‘Konkani Cine Kala Samrat’ award bestowed on director Harry Fernandes Barkur

Shodhan Prasad
December 22, 2019

Popular Konkani Movie Director, Harry Fernandes, Barkur, was conferred with prestigious, ‘Konkani Cine Kala Samrat’ Award on 18thDecember, 2019.

It was a great and pleasant day of first parish Feast of renovated Church / parish of St Peter in Barkur and in the evening, the Church open ground was filled with thousands to watch the Movie Benddkar, at 7.00 p.m. on 18th December, 2019. The ICYM Barkur, SPA Barkur – Mumbai, ICYM Barkur Ex Members Association, jointly organized this mega show, where most part of this super hit film had its shooting, in the surroundings locations, earlier had the Muhurtam and on 16th February, 2019.

During felicitation programme held just before the show, veteran Director, Producer, Harry Fernandes, Barkur was honored with a citation conferring the most deserved title, ‘Konkani Cine Kala Samrat’. Parish Priest of St. Peter Church, Rev. Fr. Philip Neri Aranha presided over the glittering ceremony, accompanied by pastoral Council Vice President Jerald Gonsalves, Secretary Vivet Lewis,  Convener of the Commissions,Dolphy D’Souza. 

Seasoned pair of - Former President of St Peters Association, Felix Barnes and Secretary Vincent D’Almeida, California USA, were the Chief Guests. Rev. Fr. Cyprian Henry D’Souza, well-known priest from native Barkur, Superior of the IHM Convent Sr. Jasmitha, Varado ICYM President Venrold Lewis, Yuva Ayog President Alwyn D’Almeida, were escorted to the dais by ICYM President Glen Furtado with roses to welcome all of them.

The highlight of the event was to honor popular, son of the soil, the man who earned a distinct recognition in films in four Indian languages, viz. Hindi, Bhojpuri, Marathi and Konkani.

On behalf of SPA, The ICYM, The ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association and the Parishioners, the well-worded citation (mann-potr) describing manifold achievements of Harry Fernandes was read out by Archibald Furtado, founder Secretary of SPA Barkur - Mumbai, conferring the Title, KONKANI CINE-KALA SAMRAT, witnessing a thunderous round of applause and a standing ovation to endorse and acknowledging the deserving honor, by the full packed audience. The Parish Priest, Guests on the stage garlanded, with a bouquet, colorful headgear and basket full of fresh fruits handed over to the recipient…..

In his humble and emotional reply to the recognition of this magnitude, Harry recalled his days in Barkur in 60’s and thanked all Barkurians for their kind support, encouragement and magnanimity at all times. Also expressed his contentment to see the great reception the Movie Benddkar received all over the Konkani world.

Vincent D’Almeida, who spoke on behalf of all the organisations, praised Harry for his rich talents, ‘we all being Barkurians assure our patronage in all your activities’ he continued….ICYM the SPA etc. very dear to his heart, will stand like rock to encourage and in coming days he expected greater service through silver screen…..He also appreciated the ICYM for its initiatives and extended an Invitation to attend the conclave of all ICYM Members of last 43 years (1976 – 2019) on 23rd December, 2019.

Vicar also honored all Benddkar Movie artists, Alwyn and Sujatha Andrade, Archibald Furtado, Dolphy D’Souza, Jessie Menezes, Ivan Furtado, Sylvan D’Almeida, John Picardo, Oswald Fernandes, Patrick D’Silva, Edwin Picardo, Patrick D’Almeida, and others who were present on this occasion, including the live New Jolly Band team Perampally, Production Manager Prem D’Souza, Editor of the film Abhishek etc.

In his Presidential address Rev Fr. Philip Neri Aranha, heartily admitted to be proud, and  part and parcel of Barkurians, since last 2-3 years….He  expressed his great satisfaction to know about veteran movie personality in four languages and congratulated Harry Fernandes Barkur, on behalf of the citizens, as well as parishioners of Barkur….while wishing a roaring success to the film Benddkar, he expected Harry to come out with many more master pieces in Konkani language in years to come…Konkani Cine-Kala-Samrat, deserve all praises and need people’s encouragement in his future endeavors he concluded.

Once the stage programme was concluded with vote of thanks on behalf of Dolphy D’Souza, the animator and one of the former President of ICYM, the man behind this free show in Barkur, Archibald Furtado, who aptly handled proceedings, announced to the spectators, almost full to its capacity in the Church open ground, be ready watch nonstop two and a half hours Movie Benddkar.

The Movie received a glorious welcome in Barkur and the people from the neighboring parishes too, glued to their seats till 10.00 PM, as the live band brought dance lovers to the floor to rejoice and celebrate.

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Agencies
August 4,2020

New York, Aug 4: National Award-winning documentary "Son Rise" and Geetu Mohandas-directed "Moothon" were among the films that took home the big honours at the 20th New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), which switched to a virtual edition this year amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Over 45 feature-length narratives, shorts and documentaries from the Indian subcontinent were showcased at the festival’s virtual edition that ran for 10 days beginning July 24.

The films programmed were in various languages including Assamese, Bengali, Haryanvi, Hindi, English, Ladakhi, Maithili, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali and Tamil.

The award ceremony for the festival was held virtually Sunday, with the filmmakers, cast, award winners and festival officials joining from across India and the US.

The award for the Best Documentary (Short) went to Saurav Vishnu-directed "Tailing Pond", which highlights the "horrifying effects of uranium extraction on the health of the indigenous population" of Jadugoda, Jharkhand.

"Son Rise" by Vibha Bakshi won the award for Best Documentary (Feature).

The documentary had won the National Award for the Best non-feature film in 2019 and was among the two centrepieces hosted by the festival this year. NYIFF called "Son Rise" “a powerful documentary about patriarchy in Haryana and efforts by a few good men to bring meaningful change in the society.”

The award for Best Short (Narrative) went to Sanat Ganu's "Arabian Nights". The narrative focuses on a child, his imaginary friend and a family that attends a conference where the attendees believe the earth is flat.

Director and scriptwriter Sudhanshu Saria accepted the award for Best Screenplay for "Knock Knock Knock". Saria’s screenplay “explores the lonely life of a man, an unlikely friendship that may or may not be real.”

Sanjana Dipu won the award for Best Child Actor for "Moothon" for her performance of a teenager in search of a brother.

Garggi Ananthan won the Best Actress award for her role as Kalyani in the film "Run Kalyani" and the Best Actor award went to Malayalam star Nivin Pauly for "Moothon". The award for the Best Director went to 23-year old Achal Mishra for "Gamak Ghar".

"Moothon" won the award for Best Film and its director Mohandas accepted the award for the film, which is "about love and loss that travels from the quiet, lush beaches of Lakshadweep to the mad hustle-bustle of the streets of Mumbai."

Produced by award-winning Indian film director and writer Anurag Kashyap, "Moothon" had premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

NYIFF festival director Aseem Chhabra said that the process of searching for films for the festival began last fall and they were ready to showcase them to audiences in New York in April but had to change plans for the festival due to the pandemic.

"I know the best way to enjoy films is in a theatre with the audience and have live interactions, conversations. But the virtual festival is the next best option and in the process, we have been able to reach out to a much larger audience in the US, North America as well in several other countries.”

NYIFF said that a virtual edition expanded the reach of the festival and audiences from 95 countries were able to access and view the films.

Dr Nirmal Mattoo, Chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council, co-founder and owner of Atlantic Dialysis Management services, the largest private dialysis provider in New York State, said NYIFF works with an independent jury - filmmakers, film professors, writers and critics.

Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC), the leading cultural organisation, presents the festival.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the closure of theatres but we believe that in such trying times arts, including films are even more important for the community’s well-being. So, this year we have decided to bring the films directly into your living rooms.” IAAC Vice-Chairman Rakesh Kaul had said.

The New York Indian Film Festival is the oldest Indian film event in North America. Over the years, the festival has held New York premieres of a wide range of films, many of them critically acclaimed, including "Monsoon Wedding", "The Namesake", "Slumdog Millionaire", "Shahid", "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" and "Gangs of Wasseypur". 

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Agencies
August 7,2020

Mumbai,  Aug 7: Unless Maharashtra Government consents to CBI investigation in the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case, it would be illegal, affecting the federal structure of the country, said actor Rhea Chakraborty's lawyer.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered and continued the illegality which was perpetrated at the hands of Bihar Police in connection with the case, he added.

"The Bihar Government transferred a case with which it had no jurisdiction to investigate, to CBI instead of the Mumbai Police which is the legal position. The Supreme Court is seized of the issue pursuant to the transfer petition filed by Rhea Chakraborty," said Satish Maneshinde Chakraborty's lawyer.

The Supreme Court has directed all parties to file their replies and Mumbai Police is directed to place the report of investigations, he added.

"Pending the said proceedings the CBI has registered and continued the illegality which was perpetrated at the hands of Bihar Police.

CBI being a premier investigative agency in the country should desist from taking any further steps pending the SC proceedings. Apart from the same unless the Maharashtra Government consents to CBI investigating the case ... it would be totally illegal and beyond any known legal principles, affecting the Federal Structure of the Nation," said Maneshinde.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CBI that is probing high profile cases of Vijay Mallya and AgustaWestland cases will now investigate the Sushant Singh Rajput's death case.

The investigating agency has registered a case against six accused including Bollywood actor Rhea Chakraborty and others in connection with the Rajput's death.

The sources in CBI said that six accused in the case will be summoned soon for questioning and other persons will also be called for examining which was earlier examined by Mumbai police.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier sent a recommendation to the Central Government for CBI investigation in the case filed in Patna based on the complaint of Sushant's father KK Singh against Rhea Chakraborty under sections including abetment of suicide on July 25.

Sushant was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14.

Days after Rajput's death, Rhea Chakraborty said she was the "girlfriend" of the 'Dil Bechara' actor while requesting a CBI inquiry in the case.

Chakraborty has also approached the Supreme Court for transfer of investigation to Mumbai in the FIR registered against her in Patna.

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News Network
June 19,2020

New Delhi, Jun 19: With the demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput stirring a debate on nepotism in the film industry, singer Sonu Nigam on Thursday spoke out on the "mafia" of the Indian music industry.

Nigam shared a 7-minute-long Vlog (video blog) on his YouTube channel where he is seen talking about roadblocks in the career of the newcomers created by big music labels and in turn urged them to be kind.

"I want to request everyone and especially our music companies to be kind because today an actor - Sushant Sigh Rajput - has passed away, tomorrow you can hear the same about a singer or a composer or a lyrics writer because unfortunately there is a bigger mafia in the music industry than the film industry," the 46-year-old musician said.

He then talks about how the young and struggling musicians are distressed because of the monopoly of "only two music companies" in the industry that rule and decide everything.

"I came into the industry years ago and at a younger age so I didn't fall in the trap but this new generation is going through a lot," he said.

"They are distressed because the composer would want to work with them, the producer and director would want to work with them but the music company would say 'no this is not our artist.' This is not right that the power is in just two hands - two music companies only - they will decide who will sing who will not sing," he added.

He then stressed on the fact that he is completely out of the music industry but the situation is very grim for the newcomers.

"I am out of it and neither do I have any wish to sing since the last 15 years, I am very happy in my own world but I have seen the frustration in the eyes, in the voice and in the words of new singers, new composers, new lyric writers," he said.

"They cry and if they attempt suicide you too will have to answer the questions. Be a little kinder please, to the newcomers because they are Gandharva (skilled singers), please be a little easy on them," he added.

Nigam then shared a personal experience and without naming anyone described how a powerful actor from the Bollywood industry had control over the music world too.

"It might happen with me that the song I am singing and the same actor who is being questioned these days would say 'don't make him sing' as he has deals with Arijit Singh. So, how can you use your power like that?" he said.

"You call me, ask me to sing, and then get my song dubbed. This is funny especially because I have been working since 1991 in Bombay, I have been working since 1989 in the music industry and if you do this with me then what will you do with the young generation," he added.

The 'Aal Izz Well' singer ended the Vlog urging the big music labels to be "a little more chill" and humane towards the younger lot and warned that the distress might cause the newcomers to attempt suicide.

"Guys you need to chill a little, be a little humane. Please don't torture the younger ones, please step into their shoes, they need you, they need your help, they need your kindness," he said.

"Even directors and producers are not happy because they are not being allowed to make the music that they wish to. This is not right. Creativity should not be only in two hands. Be kind so that more people do not suicide," he added.

The alleged suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput has led to a lot of controversies in the entertainment industry. The investigations in the matter are still underway.

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