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, India's Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. Addressing hundreds of yoga enthusiasts at the National Monument in Washington on…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and his council of ministers took oath to office on Thursday (30). The union cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha (lower house) includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge, and 24 ministers of state. The list of the top leaders who were…
A SPECIAL screening of PM Narendra Modi, a biopic on prime minister Narendra Modi, was held at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh on Sunday (26). Actor Vivek Oberoi, who essayed the role of Modi, along with the film producer Sandip Ssingh, Yoga guru Swami Ramdev and His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami…
After facing a string of hurdles, the biopic on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is finally set to roll into theatres on 24th May. Titled PM Narendra Modi, the biographical drama is directed by well-known filmmaker Omung Kumar and stars actor Vivek Oberoi in the titular role. Ahead of the…
AMAZON.COM faced a social media backlash in India today (16) after toilet seat covers and other items with images of Hindu gods were spotted on the US retailer's website, making #BoycottAmazon the country's top trending topic on Twitter. Thousands of Twitter users backed the call for the boycott, with some…
It was around her birthday this year when Kangana Ranaut had gone for a yoga camp in Coimbatore. The actress has finally spoken up about her experience there and calls it life-changing. Recently, her team took to Instagram to share a picture of Kangana from the yoga camp and they…
by NADEEM BADSHAH THE days of eating meals to break the fast – consisting of a plate crammed with samosas, pakoras and ketchup topped off with a glass of Coke – are changing. There is a Ramadan revolution of sorts when it comes to the iftar evening meal with more…
The maker of a lavish new television series dubbed the "Indian Downton Abbey" wants to turn the tables on the cliches of the glorious British Raj. The sweeping historical drama, Beecham House, which is premiering at the Canneseries festival in the French Rivera resort, is set in the final years…
ACROSS much of Britain's former Asian colonies, many are greeting the UK's impending departure from the European Union with a mixture of bafflement, apathy, amusement and a touch of schadenfreude. Britain long justified imperial subjugation by arguing Rule Britannia brought order, stability and shared prosperity even after its retreat from…
Across much of Britain's former Asian colonies, many are greeting the UK's impending departure from the European Union with a mixture of bafflement, apathy, amusement -- and a touch of schadenfreude. Britain long justified imperial subjugation by arguing Rule Britannia brought order, stability and shared prosperity -- even after its…
by LAUREN CODLING BRITISH Asian teenagers may suffer from stress and depression due to pressures to achieve, leading psychiatrists have claimed, as new statistics showed that mental health problems are now more common in young people than a decade ago. A study released last month showed that 15 per cent…
Acting is not the only thing that gives Tiger Shroff a kick; he is equally passionate about fitness too. The actor, known for headlining some of the biggest Bollywood action entertainers in the past few years, recently turned entrepreneur by launching a state-of-the-art gym in Mumbai in partnership with his…
YOGA classes could help the NHS save “precious and expensive” resources as it has “proven beneficial effects on both body and mind,” Prince Charles has said. Yoga is practised by millions worldwide and the Prince of Wales has long been an advocate of alternative medicines and therapies. The development of…
'THE STAGE IS WHERE I COME ALIVE' by ASJAD NAZIR The UK has an increasing number of newly discovered treasures who are shining brightly and rewarding those lucky enough to find them in the music world. One of these priceless artists is British singer, songwriter and sarangi player Amrit Kaur,…
An Indian man in Dubai has been charged with sexually harassing a British tourist inside a lift at a residential tower. The 24-year-old Indian worker was charged at the Dubai Court of First Instance after the prosecutors accused him of exposing himself to the 35-year-old tourist and inappropriately touching her.…
SOCIAL media users have called out a scientific magazine for cultural appropriation after it referred to the pranayam - a yoga exercise - as "cardiac-coherence breathing". Indians took to social media to criticise the article, titled Proper Breathing Brings Better Health, for "shamelessly appropriating yoga in the name of science". In the article,…
by Nadeem Badshah YOGA is set to become more popular this year after getting the royal seal of approval by Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, according to health experts. The pregnant Duchess, 37, is a big fan of the ancient Indian practice and is reported to have had…
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has hit back at critics who accuse the Democratic presidential hopeful of being a "Hindu nationalist", saying questioning her commitment to America while not probing non-Hindu leaders creates a "double standard" that can only be rooted in "religious bigotry". Gabbard, the four-term Congresswoman from Hawaii, wrote an…
THIS week Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi marches into cinemas around the world and at forefront of the historical juggernaut is actress Kangana Ranaut. She plays a real-life warrior queen who takes on the might of the British army in the ambitious 19th-century epic, which is the most physically demanding…
THERE is so much more to Shruti Haasan than just being the daughter of actress Sarika and legendary superstar Kamal Haasan. The popular star is a singer, musician and actress, who has worked in multiple languages. This week, on January 28, she will turn a year older and celebrate her…
Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi has claimed that he used to spend days "reflecting" alone in the jungle, in a new interview seeking to burnish his religious credentials as tough elections loom. Modi, who secured a landslide poll victory in 2014, has long touted the remarkable backstory that saw him…
Hindu devotees began gathering Sunday (13) in northern India for the world's largest religious festival, with millions of pilgrims travelling to bathe in holy rivers for the spectacular Kumbh Mela. State authorities in Uttar Pradesh are expecting 12 million visitors to descend on Allahabad for the centuries-old festival, which officially begins Tuesday…
A total of 70 Indian-origin words included in the Oxford Dictionary of English unveiled by the British Council on Thursday (22) as part of its 70th anniversary in India. The British Council narrated how the English language has evolved with the words of Indian origin. Some of the Indian-origin words date…
The first Gandhi Peace Centre outside India opened last week at Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Tividale, near Oldbury of UK. Over 300 people gathered on the occasion to witness the opening of the centre. The newly launched centre has a permanent exhibition of Gandhi's life and message which is…
Hindus worldwide are highly concerned regarding reports of burglary at Shree Swaminarayan temple Willesden in Greater London, resulting in the theft of three sacred Hari Krishna idols last week, hours after Hindu new year celebrations. According to temple president Kurjibhai Kerai, these idols were with the temple since opening in…
BY LAUREN CODLING A “heartfelt” play exploring a gay Muslim woman coming to terms with her identity premiered in south London earlier this month. The Funeral Director is centred around Ayesha, a director at a Muslim funeral parlor. When she is visited by Tom, who is looking to organise his…
by ASJAD NAZIR. A LOOK BACK AT THE SELECT GROUP OF HEROINES WHO REIGNED SUPREME IN HINDI CINEMA. IN THE history of Hindi cinema a select group of stars have reached the very top, and been declared the king or queen of the industry. The race to claim the crown has been…
by MITA MISTRY. Nikesh Shukla: The write way. EVER since he found his voice as a writer, Nikesh Shukla has been creating different worlds and entertaining readers with his growing body of impressive literary works. The talented British Asian author has followed up his acclaimed novels Coconut Unlimited and Meatspace with…
Disha started her career with a Telugu film called Loafer in 2015. She played the role of Mouni opposite Varun Tej. She then appeared in a music video with Tiger Shroff called Befikra. It was composed written and directed by Meet Bros, produced by Bhushak Kumar and Krishan Kumar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUC6LJEbwHo…
India’s home minister Rajnath Singh has said that India would be listed among the first three economies of the globe by 2030 if it kept up its current pace of growth. The minister was speaking at the concluding session of the two-day investors’ summit on Monday (9) in Dehradun, the…
India prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Uttarakhand's first investors summit Sunday, saying India is the ideal investment destination in the world today with major social and economic changes sweeping the country. Addressing the country's top business leaders and industrial houses at 'Destination Uttarakhand: Investors Summit 2018', Modi said the country…
By PRIYA MULJI. Taking a bite out of the Big Apple. POPULAR Eastern Eye columnist Priya Mulji was recently invited to a wedding in New York and she took the opportunity to give her own unique guide to the city that never sleeps. Accompanied by her close friend Urvashi Lad, she took in the sights,…
In a sparse, wood-floored studio, Saudi women squat, lunge and do headstands. Even a year ago, teaching these yoga postures could have rendered them outlaws in the conservative Islamic kingdom. Widely perceived as a Hindu spiritual practice, yoga was not officially permitted for decades in Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam where…
Religious leaders from joined those from across the world to extend their support to a new concept of the "Declaration of Friendship" to foster world peace by countering hatred and intolerance. The contours of the Declaration was laid out by The Hague-based Peace Palace, the Carnegie Foundation and the Elijah…
For the first time since kabaddi's Asian Games inclusion in 1990,India will return without a gold medal and it was one of their own who helped plot their downfall. Iran stunned India 27-24 to claim women's gold on Friday and at their helm was a 62-year-old bespectacled coach from the west Indian town of…
They are two of India's best known Yoga gurus and they both showed their love for speed as Baba Ramdev joined Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev for a motorbike ride near the latter's ashram near Coimbatore. Sadhguru the biker got Baba Ramdev in his favourite Ducati. https://youtu.be/s3Q166nhEbY
YOGA has been helping people for centuries in a variety of ways that includes improving their mental, physical and spiritual health. Something that started in India thousands of years ago has spread across the world and crossed cultural divides, with countless people using the immense health benefits of the ancient practice. Today there are varied styles of yoga, which helps both…
1. She was born in Hong Kong and brought up in Hawai, Katrina has spent the initial years of her life in as many as 18 countries. Mahesh Bhatt cast her first for her debut film Saaya opposite John Abraham but later dropped, because she couldn’t speak Hindi at all. She…
Shortly after a Thomson Reuters Foundation poll revealed that India was the most dangerous country for women, India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi launched an attack on prime minister Narendra Modi calling it a shame. "While our PM tiptoes around his garden making yoga videos, India leads Afghanistan, Syria and Saudi…
Two Indian destinations have been included in TripAdvisor's top 10 wellness travel destinations around the globe. Rishikesh in Uttrakhand is No.2 and Goa is No. 7 on the list of TripAdvisor's Ten Zen Escapes. Rishikesh is in the middle of the Himalayas and it has deep cultural and spiritual significance.…
TENS of thousands of people - from the Himalayan region of Ladakh to the deck of an aircraft carrier - joined India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (21) to celebrate the fourth International Day of Yoga, with a few wearing masks to highlight poor air quality. Modi pushed for the…
AN EIGHT-year-old boy from the UK won the gold medal in a top yoga championship last month. Ishwar Sharma, from Sevenoaks, Kent, finished in first place at the International Euro Asian yoga championship on May 12. The event was held in Antayla, Turkey, with top athletes from across the globe…
By Mohini Kent PRINCE Charles and India’s prime minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Yoga Research and Traditional Medicine in the UK on April 17, when the Indian prime minister was in London for the CHOGM Commonwealth conference. Together, they unveiled a plaque at the British Museum…
SADHGURU SAYS SOCIETY MUST CHANGE ITS OUTLOOK ON ISSUES TODAY, a handicapped person is not referred to as handicapped anymore. We are beginning to call them special children or special people. So he is special which is why you have to attend to him a little more than you attend to…
Narendra Modi, whose supporters boast of his physical prowess and indifference to sleep, has shared the secrets to his morning fitness regimen in a video where the Indian premier thrusts a staff, walks backwards and flexes over a boulder. Modi spruiked the "refreshing and rejuvenating" benefits of his exercise workout…
India's prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (13) posted online a video of his doing a series of exercises to "refresh and rejuvenate" himself. Modi posted this photo less than a month after accepting Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli's fitness challenge. Modi is an ardent yoga practitioner and the video…
B-town is buzzing with the news that Kangana Ranaut has joined hands with popular filmmaker, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, for an untitled film which might be seen the actress in the role of a Kabaddi player. Reports also suggest that the movie might be shot in between October to December because…
The India Tourism office in association with the Indian High Commission organised a yoga session at Britain's historic Stonehenge as a precursor to the International Day of Yoga later this month. Every year, June 21 is celebrated as the International Day of Yoga or 'Yoga Day'. The unique event witnessed…
by AMIT ROY CULTURAL FESTIVAL BOOSTS TRADE TIES BETWEEN SWEDEN AND INDIA INDIANS in Sweden have just held a “Namaste Stockholm” cultural event, showcasing yoga, classical and Bollywood dancing, music and food, in an effort to boost trade and business between the two countries. Although Sweden has a population of…
SADHGURU LOOKS AT THE SACRED UNIVERSE THAT WE LIVE IN TODAY RECENTLY, I happened to be in a presentation by a popular scientist. He has written a book called Endless Universe. It has become very popular in scientific circles. He called this particular session Beyond the Big Bang, because until recently…
QANTAS AMONG AIRLINES LOOKING FOR PLANES TO CLOSE ‘TYRANNY OF DISTANCE’ PLANEMAKERS gave a glimpse of the ultra-long-distance jets of the future last Sunday (3) as they work to meet a demanding goal from Australia’s Qantas to connect Sydney and London in a non-stop 20-hour flight. As global airline leaders gather…
Citing the disappointing attitude of the Uttar Pradesh government as reason, yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Limited has decided to shift its planned food part out of the state. Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly denied permission to set up the plant in Greater Noida. Managing director of Patanjali Ayurved…
1. Before joining Bollywood Sonakshi Sinha was a fashion designing student. She worked as a costume designer for the film called Mere Dil Leke Dekho in the year 2005. She still designs for her parents. And she would love to come up with her own fashion range very soon. She even walked…
by HOWARD ROBIN FIRMS AND MOGULS CASH IN ON UK REAL ESTATE RETURNS COMPANIES and private individuals from the Indian subcontinent have been pouring money into prime UK property, targeting some of Britain’s most prestigious and historic tracts of real estate. The transactions range from luxury apartments in London and…
Indian mountaineer Arjun Vajpai has become the youngest person in the world to scale six peaks of over 8,000 metres. On May 20, the Noida-based mountaineer summited Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, to achieve this honour. Vajpai says the feat was possible as a result of the…
India prime minister Narendra Modi has accepted cricketer Virat Kohli's fitness challenge. “Challenge accepted!” wrote Modi on Twitter as response to Kohli’s tweet and added that he would soon post his own fitness challenge video on social media. Indian skipper Kohli had challenged Modi, cricketer MS Dhoni and his wife Anushka…
1.Ziro Festival, Arunachal Pradesh The Ziro Festival of Music is an outdoor music festival held in the Ziro valley in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It showcases the independent music scene in India. The festival is spread over four days and is hosted by members of the Apatani…
AN INDIAN guru with millions of followers was sentenced to life in prison last Wednesday (25) for raping a teenage devotee on the pretext of ridding her of evil spirits, his lawyer said. Asaram Bapu, one of India’s most charismatic and controversial spiritual leaders, was given the maximum sentence at…
Priyanka Chopra is all excited to do a Bollywood film after nearly two years. Chopra shared her enthusiasm with Esquire and said her upcoming Bollywood movie, which will have her sharing screen space with Salman Khan, is an out and out entertainer. “I’ve finished up two films: A Kid Like…
India prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK last night (17) for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport. Johnson said he was "excited"…
The food that you eat after a workout is just as important to the one you consume before hitting the gym. And while many say alcohol is an absolute NO, a fitness expert claims that a glass of beer might not be the worst drink to consume after a grueling…
No matter whether you see her on the cine screen very often or not, but one thing is certain that the moment you hear her name, a thousand memories, which you made while watching her movies on the big or small screen in the 90s, flush back to trigger a…
Bipasha Basu is a fitness freak. She is one of the actresses who follow fitness regimes strictly. Speaking about her fitness mantra, she said to a leading Indian daily, "It is finally discipline that keeps you fit. Any shortcut that anyone wants to take will never work. It has to…
TIGER SHROFF TALKS BAAGHI 2, HIS STRICT FITNESS REGIME, FAMILY INSPIRATION AND PERFECT ROLES RISING star Tiger Shroff roars into action again with this week’s big Bollywood release Baaghi 2. The fierce first-look trailer showing the muscle-bound actor doing some high-octane scenes has generated a lot of interest and added to…
Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff have always been surrounded by rumours about their relationship. On being asked by a leading Indian daily about relationship rumours, Disha said, "He’s my only friend in Mumbai. We both like to dance and work out. He’s a thousand times better than me at both,…
Ekta Kapoor’s forthcoming project Mental Hai Kya? has garnered loads of eyeballs by unveiling one quirky poster of Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao after another. Since the day the makers launched the first posters of the movie, everyone is under impression that Rao is romancing Ranaut in the film. However,…
By Rashmita Solanki FOR those among us who want to travel in the utmost comfort to reach their destination in a happy, positive mood ready for our holiday, the only way to travel is by Qatar Airways. I experienced their service first-hand on my recent trip to Coimbatore in south…
The 29th edition of International Yoga Festival concluded on March 7 in Rishikesh and it has been lauded for bringing together people from different backgrounds. The event, which included lectures, yoga sessions and cultural programs, was attended by more than 2000 people from 96 countries. The closing ceremony took place…
Participants of the 29th International Yoga Festival -- currently underway at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh in northern India -- took part in a special meditation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram on the fifth day of the event. Participants from 94 countries traveled to the ashram by foot where they indulged in…
The 29th annual International Yoga Festival, held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, saw people from 94 countries coming together and taking part in various activities, including chanting and meditation, on the banks of river Ganga. The programme, jointly organized by Ayush and Parmarth Niketan Ashram, saw Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati sharing…
Katrina Kaif is one of the leading actresses in Bollywood. She is a fitness freak who is always conscious about her physical health. During an interaction with a leading Indian daily, the actor spoke about her gym routines, physical fitness and the fact that she sometimes dislikes her body. Katrina…
More than 11,000 people participated in the annual Surya Namaskar Yogathon organised by a Hindu Sangha in the US to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The annual event organised by the Hindu Swyamsevak Sangha (HSS) was held in 350 different…
The secret to achieving a youthful, glowing complexion does not lie in downing beauty supplements. A balanced diet and staying away from cigarettes could be more beneficial, reveals British Nutrition Foundation researchers. Along with iodine, zinc and vitamins A, C, B2, B3 and B7, many supplements contain added ingredients such…
FROM BOLLYWOOD TO HOLLYWOOD HITS, HERE ARE THE MOST ANTICIPATED MOVIES FEATURING SOUTH ASIA’S BRIGHTEST STARS by ASJAD NAZIR THERE are a number of interesting movies on the way in diverse genres ranging from high-profile Bollywood releases to Hollywood films starring popular South Asian stars. The variety of genres means…
TWINKLE KHANNA INTRODUCES A NEW KIND OF HERO WITH PAD MAN by ASJAD NAZIR THE horizon of Indian cinema expanding is perfectly illustrated by Pad Man, which is the first major Bollywood release of 2018. Akshay Kumar plays the lead role in what will perhaps be the most unique commercial…
From crowded streets filled with water buffalo, tuk-tuks and a million honking cars to vast countrysides housing a multitude of secluded villages, India is a gigantic place with a varied surplus of locations all drastically different than the next. There have been plenty of books and movies taking advantage of this…
by LAUREN CODLING An Indian act will be debuting a traditional art form in an extravagant circus show in central London this month. Mallakhamb India! will be performing at the La Soirée theatrical performance event at the newly refurbished Aldwych Theatre, in the West End. Performers Rajesh Amrale, 32, and…
SONYA AURORA MADAN ON THE RISE, FALL AND RETURN OF 1990S BRITISH BAND ECHOBELLY by ASJAD NAZIR IN THE early 1990s, Sonya Aurora Madan was one of the first British Asian artists to make it big in the western mainstream with her band Echobelly. The singer/songwriter not only became a…
ACTRESS RAO HYDARI ON HER CINEMATIC ODYSSEY by ASJAD NAZIR TALENTED actress Aditi Rao Hydari has shown off her remarkable versatility as a performer in a wide array of film projects. Born into a royal lineage, she has delivered commanding performances in different languages and taken on challenges thrown at…
By Lady Mohini Noon The great living yogi Sri M is in London this month for his first British teaching tour. From his talk on Virtuous Leadership in the House of Lords, to workshops on The Search for Happiness According to Vedanta, and a New Future Vision for the Youth,…
By Lauren Codling THE author of an Indian cookbook hopes her recipes will counter the notion that food from the subcontinent is “oily, heavy and creamy”. Mira Manek’s first book Saffron Soul is a collection of Indian dishes with a contemporary twist. Indian-inspired recipes for layered lentil and sweet potato…
ACCLAIMED ACTOR SUNIEL SHETTY ON HIS 25 YEAR JOURNEY IN INDIAN FILMS by ASJAD NAZIR IT IS a rainy day in London when Eastern Eye meets up with Suniel Shetty at the plush Grosvenor House hotel on Park Lane. The bad weather outside is quickly forgotten with the towering star…
Good films: Great movies will always inspire me and that is why I chose to work in this profession. I recently did a Christopher Nolan, Alfred Hitchcock and Satyajit Ray marathon. The great works done by these and other masters is so compelling. For example Hitchcock is open ended, Ray…
Actress Disha Patani, who is currently shooting for her forthcoming film Baaghi 2 with her rumoured boyfriend Tiger Shroff, is just two films old in Bollywood, but she is being considered for one plum project after the other. Patani began her acting career in Bollywood with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold…
A QUEEN FRIENDSHIP TELEVISION personality turned author Padma Lakshmi recently attended the eighth edition of Mountain Echoes literary festival of Bhutan and befriended the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wang Chuck. Lakshmi was full of praise and described her as the most gracious hostess. Talking to the Queen, she…
It is natural for human intelligence to seek what is life and beyond – to look at life and to long to know. So how can you avoid spirituality? You have managed to avoid it for a long time because you are deeply attached and identified with things that you…
Just two films old Disha Patani is going places in Bollywood. Her first Hindi film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story saw her sharing the screen space with Sushant Singh Rajput. In her second project, Kung Fu Yoga she got a chance to work with none other than international superstar Jacky…
THIS is the time of year when the Adiyogi Shiva’s attention first fell upon the Saptarishis – the now-celebrated seven disciples. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not worshipped as a god, but is considered the Adiyogi – the first yogi, and as the Adiguru, the first guru, from whom…
Yoga enthusiasts in the UK have been participating in mega yoga events this week at iconic tourist attractions such as the London Eye and Trafalgar Square to celebrate the third International Day of Yoga. The High Commission of India in London and India Tourisms UK division staged a yoga takeover…
Yoga has connected the world with India, prime minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday (21), as he rolled out his mat along with millions of others across the globe to celebrate the ancient practice. Enthusiasts across India rose at the crack of dawn, many braving monsoon showers, to mark the…
The United Nations headquarters in New York were lit up with the word Yoga in commemoration of the third International Day of Yoga, with renowned actor Anupam Kher switching on the illumination lights. “Yoga lights up @UN…Here’s a sneak peek of the iconic UN Headquarters building being lit up like never…
There is a need to preserve Indian culture in the UK and make it more inclusive to have a "tolerant" society, experts at a panel discussion here have said. The discussion was held at the Indian Gymkhana yesterday as part of the India and the UK year of culture 2017.…
Basking in the success of his movies 3 Idiots, Dhoom 3 and PK in China, a rare feat for an Indian film actor, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is now promoting his recent outing Dangal. While his 3 Idiots was a big hit, especially among students and parents, PK too became…
Researchers from across the world have vowed to work with India to promote Ayurveda globally, saying the ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine can help address major health problems. "Ayurveda offers a holistic, highly personalised prevention-oriented approach, including diet, exercise and many other modalities which enable people to…
ONE of the all-time greatest leading ladies of Indian cinema, Juhi Chawla can rightly be proud of the global impact she has made. But instead of dwelling on her past achievements, the actress divides her time between being a mother, her business ventures and starring in carefully selected films. Still…
A THREE-MONTH course in yoga and meditation, especially the ancient Indian practice of kirtan, may help boost memory and fight Alzheimer’s disease, American sci- entists have said. A team of US neuroscientists from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that yoga and meditation helped minimise cognitive and…
INDIAN environmentalists are aghast at the hosting of a huge cultural festival on the floodplain of Delhi’s main river that begins on Friday (March 11), warning that the event and its 3.5 million visitors will devastate the area’s biodiversity. The “World Culture Festival”, organised by one of India’s best-known spiritual…
WE ALL know that exercise has many benefits for our health and wellbeing. A regular exercise routine can help build stronger muscles, prevent chronic illness, manage your weight and help you look and feel much better. But can exercise help us to look younger and reverse aging? Studies show that…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi picked Hindu hardliner Yogi Adityanath, who has been accused of inciting violence against India's Muslim minority, to lead its most populous state after his party won a landslide victory last week. Adityanath's appointment to lead Uttar Pradesh was denounced by opposition party members. But officials of…
Scholars who contributed to a text about the Swaminarayan faith group have paid tribute to the community, whose origins are in Gujarat, as they praised their tradition of service and their resilience. Raymond B Williams, a professor at Wabash College in Indiana in the US; and Yogi Trivedi, an adjunct…
The United Nations will honour the legacy of India’s Carnatic music legend MS Subbulakshmi next week with a stamp, coinciding with the celebrations of the country’s 70th Independence day. The UN Postal Administration will issue the stamp to mark Subbulakshmi’s birth centenary, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said in…
The benefits of yoga have been extolled by fans and celebrities alike for decades, but now the fashionable exercise and multi-million pound industry is embroiled in a bitter fight to create a new national standard for teachers. It follows the call from the British Wheel of Yoga, the Sports England-appointed…
A young generation of stars are shining over Bollywood, and one that has perhaps been brighter than other debutantes this year has been Disha Patani. The model-turned-actress announced her arrival into the big time with a starring role in smash hit film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Disha also has…
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi urged people to embrace the age-old practice of yoga, saying that rejecting an idea because it is ancient could be “potentially harmful”. Yoga is constantly evolving, the prime minister said as he unveiled a 112-foot statue of Adiyogi, Lord Shiva, on the occasion of Mahashivratri…
Political stalwarts Murli Manohar Joshi and Sharad Pawar, former Lok Sabha speaker PA Sangma, cricketer Virat Kohli and Carnatic musician KJ Yesudas are among the 89 people chosen for this year’s Padma awards. Joshi, Pawar, Sangma and Yesudas are among seven to be awarded the Padma Vibhushan, country’s second highest…