Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents MI21: Mother India 21st Century Remix
Come to Prospect Park tonight to check out MI21.  MI21 is a dynamic audio/visual re-scoring and re-visualizing of the profoundly influential Mother India (1957), the first Bollywood film to be nominated for an Academy Award (Best Foreign Language Film) and a piece of cinema history that came to symbolize the post-colonial Indian psyche. MI21 re-imagines the three-hour epic into an impressionistic  60 minutes of arresting imagery with a live score by DJ Tigerstyle, who is accompanied by strings, keyboards, and percussion.

The evening will kick off with a performance by Falu, the “indie Hindi,” who trained under the legendary vocalist Ustad Sultan Khan in Bombay and brazenly mashes up rock, funk, Bollywood and purely Indian classical music.

When: Today, July 29th
8pm
Where:  Prospect Park, Brooklyn

$3 suggested donation. At the Bandshell.

STRINGS Live – At Le Poisson Rouge
Ariz presents STRINGS live in concert this weekend.  With over 5 albums to their credit, they have toured all over the world and collaborated with some of the best in Film music, they are critically acclaimed Pakistani Pop band, Strings. They have numerous awards to their credit including “Best Band Award” – MTV Music Awards 2009, “Best Live act in Music” – Lux Style Awards, 2008 amongst others.

The opening act will be performed by SA-RE-GA-MA finalist Jeffry Iqbal.

When: Saturday, July 31st
7pm

Where: Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street
New York, NY

The belief of the founders of Children’s Hope India, Inc. is that Every Child Counts. Their mission is to give impoverished children in India a chance for a brighter future. Clean water, regular medical care, a secure food supply, and access to education-gifts like these can revolutionize a child’s life.  All proceeds from this event will go directly toward giving impoverished children in India a chance at a brighter future.

When: Wednesday, July 28th
 6:00pm

Where: Vermilion Restaurant
480 Lexington Avenue (between 46th & 47th)

Tickets:  $35 at the door (cash or check)
$30 online at www.childrenshopeindia.org

While Mr. Dedhia’s success story might be what is known as an ‘outlier’, the Wedding Industry is definitely a latent market for aspiring filmmakers. Especially in New York, with Wedding Videographers charging anywhere between $1,000 to more than $10,000 for a wedding package.

However, if you don’t want your wedding videos to cost more than the wedding itself, here are some ideas to lower the cost, especially for your Sangeet, Mehndi or Puja -

Craigslist: This is usually kind of hit-and-miss, but you’re sure to get a few good responses with the right kind of listing. Post an ad with your requirements, and what kind of budget you’re looking at.

If you have your own video camera, you might be able to find a film student or someone who is looking to expand their portfolio, and will do the job virtually free. If you don’t own any camera equipment, mention in the ad that you’re looking for someone who has his or her own equipment.

Buy a Camera: Keeping in mind that the average professional videographer charges the equivalent of an Indie film budget, you might as well just buy your own camera and have a friend or a relative handle it during the wedding. This can actually turn out to be better than hiring someone, since a familiar person is likely to get more candid footage than a stranger.

Collage (a la Up in The Air): Remember how George Clooney’s sister asks all the wedding invitees to take pictures with a cardboard cutout of the couple, as a sort of wedding present? Why not ask around and see which of your guests has a camera or camera-phone, and encourage them to take footage at the wedding. You could request your guests to send in their videos or photographs, and create a collage as a gift to the lucky couple.

You could even ask your guests to send in photographs or recordings of the couple that they might already have, and put together a little something to screen at the reception!

Eat Pray Love

Follow Julia Roberts as she Eats ice cream in Italy, Prays at ashrams in India, and finds Love in Bali. This movie comes out on 13^th August, and is based on a memoir written by Elizabeth Gilbert. So pick up a copy of the book, if you just can’t wait for the movie.

Did You Know: The movie was shot in India, and Julia Roberts’ 5-year-old daughter, Hazel, loved being in India so much that she wants to live there when she grows up!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Speaking of books that got made into movies – haven’t had time to read Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy, and wondering what’s got everyone so excited? The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is based on the first book in the trilogy, and follows the story of Lisbeth Salander – hacker extraordinaire – as she teams up with a well-known journalist to solve a murder. This movie is already out, and you can catch it on Netflix Instant Watch! Warning: Not for the faint at heart.

Did You Know: The original Swedish title of this movie is ‘Män som hatar kvinnor’, which translates to ‘Men Who Hate Women’.

Inception

This movie, from the director of Dark Knight and Memento, will have your mind spinning for hours after watching it. Leonardo DiCaprio plays ‘Cobb’, a man with an unusual talent – he can break into people’s dreams as they sleep. And since it’s an action movie, your significant other will be more than happy to watch this with you.

Did You Know: Christopher Nolan spent ten years working on the screenplay for this movie – and the result is a wonderfully intricate and seamless puzzle!

Toy Story Marathon

You don’t have to be an eight-year-old to enjoy a Pixar movie, and Toy Story 3 definitely gets a CitySaheli vote. If you’ve already seen it and can’t get enough, then why not grab a copy of Toy Story 1 and 2 and gear up for an evening of nostalgia.

Did You Know: If you still can’t get enough, you can follow Toy Story 3 Director Lee Unkrich on Twitter – http://twitter.com/leeunkrich. Apparently, ‘Toy Story 3 has officially passed Finding Nemo to become Pixar’s all-time biggest hit in the United States.’

Greenberg

Do you love doing nothing on a lazy summer Sunday? Well, in this movie, Ben Stiller’s character makes ‘trying to do nothing’ a fulltime activity. The perfect movie for a Sunday afternoon, and it just came out on DVD!

Did You Know: Ben Stiller is known for playing the neurotic loser (There’s Something About Mary, Meet The Fockers) and claims that in real life he isn’t too different from his character in Greenberg.

I Hate Luv Storys

Looking for a Bollywood flick?  I Hate Luv Storys, produced by Karan Johar and starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor, is in the theaters this summer.  Although it has received mixed reviews, if you’re in the mood for a simplistic romantic comedy it may be the summer getaway you need.

Did you know:   Johar formally entered the film industry as an actor, portraying Raj’s (Shahrukh Khan) close friend in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. In addition, he selected Shahrukh Khan’s costumes, something he continued to do for Shahrukh Khan’s other movies like Dil To Pagal Hai, Duplicate, Mohabbatein, Main Hoon Na and Veer-Zaara and Om Shanti Om. Karan Johar costume-extraordinaire!

Indian Folk Arts Market
The sights and sounds of an Indian market are unmistakable – merchants selling their wares, customers bargaining prices, and artists creating new products simultaneously. For the first-time in the heart of Manhattan, India Abroad, the Indo-American Arts Council, and Asia Society invite you to experience an authentic Indian Folk Arts Market.  Master artisans will be on hand to display, demonstrate, and sell their work, all while exposing the general public to an arts and crafts industry that dates back centuries.

When: July 15th – 17th
12:30 – 4:30 pm

Where:  Asia Society
725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street)

Children’s Hope 2 & CitySaheli Present This Year’s Summer Soiree
Join Children’s Hope 2 as they host their annual fundraiser, this year with your very own CitySaheli!  Enjoy an evening of cocktails, an exciting raffle with a chance to win a US Open package, and more.  All proceeds will go directly toward giving impoverished children in India a chance at a brighter future.

When: Wednesday, July 28th
 6:00pm

Where: Vermillion Restaurant
480 Lexington Avenue (between 46th & 47th)

Tickets:  $35 at the door (cash or check)
$30 online at www.childrenshopeindia.org

Aicon Gallery Reception
The Aicon Gallery is hosting a reception to view the Sana Arjumand Exhibit.  The gallery viewing and reception will be followed by an interactive discussion on Modern and Contemporary South Asian art.

Where: Aicon Gallery
 35 Great Jones Street
 New York, NY

When:  Saturday, July 17th, 7:30-9:30pm

Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for non members

Dance Critics Association Conference
The Dance Critics Association will hold its annual conference in New York City.  Presentations include Classical Indian Dance: Vocabulary and Critical Questions, Dance Politics and Activism, Senior Critics Awards to Dr. Sunil Kothari and Jennifer Dunning, Cultural Exchange in 2010, Dance Technology and the Law, Dance on Camera, and Critics Response Panels commenting on the performances that are associated with the conference.  The Dance Critics Association conference is being held in conjunction with the World Dance Alliance.

When:  July 16th – 18th

Click here for more information about the conference and the entire schedule.

Click here to register for a day or the entire conference.

Click here to register for individual sessions.

Hennography
Hennography is the very first collaboration exhibit featuring Sandy Patangay and Matt Cohen.  Sandy, who has honed the skill of the 5000 year old henna art, will be displaying her artistry through a variety of mixed media.  Matt will be showcasing a progression of works leading up to his photography with henna.  Both artists will come together and deliver a beautiful and intriguing display of photography and ancient body art history.

When:  July 17th, 8pm

Where:  Sacred Gallery NYC
424 Broadway, 11 Floor
New York, NY 10013
 

Devi

Simultaneously paying homage to the dishes of his childhood in Delhi as well as the growing globalization of India and Indian food, Suvir Saran serves up a deliciously authentic and cosmopolitan menu in a lavishly warm setting. Love Saran’s take on Indian cuisine? Check out his cookbooks!

Mesa Grill

You’ve watched him on the Food Network—now go try his food! Chef Bobby Flay combines Southwestern flavors with his love for grilling at this Flatiron outpost. The vibrant flavors of Flay’s dishes are at their best when he combines fiery spices with sweeter ingredients—case in point, the Spice Chicken with a Crushed Red Cherry-Cascabel Sauce.

Spice Market

Renowned restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten puts his own spin on Asian street food at this Meatpacking hotspot. The spacious two levels are decorated with authentic artifacts from Rajasthan, South India, Burma and Malaysia and all meals are served family style, making every trip to this Market an extravagant and lavish outing.

Grotta Azzurra

Founded in 1908, this Little Italy landmark was named for the blue grotto on the isle of Capri and designed to evoke and intensify the beauty of the cave that serves as its namesake. After a brief closing for six years, new owners have completely revamped and renovated the space, bringing some of the finest Italian cuisine to a new legion of diners. (Fun fact: Frank Sinatra considered Grotta his “one and only favorite Italian restaurant.”)

Indochine

Diane Von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, and Vogue Magazine’s Anna Wintour are just a few of the fashion industry’s heavy-hitters who can’t get enough of Indochine, where French-Vietnamese dishes are served in a stylish ambience to an even more stylish clientele. Check out this gallery of select images from Indochine, Stories Shaken and Stirred, a commemorative book celebrating the restaurant’s 25^th anniversary.

 Hungry yet? Click here for the complete list of participating restaurants, as well as menus, instructions for reservations, and more.

 A note for American Express cardholders—dine three times at participating restaurants during Restaurant Week and pay with your American Express credit card, and you’ll receive a $15 credit on your next statement! Click here for more details.

The film follows Vishnu (Abhay Deol) the restless son and heir to a struggling hair oil business.  Vishnu’s disconnect from his family is severe and his longing to break away is palpable.  He finally finds an escape when his uncle sells his ancient Chevy truck.  Vishnu jumps at the opportunity to drive the truck across the country to its new owner. Armed with several crates of hair oil and his mother’s blessings, Vishnu sets off for his great adventure.

Set largely in Rajasthan, Road, Movie is visually stunning. Vishnu quickly picks up a cast of dynamic characters along the way- a young urchin, and, when the truck continually breaks down, a mystical mechanic named Om played by the excellent Satish Kaushik.  Om agrees to fix the truck on the condition that Vishnu drops him off at an elusive fair.  As the trio fight each other and worry over their dwindling food and water resources the film takes an interesting and original twist.  Don’t worry, we won’t reveal it here, but suffice it to say that the film turns unexpectedly, darkly comic.

After being held up by police in a remote Rajasthani village, Vishnu and Om discover that in addition to being an antique truck, the Chevy also served as a traveling cinema.  Reel upon reel of the greatest movies in Hindi cinema are discovered in the truck and Benegal’s love for the Indian film industry is readily apparent in the way he presents clips and glimpses of the Bollywood film stars of years past.  If you are like us, you will rush to YouTube and/or your local desi movie store so that you can watch these classic cinematic scenes again.  A particularly memorable scene involves the song Sar Jo Tera Chakraye from the movie Pyaasa.  You can listen to the new version of the song here.

The film’s most mysterious character is the nameless gypsy woman played by Tannishtha Chatterjee. She is the movie’s catalyst, as she is the only one who can reach out through Vishnu’s alienation.  Chatterjee’s natural singing voice is also in full display as she sings a beautiful Rajasthani folk song.  Deol also shines throughout and it is truly a delight to watch his caustic, bitter Vishnu finally evolve into a compassionate human being.  It is also wonderful to see the career character actor Satish Kaushik get the rich role he so deeply deserved.

All in all, Road, Movie is one of the most inventive and fresh new Hindi movies we’ve seen in a while.  The next time you want to curl up by the air conditioner and watch a film during this heat wave, check this one out.

Post a comment to this article and tell us what you loooove about PJs.  One winner will be chosen on July 14th and will receive a free pair of Jaipur Rose pajamas.

Q. What inspired you to start your own online business selling pajamas?

My master’s thesis at Stanford was my first foray into garment construction and sewing, and I loved it! I did a line of maternity wear that I would still like to produce one day.  I also did a line of Indian clothes, and while the line sold out, I quickly realized that it wasn’t a cost-effective or innovative way to run a business. I began searching for a way to combine the aesthetics of my Indian line with the soothing quality of my maternity line, and came up with sleepwear! It was a moment that I will never forget – everything came into focus and I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

Q. How do you balance being a new mom and starting this new company?

It is not easy! I took an entire year off to fully experience motherhood, and then returned to my business slowly. I did most of the business set-up before I became a mom – I finalized my patterns, fabric, trims, financing, and most of the details. The only things I did after my daughter was born was the website and produce the pajamas. She’s been with me to the sewing workshop, downtown LA’s fabric district, and all over town! She is my first priority and I am thankful that I have been able to balance motherhood and my career.

Q. What pajama set is your favorite?

I love the Jaipur Rose set! The print is fresh and feminine, and distinctly Indian.

Q. Any advice for entrepreneurs out there?

Think BIG! Examine your goals and go beyond them – why not? Also, you don’t need to have an MBA to start a business. You just need passion, motivation, and a little luck. I am grateful to my parents for supporting me when I wanted to study design rather than become a doctor or engineer, and to my husband for supporting me no matter what!

Taking center stage at any haldi ceremony is the traditional paste that is smeared all over the bride and groom.  The paste is most often made with turmeric, rosewater, and sandalwood, but can also be made simply with turmeric and water. Brides and grooms often have separate haldi ceremonies where relatives and friends apply the haldi paste all over their face, arms and legs. The beautifying properties of turmeric are thought to cleanse and purify the skin, while the blessings from the invited relatives and friends bring luck to the soon-to-be-married couple.

In West Bengal and Bangladesh, the haldi ceremony is combined with the mehndi ritual and known as a gaye holud.  The gaye holud often takes place a day or two before the wedding and can range from a small family-only affair to a party as large as the actual wedding reception.  The bride-to-be, dressed in a simple yellow or green sari, is smeared with the traditional paste of turmeric and rosewater by close friends and family, all of whom then hand-feed the newly yellow-ed bride a variety of sweets and fruits. Afterwards mehndi is applied to the bride-to-be’s hands and feet.

Pakistani brides celebrate a ritual known as mayoon, a ceremony that, like a gaye holud, is often combined with the mehendi ritual and takes place a day or two before the wedding. The mayoon is usually an all-night affair, and only women are invited. With the boys out of the way, the women spend all night singing and dancing, and of course, beautifying the bride-to-be. Dressed in a traditional yellow-colored salwar kameez, the bride is blessed by elder members of the family while other relatives and friends apply the traditional paste called ubtaan, made of turmeric, sandalwood, and other aromatic oils, to her hands and face.

The Sikh tradition of vatna is usually separate from the traditional mehndi ceremony, and takes place a few days before the wedding. A combination of barley flour, turmeric, and mustard oil is smeared all over the bride and the groom, and afterwards, both are required to take a ritual bath. It is after vatna that the bride and groom are then confined to their respective homes until the day of the wedding—according to this tradition, known as maiya, the bride and groom are not allowed to leave their houses or even change their clothes until the big day. (Modern adjustments to this ritual include holding it the day before the wedding, making the confinement last only one night!)

The Parsi community has its own take on the haldi ceremony. Called supra nu murat, it usually takes place the day before the wedding.  Four married women each hold a supra, a small pot, containing paan, haldi, some dates, and a coconut. With traditional folk songs playing in the background, these four supras are exchanged seven times among the four women. A fifth woman sits in the center of the four women, holding a dry piece of turmeric in a brass khalbatta (small cup).  This ritual is supposed to bless the soon-to-be married couple. Afterwards, haldi paste is smeared all over the bride and groom by relatives and friends.