Manila Pradhan wins the title MTV Supermodel of The Year

10:00 AM

•

Gorkhas of Sikkim

Gorkhas daughter Manila Pradhan wins the title MTV Supermodel of The Year.
Supermodel of the Year has found its winner in the gorgeous Manila Pradhan in a dazzling finale. Hailing from Sikkim, Manila took the pageant home defeating Drisha More andPriya Singh in the fight to finish on Sunday (March 15). The show that premiered on 22nd December, was panelled by Malaika Arora, Milind Soman, Masaba Gupta and Supermodel Ujjwala Raut along with Anusha Dandekar leading the way as a host. Manila was pitted against Drisha More and Priya Singh.

Gorkhas daughter Manila Pradhan wins the title MTV Supermodel of The Year. 

On winning the show Manila said, “It’s not less than a dream come true for me. One of the strongest things that I learned and would like to take away with me from this journey is to be yourself. That is your ultimate power that nobody can have. All the judges on the show and the mentors were great. But I really have a special intangible connection and a soft corner for Malaika maam and Ujjwala maam. No matter how much they shouted at me but in the end, it was for my betterment and personal growth.”

Amidst a series of daunting challenges and a bootcamp, Manila’s journey to finale wasn’t an easy one. Manila emerged victorious with a big margin in the finale photoshoot challenge that needed her to pose with the esteemed panelists.

With the judges decked up in their best attires coupled with Raja Kumari’s electrifying performance, Supermodel Of The Year culminated into a fascinating finale leaving behind a lot of learning for the contestants.

Commenting on the finale, Malaika Arora said, “What a tremendous journey this show has been. Supermodel of the Year wasn’t just about style and beauty, it was also about shedding off inhibitions and be absolutely confident in your own self. While we have one winner today, the show has given a platform to 10 gorgeous women who are sure to rule the ramp in future. Manila has been a revelation for us. Despite a tough start, she always took feedback in her stride and the results have shown. I wish her all the best for a stupendous future and hope that the learnings from the show guide her in the journey ahead.”

Via Times of India

READ MORE

Single Gorkha mother of two from Nagaland wins national-level beauty pageants

5:37 PM

•

gorkhas in Nagaland

Pushpa Thatal has brought laurels to the state and also for the community of Gorkhas in Nagaland by being crowned the Mrs. Exclusive Classic Beauty 40 plus, which is a national-level beauty pageant for women above 40 years of age. The event was held on September 21 in New Delhi.

Thatal, born to a Changki mother and a Nepali father, lost her husband in 2018 and lives in Dimapur with her two children.

She is the daughter of Bhopal Thatal, who retired as Registrar, Directorate of Fisheries, Nagaland, and her mother is from Changki Village.

She believed that the pageant gave her the platform to expose her talents and individuality. “It is not just about physical beauty, it is about strength and following your dreams,” said Thatal.

The mother of two runs a small school at Viola colony called Raindrops School and plans to expand further.

Thatal was thankful to Smart Life Gym that helped her during the preparation process for the talent and fitness rounds.

She will be representing the country in the International-level of the same pageant due to be held next year.(MExN)

Via dimapur247

READ MORE

Legendary Singer Aruna Lama Conferred Nepal Ratna Award April 14, 2019: Legendary

4:48 PM

•

music

Nepali singer Smt. Aruna Lama (Pradhan), born in Darjeeling, was conferred the prestigious Nepal Ratna, Mahaujjwal Rashtradeep Award (Suprabal Janasewa Shree Tritiya) for her contribution to promoting Nepali music around the world. The President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari conferred the award at a special ceremony held at the Office of the President, Maharajgunj.


Born on the 9th of September, 1945 at Ghoom Pahar, Darjeeling, Aruna Lama is popularly known as the “Nightingale of the Hills”. She has rendered hundreds of Nepali songs and left an indelible mark as one of the finest Nepali singers.

The illustrious title by the Nepal government is conferred on  Nepali citizens and foreigners who make outstanding contributions to the welfare of Nepal and Nepali language and art.

Via The DC

READ MORE

Apurva Tamang selected for Indian Idol 10

11:12 AM

•

song

Indian Gorkha Apurva Tamang the talented singer from Mirik Darjeeling District has been selected in National TV Show Indian Idol Season 10. He has been a strong contestant of Indian Idol Junior and Zee TV sa re ga ma pa Lil Champs in the past and is capable of winning the Indian Idol season 10.

Apurva Tamang born on 24th September 1999 from Mirik, Darjeeling burst into music and entertainment scene as a child sensation, gaining fame as a phenomenal singer on Zee TV's SA RE GA MA PA 2009 L'il Champs making it to the Wild Card entry.

 He started singing at a very tender age of 3 and continued to pursue his vocal training in Hindustani Classical style while at the same time keeping up with world wide trends HIP-POP and RNB. He has performed at many national and international  shows and was awarded numerous honors which include Gorkha Gaurav Samman, Nagarik Samman, Sarojini Gems Memorial etc. he has lent his voice to many regional music videos and movies including Nepali movie 'DHRUVA TARA" and continues to garner appreciation and admiration for his singing prowess wherever he perform.

He has learnt Visharad in Hindustani Classical vocal from the Institute of Prayag Sangeet Samiti AllhabadStart from 02/07/2010 to Date02/07/2017. His Genre are world music, thumri, sufi, ghazal, fusion, experimental, disco, indian classical, classic rock

READ MORE

Two Darjeeling Films Made it to Toronto Nepali Film Festival (TNFF)

4:02 PM

•

film

Two Darjeeling Films Made it to Toronto Nepali Film Festival (TNFF)

Two films from Darjeeling were selected for the 9th Annual Toronto Nepali Film Festival.

The two films, one short fiction and the other documentary, titled "Jhajalko" and "Finding Life in Monochrome" are directed by Wangyal Sherpa.

"Jhajalko" narrates the story of a single mother trying to raise her son on her own after the death of her husband, whereas "Finding Life in Monochrome" is a documentary which depicts the stories of children living in Edith Wilkins, NGO, Darjeeling.

These two films are selected in top 12 films to be screened in this year's festival. For both the films, Anup Aadin Das is the DOP(Director of Photography). Also the above films are the only selection from India.

Keep up the good work Wangyal... keep the Gorkha flag flying !!

Via TheDC

READ MORE

Aqui Thami's travelling library putting the spotlight on women’s books

1:19 PM

•

Gorkhas in India

Meet Aqui Thami from Darjeeling, whose travelling library is putting the spotlight on women’s books

‘Sister Library’, founded by the artist and activist, is going to several cities and sparking conversations around the representation of women in literature.

Aqui Thami is an artist and activist from Darjeeling, currently based in Mumbai, who is known for work that brings together both of those worlds. She put up one hundred posters with the words, “A woman was harassed here,” or “You aren’t giving me a compliment. You’re giving me the creeps,” in places around Mumbai where she and people she knew had been harassed. She has been working in the Dharavi Art Room with the founder, Himanshu, since 2012 to provide women and children in the community with a place to express and heal themselves through art.

In Bombay Underground, they promote and publish zines – a low-cost artistic production that allows them to, in Thami’s words, “break the epistemological hierarchy.” One of her zines about periods featured women’s reflections and stories about menstruation. Her latest project is the Sister Library – a travelling library of one hundred books from Thami’s own book collection that focuses solely on women’s writing. The library will tour Mumbai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Goa, and Cochin with accompanying talks and discussions. She spoke to Scroll.in about the role of libraries, the desire to share books and zines that took her a long time to find, and what a permanent collection of these works might look like. Excerpts from the interview:

I want to start by asking about your personal connection to libraries. Did you have access to libraries growing up? Can you tell us about a library experience that has been meaningful for you?

The project comes from an absence of spaces like these in my life. From longing to find books written by female authors at the roadside bookwallahs to fancier bookshops in the city – a variety of books, not just that token bestseller. Also, Sister Library is not a conventional library, it is an evolving and generative artwork that engages with the visual and reading culture of our times.

Underground Bookhouse (a bookshop-cum-library with books on art, culture and activism) was an experience like no other when it came to reading and writing. As an artist, activist and a scholar it was the only space that triangulated my interests. It was from this place of syncretism that I started to reflect on a possibility of a space just like that but one that celebrates women.

Is there a criteria besides female authorship for inclusion in the library? What would you say drives this curation?

It is a curated library of a hundred works by women writers, artists and zine makers. I have curated a mix of things that I really enjoyed. It came from a place of sharing. Having scouted numerous places in search of these works and knowing how difficult it is to procure them, I feel like it is only fair that I share them with everyone that thirsts for them like I did.

Is the role of a librarian a political one to you? You’re choosing to focus on women’s literature. When the size of the collection is still relatively small, every book or zine becomes a reading recommendation.

I wouldn’t call myself a librarian. Sadly, in our times libraries have become places of exclusion, not only in the sense of who might have access to these high walls and gates but also whose works are celebrated, cited and awarded as the most valid and credible.

Sister Library is more an act of reclaiming libraries – celebrating works that don’t find mention in the mainstream media and re-examining the idea of what a library could be. The fact that this project is an interactive work that will be travelling in all its DIY spirit and glory is a step towards redefining what a library could be.

At Sister Library, we will also be celebrating orality. Being an indigenous person, I feel a sense of restriction that writing has brought about amongst us. While we cannot ignore the importance of written text, I also look at it as a colonial legacy. Our libraries were our ancestors. Oral literatures were not just a cultural heritage but also a way of teaching language, rituals and knowledge.

I have over 1000 books in my collection but since it is a travelling library it limits me to a certain number. I have decided on 100.

The books featured on the project’s Instagram include a lot of non-fiction, graphic novels, zines, and poetry. Could you talk to us a little about why the library is drawn to those genres, what it gains from them?
It is curated mix of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, zines and periodicals.

I am a zinester and have been drawn towards their straightforwardness. Content is the only thing that sells a zine. How nice the paper is, how great the print is are all secondary. Since these works are produced independently, they are so very refreshing, from their themes to deconstruction of language. Zines made by women talk about things that we never really get to read about anywhere else.

Non-fiction works of women are harder to find in my experience. Historical factuality from a woman’s perspective is not considered important, but to understand and reflect on where our world stands it is important that we read non-fiction. Reading nonfiction helps unlearn and deconstruct that internalised male gaze you know we all have after years of consuming male perspectives of everything.

And I do enjoy non-fiction as much as I enjoy fiction. But because women were historically denied epistemic validity when writing non-fiction, I was moved to reading more and more non-fiction which in turn enriched my work and life processes.

I can’t ignore the relationship between women’s movement and poetry. Poetry has been medicine to me at various points in my life. I wanted to share it with the visitors of Sister Library too.

The library is set to tour from the end of April to Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Goa, and Cochin with accompanying talks and discussions. Do you expect that the different personality of each of these places will affect how they interact with the library?
I cannot predict how each city will interact with the SL. I can only say that it will be constantly modified by its interaction with the people.

At the moment, the library draws from your personal book collection. If people are interested in the project and want to donate books written by women, how would they go about it?
All contributions are welcome. There have been zinesters sending their zines from all over the world, there have been authors wanting to send their books and there have been older feminists and activists who want to share books that drove them in the struggle that paved a way for us. It has been such a blessing.

At every venue, there will be a collection booth for interested people to drop their books. They could also ship books to this address in Mumbai: Art Room Foundation, Flat No 1, Shangri-La Apartments, Khandeshwari Mandir Marg, Mount Mary Steps, Bandra West, 400050.

The goal, I’ve heard you say in another interview, is to have a permanent collection if enough support and interest is generated by the tour. What would this permanent collection where people can borrow books look like?
I have dreamed of a feminist library, it’s true. It will be everything the travelling Sister Library is but in a permanent space. Open to people to come and read, as well as become members and borrow books. It will be a new place to see and understand the world – providing a unique experience to be immersed in works created by women exclusively thereby creating new narrative, providing the space to ask questions, and to look and to think about the answers. It obviously must be community-owned, volunteer-run and a safe space. It will all depend on how much funding I will be able to raise to make the permanent space happen, but ideally, it should be a big enough space for the books, zines and other publication as well as other activities such as story telling, reading circles, book clubs, and zine making. It should be accessible to people with disabilities. People can get in touch with me if they are interested in supporting Sister Library with money, space or books.

Source - Scroll.in

READ MORE

Kalimpong movie Appa to feature Daya Hang Rai

8:18 AM

•

movie

SNS | Kalimpong | April 24, 2018 : A young filmmaker of Kalimpong, Anmol Gurung, has scripted a movie and named it ‘Appa’ (father) where renowned actors from Nepal like Daya Hang Rai, Tulsi Ghimiray and Aruna Karki is all set to play major roles.

“The idea behind the film is to change the way our society looks at a father-son relationship,” Mr Gurung says. The shooting is scheduled to begin on 25 April at the historic Ghoom Railway Station in Darjeeling, while portions of the movie will also be shots in places like Sandakphu and Kalimpong.



“The main characters will be portrayed by Daya Hang Rai who has changed Nepali cinema’s dimensions, the legendary Tulsi Ghimiray the popular actor and filmmaker Aruna Karki,” Mr Gurung told reports here on Monday.

According to him, the shooting may wind up in 60 days, but the post-production process may take a year. “As such, we plan to release the movie on Father’s Day next year,” he said.

Mr Rai, meanwhile, said he is officially acting in India for the first time and that the story line of the film compelled him to sign it. “I was mesmerized by the story I listened to after Anmol Gurung sent it to me in an audio message format, and I did not want to miss an opportunity to work in it.

The subject is universal and people from all across the world can get connected to it,” the Nepalese actor said. Iconic filmmaker, Mr Ghimiray, who had said in the past that Nepal’s cinema and the cinema in Darjeeling Hills had a huge gap, on Monday said the standard of filmmaking here had radically gone up, with good technicians and actors fast coming up.

“Political elements often break us like people start branding us Nepal’s Nepali, Assam’s Nepali, and Burma’s Nepali,’ but art and culture always brings us together,” he said.

READ MORE

१६ वर्षिय मञ्जु थापा बनिन् दिल्लीमा आयोजित मिस ग्लोरी अफ् इन्डिया अन्तर्गत मिस् ग्लोरी अफ् नर्थ इस्ट

12:11 PM

•

fashion

सिलगढी स्थित खोलाचन्द फाप्रीकी १६ वर्षिय मञ्जु थापा बनिन् दिल्लीमा आयोजित मिस ग्लोरी अफ् इन्डिया अन्तर्गत मिस् ग्लोरी अफ् नर्थ इस्ट

सिलगढी,बिकास तिम्सिना,
सिलगढीस्थित खोलाचन्द फाप्रीकी १६ वर्षिय मञ्जु थापा २०१८ -की मिस ग्लोरी अफ् नर्थ इस्ट भएकी छिन्।
गत १५ अप्रेलको दिन अमन गान्धी फिल्म प्रडक्सनको आयोजनामा नयाँ दिल्लीमा आयोजित मिस ग्लोरी अफ् इन्डिया अन्तर्गत उनले नर्थ इस्टको आठवटा राज्यका प्रतियोगीहरुलाई पछि छोडेर मिस ग्लोरी अफ नर्थ इस्ट भएकी हुन्।

आठौं श्रेणीमा अध्यनरत मञ्जु -ले आफ्नो गाउँलाई देशभरि चिनाउन पाउँदा आँफ्नो खुशीको सिमा नै नभएको बताएकी छिन्।
 सानैदेखि गीत गाउनु, नाच्नु अनि मोडलिङमा रुचि राख्ने मञ्जु -ले आफ्नो प्रेरणाको श्रोत आफ्नी आमा तुलसा थापा अनि गत वर्ष मिस वर्ल्ड बनेकी मानुशी चिल्लरलाई मान्छिन्।
आठवटा राज्यका प्रतियोगीहरुलाई पछि पार्दै बिजेता बन्न सफल भएकी मञ्जु -ले उक्त समयमा आफुले पाएको सम्मान कहिल्यै नर्बिसिने बताउदै अमन गान्धी फिल्म प्रडक्सनका निर्देशक डा. महेश यादव उर्फ अमन गान्धीप्रति धन्यवाद व्यक्त गरेकी छिन्।

स्मरणरहोस्, मिस ग्लोरी अफ नर्थ इस्ट २०१८ -को विजेता भएपछी आफुलाई यसै वर्ष मुम्बईमा हुने ईन्डिया कन्टिनेन्ट -मा प्रतिस्पर्धा गर्न अफर समेत आएको उनले बताएकी छिन्।

Via Gorkhaland 7×24

READ MORE

Bishal Sharma wins Super Dancer Season 2

12:09 AM

•

Gorkhas of Assam

After a live voting, Bishal Sharma was announced as the champion by judges Shilpa Shetty, Anurag Basu and Geeta Kapur on Saturday night. He beat three other finalists Ritik Diwaker, Vaishnavi Prajapati and Akash Thapa to take home the trophy.

Super Dancer Chapter 2, which made history for being the longest-running single season of a dance reality show, has finally found its winner. After a live voting, Bishal Sharma was announced as the champion by judges Shilpa Shetty, Anurag Basu and Geeta Kapur on Saturday night. He beat three other finalists Ritik Diwaker, Vaishnavi Prajapati and Akash Thapa to take home the trophy. The 12-year-old, who hails from Assam, mesmerised the judges and had the maximum number of votes from the audience coming his way. The live voting turned out to be quite a record breaking one with million votes being registered. Along with a lot of goodies from sponsors, Bishal received a prize money of 15 lakh and a dazzling trophy, while his mentor received a cheque of Rs 5 lakh.

Bishal Sharma took home Rs 15 lakh and winners trophy.

12-year-old Bishal Sharma from Assam had been an adorable livewire in the show. Whenever the dynamic dancer took the stage, the judges and audience were enthralled. Bishal is an inquisitive young boy, always smiling and chattering away with his friends. Guided by Super Guru Vaibhav Ghuge, the super kid impressed all with his contemporary, hip-hop styles.

The finale episode also saw the presence of Bollywood youth sensation Varun Dhawan, who was there to promote his upcoming film October. The Student of the Year actor also shook a leg with judge Shilpa, that got the audience cheering for them. While the gala episode also saw Shilpa grooving to some peppy numbers and showing off her belly dance moves, Geeta in a breathtaking act paid a special tribute to yesteryear heroines.

Produced by Frames Productions, Super Dancer 2 launched on September 30 and aired on Sony Entertainment Television. While Rithvik Dhanjani and Paritosh Tripathi hosted the show when it launched, with it getting an extension, Jay Bhanushali came in place of Rithvik, who had to quit the show owing to prior commitments. Even before the premiere, the show faced a major roadblock, when its set located at RK Studio was destroyed after a fire broke out.

Here’s wishing the young winner Bishal congratulations.

Source indianexpress

READ MORE

सुपरहिट कलाकार दयाहाङ राई-को कालेबुङमा एन्ट्री

6:17 PM

•

movie

सुपरहिट कलाकार दयाहाङ राई-को कालेबुङमा एन्ट्री ..... राईसँग चलचित्र काम गर्न चाहनेहरूलाई सुनौलो अवसर

✍डी.के.वाइबा,

कालिमन्युज, कालेबुङ, 19 मार्च २०१८:
भारतको कालेबुङबाट निर्माण हुने ठूलो पर्दाको नेपाली चलचित्रमा काम गर्नका निम्ति दयाहाङ राईले नेपालकै एउटा चलचित्रको काम समेत त्यागेको हल्ला फैलिएको छ। नेपाली चलचित्रमा नयाँ आयाम दिने सुपरहिट कलाकार दयाहाङ राई भारतबाट निर्माण हुने चलचित्रको कथा सुन्ने साथ राजी भएपछि नेपालको एउटा चलचित्रको काम त्यागेको हल्ला फैलिएको हो।
‘भारतबाट निर्माण हुन लागेको नेपाली चलचित्रमा राई पहिलोपल्ट काम गर्न लागेका छन्। उनी त्यस चलचित्रको कथाबाट आकर्षित भएका हुन्। सोही कारण उनले चलचित्रको झट्टै कार्य थालनीका निम्ति नेपालको एक चलचित्रको कार्य छोडेका हुन्’ दयाहाङ राईका नजिकका स्रोत भन्छन्। उक्त हल्लासम्बन्धि राई आफैले भने कुनै पुष्टि गरेका छैनन्। 
दयाहाङ राईले भारतको कालेबुङबाट निर्माण हुने नेपाली चलचित्रमा काम गर्नेछन्। माउन्टेन पिक्चर्स्को ब्यानरमा निर्माण हुने नेपाली चलचित्रमा उनी मुख्य भुमिकामा रहनेछन्। भारतबाट निर्माण हुन लागेको ठूलो पर्दाको चलचित्रमा सुपरहिट नायक दयाहाङ राईको यो पहिलो चलचित्र हुनेछ। उनले भारतको कालेबुङबाट निर्माण हुन लागेको चलचित्रमा काम गर्नका निम्ति हस्ताक्षर गरिसकेका छन्। उक्त चलचित्रको छायाँङ्कन चाँढै आरम्भ हुने भएको छ। जसको निम्ति दयाहाङ राई कालेबुङ अप्रेल महिनाको पहिलो सातामा आउनेछन्। माउन्टेन पिक्चर्सका अन्मोल गुरुङले दयाहाङ राईसँग पहिलो पल्ट काम गर्ने अवसर पाएकोमा धेरै उत्साह जागेको बताएका छन्।
‘नेपाली चलचित्रमा प्राकृतिक कला प्रस्तुत गर्ने दयाहाङ राईको कला बेजोड छन्। उनीसँग काम गरेर चलचित्र निर्माण गर्नु सौभाग्य हो। यसैले धेरै उत्साहित छु’ अन्मोल गुरुङ भन्छन्। प्रेम, रोमान्स, बिछोड आदि कथा रहेको नेपाली चलचित्रमा दयाहाङको प्रस्तुती कस्तो हुने हो भन्ने चलचित्र निर्माता टोलिमा उत्सुक्ता जागेको छ।
यता चर्चित कलाकार दयाहाङ राईको भारतबाट निर्माण हुन लागेको पहिलो नेपाली चलचित्रमा कार्य गर्न चाहना भएकाहरूका निम्ति सुनौलो अवसर खुलेको छ। चलचित्र निर्माण टोलि ‘माउन्टेन पिक्चर्स्’ ले चलचित्रका निर्माण टोलिमा एकाधिक मानिसहरूको आवश्यक्ता रहेको भन्दै स्थानीय उत्सुक मानिसहरूलाई मौका दिने भएको छ।
हालमा दयाहाङ राईसँग निर्माण हुने चलचित्रमा काम गर्न चाहनेहरूका निम्ति 8 वटा रिक्त स्थानहरू रहेका छन्। जसमा इच्छुक व्यक्तिहरूले आवेदन गर्न सक्नेछन्। चलचित्र टोलिमा निम्न पदहरू रिक्त रहेका छन् – सेकेन्ड ए.डी (महिला), थर्ड ए.डी (पुरुष), निर्देशकका सहयोगी (पुरुष), सङ्गीत समुहका सहयोगी (पुरुष), ड्रेस पर्सन (महिला), कलाकार टोलिका सहयोगी (पुरुष/महिला), अनि स्पोट ब्योइ (पुरुष) चाहिएका छन्। आवेदकले फोनमार्फत् सम्पर्क गरेर जानकारी लिन सक्नेछ। सम्पूर्ण रिक्त पदका निम्ति आगमी 25 मार्च 2018 का दिन ‘सिनेमा क्याफे’ डेभिड ग्यास नजिक बिहान 11 बजेदेखि अडिसन सम्पन्न हुने भएको छ। यसकारण आगमी 24 मार्चभित्रमा ठूलो पर्दाको नेपाली चलचित्रमा सुपरहिट कलकार दयाहाङ राई अनि निर्देशक अन्मोल गुरुङसँग एकसाथ काम गर्न चाहनेहरूले आजनै आवेदन गर्न सक्ने माउन्टेन पिक्चर्सका अन्मोल गुरुङले बताएका छन्।

READ MORE

Rewati Chetri crowned Miss International India 2016 will represent India at Miss International in Japan

10:33 PM

•

Rewati Chettri

Nanda Kirati Dewan

Pune, Maharastra 12th Sept 2016: The gorgeous ‘Gorkhali Gabhuru’,  Asom Xontan and Pride of the North East Rewati Chetri was crowned Miss International India 2016 in its first edition of the beauty pageant that took place at Novotel Hotel in Pune on Sunday night. She bagged the title defeating 16 other contestants and will now represent India at the Miss International 2016 pageant happening next month in Tokyo, Japan.

23-year-old Rewati was born to Baburam Chetri and Mrs. Bina Chetri  born and broup up in a small town of Haflong, Assam. She attended her schooling from St. Agnes’ Convent High School, Haflong and graduated in commerce degree from Lumding College, Lumding.

Rewati Chetri at the grand finale of Senorita India Beauty Pageant 2016. The Crowning Momen

The full-time supermodel and also an actress, was a top 10 finalist at Femina Miss India 2015  pageant where she won Miss India Miss Popular and Miss Multimedia subtitles. Rewati represented India at World Miss University 2016 pageant, held in Beijing, where she bagged the continental crown of Miss Asia University.

In July, she made her debut film in a Hindi flim “Gangs of Northeast”, directed by Rupak Gogoi and co-produced by Sanjive Narain and Kenny Lyngdoh Talang.

Rewati Chetry 2nd from Right crowned Miss International India 2016

Speaking to this correspondent from her hotel in Pune the super model said, ‘I must thank my friends and supporters who lend their support and blessings Miss India happened last year. I cannot name all of them but I sincerely acknowledge immense support from my family and closed friends who stood by me thick and thin. I must credit the social media enthusiasts and North Eastern print and electronic media for their publicity and support that made the way for me to crown Miss International India.’

The super model further added I am now called ‘Gorkhali Gabhuru’ joni from the famous lyrics of Mahamanab Asom Ratna Dr, Bhupen Hazarika – the legend dedicated to Gorkhali beauty of Assam at Kapili river. I must thank my people back home for awarding me this title and keeping me in their prayers and blessing me through out. I will try my best to bring home for India the Miss International 2016, which will be the 56th Miss International pageant; it will be held on October 27, 2016 at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of most prestigious and premier pageant in the word founded by the Japanese. She has soughed nation’s support for the Miss International contest.  If she makes it, she will be the first Indian to achieve this feat.

Back home her school, college, university friends have began celebration and social media is full or random shares of her crowned photos. The modeling and fashion fraternity have congratulated her for bringing laurels to the state. The All Assam Gorkhali Mahila Samitee, Greater Guwahati Gorkhali Mahila Samitee, AAGSU Guwahati City Committee, AAGSU and Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Dima Hasao District committee and the GACDC have also extended congratulations message to Rewati Chetry. Several students and youth organizations, civil society organizations too have applauded the young model’s feat.

--------------------------x-------------------

World Wide Media Release by Mantraa Media

READ MORE

Rewati Chetri Wins Senorita Miss International India 2016

9:42 AM

•

Rewati Chettri

Writes John Hingkung

The gorgeous Gorkha beauty from Assam was crowned Senorita Miss International India 2016 in its first edition of the beauty pageant that took place at Novotel Hotel in Pune on Sunday night. She bagged the title defeating 16 other contestants and will now represent India at the Miss International 2016 pageant happening next month in Tokyo, Japan.

Senorita India 2016 Title Holders!
Senorita Miss International India 2016 Rewati Chetri
Senorita Miss Intercontinental India 2016 Aarushi Sharma
Senorita India 2016 1st Runner Up: Sana Dua
Senorita India 2016 2nd Runner Up: Sailee Naazre

Rewati Chhetri Wins Senorita Miss International India 2016

23-year-old Rewati was born to Baburam Chetri and Mrs. Bina Chetri and grew up in a small town of Haflong, Assam. She attended her schooling from St. Agnes’ Convent High School, Haflong and graduated in commerce degree from Lumding College, Lumding.

Rewati on her FB Post wrote:
"Here I am crowned as Miss India for Miss International 2016.
Thank you God for all the blessings. I know you love me way too much. Thank you for answering my prayers.
Mama, Papa - your little daughter made your dream come true. You raised me up to be who and what I am today. I love you both always.
My sister and brother - you both have been the two shadows of my life always guiding me in the right path. This wouldn't have been possible without you both.
Senorita India Beauty Pageant - thank you so much for choosing me as your winner. I promise to add value to the team and have an amazing reign.
The Voice of Sikkim & NorthEast Today- thank you for all the posts made on behalf of me to create awareness about the my journey at Senorita India 2016
At last but not the least my relatives, friends and every loved one on all social medias. It's your love, support and encouragement that keeps me going. Be with me always.

I will be representing India once again. This time at the prestigious Miss International pageant next Month in Japan. Will definitely give my best shot. Please keep me in your prayers and support me as you always do.

I love you all so much <3 "

The full-time supermodel and also an actress, was a top 10 finalist at Femina Miss India 2015  pageant where she won Miss Popular and Miss Multimedia subtitles. Rewati represented India at World Miss University 2016 pageant, held in Beijing, where she bagged the continental crown of Miss Asia.

In July, she made her debut film in a Hindi flick “Gangs of Northeast”, directed by Rupak Gogoi.


Via sevendiary

READ MORE

SOME STRAY THOUGHTS ON – BIPUL'S SKETCHES OF DARJEELING

4:17 PM

•

music

Writes: Prabin Moktan

Back in 1998 I had accompanied a talented group of Higher Secondary boys from St. Augustine’s to Mount Hermon for the ISC Fest.

Representing SAS in the solo song category of the Western Music Competition was Bipul Chettri, then a slightly intense, almost brooding musician, respected immensely by his cohorts for his virtuosity with the guitar. Bipul’s eclectic listening tastes was reflected in his choice of the song that he was covering- Hook by Blues Traveller. Bipul belted out the song like a rock star. As a performance it was rough, patchily brilliant.

Later when the results were declared the breathless announcer got carried away and breaching MC norms went well beyond the third position to declare that Bipul Chettri of SAS had been declared… last. Perhaps the judges (names available upon request) were looking at something else - a hill diva belting out something from the Titanic or a hymn.

Bipul Chettri

Whatever the case the disappointment amongst the SAS contingent was palpable but no one so much as raised a single decibel of protest at Bipul for marring what had been a perfect outing so far.
Then about a decade or more later I heard Dadhelo. The link to the song on soundcloud was posted by Evan Manandhar another Sasonian who had made a perceptive comment about the Nepali accent of the singer.

This song was like no other Nepali song that I had ever heard. Musically taut, with evocative lyrics and a voice devoid of the million cliches that encumber pop singers.

It was as if a powerful energy of extraordinary benevolence and freshness was being unleashed upon the Nepali music firmament. Bipul sang of the wild fires. Back in an innocent time when nights were not consumed by the TV or internet one could see nocturnal hills necklaced by rings of forest fires. It is perhaps a rare hill child whose memory doesn’t flicker with the leaping tongues of these orange offerings . Bipul gave a music and a voice to that memory.

The empathy clicked and the song became a phenomenon.

Then others followed. Asar with its simple jhaurey beat that mimed the stacatto monsoon on tin roofs. A song embedded with a subtle yet ominous hint of that another hill memory- the hissing of the jhora as it bounded downhill with the gurgling bounty of the monsoon waters. There was life and death in that churning.

If Dadhelo was a visual song about the memory of light, asar unpacked a sound.
The other songs that were released one after the other did not disappoint. Deorali Dadha was tactile. It caressed your face with the cool whiff of the mountain breeze. The song was a vivacious dance of hill vapours scented with the artemesia and the pine.

My personal favourite Mountain High, of Sketches of Darjeeling reminds me of Sun Ra’s Yucatan in terms of the organic vision of the composition. While the idiosyncratic minimalism of Ra evokes of mountain animals swaying as they ascend a Mayan mountain, Mountain High recreates in its sonics, the piety of monks as they blow on their horns and ascend heights that are both real and metaphorical.
Later when I heard Syndicate, I told myself this was a song screaming to be included in Sketches of Darjeeling.

Syndicate is a word that has been appropriated by us. It is seldom heard without the prefix Darjeeling or Kalimpong or Siliguri and refers to a place from where you catch a vehicle.
It is noisy and chaotic. But sometimes above the fumes of exhaust, the squabble over tickets, or the dread of having to ride on the chameray (rear) seat, soars a hope that a transient infatuation may lead on to something more meaningful.

Till one realizes sadly that the syndicate is a crossroad. It is not a point of termination but an intersection from where lives and journeys diverge.

This song has a horn interlude and a passage that speaks of ‘darkey pani,’ a sudden downpour that settles the dust and if its evening creates a luminous freshness.

It is perhaps Bipul’s genius that in these brief melodious minutes he recreates a universe that will be teeming with Darjeelingays who carry in the recesses of their minds their own episodes of Syndicate memories.

Memories that Bipul’s music has a given a fresh new color, sound and lease of life.
If Darjeeling life has a musical locus then perhaps it will follow the trajectory of a Bipul Chettri song.

P.S: What I have heard of the latest album has been promising. But this one is Bipul turning inwards…but more on this at another time.

Via TheDC

READ MORE

Download Bipul Chettri’s new album ‘Maya’ for free

9:28 PM

•

song

Bipul Chettri’s new album ‘Maya’ now available for free 

KATHMANDU, June 16: Those who love Bipul Chettri’s music are in for a treat! Starting Friday, June 17, fans of the musician will be able to download Chettri’s new album ‘Maya’ for free.

All the eight songs from ‘Maya’ will be available free of charge through Honda Nepal’s social media channels. One new song will be made available each week over the course of the next couple of weeks.

One of the songs from the new album is ‘Syndicate’ which has already enjoyed huge popularity since it was released as a single last year.

This is not all for Chettri’s fans. Honda Nepal is also introducing ‘Bipul Chettri Cover Song Contest’ which is an interesting platform for fans to show their talent as well as their admiration for the musician. Anyone can participate by covering his songs and then uploading it to the contest channel. The best cover will be selected by the musician himself as well as representatives from Honda.

Download Bipul Chettri’s new album ‘Maya’ for free

The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and also get the opportunity to meet the singer.

Chettri says, “This album has been in the making for the past two years and has been a fun project. I would like to thank Honda Nepal for partnering with us. In the current scenario of piracy and distribution problems, I think this is one of the most innovative ways to spread the music.”

Visit faceboook.com/hondanepal to download songs from ‘Maya’ and participate in the ‘Bipul Chettri Cover Song Contest.’

1. Siriri - the first single from Bipul Chettri's Maya Just click this link http://goo.gl/DD8ato and then CREATE AN ACCOUNT to download Siriri
2 Allarey Jovan Click on http://goo.gl/DD8ato and just Log in to download the song if you have already created an account.

If you haven't created an account, please create one to listen and to download songs for Free.

Via myrepublica

READ MORE

Meriya Subba from Sikkim wins Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016

9:02 AM

•

Sikkim

Guwahati 19th June 2016 Gorkhas daughter Meriya Subba from Sikkim wins the 14th Edition of Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 powered by Mega Entertainment. Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 which was started on 20th May in Itanagar was concluded with Grand Finale on 19th June 2016 at ITA Cultural Complex, Machkowa, Guwahati withn the crowning of Meriya Priya Darshani Subba who was also the 2nd Runners-up in the Miss Sikkim Diva 2015. Miss Licha Thosum from Arunachal Pradesh was crowned the 1st Runners Up and Miss Soibam Kanchan from Manipur was crowned the 2nd Runners up.

18-year-old Meriya Subba was crowned by Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2015 Jessica Marbaniang in front of a packed audience. She is the second young woman from Sikkim to take home the Sunsilk Mega Miss North East crown. Meriya, whose parents are school teachers, said that she must thank the people of Northeast for the support and specially her family members who supported her throughout her life. "I owe my success to my parents and mentors. Special thanks to the panel of judges and Mega Entertainment, and especially Abhijit Singha, for crowning me Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016. I am overwhelmed and can't express my happiness... this is a dream coming true for me," said Meriya after winning the title.

Meriya Subba was crowned by Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2015 Jessica Marbaniang 

14th Sunsilk Mega Miss North East was organized by Mega Entertainment, a fashion and pageant event organizer in the North East. Sunsilk Mega Miss North East is inspired by Designer/ Fashion Choreographer the powerhouse of fashion & pageant industry Abhijit Singha who is the founder proprietor of Mega Entertainment.

Gorkhas daughter Meriya Subba from Sikkim wins the 14th Edition of Sunsilk
Mega Miss Northeast 2016 powered by Mega Entertainment.

Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 Prize Package Includes:

• An opportunity to get featured in print & outdoor advertisement campaign of Sunsilk
• To walk the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai for Reliance Trends
• Shows with ICSI in South East Asian Countries
• A Portfolio with leading fashion photographer Rahul Biswas
• Public Relation & Reputation Consultancy for a year by Life’s Purple
• Professional representation & travel opportunity for a year by Mega Entertainment
• Cash prize Rs50,000/- will be given / claim the winning prize only after successfully completion of the reigning period as the Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 on the fulfillment of all the terms and conditions set by Mega Entertainment and till the time she crowns her successor at the conclusion of the pageant next year.

The organizers of the event, Mega Entertainment, had shortlisted 49 women, who vied for the coveted title of Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016. The pageant is inspired by Designer/ Fashion Choreographer and the powerhouse of fashion & pageant industry Abhijit Singha.

Abhijit Singha, Founder of Mega Entertainment and Managing Director of Sunsilk Mega Miss North East, spoke during the crowning ceremony, "Through Sunsilk Mega Miss North East we look for a young and aspiring talent that is fit, intelligent and driven to be a role model - using her attributes to make a difference in the society. The pageant will not culminate with mere crowning of the winners. We also make it a mission to give them an international platform from where their dreams can take flight. Today's winner Meriya will walk for Reliance Trends at the Lakmé Fashion Week, which in itself is a dream-come-true for various well established models too. She will also get an opportunity to travel in the eight south Asian countries with ICSI and be a part of international shows."

The judges who sealed the fate of this year's winner included: Runner Up-Mega Mister North East 2009 and leading fashion designer from Shillong Arif Mukhim; Activation Manager for Hindustan Unilever brands Divya Ramakrishnan; Runner Up- Mega Miss North East 2013 and author of ‘Dear Bohemian Man' Subi Taba; marketing consultant and Brand Head at Kingfisher Naved Qureshi; and Entrepreneur and Hotelier Bobby Singh.

READ MORE

Adwiti interviews Bipul Chettri - a sneak peek of his new album “MAYA”

11:00 AM

•

nepali

ADWITI IN CONVERSATION WITH BIPUL CHETTRI

“MAYA” is the name of his new album. The infectious main riff of his songs chants nostalgia, the sound of his voice sends us all into pangs of desperate homesickness. By now you know who I am talking about. Bipul Chettri needs no introduction. His fans across the globe have been waiting with bated breath for the next set of tear-jerking, addictive Himalayan folk songs that tug at every Gorkhali’s heartstrings.

Don’t miss a single word as Adwiti Subba Haffner interviews the chappal wearing, folk song singing, homesickness inducing, our very own humility toting, Bipul Chettri for a down-to-earth interview where he opens up about his creative process, offers his insights on songwriting, his opinion on where Gorkhali music is heading towards, the latest controversy on plagiarism, what it takes to be a “skilled musician” and about how he maintains his “zen” like calm through his musical voyage.

Bipul Chettri Photo credit: Sonam Tashi

ADWITI: “It takes 10 years to become an overnight success” Robin Sharma. 
You rattled the airwaves with your soulful voice, your music and captured the hearts of millions of Nepali speaking population all over the world. Besides being a good singer and having great discipline, what skills/personal attributes is most important to being a successful musician?

BIPUL: Thank you. For me, it was more like 15. (smiles) I prefer to use the word, ‘skilled’ musician rather than a successful one. There are some successful artistes in this industry without great skill as well who become famous overnight and disappear in as much time. I wish there was a recipe for success though. And I can only speak for myself when I say that being proficient at what you choose to do is one of the few attributes that will help in the long run. At the end of the day, it is all done through years and years of practicing while trying to perfect ones art. And it is a never-ending learning process.

ADWITI: From small town, sleepy Kalimpong to Delhi and now performing all over the world, did you dream that your voice and your music would take you places? In an interview you have mentioned that “success” is a subjective word. What is your idea of success?

BIPUL: Never in my wildest dreams! For the longest of time, all I wanted was to become was a classical guitar soloist, and then ‘Wildfire’ happened. Success for me is subjective as every single person has his own standard of the bar being raised and scaled at. Some might just be happy with being a recluse, or some might just want a lot of fame. Money and fame are just numbers at the end of the day and is temporary. For me, success means leaving a body of work behind which people would not mind listening to in 20-30 years from now.

ADWITI: There has been a lot of Bollywood/Hollywood/Western Rock culture that has influenced and infiltrated the music of our region. Where in your opinion is our music (Gorkhali/Nepali music) collectively heading?

BIPUL: From the time, the radio, television and the Internet entered our lives; this infiltration was bound to happen one way or the other. But I also feel that this influence has been the cornerstone of Nepali music having survived in whatever forms it has till now. The whole of the 70s and early 80s was deeply influenced by the Ghazal genre and then rock music started making inroads into the Nepali music scene while folk music has always been there but mostly relegated to the background. But I think there is a sort of mini revival taking place in this area with some good artistes coming through and I think it can only get better in the coming days.

ADWITI: Apart from being a singer/songwriter you are currently the head of the Arts Department in Vasant Valley School, a leading school in India. Given your career success, can you share some advice for struggling musicians, to help them keep moving forward?

BIPUL: I have only been in the Nepali music scene for less than two years, so it would be naïve of me to start giving advice. But all I can say is that keep doing what you enjoy doing. Make music for yourself first rather than the world. If the world likes what you produce, good for you, if they don’t, it really does not matter, as long as you are happy with it. And most importantly, stay humble to your roots.

ADWITI: In our society, can an aspiring musician solely survive on her/his art without the support of an actual or a part/time job? If not. Why?

BIPUL: This is a very difficult question to answer. Most artists are constantly struggling to have their voices heard and their music played and to get paid. There are a lot of musicians doing only music and living their life and I have the greatest of respect for such people as I still think it is difficult to manage in the current scenario especially in our part of the world. One only has to applaud their commitment to trying to earn a decent livelihood in this kind of difficult scenario. But I am certain it can only get better in the long run.

ADWITI: Bipul Chettri is a sensation and very few people from our neck of the woods have not heard of you. For some who have never listened to your music, can you explain your sound in 6 words?

BIPUL: Everyone has their own interpretation of their music. For me, it has to be, ‘The Himalayan Pahari Feeling of Nostalgia’. (smiles)

ADWITI: You are aware that you have multi-cultural fans all around the world, some even look for inspiration from you and your music. Will you sing in any other language besides Nepali? 

BIPUL: I guess I will eventually, but no plans at the moment. Although one of the first original tunes I wrote, ‘Samsara’ was in English, but including it in an album is still an iffy.

ADWITI: You have traveled in many countries since the release of your Debut album “Sketches of Darjeeling”. Can you share with us your favorite memory or experience so far?

BIPUL: There have been so many. One of the best feelings is the large number of people attending our gigs and singing our songs with us during the live shows. The next thing would certainly be the number of lovely people we met during our travels. Everywhere we have performed, from the event organisers to the audience, have been wonderful to us and have treated us like family.

ADWITI: What five artists/songs would I see on your recent playlist?

BIPUL: I honestly don’t have a playlist. “Ghar ma buri ko playlist matrai baj cha”.

ADWITI: Your music gives us a reason to congregate and interact in an environment of joy, nostalgia and celebration. You have a new album coming up, set to hopefully conquer the airwaves again. What is the name of the album? What is the release date? 

BIPUL: Thank you. The new album is ready and sounding good if I may say so myself. The album is called ‘Maya’ and we hope to release it soon. We are trying to tie up a few loose ends after which we will have a release date. We also have a very big surprise coming with it too. So stay tuned.

ADWITI: You are also known for your innovative, experimental way of creating music. What can your eager fans anticipate from your next album that is different from your previous one? 

BIPUL: There is bound to be pre-conceived notions about the sound of the album as people have been used to listening to ‘Sketches of Darjeeling’. The only difference this time around is that most of the songs from this album were written, developed and honed on the road, as you would have noticed from the ‘Soundcheck Series’ on our YouTube page. I have had so many influences, be it in writing/arranging and it has been a fun album to make.

ADWITI: Can you give us a sneak peek? 

BIPUL: There are 8 songs in this album along with ‘Syndicate’ which was released as a Single earlier is also a part of it. All the songs, except for ‘Kahiley Kahi’ are written by me. Kahiley Kahi is a special song because my father recorded (if I am not mistaken) this somewhere in the very early 70s at the British Forces Broadcasting Station while he was serving in the British Army. A colleague and friend of my father sent me this recording and I felt it needed to re-record and heard by the public as well. It has a very Bossa nova feel to it, which was very rare for a Nepali song to sound like that then. I have kept the lyrics and melody as close to the original and am very happy with the final outcome. ‘Junkeri’ and ‘Nau Lakhey Tara’ are acoustically driven while the rest of the songs are with the complete band.

ADWITI: Your songs have a level of depth and intrigue that make people sit up and notice you right away. Could you please share with us the creative process of your new album? Starting from the concept, the people/work/marketing/promotion/expectations involved.

BIPUL: I started writing for this album without any concept as such. The first one I wrote was ‘Syndicate’ and some others thereafter. I figured that most of the tunes were heading towards ‘love’ in the sense of it being real or an illusion for some, being the central or peripheral theme without being conscious while writing about it. But the ‘pahari’ element in the music will always be prevalent in our music.

I don’t have a process of writing as such. Sometimes, the riff/melody comes before the lyrics or vice versa. ‘Syndicate’ was one of the songs where the lyrics came first and the melody/arrangement later. I had initially planned to record it acoustically with just the guitar and a harmonica, but changed it considerably midway as I thought it justified a much larger sound. I also had a fantastic set of musicians in the band to help me achieve that particular sound which I was looking for.

Our Manager looks after all the marketing/promotions so I really don’t know much about that part of the story. I just make the music. (Smiles) But I do know that since we are independent musicians, without any label backing us, we have to lean mostly towards word-of-mouth and online social platforms to help our music get some form of mileage. As far as expectation goes, I have a theory as I mentioned earlier, that I make music for myself first. If the audience also enjoys it along the way, that is a bonus.

ADWITI: Can you please give us an idea as to what happened with the recent plagiarizing attempt by a certain Bollywood music producer who ripped off the main riff of one of your compositions? I believe something similar was experienced by our famous "Musu musu hasee dewna" song. 

BIPUL: I was actually in Kalimpong when all this happened and had no clue until our Manager informed me about it. The said tune had the same guitar riff used in Asaar throughout their composition as well which made it sound alike. Our Manager got in touch with the concerned people in Mumbai and sorted it out after which they removed the track and offered to redo it. So it all ended well. But this is nothing new, especially in Bollywood as you all know. All one can do is to be alert and try and sort it out as amicably as possible. Of course, one can take further action, if they don't agree with your claim, which thankfully we did not have to resort to.

ADWITI: Who alerted your team of this situation? 

BIPUL: There were tons of messages from fans on our Face book page with the link.

ADWITI: This is definitely a “teachable or a learnable moment” for artists? How can they protect themselves from being blatantly plagiarized? 

BIPUL: Well... In India you can go to this address http://copyright.gov.in and register your songs or music. I think they charge about Rs. 2000 per song if I am not mistaken. It is essential to safeguard your creations if you intend to keep your Intellectual Property with you.

ADWITI: I believe most of your audience love old/classic Gorkhali/Nepali songs. What can we all do for the curation of our cultural and musical heritage?

BIPUL: All of us love and cherish the past legacy of Nepali music. It is what has helped us get to the point where we are at the moment. I sincerely don’t have a specific answer to this question for the general public but I can only speak for myself when I say that I will keep making the kind of music that I am making and hope it helps in some way preserve some form of it. It would be too audacious to say that I am trying to deliberately help in saving this art form, as there are so many others who are doing much more. But do try and keep listening to our homegrown music is all I can say.

ADWITI: How do you maintain your “Zen” like balance and authentic humility while experiencing your level of recognition and success? 

BIPUL: I think I got myself into the public limelight a little later in life than most musicians did. So I think coming into the scene a little late helped in not giving in too much to the hype that most of the newcomers usually face in this industry. I am also by the end of the day, just a simple music teacher in a school and nothing more than that.

ADWITI: What next for Bipul Chettri? The poet/the singer/the songwriter/the musician/the artist.

BIPUL: I think you are being too kind. Like I said, I write my music with whatever little I know of the language and the art. I just hope to get better and learn from all the experiences that I will face in the coming years.

Some time ago I was chatting with a friend about how we, Darjeelingeys have such a great sense of humor and how our gatherings are always filled with music and impromptu witty exchanges that we temporarily forget all our sorrows and setbacks. She said “my perception of humor is that a person who makes people laugh are doing what we Tibetans call "gewa" as for a few minutes they make people forget their sorrows or pains and have a good laugh, without realizing they make people happy”.

This particular word “gewa” or the meaning thereof comes to my mind when I listen to Bipul Chettri’s music. He is servicing us, the listeners with a nostalgic sliver of our hometown. His music, his songs and his voice has the powerful ability to connect us directly to our emotions and our lives back home - the place where we belong no matter how far we go.

Thank you Bipul Chettri for the “gewa”, for providing us with the experience of being home without actually being there. We wish “ Maya” to reach far and wide, to make more people happy and for you to feel fulfilled and rewarded with more songs that remind us of “home ...calling...home”.

[Adwiti Subba Haffner is an entrepreneur, social worker, writer, freelance journalist, world traveler, mother, wife, yoga/meditation teacher. You can find her at https://web.facebook.com/AdwitiHaffner and her website is www.alivewithadwiti.com]

READ MORE

Gorkhas daughter Seema Subedi wins Mrs Asia International 2016

8:38 PM

•

Gorkhas of Assam

11th June 2016 After winning the title of Mrs India Asia International Gorkhas Daughter from Assam Mrs Seema Subedi made the Indian Gorkha community proud on a global platform by winning the title of Mrs Asia International. Seema Subedi had won the title of Mrs India Asia International along with the titles of Mrs Photogenic and Mrs Fitness Diva at the Mrs India Asia International Pageant 2016 in the event that was held at Hotel Hilton, Chennai.

Seema was representing India at the Mrs Asia International 2016 beauty pageant which was held from 6th to 11th June, 2016 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.June, 2016 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Seema Subedi’s winning moment at Mrs Asia International 2016

Seema Subedi after winning the title in Kuala Lumpur

This was the 6th edition of Mrs. Asia International Pageant and the world Final was held in the Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia from 6th to 11th June 2016.

Mrs. Asia International Pageant, that extravaganza platform for married and senior ladies to showcase their beauty, talents and success in a more contemporary and glamorous approach. While beauty is the key element, contestants are also urged to voice their opinions about marriage and current events.
All married women, young wives, mothers and even grandmothers from Asia Countries – are eligible to participate. 30Ladies from Asia countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan,Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Philippines taking part in this contest.

All 30 ladies from around Asia had arrived on 6th to compete for The Mrs. Asia International 2016 world grand final. They participated in the activities in Kuala Lumpur, visited Tourism place like KLCC, enjoyed the local fruits and food, sponsors' visitation, shopping, cultural night, Pre-Judging and many more.

The Mrs. Asia International 2016 Pageant world grand final was held at grand ballroom of E-city Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 10th June, 2016.

READ MORE

Bollywood Song Stole Bipul Chettri’s Music But It’s Still Shit!

2:27 PM

•

Video

Writers Neeraj Pun (NEO)

Bollywood has been ‘getting inspired’, screw it, we will just say what it is — Bollywood has been stealing since ages. Anything that’s good needs to be copied, whether a film, a scene or a song because creativity is just a myth for these guys. The latest victim of this trend is Bipul Chettri whose music has been ripped off in a song from an upcoming film ‘Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara’. The music for the song titled ‘Chhu Liya’ is composed, or let’s just say stolen, by Ajay Singha and it is sung by Papon and Neha Rajpal. It wouldn’t actually be a bad song if the music was not stolen but as we are so used to of listening to Bipul’s soothing voice along with that music, it sounds terrible.

Here's the song
Title : Chhu Liya
Singer : Papon & Neha Rajpal
Lyrics : Mohit Pathak
Music : Ajay Singha
Arranger/Programmer : Ajay Singha/ Nilotpal Bora

The people from "Hai Apna Dil Tou Awara" have removed the following video where music was straight away taken from the song Aasar of Bipul Chetteri because of too many dislikes and hate comments.


No Bollywood, it doesn’t work that way. You just don’t steal our favorite artist’s music and get away with it without anyone noticing. Busted!!

However, we had the copy of the version of song Chhu Liya where music was taken from the song Aasar of Bipul Chetteri and you can watch the video here



And here’s the original by Bipul Chettri - Asaar



Via neostuffs

READ MORE

Mirik Idol Auditions kicks-off

9:17 AM

•

song

MIRIK 28 May 2016 A singing talent hunt is being organised in Mirik for the first time ever in the history of the sleepy tourist destination in the hills.

The Various Artists' Association of Mirik will hold a two-day audition for the 'Mirik Idol-Sing for your Glory' on May 28 and 29. About 90 contestants from various corners of Mirik turned out for the

preliminary stage at the Tourist Lodge and were judged by a panel comprising Dipen Gurung (Darjeeling T-Idol), Anil Pradhan, Kailash Rai, Milan Rai and Bhawana Thapa. Nearly 45 or 50 per cent of the participants have advanced to the next round of the competition.

“I believe the competition will go a long way in providing a much-needed platform to the hidden talents of the region,” remarked Dawa Tamang, president of the association.

The two-day audition will also be held at the Tourist Lodge conference hall, followed by the second round at Soureni Community hall, third round at Byawasayee hall  and the final at the Donbosco School Auditorium.

EVENT DETAILS MIRIK IDOL: SING FOR YOUR GLORY 

Various Artists of Mirik Presents...

"Mirik Idol-Sing for your Glory"

Audition Dates:
28th & 29th May 2016
Venue: Mirik Tourist Lodge(Youth Hostel)

Registration Fee: Rs. 300/- only
Registration Form will be available from 10 April 2016.

Winning Prize:
Rs. 31,000.00 + Song + Music Video

Contact: 
Car Key'z (Mirik College) - 9851667809
Dawa Tamang (Kashyap Computers,Thana Line)- 9832071343
Buddha Buddy Tamang (Electricity Office, Krishnanagar)- 9775751639
Deep Thokar Tamang (Cultural Deptt., Krishnanagar)- 9832313389
Dipen Basnet (Shadna Kala Kendra,Dushad Gairi)- 9775929219
Mingma Golay (Beithsaida English School,Nij Gaon)

Media Partners:
Himalaya Darpan
Voice of Mirik
Mirik ko sero fero
Darjeeling Chronicle
Darjeeling Times
Chautaree.com
Strings India

Sound Partner
Pathibhara Sound.

*Rules & Regulations 

1. Only Nepali or Hindi songs will be entertained.
2. Time allotted for each performance is max. 4 minutes.
3. Participants are not allowed to refer any lyrical content while singing.
4. Participants are not allowed to sing on music tracks in Audition Round however, they are allowed to play guitar or any musical instruments.
5. Choice of song is open to the participants but the songs should not have any slangs or derogatory language.
6. There is no age bar to participate.
7. Only the participants from Mirik Circle (Including CHENGA, PANIGHATTA & DUDHIA) will be entertained.
8. Participants are required to submit their recent passport size (2nos.) colour photograph along with the photocopy of the following documents (any one) for address proof.
i. VOTER ID CARD
ii. AADHAR CARD
iii. DRIVING LICENCE
iv. RESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATE
v. BIRTH CERTIFICATE
9. Judges decision will be final.

READ MORE