Actress Sehnooor spills the beans on how 2021 has been for her and what's next in her kitty. The year 2021 has taught all of us several things, and it has been a roller coaster ride for everyone one. Actress Sehnooor too had similar learnings during the year. The Badan Pe Sitare 2 actress says, “2021 has personally not been that easy as a human being, staying away from family alone here has been very challenging. But what I learned this year is to make yourself your priority, to work on yourself more than letting others work on you.” The COVID-19 pandemic and losing loved ones have taken a massive toll on both our physical and mental health. Mental health indeed plays a very vital role in each one of our lives. The actress shared that in the forthcoming year, she would focus on her mental health. “You are your own teacher is what I believe in. And personally, I am going to make sure that in the coming year I work more on myself physically and mentally so that I can be a better person. I wish the year brings out lots of love, peace and harmony within me and each one of us around the world and we make a better world and better place to live in after such a drastic downfall,” she added. Sehnooor was working during the entire pandemic phase for her upcoming Bollywood debut. She will be next seen with Pawan Singh in the web series ‘Prapanch’. Besides this, she will be a part of two music videos that will be announced soon.

With an aim to revive dying Indian art forms, Art Tree has worked with several folk artists. We spoke to Pragati Agarwal, Founder, Art Tree to understand more about art trends and ways people can be drawn towards folk art. Over the years, there has been a frenzy for reviving dying Indian art forms. However, despite that, why do Indians rarely invest in Indian art? Indian art is largely decorative. It is not expensive most of the times, especially the folk art. If you are looking at it from the point of view of resaleability, it is rarely sold. People don’t invest into art but in culture. There is also this sentiment of 'ghar ki murgi daal barabar'. When we go abroad, we see something being sold at Paris’ art museums, we appreciate the artists’ works. However, if an Indian artist puts 18-20 hours in one artwork here in India, we critique him and look for the ‘what’s new’ aspect in his work. This needs to change if we want to see prosperity among Indian artists. Besides this, there is a post-colonialism mindset that everything coming from the west is spectacular whereas that from India is ordinary. There is a need to change this mindset. How can we change people’s mindsets and persuade them to appreciate Indian art? A lot of efforts are being taken by several organisations. Art Tree, for instance, is making an attempt to educate people about folk art and its nuances. Unfortunately, since Indian art is not taught in Indian art schools, children do not have an interest and liking for our traditional art. There is a need to introduce Indian culture to children from a tender age so that they consider art as our heritage. For me, art is like a tree. If the roots are not strong, it will fall off. During the pandemic, many people invested in learning folk art through books and private courses. Do you think they can create a difference in spreading the knowledge about art? I feel that anything a person learns never go waste. Learning about different art forms will also slowly create an impact and it will influence more people to take up art. When we also do a show, we want people to see art and learn from them so that we can educate people. Even a small learning about art can create curiosity and interest among masses. Most artists share message(s) in their artworks. Do you thing that the lack of interest in art among people defeats their purpose of creating art? Unless an artwork tickles the grey cells, there is not a step forward. Artists want to reach out to people through art. They are extremely passionate about art forms otherwise they can’t produce. They put in an amazing artwork. Most folk art is made with natural or mineral colours. The treatment of the fabric is also a long process that artists do on their own. If they weren’t passionate, I don’t think they get their returns. How can we create awareness among children towards art? Schools should organise workshops for children with artists that offer a range of art forms. It is through these workshops that children can understand the nuances of art. Children should get an up, close and personal experience with artists and learn about their nuances as well as brush and stroke works.

UP Tourism and Culture Affairs Minister Neelkanth Tiwari inaugurated the event in the presence of Anupam Kher, Rahul Mittra, Ashoke Pandit, Satish Kaushik, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ravi Kishan and Raju Srivastava. The first edition of the Kashi Indian International Film Festival began in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Affairs Minister Neelkanth Tiwari inaugurated the three-day festival. The ceremony took place in the presence of actor Anupam Kher, filmmaker Rahul Mittra, President of Indian Film and Television Directors Association Ashoke Pandit, directors Satish Kaushik and Madhur Bhandarkar, MP and actor Ravi Kishan, and comedian Raju Srivastava, amongst others. While Anupam Kher and Ashoke Pandit will participate in a panel discussion on Varanasi’s rich cultural heritage, award-winning filmmaker Rahul Mittra will speak on the importance of Uttar Pradesh as a centre for film production, and the potential for regional cinema on the festival’s second day. Singer Kailash Kher and Hema Malini will also perform on the second day. The Kashi Film Festival is taking place ahead of the beginning of the construction work on the ambitious film City at Sector-21 of the Yamuna Expressway Development Authority (YEIDA) area of Gautam Budh Nagar district in January 2022.

India has a powerhouse of talent in art. Despite this, its traditional art forms are dying. With an aim to revive them and familiarise people about India’s talented artists, Art Tree has brought artworks from east (Madhubani), west (phad) and south (chintz) under one roof. For years, several independent organisations have strived to create awareness about regional art. But despite that, Indian art forms haven’t received appreciation like western artists. Understanding the narrow divide between Indian and western art and with an aim to educate masses about Indian art, Art Tree is showcasing chintz, Madhubani and Phad art under one roof. The show titled ‘Ekayan - Ek sutra’ is being held at Bikaner House, New Delhi. It will be open to public till December 30. Explaining the title of the show, Pragati Agarwal, Founder, Art Tree, says, “We called this show ‘Ekayan’ as it means ‘oneness’. The art forms chosen for the show belong to east (Madhubani), west (phad) and south (chintz) that represent this oneness.” The show represents works of Prakash Joshi from western India, Manisha Jha from eastern India and J Niranjan from southern India. Prakash Joshi is showcasing Phad art. Unlike other shows where Phad artists paint 35-40 feet long paintings, Prakash’s Phad art is visible in miniature form. The Bhilwara-based artist artworks narrate stories of local deities from Rajasthan. He has taken inspiration from mythology and referred to texts given in books, religion and history to choose his characters. In one of the paintings, he has taken the essence from Valmiki’s Ramayana and made Aditya Hridam as a separate painting. “For instance, I have consulted Ramayana written by Valmiki as well as Tulsidas. I took the essence from the works of both the writers. I studied Ramayana written by Tulsidas as well as Valmiki beforehand. These works are based on seven chapters of Ramayana which were painted separately as seven artworks,” he clarifies. He used power loom cloth as the base. The artist says that he decided this as the cloth’s grain is finer than handloom cloth. Describing the technique as a 2-3 days process, he says, “I used malmal and added wheat/rice starch on it. I then rubbed the cloth with onyx stone to smoothen the cloth. This process helps refine the fabric and allows the brush to work properly. It also lets the cloth to absorb colour easily.” Working with starch and onyx stone isn’t easy. The artist applies starch on clothes and keeps them for some time. “If the cloth is rubbed with onyx stone and kept out without use for days, it loses its smoothness and becomes rough overtime, which hampers the movement of the brush,” he clarifies. The artist has used natural pigment stone colours. These colours are made after crushing and grinding the stones into powder and removing mica from them. These colours are then processed with tree gum and used. Artist Manisha Jha too has uses natural colours in her artworks. The Delhi-based Madhubani artist uses turmeric, cachou (kattha), tea, coffee, pomegranate and jamun, roadside leaves and flower on canvas. “This was to break that myth that natural colours are not stable,” she says. For the show, the artist has shown line work and the tree of life in all the paintings. The artist has represented all the paintings through the tree of life as she finds it a powerful medium of expression. Explaining the significance of trees, she says, “Trees are the most important part of our lives. They are the root of the society as they stand firm and grow into different direction. That is the concept of our life as well. That also stands true for women. Women are also the root of the society. They stand firm and grow into different direction. The same concept also works for city as well.” With 15 artworks on display, some of them are from her previous series but they have not been showcased previously. For instance, the cityscapes are from her earlier series on Banaras. A few pieces from other series, such as the one from jackfruit, Kamdhenu, elephant, Krishna and Gopika, fish and chakra series. Manisha, the third generation of Madhubani artist in her family, has been narrating life and nature through pictures. This showcase is no different. “In folk art, stories are everything. I have been painting for the last 40 years. There are traditional symbols in folk art and each of them have a separate meaning. For instance, fish is a symbol of evolution and new beginnings. Parrot represents love and snake is a symbol of fertility and time,” she says. J Niranjan is showcasing Kalamkari works at the show, an art that he has learnt from his father Padamshri Guruappa Chetty. He has used natural dyes in to protect the environment and artisans lives from the pollution that is created by using the chemical dyes. He has made these artworks at Shri Kalahasti near Chennai.

Atrangi Re is beyond a regular love story. It takes a deep dive into the issue of mental health and its consequences. Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan outshine Akshay Kumar with their remarkable performances. Anand L Rai deserves a pat on his back for giving a new dimension to a regular love story. Name: Atrangi Re Director: Aanand L. Rai Rating: 3.5/5 Platform: Disney+Hotstar While looking at Atrangi Re's trailer, it might seem to be a regular love triangle kind of a movie. But unlike other romantic movies where boy meets a girl and falls in love or a couple loving out of their wedlock, the film is a refreshingly different. It is atrangi in literal sense - be it its story, screenplay, performances and emotional sequences. Director Anand L Rai has given a twist to a love story by boldly sliding the issue of mental health and its consequences in the story. The film revolves around Rinku Sooryavanshi (played by Sara Ali Khan) and Vishu (Dhanush). They are forcefully married off after Rinku's family kidnaps Vishnu. But Rinku's heart beats for Sajjad Ali (played by Akshay Kumar), a magician, while Vishnu loves his long-time girlfriend. Despite being married, both of them mutually come to a consensus to follow their hearts and marry their respective lovers. However, things change when Vishnu starts develops feelings for Rinku and later learns the secret about Rinku's boyfriend Sajjad. The film's script and screenplay and dialogues are spot on. It does not take enough time for the director to establish the story. In fact, it is because of the smooth storytelling and editing that makes the film likeable. There is a perfect combination of romance, drama, emotions and comedy in the film. The first half is better than the second half. The treatment given to the climax could have been better. It is botched up and makes it confusing for viewers to understand the plot. In terms of performances, Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush are brilliant. Sara's Bihari accent is spot on. No where in the film will you feel that she lost it. As a bold, bindaas and fierce small town girl who knows what she wants and how she can get it, Sara deserves a 10/10. She has also aced the funny, as well as emotional scenes to perfection. One cannot miss her sizzling hot performance in Chaka Chak. Dhanush too has complemented his role well. He plays a charming and understanding lover boy who will make you fall in love with him within a few minutes into the film. He also deserves applause for his comic timing and his chemistry with Sara. However, Akshay Kumar has not offered anything out-of-the-box. He looks quite odinary as compared to Dhanush and Sara in terms of his acting. Besides the lead roles, Ashish Verma as Vishnu's best friend has been a surprise element in the film. One cannot miss his comic timing and the necessary laughter that he brings in the film. Atrangi Re's music and songs add the cherry on the cake. A R Rahman's has left no stone unturned. He has added the south Indian tunes wherever needed, making the film watchable for both Hindi and Tamil audiences. Overall, Atrangi Re is a treat that you can savour. Mind you, the film will teach you some important lessons. Watch it on Disney+ Hotstar from December 24.

Village Square Youth Hub organised the first edition of Bharat Youth Dialogues that seeks to engage India’s youth in shaping the future narratives. Swara Bhaskar was present on the occasion to share her experience of working in a village that transformed her completely. The first edition of Bharat Youth Dialogues kicked off in Delhi recently. Actress Swara Bhaskar, who took a fellowship in the third year of college, shared that as a literature student, she too worked in a village in Kesla that educated her about the struggles of rural people. Calling it one of the best decisions in her life and an eye-opening experience, Swara said, "I initially took the opportunity as a vacation as I thought that she would get the chance to travel. But to my surprise, working in Kesla and learning about the struggles of people inspired me. It changed everything that I wanted to do in my life - before that I wanted to go abroad but after that I never wanted to leave." As a student, Swara was interested in stories and the novels that I was reading in college were not set in the 'Delhi of 2000s'. So she thought that working in a village would give a glimpse of the real India. "When I reached Kesla, I was assigned as an NGO Pradhan to the Kesla project which was in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. My idea of villages was the one that I have seen in Bollywood. I never knew what lives villagers had in real life except for what I saw in Bollywood. My greatest learning was awareness, empowerment and agency have nothing to do with whether you are in a city or a village. We are taught that since we are in a city, we are more capable. But the truth is that we are only more privileged," she added. Village Square champions the lives of India. It’s about opening people’s eyes to a different way of life and be ambassadors. Describing about the organisation's purpose, Lyndee Prickitt, Director, Village Square says, “We want people living in urban areas to go to rural areas and experience a different way of life. We want people to come back and inform your thought processes, conversations, life choices and inspire you not to forget those living in villages.” The idea is to talk more about rural India and give them the voice. Explains Lyndee, “There are so many enriching stories in India coming from rural areas that are unusual and enriching. These come from the pockets of India that we don’t usually see. It’s fulfilling and enriching for me to share stories of rural India and bring them to the forefront.” Village Square achieves this by offering various programmes as fellowships to students living in urban areas. It motivates students to work for villages to transform the lives of local rural population. Some of the programmes that have changed lives of rural population directly include providing sanitary pads for villagers, building toilets, working with solar energy and teaching farmers how to get seeds or cultivate mushrooms in their kitchens. "Some programmes have had a direct influence on people but sometimes, it takes long for the change to happen. That is why we expect more people to come and bring the achievements of rural India to the forefront," adds Lyndee.

Imagine looking at a painting and eventually becoming a part of it. That's the impression Neeti Aggarwal's paintings leave on audiences. Neeti has always been a lover of figures. She has never shied away in showing this love in her career choices. It was the love of numbers that led her to pursue CFA. In her free time too, she could not keep away from this love. Only this time, the figures she painted were different. As a figurative abstract artist, Neeti uses human figures in her paintings to narrate stories through. But it is not this form of art that makes her paintings different from other artists. It’s the depth that she adds in her artworks that makes them stand out. Neeti likes adding layers to her paintings to add depth to them. She likes using flat surface to allow onlookers to walk into paintings while looking at them. Her recent show ‘Circle of Life’ gave exactly the same glimpse. With 20 acrylic paintings on display, she used knife and also added mixed media elements in some of the artworks. Through this show, Neeti gave an introspection of any individual’s life and a tribute to strength and positivity of individuals through this show. Describing her exhibition, she says, “This show is not one person’s journey. It is a reflection of the onlookers’ journey as they see in the paintings. The entire journey always leaves some experiences on your soul. During this transformative journey, a lot of learnings happen and there are a lot of unknowns that an individual tackles. I have reflected life through colours, themes and images.” All the artworks are an amalgamation of bright colours and perspective elements. She insists that she used these colours to show bliss through her artworks. “Due to COVID-19, each one of us is seeking happiness in life and these colours represent the same,” she adds. One of her artworks, ‘In search of light’, shows a person’s search of light. However, Neeti insists that light does not mean light in literal sense but it could be learning, education or a spiritual journey. Explaining this painting, she says, “I have personified it as a woman. It is my way of showing that a person is thinking and finding light. This light could mean different things for different people. I have left on an art lover’s mind to perceive its meaning.” In another artwork titled ‘Radiant bliss’, the artist has used colours and a woman. “I have tried to show that the woman is trying to untangle unknown elements. But it’s her positivity that she will shape the reality around you. The wheels showcase the wheel of time,” she asserts. The wheel of time has also been used in the artwork titled ‘Aura’. Neeti has taken a couple as a focal point and has shown thoughts radiating out. Neeti shares, “The wheel describes that time keeps on changing. The path signifies the couple’s journey. The focal point brings to their relationship that they are being supportive to each other in whatever journey they have.”

Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was crowned the Miss Universe 2021 at an event held in Eilat, Israel. After a long wait of 21 years, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu has brought home the title of Miss Universe 2021. After winning the crown, the 21-year-old model from Chandigarh, Punjab thanked people for their support and love. Here's the complete video of what she said: Harnaaz competed with Paraguay and South Africa in the top 3. She was presented the crown by previously reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza from Mexico. In the final round, Harnaaz was asked, "Many people think climate change is a hoax, what would you do to convince them otherwise?". To this, she confidently replied, “My heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it is all due to our irresponsible behaviour. I totally feel that this is the time to take action and talk less. Because our each action could save or kill nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair and this is what I am trying to convince you guys today.” Before her, Lara Dutta and Sushmita Sen have brought India the crown in 2000 and 1994, respectively. Harnaaz has been in the industry for many years and even has many numerous titles to her name such as Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and Miss Diva Universe 2021. She has also worked in some Punjabi films such as Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange.

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui breaks the mould and sensitively handles the relationship between a man and a trans woman. Vaani Kapoor steals the show with her performance. Name: Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui Director: Abhishek Kapoor Rating: 4 Homosexuality has garnered interests of several filmmakers but never has anyone attempted to make a film involving a trans woman and a man. Oh Boy! Director Abhishek Kapoor has handled this subject with such sensitivity, giving an overall picture of life of transgenders and the stigmas they face in the society. But don’t just think of this film as a love, laughter and happily ever after kind of a rom-com. The film gives a glimpse of stigmas, biases and criticism that transgenders face for their sexuality in real life. The film starts with a very hulky Punjab ka gabru Manvinder aka Manu Munjal (played by Ayushman Khurana) flexing his muscles in his gym. Manu, a body builder, lives on Keto diet and has two aims in his life - to earn more business for his gym and win the GOAT (Gabru of All Times) Championship in Chandigarh. To earn more business, Maanvi Brar (Vaani Kapoor) gets hired in his gym as a zumba instructor. They instantly get each other's attention and fall in love. But Maanvi has a secret to share and when Manu learns about her past, he accuses and shames her. Abhishek Kapoor has shown society’s judgements and biases, sharing a slice of reality that transgenders face in their everyday lives. Vaani Kapoor has nailed those scenes with finesse. There is not a single moment in the film where the film loses its track. The minutest details about transgenders undergoing sex transformation surgery has been handled respectfully. In terms of the screen play and editing, the film has done a brilliant job that is why it is only 2 hour and 1 minute long. Ayushman Khurana has once again nailed his performance. He adds pun and intellect in the film. But it’s Vaani Kapoor who has outshined everyone. She has delved into her character with utmost sincerity. In terms of supporting cast, Tanya Abrol and Sawan Rupowali have done a brilliant job as Manu’s sisters who act like society’s nosy aunties. Kawaljit Singh is looking adorable as Maanvi’s supportive father. The first half is better than the second half. Towards the end, the film becomes predictable. However, there are more hits than misses in this film. Do watch it for its story, screenplay, Vaani Kapoor and the film’s peppy numbers.

Singer Aastha Gill dropped a new music video 'Dhoondein Sitaare' with artist King, known for his song 'Tu Aake Dekhle'. After giving Bollywood some of the biggest hits such as DJ Wale Babu, Proper Patola, Paani Paani, Bachpan ka Pyaar and Saawariya, singer Aastha Gill is back with another music video titled 'Dhoondein Sitaare'. For this song, she has collaborated with artist King known for his song 'Tu Aake Dekhle'. Hyundai Spotlight, a platform for budding artists across India to showcase their talent to the nation, has launched the song. While taking about her collaboration with King, Aastha says, "I absolutely loved the idea of supporting new artist and collaborating with them. When Universal Music India and Hyundai spotlight expressed their vision, I was totally game to do a song with an upcoming artist and King is one artist that has proven his mettle through his past few singles. King was always an underground artist and with this platform it gives them a chance to showcase their music to larger audience and make it mainstream."