Vikas Kohli's Association with the Gemini/Genie Awards, Award-Winning Indian Playright, & Award-Winning Canadian Director

Wednesday, Nov 28th - Mississauga - Composer and Music Producer Vikas Kohli of FatLabs is keeping busy with a myriad of projects.  The following is a summary of three such projects: Where There's A Will Vikas Kohli has written the music for Sawitri Threatre's production of "Where There's A Will".  This was the first full-length play written by Indian playwright Mahesh Dattani.  Dattani is the recipient of India's National Academy of Letters' Sahitya Akademi Award and is famous for his film Morning Raaga starring Bollywood legend Shabani Azmi.  The play, directed by Christina Collins, is the story of a rich businessman who tries to control his family through his will. "The characters in this play are stuck in such an awkward situation so I had a lot of fun writing an equally awkward original score," says Composer and Music Producer Vikas Kohli of FatLabs. Showings from Dec 6, 2012 through to Dec 9, 2012 at Sampradaya Theatre, Mississauga.  Visit www.sawitri.ca for tickets. Canadian Screen Awards This year the Gemini Awards for Canadian television and the Genie Awards for Canadian film have merged into the Canadian Screen Awards.  Composer and Music Producer Vikas Kohli of FatLabs has been selected to be part of the inaugural jury for recognizing the best talent in Canadian film, TV, and digital media.  "Someone must have switched the ballots for jury selection," jests Kohli adding, "I feel that I'm reviewing the work of Canadians who I look up to.  It's humbling and an honour to be selected to be a part of such a prestigious event."  Produced by the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, the awards will be hosted by legendary comedian Martin Short and broadcast live by CBC Television at 8pm (8:30pm NT) on Sunday, March 3, 2013. MallaMall Composer and Music Producer Vikas Kohli of FatLabs has written the music for the feature documentary MallaMall, by award-winning director Lalita Krishna.  The film tackles how the affluent middle-class in India have created demand for superstores that threaten the small entrepreneurs of traditional bazaars and corner stores.  "We used the music in MallaMall to reflect where we are chronologically and geographically in the film.  Perceptive viewers will hear South Indian flavours in shots of the Bangalore farmers market and Punjabi flavours in shots of Dehli; And the music evolves with the influx of western corporations," comments Kohli who also points out "Unusual for documentaries, I wrote the background score as well as several songs.  This included an original Bollywood song, a song created from an ancient Sanskrit prayer, and creating a modern arrangement of a devotional Bhajan."  MallaMall has so far screened at the Calgary International Film Festival, Vancouver South Asian Film Festival, and FILMI Toronto's South Asian Film Festival.

StarBuzz, Toronto-

A Brimful of Asha

A WHY NOT THEATRE PRODUCTION

WRITTEN BY AND STARRING MOTHER AND SON, ASHA & RAVI JAIN

"Why do you need to choose your wife?"

TORONTO (November 8, 2012)  After a sold out run in January, Tarragon Theatre proudly presents a return engagement of the smash hit A Brimful of Asha. A Why Not Theatre production, written and performed by real-life mother and son Asha and Ravi Jain and directed by Ravi Jain, A Brimful of Asha runs November 25 to December 16 in Tarragon Theatre's Extra Space (with media night November 27).  Tickets range from $21-$53 (inclusive of HST) and are available by calling the box office at 416.531.1827 or by visiting www.tarragontheatre.com.

Music producer Vikas Kohli records with a live orchestra for Canadian Film Centre project

Composer Vikas Kohli of FatLabs with film director Samuel Kiehoon Lee

www.insurancerate.com StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto- It's not every day that a composer gets to hear a score they've written being played by a live orchestra due to the coordination, studio space and budgets required.  This past Saturday, February 5th, 28 classically trained musicians gathered in CBC's Glenn Gould Studio to record a score that Kohli had written.

Consulate General of India Toronto along with Hndi Writers' Guild of Canada organized Hindi Kavi Sammelan on the occasion of World Hindi Day on Saturday 21 January 2012 in the forenoon.

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StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-The Kavi Sammelan began with the reading of the Prime Minister’s message and remarks by Consul General. The following poets in Canada read their poetry in Kavi Sammelan: Shailja Saksena, Saran Ghai, Sandeep Tyagi, Bidhu Jha, Meena Chopra, Suman Ghai, Bhagwatsharan Srivastava, Manoshi Chatterjee,  Krishan Verma,  Savita Agrawal,    Paramjit Kaur, Nirmal Sidhu,  Jasbir Kalravi and Bhuwaneshwari Pandey.

Photos By Bashir Nasir and Hindi Times

Tia's talk with Multilingual Singer & Musician Melani Miguel of Toronto

Tia's Talk

Multilingual Singer & Musician Melani Miguel of Toronto

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StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto- 

Where were you born and raised? 
    - I was born in Wellawatte, Colombo, Sri Lanka & raised in a suburban town called Alwis Town, Hendala-Wattale (in Sri Lanka) until the age of 11. In 1983, ensuing the aftermath of the "Black July" riots, during which, my home (along with most of my extended family members' homes) was destroyed by the violence, we moved to one of the boroughs of Colombo City again.  I lived inKollupitiya-Colombo 3, until 1987, at which time, we migrated to Toronto, Canada; where I have lived most of my life, till date.

SASS | A Spontaneous Art Show Surprise!

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StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-

SASS | A Spontaneous Art Show Surprise!: WHAT IS SASS?

A smorgasbord of unique artists, illustrators, designers and craftsmen getting together to show the goods. This event was conceptualized, developed and hopes to present all within 14 days.

A balls to the wall approach of starting the new year with new faces and new talents. There will be booze, there will be art, some will have charcoal between their nails and some will be on their phones the entire time. Some have professional training and an OSAP bill to show it, some have no training but a credit card bill to show it.
Everyone has the love of the craft and now a new platform to present their works to a real audience.

The point is clear, It’s an art show, It’s neat and it has potential to become a stage for Toronto/GTA artists. After the shmoozing and a few drinks in we will have a DJ and dancing!

The Rustic Owl is a brand new cafe and art space, this event will be the first official event of the year.
It's located on 996 Bloor St. W, right between Dufferin and Ossington Station.

ARTISTS FEATURED IN THIS EXHIBIT*

Janak Khendry Dance Company's KAAL - TIME

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 StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-

Telling the extraordinary cosmic and modern story of time

part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps

Choreographed by Janak Khendry, Music by Ashit Desai

 

 

TORONTO, January 5, 2012 - Rehearsals are underway for the world premiere of KAAL - TIME, an innovative dance work that tells the extraordinary cosmic and modern story of time, presented by Janak Khendry Dance Company, developed in collaboration with the Inclusive Design Research Centre and Inclusive Design Institute OCAD University. Conceived and choreographed by Artistic Director Janak Khendry with music by India's renowned Ashit Desai, KAAL - TIME runs January 26-28, 2012 at Fleck Dance Theatre as part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps series.

Janak Khendry Dance Company presents the world premiere of KAAL - TIME

part of Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps, Choreographed by Janak Khendry, Music by Ashit Desai

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-TORONTO, November 14, 2011 - On the occasion of its 33rd anniversary, the Toronto-based Janak Khendry Dance Company, in collaboration with the Inclusive Design Research Centre and Inclusive Design Institute OCAD University, proudly presents the world premiere of KAAL - TIME, a fascinating and innovative dance work that tells the extraordinary cosmic and modern story of time.

Toronto-Singer/Songwriter Fenulla, brings her angelic sound, soulful lyrics and transcending beats

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Singer/Songwriter Fenulla, brings her angelic sound, soulful lyrics and transcending beats to the elegant Winter Garden Theatre on Friday, November 11, 2011 (11.11.11) at 8pm. The enchanted evening of live performances accompanied by original choreography and musicians (Harpist, Cellist & Guitarist) features all 11 tracks for the launch of her debut album, Divinity.  The ‘Divinity’ concert supports War Child, a non-profit organization helping to raise awareness of war affected children globally; and The Ssubi Foundation which provides poverty relief to underprivileged Ugandan children and their families through and educational initiatives and the provision of micro-financing. The 11-track album is a heartfelt collection of original songs, which shares Fenulla's experience with life and love. Limitless talks about seeing beyond boundaries,Simplicity reminds us not to overlook the ‘small’ things in life, Guide Me encourages self-awareness so we can embrace life’s magnificent beauty and Masterpiece powerfully demonstrates how we are created with perfection.

 

Kindly visit her website www.fenulla.com for more information or to listen to sample tracks and also see her debut Music Video to the track ‘Masterpiece’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py-sDOs7kLY&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

For tickets call the Box office:             1-855-622-ARTS       or online: www.ticketmaster.ca

Or at the theatre Box office: Tues-Sat 11am-5pm.

A free copy of the Album 'Divinity' will be given with each ticket purchase.

Official Opening of Markham Museum’s New Collections Building

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-

The new building opens to the public during Applefest weekend

Markham ~ September 22, 2011 ~ On September 24, 2011, during Markham’s annual Applefest weekend, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Carolina Moretti, Members of Markham Council and Paul Calandra, M.P. for Oak Ridges-Markham will officially open to the public the Markham Museum’s new $9-milllion, 17,000 square foot LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold standard Collections Building. It is one of the first in Canada built to these standards and is a benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance “green” buildings.

Award winning September 11-themed documentary producer featured on Fox Network for 9/11 anniversary

Producer for award winning “The Cross and The Towers” documentary speaks on film’s controversy

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Sep 06, 2011 - Montreal, Canada – A legal battle  has taken center stage between New York city officials and atheist interest group American Atheists Inc. over  two charred metal beams in the form of a ‘cross’ which were rescued from the twin towers rubble at ground zero.  Scott Perkins, executive producer of “The Cross and The Towers” documentary shares his story with Megan Kelly at Fox and Fox and Friends, in anticipation of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City . During critical rescue operations,  the contentious beams were alleged to have been a spontaneous source of inspiration to certain firefighters and first-responders at the scene, a position which has angered an atheist group seeking an injunction against the display of the “cross” during the highly anticipated memorial service at Ground Zero, to be attended by President Obama and other notable officials.

Prita Chhabra to Perform in Milton, Ft. Lauderdale

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Fresh off a live performance on CBS Tampa's morning talk show "Studio 10" in Florida, recording artist Prita Chhabra will be back in Canada to perform at Milton's Low Key Fest on August 27th at Karlovac Park.

Toronto author, KAREN LEFAVE, launches novel

Toronto author, KAREN LEFAVE, launches novel one in her debut PSI-fi series, Nemecene, The Epoch of Redress, at The Gladstone Hotel, on Wednesday, September 21st, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Please join author Karen Lefave as she introduces you to a new genre of science fiction she aptly names PSI-fi, where the physical, spiritual, and intellectual facets of humanity synergistically combine, as they do in everyday life, to create a dynamic, mysterious, and ingenious futuristic world in her debut series called Nemecene.  

Come to The Gladstone Hotel’s North Ballroom, at 1214 Queen St West, on Wednesday Sept 21st, 6:30-8:30 PM to enjoy a reading from Nemecene, The Epoch of Redress, entertainment, refreshments, and Karen’s personalized signature on your hot new copy ($15.95 + HST).

In Nemecene, The Epoch of Redress, Earth has been retaliating against her greatest nemesis, the human race, for centuries.  Since 2048, repeated geoengineering attempts have failed, and now the very soul of life, water, is compromised.  Twin siblings, Keeto and Elize, and a third mysterious presence, Nathruyu, open their minds to you as their adventures entwine under the oppressive regime of The Unification.  Will the twins find the answers that they seek in time to save Elize from suffering her mother’s fate?  Or will the questioning lead them down a dangerous path where treachery, lies, and deceit reside?

Christa Couture Returns With Two New EP's!

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Jul 09, 2011 – CHRISTA COUTURE: FEARLESS & QUIRKY GRACE ON LOVED and LOST + July Tour Dates

"... [With a] gorgeously intimate voice - somewhere between the tough vulnerability of Amy Rigby and the passionate, sophisticated folk of Joni Mitchell - Christa Couture sings with heart-on-sleeve intensity."  - PopMatters

Anchor Baby feature film premieres in Canada in Home Town debut

Immigration thriller "Anchor Baby" set for Canadian theatrical premiere in Toronto's Albion Cinema

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Jul 08, 2011 – Canadian produced feature film “Anchor Baby” an immigration thriller written directed and produced by  Lonzo Nzekwe is set to open in Toronto's Albion Cinema.

Prita Chhabra to Perform at Pride Toronto - July 2, 2011

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Fresh off performances at several 2011 IIFA Awards festivities across the Greater Toronto Area, Canadian born recording artist Prita Chhabra will be performing at Pride Toronto's "brOWN // out" showcase taking place Saturday, July 2, 2011 from 8-10 PM on Pride's South Stage (Church & Wood Streets). Prita will be taking the stage at 9:35 PM, accompanied by Toronto's acclaimed Diyas Arts & Entertainment dance team.

LOCAL ROGERS TV STATION HONOURED WITH IMPRESSION AWARDS

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-June 10, 2011 (PEEL, ON) – Rogers TV, the local TV station has been honoured with two 2011 Impression Awards.
Rogers TV, Cable 10 received the Ted Rogers Innovation Award for its live gavel to gavel coverage of The Mississauga Judicial Inquiry and the award for Best Mini-Program for Remembrance Day, which highlighted war veterans living in our community, young and old.
“It’s a great honour for our station to be recognized,” says Station Manager, Jake Dheer.  “It’s truly a testament to our hardworking team who continue to produce excellent community-driven programming.”
The Impression Awards are annual honours handed out by Rogers TV for the past 13 years and recognizes the very best in local programming and community commitment from across the country.

Canada's Top Talent to Headline Canada Day on Parliament Hill

StarBuzz Weekly,-OTTAWA, June 9, 2011 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital Commission (NCC), today announced the programming for the Canada Day Noon and Evening shows.
"Canada Day belongs to all Canadians. This year, we invite everyone to take part in the Canada Day Noon Show in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge," said Minister Moore. "We invite all Canadians across this great country to come together on this special day and celebrate the fact that we live in a free, democratic, and bilingual country."

Ottawa Model Reaches For The Stars From The Miss Universe Canada Runway

Jun 12, 2011 – Canadian Model Betsy Leimbigler from Ottawa, Ontario is competing amongst 57 other finalists from across the country for a coveted shot at the Miss Universe Canada title, and ultimately the Miss Universe crown itself. At just 20 years old, Leimbigler completed her University degree this June with Honours in International Studies and Modern Languages (she speaks 5) and is doing her Master’s in Political Science at the University of Ottawa. She was selected nationwide as a Senate Page and Parliamentary Guide to work on Parliament Hill. Having also studied, lived and traveled across Asia, Europe and Canada Leimbigler is definitely a tough contender when it comes to this competition.

The International Dimensions of a North American Idol

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Celebrity Cultural Critic Samita Nandy Traces the Spirit Behind Vikas Khanna’s Popularity

His popularity is beyond the territories of Canada.  It transcends symbols of the nation and its continent.   Often symbols of nature construct authenticity while legitimizing boundaries of a nation.  For Vikas Khanna, however, authenticity resides in a spirit that most nations seek through their symbols.