This coming week, NYC will become privy to two dozen visual artists, who trace their roots to the India subcontinent, explore themes of cultural dislocation, memory, exile, and spiritual inheritances – all implicit in the word “Diaspora” – as part of the 7th annual Erasing Borders Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Art, presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, in collaboration with New York’s prestigious Guild Gallery. Curated by Vijay Kumar - assisted by IAAC Exhibitions Director Amina Ahmed - the exhibition is a mix of painting, drawing and prints, photographs, C-prints, photo montages and videos, and sculpture and installation. “The artists confront issues of sexuality, terror, disease, and multiple identities to weave together existence in a globalized context,” says Kumar. “While subject matter is often drawn from the country of origin, many of the aesthetic values and political concerns stem from the artists’ new-found situations. The result deserves a new ‘ism,’ a new journey to an old destination.” A series of events are planned throughout the exhibition.

Don’t know about you, but when I hear IAAC and “Events” in the same sentence, I become quite simply elated! And this is no exception, with a wonderful series of parties and fun happenings centered around the exhibition. The opening reception will be on August 3rd at the Guild Gallery, located at 45 West 21st Street in NYC, between the hours of 6 and 8 PM. Expect fun and extraordinary mingling there.

But the event I am truly excited to attend is on August 12th when our beloved guest blogger - and the wonderful actress of ‘Little Zizou’, a touching film I can never say too much about! - Zenobia Shroff will perform her ‘Exotic Observations’, a comic monologue on her personal experiences as an immigrant and an actress in New York City, with a special emphasis on the South Asian perspective. If you have been keeping up with Zen’s wonderful column on The Ajnabee, you know she is super-funny and having had a personal insight into this particular piece, I have to say it had me giggling live on the platform of the 1 train, at rush hour. Needless to say, I forgot to thank Zen for the seat my seemingly insane behavior got me that day…

Anyway, this One-Woman Show will happen on the 12th, at the Guild Gallery, between the hours 7 and 9 PM and to RSVP - there is a suggested donation of $10 for the evening - email admin@iaac.us.

The final evening of the exhibition will be on August 24th, at the same venue, between 6 and 8 PM and will feature a book launch and panel discussion for artist printmaker Krishna Reddy.

Below I have included the names of all the artists featured, and by clicking on each name you will be able to get more info about each one. See you at the exhibition!! And to support Zen, of course!

Jeet Aulakh, Samanta Batra Mehta, Nandini Chirimar, Ruby Chishti, Pritika Chowdhry, Neil Chowdhury, Erum Chughtai, Anujan Ezhikode, Reeta Gidwani- Karmarkar, Nidhi Jalan, Shaurya Kumar, Haresh Lalvani, Obaidullah Mamoon,Chetan Mangat, Urmila Mohan, Avani Patel, Pinku Roy-Bari,
Talha Rathore, Rasika Reddy, Satyakam Saha, Sheena Sood, Anjali Srinivasan, Roshani Thakore, Yetish Yetish.

All images courtesy of the IAAC

On Thursday, July 15th, Rooftop Films, indieWIRE and Snag Films will be celebrating their birthday with a special sneak preview of Kitao Sakurai’s debut feature Aardvark. As three New York City organizations deeply committed to independent cinema and all born around the same time, their joint birthday party will be a celebration of the continued vitality of independent filmmaking. Tickets for this event are $10 and can be purchased online through the Rooftop Films website.

“Our organizations are all dedicated to giving exposure to exceptional independent films,” said Mark Elijah Rosenberg, Founder and Artistic Director of Rooftop Films. “Aardvark is the perfect film to celebrate this collective goal. Sakurai is a first-time filmmaker with a strong, distinctive vision who has crafted a thriller that transcends genre. Combining a tight plot with a disquieting mood, the film is suffused with a raw emotional power that immerses viewers in the psyche of a fascinating and wholly unique protagonist.”

This week at Rooftop Films:

Wednesday, July 14th
THE SECRET OF KELLS – FREE SHOW
A free screening of this Academy Award nominated animated feature film on the lawn at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City, Queens. A surprise Oscar nominee for Best Animated Film, THE SECRET OF KELLS follows the adventures of 12-year old Brendan on a dangerous mission to help complete a magical illuminated manuscript. Almost entirely hand-drawn, this dazzling film, made in the iconic style of medieval art, is a gorgeous antidote to the familiar style of today’s digital animation.

Where:
On the grass along the water at Socrates Sculpture Park
3134 Vernon Blvd. (Long Island City, Queens)

When:
7:00 Live Music
8:30 Film Begins

Thursday, July 15th
ROOFTOP FILMS, INDIEWIRE, AND SNAGFILMS PRESENT: AARDVARK
A special sneak preview of the riveting debut feature by Kitao Sukurai, as part of a birthday celebration for indieWIRE, SnagFilms and Rooftop. Open Bar after party following the screening.

Where:
Open Road Rooftop
350 Grand Street at Essex (Lower East Side)

When:
8:30 p.m.: Live music by Fall on Your Sword
9:00 p.m.: Film
11:30 p.m.: After party with complimentary drinks courtesy of Sailor Jerry and Radeberger Pilsner

AARDVARK is perhaps the first narrative film to star a man blind since birth. In a role inspired by his own life, Larry Lewis plays a solitary man recovering from alcoholism and working towards stability. When he joins a Jiu Jitsu academy he finds a close friend in his young hard-partying instructor, Darren. But, as disturbing aspects of Darren’s life are revealed Larry soon finds himself alone and faced with unraveling the consequences of a horrific act of violence.

The event will be held on top of the gorgeously gritty Open Road Rooftop, in the Lower East Side. Before the movie, there will be live music by the film’s composer, Fall On Your Sword. After the screening, we will have a Q&A with Kitao Sakurai, and an after-party with free drinks courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner and Sailor Jerry Rum.

Friday, July 16th
WE DON’T CARE ABOUT MUSIC ANYWAY
NY Premiere! In this stunning documentary about the avant-garde music scene in Japan, everyday objects are transformed into musical instruments and radical noise art is grounded in a poetic reality.

Where:
On the roof of The Old American Can Factory
232 3rd St at 3rd Ave. (Gowanus/Park Slope) Brooklyn, NY 11215 F/G to Carroll St. or M/R to Union

When:
8:00 Doors Open
8:30 Live Music
9:00 Film Begins
11:30 Reception in Courtyard with Complimentary Open Bar

Saturday, July 17th
BROOKLYN TRANSFORMATIONS – FREE SHOW
Neighborhoods are transformed. Communities are fractured. People change. These shifts are common in Brooklyn and throughout urban America. Whether because of natural disasters (and bureaucratic failures) or aberrant designs (and political acquiescence), when cities are torn asunder the victims are all too often the lower class. But in this program of short films, we have stories in which the changes don’t exclusively have negative results. Individuals adapt with remarkable resilience, groups form new bonds, cities find a new face. These films, made entirely by Brooklyn filmmakers–artists in the heart of urban change in America—include personal stories that are by turns quirky, charming, moving and inspiring. A co-presentation with the Brooklyn Arts Council, this program delves deep into the problems of gentrification and immigration, and digs up hope and happiness.

Where:
The Myrtle Avenue Hill in Ft. Greene Park
Myrtle and N. Portland (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
Enter the park at Myrtle and N. Portland and walk up the path

When:
8:30 p.m.

‘Aardvark’ image courtesy of the filmmakers, Rooftop Image by Ryan Muir - courtesy of Rooftop Films

Red Baraat has been a favorite of mine since NY Fashion Week and their stint with Ports 1961. Quite simply, they rock, and when they perform along with NYC favorite music-mixologist DJ Rekha, it’s a win-win combination! Check them out this Thursday at Lincoln Center, right here in the Big Apple. Dancing under the stars never sounded so good. Or at a venue near you, for the rest of their summer tour!

Flood Tide: Remixed. The film is a remarkable ramshackle river raft journey along the Hudson River, filmed during Swoon’s Swimming Cites of the Switchback Sea, and performed with a live musical score by chamber folk sextet Dark Dark Dark. In advance of Flood Tide’s upcoming theatrical release in Fall 2010, Flood Tide: Remixed is a 50-minute collage of live music and footage from the feature film.

If atmospheric is your thing, then this is a screening made especially for you! Talk about an amazing setting and a visually groundbreaking film. And, of course, brought to you by the great forces behind Rooftop Films. Nothing screams “NYC SUMMER” like a Rooftop Films event!

Wednesday, July 7th
FLOOD TIDE: REMIXED - FREE SHOW

It was the summer the gas stations closed. The summer they played music in the old mill. The summer they left. Flood Tide tells the story of four musicians who craft extraordinary boats out of whatever junk they can find and set out for open water. A remixed version of the film — accompanied by a live musical score by chamber folk sextet Dark Dark Dark — will open Rooftop Films’ series at Socrates Sculpture Park on July 7th.

WHERE:
On the grass along the water at Socrates Sculpture Park
3134 Vernon Blvd. (Long Island City, Queens)

WHEN:
7:00 Doors Open
7:30 Live Music by Dark Dark Dark
8:30 Film Begins
10:00 Q and A

THE FILM:
Blurring the line between fact and fiction Flood Tide was shot on the Hudson River during the real-life art-raft project The Swimming Cities of the Switchback Sea, a concept dreamed-up by the artist Swoon and built by an eclectic group of artists and performers. In the summer of 2008 the crew built and floated seven large, boat-sculptures down the Hudson River. Director Todd Chandler, cinematographer Ava Berkofsky and collaborators from the bands Dark Dark Dark and Fall Harbor made a film along the surreal voyage.

In advance of the upcoming feature film’s release in Fall 2010, Flood Tide: Remixed is a 50-minute composition of footage from Flood Tide - set to a live soundtrack written and performed by Dark Dark Dark. Featuring material not used in the narrative film, Flood Tide: Remixed is a meditative journey down a strange and meandering river that flows both ways with the tides. The handmade boats and their crews drift past empty new condo developments, explore crumbling castles and swim in iridescent quarries. They get stopped by torrents of rain and groaning motors.

On July 7 Flood Tide: Remixed has its debut showing at Socrates Sculpture Garden on the East River, less than a mile away from where the Swimming Cities fleet made port in the East River two years ago.

**For this screening to happen, the filmmakers need to raise enough money to complete the film and get the band to New York! Donate to their Kickstarter Project and help make independent cinema happen!

Images courtesy of Rooftop Films

William Dalrymple is an absolute wonder. I am left speechless by the amount of knowledge he accumulates - and remembers! - as well as his great sense of humor and the interest he displays for such varied subjects as the Mughals of India, the Tibetan Buddhist refugees of Dharamsala, the Christians throughout the Middle East and the Sufis in Pakistan. He’s known as a historian and a broadcaster, yet he’s a wonderfully personal writer, with a voice that feels very much like a journalist - and that is a compliment, since I find books written by journalists always so much more enjoyable and contemporary. Within his unpretentious lines and basic human stories lie the thoughts and words of a true soul poet, someone who simply craves and adores knowledge and culture. If I appear to be gushing, make no mistake, I am!

I’m both proud and lucky to have read his writing, to have attended his fantastic Literature Festival in Jaipur, and now to have been privy - twice! - to his traveling cultural performance ‘Nine Lives: In Search of the Sacred in Modern India’, which also coincides with the launch of his latest book, by the same title.

I caught the performance in its more Indo-centric version in Jaipur this past January and enjoyed it then, under the dark sky sprinkled with more stars than I ever imagined existed… It possessed its own kind of magic there, something impossible to miss due to the larger than life setting of the Diggi Palace front lawns, at night, surrounded by a crowd of thousands.

Then I watched it again, this past Friday, at Asia Society, in an auditorium with assigned seats, where the performance included the Sufis of Pakistan - absent from any performance in India due to the obvious reasons! - and the Theyyam Dance Group, featuring Hari Das, both part of the unforgettable stories in Dalrymple’s latest oeuvre. I have to say that, stars in the Jaipur sky notwithstanding, the performance at Asia Society was even more mystical than I remembered the whole thing to have been… That’s quite an accomplishment in this world of ours, where most experiences seem to get more watered down and worse for the wear.

The performance, complete with book signing and a wonderful after-party with William Dalrymple and his accompanying friends, was presented by Asia Society in association with the Indo American Arts Council and SAJA. This traveling spectacle of modern-day mysticism also played in Washington and San Francisco…

Dalrymple’s sense of humor filled the Asia Society auditorium with laughter from the audience, when he confessed that during the tour “everyone has been arrested at some point or another”. He went on to talk about Paban Das Baul’s ordeal with the Australian authorities, since his instrument is made from a gourd. Apparently, Australia has half the diseases of the rest of the world and they’d like to keep it that way, so even Hari Das’ costume - containing pieces of bamboo and palm - was confiscated, which left Das looking for replacements at “the Botanical Gardens”.

He also talked about each of his accompanying musicians and dancers, which included Paban Das Baul and his partner Mimlu Sen, Hari Das and the Theyyam Dance Group, the Shah Jo Raag Fakirs and Susheela Raman with Sam Mills and Aref Durvesh. Each performance was introduced by Dalrymple reading excerpts from his unforgettable stories which describe in depth the full background of each musician and dancer. While not all stories may have referred in particular to the artists on the stage, they all give a glimpse into their very special worlds. Perhaps that is why the performance captured my imagination even further the second time around, after having read ‘Nine Lives’. The book created a bond between the grand personalities mentioned and the audience.

The musical performances included Paban Das Baul accompanied by Mimlu Sen, who brought the infectious rhythms of the Bauls of Bengal - Baul literally means “mad” - as well as their great style and nonchalance to the stage. The Sufi musicians with their beautiful instruments and falsetto voices were haunting and mystical, while Hari Das was like nothing I have ever witnessed before! And of course, closing the evening was the bigger than life Susheela Raman, whose deep voice and strong stance truly defines womanhood in my book!

Finally, I’ll leave you with the introduction to ‘Nine Lives, posted on the FB group page. It’s possibly the best motivator for urging you to buy this book and then try to catch the touring performance when it comes to a city near you. Keep reading and keep dreaming!

“A Buddhist monk takes up arms to resist the Chinese invasion of Tibet – then spends years trying to atone for the violence by hand-printing the best prayer flags in India. A Jain nun tests her powers of detachment as she watches her best friend ritually starve to death. A woman leaves her middle-class family in Calcutta, and her job in a jute factory, only to find unexpected love and fulfilment living as a tantric in a skull-filled hut in a remote cremation ground. A prison warden from Kerala becomes, for two months of the year, a temple dancer and is worshipped as an incarnate deity; then, at the end of February each year, he returns to prison.

An illiterate goat herd from Rajasthan keeps alive an ancient 4000-line sacred epic that he, virtually alone, still knows by heart. A devadasi – or temple prostitute – initially resists her own initiation into sex work, yet pushes both her daughters into a trade she now regards as a sacred calling.

Nine people, nine lives. Each one taking a different religious path, each one an unforgettable story. Exquisite and mesmerising, and told with an almost biblical simplicity, William Dalrymple’s first travel book in a decade explores how traditional forms of religious life in South Asia have been transformed in the vortex of the region’s rapid change.”

Excerpt and some photos courtesy of the ‘Nine Lives’ Facebook Group. Join them by clicking on the link. N-joy!

We can certainly all agree that in today’s world it’s becoming increasingly challenging to achieve a romantic connection. In fact, finding the right fit within a relationship which leaves both people at once satisfied and respected could easily become a full time job. But as difficult as it is for a straight man or woman to find love, I can’t even imagine how arduous that task becomes when my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters look for romance. All the explaining to family and friends, all the guilt of the parents’ unresolved expectations, the hiding, the hidden fear camouflaged as hatred from the outside world, it could all simply seem unbearable. Yet, as hard as that can be, multiply it by a thousand if you happen to be gay or lesbian and South Asian. THEN, the stakes become nearly impossible.

It is exactly within the understanding of this dilemma that ‘Desigirls!’ - a short film by talented filmmaker Ishita Srivastava - takes shape. It’s a poignant insight into the lives of two very separate and different women, the openly gay Priyanka and the hidden ‘A’. Both incredible individuals, both intelligent women, but dealing with their sexuality and sexual preference in a polarly opposite manner.

The film will be shown this coming Sunday, June 20th, starting at 3 p.m., at the Queens Museum of Art as part of the Seventh Annual LGBT Cultural Celebration QUEERIN’ QUEENS, co-presented by CINEMAROSA, the South Asian Party Mixer Desilicious/Sholay Productions and the International Human Rights Organization Breakthrough.

The story has a personal angle for me since I attended Priyanka’s wedding party early this year, when she wed her partner Lisa under the auspicious eye of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. It was obvious to me all the love in the room that night, starting with the happy couple and all the way to the guests and well-wishers at the event. If you have any doubt of its beauty, simply read this ode to the night published on EGO Magazine…

It was indeed a night to remember and this film ‘Desigirls!’ is one NOT to be forgotten. Its message will feel poignant and true to anyone who has ever struggled for anything in their lives, yet still found the energy to love and shine through it all. See you at the screening everyone!

All images courtesy of Ishita Srivastava

Everyone should know by now that I hold a special place in my heart for India. No matter how many times I get thrown off that horse - due to strange behavior displayed by some so-called “close Bombay friends”, or mishaps during one of my multiple trips there - I get right back on it again. I could never stop my journey towards trying to discover the complete beauty of the country, along with the absolutely magnetic charm of its people and the undeniable spice of its cinema, fashion and, of course, food.

But there is one person in this world who puts my passion for India and all things Desi to shame: William Dalrymple. He’s been all around the great land, north and south, east to west, has studied the religions, the languages, the monuments and the leaders and has written about it all, making even history and geography seem fascinating and utterly mystifying in the process. His brilliant enthusiasm puts my own addiction, to the country and its people, to shame. And my unfaltering devotion seems as intense as the attention span of a fruit fly, not worthy of a true aficionada, should it ever dare to be compared to his commitment.

Thankfully, William Dalrymple is bringing one of his most fascinating projects to the Asia Society in NYC. This coming Friday and Saturday - June 18th and 19th - he’ll be presenting his multi-cultural and many-layered project ‘Nine Lives - In Search of the Sacred in Modern India’ to those of us lucky enough to live in or around the Big Apple. Tickets are going fast, but there are still some seats available for both evenings. Just click here for the Asia Society Box Office.

Having seen the performance in Jaipur, during the Jaipur Literature Festival, I can highly recommend it as a fascinating evening of music, written word and culture. It features Dalrymple - as a spiritual ring leader of sorts and poetic master of ceremonies - as well as Paban Das Baul & the Bauls Of Bengal, Shah Jo Raag Fakir, Susheela Raman and the Chandu Pannicker Theyyam Dance Group. If some of the names sound familiar, well Paban Das Baul is one of the most renowned Baul musician, who is BTW also featured in the last story of ‘Nine Lives’ - the book - and Susheela Raman sings ‘Yeh Mera Divanapan Hai’, from the soundtrack of Mira Nair’s film ‘The Namesake’. Yup, THAT song, the catchy one!

The evenings mark the US release of William Dalrymple’s latest book, a collection of stories titled - you guessed it - ‘Nine Lives - In Search of the Sacred in Modern India’, published here by Random House. I picked up my copy in Jaipur and everyone in my close circle who has read it has loved it, yours truly included. It’s a discovery journey into the mystical India, but also the practical way in which religion fits into everyday life in a country where people need spirituality to survive. An absolute must-read, just as the performance - presented by the Indo-American Arts Council - is a definite must-see. You can pick up your copy of the book from Amazon, or at the Asia Society gift shop, the night of the event.

Following the performance, there will also be a lovely reception inside the Asia Society and Mr. Dalrymple will sign copies of his book. See you there!

Images courtesy of Random House

It’s time once again for the monthly schedule of the ROOFTOP Films summer festival, which goes on through the summer to showcase many wonderful independent films, in open air setting throughout the City. Whether in Brooklyn, Manhattan, in backyards or on rooftops, this is one wonderful festival not to be missed. There are quite a few NY Premieres in June, including one for the much talked about ‘The Happy Poet’ playing later in the month… For all additional info do click on ROOFTOP Films to access their website. Oh, and I ask you, does it get any better than this breathtaking sunset view on the rooftop of the El Museo del Barrio, pictured above??

Friday, June 11
BIKER FOX
NY Premiere. A documentary about Tulsa’s best-known bicycle-riding, raccoon-feeding, scrapyard-dealing, screaming, ranting philosopher of life.
Venue: On the roof of Open Road at New Design High School (350 Grand St., Lower East Side, Manhattan)

Saturday, June 12
THE MAN NEXT DOOR
NY Sneak Preview. A smug designer in a one-of-a-kind Le Corbusier home has to deal with his crass neighbor’s new construction project in this dark comedy about architecture, class, and urban living.
Venue: On the roof of El Museo del Barrio (1230 Fifth Ave., East Harlem, Manhattan)

Sunday, June 13
TINY FURNITURE
22-year-old Aura returns home to her artist mother’s TriBeCa loft with the following: a useless film theory degree, 357 hits on her Youtube page, a boyfriend who’s left her to find himself at Burning Man, a dying hamster, and her tail between her legs. Presented in partnership with BAM CinemaFest.
Venue: In the lot across from BAM (Fulton & Ashland, Ft. Greene, Brooklyn)
* In the event of rain, this event will be held on Thursday, June 17.

Friday, June 18
NEW YORK NON-FICTION (short films)
Unexpected history lessons about the birth of our nation, the end of an artistic era, and the complex commotion of contemporary NYC. It’s your city. Take a look.
Venue: On the roof of Open Road at New Design High School (350 Grand St., Lower East Side, Manhattan)

Saturday, June 19
LOVERS OF HATE
In this savage comedy about deceit and sibling rivalry, two estranged brothers, Rudy and Paul, have nothing in common but their love for the same woman. In the shadows of a posh chalet, Rudy tries desperately to sabotage the relationship in director Bryan Poyser’s brilliantly executed game of cat and mouse.
Venue: On the roof of Open Road at New Design High School (350 Grand St., Lower East Side, Manhattan)

Sunday, June 20
SWEET MUD
A satirical drama about a young man and his mentally-troubled mother, living on a kibbutz in 1974. Winner of the award for Best World Drama at the Sundance film festival. A special presentation with the Consulate General of Israel Cultural Affairs Office.
Venue: On the pier at Solar One (23rd St. & East River, Kips Bay, Manhattan)

Thursday, June 24
THE RURAL LIFE AND SPIRIT (short films)
An adorable yodeling animal animation, a legendary buck-dancer documentary, a splendid story of spirits in the tropics, plus more magnificent movies from pastoral places.
Venue: On the lawn of Automotive High School (50 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Friday, June 25
THE HAPPY POET
NY Premiere. Rooftop alum Paul Gordon returns as Bill, an out-of-work poet, who puts his heart, soul, and last few dollars into starting an all-organic mostly-vegetarian food stand, but complications with the business jeopardize his dreams for a hot dog-free future.
Venue: On the roof of Open Road at New Design High School (350 Grand St., Lower East Side, Manhattan)

Saturday, June 26
GRAVITY WAS EVERYWHERE BACK THEN
When Leonard’s wife Mary was diagnosed with cancer, he thought he could build their house into a healing machine. It didn’t work. But he kept building. The magnificent debut feature from Rooftop alum musician/animator/artist Brent Green will be performed with a live soundtrack, featuring members of punk idols Fugazi.
Venue: On the roof of Open Road at New Design High School (350 Grand St., Lower East Side, Manhattan)
* In the event of rain, this show will be held on the following day, June 27.

Top image by Dillon DeWaters

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the Indo-American Arts Council and Aroon Shivdasani. I’ve been attending their beautifully organized events ever since I can remember starting to feel a Desi passion and I know I can always expect high standards and great class. But the mission of the IAAC is not limited to broadcasting Indian films or publicizing Desi writers. Its greatness lies in the IAAC’s broad appeal, the great diversity of interests they spark in their aficionados, as well as their repertoire of great dance, thought-provoking book launches, stunning fashion shows and fascinating art.

And if summer is just around the corner, you know the Erasing Borders dance festival is not very far. In fact, this year the dance extravaganza will take place from June 4th through the 6th. The festival will comprise of two concerts, a quartet of panel discussions and workshops, as well as an Informal Performance which will close the festival on Sunday, at 4 pm.

The first concert will take place on Friday, June 4th, at 8 pm, at Asia Society, which BTW is a great space for dance viewing. Friday’s performance will feature Odissi dancer Shipra Mehrotra, Bharata Natyam dancer/choreographer, as well as Yoga practitioner Navtej Johar, who is pictured at top, dancer and choreographer Cynthia Lee, who has been trained in North Indian kathak and American postmodern dance, the Garba/Bhangra dance team Wanted Ashiqz and the contemporary Kathak Parul Shah Dance Company, which left me smitten the last time around.

On Saturday at 8 pm, the performance will feature Bharata Natyam dancer Mythili Prakash, intercultural, multidisciplinary performer and choreographer Sheetal Gandhi, the vibrant and fresh Ailey II dancers, again Parul Shah Dance Company and last but not least, another personal favorite Mesma S. Belsare, who is always a beautiful sight to behold!

The workshops will run on Saturday from noon to 5.30 pm and on Sunday from noon to 3.30 pm, while the Informal Performance will ’shut it down’ - as a certain favorite fashion icon is known to say when things are so beautiful they simply cannot be followed by anyone or anything! - starting at 4 pm.

Bob Marley so poignantly sang “Forget your troubles and dance” and we certainly all have a lot of collective troubles to forget these days… So, don’t be left out of the fun and purchase your tickets for this magical event from the Asia Society Box Office. Save a dance for me!

What would it have been like to live in Mughal India, anytime during the period from the early 1500s to the mid-1800s? I think I would have loved the clothing and the constant attention from my own personal servants, though perhaps the idea of my husband being able to accumulate multiple wives might have felt a bit pesky. Think at times those were the good ol’ days?

You’ll be able to make up your own mind about all those questions and ideas at an upcoming film festival held at the Walter Reade Theater and organized by the ever-cultural IAAC in conjunction with the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Starting this Saturday, May 15th, with a launch party at the K Lounge in Midtown Manhattan, the ‘Muslim Cultures of Bombay Cinema’s film festival: Social Dramas & Shimmering Spectacle’ promises to sparkle, dazzle and entertain all the way. And don’t forget to don your best Mughal fineries at the opening party, in honor of Emperor Shahanshah Akbar… If you need a bit of help with that, no worries, Ashutosh Gowariker to the rescue! Check out the website for his film ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ for inspiration.

The shimmering evening will also feature a book sale and signing for the new release from Tulika Books ‘Islamicate Cultures of Bombay Cinema’ by Ira Bhaskar and Richard Allen. For those who have not been so fortunate to come across his interesting lectures and insightful film presentations, Richard Allen is Professor and Chair of Cinema Studies at the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, while Ira Bhaskar is Associate Professor of Cinema Studies at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

I have always been drawn to the elegance and culture of Mughal India. The Mughal emperors, their conquests and the lives of their consorts reminded me of those basically civilized but heavily misguided noble men and women of Renaissance Florence. It was an easy yet deeply subconscious association for me. Until Sir Salman Rushdie made it “real” in his beautifully written novel ‘The Enchantress of Florence’. Suddenly, the similarities became eerie and the connection no longer subconscious, but deeply rooted in Rushdie’s wittily rearranged facts and creative timelines.

While my bond with the Mughals deepened even further, a certain Empress of cinematic and literary fame simultaneously became a figment of the Emperor’s imagination, a glorified ghost, at the hand of the king of poetic license himself, Sir Rushdie. Indeed, during a press conference for the launch of the book in the US - organized by the Indo-American Arts Council - Rushdie called Jodha Bai unreal, although he admitted that actress Aishwarya Rai - who plays the Empress in the film ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ - was indeed “very real, even if we wish it wasn’t so!” From his telling, the Hindu princess appears to have been a composite of several of Akbar’s wives and concubines, a single woman made up of different souls, different characters within his inner court. 

However one wishes to think of Jodha - real or imaginary - her Rajput-princess-who-marries-a-Muslim-Emperor story is the stuff fairy tales are made of. And everything that seems like a fairy tale must, at some point, become a Bollywood blockbuster. This is the case with Gowariker’s ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and indeed also the case with the classic ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ - a story loosely based on an episode in the life of Emperor Jahangir. Jahangir was, incidentally, the son of Akbar and - you guessed it! - Jodha, our imaginary princess… Just like life itself, it is all open to interpretation.

Among some of my personal must-see at this film festival are ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’ with Pavan Malhotra, a lovely man with a beautiful wife - in real life - both of whom treated me to a wonderful evening of drinking chai and talking about films, NYC and chocolate on my last trip to Bombay! ‘Fiza’ by FB friend and film critic extraordinaire Khalid Mohamed, as well as ‘Mammo’ and ‘Sardari Begum’ both by the wonderful Shyam Benegal. So many films, so little time!

For a complete list of the movies featured in the festival, check out the Film Society of Lincoln Center website. For more about the IAAC launch party on Saturday night, and to purchase tickets to the event, check out the Mughal Court invitation page.