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Fantastic First

Rashi — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:39:53 +0000

Fun mendhi/pithi ceremonies

Rashi — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:33:57 +0000

I have been away for a long time, just because of the busy spring/summer season. I am back! The first event I want to write about was the most fun mendhi/pithi ceremonies I have ever done. It was in Brooklyn, back in April, for a wonderful couple. They did their ceremony at My Moon restaurant which is an awesome space in Brooklyn for either a mendhi or a sangeet. So, they combined their mendhi/pithi with their sangeet/raas garba. They had the most fun garba instructor, Reena Shah. This set the mood of pure fun and festiveness. Then, the pithi ceremony started. It was really beautiful and sweet for the bride-the usual, feeding her sweets and putting some turmeric on her. Then, it got to the groom. The ceremony was already unusual for him, since he is not South Asian. But, then it got really out of control, when they started using mustard and ketchup on him, instead of the usual haldi. Don’t believe me? Check out the pictures from the amazing photographers at Chennergy. The groom took it all in good humor, and was such a sport. They really were a fantastic couple to work with!

Federation of Indian Associations (FIA)

Rashi — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:12:34 +0000

We had the amazing opportunity to work on a party for FIA, or Federation of Indian Associations. This association is the one that runs the amazing India Day Parade in NYC every year. They went all out and threw a holiday dinner for their key members and loyal sponsors. It was a classy, fun, affair, full of modern décor, a DJ playing hollywood and bollywood music, a live singer, delicious food, and if that wasn’t enough, even an acrobat! Whew, all of that, and the party overlooked the Manhattan skyline! Really, it was one of the most fun corporate parties we have ever organized or attended. Read about FIA and all of the events they organize here at their wonderful website http://fianynjct.org/cms/.

Imran Khan

Rashi — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:25:03 +0000

I was always a big Imran Khan fan. But, now, I am in love. He was in town promoting “Break ke Baad.” Not only is he stunning, but he is so nice and professional. He was late for the interview, but only because he got stuck in traffic, not because of any starry airs. He repeatedly apologized. He got ready, did the interview, and answered each question so intelligently. But, the best thing was, his fiancé (now wife,) Avantika Malik, called him, and he was sooo cute with her. He told her that he missed her, and kept talking about her..you could tell this was a groom who couldn’t wait to marry his beloved. Happy for you, Imran and Avantika, and good luck for the film. Check out the movie’s website http://www.bkbthefilm.com/ and catch it on DVD. You can see pics of the wedding and recently done reception here http://www.apunkachoice.com/photo_gallery/parties_events/gid200000755-imran_khan_avantikas_grand_wedding_reception/. All of the leading heroines of Bollywood looked terrific, and of course, the couple looked wonderfully happy!

Do not “Walkaway” from seeing this movie!

Rashi — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 21:20:55 +0000

Walkaway is a new, independent film that is releasing on October 29, 2010 across 18 different cities, and we are looking forward to seeing what the characters in the movie “Walkaway” from. Will it be their family, love, or values? It’s about time we see a light comedy about Indians like ourselves, young professionals here in NYC who are struggling with balancing Indian values and our American culture. As described by IMDB, Walkaway is “a light-comedy drama, mocks the clutches of social obligations on young Indian professionals settled in New York City. Exploring the subtleties of the Indian mega-institution of marriage, from the now-veiled urban dowry system to the overwhelming compromises demanded of a cross-cultural couple, the film weaves through the lives of four friends who struggle to balance engrained values with modern environs in the fast-paced melting-pot that is New York.” Go see it, you will be happy you found people to whom you can relate!

Smilebooth.com

Rashi — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:42:15 +0000

Last time I went to an expo, I fell in love with the photo booth. I made one of my Aunties jump in to see how she felt. It’s soo funny how even the most straight laced Auntie can become a diva or a little goofy in a photo booth. Imagine how much fun it would be to have a photo booth at your next event, private or corporate. It’s just a fun activity to put on the side of the room. While people are milling about and chatting, other people can jump in the booth to entertain themselves. It’s sure to get people in a fun mood, and get the conversation going. Check out smilebooth.com. They even bring props, or add your own!

Hiding Divya-A thoughtful film

Rashi — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:20:24 +0000

Did you ever hide something because you were embarrassed by it? Chances are, the answer to that question is yes. In our South Asian culture, people tend to hide embarrassing things because we like to portray our lives as perfect. We think if we show our imperfections, people will abandon us, or judge us based on our imperfections. Especially if our imperfection is mental illness, like the main character in the movie. There is so many stigmas attached to mental illness that sometimes all you feel you can do is hide!

But, what happens when we can’t hide anymore? That’s what Hiding Divya is about. It’s time to confront our fears, and come out in the open. It’s liberating! See the movie, and stop hiding! It’s opening August 20th in Manhattan, New Jersey, Peachtree, GA, and Freemont, CA. Make it an event..Catch a show, and go out to dinner afterwards to discuss the meaningful film you just saw! Hidingdivya.com.

KSDweddings.com photography workshop

Rashi — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:46:08 +0000

One of my colleagues just posted on their facebook page that they will be doing photography workshops. And, I thought, what a great idea! We all attend and have so many special celebrations, but the pictures do not always artistically reflect what happened. I am the first person guilty of this! I have parties, think, wow, I put together some really great centerpiece, but the picture does not do them justice. Of course, I also have really bad pictures of my kids, who are actually pretty photogenic. So, I am the first person who needs a workshop! Check it out!

“Kites” will find it’s level-High!

Rashi — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:57:52 +0000

I’m flying high after hearing Hrithik talk about “Kites”

Rashi — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:22:22 +0000

I attended a meet and greet with Hrithik Roshan on Saturday, May 15th. That was about a week ago, and I still swoon everytime I think about how close I was to him. Those eyes. Those biceps..sigh. But, even more than outward appearance, what really impressed me was how nice and normal he was. Not every superstar that we see lets their personality shine through. Hrithik just seemed like a normal guy, who was happy to see his fans supporting him, and was so accomodating about answering the questions they had. He wasn’t putting on histrionics to impress us-no signature dancing, he just wanted some honest interaction. And, he got plenty of it. So many fans had questions, which he answered, and he invited so many people up on stage for a hug. A really big hug, not just one of those I’ll put my arm around you because I have to look good hugs. We all felt the love of those hugs!
Here are some videos. The first is Hrithik talking about “Kites.” I loved how he said that Kites will find it’s level-it will fly as high as it’s supposed to, and will find it’s audience. I think it will-it has such an unusual mix of superstardom, given it’s starring and directors. It’s intriguing to me to see how it will all mix together to find it’s level. Judging from the promos, I think we are all meant to be one world, and not divided! Bollywood and Hollywood mix beautifully!
I had to put up the second video too-This is Hrithik’s “best move” as he calls it..A BIG hug for a loyal fan! LOVE it!