Zapurza Arts Festival 2025 Celebrates Culture & Community
Designed with school holidays and exam schedules in mind, the festival welcomed a multi-generational audience, offering an enriching blend of art, performance, and participatory workshops. Families experienced an array of activities including children's theatre, classical dance, and interactive sessions in jewellery design, calligraphy, bottle painting, clay modelling, and more.
Founded by Shri Ajit Gadgil and Dr. Smt. Renu Gadgil, the museum continues to evolve as a vibrant space preserving India's artistic heritage. This year's event unveiled new exhibits alongside its existing collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, heritage jewellery, and unique crafts like matchbox art and wooden relics.
A PNGS spokesperson emphasized, 'Zapurza isn't just a museum—it's a space that brings stories and creativity to life. The festival's enthusiastic turnout reaffirms the importance of accessible, intergenerational cultural platforms.'
With free exhibitions and performances, and nominally priced workshops, the festival ensured accessibility and inclusion. Activities like live pottery and block-printing demos ran in tandem with guided museum tours and performances by young theatre artists, delighting audiences of all ages.
Zapurza will continue its year-round programming with educational initiatives, artist workshops, and cultural experiences, reinforcing its mission of making art immersive, inclusive, and community-centric.
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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Filmmaker Shakun Batra says AI in filmmaking is a tool to unlock new creative possibilities, not to replace tradition
Filmmaker Shakun Batra sees AI as a creative tool unlocking new possibilities, not replacing tradition. His latest project blends genres using AI for faster, risk-free experimentation. While AI accelerates filmmaking, he believes true emotion and storytelling come from the filmmaker. For him, AI is an experimental aid, not a permanent fixture. Shakun Batra , a filmmaker known for his emotionally rich and intimate films like 'Kapoor & Sons' and 'Gehraiyaan,' has taken a new direction with his latest venture. His upcoming series, 'The Getaway Car | Imagine with Shakun Batra x Google Gemini,' diverges from his usual style by blending genres such as action, sci-fi, drama, and comedy. In a recent interview, Batra shared that this project stands out because of its use of AI as a key creative element, marking a bold shift from his previous storytelling approach. Gradual fascination and creative dialogue with AI In a conversation with Money Control, Shakun Batra admitted, 'Honestly, I'm not sure it does [carry forward my storytelling DNA], and that's what I find exciting about it. AI allowed me to step outside of what's expected, or even what I've been comfortable with so far. It de-risks the attempt." He explained that his fascination with AI didn't stem from a single breakthrough moment but evolved gradually. Reflecting on his experience, he said, 'It wasn't one big moment, but a series of smaller ones. ' He experimented with early AI visual tools driven by curiosity, exploring aspects like tone, light, and image prompts. These interactions sometimes surprised him, as the tools responded unexpectedly. Shakun describes this process not as a shortcut but rather as 'a creative dialogue." AI enables new filmmaking possibilities: first car chase sequence His curiosity about AI led to the creation of 'The Getaway Car,' which features his first-ever car chase sequence. He mentioned that without AI, realizing his vision for the sequence would have been nearly impossible, especially within traditional production constraints. Since he had never done action before, the way he envisioned the chase wasn't feasible to execute quickly or with the resources available. AI enabled the team to visualize, block, and build the scene without the need for months of preparation or permits, giving them the freedom to experiment without the risk of costly failures. AI's potential and speed in filmmaking When asked if he is comfortable labeling AI as a tool for a creative revolution, Shakun expressed that it is undoubtedly the beginning of something new, but whether it evolves into a revolution depends on how it is utilized. He explained that if AI is used solely to replicate existing content, it will not be revolutionary. However, if it opens doors to new voices, fresh stories, and innovative ways of working, it has the potential to be transformative. According to Shakun, the most impressive aspect of using AI in filmmaking is the speed it enables. He noted that testing a tone, shot, or visual idea can now be accomplished within hours instead of weeks, allowing for more risk-taking and playful experimentation. This immediacy reduces the pressure of budget constraints and helps the creative instinct take the lead once again. AI as a tool, not a storyteller: The emotional core remains human Shakun views AI purely as a tool rather than the storyteller itself, firmly believing that the true emotion in filmmaking originates from the filmmaker. This perspective aligns with what many filmmakers have expressed before. For instance, in a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Ashwin Kumar , director of Mahavatar Narasimha, also stated that 'AI lacks emotion.' Shakun elaborated, 'The emotion still has to come from the filmmaker, from the choices you make, the things you hold back, and the beats you linger on. I don't think of AI as the product; I think of it as part of the process." He further emphasized that the 'soul' of a film resides in the intention behind it, noting, 'AI can generate variations, but it doesn't decide what matters. That's still on the filmmaker. As long as we're making conscious creative decisions, I don't think the soul is at risk." AI as an experimental tool with flexible application Batra does not see AI becoming a permanent fixture in all his future projects. He states that right now, it's an experiment, and he is treating it as one. Some stories will need AI, while some won't. He is more interested in keeping the process fluid and choosing the tools that best serve the story rather than sticking to one way of doing things. Despite this, Shakun is happy and content, as the experiment has already pushed him into genres he never thought he would attempt. He explains that sci-fi and full-blown action aren't spaces he has naturally gravitated toward, but with AI, it became possible to test those ideas without the usual constraints. It gave him the freedom to step into unfamiliar territory and just try. For Shakun, that permission to explore without pressure is the biggest contribution AI has made to his filmmaking so far. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
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First Post
7 days ago
- First Post
'Gehraiyaan' director Shakun Batra on Raanjhanaa's climax being altered by AI: 'It raises concerns because...'
Batra is the first Indian filmmaker to collaborate with Google on an experimental Al- driven storytelling campaign. With this latest campaign, Shakun's Jouska Films explores how Al can reshape storytelling read more Filmmaker Shakun Batra, who has directed Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Kapoor & Sons, and Gehraiyaan, is the first Indian filmmaker to collaborate with Google on an experimental Al- driven storytelling campaign. With this latest campaign, Shakun's Jouska Films explores how Al can reshape storytelling & streamline production. And in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Batra spoke about all of it and also his own films he has directed so far. Edited excerpts from the interview STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do you have to say about your collaboration with Google for the AI-driven storytelling? It's been a really exciting space to explore. The collaboration was born out of curiosity—just a genuine interest in what could happen if storytelling and these emerging AI tools met somewhere in the middle. We weren't aiming for perfection; we were testing, playing, pushing boundaries to see what new kind of cinematic language could emerge. Google came in with the same spirit—open to experimentation, which made it feel less like a partnership and more like a creative lab. We're still learning, and that's the most interesting part of it. Do you see AI as a potential threat or a boon in the filmmaking process in India? It's a bit of both—and I think it's important to be honest about that. On one hand, AI can absolutely be a leveller. In India, we have no shortage of stories, but we do often face limitations—budget, access to equipment, time. AI can help reduce those barriers. A student in a small town could potentially create something visually compelling with tools they can afford, without needing a massive crew or infrastructure. That's a huge shift in who gets to tell stories and how. But at the same time, there are real concerns. If we start treating AI as a shortcut that bypasses craft, or if it leads to generic storytelling, we risk losing the richness that comes from effort, collaboration, and time. There's also the question of how AI models are trained—whose work is being used, and whether artists are being credited and compensated. These are ongoing conversations. I don't think we should be blindly optimistic or overly fearful. We need engaged, intentional use—and open dialogue as we move forward. How did this collaboration come about? It started from a place of genuine curiosity. I had been experimenting with some of Google's early AI tools on my own—playing with visual prompts and narrative textures, to see what cinematic language could emerge. That led to conversations with their team, where I shared my interest in pushing storytelling through these tools—not as a gimmick, but as a new kind of craft. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The idea grew organically. There was no big pitch—just shared curiosity about whether we could create something cinematic through AI. That's how the car chase came to life. From that, we decided to develop a special project called Imagine—a series exploring five different ideas using AI to push cinematic storytelling in fresh, emotional, structural ways. It's work-in-progress, but that's precisely the point—to explore, to test, to learn. We recently saw a Hindi film (Raanjhanaa) whose climax was altered with AI. Does this scare or bother you as a filmmaker? It does raise concerns—not because AI was involved, but because the filmmaker's consent wasn't part of the decision. That's the bigger issue. Tools and techniques may change, but creative intent must always remain central. That kind of alteration without the director's voice in the room risks eroding what the art stands for. We need open dialogue and creative integrity—not silent overrides. What do you feel are the advantages of AI? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speed and access. You can now visually explore an idea in hours instead of weeks—something that can fundamentally change the storytelling pipeline, especially for filmmakers without big budgets. It also helps bridge collaborative gaps—writers, editors, designers, directors can work in tighter, more visual loops. Used thoughtfully, AI can make creation faster and more thoughtful. The plumber scene in Kapoor and Sons is often viral on social media. What are your memories of shooting it? I'm still pleasantly surprised every time it pops up on my phone. It wasn't something I expected would become such a shareable moment—but it always brings a smile. The whole film was special because of the people and place—Coonoor was magical, and the atmosphere stayed with me. It's probably my most cherished memory from any shoot. The final scene of Gehraiyaan, where the old lady recognizes Deepika, is one of the best cliff-hangers of recent times. Why do you end the film right there, and what do you feel happens next? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We ended it there because that moment felt complete. It wasn't about delivering closure—it was about letting everything land in the silence. What happens next? I leave that for the viewer to decide. That's where the emotional weight sits—it becomes theirs, not mine. What are your upcoming projects? When can we see you direct next? Lust stories for Netflix is up next and I'm developing a few projects—some traditional, some experimental. I'm writing again, which feels refreshing. Hopefully very soon.
News18
08-08-2025
- News18
Why Is Faqir Chand Bookstore In Khan Market So Popular On Instagram?
Last Updated: Faqir-Chand Bookstore, located in New Delhi's upscale shopping district Khan Market, has become a celebrity of sorts on Instagram. In the quest to bless their followers' feeds with aesthetic content shot in and around India, Instagram influencers have unironically visited places such as Udaipur and Kochi with their rose-tinted glasses and journalled them as 'hidden gems" of the country. What next, Taj Mahal? While the common (read: lazy) criticism towards the 'influencer" community can easily tiptoe into condescension and snobbish territory, the chronically online janta doom scrolling their nights away on their smartphones has developed a Geiger counter that starts going off when they come across something that is perceived as pretentious by the 'cool" lot. Cue, Faqir-Chand Bookstore in New Delhi. Faqir-Chand Bookstore This book shop, located in the heart of New Delhi, has achieved a cult-like status on the Internet. Founded in 1951, the bookshop has remained a popular presence in Khan Market since the retail market was established that same year. It has not only survived but thrived in one of India's most expensive commercial spaces across generations. According to visitors, the shop evokes nostalgia, offers a diverse selection of carefully curated books, and features a warm, welcoming staff. With an unassuming entrance, the bookstore has seen the who's who of the world, including journalists, bureaucrats, and prominent figures of society. The store has, over the years, become a favourite pitstop for book lovers to grab one during their visit. Faqir-Chand Bookstore (Instagram Edition) The bookstore has over 1 lakh followers on Instagram. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Faqir Chand & Sons attracts a lot of people from the younger demographic, including the 'influencer" community. Take a stroll in the Khan Market and you'll witness photoshoots taking place outside the entrance of the bookstore. Is that a bad thing? No. Are they harming anyone? No again. Has it become a spot that guarantees social media likes? Internet thinks so. A Reddit user recently took to r/delhi Subreddit and asked the following: 'Why's Faqir-Chand Book store so hyped?" 'Went to the Faqir-Chand Book store today in Khan Market, Delhi and I failed to understand the hype. The customer service was poor, and the collection of the books they had was poorer. Why's this book store so hyped?" the OP wrote. The responses poured in quickly. 'People just want to take their pictures in front gate of the store in kurta/kurti with tote bag," wrote one. 'Because of social media posts," a second chimed. 'I have never found any books on my list from khan market. There is no sense of cataloguing at faqir chand. It's a big mess and they are like just whadyougonnado hands in the air about it. Just piles and piles of books scattered around .. and the anarkali kurta 'teri deewani' crowd clicking pictures outside (new phenomenon), (sic)" a third added. What Do The Rest Say? Away from Reddit, the popular bookstore has generally popular and favourable reviews on Google. 'A hidden gem in the lanes of Khan Market! Fakir Chand Bookstore has an old-world charm and a wide selection of books—from classics to contemporary reads. The staff is polite and helpful, and the vibe is peaceful—perfect for book lovers who enjoy browsing at their own pace. A must-visit if you're in the area," a person awarding the store 4 out of 5 stars wrote. 'One such place is Faqir Chand Bookstore in Khan Market, a 73-year-old bookstore, basically a narrow lane with books above books, stacked to the roof. The sign outside reads 'Established in 1951," but the bookstore's story goes back further. It began in Peshawar, Pakistan, about 20 years earlier.." a second reviewer added. A third visitor who didn't have an enjoyable experience at the store criticised the congested nature of the shop and the selfie takers flocking outside. 'Owner is Friendly, but the Bookstore was more like a meeting place of Localites rather than a proper Book Lovers' Bookstore. Many local young people come here to take Selfies and make short reels. The Bookstore is very much Congested, one would not be able to browse Books patiently here. It's a fusion of a Retail Bookshop and a Small Warehouse of Books (sic)." About the Author Anurag Verma Anurag Verma, News Editor at works independently for the Viral section. Bollywood, Cricket, Science, Tech, YouTube, Reddit, Meme Origins and everything Pop-culture are his forte. He covers More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Khan market view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 08, 2025, 18:08 IST News explainers Why Is Faqir Chand Bookstore In Khan Market So Popular On Instagram? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
