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Event Review
Monday, July 13th, 2009
New York
Director: Kabir Khan
Starring: John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Irrfan Khan
The 16th president of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves’. The United States is known as the land of the free, but post 9/11 all this changed. Kabir Khan brings to light the atrocities and the changes that came after the reality of terrorism that fateful September day in 2001.
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Monday, July 13th, 2009
Kambakkht Ishq
Director: Sabir Khan
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Aaftab Shivdasani and with guest appearances by
Denise Richards, Sylvester Stallone, Brandon Routh (to name a few)
With a stellar cast, Hollywood big wigs and raging publicity, Kambakkht Ishq had been slated as the must see film to revive cinema entertainment for 2009. Unfortunately, the rollercoaster ride of Akshay Kumar’s flops continued their journey…downwards and even a sprinkling of Hollywood stars could not save this from such an outcome.
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Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
Australia
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman
Director: Baz Luhrmann
After reading mixed reactions from critics all over the world, I finally had the pleasure to see one of the most highly anticipated films, Baz Luhrmann’s, Australia.
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Sunday, November 16th, 2008
Dostana
Director: Tarun Mansukhani
Starring: Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachan, John Abraham, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani
Sit back, hold tight and get ready for a romcom with a ‘gay’ twist.
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Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
Fashion
Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
Starring: Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranaut, Arbaaz Khan, Suchitra Pillai, Mugdha Godse
Madhur Bandarkar is known for bringing to celluloid life the reality of scenes hidden behind the curtains of life.
His new venture is looking at the world of glamour, money, fame – otherwise known as the world of high fashion. Forget, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, and take a look at the wannabe westernised lifestyles of Indians seeking fame and fortune in the fashion industry.
(more…)
Sunday, October 26th, 2008
Roadside Romeo
Voices of: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi
Directed by: Jugal Hansraj
The first animated collaboration between Yash Raj Films and Disney has resulted in a visual wonder, barrels of fun and two dogs, who just want to be together.
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Saturday, October 25th, 2008
Heroes
Director: Samir Karnik
Starring: Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Mithun Chakraborty, Dino Morea, Sohail Khan, Vatsal Seth
Simply put, Heroes is no ‘Border’. With a multi-star cast, loads of tear jerking moments, Heroes take you on a journey of those brave young men that leave behind glamorous lives of money and fame, to fight for their country.
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
Max Payne
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Olga Kurylenko, Chris O’Donnel, Beau Bridges, Amaury Nolasco
Based on a video game, three ingredients are certain: blood, violence and weapons. So, began my Sunday afternoon on October 12th at the movies to watch the strangely disturbing, Max Payne, starring Mark Wahlberg. (more…)
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
Zimmedari
Director: Jayanta Bhaduri
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to see Rangmanch’s Hindi adaptation of the Bengali play ‘Dayebadhho’. Needless to say, it was like watching a ‘Saas bahu’ serial unfolding on stage.
Zimmedari revolves around the lives of four members of a middle class family based in the outskirts of Calcutta. Each has its own secrets and the play deals with the complexities of human relationships that as always will question the moral fabric of society. Each character delves deeper and tries to bring to reason the sanctity of relationships, characteristics and choices that they have made. At the end you do question this moralistic society we live in.
The antagonist at the centre of the play is a truck driver named Gagan, played fantastically well by Ujjal Ghosh. Gagan is the archetypical truck driver, who gambles, drinks and associates with women. But scratch the service and this truck driver has the heart of gold. His honesty, straightforwardness and love for his daughter bring to light a softer side of this rugged man.
Ujjal Ghosh is perfectly cast as Gagan. He delivers an outstanding performance and the many facets of his character that he brings to life can easily be identifiable by men today.
Sita, played by Sangeeta Hariharan is the ‘wife’ of Gagan and mother to Payal. She plays the constantly nagging housewife whose objective in life it seems is to mould Gagan from a truck driver to man of a higher standing in society. She loves her daughter and will do anything to ensure her daughter does not lead the life that she herself leads…even if that means ‘buying’ the affection of her would be son in law.
Sangeeta Hariharan is commendable as Sita, but her emotive reactions and gestures are reminiscent of a Saas Bahu serial on Zee TV.
Payal, the obedient and idealistic daughter is played exceptionally well by Monica Mahendru. Payal’s love for Gagan is that of a daughter who is in awe of her father. Their relationship is under scrutiny and suspicion by Sita. The audience eventually comes to realise why when it is dramatically revealed prior to intermission that Payal is not Gagan’s biological daughter.
The fourth integral character of this dysfunctional family is Jivan, the idiotic but lovable brother of Gagan. Jivan’s desire in life is to be truck driver like his brother. He is a happy go lucky man, who loves his family. Jivan is played by Rahul Gandhi, who has great comedic timing and provides the lighter moments of this emotional roller coaster ride. Rahul was well appreciated by the audience, although at times he became so engrossed in his character that his diction became incomprehensible.
Overall, Zimmedari was a well received Hindi play. The characters and story were enriching. My only complaint would be the poor control and direction of lighting, along with the very long (2hrs and 20 mins) rendition of the story.
Thursday, August 28th, 2008
Taken
Director: Pierre Morrel
Starring: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace, Katie Cassidy
Enjoyed the Bourne Series? Ready to be ‘Taken’ on the ride of your life? Sit back. This film will offer more than just a thrilling car chase through the Parisian streets.
(more…)
Monday, August 18th, 2008
Bachna Ae Haseeno
Director: Sidhharth Anand
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Maneesha Lambha
After much hype the second film of the already sought after Kapoor and Padukone is here. Yash Raj presents, Bachna Ae Haseeno - imagine, Casanova with Indians – no masala needed.
(more…)
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
Apron Strings
Director: Sima Urale
Starring: Laila Rouass, Scott Wills, Jennifer Ludlam, Nathan Whitaker, Leela Patel, Jodie Rimmer
Auckland is a melting pot of cultures, values and identities. Apron Strings try to give you a different perspective right from the heart of one’s own kitchen. This tasteful masterpiece is sure to be hit.
(more…)
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
The X Files: I want to believe
Starring: Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly
Director: Chris Carter
Ten years after its first debut on the silver screen, The X Files are back. Mulder and Scully return to the FBI to assist in solving another unexplained phenomenon…this time involving a psychic priest.
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Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
Kismet Konnection
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Om Puri, Juhi Chawla
Director: Aziz Mirza
Remember Lindsay Lohan’s, ‘Just my Luck’? Well, add a dose of masala, with a good helping of song and dance – mix well. Garnish with your usual Bollywood drama and walla – you have Kismet Konnection.
(more…)
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
Meet Dave
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Gabrielle Union, Ed Helms, Elizabeth Banks, Pat Kilbane
Director: Brian Robbins
With the help of Steven Spielberg I think we’re all very well acquainted with the concept of aliens and outer-space. So, an army of miniature human beings arriving on Earth in a human space ship is probably not that surprising right? Meet Dave.
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Sunday, June 29th, 2008
The Happening
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel
Director: M Night Shyamalan
The man who stunned the world with the cleverly made thriller, The Sixth Sense is back. After two failures in a row, Lady in the Water and The Village, fans were beginning to lose just a little faith. The Happening was marked to be Shyamalan’s next big move to win them back.
(more…)
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
2nd NZ Hindu Conference
The second NZ Hindu Conference took place last weekend on May 16 - 18. The three days were filled with educational work shops, cultural performances and insightful discussions.
Below is the press release from the Hindu Council of New Zealand.
(more…)
Thursday, May 15th, 2008
What Happens in Vegas
Director: Tom Vaughan
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Robb Corddry, Treat Williams, Dennis Miller and Lake Bell
Ever heard the phrase, ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas?’ This is one plot that should have remained in the brightly lit bars of the hottest location in the US - Vegas, baby!
(more…)
Thursday, May 1st, 2008
Tashan
Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, and Anil Kapoor
With a multi star cast, Tashan is Vijay Krishna Acharya’s directorial debut, lacking not only in style, and plot, but definitely does not live up to the pre-release hype. Prepare to be unimpressed.
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Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Krazzy 4
Starring: Juhi Chawla, Irrfan Khan, Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadev, Suresh Menon
Director: Jaideep Sen
After much hype, Rakesh Roshan’s Krazzy 4 has finally been released. With a host of talented actors, the film is a waste of time and energy.
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Thursday, April 17th, 2008
U, Me aur Hum
Starring: Kajol, Ajay Devgan, Divya Dutta, Karan Khanna,
Director: Ajay Devgan
U Me aur Hum may be an original and poignant love story in the land of Bollywood, but realistically it’s a knock off on two Hollywood films, The Notebook and 50 First Dates.
(more…)
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
Race
Starring: Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Sameera Reddy and Katrina Kaif
Director Duo: Abbas Mastan
The fast paced director duo of Abbas-Mastan is back after a string of failures to try and redeem their former glory with the modern day thriller, Race.
(more…)
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
Strangers
Starring: Jimmy Shergill, Kay Kay Menon
Director: Anand Rai
Released in December 2007, Strangers was a film that did not receive the publicity it truly deserved.
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Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
Jodhaa Akbar Film Review
Starring: Aishwariya Rai, Hrithik Rosha
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
I finally had the opportunity to view the controversial film of Jodhaa Akbar. Starring Aishwariya Rai and Hrithik Roshan, I must say I was a feeling a little uncertain stepping in to the theatre.
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Thursday, February 7th, 2008
27 Dresses
Director: Anne Fletcher
Starring: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Edward Burns, Judy Greer, Malin Akerman
After a ‘knock out’ success last summer with ‘Knocked Up’, the gorgeous Katherine Heigl is back! The story in short, Ms. Heigl plays the role of a plain Jane, an over pleasing young woman who has a strange affinity to weddings and playing the role of a bridesmaid. Enter a handsome young journalist whose cynical repertoire and overly pessimistic outlook on life makes you groan with frustration, but continue watching on… it is of course, the one and only, James Marsden. He writes the most romantic stories, yet his belief in love is barely the size of a peanut.
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Thursday, December 6th, 2007
The Darjeeling Limited
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Adrian Brody, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Irrfan Khan
Picture this…three American men, semi-estranged brothers, with an array of beautifully monogrammed luggage on an adventure in India in search of spirituality, answers and their mother.
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Thursday, November 29th, 2007
Starring: John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Arshaad Warsi, Boman Irani
Director: Vivek Agnihotri
I’ve seen Chak de India, but then again…who hasn’t. Walking into the theatre for my very first screening of DDD Goal, I went in without any preconceptions or inhibitions. I was there to see another great film. And after the mega success of Bend it like Bekham and the brand (David Bekham) himself, how can you go wrong with British football!
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Thursday, November 22nd, 2007
Om Shanti Om - Film Review
Director: Farah Khan
After the super duper success of ‘Main hoon nah,’ the commercially successful duo of Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are back and this time they’ve brought to life their love of the 70’s era.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Saawariya
 The verdict is in! One of the most highly anticipated films of the year has finally been released! Starring the offsprings of Anil Kapoor and Neetu and Rishi Kapoor, the film is an explosion of visual splendour. Sanjay Leela Bhansali known for his persistent search for perfection has created a world that is ethereally beautiful and surreal. The film stars two debutants – Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, along with the power package of Rani Mukherjee and Salman Khan.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Bhool Bhulaiya
The success of Bhool Bhulaiya has surprised many within the film industry, especially as the film’s release date coincided with Yash Raj’s Laga Chunari Mein Daag.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Love on the run – review
‘A Bollywood dance performance like no other.’
Love on the run – the name says it all. It’s Bollywood – brought to life, NZ style! Choreographed and directed by a group of young and talented individuals, Love on the Run was the highlight of Saturday last. From the moment we entered to the final drawing of the curtains, the joyful atmosphere of an Indian marriage was clearly in the air.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Sammy
The Incredible Journey of Mahatma Gandhi
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag
Being one of a minority of people who have never had the opportunity to see the magic created by Sholay, I thought I would be the perfect audience for the latest film in cinemas now – Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag. Based on Sholay, RGV ki Aag is a film that will satisfy a few and rest the curiosity of Sholay fans everywhere.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Heyy Babyy
With a worldwide release on Friday August 24, Heyy Babyy rocked its way into cinemas with a bang – not to mention a diaper or two in tow!
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
United Indianz India’s Independence Day Celebration
Written by: Ranjit Singh Ahluwalia
Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland, New Zealand had a gala day on Saturday August 18 to celebrate India’s 60th year of Independence.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
CHAK DE! INDIA
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan
 Yash Raj Films have finally redeemed themselves and once more secured their position as the banner that brings to you big budget blockbusters!
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Nach le gaa le – The Muqabla Night 2
Nach le gaa le – The Muqabla Night 2 was an explosion of colour, music and dance that lasted until one in the morning!
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
V4U DHOOM 3 NITE
V4U Entertainments is highly regarded in the New Zealand Indian community as a group of performers who know how to professionally execute a performance – whether it is a dance sequence or a Bollywood story.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
A New Dawn: Matariki, Maori New Year Celebrations at the Hindu Heritage Centre.
The Maori New Year was celebrated by the Hindu and Indian Community at the Hindu Heritage Centre with zest and enthusiasm on 16 June 2007. On this occasion, Mr Haare Williams, Kaumatua – Maori Elder, presided over the function and planted a Pohutukawa sapling to mark the occasion. Mr. Haare Williams is a renowned Maori educationist, pioneer and an independent consultant in Maori aspects of education, health, business, art and the media. Mr. Haare Williams in his speech said that Maori New Year celebrations signify the importance of land and plant life. Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. looks forward to closely working with Tangata Whenua (indigenous Maori community) to learn and share the indigenous knowledge and traditions.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Adhura Sapna – unfulfilled dream
Sambhu a former public servant is determined to fulfil the dream of his grandfather who had arrived in Fiji in the late 1890s to work in the sugarcane plantation. His father had passed on the message that his grandfather always wanted to be very successful as a farmer and never leave the farm which he purchased during the indenture system. After having gone through difficult times in India and during the “Girmit” period he had vowed to succeed in his farm one day.
(more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Voices of Peace
Positive alternative to Islamophobia
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Miss NZ Punjaban
Punjabis are known all over the world for their colourful culture, music, language, food and familial bonds. In New Zealand, the Punjabi community organised the first ever Miss NZ Punjaban competition that showcased the beauty and talents of Punjabi women from all over New Zealand.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
New Zealand Indian Central Association met at its 81st Annual General Body meeting at Rotorua.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Glamour, Glory and Gossip – G3
By Deepesh Parikh
Photo by Indian Newslink
The 9th of May 2007 has become a very important day in the world of entertainment for New Zealand. It was on this day that NZ Indians welcomed a magazine that combined Glamour, Glory and Gossip from the world of Bollywood – known simply as G3.
G3 brings Bollywood to your door step…and to the door steps of Kiwis.
Unique and interesting in its very own way - G3 magazine will fulfil the thirst - the hunger of all the fans of Bollywood. Written in English it will be a source of joy not only for the Indian community but all the other ethnicities that enjoy the world of Bollywood.
This will be available on fortnightly basis - every 10th and 25th of the month. It will be distributed through the major Indian outlets - absolutely free of cost, so don’t wait grab your copy now and always be first in the race of knowing the hottest news from the world of Bollywood.
For further information, please call 09 626 5666 or
email :- g3.3aces@yahoo.co.nz
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
LIFE IN A … METRO
Film Review
Starring: Shilpa Shetty, Shiney Ahuja, Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, Kay Kay Menon, Sharman Joshi, Manoj Pahwa
 (more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
PROVOKED - FILM REVIEW
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
TARA RUM PUM
Director : Siddharth Anand
Cast : Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherjee,
Victor Banerjee, Shruti Seth, Jaaved Jaffrey
(more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Aparajita – An enlightening insight
Written by: Dr. Priya Punjabi of Ultimate Ayurveda Ltd.
It can easily be said that Rohini and Jayadev Hattangady are two of the great personalities for Marathi Rangabhoomi!
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Vaisakhi
Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Khalsa (Community of the Pure) at the Baisakhi gathering in 1699, at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur. Guru Gobind Singh, had organised for followers from all over India to meet him at the Basakhi Fair in Anandpur.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Jazzy B
Live in Concert
Ankur Sood of the Desi Underground Project has summarised Jazzy B quite simply as: “Michael Jackson is to pop music as Jazzy B is to _____?” (Bhangra, of course!)
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
The Namesake
Mira Nair’s latest directorial extravaganza is ‘The Namesake.” Based on the award winning novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, ‘The Namesake’ follows in the lives of a Bengali couple who immediately after their arranged marriage move to New York to pursue a better life for their future generation.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Namastey London
 Namastey London is not your usual east meets west love affair. It is a delightful romantic comedy set in today’s modern times that deals with the transition of cultures, and attitudes in marriages and families.
(more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Just Married
The film stars Esha Deol and Fardeen Khan in the leading role of a couple whose lives are turned upside down by an arranged marriage.
(more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Salaam-E-Ishq
Cast: Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Vidya Balan, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Govinda
A film directed by: Nikhil Advani.
It can be said that Bollywood is losing its golden touch to produce unique and interesting films. The latest production from the Advani/Johar camp, Salaam-e-Ishq is more like an adaptation of Richard Curtis’ all star ensemble hit, Love Actually.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Colours of the world blend as 7,000 celebrate Art of Living Silver Jubilee at Logan Campbell Centre.
Musicians and Dancers from literally all around the world gathered today for a huge all-day celebration of human unity in multi-cultural diversity as the Art of Living – the world’s largest volunteer based network – celebrated their 25th Anniversary.
(more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Kabul Express
Contrary to belief, Kabul Express is not a documentary, but a thriller that will take you on journey in to post 9/11 Afghanistan. The story follows 48 hours in the lives of two Indians, an Afghani, a Pakistani and an American who are brought together by one common thread - fear.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Allah made me funny
The Official Muslim Comedy Tour
“Allah made me funny” – a phrase one does not normally hear but a trio of fast becoming legends have made this phrase their comedy act and have been performing to full houses all around the world.
Post 9/11; post war on Iraq; and post all things anti-Muslim, a team of comedians have taken it upon themselves to inform the world around them of the beauty, the ordinariness and passivity of Muslims in a comedic manner.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Adrian Bohm presents Russell Peters
“Outsourced comedy”
The one and only Russell Peters created a frenzy of excitement at the Auckland Town Hall, his second stop in New Zealand after Wellington. Already a world renowned comedy king, Russell needed no introduction.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Talvin Singh
Labelled as one of the masterminds of the Asian underground music sensation that has spread throughout the world, Talvin Singh made a quiet entrance in to New Zealand for shows in Auckland and Wellington.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
One Night at Spookers
IndianEvents’ Social Club spent Saturday night at the infamous haunt fest, Spookers. Simply said, ‘It was a night to be remembered!’
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Manna Dey, the Living Legend
The legendary Bollywood singer Manna Dey performed for the first time in Auckland on November 3 at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar. At 85 years of age and with a delicate, frail frame, Manna Dey continues to bring the powerful magic of his songs to life even today.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Krishnan’s Dairy
Ever wondered what happens when the door’s of the corner dairy shop close? What is life like for the migrant couple that is there every morning when you come to buy your milk and waiting for the last customer to leave while the sun sets? (more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Dance Like A Man
By Mahesh Dattani
Directed by Lillete Dubey
WITH: Suchitra Pillai (Lata and younger Ratna), Joy Sengupta (Viswas and younger Jairaj), Vijay Crishna (Older Jairaj and Amritlal Parekh) and Lillete Dubey (Older Ratna). (more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
WATER
A FILM BY DEEPA MEHTA
Deepa Mehta has done it again. The woman with the golden touch has created her third film, “Water” in a highly anticipated series of four films.
Water looks back to the late 1930’s and takes us on a journey to glimpse the lives of widows living in a period when India was fighting for independence against British colonial rule
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Sukhwinder Nite
Manukau Telstra Clear Stadium looked amazing on Friday night (29 September). The atmosphere was high with anticipation as throngs of people sat impatiently waiting for the one and only Sukhwinder Singh. (more…)
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Dinner with Dino Morea
September 15 2006
Organised by Apna990
It was a cold, blistery Friday evening. Throngs of people crowded a little restaurant in Henderson awaiting the arrival of a half-Indian, half-Italian actor who, since beginning his acting career has taken the world of Bollywood by storm.
(more…)
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