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demigod-of-the-agni · 2 months

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Spider-Man India, but... where from India?

A SUPER long post featuring talks of: cultural identity, characterisation, the caste system, and what makes Spider-Man Spider-Man.

I’m prefacing this by saying that I am a second-generation immigrant. I was born in Australia, but my cultural background is from South India. My experiences with what it means to be “Indian” is going to be very different from the experiences of those who are born and brought up in India.

If you, reader, want to add anything, please reblog and add your thoughts. This is meant to be a post open for discussion — the more interaction we get, the better we become aware of these nuances.

So I made this poll asking folks to pick a region of India where I would draw Pavitr Prabhakar in their cultural wear. This idea had been on my mind for a long while now, as I had been inspired by Annie Hazarika’s Northeastern Spidey artwork in the wake of ATSV’s release, but never got the time to actually do it until now. I wanted to get a little interactive and made the poll so I could have people choose which of the different regions — North, Northeast, Central, East, West, South — to do first.

The outcome was not what I expected. As you can see, out of 83 votes:

THE RESULTS

South India takes up almost half of all votes (44.6%), followed by Northeast and Central (both 14.5%) and then East (13.3%). In all my life growing up, support towards or even just the awareness of South India was pretty low. Despite this being a very contained poll, why would nearly half of all voters pick South India in favour of other popular choices like Central or North India?

Then I thought about the layout of the poll: Title, Options, Context.

Title: "Tell us who you want to see…"

Options: North, Northeast, Central, East, West, South

Context: I want to make art of the boy again

At first I thought: ah geez. this is my fault. I didn't make the poll clear enough. do they think I want them to figure out where Pavitr came from? That's not what I wanted, maybe I should have added the context before the options.

Then I thought: ah geez. is it my fault for people not reading the entire damn thing before clicking a button? That's pretty stupid.

But regardless, the thought did prompt a line of thinking I know many of us desi folk have been considering since Spider-Man India was first conceived — or, at least, since the announcement that he was going to appear in ATSV. Hell, even I thought of it:

Where did Spider-Man India come from?

FROM A CULTURALLY DIVERSE INDIA

As we know, India is so culturally diverse, and no doubt ATSV creators had to take that into account. Because the ORIGINAL Spider-Man India came from Mumbai — most likely because Mumbai and Manhattan both started with the same letter.

But going beyond that, it’s also because Mumbai is one of the most recognisable cities in India - it’s also known as Bombay. It’s where Bollywood films are shot. It’s where superstar Hindi actors and actresses show up. Mumbai is synonymous with India in that regard, because the easiest way Western countries can interact with Indian culture is through BOLLYWOOD, through HINDI FILMS, through MUMBAI. Suddenly, India is Mumbai, India is a Hindi-only country, India is just this isolated thing we see through an infinitely narrow lens.

We’ve gotten a little better in recent years, but boy I will tell you how uncomfortable I’ve gotten when people (yes, even desi people) come up to me and tell me, Oh, you’re Indian right? Can you speak Hindi? Why don’t you speak Hindi? You’re not Indian if you don’t speak Hindi, that’s India’s national language!

I have been — still am — so afraid of telling people that I don’t speak Hindi, that I’m Tamil, that I don’t care that Hindi is India’s “national” language (it’s an administrative language, Kavin, get your fucking facts right). It’s weird, it’s isolating, and it has made me feel like I wasn’t “Indian” enough to be accepted into the group of “Indian” people.

So I am thankful that ATSV went out of their way to integrate as much variety of Indian culture into the Mumbattan sequence. Maybe that way, the younger generation of desi folk won’t feel so isolated, and that younger Western people will be more open to learning about all these cultural differences within such a vast country.

BUT WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH SPIDER-MAN INDIA?

Everything, actually. There’s a thing called supremacy. You might have heard of it. We all engaged with it at some point, and if you are Indian, no matter where you live, it is inescapable.

It happens the moment you are born — who your family is, where you are born, the language you speak, the colour of your skin; these will be bound to you for life, and it is nigh impossible to break down the stereotypes associated with them.

Certain ethnic groups will be more favourable than others (Centrals, and thus their cultures, will always be favoured over than Souths, as an example) and the same can be said for social groups (Brahmins are more likely to secure influential roles in politics or other areas like priesthood, while the lowers castes, especially Dalits, aren’t even given the decency of respect). Don’t even get me started on colourism, where obviously those of fairer skin will win the lottery while those of darker skin aren’t given the time of day. It’s even worse when morality ties into it — “lighter skinned Indians, like Brahmins, embody good qualities like justice and wisdom”, “dark skinned Indians are cunning and poor, they are untrustworthy”. It’s fucking nuts.

This means, of course, you have a billion people trying to make themselves heard in a system that tries to crush everyone who is not privileged. It only makes sense that people want to elevate themselves and break free from a society that refuses to acknowledge them. These frustrations manifest outwardly, like in protests, but other times — most times — it goes unheard, quietly shaping your way of life, your way of thinking. It becomes a fundamental part of you, and it can go unacknowledged for generations.

So when you have a character like Pavitr Prabhakar enter the scene, people immediately latch onto him and start asking questions many Western audiences don’t even consider. Who is he? What food does he eat? What does he do on Fridays? What’s his family like, his community? All these questions pop up, because, amidst all this turmoil going on in the background, you want a mainstream popular character to be like you, who knows your way of life so intimately, that he may as well be a part of your community.

BUT THAT'S THE THING — HE'S FICTIONAL

I am guilty of this. In fact, I’ve flaunted in numerous posts how I think he’s the perfect Tamil boy, how he dances bharatanatyam, how he does all these Tamil things that no one will understand except myself. All these niche things that only I, and maybe a few others, will understand.

I’ve seen other people do it, too. I’ve seen people geek out over his dark brown skin, his kalari dhoti, how he fights so effortlessly in the kalaripayattu martial arts style. I’ve seen people write him as Malayali, as Hindi, as every kind of Indian person imaginable.

I’ve also seen him be written where he’s subjected to typical Indian and broader Asian stereotypes. You know the ones I’m so fond of calling out. The thing is, I’ve seen so much of Pavitr being presented in so many different ways, and I worry how the rest of the desi folk will take it.

You finally have a character who could be you, but now he’s someone else’s plaything. Your entire life is shaped by what you can and can’t do simply because you were born to an Indian family, and here’s the one person who could represent you now at the mercy of someone else’s whims. He’s off living a life that is so distant from yours, you can hardly recognise him.

It shouldn’t hurt as much as it does, yeah? But, again, you’re looking at it from that infinitely narrow lens Westerners use to look at India from Bollywood.

AND PAVITR PRABHAKAR DOESN'T LIVE IN INDIA

He lives in Mumbattan. He lives in a made-up, fictional world that doesn’t follow the way of life of our world. He lives in a city where Mumbai and Manhattan got fucking squashed together. There are so many memes about colonialism right there. Mumbattan isn’t real! Spider-Man India isn’t real!! He’s just a dude!! The logic of our world doesn’t apply to him!!!

“But his surname originates from ______” okay but does that matter?

“But he’s wearing a kalari dhoti so surely he’s ______” okay but does that matter?

“But his skin colour is darker so he must be ______” okay but does that matter?

“But he lives in Mumbai so he must be ______” okay but does that matter?

I sound insensitive and brash and annoying and it looks like I’m yapping just for the sake of riling you up, so direct that little burst of anger you got there at me, and keep reading.

Listen. I’m going to ask you a question that I’ve asked myself a million times over. I want you to answer honestly. I want you to ask this question to yourself and answer honestly:

Are you trying to convince me on who Pavitr Prabhakar should be?

... but why shouldn't i?

I’ll tell you this again — I did the same thing. You’re not at fault for this, but I want you to just...have a little think over. Just a little moment of self-reflection, to think about why you are so intent on boxing this guy.

It took me a while to reorganise my thinking and how to best approach a character like Pavitr, so I will give you all the time you need as well as a little springboard to focus your thoughts on.

SPIDER-MAN (INDIA) IS JUST A MASK

“What I like about the costume is that anybody reading Spider-Man in any part of the world can imagine that they themselves are under the costume. And that’s a good thing.”

Stan Lee said that. Remember how he was so intent on making sure that everybody got the idea that Spider-Man as an entity is fundamentally broken without Peter Parker there to put on the suit and save the day? That ultimately it was the person beneath the mask, no matter who they were, that mattered most?

Spider-Man India is no less different. You can argue with me that Peter Parker!Spidey is supposed to represent working class struggles in the face of leering corporate entities who endanger the regular folk like us, and so Pavitr Prabhakar should also function the same way. Pavitr should also be a working class guy of this specific social standing fighting people of this other social standing.

But that takes away the authenticity of Spider-Man India. Looking at him through the Peter Parker lens forces you to look at him through the Western lens, and it significantly lessens what you can do with the character — suddenly, it’s a fight to be heard, to be seen, to be recognised. It’s yelling over each other that Pavitr Prabhakar is this ethnicity, is that caste, this or that, this or that, this or that.

There’s a reason why he’s called Spider-Man India, infuriatingly vague as it is. And that’s the point — the vagueness of his identity fulfils Lee’s purpose for a character that could theoretically be embodied by anyone. If he had been called “Spider-Man Mumbai”, you cut out a majority of the population (and in capitalist terms, you cut out a good chunk of the market).

And in the case of Spider-Man India? Whew — you’ve got about a billion people imagining a billion different versions of him.

Whoever you are, whatever you see in Pavitr, that is what is personal to you, and there is nothing wrong with that, and I will not fault you for it. I will not fault you for saying Pavitr is from Central due to the origins of his last name. I also will not fault you for saying Pavitr is from South due to him practising kalaripayattu. I also will not fault you for saying he is not Hindu. I also will not fault you for saying he is a particular ethnicity without any proof.

What I will fault you for is trying to convince me and the others around you that Pavitr Prabhakar should be this particular ethnicity/have this cultural background because of some specific reason. I literally don’t care and it is fundamentally going against his character, going against the “anyone can wear the mask” sentiment of Spider-Man. By doing this, you are strengthening the walls that first divided us. You’re feeding the stratification and segmentation of our cultures — something that is actually not present in the fictional world of Mumbattan.

Like I said before: Mumbattan isn’t real, so the divides between ethnicities and cultural backgrounds are practically nonexistent. The best thing is that it is visually there for all to see. My favourite piece of evidence is this:

It’s a marquee for a cinema in the Mumbattan sequence, in the “Quick tour: this is where the traffic is” section. It has four titles; the first three are written in Hindi. The fourth title is written in Tamil. You go to Mumbai and you won’t see a single shred of Tamil there, much less any other South Indian language. Seeing this for the first time, you know what went through my head?

Wow, the numerous cultures of India are so intermingled here in Mumbattan! Everyone and everything is welcome!

I was happy, not just because of Tamil representation, but because of the fact that the plethora of Indian cultures are showcased coexisting in such a short sequence. This is India embracing all the little parts that make up its grander identity. This scene literally opened my eyes seeing such beauty in all the diverse cultures thriving together. In a place where language and cultural backgrounds blend so easily, each one complementing one another.

It is so easy to believe that, from this colourful palette of a setting, Pavitr Prabhakar truly is Spider-Man India, no matter where he comes from.

It’s easy to believe that Pavitr can come from any part of India, and I won’t call you out if the origin you have for him is different from the origin I have. You don’t need to stake out territory and stand your ground — you’re entitled to that opinion, and I respect it. In fact, I encourage it!!!

Because there’s only so much you can show in a ten minute segment of a film about a country that has such a vast history and even greater number of cultures. I want to see all of it — I want him to be a Malayali boy, a Hindi boy, a Bengali boy, a Telugu boy, an Urdu boy, whatever!! I want you to write him or draw him immersed in your culture, so that I can see the beauty of your background, the wonderful little things that make your culture unique and different from mine!

And, as many friends have said, it’s so common for Indian folks to be migrating around within our own country. A person with a Maharashtrian surname might end up living in Punjab, and no one really minds that. I’m actually from Karnataka, my family speaks Kannada, but somewhere down the line my ancestors moved to Tamil Nadu and settled down and lived very fulfilling lives. So I don’t actually have the “pure Tamil” upbringing, contrary to popular belief; I’ve gotten a mix of both Kannada and Tamil lifestyles, and it’s made my life that much richer.

So it’s common for people to “not” look like their surname, if that’s what you’re really afraid about. In fact, it just adds to that layer of nuance, that even despite these rigid identities between ethnicities we as Indian people still intermingle with one another, bringing slivers of our cultures to share with others. Pavitr could just as well have been born in one state and moved around the country, and he happens to live in Mumbattan now. It’s entirely possible and there’s nothing to disprove that.

We don’t need to clamber over one another declaring that only one ethnicity is the “right” ethnicity, because, again, you will be looking at Pavitr and the rest of India in that narrow Western lens — a country with such rich cultural variety reduced to a homogenous restrictive way of life.

THE POLL: REINTERPRETED

This whole thing started because I was wondering why my little poll was so skewed — I thought people assumed I was asking them where he came from, then paired his physical appearance with the most logical options available. I thought it was my fault, that I had somehow influenced this outcome without knowing.

Truth is, I will never really know. But I will be thankful for it, because it gave me the opportunity to finally broach this topic, something that many of us desi folk are hesitant to talk about. I hope you have learned something from this, whether you are desi or a casual Spider-Man fan or someone who just so happened to stumble upon this.

So just…be a little more open. Recognise that India, like many many countries and nations, is made up of a plethora of smaller cultures. And remember, if you’re trying to convince Pavitr that he’s a particular ethnicity, he’s going to wave his hand at you and say, “Ha, me? No, I’m one of the people that live here in the best Indian city! I’m Spider-Man India, dost!”

(Regardless, he still considers you a friend, because to him, the people matter more to him than you trying to box him into something he’s not.)

#long post + more tags that kinda spiral away BUT expand on the points above AND kinda puts everything together concisely #BROS THIS IS AN HONEST TO GOD ESSAY #THAT HAS BEEN COOKING IN MY HEART FOR A WHILE NOW. SIMMERING FOR MONTHS BEFORE FINALLY BOILING OVER IN THE LAST WEEK #genuinely hope you read MOST of it because yes it has Quite A Lot Of Exposition but it all matters nonetheless #put in a lot of thought into this so i expect you to do your part and challenge your thoughts as well #you see how i'm not asking for you to listen to me. but to actually Think. i want you to cook your thoughts and add some spice and flavour #and give it a good mix so you can come out of this a little more wiser than before #because!!! yeah!!!! spider man india is just that!! he's indian!!!!! we don't need to collectively agree on where he comes from #bc it gets rid of that relatability factor of spider man. at the most basic level #think of it as a schrodinger's. he is every single culture and none of them at the same time. therefore none of us are wrong!! sick!!!!#pavitr's first priority is making sure HIS PEOPLE are safe. that's probably as far as we can go that relates him back to peter parker spide #he loves his people and working in the name of justice to FIGHT for HIS PEOPLE is just the duty/responsibility he takes up #it makes sense that he loves everyone and every culture he engages with bc that's the nature of spider man i suppose #if peter parker spidey acts as the guardian for the regular folk.. then in my mind pavitr spidey stands as the bridge uniting the people #because society as its core is very fragmented. and having pavitr act as a connection to other folks.... mmmmm beautiful #that's what i'm talking abouttttt !!!#anyways guys this is literally 3001 words on my document EXCLUDING THE TITLE. THAT'S 7 PAGES AT 11pt FONT. i'm literally cryingggg wtf #pavitr prabhakar #spider man #spider man india #desi #desiblr #atsv #across the spiderverse #atsv pavitr #indian culture #india #desi tumblr #what the fuck do i tag this as #agnirambles

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girlactionfigure · 1 year

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The Jewish Bollywood Star: Esther Abraham

She was India's first female film producer

Esther Abraham was a Jewish Bollywood superstar and the first female film producer in India. She was a proud observant Jew even while shaping modern Indian culture.

Esther was born in Calcutta in 1916 to an Orthodox Jewish family. The Abrahams were Baghdadi Jews who had emigrated from Iraq in the 19th century. In school Esther excelled academically and athletically. She was a talented hockey player with a roomful of trophies. Esther was also an artist who attended Cambridge University after high school and majored in art.

After university, Esther became a kindergarten teacher at a Jewish school in Calcutta, but she yearned to be a performer. Her first job in the entertainment industry was as a dancer for a silent movie theater. Esther’s job was to entertain the audience during a pause in the film while the reel were changed.

Many members of Esther’s family were talented musicians and performers. She went to visit an actress cousin in Bombay who was appearing in a theater production. The director noticed tall, beautiful Esther and gave her a screen test.

Esther did so well on the test that she soon appeared in her first movie, Bhikaran, in 1936. Around this time she was given the screen name Pramila. Audiences fell in love with Pramila and she quickly became one of the most famous actresses in India. She also worked as a model and appeared on many magazine covers. In 1947, at age 31, Esther won the first Miss India contest – while pregnant with her fifth child.

At that time in India, the movie industry was controlled by a handful of extremely wealthy producers who exploited their actors and crew members and paid them only a measly salary. Esther Abraham decided to change that. She defied the studio system by becoming the first female producer of Bollywood feature films. Esther formed her own production company, Silver Productions, and produced sixteen feature films. She treated her cast and crew with respect and paid them well.

Esther starred in 30 films. In addition to being an actress and producer, she did her own stunts and worked as a stunt double for other performers. Esther also designed her own costumes and jewelry for every production.

Famous for her enchantingly beautiful eyes, audiences didn’t know that her eyesight was very poor and she did dance moves by counting the steps. Audiences also were likely unaware that she was Jewish – and probably wouldn’t have cared. Unlike so many countries with Jewish communities, India has no history of antisemitism.

Esther’s daughter Naqi Jahan was crowned Miss India in 1967, and they are the only mother and daughter who both won the title. Her son Haidar Ali is a successful Indian actor and screenwriter. Haidar described his mother: “A woman who was gifted by God with internal power and strength… she magnetized power…. One the home front she kept us together [clenching his fist] like this.”

Esther Abraham appeared in her last film in 2005, at age 90, playing a grandmother in the movie Thaang. She died a few months after its release. Until the end of her long life, Esther remained a practicing Jew. Her funeral was at the Maghen David synagogue, and her son Maurice read Psalms in Hebrew. Esther was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Mumbai.

For entertaining audiences for seventy years, and for being the first female film producer in India, we honor Esther Abraham, aka Pramila, as this week’s Thursday Hero.

#Thursday Hero

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diana--williams · 1 year

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Every Hindi Movie I remember watching

2022 TO 2013

Brahmastra: Part 1 Shiva

Gangubai Kathiavad

Toolsidas Junior

Gehraiyaan

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

HIT: The first case

Badhaai Do

Major

Darlings

Plan A Plan B

Ek Villain Returns

Shabhash Mithu

Dasvi

Dhrishyam 2

Chandigargh Kare Aashiqui

Hassena Dilruba

Roohi

The White tiger

Saina

Pagglait

Sardar Ka Grandson

Mimi

The Girl on the Train

Tribhanga

Ajeeb Daastaan

Meenakshi Sundareshwar

Tuesdays and Fridays

Madam Chief Mininster

Chhichhore

Malang

Tanhaji

Laxmi

Kalank

Street Dancer 3D

Khaali Peeli

Bulbbul

Love Aaj Kal

Guilty

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Thappad

Class of '83

Jawaani Jaaneman

Jai Mummy Di

Yeh Ballet

Serious Men

Maskaa

Panga

Shimla Mirchi

Axone

Sir

Badla

Mardhaani 2

War

Dream Girl

Ek Ladki ko Dekha To Aisa Laga

Lukachupi

Student of the Year 2

Drive

Article 15

Super30

Manikarnika

URI: The Surgical Strike

Panipat

Kabir Singh

Bala

The Zoya Factor

Good Newwz

The Sky is Pink

Mission Mangal

The Tashkent Files

Kalank

Chopsticks

Romeo Akbar Walter

Saand Ki Aankh

Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota

Sultan

Stree

Badhaaii ho

Lust Stories

Aiyaary

Raazi

Andhaadhun

Simbaa

Baaghi 2

Pad Man

Hichki

Sanju

2.0 Robot

Zero

Namaste England

Dil Junglee

Love per Squarefoot

Once Again

Padmaavat

Raabta

Half Girlfriend

Badrinath ki Dulhania

Machine

Ittefaq

Shaadi mein Zaroor Aana

Mom

Qarib qarib singlle

Jab Harry met Sejal

A Gentleman

Ghazi

Guest in London

Rangoon

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha

Secret Superstar

Naam Shabana

Newton

Haseena Parker

Ae Dil hai Mushkil

Dear Zindagi

Fitoor

Sanam Teri Kasam

Airlift

Wazir

Rocky Handsome

A Flying Jatt

Sanam Re

M S Dhoni: The Untold Story

Neerja

Fan

Dangal

Sultan

Saala Khadoos

Baaghi

Kabali

Rustom

Pink

Befikree

Mohenjo Daro

Dishoom

Te3n

Akira

Baar baar Dekho

Azhar

Houseful 3

Force 2

Kapoor and Sons

Udta Punjab

Ghayal Once Again

Mirzya

Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh

Dear Dad

1920: London

Parched

Ek Paheli Leela

Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Hero

Roy

Dilwale

Shaandar

Tamasha

Dhrishyam

Dolly Ki Doli

Katti Batti

Mr. X

Gabbar is Back

Baby

Phantom

Dil Dhadkane Do

Manjhi- The Mountain Man

Alone

Bajirao Mastani

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Talvar

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Welcome 2 Karachi

Brothers

Love Exchange

ABCD 2

Piku

Rahasyaa

Shamitabh

Jazbaa

Nil Battey Sannata

Waiting

Hamari Adhuri Kahani

Singh is Bling

Singham Returns

Heropanti

Kick

Khoobsoorat

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania

Main Tera Hero

Hasee Toh Phasee

Mardaani

Yaariyaan

Jai Ho

Ek Villain

Gunday

Bang bang

Happy New Year

Finding Fanny

Action Jackson

Mary Kom

Haider

Entertainment

Bewakoofiyan

Total Siyappa

Shaasi ke Side Effects

Purani Jeans

O Teri

Bobby Jasoos

Pizza

Boothnath Returns

Sonali Cable

Ungli

Super Nani

Gang of Ghosts

Holiday: A soldier is never off duty

2 states

Gulaab Gang

Queen

Hawaa Hawai

Vishwaroopam

Zanjeer

Ramaiya Vastavaiya

Madras Cafe

Commando

Akaash Vani

R..Rajkumar

Special 26

Yeh Jawani Hai deewani

ABCD: Any Body Can Dance

Himmatwala

Jolly LLB

Race 2

Raanjhanaa

Krrish 3

Chennai Express

Once Upon a time in Mumbai Dobaraa

Bhaag Milka

Kai Po Che

Bombay Talkies

Dhoom 3

Lootera

Fuckrey

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein

Jayanta Bhai ka Love Story

Gippi

Phata Poster Nikla Hero

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sivavakkiyar · 6 months

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you know actually just go check out that atomic forest album. I haven’t heard it in forever it’s just a weird and wild track list in general. Jethro Tull, Jimi Hendrix, Jesus Christ Superstar, okay, but then also the Theme from The Godfather? (admittedly this is mostly weird because you wouldn’t really expect it from early 70’s Bombay). I don’t think I’m just making an association tick when I say that version of the Godfather Theme also genuinely does sound closer in texture to Thenpaandi Cheemayile

#sorry had to make a correction I won’t let the wiki get to me #grandma will kill me

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insomniac-jay · 11 months

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Giftedverse | Sirenia

Priyanka Shantha Maikaru (nee Suman), alias Harmonic Heroine: Sirenia, is a Moonlight Heroine member of the Justice Bureau. Before becoming a Hero, she was an accomplished opera singer.

Appearance

Design notes:

She's still got the same design as her old MHA self bc I like it. I really peaked with Priyanka's design.

Bindi because she's religious

Personality

Priyanka is a reserved but gracious woman who often brushes off any and all comments that would otherwise inflate the egos of others. She often states that she has no need for those [types of compliments] since she's confident in her own abilities and skills.

An artist at heart, Priyanka has a strong love of and connection to the arts as shown in her singing skills. She takes her career as an opera singer very seriously-- probably moreso than her role as a hero and has led her to being accused of not taking her heroic duties seriously. Priyanka counters this by saying, "I was a natural singer before I was a natural hero."

She's also shown to be very crafty when it comes to advancing her career. Priyanka doesn't fight dirty-- as she sees herself as above such tricks-- and instead smooth talks her way into bigger and better things.

She has a motherly side that really comes out when she's around her young son. Priyanka has a soft spot for children and tends to go easy on teenagers who commit crimes.

History

Priyanka was born in Bombay, India to an Arabic father and a Tamil mother. As a child, she always dreamed of being a big star like the ones she watched on TV. She discovered her talent for singing at a young age while a song played on the radio. Her parents were very impressed and encouraged her to hone her voice to be a great singer.

Unbeknownst to both them and the Priyanka, her Gifts had manifested.

For the next few years, Priyanka would teach herself how to sing using books, the Internet, and videos, and spend countless days honing her voice and expanding her vocal range. She became an entirely self taught singer by the time she entered young adulthood.

For university Priyanka headed to Sweden to study performing arts. One day while auditioning for a play at her school, she caught the attention of an opera house owner. He watched her audition and was (quite literally) captivated by her voice.

Seeing an opportunity to make it big, Priyanka told the house owner that she was interested in becoming one of his opera singers, citing her past experience with performing on stage as a way to further entice him. The opera house owner gave her his number so she could set up an appointment with him.

Gifts

Siren Song: Priyanka can emit a beautiful and enchanting song that lures others to her and places them into hypnosis. After some further training, it is no longer limited to just songs as she can now use it with humming and whistles. Her voice is so strong that it can even tear through metal.

Musical Empathy: Priyanka can hear the emotions of others with her mind and manifest them as sound. She can also sense what those around her are feeling by picking up their sound vibrations.

Relationships

Unnamed parents

Donna Miki Maikaru | Superstar - Wife

Valentina Reyes (@calciumcryptid) - Wife

Manar "Koshi" Maikaru - Son

@floof-ghostie @s0ursop @opalofoctober @elflynns-horde-of-stuff @pizzolisnacks @peachyblkdemonslayer @supermansbisexualson

#giftedverse #oc: priyanka🎶

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whatthefishh · 11 months

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💿, a littol shae themed playlist mayhaps? 🌝🌝🌝

off topic, i’ve been listening to Fragile Bird and The Bakery a lot recently hehe

Hello my little dove 🥰

Ugh both great tracks and I love our little AU so much !!

I was listening to a song earlier today that reminded me of B&B Steven so much, lemme go find some! I may have misunderstood the assignment for Shae/Steven but ❤️❤️

The Shae x Steven Mixtape

1. Walking on a dream - empire of the sun

2. Cause I’m a man - tame impala

3. You already know - Bombay bicycle club

4. Girl like you - Toro y moi

5. Miss right - Anderson paak

6. Superstar - majid jordan

7. Sufi woman - jidenna

8. Weightless - chiiild

#inbox 💌#Mona’s 1k #Mona’s playlist #Loesh tag

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bollywoodirect · 7 months

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Remembering dada moni Ashok Kumar on his birth anniversary (13/11). Ashok Kumar, originally Kumudlal Ganguly, was born on 13 October 1911. He was a remarkable figure in Indian cinema, gaining iconic status through his natural acting style which was a fresh introduction to Hindi films. His impact was most profound during the black-and-white film era of the 1940s and 50s, where he was celebrated as the first superstar and the initial lead actor to take on anti-hero roles. His ability to reinvent his career allowed him a lengthy and successful journey as a character actor, making him a revered member of the cinematic Ganguly family. His accolades include the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 1999, both awarded by the Indian government in recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry.

His beginnings in the acting world came unexpectedly while working as a lab assistant at Bombay Talkies. The 1936 film Jeevan Naiya saw him step into the lead role after the original actor eloped with his co-star, marking the start of his acting career, albeit reluctantly. His partnership with Devika Rani, starting with the socially impactful film Achhut Kanya in the same year, resulted in a series of successful films, making them a popular on-screen pair of that time.

Though initially overshadowed by Devika Rani, Ashok Kumar's star rose as he starred opposite Leela Chitnis in films like Kangan (1939), Bandhan (1940), and Azad (1940). His role in the 1943 film Kismet, directed by Gyan Mukherjee, marked him as the first anti-hero in Indian cinema, and its success at the box office solidified his status as a cinema superstar. His popularity soared, as depicted in Manto's words describing the frenzy of his public appearances. In the post-Kismet era, Ashok Kumar enjoyed a series of box office hits like Chal Chal Re Naujawan (1944), Shikari (1946), and Mahal (1949), among others, establishing him as a bankable star.

He also ventured into film production, contributing to the success of Bombay Talkies and nurturing the careers of future stars like Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor through films like Ziddi (1948) and Neelkamal (1947), respectively. His later years saw a reduction in film roles but he made memorable appearances on television, notably hosting India's first soap opera Hum Log and acting in the detective TV serial Tehkikaat. His final film role was in 1997’s Aankhon Mein Tum Ho. Besides acting, he was a dedicated painter and a qualified homeopath, known for his miracle cures. With a legacy spanning over 275 films and more than 30 Bengali dramas, Ashok Kumar’s multi-faceted contributions to Indian entertainment and society remain etched in history.

What are your favourite Ashok Kumar films?

#ashok kumar #bollywood #bollywoodirect

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natromanxoff · 2 years

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Daily Mirror - September 2, 2006

Credits to Louise Belle and Queencuttings.com

The rise of Mercury

By JULIE McCAFFREY

WHO would have thought that the shy, toothy, 10-year-old sitting proudly behind his sports trophy would grow up to be one of the world's most flamboyant superstars?

Yet it wasn't for his athletic prowess that Farrokh Bulsara was to find fame, but as Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of rock band Queen.

Freddie was only 45 when he died of pneumonia brought on by Aids 15 years ago. Had he lived, he would be celebrating his 60th birthday on Tuesday.

To mark this milestone, Freddie's relatives have opened up their album for a special TV tribute to the star.

Their snapshots include photos of him as a wispy-haired baby in a flowered dress on his mother's hip, wearing the flower garland and skull cap of the Zoroastrian religion aged four, as a gangly seven-year-old with his little sister, as a young lad out for a bike ride with his mates, and as the fledgling rocker giving his mum a cuddle.

Together, the pictures give a fascinating insight into Freddie's early upbringing in Africa and India -- parts of his life he kept private from his fans and refused to discuss with his friends. The iconic showman believed his exotic background and family's Zoroastrian beliefs didn't exactly fit in with his wild rock'n'roll image.

Born on September 5, 1946. and christened Farraokh by his diplomat father Bomi Bulsara and mother Jer, he and his younger sister Kashmira spent their first years on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar.

In 1955, at the age of nine, he was sent to St Peters private boarding school in Panchgani near Bombay where he got the nickname Freddie. He won trophies for sport, excelled at art and stood out as an accomplished pianist. Yet his schooldays were marred by homsickness and the stress of hiding a secret from his classmates.

Fellow pupil Zahid Abrar recalls: "Freddie felt very lonely and would sometimes cry in a quiet corner. He was homesick. At the time, I didn't know Freddie was a gay guy. I still wonder what was going on in his mind when we were chasing girls."

But his shyness and unhappiness didn't stop him shining onstage. By the age of 12, Freddie had played to his schoolmates in his first band, The Hectics. Music was already a big part of his life. In his early teens he and his schoolmates were obsessed with rock'n'roll and trying to perfect their Elvis-style quiffs.

In 1964, two years after Freddie finished his schooling, political unrest in Zanzibar forced the Bulsaras to look for a new home. He persuaded his parents to move to England and the family settled in Feltham, South London.

He spent the next 10 years at art school, doing part-time jobs and trying to establish himself as a musician. He formed Queen in 1970 with his friends Roger Taylor, Brian May and John Deacon. They found worlwide fame five years later with Bohemian Rhapsody and went on to sell 150 million albums.

As his fame grew, so did his notoriety. Freddie's wildly hedonistic parties became the stuff of his showbiz legend. He once flew a jumbo jet full of guests to Munich for a black and white ball and hired naked and mud wrestlers for a London bash. But despite the scandals he was always the consummate performer.

Mum Jer, who was there for his Live Aid performance in 1985, says: "I couldn't take my eyes off him. I thought, 'What have you done? You have proved yourself'."

But by 1987, his life of excess had caught up with him. His sister Kashmira Cooke, 55, says: "I did suspect he had Aids. But I didn't want to ask a dying man that question so I waited to see if he wanted to tell me. One day I saw that his foot was very badly scarred. He chose that moment to say, "Look, my dear, you must know that I am dying'."

Freddie's death on November 25, 1991, left his family and legions of fans devastated.

Kashmira says: "It didn't register until I saw the newspaper articles. I can remember now, reading with my dad, his tears and my tears dropping on to the article. I will think of him every day. Every single day."

Jer adds: "When I hear him on the radio, I realise that people still love him, people still remember him. That keeps me going."

• FREDDIE Mercury: A Kind Of Magic is on ITV1 on Tuesday, September 12, at 9.45pm

[Photo caption: MUMMY’S BOY: Jer holds her baby son Freddie]

[Photo caption: SHOWMAN: Freddie the rock legend]

#queen #queen band #freddie mercury #queen scans #daily mirror september 2006 #queencuttings.com #kashmira cooke #kashmira bulsara #jer bulsara #bomi bulsara

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freddiemercurydaily · 2 years

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WHO would have thought that the shy, toothy, 11-year-old

WHO would have thought that the shy, toothy, 11-year-old sitting proudly behind his sports trophy would grow up to be one of the world's most flamboyant superstars?Yet it wasn't for his athletic prowess that Farrokh Bulsara was to find fame, but as Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of rock band Queen.Freddie's early upbringing in Zanzibar and India (boarding school) -- parts of his life he kept private from his fans and refused to discuss with his friends. The iconic showman believed his exotic background and family's Zoroastrian beliefs didn't exactly fit in with his wild rock'n'roll image.Born on September 5, 1946. and christened Farraokh by his diplomat father Bomi Bulsara and mother Jer, he and his younger sister Kashmira spent their first years on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar.Farrokh was only 7 when he was sent to St Peters private boarding school in Panchgani near Bombay where he got the nickname Freddie.

He won trophies for sport, excelled at art and stood out as an accomplished pianist. Yet his schooldays were marred by homsickness and the stress of hiding a secret from his classmates.Fellow pupil Zahid Abrar recalls: "Freddie felt very lonely and would sometimes cry in a quiet corner. He was homesick.”But his shyness and unhappiness didn't stop him shining onstage. By the age of 12, Freddie had played to his schoolmates in his first band, The Hectics. Music was already a big part of his life. In his early teens he and his schoolmates were obsessed with rock'n'roll and trying to perfect their Elvis-style quiffs.In 1964, two years after Freddie finished his schooling, political unrest in Zanzibar forced the Bulsaras to look for a new home. He persuaded his parents to move to England and the family settled in Feltham, West London.He spent the next 10 years at art school, doing part-time jobs and trying to establish himself as a musician. He formed Queen in 1970 with his friends Roger Taylor and Brian May (John Deacon joined a year later, 1971). They found worlwide fame five years later with Bohemian Rhapsody and went on to sell 150 million albums.As his fame grew, so did his notoriety. Freddie's wildly hedonistic parties became the stuff of his showbiz legend. He once flew a jumbo jet full of guests to Munich for a black and white ball and hired naked and mud wrestlers for a London bash. But despite the scandals he was always the consummate performer.Mum Jer, who watched her son’s Live Aid performance on TV in 1985, says: "I couldn't take my eyes off him. I thought, 'What have you done? You have proved yourself'."But by 1987, his life of excess had caught up with him. His sister Kashmira Cooke, says: "I did suspect he had Aids. But I didn't want to ask a dying man that question so I waited to see if he wanted to tell me. One day I saw that his foot was very badly scarred. He chose that moment to say, "Look, my dear, you must know that I am dying'."Freddie's death on November 24, 1991, left his family and legions of fans devastated. Kashmira says: "It didn't register until I saw the newspaper articles. I can remember now, reading with my dad, his tears and my tears dropping on to the article. I will think of him every day. Every single day."Jer adds: "When I hear him on the radio, I realise that people still love him, people still remember him. That keeps me going."Extracted from: ‘The Rise of Mercury’ By Julie McCaffrey (September 2006)

#freddie mercury

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theatrenews · 5 months

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Echo: Theatre-News.com West End transfer for Bollywood musical Bombay Superstars from Sâmir Bhamra - #phizzical @phizzical #BombaySuperstars http://dlvr.it/T0GZyW

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entertainmehub · 5 months

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Theatre-News.com West End transfer for Bollywood musical Bombay Superstars from Sâmir Bhamra - #phizzical @phizzical #BombaySuperstars http://dlvr.it/T0Dhst

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musikblog · 7 months

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Holly Humberstone - Paint My Bedroom Black Mit girl in red und Olivia Rodrigo auf Tour, Features mit Britpop-Superstar Sam Fender oder der Indie-Band Bombay Bicycle Club und bereits einen ersten Auftritt beim Glastonbury gespielt: Holly Humberstone hat einen Senkrechtstart in der internationalen Musikwelt hingelegt – und zwar mit gerade einmal zwei veröffentlichten EPs. Das ändert die Indie-Pop-Musikerin nun und veröffentlicht mit […] https://www.musikblog.de/2023/10/holly-humberstone-paint-my-bedroom-black/ #D4Vd #HollyHumberstone #Album #IndiePop #SingerSongwriter

#Album #Indie-Pop #Singer-Songwriter

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noisilycoldmoon-blog · 9 months

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Top 10 Indian Restaurant in Dubai

Introduction:

Dubai, the cosmopolitan hub of the center East, gives a diverse culinary landscape that caters to each taste. Between its vivid dining scene, Indian cuisine holds a Specific spot, delighting locals and travellers alike. In this article, we will check out the most beneficial Indian restaurants in Dubai, in which you can bask in genuine flavors and practical experience the loaded culinary heritage of India.

1. Indego by Vineet: Found on the Grosvenor Dwelling Dubai, Indego by Vineet can be a culinary masterpiece by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia. Featuring present-day Indian Delicacies with a contemporary twist, this restaurant delivers a classy dining knowledge. The impeccable provider, classy ambiance, and exquisite dishes ensure it is a prime option for Indian Food fans.

2. Armani/Amal: Nestled throughout the iconic Burj Khalifa, Armani/Amal is actually a haven for Indian gastronomy. The restaurant gives panoramic sights of the city though serving a fusion of Indian flavors and present-day displays. The mixture of traditional and ground breaking dishes, coupled with the opulent environment, can make it an unforgettable eating spot.

3. Rang Mahal: Rang Mahal, Positioned for the JW Marriott Marquis Resort Dubai, is renowned for its progressive Indian Delicacies. Developed by superstar chef Atul Kochhar, the restaurant elevates regular dishes with modern tactics and creative aptitude. The vibrant décor and an in depth menu of delicacies make sure an Extraordinary eating knowledge.

4. Tresind: Tresind, situated in Nassima Royal Lodge, is often a culinary gem that celebrates the wealthy diversity of Indian Delicacies. The restaurant provides a singular principle of molecular gastronomy, combining classic flavors with innovative cooking tactics. Prepare to get astonished as your taste buds are taken with a delightful journey of textures and tastes.

5. Mint Leaf of London: Situated in the center of DIFC, Mint Leaf of London provides a modern day tackle Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers gorgeous sights of town skyline, delivering a sublime backdrop for its flavorful dishes. By using a menu influenced by regional Indian flavors, Mint Leaf of London guarantees an exquisite eating working experience.

6. Khyber: Khyber, Positioned at DUKES Dubai, provides an inviting environment and breathtaking views of your Arabian Gulf. Known for its abundant North Indian Delicacies, the restaurant showcases an variety of aromatic spices and flavors. The nice and cozy hospitality and beautiful décor completely complement the culinary journey throughout the flavors of India.

7. Gharana: Gharana, positioned Indian Food in Dubai at the vacation Inn Dubai - Al Barsha, normally takes you with a cultural and culinary journey by means of India. The restaurant's principle revolves round the heritage and traditions of assorted Indian regions. From Reside songs performances to an in depth menu, Gharana provides a delightful working experience for Food fans seeking an authentic taste of India.

8. Bombay Brasserie: Bombay Brasserie, located at the Taj Dubai, is an elegant restaurant noted for its opulent décor and vintage Indian dishes. The culinary workforce provides alongside one another traditional recipes and fashionable displays to generate an unforgettable dining expertise. Having an emphasis on quality elements and meticulous preparing, Bombay Brasserie never ever fails to impress.

9. Carnival by Tresind: Carnival by Tresind is really a lively and vibrant restaurant that redefines Indian Delicacies by means of playful and creative interpretations. Located in DIFC, it offers a modern day tackle Indian street Food, presenting an array of flavors and textures that tantalize the palate. The modern dishes and lively ambiance help it become a necessity-stop by for Food fans.

10. Options by Sanjeev Kapoor: Alternatives by Sanjeev Kapoor, located with the Sheikh Zayed Street, offers a menu curated through the renowned Indian celeb chef. Known for his expertise in reinventing common Indian dishes, Kapoor delivers his culinary magic to Dubai. With a diverse range of flavors and a classy environment, Choices is a wonderful option for enduring Indian cuisine.

Summary:

In regards to Indian cuisine in Dubai, these 10 restaurants jump out for their exceptional flavors, impressive displays, and immersive eating encounters. Regardless of whether you are a resident or perhaps a customer, Checking out the culinary delights of Indian Food in Dubai is essential-do. So, embark on a gastronomic journey and savor the reliable tastes of India at these extraordinary dining institutions.

Article tags: Indian Food in Dubai, Indian Restaurant in Dubai, best indian restaurant in Dubai.

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indiejones · 9 months

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- OF RAJESH KHANNA & DIMPLE KAPADIA .

- OF THE BEWILDERING "INNUMERABLE INSTANCES" WHEN THE MEGASTAR MET HIS WIFE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME !

- A 'EYE-OPENING ACCOUNT' OF HINDU-MUSLIM UNITY!

Veteran film journo Devyani Choubal who was known in film circles to be a real nasty piece of work when came to most stars, but somehow close to, & like most women of the time, a secret admirer/lover of, Rajesh Khanna, narrates of the moment (as shown in the most viewed Rajesh Khanna BBC documentary by Jack Pizzy, 'Bombay Superstar') when Rajesh spoke to her on the phone at 3 am in the night to give her the info that he was getting married (to a girl unheard of by most before) next week! When a stunned & probably heartbroken Devyani asked her who this female was, he told her "I saw this girl drowning in the sea, & I went into the sea & rescued her out, & in the process fell in love!". Devyani mentions to Jack how she thot Rajesh was quite drunk at the time, so didn't take it too seriously, but when called him up again in the morning, a now sober Rajesh narrated almost the same incident but with a few (strange) changes (obvi for would've likely forgotten details of his narration in the night when a little drunk), namely, that this time, he never went into the sea to rescue her, but twas her that got pushed ashore by tidal waves, when he first saw her lying on the sands, & fell in love! .. Devyani mentions how she immediately quizzes him, about the stark contrast in his narrations from night to morning, but that's when the documentary too mysteriously shifts focus, & the matter is forgotten in the aftermath.

This means, what Rajesh mentioned about this whole 'girl drowning & hero rescuing' act was no drunk talk, but actual "star supplied info", for whatever it's worth.. (Watch from 7:50-9:15 > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvX6p2OoGP0 )

Neither does Jack Pizzey probe further on the subject anytime after the docu release, that we know of, nor do we very strangely hear Devyani talk any more on it, given that a journo of her reputation was almost impossibly unlikely to let such huuge discrepancies in narration of one of the most momentous occasions of inarguably India's most famous person ever, pass her by, just like that!

A discrepancy that gets even more bewildering yrs later, in early 1980's when Khanna & Kapadia officially separate, when Dimple actually opens up more on her first meeting with the megastar, her narration making it 7 days before the wedding, somewhere in a flight, where on one occasion it's him proposing to her at first sight or so, or at another instance she indirectly proposing to him at first sight or so.

What a (multi) world of (multi) difference! .. but ofcourse, nobody cares (for such seeming triviality), so his too, we let pass.

Btw, Did You Know- (Per Dimple's own wiki page> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimple_Kapadia )

Dimple Kapadia's parents are both Muslim Nizari Ismaili Shias, both as weird as it sounds, having "embraced Hinduism" (the father, a wealthy businessman, who was known for roaming in influential filmy circles, & promoting his daughter, changing his name to Chunnibhai Kapadia in this 'embrace') yet family remaining followers of Aga Khan, her mother infact staying a practising Ismaili all her life! Also, Dimple's actual birthname is Ameena! .. Infact his father had become a good friend of top director H. S. Rawail too, & near-bagged her 11 yr old a role in Dilip Kumar's 'Sunghursh' but was rejected at last moment as looked too old for her part!

Did You Know- ( https://www.masala.com/bollywood-news/dimple-rajesh-rocky-marriage )

The megastar who was known for his near-impossible timing, achieved that timing yet again, by getting married (as the whole world knows, & has seen & videographed) on March 27, 1973, & having her 1st daughter born (per the daughter's own announced wiki page), by God's miracle, on Dec 29, 1973, miraculous also for being Rajesh's own birthday too, that then making it a full 9 mths & 2 days to their marriage!

Did You Know- ( https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1149378/?ref_=nmtrv_ov) ( https://www.bollywoodbiography.in/reem-kapadia.html)

Dimple has a 3rd sister, younger to her & Simple, named Reem, that died of sleeping pill overdose, or per many committed suicide, on March 27, 1991, that's the date of her elder sis Dimple's marriage anniversary!

Did You Know-

( https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0438092/trivia/?ref_=nm_dyk_trv )

From available info on Imdb & various places on social media, Dimple also had a real younger brother named Suhail, who was a struggling actor & recovering drug addict for a very long time, before dying in a, per many, most mysterious car accident.

Did You Know- ( https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-dimple-khanna-said-that-she-knew-her-marriage-with-rajesh-khanna-wont-work-the-moment-she-stepped-into-his-house/articleshow/99764330.cms?from=mdr ) ( https://www.masala.com/bollywood-news/dimple-rajesh-rocky-marriage )

Dimple in several interviews, incl to India Today in 1985 (from her own wiki pg), gave weird & very very suspiciously cryptic statements like "The life and happiness in our house came to an end the day I and Rajesh got married" & "OUR MARRIAGE WAS A FARCE!" & "The day I entered his house, I knew the marriage wouldn't work".

How can a 15 yrs 9 mth old girl know all these gigantic things from the future, unless told?

Well, we'll leave it at saying, the 'real' family that believes in astrology (like Rajesh atleast acknowledged if nothing more) & in karma (like Rajesh we know for sure did), did succeed in disabling all the 'Rahus & Ketus & Shanis' in his life, enuf to notch up, "BY A LIGHT YEAR, THE GREATEST CAREER IN WORLD CINEMATIC HISTORY", in all his good wisdom & foresight afterall!

🙏

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