‘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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News Network
June 1,2020

Mumbai, Jun 1: Singer-composer Wajid Khan of music director duo Sajid-Wajid, popular for their work on superstar Salman Khan's films such as "Wanted", "Dabangg" and "Ek Tha Tiger", died in early hours of Monday in a city hospital due to complications arising from a kidney infection. He was 42.

Music composer Salim Merchant, who confirmed the news of Wajid's death, said the composer was hospitalised few days ago at Surana Hospital, Chembur where his condition deteriorated.

"He had multiple issues. He had a kidney issue and had a transplant a while ago. But recently he got to know about kidney infection... He was on the ventilator for the last four days, after his situation started getting worse. Kidney infection was the beginning and then he got critical," Salim told PTI.

The music composer duo made their Bollywood debut with Salman's 1998 movie "Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" and went on to work on actor's various films including "Garv", "Tere Naam", "Tumko Na Bhool Payenge", "Partner" and the popular "Dabangg" franchise.

Wajid also did playback for Salman in chartbusters like "Mera He Jalwa", "Fevicol Se" and for Akshay Kumar in "Chinta Ta Chita Chita" from the film "Rowdy Rathore", among others. He recently co-composed Salman's songs "Pyaar Karona" and "Bhai Bhai", which the actor released on his YouTube channel.

Wajid along with his brother Sajid served as mentor on singing reality shows "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012" and "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar".

The composer duo also scored IPL 4 theme song, "Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhadaka", which was sung by Wajid.

Soon after the news of the composer's demise broke, many from the film fraternity took to Twitter to pay tributes.

Actor Priyanka Chopra said she will always remember Wajid's smile.

"The one thing I will always remember is Wajid bhai's laugh. Always smiling. Gone too soon. My condolences to his family and everyone grieving. Rest in peace my friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers," she posted on Twitter.

Actor Parineeti Chopra said Wajid was one of the "nicest" men in the industry.

"Always singing. All heart. Always positive. You will truly be missed Wajid bhai," she tweeted.

Actor Varun Dhawan shared a picture of his filmmaker-father David Dhawan with Wajid and remembered the musician as one of the most positive people in Bollywood.

"Shocked hearing this news @wajidkhan7 bhai was extremely close to me and my family. He was one of the most positive people to be around. We will miss you Wajid bhai thank you for the music," he wrote.

Music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani said he was "heartbroken" after hearing the news.

"Both @SajidMusicKhan and @wajidkhan7 have been close & true friends. The kind who might see the light on and show up at our studio in the middle of the night just to meet and talk and share a laugh. Can't believe Wajid and I will never speak again," he wrote.

Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan said he was still unable to come to terms with the news of Wajid's demise.

"Shocking ! Good bye dear brother.. love you .. till we meet on the other side ! Prayers for your peaceful journey Wajid bhai," he tweeted.

Singer Javed Ali posted, "Feeling Deeply Saddened after hearing shocking news of the sudden demise of Wajid Khan. May his Soul Rest in Peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May Allah give strength to the family."

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News Network
February 24,2020

New Delhi, Feb 24: Indian Idol 11 winner is Bhatinda's Sunny Hindustani. Sunny, who mostly sang Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's songs on the show, won the coveted trophy. The Bhatinda boy took home the Indian Idol 11 trophy along with the prize money of Rs 25 lakh, a car and a singing contract with T-Series.

Sunny's entry on the show was much-talked-about. His soul-soothing voice had mesmerised the judges on the audition day itself as he sang Afreen Afreen. He got a standing ovation and former Indian Idol 11 judge Anu Malik even said that he felt as if Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan himself was performing on the Indian Idol stage. His audition video had gone viral after Anand Mahindra shared it on social media.

On the finale night, Sunny sang a medley of songs, which included Mere Rashke Qamar and Halka Halka Suroor. Ayushmann got emotional seeing Sunny's journey on screen. He said, "Hum na actor bade self-obsessed hote hain. Humein lagta hai hamari struggle sabse achchi hai, sabse badi hai. Inke saamne toh kuch hai he nahi. Jahaan se aye hai, jitna hunar inke paas hai...mujhe lagta hai inki maa sabse ameer hain."

The first and second runner-up of the show Rohit Raut and Ankona Mukherjee got Rs 5 lakh each, while Ridham Kalyan and Adriz Ghosh who were fourth and fifth on the show, took Rs 3 lakh home. Every finalist also received Rs 1 lakh cheque from Lotus Herbals and gift hampers from the sponsors.

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