From figurative to abstraction, Ram Kumar, a luminary in India’s artistic cosmos, is a beacon of inspiration, revolutionising the canvas with his abstract strokes. Born in 1924, Ram Kumar’s journey from the corridors of academia to the bustling street of Paris and finally to the serene landscapes of Varanasi captures a profound evolution in both his art style and thematic preoccupations.

Ram Kumar was drawn into the art world due to a chance encounter with an exhibition at the Sarada Ukil School of Art while pursuing his Master’s in Economics at St Stephen’s College in 1945. He enrolled in evening classes at the art school under the guidance of artist Sailoz Mookherjea. Kumar started to hone his skills in still-life portrait painting, gradually transitioning to capture the urban decay and human condition of Delhi and Shimla through his paintings. During his formative years, Kumar’s art reflected a vibrant energy, often depicting scenes of everyday life juxtaposed with deeper existential themes. His works, such as “Why Can’t I Sleep” and “Oppression”, reflected the underlying social and political currents shaping post-independence India.

In 1948, Ram Kumar’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he joined a Hindi daily newspaper as a journalist trainee and crossed paths with artist J. Swaminathan. This encounter solidified his commitment to art, and began a lifelong friendship with fellow artists such as S.H Raza, F.N. Souza and K.H.Ara. The year 1949 witnessed Ram Kumar’s first solo exhibition in Shimla, where his paintings caught the eye of Dr Zakir Hussain, the then Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University. Inspired by the early success, Kumar embarked on a journey of artistic enlightenment to Paris.

With its rich cultural tapestry, Paris was a crucible for Kumar’s artistic evolution. Under the tutelage of renowned artist Andre Lhote, Kumar delved into the work of lines, curves and colours, imbuing his works with a newfound dynamism inspired by the works of radicals like Louis Aragon and Roger Garaudy, as well as encounters with luminaries like Pablo Neruda, Kumar’s art began to reflect a deeper engagement with human emotions and societal realities. The years spent in Paris were transformative for Kumar, artistically and ideologically. His encounters with the works of Courbet, Rouault, Kathe Kollwits and Edward Hopper instilled in him a deep appreciation and sensitivity to the human experience, which would manifest in his later works.

When he returned to India, Kumar was drawn to the ancient city of Varanasi, where he encountered a land brimming with spiritual fervour and existential angst. The stark contrast between the city’s vibrant rituals and its silent decaying structures became a recurring motif in Kumar’s art.

The 1960s marked a watershed moment in Kumar’s artistic career as he transitioned from figurative to abstract expressionism. His “Grey Period” changed from vivid colours to muted tones reflecting the sad realities of human suffering and mortality. His cityscapes of Varanasi, rendered in Cubist aerial views, symbolised the existential angst that permeated his work. Kumar’s later works continued to explore Varanasi’s spiritual and existential dimensions, albeit with a newfound sense of transcendence. His “Benaras Series”, characterised by ethereal blues and a sense of collective spirituality, captured the city’s timeless allure while evoking a deep sense of human emotion and longing.

In retrospect, Ram Kumar’s artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of exploration and introspection. From his early realist works depicting the bustling streets of Delhi to, his later abstract compositions inspired by the charisma of Varanasi, Kumar’s art transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal human experience.

In a world marked by constant change and upheaval, Ram Kumar’s timeless artworks serve as poignant reminders of the enduring power of art to reflect, provoke and inspire. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, may we find solace and enlightenment in the enduring legacy of artists like Ram Kumar, whose abstract brushstrokes continue to resonate across time and space.

Classical dance is always associated with femininity and women. Whenever male dancers get on stage to do their classical pieces they are ridiculed to no end. Putting an end to this ridicule and humiliation here is our list of male Indian classical dancers who are ready to break the stigma around male Indian classical dancers and show the world how they too can be graceful and still be a man.

Kathak Rockers by Kumar Sharma

Combining yin and yang energy and exuding elegance with each step, Kumar Sharma’s performance is bound to leave you in awe. The simple costume helps the viewers to focus more on his expressions and mudras. Never missing a beat, Kumar Sharma’s YouTube page is a must-view page for any Kathak lovers. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by not shying away from letting himself shine on stage.

Ardhanarishvara Ashtakam by Vinay Tiwari

Vinay Tiwari perfectly executed a Bharatnatyam number that relies heavily on slow movements. Broadcasted on DD Bharati this dance captured the attention of millions because of Tiwari’s perfectly timed expressions. The costumes and the makeup add a layer of drama to the performance. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by not being afraid to slow down and take his time to highlight each move at a time rather than rushing through it.

Ami Je Tomar by Rohit Gijare

Who said Manjulika can be the only one to rock a pair of ghungroos and sway to “Ami Je Tomar”? Many female dancers recreated this iconic dance number from the film Bhool Bhooliya so it was about time a male Indian classical dancer gave his take on the same. And Rohit Gijare does exactly that. Never missing a beat or an expression he manages to keep the viewer’s attention till the last minute. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by not being afraid to give his take on the classical Bollywood number.

Bharatnatyam Jathi by Ananda Natanam

A cheerful classical Bharatnatyam performance is all you need on a gloomy day to lift your spirits. And Ananda Natanam delivers exactly that. The bubbly steps accompanied by his cute smile are bound to make even non-dancers sway with joy. The costume is kept simple to ensure the audience can focus on the dancer’s movements and relish the pure joy that Natanam exudes with each step. This male Indian classical dancer breaks the stigma against male classical dancers by truly enjoying his art form.

Tryambakam by Sutra Foundation

The Tryambakam, (Odissi) is an invocatory homage to Siva, the triple-eyed Lord, Nourisher and Liberator of souls from the bondage of pull of opposites. This masterpiece by the Sutra Foundation brings to light the pure joy of dancing that was experienced by the Lord of Dance, Shiva who is often depicted as half man and half woman. The dancers beautifully capture the Lord’s ever-famous Tandav dance which is bound to energise any wandering soul with its perfect rhythmic movements and passion. These male Indian classical dancers break the stigma against male classical dancers by invoking the divine and transcending societal gender norms with their performance.

Do check out these dancers to truly appreciate the essence of their performance.

Get ready for another laughter ride as our favourite stand-up comedians are back with more jokes to remember for a long time once again. These stand-up shows will not only make you laugh because they’re funny but also give you various perspectives on life, making the jokes hit close to home. 

Kenny Sebastian 

Kenny Sebastian is one of those comedians who will undoubtedly make you laugh but don’t expect offensive jokes coming from him. He picks up the relatable topics, even the topics you may have been bullied a lot about among your friends. But, he knows how to keep it light-hearted without making you feel bad about anything at all. At his recent show, he kept his jokes about height and how people of different heights suffer differently. This stand-up will take you back to the days of your youth and remind you of the childhood fun we all miss every day. Learn more about Kenny Sebastian by going through our interview with him!

Varun Grover

They say you need to be politically aware to be the right audience for Varun Grover’s stand-ups and they tell the truth. Varun Grover is one of those stand-up comedians where you can’t put your brain on shutdown mode and enjoy it without thinking too much. If you’re a sociology and current affairs enthusiast, this is the stand-up for you. As Grover makes you laugh with his witty jokes, he keeps his bureaucratic subtle commentary intact. Alongside, he also points out the dying cultures such as ethical journalism and the quality of government services. All in all, this is a must-watch stand-up if you’re into jokes based on wit.

Abhishek Upmanyu 

Abhishek Upmanyu entered the stand-up comedy space in recent years and received a lot of love due to his unbeatable storytelling skills. In his recent show, he dedicated a section to his life journey about why and how he entered the field. He starts with the obvious inferior remarks that all comedians receive in gatherings and get-together parties. As he tells his incredibly hilarious stories, he also touches upon the little elements that evoke more and more laughter. He rightly highlights the struggle of securing good employment and the anxiety it brings along. He also jokes about the very famous Bollywood nepotism and knows how to make subtle and non-offensive jokes about common disabilities. As Abhishek Upmanyu himself has speech issues, he uses his weakness as his strength and makes you roll on the floor laughing. This 40-minute stand-up comedy is packed with beyond comical and is a must-watch if you’re a comedy lover.

Zakir Khan

In his latest stand-up comedy show, Zakir Khan brings lots of laughs and relatable stories about love and life. He talks about the funny side of keeping your dating life a secret from nosy parents. Additionally, he tells how guys today deal with the pressures of being too macho. With jokes that hit close to home, Zakir explains why men sometimes struggle to understand and be nice to others, especially women. He also points out how guys might downplay women’s efforts in everyday things and exaggerate their importance. Zakir hilariously shows the awkwardness when guys try to talk to girls, making everyone in the audience crack up. He even shares the ups and downs of being a comedian and dealing with society’s judgments. This comedy special is a must-watch for a good time filled with laughter and a reality check on toxic masculinity. 

Anubhav Singh Bassi 

Anubhav Singh Bassi is renowned for his funniest stories and his storytelling skills. He does it naturally and is relatable to every middle-class person. His stories are unbelievably funny and make you recall “the young days” with your friends. Similarly, this one will also make you recall the days you might’ve felt economically inferior but still laugh out loud. His subtle references to here and there, everyday things, be it popular Bollywood movies, animals or your local rickshaws or so you say, ‘tuk-tuk’ make the jokes even funnier. This 8-minute stand-up is packed with laughter, free of cheap jokes and will force you to carry the jokes with you on your next trip to Dubai.

This stand-up comedy marathon will make you chuckle. Whether you want a good mindless laugh or some currently informed jokes, this marathon has it all for you. Keep your Friday night free and binge these comedians for a joyful weekend. 

Enter into a world of dance, where tradition meets innovation, semi-classical and classical performances are always the beacon of unique niche. A blend of grace and vivacity of contemporary expressions, these performances captivate audiences with their seamless moves and styles. Let us take a journey through the graceful blend of tradition and innovation.

Tere Naina by Dance Choreography : 

Tere Naina Choreography unfolds on stage like a delicate poem, each movement a brushstroke on the canvas of emotion. With her impeccable footwork and expressive gestures, Patel effortlessly navigates the realms of love and vivacity. The performance is set to the beautiful song of “Tere Naina” from My Name Is Khan, fused with the traditional moves by our artist which has the audience grooving long after the performance is over.

Gulabi Sharara 

Gulabi Sharara is a vibrant performance of music and movement, blending traditional moves with a contemporary flair. The peppy number adds to the rhythmic precision of the footwork to the fluidity of his gestures. The mastery of the craft was evident throughout the performance. With each sequence, they have transported the audience on a journey through time and tradition, merging it with contemporary magic.

Ranjan Gawala Mahaganpati – Dance cover

Ranjan Gawala Mahaganpati – Dance cover, challenged traditional boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on classical dance. Through innovative choreography and evocative storytelling, perspective on classical dance. She breathes life into old classical dances, infusing them with modern relevance. Her seamless integration of traditional moves and contemporary elements sparked conversations and ignited imaginations reminding us that art knows no bounds.

Apsara Ali remix dance choreography – Poonam and Priyanka Dance

Apsara Ali remix dance choreography by Poonam and Priyanka was a celebration of joy, unity and the universal language of dance. Through synchronized movements and shared expressions Poonam and Priyanka brought transition and fusion in harmony. The dynamic performance captivated audiences and left us uplifted and groovy. 

After The Curtain Call 

Innovation thrives alongside tradition, creating a rich tapestry of expression and creativity. The performances showcased the boundless talent and passion of their creators, leaving an indelible impression on all those who witnessed them. As we applaud the artists for their dedication and vision, let us continue to support and celebrate the transformative power of dance in all its forms.

Poetry isn’t just a handful of words; it’s like a warm sea of passion. It has the power to immerse you in a pool of emotions and enthusiasm, providing a sense of freedom from everyday desires and norms. Poetry is the art of expressing unspoken and unheard feelings that reside deep within, struggling to be articulated through a rhythmic arrangement of words. Let me introduce you to some poets whose work can make you truly fall in love with poetry.

‘Ram’ by Abhi Munde

“Bharat ki neenv hain kavitayein aur satya hamari baaton mein, tabhi kalam hamari teekhi aur sahitya hamare hathon mein.” Poetry has always been an inseparable part of Indian culture and Abhi Munde in his latest poetry ‘Ram’ has reiterated this beautifully. A Marathi poet who writes and recites in Hindi, Abhi is a phenomenal poet whose pen has rendered some of the most poignant pieces of poetry in today’s scenario. In this Kalyug, everyone is chasing spirituality and God, people believe that God resides within them; yet they stoop low in the most basic things of life.

Abhi Munde has perfectly described this irony of today’s world through his poem ‘Ram’. He sends out a prominent message of realising the actual virtues and vices of human life. His choice of words and pitch variation while reciting is just apt to let the listener transport himself to another world. The poem is a masterpiece; and with the beats paired with it by Nitin Ugalmugale, you are sure to get goosebumps while you feel the essence of every word.

‘Not All Men’ by Jidnya Sujata 

#NotAllMen – a hashtag trending on Instagram came out of the usual feminist (or maybe not so feminist) reels with Jidnya Sujata providing a newer dimension to the perspective. The poet’s use of words, pauses, pitch and expressions in her poetry was just apt to bring out a strong idea in a rhythmic pattern. She gave way to both the dimensions of the idea; of not all men being harmful and at the same time of not all men being harmless.

In today’s world, one can find both – men who commit wrong and certain other men who are framed. And here comes the need for #NotAllMen; but Jidnya smoothly aces the idea of not all men being victims. “The land of my dreams stood strong on the shoulders of men and women, men who knew respect, who knew empathy, who knew kindness. And then I woke up to reality, a place where not all men are the same. Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if they were?” says Jidnya! Isn’t it, wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if they were? 

‘Sapiosexual Texting’ by Sid Warrier

All of us have once in a while had someone whose message popping on the phone has given us butterflies. Earlier there were long handwritten letters or barely worded postcards that did the thing. But now, it’s the ‘hey’ and ‘hi’ that ignite the sparks. Sid Warrier, in his Valentine’s Day Special poetry beautifully worded the journey of begging from a mere ‘hi’ to landing up in sleepless nights by choice. With the soulful music by Abhin Joshi, this work is even more pleasing to listen to. For all those who are in the midst of sparking conversations, this poem is worth listening to. “This is a universal truth that ‘hey’ is better than ‘hi’.” – with Sid’s wonderful words the smiles shine brighter on seeing a ‘hey’ instead of a ‘hi’.

‘For those Looking for a Sign’ by Ankita Shah

Life is a constant hustle these days and the complex species of Homo Sapiens always waits for good signs with expectant eyes. When one looks closely, every little thing in one’s life is a sign of something good happening constantly. This is the message that the latest poetry of Ankita Shah sends out. The soothing music by Abhin Joshi paired with the sweet and calm recitation by the poet is a treat to watch. She wisely uses words and conveys how gratitude is an essential part of one’s life.

So, for those looking for a sign, Ankita’s poetry is a reminder of the things of beauty this life offers and how one should keep cherishing it till the end. “To catch yourself breathing is a sign.” – these words of Ankita Shah will reverberate in your ears till eternity once you listen to them and encourage you to add life to your days and not days to your life.

‘Apna Andar Kaise Jhaakun’ by Chintan Rachchh

Self-discovery is the art of discovering yourself, your likes, and your dislikes and knowing your heart, body and mind thoroughly. It’s easier to observe others and learn about their habits, but when it comes to yourself, most of the time we find ourselves wondering what exactly we want. The simple question of ‘Who am I?’ seems to be a mountain trek and we stay stuck on ‘I am ___’ with nothing to fill in the blank. Chintan Rachchh, a splendid poet presents this idea of the journey of discovering oneself in his poem. The genuine questions and usual answers hit the right spot and leave the listener wondering how to look within oneself. “Kisiko malum ho to mujhe zarur ilm karna ki main kaise andar jhakun?” – and that is a mystery bigger than the mysteries of the black hole.