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| Interviews |
Hard Kaur - Uk’s first Asian female Rap Artist  |
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What prompted you to enter this field of rap singing?
Being an Indian girl I wanted to do something unique. I wanted to show them that I am not a shy Indian girl. Initially I was a dancer; even now also you can see me dancing in many of my songs. When I first came to England in1991, I knew very little English but by the year 1995 I was performing stage shows all over the country. Music is my obsession and I live for music.
Being the first Asian female rap artist, what would you suggest to the upcoming artists?
I am proud to fulfill all my dreams and reach such great heights. I would suggest that attaining fame in singing needs hard work and talent. Singing is not only a glamorous world but you should sing from your heart, wherein comes your original style of music. Why to copy music from others if you can make your own rap & hip-hop styles.
Did you anticipate such a pleasant reaction from the Indian audience?
Yes, people have been hearing a lot of remix and fusion style music here. There are also some in the countdown list of Bollywood movies rated by the public. And especially the younger generations are accepting it more.
What are you future projects?
Recently my new album “Supawoman” was released and I am planning on some new projects. Apart from bhangra and rap music I will include more of hip-hop and R&B styles. I have just recorded a track with Shankar Ehsaan and Loy along with Sunidhi. I am looking forward to start my own school in urban music for the Indian kids.
Are you working
with other music producers?
After working with Sriram Raghavan my next project is with Sajid Wajid. I am not drawn towards the glam movie world; it’s just for the sake of music, to introduce my style of music.
Will the fusion of hip-hop and Indian music work together?
Oh Yes, It’s going to be a more happening music genre. Since time immemorial music genre has been constantly changing and people are adapting to it almost instantly.
Would you like to work with Indian music directors Disco King Bappi Lahari or A. R. Rehman?
Yes, I would love to work with such great persons. It will also help me learn from their music too. |
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| Mustafa Zahid – ‘To Phir Aao’ fame |
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 How did you get a break to work in “Awarapan” film?
It all happened, when my Indian Manager Sajid approached Mr. Mahesh Bhatt to listen to the songs from my newly released album “Roxen”. He was totally caught in the track of “To Phir Aao” and then called me up to record for Awarapan movie. He also decided to take the track of “Tera Mera Rishta”.
After getting in touch with Indian music, what do you think about Indian music in comparison to Pakistani music?
I had a good experience in singing for Awarapan. It seemed quiet complicated but was formal. So for me Indian classical tunes in with Pakistani music.
Have you been approached by any other producers?
Yes, I have been approached by a couple of them. And after the success of Awarapan people have higher expectations from me. I hope to live up to their dreams.
What would you say about Indian audience who heard you?
While staying at my home town I heard that Indians appreciated my singing, but for me seeing is believing. When I performed on stage it was an amazing feeling that people here liked my tracks. The response was huge.
Does fusion of Indian and Pakistani music have a future?
Of course, people are loving it and it should be done. Even before me Atif Aslam has made a mark. Hats of to Mahesh Bhatt who made it possible. Ultimately, music knows no boundaries.
What about your band “Roxen” performance in India?
Well, my band Roxen has planned to perform in India. Apart from stage shows very soon i.e. after Muharram we are ready to release our pop-rock album in India.
Your future plans?
I will be performing in Scotland, U.K. and U.S. I have also been approached to work in other Bollywood movies. And very soon you will be seeing me acting in one of these movies.
Currently we have seen a lot of Pakistani people performing in different shows in India. Does this kind of activity bridge the gap between Pakistan and India?
Yes, it is a smart move to bring the nation together. The media and the artists should be given credit for it. This kind of activity helps to maintain a strong bond and a healthy relation between the neighbors. |
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| Shawar Ali - Top 100 Handsome Indian men |
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A small town guy of Bhopal. Landed up in modeling without knowing enough about fashion and body building.
Profile
Age- 27
Place- Bhopal
Role model- Shahrukh Khan
Favorite Color- White
Favorite destination- Goa
When idle likes to - visit a peaceful place and the best place is Goa
Favorite Food – Tandoori Chicken
Favorite designer- Manish Malhotra
How did you start your career?
I started my career in 2000 from Chennai, where I walked for Hemant Trivedi. Then during the Mumbai Fashion Week I was noticed from Selfridges and then got the International assignment of working as an in-house model for Calvin Kelvin.
The achievements you feel proud of
Apart from being an in-house model for CK, I have won MTV Style Award in 2006, Kingfisher Model Award in 2003, won the Lions Gold Award for best model in 2007 and also the Best model at the 38th International Film Festival held in Goa in 2007.
Your future plans
Looking for more work from the movie industry. Acting is hard work and no easy money. Modeling is a good stepping stone for acting.
What about acting in OSO?
Feels good to work with Bollywood stars. I learnt many things about acting from SRK. Want to act like SRK someday.
My upcoming English movie is “Hidden” directed by Samit L. Baadkar will be launched in 2008. Next is “Amar Joshi Shahid ho gaya” by Rajnish Thakur.
What are your views on the modeling industry?
Before it was difficult to get through, but today as there are more shows and competitions are being held around everywhere, it has become much easier for aspiring models to enter and gain notice.
- like to wear- Blue jeans & white shirt
- Health Funda- 1hr workout regularly. No greasy food. More proteins and less carbs. Sleep on time.
- Advise to youngsters- Be away from drinking and smoking. Workout Daily.
- Motto of life- Do something so that people will remember you even when you retire.
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| DJ Ilgin – Female DJ from Istanbul |
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Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1981, DJ Ilgin, started her career in a radio station at an early age of 15, which helped her find her true musical identity: HOUSE MUSIC. She attended the DJ school in Paris she returned to Turkey to pursue her new career... it didn’t take long for people to notice her!
At a very young age, she is considered as one of the most successful female DJs. DJ Ilgin is now playing in many clubs around the world, and has a residency at Istanbul's finest club 360ISTANBUL. We caught her in Delhi where she is performing in Ministry of Sound & then in Hyderabad.
For how many years have you been DJing?
I got my first turntable when I was 11 years old, and since then I have not stopped.
What kind of music do you play?
Mostly Chicago House and House which is deep, vocal and funky.
What are your future plans?
I plan to produce, compile albums and get into remixing.
How many times have you visited India?
This is my third trip to India.
Which cities in India have you played in?
New Delhi and Hyderabad
Have you visited the Taj Mahal?
Not yet but would love to. I have heard that is one of the most beautiful tributes to love.
What do you think of Indian music?
I think Indian music is very good. The rhythm and instruments are very different.
What do you think of India as an audience?
I think the Indian audience is very good. I am glad that the market is opening up to DJs like us( foreign DJs) in a big way. Atleast once in a lifetime every DJ should play in India. |
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| Umar Sharif- 2007 Grasim Mr. India 2nd runner up |
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Profile
Age - 23
Hometown - Delhi
Educational Qualification - B-Tech in Electronics & Telecom
Role Model - Arjun Rampal
Favorite Color - Black and White
Favorite Destination - Still to discover.
Favorite Actors- Aamir Khan & Kareena Kapoor
When idle - I like to workout.
Favorite Designer Outfit - Anything in which I feel comfortable. Need not necessarily be branded
Favorite Food - Chicken
Hobbies - Handwriting Analysis, Astrology
Achievements that you are proud of
In 2004 Photofair show, I was present in the ramp along with models like Ria Sen, Shawar Ali, Ishita Arun and Siddharth Shukla. Walked the ramp in Lakme Fashion Week 2007 for Deepika Govind’s spring collection. Walked the ramp for Reebok and Rock Board.
What do you think of the present modeling industry?
Today modeling industry is growing at a better pace. There are many aspiring models struggling to make a mark. An aspiring model takes his/her own time to reach the helm. Models need to promote themselves first at the best.
Does a model justify his or her role when it comes to acting?
Modeling and acting are different fields. Whatever the profession is, one needs to work hard and put his/her total devotion in it.
Yes, models are doing well in movies namely Arjun Rampal, John Abraham and Dino Morea. I believe acting is in-built quality. Acting comes from within; you can’t force anybody to act. But some models are crazy for the glam world of movies. Glamour is an addiction for them. But ultimately acting is a struggle & recognition comes later.
What are your future plans?
Presently I am working ad campaigns. I am looking forward to work in theater and movies. I would love to work in a movie but first I want to do justice to my present profession.
What did you feel after becoming a winner in Mr India Contest?
It is a great feeling. It was a proud moment of self-achievement. Maybe after retirement I will feel proud to tell my children about this achievement.
- My Health funda- 2 hrs workouts on a regular basis. Eat control diet food containing less of proteins and carbohydrates.
- Advise for fitness- First understand your body fitness. Eat in time healthy foods. Daily workout at the gym.
- Best Outfit - Denim and T-shirts.
- Motto of life- “Nil Desperandum” means fight till your last breath. I want to work hard till I am satisfied with my achievements. Keep reinventing your self always.
- Presently working with Hutch as a Telecom Engineer.
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| DJ Nasha – The Guru of Bollywood Mixes |
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DJ Nasha has many ‘firsts’ under his belt. DJ/ Producer/ Turntablist Nasha holds several titles including World D.M.C. Champion India 1999 and 2000. He is the first Indian DJ to feature internationally on the popular Buddha Bar lounge series. His 2nd single ‘Yara on my mind’ came out on War of the DJs 3 which was also played out on BBC 1 Xtra. He is the only Indian DJ to feature on the ‘Blazing Drums 2’. He has spun alongside various International DJs including Freqnasty, Tall Paul, Coldcut, Howie B, Fundamental, DJ Misjah to name a few. He also is the founder of the first professional DJ Academy in India.
He dabbles with electro bass-rinsing breaks, electro ethnic house and down tempo electro fusion. He is also a member & resident DJ-producer with Sub Swara in New York. There is no doubt that anyone who hears Nasha spin is guaranteed to find themselves moving through a funky bass-injected musical journey.
For how many years have you been Djing?
For almost thirteen years
What kind of music do you play?
I play all kind of music. I personally like to play Dubstep.
What can we expect of DJ Nasha in the near future?
I am looking forward to releasing an album.
Who is your favourite DJ?
Freq Nasty
Your favourite music artist?
Bob Marley
Your favourite travel and party destination?
Nevada
Your Favourite club?
LOVE in New York.
Your favourite club in India?
Ministry of Sound
Any message to your fans?
Check out my new album. |
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