Varijashree Venugopal performs at International Jazz Day function in Abu Dhabi
John Beasley, Varijashree, Emmet Cohen, John Patitucci, Kendrick Scott
Vari with Arturo Sandoval
Musician Varijashree Venugopal performed at the closing ceremony of the All-Star Global Concerts in Abu Dhabi on April 30, International Jazz Day 2025 . The Grammy-nominated artiste became one of the few Indian artistes to perform at this event, sharing the stage with some of the biggest legends in jazz music.The 2025 edition featured a notable lineup of jazz artists, including John McLaughlin, Arturo Sandoval, Kenny Barron, Marcus Miller, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Herbie Hancock.Varijashree joined these musicians for the celebration of jazz as a unifying art form.During her performance, Varijashree presented her interpretation of John Coltrane's Giant Steps, incorporating Indian Sargam. This blend of jazz harmony and Indian classical vocal techniques showcased her unique musical approach. She also contributed to the finale, performing a Kannada verse in Herbie Hancock's rendition of John Lennon's Imagine.Reflecting on the experience, Varijashree said, "Performing at International Jazz Day Abu Dhabi 2025 was a great honour. Sharing the stage with such talented musicians and presenting a bit of India's musical sound was a wonderful experience. It highlights how music can connect different cultures." Varijashree Venugopal, known for her Carnatic roots and innovative fusion of Indian and global music, has gained international recognition as a singer, flautist, and composer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Ananya Panday Calls Herself A ‘3/10 Actor' In Viral Video; Reddit Trolls Her Brutally
Last Updated: Ananya Panday called herself a 3/10 actor in a resurfaced video, sparking viral trolling and heated PR debates on Reddit and social media. A throwback video of Ananya Panday rating herself as an actor has resurfaced on Reddit and is going viral for all the wrong reasons. The clip, from a rapid-fire segment on Pinkvilla, features Ananya playfully struggling to rate her own acting skills. Initially hesitant, she says, 'I can't do this… Like a 3… How can I rate myself as an actor?" Her Call Me Bae co-stars Niharika Dutt and Muskkaan Jaferi try to lift her spirits, nudging her to rate herself higher. Eventually, Ananya settles on a 7 out of 10. While her response seemed candid and humorous, the internet didn't take it lightly. Redditors quickly latched onto the video, calling out what they described as another PR move. One user wrote, 'The thing is, it's actually working. People do sympathise with her. All the Insta girlies unite to defend her in any reel criticising her. Unfortunately." Another added, 'Nepotism or no nepotism—if you are focused on winning PR games instead of working on your craft, people won't watch you." A third user sarcastically chimed in, 'Even my 2-month-old can see through these PR tricks. At least be clever about it." The viral backlash has reignited debates around nepotism and image-building in Bollywood, with many questioning whether such self-deprecating moments are genuine or calculated. On the work front, Ananya Panday is gearing up for her next big release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, co-starring Kartik Aaryan. The romantic comedy is already making waves, especially after the makers revealed the release date—February 13, 2026—along with a romantic poster showing the duo kissing behind an Indian passport. The film, directed by Satyaprem Ki Katha's Sameer Vidwans, is being jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures. It also marks Kartik Aaryan's return to Karan Johar's production house following their much-publicised fallout during Dostana 2. Fans are excited to see Kartik and Ananya reunite after their successful pairing in Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019), making this one of the most awaited rom-coms on the horizon. First Published: June 07, 2025, 02:28 IST
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Javed Akhtar receives Dostoevsky Award for influence on cultural heritage, literary dialogue
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 6 (ANI): Lyricist Javed Akhtar was honoured with the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award for his remarkable influence on cultural heritage and literary dialogue on Friday. Taking to her Instagram handle, Shabana Azmi, wife of Javed Akhtar, shared the snaps from the award ceremony, featuring the renowned lyricist accepting the award from the dignitaries from the Russian House. While sharing the photos, the actress wrote, 'Another big honour for Javed Akhtar as he receives the Dostoevsky Star Award! This year, the Russian House is deeply honoured to present the Dostoevsky Star Award to the renowned poet, lyricist, and public intellectual Mr. Javed Akhtar, to recognise his remarkable influence on cultural dialogue and literary heritage.' Javed Akhtar, considered the legendary screenwriter for the Indian cinema industry, has won numerous awards during his decades-long career. These include the National Award for Best Lyrics, the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1999, and the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Earlier this year, Javed Akhtar was conferred the Lifetime Achievement award at the convocation ceremony of Whistling Woods International, a renowned film institute. The Whistling Woods International was founded by director Subhash Ghai in 2006. After receiving the awards, Javed Akhtar and Pankaj Kapur imparted some words of wisdom to the students who attended the ceremony. Akhtar , who is known for writing the screenplays of blockbuster films like Zanjeer and Sholay, talked about the importance of self-esteem in achieving excellence in life in his gratitude speech. He said, 'The only reason that can make you excellent is your self-esteem. Maybe the world doesn't have to be, and maybe your friends are saying that you are very rude, but I know that I can be better, and it has to be better because I am doing it. If you have high self-esteem then you can reach excellence. Self-esteem demands only yourself and nothing else.' Javed Akhtar has written the screenplay for superhit movies like 'Sholay', 'Deewar', 'Zanjeer' and others. (ANI)
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Virat Kohli's playbook for life: 3 books that shaped his mindset beyond cricket
Written by Chanakya Chandrupatla Virat Kohli, one of cricket's most celebrated players, made his debut for the Indian Cricket Team on 18th August 2008—the same year he was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, unmatched fitness, and aggressive tactics, Kohli has consistently kept opponents on the back foot, challenging their abilities at every turn. Beyond the cricket field, Kohli is also an avid reader who often shares books that have influenced his mindset and personal growth. Here are some of his top recommendations: The 'Autobiography of a Yogi' A spiritual classic published in 1946, this autobiography delves into the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the life of Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Kohli has mentioned in interviews that the book had a profound impact on his life, calling it a must-read for those open to challenging their thoughts and ideologies. Yogananda was among the first Indian spiritual teachers to settle in the United States, and his book has sold over four million copies worldwide. Notably, he was also one of the first prominent Indians to be hosted at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge. Detox Your Ego: 7 easy steps to achieving freedom, happiness and success in your life The book speaks about one's ego and how does it stop one from performing at their best. The book takes you on a ride and talks the importance of self-discovery. The author talks bout steps to eliminate ego and the ways to achieve freedom, happiness and success in one's life. Kohli said that the book has helped him to control his emotions and stay grounded. The books talks about how a leader should guide without having ego. The book proposes ' Leadership without ego '. It guides the reader by suggesting seven steps to lead a happier, freer and more enhanced life. A fascinating exploration of cross-cultural inspiration, this book aligns with Kohli's own journey of growth and adaptability. It features 70 prominent Indians and Italians sharing their experiences, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and peak performance. Through personal anecdotes, the book showcases the mutual influence between the two cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in global perspectives. ( Chanakya Chandrupatla is an intern at the Indian Express )
