Mukul Dev looks back on a long and eventful career and the spectrum is astonishing, to say the least

Mukul Dev looks back on a long and eventful career and the spectrum is astonishing, to say the least

Mukul Dev has come a long way in his career. He has had a journey of close to 25 years in the industry and he finally seems to get his dues. He is also a commercial pilot for close to a decade. Mukul also ran an aeronautical training institute that has been non-functional since the outbreak of the deadly pandemic. The range of his work is wide. Not many might know that Mukul is the writer of the Rajkumar Rao starrer Omerta. He has got a couple of movies lined up for release viz, Kartar Singh Saraba, Sharik, Barefoot Warriors. Sharik is in Punjabi alongside Jimmy Shergill and the other two are cross-over cinema directed by Kaviraj.


Let's get to what Mukul has to say about his journey, "It's been a long time it seems. I started at a very young age. I got to work with Dilip Kumar Sahab. Then there was a career as a commercial pilot where I was doing exceedingly well. So life has been full of ups and downs. I liked the reach that the work gets as an actor. Earlier it was filmed and now the OTT has really upped the game. There can't be better times to make content. The pandemic was a break which I feel a lot of us needed. It has led to a complete overhaul of things. The focus is more on efficiency post that. We saw that when people actually worked online and from their homes and with better efficiency sometimes. I have just finished writing my second story after omerta. It's a story which is based on one of my father's cases as a policeman in the Delhi police. My father was rewarded and decorated for it. Some good news would be coming soon hopefully and it will see the light of the day in 2021.  I can't reveal much but it is a very exciting project. Also finalizing something to be in front of the camera. A huge cheers to the audience and the fans. It's just because of them that we as actors keep going."


We wish Mukul all the luck. He has been such a powerful performer. His characters have stayed afresh and we get the feeling that he is just getting started.

दिग्दर्शक तेजस लोखंडे करणारं वेब विश्वात पदार्पण

 दिग्दर्शक तेजस लोखंडे करणारं वेब विश्वात पदार्पण

सध्या वेब सिरीज पाहणारा प्रेक्षकवर्ग दिवसेंदिवस वाढत आहे. अनेक दिग्दर्शक, निर्माते आणि कलाकारांनी डिजीटलकडे आपला मोर्चा वळवला आहे. आता दिग्दर्शक तेजस लोखंडे मालिकेनंतर डिजीटल क्षेत्रात पदार्पण करत आहे. त्याने नव्या वेबसिरीजच्या चित्रीकरणाला सुरूवात केली आहे. तसेच वेबसिरीजच्या शुटिंग दरम्यानचे फोटो तो सोशल मिडीयावर शेअर करताना दिसतो. या वेबसिरीजची निर्मिती 'चंद्र फिल्म ॲंड एंटरटेन्मेंट', 'चंद्रप्रकाश यादव' आणि 'प्रशांत सावंत' हे करत आहेत. तर शिवराज सातार्डेकर हे डिओपी आहेत. यातील कलाकारांची नावे सध्या गुलदस्त्यात ठेवण्यात आली आहेत. 

दिग्दर्शक 'तेजस लोखंडे' याने मराठी नव्हे तर हिंदी मालिकांचेही दिग्दर्शन केले आहे. त्याने आजवर अंजली, दुहेरी, नकळत सारे घडले अश्या लोकप्रिय मराठी मालिकांचे दिग्दर्शन केले आहे. तर सास बिना ससुराल, फिरंगी बहू, छन छन अश्या हिंदी मालिकांचे दिग्दर्शन केले आहे. तेजसने मस्ती म्युझिक चॅनेलमध्ये 'चॅनेल दिग्दर्शक' म्हणून कार्यभारही सांभाळला आहे. तसेच त्याने ड्रिमींग ट्वेंटी फोर सेव्हन आणि ऑप्टिमिस्टीक्स अश्या बड्या प्रॉडक्शन हाऊसचे अनेक प्रोजेक्ट देखील केले आहेत. 

दिग्दर्शक 'तेजस लोखंडे' डिजीटल पदार्पणाविषयी सांगतो, ''मला वेबसिरीजचे दिग्दर्शन करण्याची इच्छा होती आणि त्याच दरम्यान माझ्याकडे सस्पेन्स थ्रिलरची स्क्रिप्ट आली आणि मी वेबसिरीज करण्याचे ठरवले.  तसेच शुटिंग दरम्यान मला नविन गोष्टी शिकता आल्या.''

With Covid 19 cases down.what India should do now.. an insightful article Dr Krishna Reddy Nallamalla, President, InOrder & Regional Director (South Asia), ACCESS Health International

With Covid 19 cases down. what India should do now.. an insightful article Dr. Krishna Reddy Nallamalla, President, InOrder & Regional 

 

·       India  should continue with proven mantra of ‘face mask, hand wash, and social distancing’

·       India should focus on strengthening its weak health systems

·       India’s case fatality rate at ~1% or 1 in 100 & infection fatality rate at ~0.025% or 1 in 4000 lowest among high-income countries !!

Dr. Krishna Reddy Nallamalla,

President, InOrder

Regional Director (South Asia), ACCESS Health International

 

India has been witnessing a steady decline in Covid-19 cases since mid-September despite the gradual withdrawal of lockdown restrictions and ramping up testing. The case fatality rate, compared to many OECD countries, has been low around 1%. Mobility of people has reached pre-Covid levels. The economy is showing a ‘V’-shaped recovery. Population in Delhi is inching towards natural herd immunity as per a recent seroprevalence study that showed a seroprevalence rate of 50 to 60%. Based on the last two rounds of seroprevalence studies, it is estimated that there are approximately 40 to 50 asymptomatic infections for every positive detected case. Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) has been granted to two vaccines and nearly 3 million frontline health workers have received the vaccine within the first 2 weeks of the nation-wide vaccination program.

 

It is important to have a realistic assessment of the pandemic behavior in India so far so as to plan ahead in a pragmatic way. It is clearly evident that the infection has spread to a sizeable number of people despite containment measures. It is also clear that the case fatality rate at ~1% or 1 in 100 (number of deaths per Covid-19 positive cases) and infection fatality rate at ~0.025% or 1 in 4000 (number of deaths per infected cases – asymptomatic and symptomatic) has been low compared to high-income countries. Since India had the same strains as the rest of the world, virus-related factors may not explain the behavior so far. It is most likely that the host-related factors explain the behavior. Similar behavior is being witnessed in low-to-middle income countries (LMIC) in South and South-East Asia and Africa, while the behavior is quite different in South America.

 

Simple measures like the use of face masks, hand washing, and social distancing have convincingly demonstrated to be effective in reducing the spread of infection. They may also reduce the number of symptomatic cases. We do not have comparative data on compliance to the above measures across countries to explain the different behavior of the pandemic. The role of immunity is being studied extensively to explain the differences. It is known that people who live in crowded and unhygienic habitats may have more robust innate immunity (the body’s first defense response to any pathogen irrespective of prior exposure). BCG vaccine is known to enhance the non-specific immune response to various pathogens. Research evidence on the role of BCG has been mixed so far. Coronaviruses are responsible for nearly one-third of common colds. It is demonstrated that people do exhibit both antibody and cell-mediated cross-immunity to SARS-CoV 2 virus that causes Covid-19 illness. Despite the above pointers, the behavior remains a puzzle!

 

The world has witnessed an unprecedented global collaboration amongst researchers to come up with diagnostic tests, repurposed drugs like steroids and remedesivir, innovative therapies like monoclonal antibodies, and a variety of vaccines within one year of the pandemic. Not unexpectedly, the virus has been undergoing many mutations to evade these human efforts. World War III – the one between humanity and the SARS – CoV2 virus, continues! Vaccines are only one more weapon in our armamentarium.

 

India has to be cautious against many unknowns at this stage of the pandemic. The behavior of the new variants coming up in different countries is a cause for concern. Uncertainty about the duration of immunity gained through natural infection and vaccination is another area of concern. Whether the new strains evade existing immunity is the third concern. Given these concerns, India can adopt the following strategies to remain ahead of the curve.

 

India should continue with its proven mantra of ‘face mask, hand wash, and social distancing’. Relentless public messaging should continue on these measures. It should maintain border controls as per emerging data on new strains. It should continue with its surveillance system to spot reinfections, emerging spikes or even slowing of declining case rates. Existing and emerging vaccines should be continuously tested against new strains for their efficacy. Efforts should continue on developing novel antiviral drugs says Dr. Krishna Reddy Nallamalla, President, InOrder & Regional Director (South Asia), ACCESS Health International

 

In addition to the above, India should focus on strengthening its weak health systems. The recent economic survey makes a strong case for increased public health spending to not only reduce impoverishing and catastrophic out of pocket health expenses but also to improve economic productivity. Focus on existing health issues should not be diluted. India should also leverage its strength in pharma and vaccine capacity to help people across the world. Covid pandemic has thrust reluctant health systems into the rapidly changing world of digital and molecular technologies. Healthcare may accelerate towards genomic-based precision medicine. India has an opportunity to prepare itself for the future of personalized health care. Two of the major policy reforms – National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Policy - announced during the pandemic are apt to make this possible.

 

The post-Covid world will go through a massive geopolitical, economic, technological, and social change just as the change the world witnessed after two world wars. India has an opportunity to regain its rightful place in global affairs. Great leaders see opportunity in every crisis where others falter!.  

 

 

 

 धर्मेश सरांच्या वडिलांची डान्सच्या महामंचावर हजेरी!  or 'महाराष्ट्राज बेस्ट डान्सर' या मंचावर आले धर्मेश सरांचे वडील! 

डान्सचा टॉप गियर धर्मेश सर म्हणजे सर्व नृत्यप्रेमींच्या गळ्यातला ताईत आहेत. खूप मेहनत करून आणि आपल्या टॅलेंटच्या जोरावर धर्मेश  सरांनी यशाची शिखरं गाठली. त्यांच्या या यशात त्यांना पहिल्या पावलापासून साथ दिली ती त्यांच्या वडिलांनी. त्याचे वडील हे त्यांचे खरे आदर्श आहेत. 

या आठवड्यातल्या 'महाराष्ट्राज बेस्ट डान्सर'च्या भागाची थीम आहे पहिला अनुभव. 

 

स्पर्धक प्रथमेश आणि त्याचा गुरू आकाश यांनी धर्मेश सरांचा पहिला इंटरव्ह्यू आणि त्यांचा एकंदरीत प्रवास दाखवला आहे. त्यात त्यांना त्यांच्या वडिलांनी पहिल्यांदा पाठिंबा कशा प्रकारे दिला आणि त्यांचा पुढचा प्रवास कसा घडत गेला, हे नृत्यातून दाखवलं आहे. या सादरीकरणाच्या शेवटी धर्मेश सरांचे वडील मंचावर आले आणि त्यांना पाहून धर्मेश सर भावुक झाले. धर्मेश सरांसाठी हे एक सरप्राईज होतं. आपल्या मुलाची प्रगती बघून आणि त्याला परीक्षकाच्या खुर्चीत बसलेला पाहून त्याचे वडील खूप खूश होते. 

 

त्यांच्या वडिलांनी हेही सांगितलं की, त्यांची फार इच्छा होती की धर्मेश सरांनी एखाद्या मराठी कार्यक्रमाचं परीक्षण करावं. 'महाराष्ट्राज बेस्ट डान्सर' आणि सोनी मराठी वाहिनी यांच्यामुळे त्यांची ही इच्छा पूर्ण झाली आहे आणि यासाठी त्यांनी सोनी मराठी वाहिनीचे आभार मानले. 

 

पाहा, 'महाराष्ट्राज बेस्ट डान्सर', सोम.-मंगळ., रात्री ९ वा. फक्त सोनी मराठी वाहिनीवर.

Leading short videos app ‘Rizzle’ associates with India’s biggest reality show ‘Dancing Super Star’ as an Auditioning Partner.

 Leading short videos app ‘Rizzle’ associates with India’s biggest reality show ‘Dancing Super Star’ as an Auditioning Partner.

2^nd February 2021, Mumbai: Rizzle, India’s leading short videos app has partnered with the fifth edition of ‘Dancing Super Star’. After four successful on-ground editions of the ‘Dancing Super Star’, the auditions for the fifth season of the competition are now being held online on the Rizzle app this year.  Despite the pandemic, the platform continues to provide an opportunity to aspiring artists and performers.

The competition boasts of a star-studded ensemble of judges - Khushboo Panchal, renowned classical dancer, Deepak Rajput, popular television and reality show choreographer, Yashwanth Master, acclaimed Tollywood choreographer, as well as Bollywood’s celebrated choreographer, actor, and film director, Remo D’Souza as the chief guest. Dancing Super Star has collaborated with Rizzle to ensure it penetrates every region demographically to provide an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talent through the app. People can now post their audition videos on Rizzle. Along with the shortlisting process being transparent, the judges will also guide and mentor participants by sharing inputs at various stages of the competition through the app. The shortlisted contestants would then be flown down to Vishakapatnam for the final round.

Rizzle’s uniqueness lies in its ability to nurture talent from across the globe with its daily and weekly contests. This made it the perfect fit for a nationally acclaimed competition such as Dancing Super Star. Along with the contests, Rizzle strives to provide an entire ecosystem of support and resources for users with their free dance and acting workshops. This makes it an ideal platform for participants to not only audition but also hone their skills and talent simultaneously. Rizzle creates opportunities to build talent and this association is sure to curate and bring out the best in the country.
 

ms. Vidya Narayanan

Speaking about the association Ms. Vidya Narayanan, CEO and co-founder of Rizzle states, “We are thrilled to partner with a prestigious nationwide competition like Dancing Super Star. Our product model of daily and weekly contests on the app makes it ideal to host a competition where creators can audition virtually. We’ve already received phenomenal responses pan-India, and the level of talent is mindblowing.”

Ranjan Nayak. 

Ranjan Nayak of Dancing Super Star mentions, “Our choice to go with Rizzle as our official audition partner was mainly because they are India’s leading short videos platform with an excellent reach in the country. Not only do they curate and recognize talent, but they also nurture and hone ordinary users into extraordinary star creators with their Rizzle Studios. We’re hoping this association will help shine a light on hidden gems in India’s dance world.”

Rizzle has been taking the country by storm with its signature short series and fun contests. Users can now binge-watch vertical short series and also earn rewards. Content creation is now simplified with the app’s special user-friendly features such as green screen, visual effects, PIP, and more! Download Rizzle today and show your talent.

Narayan ‘Naru’ Ramamoorthy, Chief Revenue Officer, Global PayEX

Narayan ‘Naru’ Ramamoorthy, Chief Revenue Officer, Global PayEX.

“At the outset, it is laudable that the Union Budget 2021-22 lays an increased emphasis on the use of data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning across industries. We welcome the Government of India’s move in taking definitive steps towards using the power of digital technologies and boosting the fintech and startup ecosystem through initiatives such as fintech hub in Gujarat International Fintech Tec (GIFT). The benefits accrued through the allocation of Rs. 1,500 crores for promoting digital modes of payment as well as the increased tax audit limit for those who carry 95% of their transactions digitally will enable businesses, especially MSMEs to digitise their entire value chain and drive exponential impact on key business levers – innovation, growth and efficiency. Add to it, the proposed setup of Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) and Asset Management Company (AMC) for stressed assets, which will help accelerate the much-needed credit line in B2B payables and receivables financing from the banking system. Further, the allocation of INR 3000 crore for skill development and facilitating a National Digital Educational Architecture (NDEAR) within the context of a Digital First Mindset will help bridge a sizeable technological skill gap in the country and offer the right engine of incessant growth, while setting the foundation for India’s future in the right direction.”

 

Mr. Prakash Chhabria, Chairman, Finolex Industries Limited

Mr. Prakash Chhabria, Chairman, Finolex Industries Limited 

"The Union Budget 2021, being the foremost budget of this decade was largely influenced by the global contraction caused by the pandemic. We believe the government has put its best foot forward to stabilize the investors and stakeholders in times of uncertainty. The budget seems to be well allocated at a macro level for all relevant sectors that would act as an enabler to India’s economic growth. We believe the introduction of the National asset monetization pipeline with a focus on relevant sectors was an exceptional move to augment the revenues of the government. The proposed new DFI would certainly go a long way in helping infra projects and will play a key developmental role. A vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the initial part of the budget, the announcement of Urban Swachh Bharat 2.0 Mission was justified to be launched at an outlay of Rs 1.41 lakh crore over 5 years. We hope to see revival and sustainability of the PVC pipes sector through the medium of Jal Jeevan Mission Urban which is to have an outlay of Rs 2.87 lakh crore. Further, a boost to the housing sector by extension of the tax holiday, increase in agricultural credit target, increase in contribution to rural infra development fund and increase agriculture infra fund made available to APMCs will provide the much-needed liquidity in the rural economy.  We are certain that timely implementation of well-targeted budget announcements will hold the key for supporting the burgeoning growth revival of the Indian economy."