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

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.

We’re also bringing our flagship event The Infamous Lock & Key Party straight from the heart of London to New York! Giving you plenty of opportunity to mix with singles!

This June why not expand your Desi social circle and meet that someone you’ve been looking for!

Indeed, the British Indian pop singer is now known as Timbaland’s “Indian Muse.”  She first worked with the producer when she lent her vocals to his song “Bombay” on the 2007 album Shock Value. Other collaborations followed and Amar is now signed to the Timbaland’s record label. 

Amar distinctly remembers her first meeting with superstar producer Timbaland. “He’s amazing. He pulled out a bunch of old Hindi records and started to play them,” she recalled.  “He’s a big fan of R.D. Burman and really into the Indian style of singing.” “That happened a few years ago. Now I am firmly placed in his orbit.”

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Timbaland’s influence can be felt throughout Amar’s new album Show It Off.  The album also marks something of a coming-of-age for Amar as she leaves behind what she calls the “teenage angst” of her previous work.  The importance of her cultural identity is also vital on the new record. Entirely in Hindi, the album has a mix of dance, pop, and ballads.

“It is a very melting pot, second generation kind of album,” Amar explains. “It represents the second generation, those who didn’t grow up in India.” 

Two of her favorite tracks are Bombay Billionaire, a duet with Sonu Nigam, and Sajana, which features Shankar Mahadevan of Shankar Ehsaan Loy. 

Bombay Billionaire was recorded in (where else) Mumbai.  “We were in a studio session and we managed to bag him,” said Amar of Sonu Nigam.  “He was messing out with some beats and it gave me the same kind of feel as [the Missy Elliott and Timbaland hit] Get Ur Freak On.  It’s a real back and forth between us.” 

As for Mahadevan, Amar had been a fan of his work since hearing his song Breathless. “We managed to go meet with him,” said Amar, “And we ended up just singing. Within a few minutes, everyone was up and dancing.”  The result was the track Sanjana.

The singer knows how tough it can be to create a unique identity in the South Asian community.  The daughter of Punjabi singer Mangal Singh, Amar resisted emphasizing her family musical connections for years. 

“I used to be quite firm, I wanted to make my name on my own,” she said. “You know how people get their success from their parents? I didn’t want that at all.”

Father and daughter have however begun working together on this album.  Mangal Singh even appears on the track Deewana.

Amar was coy when asked what the future holds. “I’m taking it one day at a time,” she said. She did hint at the possibility of big things in the near future. “I have some mainstream projects coming up, but I don’t think I’m allowed to talk about them yet.” 

Sahelis can follow Amar on Twitter @amarmusiconline or visit her official website here.

Preview Bombay Billionaire and Sajana here.

America India Foundation New York Young Professionals Chapter
Summer Mixer “The Road Ahead”
Come together to mingle and celebrate a successful fiscal year for both AIF NYYP and SAATH. They would like to thank everyone for their generous support and will be reporting results for the current fiscal year ending June 30th, 2010.  The theme for their annual benefit in April was “Let’s Make a Change Together,” and that’s exactly what they accomplished. Not only did they raise funds for SAATH’s “Umeed” initiative, they also brought 220 young professionals together to raise awareness.

AIF NYYP will be accepting applications for several open positions on the board for the upcoming fiscal year. If you are interested in learning more about AIF NYYP chapter, the Trustees Counsel, and how to become more involved, join them at their Summer Mixer.
   
Happy hour food and drink specials including a specialty summer cocktail will be available throughout the evening.

To find out more or reserve tickets click here. 

Meet Jyothi Rao, General Manager for Gilt Groupe
In November 2009, SAWLF launched, Women in Fashion, a new event series for fashion professionals. Women in Fashion returns on Wednesday, June 23 for a special event with Jyothi Rao, the general manager, women’s for the Gilt Groupe.

Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail.

Jyothi Rao brings to Gilt Groupe extensive experience in the retail sector with a focus on merchandising. Most recently, she served as a senior vice president and general manager at Calvin Klein, where she launched the Specialty Retail division. Prior to that, she spent 16 years at Gap Inc., where she held several leadership positions and was responsible for aggressively growing both the regular-price and outlet businesses for Gap and Banana Republic. Jyothi, who has
resided in Africa, India and Europe, also helped Gap International succeed in more than doubling its sales in Japan, France, the U.K. and Canada.

This special event is limited to just 25 participants and will take place at the offices of the Gilt Groupe in Manhattan.  Early registration is highly encouraged as this event will sell out in advance.

To register on-line, please click here.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Women in Fashion programming and mentoring initiative for high school age girls.  Pease contact SAWLF at info@southasianwomen.org for additional event information.

IndiaD8 Singles Nights
If you missed last month’s IndianD8 Speed Dating nights, don’t fret, you still have a chance to meet that special someone.  IndianD8 is bringing them back this June!

Hindu Speed Dating
Friday, June 25th
Buy tickets here

Sikh Speed Dating
Thursday, July 1st
Buy tickets here

Muslim Match Making
Wednesday, June 30th
Buy tickets here

UPDATE  – This Event Cancelled
“The Emergence of Consumerism and Branding in India”
The Citi Series on Asian Business Leaders Presents Dr. Vijay Mallya, CEO & Chairman, UB Group, on Tuesday, June 15th at the Asia Society, 770 Park Avenue at 70th Street.

In a country where alcohol advertising is banned and only two per cent of the population can afford to fly, UB’s success story has been an astonishing lesson in branding. United Spirits Limited is among the top three liquor companies in the world by volume, marching towards selling a whopping 100m cases by 2010. Kingfisher beer is the largest brewing company in India, with more than fifty percent market share. Within three years of launch, Kingfisher Airlines became the market leader in India’s aviation sector. In addition to being voted one of India’s “Buzziest” brands, it is one of only six airlines in the world to receive a 5-star rating from Skytrax.

Hear the perspectives of one of India’s leading industrialists on how that rapidly rising country has been transformed by branding and consumerism.

For tickets please click here.
$25 Members; $35 Non-Members; $30 Student’s with ID; $30 Seniors

Registration: 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Lunch and Program: 12:30 – 2:00 PM