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Economic Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
A lonely footballer breathes life into clay
News of cross-cultural exchanges and transnational cooperation in the arts have become oxygen for my determined optimism in an increasingly divided world. The Oscars earlier this year delivered tankfuls of hope with the Iranian auteur-in-exile Mohammad Rasoulof's Farsi film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Daane-ye anjeer-e ma'abed), in the fray as Germany's entry in the Best International Feature race, while Britain entered a Hindi language production - British Indian director Sandhya Suri's Santosh - in that category. Both were premiered last summer at the Cannes Film Festival, an event that routinely throws up instances of blurring borders. One such heartening collaboration at the just-concluded Cannes 2025 bears a stamp of India. A Doll Made Up of Clay - part of the official selection for the students' competition at the fest - is written and directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student of Kolkata's Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), and recipient of the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) African Scholarship. Produced by a fellow student, Sahil Manoj Ingle, this 23-min short features a multiracial, multinational team, including a Bangladeshi editor, Mahmud Abu Naser. It blends Yoruba and Bengali dialogues, and is about a Nigerian footballer in Kolkata, played by Ibrahim Ahmed -- a Nigerian footballer in Kolkata. It is, as Kokob told me in an interview on the eve of his Cannes premiere, 'a collective effort' and a truly international creation. In the film, Ibrahim plays Oluwaseyi, a youngster stranded in India after an injury stalled his dream of building a career in football. Battling loneliness, depression, financial deprivation and racism, Oluwaseyi finds solace in the arms of a woman (played by Geeta Doshi), who is haunted by her past. Kokob, grandson of a priest from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, brings his awareness of Christian imagery and African folklore to the film, in addition to his observations of Hindu iconography. Oluwaseyi is Christian. A painting of Jesus' mother, Mary, is given prominence, while the rosary is a constant presence. In his desperation to repair mind and body, Oluwaseyi turns to a healing tradition from his homeland, amalgamating it with a belief articulated by an elderly local who sculpts Durga idols - the common factor in both is faith in the power and divinity of clay. Indian filmmakers have often been guilty of stereotyping and exoticising people of Africa, on rare occasions when they have been represented on screen here. Sudani from Nigeria, a 2018 Malayalam hit directed by Zakariya Mohammed, is an uncommon example of Indian cinema featuring an important African character portrayed with empathy. That film was charming, but it steered clear of the racism prevalent in India. In A Doll Made Up of Clay, Kokob boldly addresses this truth despite his fondness for Kolkata, which he now calls 'my second home', and India, which he describes as 'the home of cinema'. He is conscious of the difference between his own experience of the country, as a light-complexioned African, in contrast with Ibrahim, whose black skin and Muslim name have made him the target of prejudice. His film, Kokob said, 'is 80% Ibrahim's story, and 20% fiction'. The overlap between the pain of an actual person and a scripted version of him is mirrored by cinematographer Vinod Kumar's frames capturing a desolate, muddied Kolkata, and the poignance conveyed by sound designer Soham Pal, along with music composer Himangshu Saikia. The film urges us to introspect, even while being a cause for celebration since it showcases SRFTI's - and India's - laudable effort to nurture and partner with global talent. 'At this time full of conflict,' Kokob told me, 'it's an awesome feeling that as people from four different countries, we have come together for art. The world is going through a hard time, but we have become one for cinema.' (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. What's slowing Indian IT's AI deals? The answer is hidden in just two words. Jolt to Çelebi could turn a big gain for this Indian firm that once had deep Turkish ties Nestlé India's outgoing CEO Narayanan weathered the Maggi storm; Tiwary must tackle slowing growth Uncle Sam vs. Microsoft: Which is a safer bet to park money? ONGC squandered its future once. Can it be different this time? Will revised economic capital framework lead to higher RBI dividend to govt? These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 30% return in 1 year, according to analysts Buy, Sell or Hold: Emkay Global upgrades SAIL to buy; YES Securities sees 13% upside in VA Tech Wabag Railways stocks: Time to be contrarian; will bearish analysts go wrong again? 6 stocks, 2 with buy recos, 4 with sell recos
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kolkata pays a two-day homage to Ustad Dhyanesh Khan
Kolkata is set to witness an evocative celebration of Hindustani classical music and dance as Sangeet Samarpan unfolds on May 31 and June 1, 2025, at the ICCR's Satyajit Ray Auditorium. Dedicated to the memory of the legendary sarod maestro Ustad Dhyanesh Khan, the two-day festival promises an inspiring journey through ragas, rhythms, and reverence. Curated with deep respect for classical traditions, the concert brings together a stellar lineup of musicians and dancers whose performances echo the depth and discipline of a rich musical lineage. Both evenings will begin with an ensemble presentation that sets the stage with the energy of emerging artistes shaped by rigorous training. The first evening will feature vocalist Sohini Roy Chowdhury, accompanied by Sayan Chatterjee on harmonium and Asif Khan on tabla. This will be followed by a tabla solo by Pandit Samar Saha, with harmonium accompaniment by Pandit Hiranmay Mitra. The day will conclude with a sarod recital by Amitava Majumder, joined by Pandit Arup Chattopadhyay on tabla. The second evening opens with another ensemble performance, followed by a tabla solo by Ojas Adhiya, again accompanied by Pandit Hiranmay Mitra. Guru Shib Narayan Banerjee will then present a performance that flows into an Odissi recital by Koyeli Chatterjee, bringing together tradition and grace. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Undo The final act of the festival features Shiraz Ali Khan on sarod, with tabla accompaniment by Ojas Adhiya. Guiding the audience through both evenings will be comperes Swapna Biswas and Yoshita Banerjee, providing context and continuity with warmth and insight. More than a music festival, Sangeet Samarpan is a tribute — an offering of sound and soul to a timeless legacy. With every note and every rhythm, it invites audiences to connect with the enduring spirit of Hindustani classical music. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India Gazette
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
EAM Jaishankar greets peopel of Cameroon on country's independence day
New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed his greetings to Cameroon Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella on their National Day. Jaishankar expressed his confidence that the cooperation between both the countries will continue to grow stronger. In a post on X, he said, 'Greetings to FM Lejeune Mbella Mbella, the Government and the people of Cameroon on their National Day. Confident that our cooperation will continue to grow stronger.' Jaishankar shared an image of the 1,000 metric tonnes of food assistance and medicines that India had earlier sent to Cameroon. India on April 9 sent a consignment of 1,000 MT of rice to Cameroon for food grain assistance. Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said the effort is in the spirit of a committed partnership with the Global South. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, 'India: A committed partner to the Global South. India sends food-grain assistance for the people of Cameroon. A consignment of 1000MT Rice departed today from Nhava Sheva Port to Cameroon.' India and Cameroon enjoy warm and friendly relations dating back to the pre-independence era of Cameroon. As per MEA, the bilateral relations have received further impetus with the opening of India's resident mission in Yaounde in 2019. Bilateral trade has been growing steadily, reaching USD 1.1 billion during FY 2022-23 from USD 523 million in 2018-19. As per the MEA, India extended two Lines of Credit (LoCs) worth USD 79.65 million to the Republic of Cameroon for Rice, Maize, and Cassava plantation projects. India has also been supporting Cameroon in capacity building by providing training to Cameroon officials in various areas under ITEC and scholarships/ fellowships under ICCR. The food security crisis in Cameroon is due to several factors, mainly the reduced availability and accessibility of stocks of staple products and livestock for milk and meat. According to the World Bank, nearly a quarter of a million Cameroonians are facing severe or elevated food insecurity. (ANI)
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Indian Express
Kolkata Pen Utsav 2025: Star of the show— Rs 7 lakh Staedtler gold pen with 18-carat gold nib
Staedtler's exquisite 'Bavaria' pen, adorned with 48 diamonds and featuring a hand-polished 18-karat gold nib and a palladium body with a blue lacquer finish, takes center stage at Pen Utsav 2025 in Kolkata. The pen's craftsmanship honours Bavaria, the German region where Staedtler originated, making it a masterpiece of precision. With only 48 pieces worldwide, it's a collector's dream. In its fourth year, the three-day event organised from May 2-4, at ICCR, Kolkata, celebrates the art of writing and penmanship, reviving a timeless tradition in a digital world. 'We wanted to bring people back to the roots of writing,' said Sayak Adhya, the founder of Pen Utsav, while speaking with The Indian Express. 'There's something deeply personal and irreplaceable about handwriting—a kind of emotional intimacy that digital communication lacks,' he added. Describing the event as a labour of love, Adhya said, 'My goal has always been to revive the fountain pen's legacy in India, not just as a tool, but as a symbol of thoughtfulness and craft.' The event has evolved into a celebration of tradition, artistry, and the written word, attracting pen makers, writers, and collectors, alike. Nearly 25 stalls have showcased not just products, but stories behind each piece. Vintage exhibits and calligraphy samples added a museum-like charm, transporting visitors to a bygone era and rekindling nostalgia for the art of writing. Additionally, the brief interactions between the stall owners and visitors fostered connections and hands-on experiences in calligraphy, demonstrations in nib-making, and pen-testing captivated a diverse crowd, from school children to collectors. The event evoked a strong sense of nostalgia, reminding visitors that handwriting is a reflection of one's identity. The attention people devoted to while selecting pens, testing ink, and writing underscored the emotional connection to this timeless art. 'It's like being transported back to a time when we wrote letters and diaries,' said college student Amrita Mukherjee. 'Holding a fountain pen again reminded me of my grandfather's desk—of summer afternoons spent practicing cursive,' she added. Rakesh Bhattacharya, a 42-year-old collector, said, 'I bought my first fountain pen at the age of 10. Coming back feels like reconnecting with an old friend…' Staedtler produces a wide variety of pens — ballpoint and gel pens, fineliners and technical pens — used in art, design, office work.
Khaleej Times
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Asha's Restaurant Birmingham, UK wins global award for its 'Authentic Indian Cuisine'
Asha's Restaurant in Birmingham has been honoured with the prestigious global recognition from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), awarded to only five restaurants on a global stage. The venue, located on Newhall Street and loved by both locals and international visitors, is the only restaurant in the UK to receive the Annapurna Certificate, a rare accolade presented by the Government of India for its role in promoting authentic Indian cuisine and preserving cultural heritage globally. Marking the 75th anniversary of the ICCR, the award recognises restaurants that have made 'outstanding contributions' to introducing Indian gastronomy to local communities worldwide, and for upholding the essence of India's culinary traditions. The award was presented at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi on 9th April, attended by senior dignitaries and key representatives. The evening was marked by the presence of Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Honourable Minister of External Affairs, who served as the Chief Guest acknowledging the role of Indian cuisine in shaping cultural dialogue across borders. Representing Asha's Birmingham at the ceremony, general manager Nouman Farooqui led the delegation to New Delhi to accept the award. Reflecting on the recognition, Farooqui shared: 'We're delighted to be acknowledged by the Government of India for our dedication to offering the highest quality Indian cuisine.' This honour holds special meaning for Asha's — a brand inspired by the legendary Asha Bhosle, one of India's most iconic voices. Beyond her musical legacy, Asha Bhosle's passion for cooking, rooted in memory and experimentation, laid the foundation for what would become a culinary brand with global reach. From its first location in Dubai, Asha's has grown into an award-winning restaurant group with over 14 locations across two continents, Middle East and United Kingdom. The recognition from ICCR follows a string of accolades for Asha's. Just last autumn, it was ranked seventh in the UK's Top 10 Indian Restaurants by the British Indian Good Food Guide — the only Birmingham restaurant to make the Top 20. Over the years, Asha's has quietly built a following among some of the world's most recognisable names — from Hollywood actors like Tom Cruise and John Malkovich to music legends including Ed Sheeran and The Rolling Stones. Its thoughtful approach to flavour has also been acknowledged by celebrated chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Glynn Purnell, Paul Rankin, and James Martin, each appreciating the consistency and depth behind every dish. Known for its contemporary approach to traditional Indian cuisine, Asha's menu is a blend of North-Western specialities, Indian home-style dishes, and modern interpretations, many of which are inspired directly by Asha Bhosle's own personal recipes — giving guests not only a remarkable dining experience, but a cultural story behind every dish.
