Friday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 1

Event: MuslimFest

Details:  This is undoubtedly one of the biggest events happening in Mississauga this weekend. The 2019 MuslimFest featuring an array of performers, vendors, artists, etc. will take place at the Celebration Square in Mississauga for three days.
Contact: For schedule and more, visit here

Monday, Sept. 2

Event: Kal, aaj aur kal with Tushar Shukla

Details: Tushar Shukla, a poet, radio personality and author, and Kaajal Oza Vaidya, author and screenwriter will be at the Michael Power-St. Joseph High School, 105 Eringate Dr. in Etobicoke at 5 p.m. for an intellectual conversation.

Contact: For details contact here

Thursday, Sept. 5 – 15

Event: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Details: One of North America’s biggest film festivals kicks off Sept. 5-15 this year across various venues. Each year, the festival welcomes several Bollywood actors, directors and industry stalwarts. The Sky is Pink, starring Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar is part of this year’s offering.

Contact: For schedules, red carpets, etc. visit here

Saturday, Sept. 7

Event: Falguni Pathak in Toronto

Details: The dandiya queen of India Falguni Pathak will be at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga at 7 p.m. for Dandiya Dhoom.

Contact: For tickets and more visit here

Event: Guelph Ratri before Navrathri 2019

Details: This event featuring traditional Ras Garba with Darshana Thaker and Vishnu Joshi will take place at the Evergreen Senior Community Centre, 683 Woolwich St. in Guelph, Ont. starting at 6:30 p.m.

Contact: For tickets, etc. visit here

Event: Dharma Samvadam Family Retreat

Details: Shrishti Foundation will host a two-day spiritual retreat at the Guruvayurappan Temple of Brampton, 2580 Countryside Dr., in Brampton Sept. 7-8. The event will be guided by Swami Chidananda Puri, Muktananda Yati and Divakaran Nambudiri and feature, discourses, discussions, Q&A, meditation, etc.

Contact: For more details visit here

Event: Stree Shakti: Celebrating Women in Music

Details: This classical music event by Raag Mala will take place at the Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr. in Toronto at 7 p.m. It will feature Shubada Joshi-Athawale (harmonium), Vidushi Arati Ankalikar (vocalist), Mukta Raste (Tabla). This event is part of our 2019/20 Performing Arts season, Listening to Each Other, which pays tribute to the role of the performative arts in connecting communities, preserving culture, and spurring social change.

Contact: For tickets, visit here

Sunday, Sept. 8

Event: Shreya Ghoshal Live

Details: Bollywood crooner Shreya Ghoshal will entertain audiences in Toronto as she takes over the stage at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place in Mississauga.

Contact: For tickets, contact here

Event: Trijjan 2019

Details: This Punjabi cultural event is taking place at the Speranza Hall, 510 Deerhurst Dr. in Brampton at noon. Artists include Gurnam Bhullar, Rajvir Jawanda, Mankirt Aulakh, Harjit Harman and others.

Contact: For tickets, contact: Gift Emporium (Airport and Morningstar) or call 905-677-8686                            

Saturday, Sept. 21

Event:905FEST

Details: This is the first year for the Brampton-based event hosted by PGA International. The 905FEST featuring performances by local artists, food, activities for children, etc. will take place outside the Sheridan College, Davis Campus, 7899 McLaughlin Rd. in Brampton between 2-10 p.m. This year’s proceeds will benefit SHIVAS (Shining Hope in Vital Autism Society) a not-for-profit organization.   

Contact: For more details visit here

Sunday, Sept. 22

Event: Energy Flow Recital

Details: Pure Soul Energy Bollywood Dance will present a dance recital of its students at noon at the Hindu Heritage Centre, 6300 Mississauga Rd.

Contact: For more details visit here

Thursday, Sept. 27 – 29

Event: Jaipur Literary Festival

Details: This high-profile literary event whose roots are planted in India will be making its Canadian debut this year to take place at Toronto’s Distillery District.

The 2019 JLF – Toronto will feature a lineup of award-winning writers, actors, culinary stars. You do not want to miss it.

Contact: For full roster visit here  

The good folks at the Bollywood Monster Mashup (BMM) not only orchestrate a couple of great outdoor concerts in Brampton and Mississauga with A list performers, each year, but they have always given Toronto Desi Diaries access to the artists. So, here’s a big shout out to all the behind-the-scenes wizards handling social media, PR, stage, and all the promotional duties. You guys, rock.

But, before you dive right into my Q&A with Nikhita Gandhi, here’s what you need to know about the July 2019 concerts:

What: The 9^th Bollywood Monster Mashup

When: July 18-20 with back-to-back concerts happening at Mississauga’s Celebration Square

Who: Nikhita will take on the stage on Friday, July 19, and on Saturday, July 20, enjoy the soulful melodies of Yasser Desai with the man himself. You may have heard of Yasser’s voice belting out (Pallo Latke) and my absolute favourite Naino ne baandi from the Akshay Kumar starrer, Gold.  Friday’s show will also feature performances by Reign Yash Academy, Parichay, Waris Virse De, Peace & Love and R&B United Band.

Saturday evening witness The Shiamak Showkids, The Band Destiny, Nick Ft. Vedik Vibez Orchestra, Ankita Music, Desi Muziko Band, and Mehboob Orchestra, plus, the annual #BollywoodMonster Orchestra ( Vikas Kohli) will be teaming up with Univox Choir to perform hit songs from Bajirao Mastani, Agneepath and other films with over 20 voices on stage.
How’s that for a monster celebration, eh?

“Nine years in, and we keep upping the ante on the free concerts and free activities for families in Mississauga, the GTA, across Ontario, and beyond,” noted Vikas Kohli, artistic director, MonstrARTity. “From Bollywood stars with their debut Canadian performance, to brilliant dance performances, KidZone crafts and games, food, shopping and more. Come on out and join us as we sing, dance and eat all weekend long.”

In conversation with Nikhita Gandhi

Pursuing her musical dreams meant, Nikhita, 27, had to ditch her plans to become a dental surgeon (she was in her fourth year of school) when fate staggered and took an unexpected turn, leading her into the world of music.  Nikhita’s idyllic childhood in Calcutta was spent in hours of riyaz (practice). Whether it was classical Hindustani music, Odissi dance or hitting the textbooks, this self-professed nerd appears to have mastered it all.

Since her debut in 2015, Nikhita has delivered a string of chart-toppers include Raabta, Qaafirana from Kedarnath, Ullu ka patha with Arjit from Jagga Jassos, Madaari from the Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, and dozens of others including some regional hits.

Nikhita shares some details of her life including some surprising talents (hint: let’s say she’ll be more than at home at the Home Depot or Lowe’s).

Toronto Desi Diaries (TDD): How did you became interested in music?

NG: I am a “quintessential Bong.” My family (Bengali/Punjabi) is from Calcutta. Culture is huge in Bengal and so, that’s something I imbibed.

TDD: How was your life in Chennai?

NG: I moved to Chennai to do my bachelor’s in dental surgery. It (Chennai) is where I met Rahman sir (AR Rahman) and it was where I recorded my first song as a professional musician (Ladio).

TDD: Was there an ‘aha’ moment for you when your path as a singer became clear?

NG: When I started working with Rahman sir, I was still in college. I took everything that came my way as an experience and a new chapter.

The ‘aha’ moment was when I met Rahman sir after my first song and he asked me what my plans were. I told him, “Sir, I am in my final year and my plan is to finish this (dental surgery) and maybe do my master’s.”
He looked at me and said, “Are you serious? You’re now a singer. This is your life, now.”

And that was a defining moment.

TDD: What’s the life of a playback singer like?

NG: I am fairly new and just getting used to the rhythm out here in Mumbai. A typical day could be one that starts at 4 or 5 a.m. all the way until 3 a.m. the following morning. Or it could be one when I have nothing to do, so I am rehearsing or doing my own shows and cultivating my art. I am also a composer and songwriter. It’s all very unpredictable. I am a workaholic and love to keep busy.

TDD: What does an aspiring singer need to do in order to make it in the cut-throat music industry?

NG: There’s no formula, so, I can’t speak for everybody. But one thing I have been clear about is that; I always want to be true to myself. Whatever I do, I do what’s right. I don’t do things because it will position me in a certain way. I believe in hard work. I have enjoyed the journey because I think if you have a positive outlook, it makes things so much fun and interesting.

TDD: Who are your favourite singers, composers?

NG: I have been blessed to be able to work with the crème de la crème in my nascent years in the industry. Composers such as A.R Rahman, Pritam da, Sachin-Jigar, Amit Trivedi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Vishal-Shekhar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, etc. I am really excited at some of the stuff that’s in the pipeline.

Singers? I sang my first Bollywood song with Arjit Singh.. he’s so fabulous. I love Sasha’s voice. I am a person who loves textures. I am a die-hard fan of Abida Parveen and other singers with amazing unique sounds.

TDD: What’s your most favourite thing to do?

NG: My most favourite thing to do is to dance to some song that’s been stuck in my head. I love dancing alone. When I have a chill day to myself, I play the tune that I have been listening to in a loop and dance. It’s the most liberating thing…

TDD: Who’s on your playlist?

NG: There are a lot of artists I have been tripping on – Post Malone, Kehlani (Ashley), Daniel Caesar(R&B) and others.

TDD: One thing no one knows about you?

NG: I am a real nerd. I also love fixing things and making furniture. At home, I am an electrician, painter and what not. I have a tool kit with drills, hammers, etc.

TDD: What can we expect from your upcoming performance at Bollywood Monster Mashup?

NG: I am really excited about performing at the Bollywood Monster Mashup. This will be my first public show in Canada. I am going to perform all of my songs including some of my regional stuff. So, please do come, whatever community you belong to. I am going to give a little something to everybody. It’s going to be super versatile and interesting.

Saturday, June 1

Event: MonsterWorld Concert

Details: The MonsterWorld concert happening at the Garden Square 1 Theatre Ln., in Brampton is bringing a slew of high-energy urban musicians (Parichay, The Band Destiny, Flower City Bhangra, etc.,). This annual event has become the staple of summer. The Concert is free.
Contact: For schedule and performers visit here

Sunday, June 2-4

Event: Eid Bazaar (Chaand Raat)

Details: PGA International will be hosting its annual Eid Bazaar again this year at the Swagat Banquet Hall, 6991 Millcreek Dr. in Mississauga from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The bazaar will feature an array of goods such as food, jewelry, beauty products, etc.
Contact: For more information visit here

Friday, June 7

Event: 5^th annual Sansar Gala

Details: This celebration of Bollywood cinema is to support new research study for the deeper investigation of heart disease in South Asians. The black-tie gala will take place at the Paramount Eventspace, 222 Rowntree Dairy Rd., Woodbridge, ON. From 6:30 p.m. onward.Contact: For tickets and more visit here

Thursday, June 13

Event: Toronto Desi Soiree

Details: This event for South Asian (desi) singles by DeskiKnot is happening at Midtown Gastro Hub, 1535 Yonge St. Toronto from 8-10 p.m.
Contact: For more information about tickets, etc. visit here.

Saturday, June 29

Event: Rang Raatri

Details: Brampton Soccer Centre at 1495 Sandalwood Pkwy. E. is the place to be to enjoy an evening of Garba and sangeet with Achal Mehta. The event will start at 6 p.m. Cost of tickets is $20/person.
Contact: For tickets and other information, visit here.

Saturday, June 29-30

Event: A World of Culture

Details: Diversity Tour presents, A World of Culture, a two-day extravaganza taking place at the David Pecaut Square, 215 King St. W. in Toronto. The event will feature music, dance, a global food village and more.
Contact: For more information visit here

An artist’s vision should be limitless.

It should be flexible, resilient and be able to reinvent itself in new and exciting ways.

Seema Mehta, a well-known Kathak dancer, and Emmy-award-winning tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith check off all the above-mentioned boxes.

In their upcoming show, Rhythm Rewritten, happening in Toronto and other cities in Canada, the duo combine the timeless grace of Kathak with the intricacies of tap dance without diluting the sanctity of either.

You can watch their incredible chemistry and footwork, Thursday, May 16 at the Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr. Toronto at 8 p.m.  This show is a must-see for everyone that loves dance, art, culture, and music.

“Our performance is all improv,” says Seema, who was trained by the renowned Chitresh Das with whom Jason created the award-winning ‘India Jazz Suites.’”

“What is incredible about Jason’s dance is his ability to focus and really listen to what’s happening around him, which he absorbs and recreates through his body,” she continued. “Even though (the energy), is coming out of the tap shoes, it’s, in fact, going through his whole body. Jason’s dance decisions are made in a split second…”

Sounds intriguing, no? Check out the video.

Witness the battle of the feet in Toronto

The staccato sounds produced tap shoe complement the musical cadence of the Ghungroo (bell anklet) in a mesmerizing way. A fact that the world was able to witness because Chitresh Das, a jazz aficionado, imagined Kathak as a force that could easily blend with other forms.

In 2004, the American Dance Festival in North Carolina invited Chitresh Das to be part of the line-up. The event also featured a Flamenco company as well as three tap dancers including Jason.

When Jason and Chitresh Das jammed, they both experienced an incredible connection, both personally and as artists.

“That was my first exposure to Kathak and I was fascinated by the rhythms, energy, storytelling and precision of the dancers,” Jason recalled with nostalgia. “Dada (as Das was known) was a larger-than-life personality. He had an incredible desire to preserve his style and promote it to the world. I admired that because in tap dance too, we strive for the same thing.”

And thus, began a friendship and collaboration that continues.

When Seema and Jason are on stage, each feeds off the energy of the other as well as draws strength from an enthusiastic crowd.

Case in point. Students across various IIT Campuses in India gave Seema and Jason rousing feedback when the duo performed on their campuses. The audience was loud, energetic and enthusiastic.

So, what can you expect at the Rhythm Rewritten concert?

Simple, an hour-and-half performance, from two stellar artists that understand music and dance and communicate without a word.

The show will feature two solo acts with Seema showcasing her Kathak IQ and Jason exhibiting his outstanding abilities. Then, the two will jointly perform together.

“It’s kind of like a concert but it’s also a conversation between individuals and styles (of dance), between cultures, time, generation, etc,” Jason explains. “We both build bridges within our art forms without changing it. Unlike a fusion act where the lines get so blurry that you don’t know what’s what, we use a traditional vocabulary to express a current conversation.”

Rhythm Rewritten concert features Debashis Sarkar (vocals), Jayanta Banerjee (Sitar), Satyaprakash Mishra (Tabla), Ian de Sousa (bass), and Theo Hill (piano). For tickets, visit here.

If you’re a serious film buff, not the Bollywood song-and-dance kind, but of cinema whose characters and storyline end up connecting with you on a personal level, albeit through subtitles, then, the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) — Toronto, may be just what you need. The festival running until May 20 at multiple venues across the Greater Toronto Area, kicked-off Thursday, May 9.

Well-known actor Manoj Bajpayee (Satya) was among those in Toronto for the screening of his acclaimed film Bhonsle. The film follows the unusual friendship between Ganpath Bhonsle, a retired cop (Bajpayee), and a pair of Bihari migrants; a young woman and her brother.

Bajpayee—who also co-produced the project— talked about how the movie almost didn’t happen.

Migrants and migration are hot potato issues in India (across the globe too). At least half a dozen producers passed it because they feared the film’s sympathetic premise would step on the toes of some stridently anti-migrant political leaders.

When the shooting was finally underway in 2017, the Devashish Makhija directed film, ran out of money on the 10^th day, forcing a desperate, but determined Bajpayee to reach out to an old producer friend of his and ask for $50,000. The friend came through. The rest is, Bhonsle.

“My basic nature (since childhood) is that I am very stubborn,” Bajpayee told the crowd. “If I decide to do something, I go for it whether I fail or succeed. I was passionate about this film (Bhonsle).”

“An artist is nothing without the vision of a director,” Bajpayee continued. “The director can have 25-years of experience or five or no experience at all. There was this director (Devashish Makhija) who had talent, a great script and a story to tell. This story is about a burning topic (migrants). And what’s unique about this story is that we’re talking about people who’re immigrants in their own country. Producers were wary of the subject and no one wanted to produce it…it was then I decided, no matter what this film will be made.”

Wikipedia pages are not exactly literary sources, but Bhonsle’s Wikipedia page is surprisingly well-written and detailed. It offers some never-published facts including one that says the director shot several scenes “in closed narrow spaces as Makhija wanted to ‘create a sense of suffocation.’”

Gurinder Chadha’s Blinded by the Light wows the audience in Toronto

Gurinder Chadha is imminently likable.

Dressed in a fiery tangerine and cream coloured salwar-kameez and sporting a cheery smile, Gurinder talked about her yet-to-be-released film, Blinded by the Light in Toronto recently.

The film was Inspired by a true story, based on Sarfraz Manzoor’s memoir, Greetings from Bury Park: Race, Religion and Rock N’ Roll.

Gurinder took on the helm as a director. The screenplay duties were shared by Manzoor, Gurinder and Paul Mayeda Berges (Gurinder’s husband). The film, set to the music and lyrics of Bruce Springsteen, captures the racial climate of the ‘80s in Britain.

Blinded by the Light is about how Javed (Viveik Kalra), a British teen of Pakistani descent, discovers Springsteen’s music, and in the process finds his own voice.

Gurinder’s strength as a director is unmatched when it comes to telling stories of the South Asian diaspora. In Bend it like Beckham, she wove a rich and deft narrative using two large strands: culture and soccer, and in Light, she replaces soccer with music.

“It seemed as if presently there’s a common thread (of racism) and a lot of divisions around the world,” Gurinder observed. “This film will hopefully bring us together as humans and show there are more things that connect us than those that divide us.”

Gurinder’s face lights up when she talked about how Springsteen chuckled during the film. When it ended, he hugged and kissed her on her cheek.

“He loved it,” she said. “He loved it because he knew it wasn’t about him…”

Blinded by the Light is slated for release on August 14 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The stage production of Bend it like Beckham, a musical, will make its North American debut in Toronto at the Bluma Apple Theatre, in downtown Toronto, from December 7 to 24.

For information on films screening during IFFSA-Toronto, visit here.

Toronto Desi Diaries is back!

Thank you for your patience.
ICYMI: This blog will regularly feature news, stories, and events about the desis aka South Asians of Toronto. Sit back, relax, grab a cup of piping hot tea and allow us to take you down the alleys of the city.
Are you interested in guest-blogging for us? Do you have an event or concert coming up? Drop us a line or two at Toronto.desidiaries@gmail.com. Oh, it might be a good idea to subscribe to the blog.                                                            

Thursday, May 2-5

Event: Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD

Details: This event is for all things to do with books, authors, workshops and more. The Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) will kick-off in Brampton (across multiple venues). This event celebrates diversity in literature by shining the spotlight on authors of colour. There are more than 30 unique sessions happening at FOLD.
Contact: For tickets and schedule, visit here

Saturday, May 4

Event: Self-love & Self-care Conference

Details: Womxn Offering Wisdom (WOW) is inviting South Asian girls/women between the ages of 12 – 21 to join them for a day of workshops, discussions, activities, networking and more. The event will take place at Bill Hogarth Secondary School, 100 Donald Sim Ave. Markham, L6B 0R1 at 9 a.m.
Contact: wowyorkregion@gmail.com for tickets and information

May 9-20

Event: International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA)

Details: This 12-day film festival will showcase predominantly South Asian films and regional cinema including short films, documentaries, and music films. It takes place at multiple locations/cities across the GTA.
Contact: For itinerary/schedule, etc. visit here

Saturday, May 11

Event: Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega

Details: This charity musical concert benefitting Creating Hopes Canada will take place Century Gardens Recreation Centre, 340 Vodden St. E. in Brampton at 5:30 p.m. The evening will pay tribute to well-known music composers O.P. Nayyar and Shankar- Jaikishan. Cost of tickets is $20/person.
Contact: For tickets

Thursday, May 16

Event: Rhythm Rewritten with Jason Samuels and Seema Mehta

Details: This captivating new cross-art form, featuring Emmy Award-winning tap-dancing phenomenon Jason Samuels Smith and acclaimed classical Indian kathak dancer Seema Mehta will take place at the Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr. Toronto at 8 p.m.
Contact: For tickets and more visit here

Wednesday, May 22

Event: Firangi Rang Barangi with Artist Meera Sethi

Details: Meera Sethi, a contemporary artist, who works in a variety of mediums explores the relationship between identity, dress, and hybridity, especially in relation to South Asian-Canadian histories and communities. She will speak at the Richmond Hill Public Library, Room A (second floor), 1 Atkinson St. Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0H5, at 7 p.m.
Contact: For more information/register, visit here

Sunday, May 26

Event: SOCH

Details: SOCH, a grassroots mental health initiative aimed at empowering the community of Brampton with mental health knowledge and awareness, will be hosting its monthly workshop on mental health at the Cyril Clark Library Theatre, 20 Loafers Lake Ln. from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Contact: SOCH on Facebook

Friday, May 31

Event: Gulzarish

Details: Aga Khan Museum this May. Gulzarish, an artistic display of soulful poetry and captivating music of renowned lyricist and film director Gulzar is happening at the Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr. at 7 p.m.  The unique combination of music, drama, and dance will be accompanied by superb narration. The event has been organized by Indian Women In Canada (iWINC).
Contact: Mini (416-727-9550) or Taran (647-887-2533)

April 16 – June 16

Event: IN5 Experium: The Golden Temple

Details: This immersive, multi-media exhibit uses multiple projection screens and music to create a world of make-belief, giving the viewer an immersive experience on Amritsar-located Golden Temple and the core tenets of Sikh philosophy. It’s currently showing at the Bramalea City Centre, 70 Peel Centre Dr. in Brampton.
Contact: For more information, visit here