India win Kabaddi World Cup 2016

The revamped and refurbished Kabaddi World Cup had a grand finale in Ahmedabad on Saturday night, after a thrilling final that saw hosts India produce top class kabaddi to overcome Iran 38-29. Far from the four-day subdued affairs that the previous Kabaddi World Cups used to be, the 2016 edition was a new 16-day extravaganza.

However, some things never change, and India's kabaddi supremacy is certainly one of these. Anup Kumar's side, considered overwhelming favourites to lift their third World Cup, did so in emphatic fashion. However, doing so against an Iran side that played the match of their lifetimes has an astonishing feel about it. Anup, at his wily best, led India from 21-20 at the 30-minute mark to an eventual 38-29, earning him the biggest title of his life. He got most of the above things right, discreetly controlling the match and making his in-form raider Ajay Thakur the star of the show.

Despite facing such a daunting task, the Iranians did their bit and gave more than 100 percent, for which they deserve all the credit in the world. Iran'sams of lifting their maiden World Cup were as much dependent on India having an off day as on their players playing out of their skin. The superior technique of the Indians meant that Iran's best foot forward may not have been enough.

India were in the lead at the 30-minute mark, but more importantly, they had momentum and crowd support after having trailed Iran 13-19 in a tough first half where the physically stronger Iranians overpowered the finest of our men, including Manjeet Chhillar.
In the final 10 minutes, Anup ticked most of the boxes and emerged victorious. With his trusted weapon Pardeep Narwal not firing, he sent in fresher legs in the form of Rahul Chaudhari and Nitin Tomar to raid and while they were at it, he wouldn't stop talking to his boys or while returning from his own raid. He used India's review opportunity too, although unsuccessfully. That the desperate Iranians, many of whom had tasted last-minute defeat at the hands of these very men at the Incheon Asian Games in 2014, began to make errors only helped India.

Royal Stag promotes Short films at Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival

Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is proud to associate with the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star by providing a platform within the short films category. The Mumbai Film Festival is the biggest movie feast in India showcasing the latest cutting-edge, independent cinema from across the world. The association will help to promote new trends in the cinema space -the short film category.

Speaking about the association, Raja Banerji, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Pernod Ricard India, said “We are extremely proud of our association with JIO MAMI. Short Films has evolved as a category in India in the last few years and the advent of the digital space has played a significant role in this growth. Not only are short films emerging as powerful as long feature films attracting great audience online, but are also attracting great talent from the mainstream film industry. Keeping pace with the changing times, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is happy to own the short film category at Mumbai Film Festival. This association will be a significant milestone for Royal Stag Barrel Select Large short films in its journey to become the destination platform for short films.”

Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, Jio MAMI with Star said,”In an article titled Does Cinema need Short Films, New Yorker film critic Richard Brody wrote: The short film doesn’t supplant the feature; it nourishes it. It doesn’t make a filmmaker’s career, but it augments it, just as a brief visit to a friend may bring a wise word that may stick with a person for a lifetime. Or, to put it another way, movie theatres are like restaurants, which offer a chance for a good long talk; but there are also cafés for a chat, and the cinema needs those, too. I absolutely agree. Which is why I’m thrilled that Jio MAMI with Star is partnering with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large short films for this category. We hope that something wonderful will emerge.”


Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films and Jio MAMI with Star are united in their commitment to the short film genre which is why they have co-created a unique contest for aspiring filmmakers. It will inspire young film-makers across the country to create original short films and provide them the right platform to showcase their work. The winning short film will screen at the festival and the director will get an opportunity to intern with VCF. The contest will be judged by an eminent jury comprising Actor Tisca Chopra, renowned film critic Anupama Chopra and festival Creative Director Smriti Kiran.

Smriti Kiran, Creative Director, Jio MAMI with Star, said, “This association opens up the short film piece at the festival and that is very exciting. We are glad to be partners with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films which has built its credibility and created a solid place in the short films space.”
Themed on the objective of “keep perfecting”, the Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is a platform for aspiring directors to feature along with mainstream Bollywood directors and chase their creative energy to establish themselves in the industry. The platform gives a stage to storytellers to showcase their artistic creativity and reach out to their target audience through the online world as the brand urges them to push for perfection when it comes to filmmaking.

Nasya performing at The Grub Fest (Oct-14-16th 2016)

The Grub Fest is India's biggest food festival with the best restaurants displaying their signature delicacies over some good music and hearty performances to keep you entertained.

Take in the aromas, try out interesting cuisines, fill your baskets with unique gourmet products, indulge in mouth-watering desserts and learn some of the best-kept food secrets from the most talented chefs from the country.


Catch your favorite band Nasya performing live on Friday, 14th October 6pm onward.

Tickets on cleartrip local - click link to buy

Maruti Suzuki – NEXA & ZEE LIVE have partnered together to launch “Baleno Wicked Weekends”.

Maruti Suzuki – NEXA & ZEE LIVE have partnered together to launch “Baleno Wicked Weekends”.

Baleno Wicked Weekends is an attempt to reinvent urban nightlife by creating India’s longest party marathon. The lineup includes a consortium of the biggest names in independent music from India as well as international artists, programmed at the most happening party destinations throughout the country, giving an experience that is synonymous to the NEXA Experience.

Mr Vinay Pant – Assistant Vice President - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. on Baleno Wicked Weekends says: “We have positioned Baleno as a car with a bold and defiant attitude. Therefore, it complements the lifestyle of individuals who seek the thrill of the night. With Baleno Wicked Weekends we have a property which seamlessly fits with the personality of the car, and promises to reveal to partygoers a side of the night they’ve never experienced.”

Baleno Wicked Weekends kick-started at Raasta, Khar on September 30, where live electronic music band Nicholson, and funk nu-disco duo Madboy/Mink invigorated the audiences with their new-age sounds and rhythmic beats. More such line-ups are in the pipeline at the most happening destinations across 6 cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.

Sharing more details on the vertical, Anuj Talukder, President – ZEE LIVE said, “We see a vibrant cultural ethos evolving around home grown music in urban centres across the country. Baleno Wicked Weekends is a platform through which we hope to celebrate and entertain this emerging audience.”

Living Foodz, the foodtainment channel also joins Baleno Wicked Weekends as the lifestyle partner adding a dash of panache and entertainment to the 40-week long party marathon.



Saba Azad and Imaad Shah of Madboy Mink had this to say, "We’re super stoked to have kick started Baleno Wicked Weekends. It’s a great platform to be a part of; it’s great to see new brands are relating to the creative energy emerging in the independent music and arts scene in India. It’s needed to help promote and push the wonderful work happening across the country, it also helps create a strong culturally progressive identity for the brand. It’s a happy collaboration."

NASYA PERFORMING LIVE ON 30TH SEPTEMBER AT CIRCUS, SOUTH EX

This friday,in keeping with its series of one of a kind "ACTS" Circus is all set to rock the night away with its ACT XIX featuring NASYA.

Nasya is a fusion rock band that has carved a niche for itself while playing a blend of Sufi, Haryanvi and Punjabi Folk with rock influences. Their sound is distinctly characteristic, finely balancing traditional hindustani vocals with western elements of jazz, blues and rock music.

Dont miss this event. Be there to experience the best of sufi!

For reservations call: 8826171617 / 011-41329214

Rustom - movie review

Rating - 3 stars

First day first show is something I always wanted to do. So when the much awaited Akshay Kumar movie was going to be released during independence day weekend, I had already booked it online two days before. Another patriotic film, another Akshay Kumar starrer, he really seems to be making an impact with this new genre.

The infamous Nanavati case had been the highlight of a couple of earlier films, neither of which I have seen. Hence, it was good that I wasn’t carrying any baggage and would watch it without any pre conceived notions.
This movie is an out and out Akshay Kumar movie, he is the backbone of the film. He carries the film on his shoulders.
It’s early 1960s and the Indian navy is making its presence felt in the Arabian Sea. Men in uniform command respect, and envy.






There is a clash between the rich sindhi Arjan Bajwa’s character versus the parsi community of Rustom. Each community is using their clout to save their respective fellow.

The premise is fairly simple. A heartbroken naval officer, his cheating wife, the Casanova lover, his evil sister. The court room drama in the second half adds to the setting and thrill. This is also the last case that was heard by jury trial and henceforth the government abolished jury trials.

Though part of the story is based on fact, it’s the relationship drama that actually makes this a thriller. It’s a passionate crime done by a husband who’s madly in love with his wife and only national duty can set them apart for a while. It is during this time that the wife falls in a trap set by the Casanova Vikram Makhija, who is hell bent in teaching Rustom a lesson for being a patriotic and non corrupt officer.

It’s the price, Rustom pays for being an honest, loving husband. The crux of the case was whether Cdr Nanavati shot Ahuja in the "heat of the moment" or whether it was a premeditated murder. The film is about how he deals with it, understands his wife situation and also looks graceful even after commiting a crime and also wins the sympathy of the public and jury.
Finally he is set free and reunites with his wife and plays a bluff which in the end makes the corrupt naval officers committing suicide.
A must watch for Akshay Kumar fans.

Launch of new designer portal in Delhi

India’s first designer priviliged portal, Thefashionticket launched in the capital’s OddEven club in MGF Saket Mall on 5th August. The event included models adding pomp and glamour to the event.

Speaking to us at the event, one of the partner’s of the company, Mr. Abhinav Sharma said “The fashionticket is a unique portal where designers can connect to their audience instantly at a click. And customers can be rewarded for their purchase.”



The Fashion Ticket is the primary e-commerce product from Walkway Fashion Pvt Ltd .The organisation works for promoting fashion talent across the world. The Team members of The Fashion Ticket belong to strong marketing and fashion establishments and are well known to create innovative products which can facilitate Fashion and Customers.

The Fashion Ticket is an effort to help prospective customers to get an idea about the designer offerings along with the fixed discounts and rewards, discover new trends and book their appointments with designers through real-time recommendations instantly.
It’s the only channel which supports e commerce and offline database of the customer and hence provides designers with shopaholic customers.

The Fashion Ticket honors both card and cash sales, which gives customers an advantage to shop more and earn more. The reward points can be claimed in form of cash backs and vouchers from different market sectors.

Saddi Dilli

There are all kinds of things one notices when you come to delhi. The hustle and bustle of the city, the pollution, traffic, the autorikshaw walas. Delhi hasn’t changed at all since I came here few months ago. On a Friday evening, after the much hyped movie was released. We managed to get the first day show tickets for Udta Punjab in Citywalk at PVR. It was not expected to be a full house but suddenly when we entered the cinema hall, slowly people kept on coming inside and soon it was jam packed. It was surprising as I had heard that the movies pirated copies had been leaked online and it was even available on cable.
Kudos to the director who made the film, the director did justice to the story and made strong characters who weaved magic to their roles. Intense film with powerful performances by lead actors. Piracy has always been an issue in India.

This was always the case. In Delhi, you have a fake for anything and everything even before the original comes out. Anything you want under the sun is available in gafar market, Nehru place and the likes. So this was not unexpected. The whole country caught this fever soon as it spread from its capital.



The other thing that works in delhi is Juggad. And there is juggad for everything. The next day when I went to get my international driving license as I was going to travel abroad. There at the transport department office in south delhi, I saw a huge line of mostly youngster standing in a never ending queue since morning, trying to get their learners permit and then going through the biometric. Since nowadays everything is computerized. The only reason all this is happening is because of the fact that there was a huge market for fake licenses, passports , adhar cards etc. You name it and you could get it. Just throw some money and it’s done. I am sure there are some people out their who are still trying to beat the computers and hack the system and continue their business of fake stuff.

Another thing that has a big market in delhi is laziness. Yes, people in delhi are damn lazy. They need an agent for everything. The other day I was speaking to an immigration consultant and he was telling me about the different type of people who come to get visa at his place. Technology is not really helping these lazy bums at all and creating a big hassle for them.

He exclaims, there was one person who called and said, I need a tourist visa, can you please get the biometric to my home as I don’t want to go to the place.
There are all types of crazy incidents that he hears from people. Another person,went up to the embassy asking if he could get the uk visa as he wanted to meet his girl friend. And he didn’t have the necessary amount of bank balance in his account. And somehow he got the visa as the person over the counter bought his story.

Then about One couple from Punjab who wanted to settle in Canada but applied for a tourist visa. They got rejected as his wife told the embassy officer that she wouldn’t be coming back from Canada during the personal interview.

It’s just hilarious.

Four Hands Massage experience

There is always a case to try something new and Dubai is one place where you actually get to do things you haven't done before.
After some hectic weeks in office,I opted for the exotic “Four Hands Massage” it sounded highly indulgent and I hoped it was going to be worth it.

After a short wait, the massage therapist ushered me upstairs to a very smart treatment room and instructed me replace my clothes with the large towel on the table and that she would be back shortly with the second therapist. I asked if they had the disposable underwear, the answer was met with a giggle and a point at the towel. So I sat on the treatment table wearing only a large towel which does puts thoughts in your mind.

A gentle knock on the door and the two therapists appeared. They asked me to lie down on my front and without fuss I was positioned for treatment. Then there was an interesting sensation when the large towel I was wearing was replaced with something that felt about the size of a face cloth. This was then folded in three which “I think” just about covered my posterior.

Any thought of embarrassment was instantly dismissed as the therapists set to work. Almost in perfect sync each therapist took one half of my body and administered an intense massage the full length of my body. With liberal amount of oil and increasing pressure it was hard to tell how many hands were actually on me – but it felt to be just the right amount.

When it was time to turn over – again my modesty was expertly protected. Though I was not sure how I felt about the comment “Would sir, like a larger towel?” would it have been bragging to say yes?

The front side massage continued in the same vein, I was totally relaxed and continued to enjoy the treatment. The positioning of the small towel was good over the crown jewels – though I was slightly perturbed at the “tucking” that was certainly needed to protect everyone’s dignity, but it did catch me off guard with the first “tuck”.

All too soon the hour was over. I was asked if I would like to shower, based on the amount of oil on me it was a sensible choice. I was left feeling revitalized and having gone to the gym earlier that day it was a fab reward for the morning’s effort.

A Short Story Part 1

With my face buried in the pillow, I cried quietly, hoping not to wake my housemates.

I turned the lock, pushed against the frame carefully, and stepped to the side. He was there, waiting for me. I took his hand in mine and squeezed tightly. Together, we fell onto the bed, hand in hand.

He was different than the other boys. He was different than everybody. We were best friends, and one day I hoped he would ask me to be his girlfriend.

We silently laid on our backs holding hands for some time. I stared up at the glow in the dark stars on my ceiling until I gathered the courage to speak. When I finally developed the nerve, I turned my head to the side. He did the same.

“Do you want to be my boyfriend?” I asked.

He shook his head. “not yet.”

I rolled my head to the side and gazed up at the ceiling,feeling foolish for having asked.

“But I will be your best friend forever.” He said.

“You promise? I asked. I did the same and we swore.

Dressed in board shorts and an old tee shirt, at first glance he resembled a handsome hunk. His skin was deep bronze in color and he had the muscular structure of an athlete. With his handsome looks and a tasteful sleeve of tattoos down to one wrist, he could have had a career as a model if he chose to. Instead, he spent his time surfing on facebook and chatting with whoever he deemed worthy of his time and effort.

I wasn’t here yesterday. He cleared his throat and pushed the refrigerator closed.

As he turned around, his hair fell into his face. He lived a life of solitude and kept to himself. I had been in and out of many relationships, none worth the time I devoted to them, and not a single one produced a fraction of the satisfaction my friendship with Rony did.

Outsiders viewed him as antisocial, withdrawn and unfriendly, but they didn’t know him the way I did. I understood whey he was the way he was, and further knew him as being none of those things. Rony was kind, caring,funny and wanted nothing more than to be allowed to live life in the manner he was comfortable with.

Scrubbing my mind of the lingering sexual desires that seemed to be so freely inhabiting my mind was much more of something that I had hoped for, I lay in the bed on the side, next to him.
He admired by sense of fashion. Shorts, flats and a tasteful turquoise tank were a simple choice but seeing my arms exposed satisfied him greatly. He was everything to me, he had been my best and only friend since we were in fourth grade. I didnt need to be friends with everyone, but I certainly needed to be friends with someone. Rony became that someone.

I knew him so well, I actually could make out what exactly he was thinking at that very moment, we were so close. Yet, there was
something which I felt was incomplete in me.