Category Archives: Bollywood

It was 25 June 1983, when India lifted its first World Cup title. The 1983 Cricket World Cup (officially the Prudential Cup ’83) was the 3rd edition of the Cricket World Cup tournament. It was held from 9 to 25 June 1983 in England and Wales and was won by India.

Kapil Dev captained the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, and in the process became the first Indian captain to win the Cricket World Cup, and is still the youngest captain (at the age of 24) to win the World Cup for any team. He was a fast-medium bowler and a hard-hitting middle-order batsman, and was named by Wisden as the Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002.

Kapil Dev retired in 1994, at the time holding the world record for the highest number of wickets taken in Test cricket, a record subsequently broken by Courtney Walsh in 2000. At the time, he was also India’s highest wicket-taker in both major forms of cricket, Tests and ODIs. He is the first player to take 200 ODI wickets. He is the only player in the history of cricket to have taken more than 400 wickets (434 wickets) and scored more than 5,000 runs in Tests, making him one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. On 11 March 2010, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. In 1982 awarded with the Padma Shri and in 1991 the Padma Bhushan. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapil_Dev

So, lets relive the moments from 1983 with the person who made history – with Kapil Dev. The recording is from a long time back – but it will surely inspire you today as well – listen – in for sure, today, 8th February, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST

Save the dates for the South Asian Showdown on March 1st, 2025 in Boston. This will be the 16th year for the event!

Bollywood/Fusion is a highly energetic dance from India that combines many different styles of dance coordinated to a theme. You will see Bollywood, Hip Hop, Bhangra, Classical, Contemporary, Tollywood and more! You don’t want to miss out on the chance of hearing the feet pulsing music, and the phenomenal atmosphere at the event. You will see some of the best dance performances of the year with teams that come to Boston from the US and Canada!

So, if you are in and around Boston or if you have any family or friends in Boston OR if you plan to take the trip to Boston, you can be a part of the event.

For the Event details, visit: http://www.southasianshowdown.com

Also, you stand a chance to win tickets to the event – stay tuned for this — we will be letting you know, very soon – So stay tuned on our shows!!

Maryam Abolfazli is a storyteller, coach and strategy consultant for social impact leaders and organizations. For twenty years, she built her career as an international economic and political development professional, working in Eurasia and the Middle East, to assist in improving the political and economic realities of marginalized communities there.

Maryam leveraged technology and designed an online training methodology that is still being used today in Afghanistan, Iran and more. All the while, she wrote and documented her travels and observations in publications such as the Huffington Post, Guernica, and The Guardian.

Today, Maryam is a Subject Matter Expert and Sr Trainer on a technology product utilized to measure the impact of programs around the world. Her writing today focuses on the topic of equitable development in her hometown of Nashville, TN. She often sneaks away to tell stories on stage for the MOTH Story Slam in Nashville, TN and Story District in Washington DC.

We talk to Maryam about the time she spent in Afghanistan – this was when the country had just started to build itself – Catch the conversation, recorded some years back, today, 4th February, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST

Vikas Bhalla is a distinguished Indian actor, singer, and producer, recognized for his contributions to both film and television. He has undergone formal training in Hindustani classical music at Allahabad University under the tutelage of Pandit Jialal Vasant. Bhalla gained prominence as a lead actor in films during the late 1990s and has also featured in a variety of music and video albums.

In 1995, Vikas Bhalla made his cinematic debut in Ramesh Modi’s film “Sauda,” where he assumed the lead role of Deepak, opposite actress Neelam. In parallel to his acting career, he pursued a vocation in singing and released several musical albums, including “Hai Dhuan,” “Awaara,” and “Mehek Teri.” His renowned track “Hai Dhuan” from the debut album “Dhuan” received widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as a prominent singer in the industry.

This conversation, recorded many years back tracks his journey – we talk about his films, about the many numbers that he has rendered, and much more – Do listen in to this conversation, with Vikas Bhalla – today, 3rd February, to our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM – EST.

Shailendra Singh is a celebrated Indian singer and actor, whose melodious voice and charismatic presence left a lasting impact on the music landscape of the late 1970s and early 1980s. He is renowned for his extensive repertoire, which includes a plethora of Hindi songs and a select few Marathi compositions, all of which showcase his remarkable vocal talent.

Among his most iconic tracks, the enchanting song “Main Shayar To Nahin” from the beloved film *Bobby* captivated audiences and became an anthem of its time. Similarly, his romantic melody “Humne Tumko Dekha” from *Khel Khel Mein* struck a chord with listeners, further establishing his status as a gifted artist.

In today’s episode, we embark on a nostalgic journey, revisiting the rich tapestry of Shailendra Singh Ji’s career in both singing and acting. Our discussion will delve deep into his experiences, as he reflects warmly on the myriad of colleagues he collaborated with throughout his career, sharing heartfelt anecdotes that illustrate the vibrant spirit of the film industry during that era.

We invite you to tune in for this insightful and engaging conversation on our special segment, *From Our Archives*. This episode will be broadcasted today, 19th January, at 2:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet Gold and at 3:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet USA. Do not miss this opportunity to connect with the timeless journey of a legendary artist.

Chandan Dass is an acclaimed Indian ghazal singer with a remarkable portfolio of albums and unforgettable ghazals. In a compelling interview recorded several years ago, he outlines his journey, emphasizing his introduction to a prominent Indian record company, facilitated by Talat Aziz. He delves into the details of his numerous albums, impactful ghazals, and extensive live performances, while also sharing insights into his family life.

This is a conversation you should not miss, featuring the extraordinary ghazals performed by Chandan Dass. Join us today, 11th November, for our Hindi Radio Show, “From Our Archives,” airing on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 3:00 PM EST. Make sure to tune in—you will not want to miss this experience!

Vidya Sinha was a renowned Indian actress celebrated for her performances in Hindi cinema. She is particularly remembered for her roles in films such as Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat, and Pati Patni Aur Woh. Her journey began as a model, and she gained recognition after winning the Miss Bombay title. Her film debut was in Raja Kaka alongside Kiran Kumar, but it was her breakout role in the low-budget hit Rajnigandha, directed by Basu Chatterjee, that truly brought her fame.

After a successful career, she took a break from acting but made a comeback later in life, appearing in various television serials and the hit movie Bodyguard featuring Salman Khan.

Join us today for a nostalgic conversation from our archives, airing at 2:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet Gold and at 3:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet USA. Don’t miss it!

Raju Srivastava is a highly regarded Indian comedian and actor, celebrated for his unique style of humor and his ability to connect with audiences. He embarked on his journey into the realm of stand-up comedy through the esteemed talent show “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge,” showcasing his exceptional comedic skills and charisma. His remarkable performance earned him the position of the second runner-up, which paved the way for his participation in the subsequent spin-off, “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge – Champions,” where he triumphantly secured the coveted title of “The King of Comedy.”

From an early age, Raju Srivastava harbored a deep aspiration to become a comedian, driven by a passion for entertaining others. He began his professional career by taking on small yet notable roles in various Bollywood films, gradually establishing his presence in the industry. Among his noteworthy appearances, he featured in the classic Rajshri Productions film “Maine Pyar Kiya,” as well as in iconic movies such as “Baazigar” and “Bombay to Goa.” Furthermore, he displayed his versatile talents by portraying both comedic and dramatic roles in the Bollywood feature “Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya.”

As you listen to this recorded conversation, it is a meaningful opportunity to reflect upon Raju Srivastava’s contributions to the arts and to extend your thoughts and prayers for his well-being and continued health. The scheduled broadcast for this program will take place today, 25th December, at 2:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet Gold and at 3:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet USA, providing fans and supporters the chance to celebrate his legacy.

Farooq Shaikh was an eminent Indian actor and television presenter whose contributions to Parallel Cinema, also known as New Indian Cinema, were significant. His ability to portray characters with remarkable authenticity rendered him a respected figure within the industry.

Farooq Sahaab consistently acknowledged the influence of the skilled directors with whom he collaborated in the early stages of his career and frequently elaborated on these formative experiences.

Today, we invite you to engage with the exceptional journey of Farooq Shaikh, as we reflect on his extensive filmography and the enduring memories he has left behind. We encourage you to listen to our special segment on the Hindi Radio Show, titled “From our Archives,” which will be broadcast today, 29th November, at 2:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet Gold and at 3:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet USA. This presentation offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights from a compelling conversation with the distinguished Farooq Shaikh Sahaab.

Rohit Bhambi is the visionary founder of Boston Bhangra, an organization that celebrates the vibrant culture of Bhangra dance and music. In the upcoming episode of his show, he will delve into the specifics of the teams participating this year, shedding light on their unique styles and performances.

In addition, he will share important logistical details regarding the event, including the venue, date, and timing.

For those interested in learning more about this exciting occasion, it is highly recommended to tune in on November 19th. The broadcast will air on MeraSangeet Gold at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM EST, as well as on MeraSangeet USA/East at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM EST. This promises to be an engaging opportunity to connect with the rich traditions of Bhangra and experience the talent of this year’s performers.

Ila Arun is an accomplished Indian actress and singer who has made significant contributions to the Bollywood film industry. She has appeared in several notable films, including “Lamhe,” “Jodhaa Akbar,” “Shaadi Ke Side Effects,” and “Begum Jaan.”

In addition to her acting career, Ms. Arun has performed numerous songs in Hindi and a variety of South Indian languages, including Tamil and Telugu. One of her most recognized performances is in the song “Choli Ke Peeche,” which she recorded alongside Alka Yagnik for the film “Khalnayak,” featuring Madhuri Dixit. This particular work garnered them the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

We invite you to join us for an engaging conversation with Ila Arun on our program, “From Our Archives,” today, November 18th, at 2:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet Gold, followed by a broadcast at 3:00 PM EST on MeraSangeet USA.

Kamal Bawa is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and Founder of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore A world-leading authority on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, he has received many international awards such as Gunnerus Prize in sustainability, Midori Prize in biodiversity, Linnean Medal, and honorary doctorates from the University of Alberta, and Concordia University. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society, the American Philosophical Society, and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Kamal Bawa is the founding Editor-in-Chief of Conservation and Society and Founding Editor of Ecology, Economy and Society.

Today, we talk to Prof. Bawa about conservation of ecology and environment, about Atree and much more – Tune – in for sure, today, 17th September, on MeraSangeet Gold at 6:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM EST and MeraSangeet USA/East at 7:00 PM and 12:00 PM EST.