Archive: February 27, 2021

5 Movies to binge-watch to celebrate National Science Day

Science is an important part of everyone’s lives. However much we try to avoid this matter, the irony is only such that this matter fills everything around us.

With the National Science Day being celebrated on the 28th of February to commemorate the Nobel Prize winner, Sir C.V. Raman, we decided that it is an ideal time to list a few of our favorite movies based on famous scientists who have contributed to the world of science.

We have carefully curated a list of 5 mind-scratching and scientific filled evergreen movies that you will definitely do not regret watching and re-watching!

The Quantum Indians: A national award-winning movie directed by the very talented Raja Choudhary, The Quantum Indians is a cinematic masterpiece portraying India’s Quantum Physics poster boys, Satyendra Nath Bose, Sir C V Raman and Meghnad Saha. The 50-minute documentary is a must watch to commemorate CV Raman and to understand how the three overcame colonialism, racism, inadequate resources & funding to become one of the most celebrated Indian men in the history of physics internationally

The Man who knew Infinity: Based on India’s self-taught Mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, the movie shows how a simple man from Madras displayed exceptional mathematical skills and earned a place in the prestigious Trinity College. Challenged by casual racism and his illness, the movie also shows how Ramanujan thrived, broke stereotypes, and formed a heartwarming bond with his mentor, brilliant professor and his friend G.H. Hardy who played a pivotal role in his journey

The Theory of Everything: Stephen Hawking is a popular name in the field of science and is equivalent to Batman for scientists across the world. His work in the field of quantum physics and understanding space, black holes, and the matter has also set the foundation of several studies that will help unravel deeper secrets buried in the darkest edges of the universe. The Theory of Everything is an adaptation of Jane Hawking’s memoir which recalls how Hawking defied the restrictions of his nerve-damaging disease and contributed to the field of physics while being a loving father, an excellent friend, and a doting husband

Hidden Figures: Back in the day, being a woman in the field of science was uncommon and being a woman of color being in the field of science was even lesser heard of. Hidden Figures is a real-life- based story drama depiction that highlighted how three women made a significant mark in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race and for Project Mercury with their mathematical competencies and quick thinking. This drama-thriller is a pure inspirational booster shot filled with a spectrum of emotions and a raging spirit of repeatedly questioning rules that suppress

The Imitation Game: The movie is a historic drama film adaption of a 1983 biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, a cryptanalyst, who during the second World War helped the British to decrypt German intelligence messages. An infotainment piece with a gripping storyline and an empowering performance from Benedict Cumberbatch makes this movie an easy entrant on the list.

Gurmeet Choudhary’s song, Mazaa hits 10 million views and reaches No.1 on YouTube in less than 24 hours

Gurmeet Choudhary certainly has acting prowess, good looks and a super fit body which we all could die for. But we surely can’t miss his roster of super hit songs which has got the country grooving time & again.

Gurmeet’s songs, Wajah Tum Ho and Khamoshiyaan continue to be favourites of the audience and now, his latest song Mazaa has swept us off our feet ! It has hit 10 million views & is No1 on YouTube in less than 24 hours !

The song which features Gurmeet in a ‘bad boy’ avatar, has his fans reeling with excitement and his chemistry with Hansika in the video is palpable. The video is based on a relationship breakup and the way he has portrayed his character, is simply outstanding.

The B Praak song has surely put Gurmeet Choudhary at the forefront of the music industry and he surely is on his way to becoming the king of romantic songs !

Watch the entire song : http://bit.ly/mazaa

‘Comedy is a new area for me’ says Manoj Bajpayee…

As Zee Cinema gears up for the World Television Premiere of Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari on 28th February at 8pm, Manoj Bajpayee has spilled some beans on the same. The story takes off when Suraj, who is looking for a bride, starts to get suspiciously rejected by the potential bride’s families. The story accelerates when he realises that it’s the detective Madhu Mangal Rane who is creating havoc in his life and starts to plot against him. Thus, begins the mad events of outrunning each other’s tricks. This comical nok-jhok between Suraj and Mangal is brilliantly played by Manoj Bajpayee and Diljit Dosanjh.

● You have done so many different roles across genres. Is it easier or is it more difficult to establish a connection with the audience while doing comedy, as compared to other genres?

I have always been up for new kinds of roles and Madhu Mangal Rane was a new space for me to explore. I have always prioritized stories over everything else, however, each role comes with its own perks and challenges. Although, comedy is relatively a new area for me, and it was great exploring the genre. If you ask me what’s more difficult, I would say, getting into the skin of the character is the toughest part. In the end, building a connection with the audience is tricky and requires a focused approach irrespective of any genres.

• In the movie your character Madhu Mangal Rane is a master of disguise. How was it to switch from one look to another?

It was an opportunity for me to play multiple characters in a single movie. It wasn’t just my appearance that kept changing, but I had to adapt to each get-up in a convincing way. When you are playing these roles, you need a lot of patience. It took long hours to get into these looks.
Though the costume and make-up form a crucial part while switching the on-screen identities, the internal preparation is the real deal. Be it the character of a Maharashtrian woman in nauvari saree or the James Bond-style spy who instead of Gun uses a camera, each character has interesting traits.

• How was your experience working with Diljit and Fatima?

It was an absolute delight to work with Diljit and Fatima. Fatima is a very grounded and hardworking girl. I was very impressed with the kind of dedication that she showed towards preparing for her character. Diljit has a unique way of interpreting a situation. He adds his own elements in the scenes so flawlessly. Both of them are extremely talented and we had great fun working together. There was a very positive vibe on the set. That really helped us truly enjoy our work and look forward to going back to work every single day, with the same enthusiasm.

• The movie is set in the 90’s Mumbai. Which things from the 90s do you most fondly remember?

90s was a comparably simpler time. People from the 90s would remember the struggle of winding their cassettes with a pen. It’s just the nostalgia from that time like the pager, simple card games, landlines, and more. In Suraj pe Mangal Bhari, I got to relive these moments. I am sure the audience would also love witnessing the era.

• What advice would you like to give to budding actors who consider you as their idol?

It’s about never giving up. If it works out, great, if not, you’ve gained experience. With acting, it’s important to be ready for every challenge. If you’re passionate about the craft and are willing to work hard, then success is bound to knock your door. Another thing is – observe, observe, observe! The more you observe, the more you learn. I wish all the aspiring actors all the very best and all the success in future.

An Appeal from Artreach India: Gift Inspiration in 2021

New Delhi – India –For children all over the world this has been an incredibly challenging time. We are appealing for help to reach more children and young people in care homes and marginalised communities through the pandemic. Just Rs 2500 can bring our workshops to 5 more young girls like Rupa*.

About Artreach’s Workshops through Covid

Rupa* has found inspiration in Artreach’s online workshops. Every two weeks she and other girls in her Child Care Institution have joined us through their single computer to explore the world and reflect on our times through art. From Frida Kahlo to the stars to underwater creatures to making their own surrealist collages. While their physical world has shrunk their imaginative world has grown.(*name changed)

‘What could be as therapeutic as sketching out thoughts and painting your imagination on a canvas during this pandemic? It is helping our kids not only engage with something productive but also ensuring mental well being.’

– Shafi, Udayan Care Home Staff

Why are we raising money?

● Artreach team and our inspiring artist educators have led 5 online workshops EVERY WEEK since the lockdown began in March 2020 – reaching hundreds of children and young people living in care homes and marginalised communities.

● We love to use art as a tool for discovering all about the world, about artists in far-flung places, about ecology and sustainability, about space and the stars, about gender and feminism. Even though we have been locked down our imaginations allow us to make journeys…

● We know – and research agrees – that creativity builds resilience. Making meaning through creative expression is an adaptive and resilient response to the ongoing pandemic.

● We are deeply committed to bridging the gap in education inequality that this pandemic has exacerbated.

We are appealing for help to reach more children and young people in care homes and marginalised communities through the pandemic!

For Rs 2500 you can gift the inspiration of an online workshop for 5 more young people. Please help us to raise 1 Lakh through this appeal!

To contribute online, please visit http://www.artreachindia.org/giftinspiration.html. We are very grateful for your support.

About Artreach India

Artreach India is a charitable trust established in 2015. We work with artists to transform the lives of children, youth and women from marginalised communities in India. We empower participants through creativity and offer enriching learning experiences in the visual arts. www.artreachindia.org