Sigma Rock & designer Umair Zafar collaborate to promote Lucknowi Chikankari & Embroidery

Lucknow, 2^nd March 2014.  We all celebrate our annual events and functions with a lot of aplomb, but when we do it with for a social cause; it makes a great difference to those benefited. Sigma Rock Infra Ventures Pvt Ltd - a Lucknow-based real estate company believes and stands for integrity and ethics and this was amply evident in their effort to support and promote the small craftsmen and karigars of Lucknow. Sigma Rock presented celebrity designer and stylist Umair Zafar's Chikankari Summer Collection 2014 on 1^st March at a glittering ceremony at the M B Club in Lucknow to promote the craft and enhance and encourage the craftsmen and karigar community which has suffered greatly due to neglect and lack of promotion. Bollywood diva Rituparna Sen walked the ramp  for Umair Zafar and also distributed prizes and awards to achievers of Sigma Rock.

Lucknow based designer Arshi Jamal also show-cased his ethnic collection as the guest list included young and energetic minister Naved Siddiqui,  Major General Suresh Gupta, Dr Vikram Ahuja, Lens man Subodh Bajpai, Shashank Agarwal, former Indian women’s cricket team captain Nighat Khan, Asst Director - Ministry of Communication Ravi Pratap Singh,  Urban Fashion Franchise Head Shoaib Zafar and many others.

Gorgeous Rituparna Sen Gupta, the show stopper for Umair Zafar enthralled the audience with her beautiful moves. Ace choreographer Shie Lobo made the night more appealing with his synchronized choreography. Rupa Khurana and Rajesh Tandon anchored the gala event.

According to, Asrar Ahmad Khan, Director Sigma Rock, “We being housing providers relate directly to fashion and lifestyle. This event hence is one more form to connect people with fashion and lifestyle.  This is yet another feather in our cap. The aim for Fit and Fashion 2014 is to create awareness about fitness and fashion among Lucknowites.”

Designer Umair Zafar who hails from Lucknow and is known for his patronage for the culture and crafts of the city of Nawabs speaking to news agency Newz66.com in Lucknow said, "This show is for the craftsmen of Lucknow who have long been neglected by other designers and big brands alike. I thank Sigma Rock for supporting us in this noble cause. We are showcasing 35 national and international models to display the designs. I have used the blend of Lucknow’s ancient art -  the chikan with popular modern fabrics. It’s now possible to carry chikan in all seasons. It is not vintage any more. These fusions will give chikan a high fashion and party angle given the fact that over 20 varieties of fabric have been used.”

The magic moments were captured by the lenses of Subodh Bajpayee.  Patrons supporting the event included Urban Fashion, Diet Mantra, Magic Holidays, Golden Blossom Imperial Resorts, Signature Premium, Flashcabs, PR advisory Kaivalya Communication, Meem Productions and many more.

Ramp model Simona Roy to represent India at Ms Bikini Online 2014

Well-known ramp model and actress Simona Roy will represent India at the international glamour pageant Ms Bikini Online 2014 to be held in Seychelles in May this year.  Each country is eligible to send in 3 participants taking the total number of participating contestants to over 500 at the first round.

A press report by news and content agency Newz66.com quoted Simona Roy as saying, “I have been selected by an international committee to represent India at the Ms Bikini Online 2014 glamour and fashion pageant. I had mailed my photographs in the first week of January to the international agency handling the pageant and had forgotten about it. I was not expecting a reply, when out of the blue, I got an email on 24^th February confirming my nomination for the prestigious pageant. At first I was a bit skeptical. But then the agency followed up their mail with other giving complete details of the main pageant to be held in Seychelles during May. It is an honour to be part of this prestigious event and I will give it my best.”

Simona Roy who originally hails from Kolkatta has walked the ramp for several fashion designers and has featured on magazine covers like Enlighten and Femina besides many others. She is also doing a couple of films in the south in Tamil and Telugu.

Ms Bikini Online is an international pageant co-ordinated by 7 Star Inc and held annually each year. The winners are decided by the number of votes and ‘LIKES’ they get on the internet. A gala fashion event is held to announce and crown the winners who take home about 100,000 USD totally in prizes and gifts. Though the pageant was criticized by a few international models who claimed that the international online voting system was susceptible to flaws and could be hijacked by professional social marketing experts, the organizers claim that they have several technical checks to ensure that fake votes or ‘LIKES’ are not generated by paid web experts.

Bollywood stars to shine at Umair Zafar's Summer Collection 2014 launch at Lucknow

At least 4-5 Bollywood actors including Rituparna Sengupta and Purab Kohli will add to the glam component and help designer Umair Zafar promote the art of Lucknowi Chikankari  to a discerning and elite audience at the M B Club at Lucknow on 1st March 2014.

Speaking to content agency Newz66.com, Umair Zafar says, "Almost everyone even remotely connected with garments, apparel and fashion has heard of chikankari. But how many people know that there are over 40 types of hand stitches involved in chikankari embroidery work. How many people know that one embroider working almost 18 hours a day takes over a week and more to complete a single garment. We want to showcase and present the efforts involved in preparing such a collection."

These outfits - which have provided employment to almost 250 embroiders in Mumbai and Lucknow, will be on display at a glitzy fashion event in Lucknow - the home of chikankari at the launch of Umair Zafar’s Summer Collection 2014. And thanks to Umair Zafar the dying art of traditional Chikankari will be showcased to an international audience with at least 3 international TV channels covering the fashion event live.

Chikankari is delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net etc. White thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments. These days chikan embroidery is also done with coloured and silk threads in different colours to sync with recent fashion trends and keep chikankari trendy with changing fashion and fabric. 

Lucknow is the heart of the Chikankari industry today and the variety is known as Lucknawi chikan. The stich-work includes the following types of stitches - Tepchi, Bakhiya, Hool, Zanzeera, Rahet, Banarsi, Khatau,   Phanda, Murri, Jali, Turpai, Darzdari, Pechani, Bijli, Ghaspatti, Makra, Kauri, Hathkadi,   Banjkali, Sazi, Karan, Kapkapi, Madrazi, Bulbul-chasm, Taj Mahal, Janjeera, Kangan, Dhania-patti, Rozan, Meharki, Chanapatti, Baalda, Jora, Keel kangan, Bulbul, Sidhaul, Ghas-ki-patti and a few others.

Mumbai-based fashion designer Umair Zafar who originally hails from Lucknow and has been promoting Lucknowi Art and Craft will bring Lucknow Chikankari to an international audience in association with Sigma Rock Infra the patrons of Project Chikankari.

Designer Umair Zafar has done an in-depth research and study on Lucknowi Chikankari and its various forms of stitches. In order to promote the art, he will be showcasing a premium range of chikankari work with an amalgamation of different fabrics, mix and match with various other embroideries and fabrics like muslin, brocade and silk along with Swarovski crystals. The collection will be in different colors, ranges and sizes to suit all body types, which is rarely found in traditional chikankari work.

Photos: Newz66.com

Umair Zafar's Summer Collection 2014 includes over 40 types of Chikankari embroidery

Almost everyone even remotely connected with garments, apparel and fashion has heard of chikankari. But how many people know that there are over 40 types of hand stitches involved in chikankari embroidery work. 

How many people know that one embroider working almost 18 hours a day takes over a week and more to complete a single garment. These outfits - which have provided employment to almost 250 embroiders in Mumbai and Lucknow, will be on display at a glitzy fashion event in Lucknow - the home of chikankari on 1^st March at the launch of Umair Zafar’s Summer Collection 2014. And thanks to Umair Zafar the dying art of traditional Chikankari will be showcased to an international audience with at least 3 international TV channels covering the fashion event live.

Chikankari is delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net etc. White thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments. These days chikan embroidery is also done with coloured and silk threads in different colours to sync with recent fashion trends and keep chikankari trendy with changing fashion and fabric. 

Lucknow is the heart of the Chikankari industry today and the variety is known as Lucknawi chikan. The stich-work includes the following types of stitches - Tepchi, Bakhiya, Hool, Zanzeera, Rahet, Banarsi, Khatau,   Phanda, Murri, Jali, Turpai, Darzdari, Pechani, Bijli, Ghaspatti, Makra, Kauri, Hathkadi,   Banjkali, Sazi, Karan, Kapkapi, Madrazi, Bulbul-chasm, Taj Mahal, Janjeera, Kangan, Dhania-patti, Rozan, Meharki, Chanapatti, Baalda, Jora, Keel kangan, Bulbul, Sidhaul, Ghas-ki-patti and a few others.

Mumbai-based fashion designer Umair Zafar who originally hails from Lucknow and has been promoting Lucknowi Art and Craft will bring Lucknow Chikankari to an international audience in association with Sigma Rock Infra the patrons of Project Chikankari.

Designer Umair Zafar has done an in-depth research and study on Lucknowi Chikankari and its various forms of stitches. In order to promote the art, he will be showcasing a premium range of chikankari work with an amalgamation of different fabrics, mix and match with various other embroideries and fabrics like muslin, brocade and silk along with Swarovski crystals. The collection will be in different colors, ranges and sizes to suit all body types, which is rarely found in traditional chikankari work. 

India's first Bollywood 4D film featuring actress Arshi Khan to be made at a modest budget of Rs 120 cr

Afghanistan-born, Bhopal-educated model and actress Arshi Khan will be seen in India's first mainline Bollywood 4D historical action film tentatively titled "The Last Emperor".

The film "The Last Emperor" has a budget of Rs 120 crore for its making and will be shot pre-dominantly in Maharashtra, but will also have schedules in Andhra Pradesh and other parts of South India. The film will go on floors in mid-March and will take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete, say sources.

The film is produced by a Pune-based production house Ganesh Saraswati Films and will be directed by a well-known director from the south V Ganesh Kumar. Ganesh Saraswati Films is a tie-up between V Ganesh Kumar and Anand Saraswati Films of Pune owned partly by an NCP politician from the city. 

The film also has a mention of the Nizam of Hyderabad and a huge set is being planned on the outskirts of Hyderabad to replicate and old 17th century fort. 

FOR HOT IMAGES OF ACTRESS ARSHI KHAN CLICK HERE

The well-endowed and voluptuous Arshi Khan who has now made Mumbai her home says, "It's a pleasure to be part of this project. The film covers a historical era and will portray the historical chronology of events in the late 16 and early 17th century in Maharashtra and south India. Maharashtra was ruled by the Mughals till the early 17th century after which the Marathas were the predominant power in the region. The film will portray the rule of the Nizamshahi of Ahmadnagar, Adilshah of Bijapur and the Qutubshah of Golkonda as well as the emergence of the Maratha kingdom in the mid 17th century as seen by British soldier. It also covers the death of the last Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 after an exhausting 27 years of futile war against the emerging Maratha power."

Arshi Khan was born in Afghanistan but came in India when she was just 4years old as her parents migrated back in India to Bhopal, she finished her school and college in Bhopal itself, and was attracted towards theater since her early childhood.  Acting brought her to Mumbai where she bagged many assignments in a short span of six months. She was introduced to the famous stage personality Janab Ehsaan Chishti, a famous director in theater in Bhopal. Says Arshi,  "Ehsaan ji thought that I have a attractive face and figure and if I try I can possibly make it as an actor."  He used to instigate me, and it was at Ehsaan ji’s provocation that I started acting in various dramas in Bhopal city.  I started get offers for modeling, and that’s how got assignments for modeling for “Madame”, “Diesel Genes”, “Pepe Jeans”, “Agarwal  Jewelers” and many more." She simultaneously got a break in a Tamil Film “Malli Mishtu” where she played the lead role opposite Tamil Star Naresh.

What is a 4D Film? 4D films combine a 3D film with additional physical effects that occur in a specially designed and constructed theater in synchronization with the film. 4D films are not actually four-dimensional in the geometric sense of the word. Because physical effects can be expensive to install, 4D films are most often presented in custom-built specialty theaters at special venues such as theme parks and amusement parks or malls. However, some movie theaters have the ability to present 4D versions of wide-release 3D films. The films Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), and Avatar (2009) are among the films that have received a 4D treatment in certain theaters. Effects simulated in a 4D film may include rain, wind, strobe lights, and vibration. Seats in 4D venues may vibrate or move a few inches during the presentations. Other common chair effects include air jets, water sprays, and leg and back ticklers. Hall effects may include smoke, rain, lightning, air bubbles, and special smells or aromas.

About 15 million people are slaves in India and 30 million worldwide: Survey

London: Nearly 30 million people are living in slavery across the globe, many of them men, women and children trafficked by gangs for sex work and unskilled labour, according to a global slavery index released on Thursday. 

The index by anti-slavery charity Walk Free Foundation ranked 162 countries on the number living in slavery, the risk of enslavement, and the strength of government responses to combating the illegal activity. 

It found that 10 countries accounted for 76 percent of the 29.8 million people living in slavery - India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh. 

Modern slavery was defined as human trafficking, forced labour, and practices such as debt bondage, forced marriage, and the sale or exploitation of children. 

Researcher Kevin Bales said he hoped the index, the first annual report to monitor slavery globally, would raise public awareness as numbers were at an all-time high and it would increase pressure on governments to take more action. He dismissed the view that poverty was the key factor behind slavery and instead blamed corruption, calling for laws to stop organised gangs. 

"Consistently when we analysed the statistics we found that corruption came out as more powerful than poverty in driving slavery," said Bales, a professor of contemporary slavery at the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation at the University of Hull in northern England. 

"Fundamentally this is a violent crime issue." 

The report found Mauritania in West Africa had the highest number of slaves proportionately, with up to 160,000 enslaved in a population of 3.8 million, due to culturally-sanctioned forms of chattel slavery and high levels of child marriage. 

The highest absolute numbers were almost 14 million in slavery in India and three million in China. 

"By far the largest proportion of this problem (in India) is the exploitation of Indian citizens within India itself, particularly through debt bondage and bonded labour," said the report. 

In China there was forced labour of men, women and children, including domestic servitude and forced begging, sexual exploitation of women and children and forced marriage. 

Coming last in the index were Iceland, Ireland and Britain although Bales stressed they were not slavery-free. 

Up to 4,400 people are estimated to be enslaved in Britain, the victims mainly from Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. They are forced into sex work, domestic servitude, or low-paid jobs in agriculture, construction, restaurants and nail salons. 

"Hopefully this report will be a wake-up call for rich countries as well," Bales told a news agency. 

SOURCE: ZEE NEWS

1000-plus differently-enabled youth to be felicitated by NGO Blind Dreams on Children's Day (14th Nov)

Tuesday 15th October 2013; Mumbai: Over a thousand differently-enabled, autistic, and disabled youngsters and adults between the age of 10 to 40 from all over India will be felicitated in a touching, heart-rending and soul-stirring event, on 14th November - Children's Day in Mumbai by the NGO Blind Dreams in association with Newz66.com. The NGO and Newz66.com are in the process of raising about Rs Ten lakh in donations and sponsorship from the corporate sector to support and finance the career goals of these thousand plus youngsters.

Announcing this project on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, blind celebrity healer and chairman of Blind Dreams, Dr Samir Mansuri said, "On 24th August this year, more than 300 blind and differently-enabled youth from all over Maharashtra participated in the western zone round of auditions for the Blind Dreams’ Talent Hunt for the disabled or differently enabled. The auditions were held at the Kamla Mehta School for the Blind at Dadar in Central Mumbai. Most participants came from far off towns and villages in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Over the last 45 days auditions were held in various cities in India and we have short-listed about 1000 talented youth who will be specially felicitated and given sponsorship and donations to help them pursue their career goals including those from the performing arts, software and financial services sector."

"The over whelming response to the Blind Dreams’ Talent Hunt for the differently enabled and visually impaired is an indication that differently enabled youth are otherwise as talented as their colleagues and sometimes even more talented in certain fields like music, singing, acting, etc. All differently enabled should come together in a show of strength to demand their rightful place in society and in the day-to-day working of organizations and corporates," Mansuri said. He spoke about the lack of support and empathy from various sectors including the police and civic agencies. He demanded that all public places, railway stations, airports, government offices, etc., should be enabled to provide the differently enabled a level playing field.

Blind Dreams and Newz66.com have formed a panel of eminent persons including bollywood photographer Raju Asrani, TV actress Sheila David, actress and model Nisha Sharma, TV actors Rashmi Ghosh and husband Siddharth, HR professional Mamta Namdeo (herself blind who works with SBI as an HR manager) and several others to monitor and co-ordinate the event and help in the fund-raising activity for this ambitious project.