Watch Bollywood films to know Indians: Rani Mukerji

20/03/2010 0 Comments read Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 20.03.2010 (IANS) Cinema can go a long way in promoting positive bilateral relations between Australia and India, especially Bollywood films as they are “all about heart”, said Rani Mukerji, who was here as chief guest at the 2010 Indian Film Festival – Bollywood and Beyond.

“Cinema showcases different cultures and Indian films are all about our culture, our traditions, human relations and all about heart. So when Australians watch Indian films, they will get to know Indians better and that will help in knowing each other better,” Rani told IANS in an exclusive interview.

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New Zealand: Asian Muslims Tell Their Own Stories

16/03/2009 0 Comments read Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Diaspora

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 16.03. 2009 (IPS): A new book and accompanying exhibit provide rare insight into the lives of Asian Muslims, who have become an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s diverse community since the first Muslim Chinese gold miners landed on its distant shores 130 years ago.

‘The Crescent Moon: The Asian Face of Islam in New Zealand’ largely focuses on Muslims from the Indian subcontinent, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Fiji, with the aim to create a better understanding and appreciation of Islam and the various Asian cultures that have enriched New Zealand’s socio-economic and cultural fabric.

The first Muslims in the country were 15 Chinese gold miners working in Dunstan on the South Island, according to the New Zealand government census of April 1874, and by 1950 there were still only 150 followers of Islam. The 1996 census registered a Muslim population of less than 14,000.

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Women in volatile situations themed films dominate inaugural APSA Awards

16/12/2007 0 Comments read Arts, Entertainment & Lifestyle

By Neena Bhandari

Gold Coast (Australia), 16.12.2007 (IANS): Films exploring the lives of women in some of the most volatile situations won many an award at the inaugural Asia Pacific Screen Awards. APSA, the region’s highest accolade in film, showcased the immense talent and cinematic diversity of a region covering more than 70 countries, one-third of the earth’s surface, 60 per cent of its total population and half the world’s film output.

APSA brought together films from the classical and traditional to the experimental and cutting edge industries – from the stylised horror genres of Japan, to the allegorical tragedies and comedies of Korea; the extraordinary tapestry of Chinese cinema, the multifaceted industries of India, the poetry and reality of Persian cinema to the visionary narratives of the Middle East.

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