AAW #214

Radio as a medium is seeing consistent growth and hence the career opportunities with it are increasing; and thus MY FM’s Archana Jani, Radio City’s Smit Pandya and Top FM’s Chirag Tripathi are coming together to discuss more on the same topic. In other gatherings – Hun Bolu, Tu Sambhad – in Ahmedabad is where creators come and talk about their work and journey, this week poet, playwright, actor and teacher Vaishakh Rathod will be gracing the series. To discuss literature with well-read journalists dropdown to Cafe Skryf and share your thoughts on Russian-American author Ayn Rand’s philosophical fiction Fountainhead (1943).

Fans of Gujarati Sugam Sangeet, looking for solace in some transcendent regional tunes can come down to Geet Manjusha and hear Saumil Munshi, Shyamal Munshi and Aarti Munshi rendering best of them.

Visual arts fans can enjoy the realistic paintings of artist Sima Patel at her Art Exhibition or come to witness the creativity of Isha Bavishi who has brought ancient architectural murals to life through painting skills. Art Bazaar by Sister Library is an intriguing creative gathering that houses poetry, stand-up comedy and creations of more than 50 artists under a single dome.

People looking for an enthralling theatre experience have something to look for in the 214th AAW too. Manoj Shah who gave us spectacular plays on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and Chandrakant Bakshi now brings the stirring story of a common man through Kaagdo. Reputed theatre personality Kabir Thakore’s Mowgli Baloo – Tanak Tum Tum Gujarati musical play for children is a collaborative creation on the life of jungle boy Mowgli. Reputed creators of the city including Mayank Oza, Archan Trivedi and Mayur Chauhan have dedicated their heart and soul behind its creation.

Dada Dadi no Otlo is where children should be during their summer vacation weekends. Organised at various public parks, the gathering of the younger and wiser generation will bring forgotten children songs, folklore and traditional games of Gujarat.

Versatile actor Dinyar Contractor who was honoured with a Padma Shri this year, left for his heavenly abode on June 5, 2019 due to age-related ailments. He filled the lives of the 90s generation with his joyous onscreen presence in various films and television series. Contractor began acting during early school days and kicked off his professional acting career in 1966 with theatre and Gujarati television programs that were aired on Doordarshan’s DD Metro channel. He is remembered for his comic timing and magnificent performances in television series Khichdi and Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah; and films like Jhankaar Beats, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Khiladi, Jawab, Baadshah, Daraar, Baazigar and 36 China Town. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi remembered the versatile actor while giving condolences to Contractor’s family and admirers over twitter. Team CY pays tribute to the lively actor through 214th Ahmedabad Art Weekly