Global IndianstoryBrand India lighting up the world: How NRIs make Diwali a global celebration

Brand India lighting up the world: How NRIs make Diwali a global celebration

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(October 31, 2024) It’s that time of the year again, when millions of people across the world come together to light up their homes with lamps and candles, for prayers and celebrations. It’s Diwali — the Festival of Lights — which has the 35.4 million-strong Indian community abroad prepping up for vibrant celebrations, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The beautiful festival of lights has become a symbol of Brand India around the world, and today, is celebrated widely, not just by Indians. For instance, US President Joe Biden already hosted the annual Diwali event at the White House which was attended by more than 600 eminent Indian-Americans and NRIs, including Congressman Shri Thanedar, US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H Murthy and Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Similarly, a lively Diwali celebration also erupted in the heart of Times Square, New York City where a diverse group of Indian community members and American citizens came together to honour the festival of lights. The iconic location in Midtown Manhattan was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich culture and unity of the Indian community. The event featured prominent attendees, including New York Mayor Eric Adams. It is a heartwarming indication of the great Indian success story – NRIs have not just managed to assimilate and become part of a new culture, they have brought their own to the world, making it a time of joy and togetherness. Global Indian takes a look at how NRIs gear up for the festive season.

New York Mayor Eric Adams celebrates Diwali with the Indian community

Indian values

“I believe that people here hold more Indian values than many people living in India. Celebrating culture, dressing up, doing rituals during Diwali is something all Indians abroad look forward to,” smiles San Francisco-based serial entrepreneur Neena Pandey, while speaking to Global Indian. Having grown up in the enchanting city of Varanasi, Neena says Diwali is celebrated in a huge way in San Francisco Bay Area.

“There are many Indians here and many host parties. There are Diwali fairs where vendors sell things from Indian clothing to jewelry to pooja items, home decor and much more,” says Neena, founder and CEO of The String Code, a luxury fashion brand and a member of the Forbes Business Council.

Once an outspoken marketing executive in Silicon Valley, Neena, who previously worked at Adobe Systems, Sun Microsystems among others, says many companies also have Diwali parties. “Silicon Valley is very diverse and like a mini India. All the major tech companies are here, many of whom have Indian CEOs and a big Indian work force. Therefore, the celebrations are grand,” she says.

Diwali at the White House

Diwali in UK

In UK too, grand Diwali celebrations is on the cards. After all, there are 250,000 Indians who live across UK. Vijay Goel, Senior Partner at Singhania & Co, London recalls how he and his family, friends have been attending various Diwali events since the year 2000.

“Diwali celebrations in London are getting bigger and bigger each year. For our first Diwali party, we invited the Queen of UK to our house as we were her neighbours. We told her about Diwali being the biggest indian festival and how we celebrate. We were delighted when she sent across a reply wishing us a happy Diwali,” recalls Vijay, who is all geared up for celebrations this year.

The Goel family is hosting a dinner for friends and colleagues which is likely to be attended by some of the top businessmen and who’s who of UK. During the previous Diwali celebrations, they hosted dinner for 400 guests and invited Bollywood singers as well.

Fresh start

“Our Diwali celebration begins with the thorough cleaning of our home, an act that symbolizes a fresh start and readiness to receive blessings. As dusk falls on Diwali, we light numerous diyas and candles, casting a warm glow throughout our home, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness,” informs Shankar Devarashetty, CEO, Oasis Accountants and Entrepreneur, London.

Diwali in 10 Downing Street, with former PM Rishi Sunak

The centerpiece of his celebration is the Lakshmi Puja, a serene and sacred moment where the family unites to seek prosperity and well-being for the year ahead. “The air is fragrant with incense, and the recitation of mantras adds a profound sense of peace to the atmosphere,” he says.

Culinary delights are a major highlight, with an array of traditional sweets like ladoos and barfis and savory treats that Shankar shares with family and friends. This sharing is more than just about food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and joy.

“We participate in or organize gatherings that might include cultural performances, dazzling fireworks, and festive music. It’s a wonderful time for everyone in the community to come together, regardless of their backgrounds, to revel in the festivities,” says Shankar adding Diwali also prompts them to reflect, express gratitude, and extend a hand to those less fortunate, embodying the spirit of generosity that the festival stands for.

Meaningful Time

Diwali in Leicester, UK

NRIs in the UK also find themselves surrounded by warmth and festive cheer. “Diwali is such a meaningful time for us as a family, no matter where we are. It’s the festival that truly brings light, warmth, and joy into our lives. We go all out to recreate the festive atmosphere we grew up with in India,” says Sashidhar Bacchu, Founder & CEO Sriven Solutions Ltd, Bedford city, UK,

Every year, he says, they set up traditional decorations—rangolis, diyas, and vibrant lights that fill his home with a festive glow. “We make sure to perform the Lakshmi Pooja together, keeping the rituals alive for the next generation. Diwali is also a wonderful time to connect with other families in the community. We often host or attend gatherings where we enjoy homemade sweets, exchange gifts, and sometimes even organize cultural performances,” he says. Above all, says Shashidhar, it’s heartwarming to see everyone come together with such joy and enthusiasm, making Diwali feel just as vibrant and meaningful as it did back home.

Dubai dazzles

The celebrations are no different in Dubai. Karma coach and author Tamanna C who lives in Dubai is among the many Indians who is looking forward to the celebrations.

“The Indian community abroad is very conscious of staying in touch with their roots especially when it comes to teaching values and traditions to their children. Diwali celebrations is usually close knit where people spend time in each other’s house hosting get togethers and also doing something where children are involved,” she says.

Diwali in Dubai

Tamanna says she, like all Indians in Dubai, celebrates Diwali with the same zeal as they do in India. “Cleaning of the house, Laxmi puja and visiting the gurudwara and the temple is a must. This is followed by get together at a friend’s house for dinner and cards,” informs the author.

Holiday

It’s not only New York, the main main day of the festival of Diwali (the day of Lakshmi Puja) is an official holiday in Fiji, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago.

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Taking Brand India to the world: MM Keeravani at the Golden Globes

(Jan 13, 2022) Cheers erupted from the RRR table as actor Jenna Ortega said the words every Indian was hoping to hear. "And the award goes to, Naatu Naatu, RRR." Looking a little like a deer caught in the headlights, a visibly flustered MM Keeravani clutched his Golden Globe with both hands, saying nervously, "I'm much overwhelmed with this great moment happening." It was a great moment indeed, for Keeravani himself, the RRR team, for Indians around the world and for every underdog everywhere. An underrated genius had finally received his due on a truly global platform, winning one of the most coveted awards in the world. He had hoped to break tradition, he said, by not dedicating his award to someone else, but being up on stage himself, he said, "I'm going to repeat the tradition because I mean my words." He went on to thank the RRR team, starting with his brother and director of the film, SS Rajamouli, for his "constant trust and support," choreographer Prem Rakshith, singer Rahul Sipligunj and Kala Bhairav (Keeravani's son) and actors Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao JR, who "danced with so much stamina." After the ceremony, Keeravani and Rajamouli even

ceremony, Keeravani and Rajamouli even performed the hook step that made the song so popular.

Naatu Naatu was released in April 2022, to much social media hype - Lahari even predicted it would be the 'Dance Number of the Decade'. Two months later, Korean pop music icons BTS released their own choreography to the song, skyrocketing it to global fame. According to media reports, the Global Indian created around 20 compositions for the song, with the final version chosen by Rajamouli and other members from the RRR team.

Early talent

A steady stream of RD Burman hits played through the day in Keeravani's childhood home in Kovvur, Andhra Pradesh. His father, Koduri Siva Shakti Datta, is a painter, lyricist and screenwriter and Keeravani, who grew up steeped in fine arts and the glamour of the Telugu film industry, displayed an early interest in music. His inclinations were appreciated and encouraged at home and he began learning to play the violin at the age of four.

Keeravani showed extraordinary talent even then and by the age of 10, was going on tour with the Pranalingam Accordion Party, a travelling band from Kakinada, for whom he played the violin. He was their piece de resistance, the young prodigy who won his audience's hearts with his solo rendition of Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai.

A rocky start and a big break

Keeravani began his career in 1987, working as an assistant to composers K. Chakravarthy and C. Rajamani. His debut, which came in 1990 with TSBK Moulee's Manasu Mamatha, went out with a whimper, however, as the film was never released, leaving Keeravani's talent unnoticed. His thirty-year tryst with Indian cinema has been something of a comedy of errors, aided in part by the composer himself, and his insistence on having three names. "Stephen King had two names. I have three," he said, in a Rediff interview back in 2004.

As it happened, his great admiration for Stephen King had its part to play in his first big break. Director Ram Gopal Varma, who had heard some of Keeravani's work, was toying with the composer's name for his 1991 film, Kshana Kshanam. The deal was clinched with Varma caught sight of Keeravani sitting quietly by himself in his Chennai studio, his nose buried in a Stephen King novel. "If you like Stephen King, that means we can work together," he told him.

[caption id="attachment_33798" align="aligncenter" width="407"] Composer MM Keeravani[/caption]

The breadwinner goes to Bollywood

Varma, apparently, advised Keeravani to be selective and not take every film that came his way. Pickiness, however, was a luxury the composer simply could not afford. Life was more or less hand-to-mouth back then - in those early days, Keeravani, who lived in a joint family of around 30 people, was the sole breadwinner. The once-wealthy zamindar family had descended into hard times and when Keeravani started out, his cousin, Rajamouli, was still a student. So, he took every job he could get, working with Rajamani and K. Chakravarthy. "There used to be 75-90 Telugu movies produced in a year, and Chakravarthy did 90 percent of those films," Keeravani told Film Companion. "It was work 365 days a year, without a holiday."

Trained in both Western and Indian traditions, his work was always a seamless blend of both styles. And while the Telugu film industry put food on the table, Bollywood afforded him, or so he thought, a chance to be artistic. He went on to compose Tum Mile Dil Khile in Criminal, Gali Mein Aaj Chand Nikla in Zakhm, Jeevan Kya Hai in Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin and Jadoo Hai Nasha Hai in Jism. "Songs in Telugu and other languages are my bread, Hindi songs are my butter," he remarked to singer Sonu Nigam, when he was a guest on the reality show Saregama.

'A man must have three names'

By the late 1990s, MM Keeravani was an established name in the Telugu film industry, starting with his work for Annamayya (1997), which won him a National Award and several state accolades. During that decade, he also managed to set in motion a veritable comedy of errors, thanks to his many names - he goes by MM Keeravani in the Telugu industry, MM Kreem and Margatha Mani, his actual name, which he uses in the Tamil and Malayalam film industries. In Bollywood, he moved like a spectre, the name MM Kreem was a mystery to most. It resulted, as one might imagine, in a lot of confusion.

[caption id="attachment_33800" align="aligncenter" width="508"] MM Keeravani with SS Rajamouli, Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao Jr[/caption]

One story involves media baron Ramoji Rao, who had worked with Keeravani on a number of films. However, the outspoken Keeravani had done the unthinkable - he had a disagreement with the director and wanted to quit. Rao was angry, composers didn't get this much of a say, usually. He told his associates that it was time to replace him, asking them to find the man behind Sur, which had been done by "some guy called MM Kreem," only to find out that they were the same person. In Chennai, Nida Fazli spent a while wandering through the composer's studio asking for a man named 'Kreem', to people who only knew him as Keeravani.

Renunciation

He might appear reserved and mild-mannered, but Keeravani has had his share of rebellion and renunciation alike. An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, he also had a guru. When he was 33, with his first child on the way, his guru advised him to take sanyaas for a year-and-a-half. Keeravani agreed, sacrificing the comforts of home to live like a hermit and eat only the most spartan, vegetarian food. He even missed the birth of his son and gave his earnings over to charity.

'A student for life'

His cousin, SS Rajamouli, has undoubtedly played kingmaker in Keeravani's life - all his songs for the director have dominated the billboards. However, the composer has had some very successful collaborations with industry heavyweights like Ram Gopal Varma, Mahesh Bhatt and Kumar Sanu, to name a few. He has many inspirations too - he reveres the iconic Ilaiayaraaja, the Burmans, Bhimsen Joshi and is a "great fan of the epic movie Fiddler on the Roof. I get inspired by whatever happens around the world, especially in the West," he told Indian Express. Trained in Indian and Western classical traditions, he man ages to produce a unique signature style to go with each of his monikers. "My inspiration comes from all the great stalwarts and maestros from all around the globe, from John Williams to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, all of them. I believe I'm a student for life."

2022 recap: The Indians who dominated the global art and culture scene

(December 31, 2022) Indian art and culture exploded on global platforms this year. Filmmakers, authors, actors and musicians have made their presence felt, showcasing Indian culture in all its richness and diversity. In this recap, we revisit some of Global Indian's top art and culture stories through 2022. Geetanjali Shree, winner of 2022 International Booker Prize India was in for quite a surprise, when on May 27, 2022, Indian author Geetanjali Shree's 'Tomb of Sand' has become the first Hindi novel to be awarded the prestigious International Booker Prize. Originally published as 'Ret Samadhi', the book has been translated into English by Daisy Rockwell. Speaking to Global Indian in an interview earlier this year, the author had expressed, "Ret Samadhi is the story of an 80-year-old woman who is depressed after her husband’s death. Actually, it was the image of a woman in a joint, orthodox, middle-class family, who was sitting with her back turned, that stayed with me for a very long time. Somewhere it made me wonder if she was turning her back to the people around her, or her life. It took me around seven to eight years to finish the book." Growing up in various towns of Uttar Pradesh in

seven to eight years to finish the book."

Growing up in various towns of Uttar Pradesh in the late 50s and 60s with four siblings, the 64-year-old author reveals it was the vibrant culture of those towns and their language that gave her a foundation. While she attended an English-medium school, the scarcity of English-language children’s books turned out to be a “blessing in disguise” for her. “I used to read Chandamama and Nandad as a child, and that gravitated me towards tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Arabian Nights, Panchatantra, Kathasaritsagara and Chandrakanta Santati. Had I not experienced this childhood, I am not sure if I would have been able to write these stories,” reminisced the author, adding, "My mother would narrate stories to us siblings. Also, since my father was a bureaucrat, we had several people working for us at our house. I remember listening to stories from those ladies as a child. I was mesmerised by how words could create a whole new world, which was so engrossing. Unfortunately, I do not have those stories though even I am curious to know what I wrote back then."

[caption id="attachment_21807" align="aligncenter" width="548"] Author | Geetanjali Shree | Global Indian Geetanjali Shree, author[/caption]

Shaunak Sen, filmmaker

In 2022, filmmaker Shaunak Sen's All That Breathes became the first Indian documentary to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. It went on to win the “L’OEil d’Or, the Golden Eye award, which "goes to a film that, in a world of destruction, reminds us that every life matters, and every small action matters. You can grab your camera, you can save a bird, you can hunt for some moments of stealing beauty, it matters," the jury said in their note.

Nearly three years in the making, All That Breathes paints a "dystopian picture postcard of Delhi in the 1990s," Shaunak told Global Indian, shortly before he headed off to Cannes in 2022. “My first sense of tone was the sense we always have in Delhi, of gray, hazy skies and air purifiers humming everywhere. And in this all-encompassing grey, monotony, you can see birds flying around."

The film follows the lives of two brothers, Mohammad and Nadeem, who rescue and treat injured kites in Delhi. The 90-minute film was chosen by a jury comprising Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, Ukrainian writer-director Iryna Tsilyk, French actor Pierre Deladonchamps, journalist Alex Vicente, and Moroccan writer-filmmaker Hicham Falah.

[caption id="attachment_24879" align="aligncenter" width="434"] Shaunak Sen[/caption]

Khyati Trehan, graphic designer

The 94th Oscar Academy Awards had an august array of creative spirits. Among them was an Indian graphic designer whose 3D artwork was among eight creative people invited to contribute to the Oscars. 3D artist Khyati Trehan, a well-known fluid digital artist was no doubt thrilled to be selected, even wishing she had been invited to the ceremony. “I am still in disbelief,” shared Khyati, adding, "My concept was of the Oscar statue as a movie viewer amidst the action. It was a dream project and I drew inspiration from the immersive power of movies. I wanted to create an overwhelming sense of feeling. I just wished they has called us to the US for the ceremony when my design was selected."

The young designer, who was also among the 2022 Forbes ‘30 under 30’, started her designing journey from National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad). “While working on a project in college, looking for an image, I realised I was spending more time on searching for a photograph, than designing. I started exploring possibilities of making all the pictures, rather than hoping that someone had clicked an image suiting my requirements. That’s how I discovered 3D. It seemed like magic."

Khyati has worked for award-winning global design and innovation firm IDEO. The sky was the limit as she worked on projects with NYT, New Yorker Magazine, Apple, Adobe, Absolut, Instagram and Snapchat. The successful graphic designer won several awards and recognitions, including the Artistry Creator of the Year at Adweek’s Creator Visionary Awards and ADC Young Guns 19 – 2021.

[caption id="attachment_33390" align="aligncenter" width="693"] Khyati Trehan[/caption]

Manali Datar, actress

She made headlines in 2019 when she was selected to play the role of Rose Granger-Weasley in the theatrical production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. And earlier this year, Indian-Australian actress Manali Datar scored the part of Edna in the smash-hit musical sensation Fangirl at the Sydney Opera House. “It’s surreal. As an actor, I dreamt about getting to perform at the Opera house and now it is happening. I am still soaking in that I am going to perform at the venue,” Manali shares.

Born in Nashik, the actress moved to Australia at a young age, and fell in love with the stage while she was still in school. Calling the production of Harry Potter a “steep learning curve”, the actress revealed that it not only helped her improve her acting chops but also gave a sneak-peek into the theatre industry from the set. In 2022, Manali played the title role in the super successful White Pearl by the Sydney Theatre Company, which was a comedy about a skin-bleaching ad gone wrong. “I played the part of Priya Singh. The production helped me strengthen my relationship with India and realise my identity. I understood a lot about myself and my roots through that experience,” said the actress, who aspires to be on the silver screen.

[caption id="attachment_33391" align="aligncenter" width="549"] Manali Datar[/caption]

Aditya Rao, musician

In 2018, the actor R. Madhavan met Indian-American musician Aditya Rao and his wife at a ramen restaurant in LA. What began as a conversation on Instagram would turn into a serendipitous meeting for all of them, as Madhavan told them the story of a film he was working on - Rocketry: the Nambi Effect. Aditya's career was flourishing by that time - he had collaborated with the multi-Grammy and Oscar-winning music director A.R. Rahman, lending his voice to the hugely popular Aila Aila in the Vikram-starrer 'I'. He went on to sing in two more projects - Achcham Yenbadhu Madamiayada and Pele: Birth of a Legend and did two concerts with Rahman, one in Chennai and two in Las Vegas. In 2017, his Carnatic remix of Ed Sheeran's Shape of You, made in collaboration with Indian Raga, went viral on the internet with 11 million views as of 2022.

Aditya went on to make nine songs for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. “I ended up singing nine songs, two in five different languages. It was a ridiculously amazing experience, working to get the tracks mixed and re-mastered," he told Global Indian. The final versions of Peruvali were recorded in his home studio. "It was one of the hardest songs I have ever done, not only because it was a difficult song to sing but also because the lyrics were written by Dr Nambi Narayanan himself."

[caption id="attachment_28106" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Aditya Rao[/caption]

Aishwarya Balasubramanian, dancer

The disciple of renowned Guru Acharya Choodamani Anitha Guha, Aishwarya Balasubramanian began her Bharatanatyam journey at the age of five. As a child, she mesmerised her audience during the stage performances. Even so young, she stood out for the beauty of her facial expressions, clarity of footwork and her grace. Over the years, Aishwarya has developed a reputation as one of Chennai’s most loved Bharatanatyam dancers and is a guru herself, training pupils from the Indian diaspora in the USA. She has been given titles like ‘Singar Mani, ‘Nalanda Nritya Nipuna, ‘Kala Ratna’ and ‘Natya Chudar’.

Aishwarya runs her dance school, Arpanam in the USA, bringing the ancient wisdom of Bharatanatyam to new, young learners from among the diaspora. “Since I had very strong roots in dance back in India, it was not a challenge to continue my passion in the USA,” says the dancer who performs at significant events and dance festivals in the US.

[caption id="attachment_32082" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aishwarya Balasubramanian[/caption]

The Order of Merit: Kabir Bedi, India’s cherished actor embraced in Italy

(January 12, 2023)“Kabir keeps on playing, decade after decade, an extraordinary role in promoting better relations between India and Italy. His popularity is widespread across all generations in Italy. This is the reason why the President of the Republic of Italy has decided to present him one of Italy’s highest decorations - The Order of Merit. Kabir is very special for all of us Italians,” the Consul General of Italy, Alessandro de Mas said after reading aloud the Scroll of Honour signed by the Italian President Mattarella and counter-signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in an event overlooking the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The acclaimed Indian actor was awarded the Merito della Repubblica Italiana (The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic) recently. [caption id="attachment_48197" align="aligncenter" width="437"] Kabir Bedi after receiving the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic[/caption] Bedi's journey of life has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, attracting widespread attention due to its myriad ups and downs. His influence hasn't been limited to Bollywood, where he made a mark with over 60 films and Hollywood, but went far beyond. In fact, his innings in Italy has by far been the most successful one, where people

been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride, attracting widespread attention due to its myriad ups and downs. His influence hasn't been limited to Bollywood, where he made a mark with over 60 films and Hollywood, but went far beyond. In fact, his innings in Italy has by far been the most successful one, where people are immensely in love with the talented actor.

Household name in Italy

“I was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the most prestigious Italian civilian award,” an elated Bedi had tweeted soon after receiving the award.

Bedi is a household name in Italy. The recent honour got conferred on him, 13 years after he was knighted as Cavaliere (Knight) of the 'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana' in 2010. “It was a very emotional award for me. Being presented the Order of Merit, Italy’s highest honour, is the fulfilment of my life’s work in Italy. It’s even higher than Cavaliere (Knight), which they gave me thirteen years ago. This double honour was a goose-bumps moment for me,” the Global Indian added in his tweet.

Rendezvous with Italy

Bedi's connection with Italy began in the late 1970s when he starred in 'Sandokan,' a six-part Italian television series. The show depicted the story of an Asian pirate who fell in love with the daughter of an English Lord.

Following his role in Sandokan, Bedi appeared in six successful television series in the country. In 2022, he was honoured with the Filming Italy Movie Lifetime Achievement Award at the Italian Pavilion, an initiative led by the Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual (DGCA) of Italy’s Ministry of Culture.

[caption id="attachment_48198" align="aligncenter" width="562"] Indian Actor | Kabir Bedi | Global Indian Kabir Bedi in Sandokan[/caption]

Reflecting on his career, the actor highlighted in one of the interviews that becoming a star in Bollywood meant conforming to the singing and dancing stereotypes, which had led him to seek career prospects abroad. "It was the Italians who changed the course of my career by providing me the opportunity to come to Italy, offering me the iconic role of Sandokan," he remarked.

Journalism and advertising before acting

Kabir Bedi was not always an actor. He used to work for All India Radio (AIR) as a freelancer, and even worked at advertising agencies before becoming an actor.

Growing up he had seen his parents really passionate about India's freedom and helping refugees, but they didn't have much money. So, Bedi had to work while studying in college. During the day, he focused on his studies, and at night, he worked as a freelance English newsreader at the radio station in New Delhi. Later he moved to Bombay and became a copywriter with Lintas Bombay and Ogilvy & Mather.

The Beatles and the life-changing experience

While Bedi was a newsreader at New Delhi, something amazing happened. He got a chance to interview the famous English rock band, The Beatles, quite by chance.

The band was in Bombay, and the people in the media were highly excited about it. Bedi who was only in his teens then wanted to talk to his favourite band as a media person. When he sought permission from his boss, he and everyone around thought that it was impossible because lots of journalists wanted the same thing, and they thought Bedi to be too small and inexperienced. But Bedi wouldn't give up. Finally, he was given a special pass and a recorder and he went to the hotel where The Beatles were staying.

Young Bedi convinced The Beatles' manager to let him interview the band by saying that he was a radio journalist with AIR and that the Indian government wanted the interview. They agreed. The interview went on air and Bedi was in seventh heaven. Later, he was heartbroken to discover that the radio station had deleted the interview due to lack of storage space as they didn't have enough money for new tapes.

[caption id="attachment_48199" align="aligncenter" width="456"] Indian Actor | Kabir Bedi | Global Indian Kabir Bedi[/caption]

After graduating from St Stephens, Bedi moved to Bombay with a little money in his pocket, looking for new opportunities. He cashed in on his knack for writing and spent five years as a copywriter with Lintas Bombay and Ogilvy & Mather before stumbling into the field of acting.

Stumbling into acting

At Lintas, Bedi was working with legendary ad man Alyque Padamsee, who was also a noted theatre actor and producer. Padamsee decided to give Bedi a chance in acting by casting him in Girish Karnad’s play Tughlaq. The play was a huge hit and straight and soon, Bollywood offers started pouring in for Bedi. He grabbed them with both hands but remained associated with theatre, performing both in India and abroad.

“I really must thank Bollywood for getting me known through my first few big hits because that led to the Italian discovery. It was a huge decision for me to leave the security of the corporate world, where I was doing pretty well, and enter the uncharted waters and the perilous jungle of the Bollywood film industry. So that was certainly a decision that paid off, but at that time it was very scary,” Bedi remarked in an interview.

Love for Literature and lessons of life

In 2021, Bedi released his autobiography, ‘The Stories I Must Tell’. “My story is about my making, unmaking and remaking. My rise, ruin and resurrection,” he said after its release. Kabir had always loved writing. His father, Baba Pyare Lal Singh Bedi, was a philosopher and author while his mother, Freda Bedi, is considered the first western woman to take ordination in Tibetan Buddhism. “My mother was a very good writer, and my father was a very good speaker and thinker,” Bedi shared. Apart from his parents’ influence, he learned a lot of the craft of creative writing during his time as a copywriter.”

[caption id="attachment_48201" align="aligncenter" width="464"] Indian Actor | Kabir Bedi | Global Indian Kabir Bedi with his book[/caption]

One of India’s most flamboyant stars, Bedi doesn’t hold back in his book. “Yes, I have lived a very flamboyant life. I’ve done a lot of extraordinary things. I’ve been in extraordinary relationships. But my life is not just about the triumphs. It's also the tragedies,” he said. The darkest moment in his life was the suicide of his son, followed by the repercussions of a series of bad investments, which he had to learn to overcome.

“The way I did it was by remembering the spirit with which I had started my life,” he said “And also the meditation techniques I had learned as a Buddhist monk in Burma.” Bedi lives by the example of his parents, whom faced great financial adversity with great equanimity while he was growing up.

Giving back and setting an example

Bedi serves as the honorary brand ambassador for Italian charity Care and Share Italia. This organisation looks after and educates street children, from school to university, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

He is also the brand ambassador for Rotary International South Asia for its Teach Programme and the Total Literacy Mission in India and South Asia. As the brand ambassador of the international organisation, Sightsavers he spreads awareness on eye health and care.

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He emerged from his low phase to begin a bright new second innings in his career, winning awards in India and abroad, and becoming the most beloved Indian in Italy is an example of the 77-year-old’s strong persona. He stands as an inspiration for people struggling to emerge winners in their own stories.

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‘Now I am become Death…’ Oppenheimer and the Bhagavad Gita

(August 5, 2023) "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." As Robert Oppenheimer watched the mushroom cloud at Point Zero, he recalled a scene from the Bhagavad Gita. As Krishna explains to Arjuna that he must do his duty, he takes on his multi-limbed form and says, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." The line flashed through Oppenheimer's mind as he realised what he had created, and that "the world would not be the same" again. The true potential of the atom bomb dawned on him fully in that moment, and he understood the devastation it would cause. [caption id="attachment_43231" align="aligncenter" width="510"] Robert Oppenheimer[/caption] Christopher Nolan's 2023 film, Oppenheimer, makes a passing mention of the Gita, choosing the line that is guaranteed to have the great effect - 'Now I am become Death'. The usage - and the context in which it was used in the film - has sent ripples of outrage through India, while those on left dismiss the Gita as 'fatalistic' in their counter-arguments. Everyone seems to have it wrong, as Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin write in American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist, who was

one seems to have it wrong, as Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin write in American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist, who was a profoundly well-read man with a gift for languages, discovered the Gita in his twenties and his connection to it lasted for the rest of his life. Kai Bird even wonders if the Trinity Test was named as a reference to the Vedic triumvirate of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - Creation, Sustenance and Death. Global Indian takes a look at Robert Oppenheimer's discovery of the Gita and how Vedanta went on to influence him as a scientist and as a human being.

Meeting with Arthur Ryder

Oppenheimer's tryst with Sanskrit began when he arrived at Berkeley University to teach quantum mechanics, a subject that had not yet found a place in American theoretical physics. Also on the faculty was Arthur Ryder, a professor of Sanskrit. The two men couldn't have been more different - Oppenheimer, who already had a reputation as a genius of quantum physics, was also known to be an intellectual (and moral) dilletante. He flirted with women, and communism alike. He attended communist gatherings with his brother and dated a young woman he met at one of these events. He read Marx, Ernest Hemingway, Sigmund Freud and the Gita, and was intrigued by all of them. Arthur Ryder, on the other hand, was a "Hoover Republican and a sharp-tongued iconoclast."

Despite their differences, the two men were drawn to each other and soon, Ryder was teaching Oppenheimer Sanskrit. Oppenheimer had a gift for languages - prior to his arrival at Berkeley, he had learned Dutch in six weeks and delivered a lecture on quantum mechanics in the language. So, it wasn't long before Oppenheimer had begun reading the Gita. It fascinated him instantly. He told friends that the Gita, which he called "The Lord's Song," was "the most beautiful philosophical song existing in any known tongue." Ryder gifted him a copy of the book, which he kept on the bookshelf by his desk. He would even give copies of the Gita to his friends as gifts.

Orientalism

In 1933, Oppenheimer's father gave him a Chrysler, which he immediately named Garuda, after the mount of Lord Vishnu. These symbolic gestures all spoke of a deeper resonance - Oppenheimer found comfort and scientific depth in Eastern philosophies. He wasn’t the only one. This was the time of Orientalism, and scientists like Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrodinger and Niels Bohr were influenced by it, apart from a number literary figures including a poet Oppenheimer greatly admired –T.S. Eliot. Heisenberg, whose work Oppenheimer built on at Los Alamos, said, “After the conversations about Indian philosophy, some of the ideas of Quantum Physics that had seemed so crazy suddenly made more sense.” Niels Bohr, another scientist whom Oppenheimer admired, had said, “I go into the Upanishads to ask questions,” while Schrodinger admitted that most his ideas and theories were influenced by Vedanta.

The impact of Robert Oppenheimer's relationship with Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita extended beyond his personal journey. It contributed to a broader cultural exchange, inspiring other scientists to explore the connections between science and spirituality. Robert Oppenheimer's contributions to science are celebrated, but his reverence for Vedanta and Eastern philosophies adds a deeper layer to his legacy. His story serves as a reminder of the profound influence that ancient wisdom can have on modern scientific inquiry, and how the pursuit of knowledge can be intertwined with a search for greater understanding of the human condition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYPbbksJxIg

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The Complete Woman: Nawaz Modi Singhania is shaping fitness in India

(June 5, 2023) Nawaz Modi Singhania, a prominent figure in the field of fitness and wellness, captivates attention with her diverse expertise and achievements. As a versatile artist, yoga expert, fitness trainer, motivational speaker, and spiritualist, her contributions have resonated across various domains. With an unwavering dedication to her craft, Nawaz Modi Singhania has made a profound impact, inspiring countless individuals along the way. The wife of business tycoon Gautam Singhania, Chairman and MD of the Raymond Group, Nawaz's dynamic lifestyle is a testament to her passion and relentless pursuit of excellence. In an exclusive interview with Global Indian, Nawaz opens up about her multifaceted journey, sharing valuable insights into her remarkable career. She is the founder of Body Art Fitness and was the first to offer equipment-based pilates and gyrotronics in India. “No two days are the same for me as I go about my work, which involves so many things. I can certainly never complain about having a dull moment,” she smiles. Call to action By her own admission, Nawaz Modi Singhania was tiny, petite and weak from her early childhood days. “In school, when we would line up in front of the physical education teacher to do summersaults and

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By her own admission, Nawaz Modi Singhania was tiny, petite and weak from her early childhood days. “In school, when we would line up in front of the physical education teacher to do summersaults and my turn came, the teacher would just look at me, shake his head, roll his eyes and say, ‘Oh never mind. Just go!’,” recalls the 51-year-old. Those formative experiences helped her realise that she had to take fitness and wellness into her own hands, for the sake of her health and quality of life.

“Fitness to me is everything – quality of life, health and ultimately - self esteem, in a nutshell. It ensures I turn up as the best version of myself,” feels Nawaz, for whom spreading fitness with all it’s benefits to as many people as she can, is a mission.

[caption id="attachment_39627" align="aligncenter" width="365"] Nawaz Modi Singhania[/caption]

Childhood in Mumbai

Born in Mumbai, Nawaz went to pre-school in the New Activity School at Hughes Road. Thereafter from the 1st to the 10th grade, she studied at the Cathedral and John Connon school in Mumbai.

Her family consisted of her father, her mother – who had left the family by the time she was aged 10, – and an elder and younger brother. “My father is a lawyer. Both my brothers got into the law and are practicing lawyers, my elder brother is a Senior Counsel at the Bombay High Court,” informs Nawaz, who is a Law graduate herself but never practiced it, as she was always passionate about fitness.

“I was not into sports at a young age, and got into fitness only in college. I was born frail, under-weight, white as a sheet, with the umbilical cord having gone around my neck four times over and choked me as a result; I was thought to be still-born. But you now know that I wasn’t!,” quips Nawaz, who did her Junior College and Bachelor of Arts at the St. Xavier‘s College in Mumbai.

Thereafter, she studied Law at the Government Law College and the KC Law College, both in Mumbai, and became a Law graduate. “Simultaneously I traveled to America where I got trained and certified as a Fitness Professional at the American Council of Exercise (ACE) and the International Dance Exercise Association (IDEA), where I taught for experience before returning to India to start my own brand (Body Art Fitness centres) in Mumbai,” says the Mumbaikar.

Carving her niche

Having no other place, Nawaz, then 21, initially started the fitness centre in the hall of her family home, while her place was being renovated on another floor in the same building. “I first started out just with an Aerobic Studio, with very few classes in terms of variety and also number of batches,” recalls Nawaz, who quickly built up on that to about 25 different routines of completely different genres and many more classes running through the day, seven days a week.

“Somewhere down the line, I added on a gym and later on, I pioneered the first equipment-based Pilates & Gyrotonics Studio in India. Next came an Aerial Arts Studio, Personal Training, and more,” informs Nawaz. The business soon expanded into a second location, followed by a third and fourth. Different centres would have different facilities, including Aqua Aerobics, Aqua Yoga, Spinning, amongst others.

“The offerings we have are humongous, and unlike many other centres, which just have a gym offering, we don’t have just one pill for every disease,” says Nawaz, whose fitness centres have a large variety of offerings just in her aerobic workshops. Presently, she runs five centres across Mumbai and has further expansion plans.

Nawaz’s fitness plan

“I am a long distance horse,” she says, about her own regimen. “I keep fit by teaching Body Art classes. It is sub-maximal work. On the days I might not be teaching, I get a Pilates workout in,” says Nawaz, who works out six days a week on an average. Depending on what kind of fitness routine she is following or teaching, her taste of music differs. “The music could widely vary from rock, pop, jazz, house, acid, lounge, hip-hop, Hindi, Punjabi, and more,” she says.

Nawaz specialises in power yoga as well. Ask her which one is more beneficial, yoga or workouts, she says it is important to cross train and engage in a large variety of fitness routines. “A particular workout will work for you, only up to a point – after which both physically and mentally one stagnates and does not see any further tangible benefits,” she explains adding that people get bored of the routine and its monotony. It ends up losing interest and ditch the exercise programme, she says.

She feels the body has to be challenged differently, for which it’s important to keep engaging in different activities to see the results in terms of fat loss, weight loss, toning, strengthening, flexibility, mobility, health benefits, and more. “Yoga is just one of our many offerings. All in all, we offer well over 30 genres of fitness routines,” informs Nawaz.

Move away from fitness talk and Nawaz comes across as a very passionate artist and art collector. “Its a very individual and personal journey into the depths of myself, my subconscious and core, crossing back and forth between worlds and realms, breaking barriers and more,” she feels.

The artist and author

Nawaz makes it a point to visit art galleries across the world during her travels. “I find art, history and culture intensely fascinating from the point of view of having an insight into the trajectory of mankind from wherever their individual beginning might have been,” she says.

Elaborating further, Nawaz says unanswered questions about why it is that we are where we are, and why it is that things are the way they are — can all be traced back in a very logical and fulfilling manner. “I find that riveting. Everything is inter-generationally linked, and to uncover the mysteries of life today, I find that in looking back, I excavate very plausible, relatable answers,” she says.

Her upcoming book, Time Arrest, published by Penguin Random House, is being launched in August 2023. “It would give the best possible peak into my journey as a life coach,” she informs.

Juggling so many roles is not easy. For Nawaz, everyday is very different from the last. Focussing on growth and management of Body Art, managing all matters related to her household, her children apart, she handles her father’s requirements and his household as well. “Besides, my varied involvement with the Raymond group of companies, my writing, painting, travel, social and other obligations that need to be met keep me busy,” smiles Nawaz.

Future plans

There are many future plans and mini projects in the pipeline, says Nawaz, who feels it’s best to keep them to oneself till they actually materialize. “Call me superstitious, or the fact that energy is very real and if it stays within you, it comes out in the right way, but if it leaves you in the wrong way, it perhaps never manifests. What I do will speak for itself, rather than just my words. Time will tell,” she says.

Nawaz says she has been lucky enough to engage in all her hobbies adequately. “I am very creative with my hands and fascinated with all things to do with the mind, psychiatry and psychosis,” says Nawaz, who watches TV just for News. For Knowledge, she tunes into Nat Geo and the Discovery Channel! “I consume a lot of educational content on YouTube. When time permits, I enjoy the odd Netflix flick.”

The Singhania family loves travelling. “I am very well-travelled, though there are a few places I still have on my bucket list. Mostly that’s to do with Safari. The Amazon jungle, Botswana, Madagascar, Brazil are my dream vacays,” she informs.

Follow Nawaz on Instagram.

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