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Music Maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passes away at 55

Jan 9, 2024 · 8:24 PM Blog

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passed away today in Kolkata at the age of 55 due to prostate cancer. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced this sad news. According to reports, the musician had been undergoing treatment for his illness.

“We tried our best but failed. He passed away at around 3:45 PM,” said an official from the Kolkata-based private hospital where Khan was admitted.

“This is a great loss for the entire country and the entire music fraternity. I am in a lot of pain as I still can’t believe that Rashid Khan is no more,” expressed the chief minister during her visit to the hospital.

At the age of 11, Rashid Khan held his debut concert, followed by a performance at an ITC concert in Delhi in 1978. In April 1980, at just 14 years old, he joined the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta when his guru Nissar Hussain Khan transitioned there. Khan’s music not only embraced classical Hindustani music but also ventured into collaborations, such as concerts with instrumentalist Louis Banks.

Possibly the last living legend of Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, Rashid Khan was recognised as the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen, as detailed on his official website.

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Birthday Special: Farhan Akhtar and his penchant for relatable characters

Jan 9, 2024 · 8:24 PM Blog

Farhan Akhtar, the multifaceted artist, has effortlessly etched his mark in Bollywood, not just through his directorial prowess but also with his compelling on-screen portrayals. His characters in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD) and Dil Dhadakne Do stand as testimony to his ability to breathe life into relatable personas.

In the cinematic journey of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of Imraan Qureshi stands as a captivating embodiment of nuanced character traits. Imraan, an aspiring poet, exudes an enigmatic blend of introspection, wit, and emotional depth that resonates with audiences. His introspective nature shines through in moments of quiet contemplation, often found scribbling poetry or pondering life’s intricacies. Imraan’s reflective demeanour provides a lens into his sensitivity and depth, elevating him beyond the typical carefree persona. His penchant for wit and humour emerges as a defence mechanism, masking deeper vulnerabilities. Imraan’s comedic timing and lighthearted banter serve as a shield, concealing his inner struggles and fears. Yet, underneath this façade lies a profound emotional landscape, revealing a man grappling with familial conflicts and seeking validation. Throughout the narrative, Imraan’s journey of self-discovery unfolds, showcasing his resilience and willingness to confront his insecurities. His willingness to confront his past, embrace new experiences, and foster friendships underscores his evolution from a reserved poet to someone embracing life’s unpredictability.

Farhan Akhtar breathes life into Imraan, infusing the character with a rare authenticity that captures the essence of human vulnerability and resilience. Imraan’s multidimensional persona resonates, serving as a reminder of the beauty found in embracing one’s complexities while navigating life’s uncharted territories.

In the 2015 Bollywood film Dil Dhadakne Do, Farhan Akhtar brings to life the character of Sunny, a free-spirited and charming individual whose easygoing nature conceals a depth of emotion and personal turmoil. Sunny who exudes a carefree aura yet struggles with his own unresolved conflicts. Portrayed with Akhtar’s trademark charisma, Sunny serves as the voice of reason among the dysfunctional Mehras, offering a refreshing perspective on life and relationships. His unwavering support for his friends and family, coupled with his innate ability to bring laughter to even the most challenging situations, makes him a lovable and relatable character. Sunny’s character arc revolves around his romantic entanglement with Ayesha Mehra, played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Their complex relationship navigates through layers of friendship, unrequited love, and the delicate balance between personal aspirations and societal expectations.

Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of Sunny captures the essence of a man striving to find his own path while providing solace and guidance to those around him.

Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of both Imran and Sunny intertwines relatable traits with unwavering loyalty, earning these characters a special place in the hearts of audiences. Through his nuanced performances, Farhan Akhtar brings forth characters that resonate deeply with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

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Watch: PM Modi Holds Roadshow With UAE President In Ahmedabad

Jan 9, 2024 · 8:24 PM Blog

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan embarked on a roadshow in Ahmedabad this evening.

Before their roadshow, PM Modi welcomed the United Arab Emirates president on the latter’s arrival at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here.

After that, the two leaders began their roadshow on a three-kilometre-long route starting from the airport. It will culminate at the Indira Bridge, which connects Ahmedabad with Gandhinagar. From the bridge circle, both of them will head to their respective destinations in Gandhinagar, officials have said.

#WATCH | PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hold a roadshow in Ahmedabad, ahead of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit pic.twitter.com/a6w27umeTJ

— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2024

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place and stages have been set up for cultural performances on the route that the two leaders will jointly cover.

Welcome to India my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed. It’s an honour to have you visit us. pic.twitter.com/Oj7zslR5oq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2024

PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta and Mozambique President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, followed by a meeting with CEOs of top global corporations Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Around 3 pm, he inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show.

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is a global forum for business collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development, a statement issued by the PMO said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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