A classical galore greeted music lovers on November 17, 2011 at the Panasonic theatre in an elegant manner that could only leave the great Bach, Beethoven and Chopin brimming with pride.  One of the most successful plays in the history of Canadian Theatre relives the magic on stage with a celebrated performance of 2 Pianos 4 Hands.  Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, the creators, directors and performers of this Canadian play provide a catchy storyline that masks the well known masterpieces lyrically gliding underneath the movement of their fingers.

Music lovers of all kinds could not help but fall in love with this classical journey that our two stars take you through beginning and ending with an encore breathtaking performance of Bach’s 1^st movement, Concerto in D minor.  Every ticket holder took home an experience they not only was a treat to watch but a memorable treat hear as well.

“I think I have a long way to go before I am considered anything close to a Youth Icon! But if you ask my advice I would say just be yourself and have faith and that is the image I would want the youth to know me by, I just want to be myself!”

“Anyone who inspires is a role model and for me that person is my dad. I learn something from him everyday.”

Recently Yash Raj Films’ new youth film studio released India’s first ever movie based on Social Networking called “Mughse Fraaandship Karoge”. The story entails a new era of love story where Facebook is the platform of falling in love. MFK tells a story of individuals named Vishal and Preity who use fake identities to impress their love choice. The story leading with series of miscommunication results in rib-tickling laughter riot which definitely keeps viewers interested in the film. The film marks the debut of four very talented actors, Saqib Saleem, Saba Azad, Tara D’Souza & Nishant Dahiya besides director, Nupur Asthana.

Generation Next got an opportunity to speak to Saqib Saleem and share his experience playing the character of Vishal in “Mughse Fraaandship Karoge”.

GN: What attracted you to the script of Mughse Fraaandship Karoge?

The freshness of the script along with the fact that it used Facebook as its backdrop appealed to me. Social networking is a very relevant subject- our lives are literally documented through it!  Also the character of Vishal was very relatable, as I believe we all have insecurities, which we need to overcome. Also the faith bestowed upon me by Yash Raj Films was overwhelming.

GN:  After the success of Mughse Fraaandship Karoge, you have now also established yourself as a youth icon? What kind of image do you want to portray for the youth and what advice would you give to them?

I think I have a long way to go before I am considered anything close to a Youth Icon! But if you ask my advice I would say just be yourself and have faith and that is the image I would want the youth to know me by, I just want to be myself!

GN: Mughse Fraaandship Karoge is made on backdrop of Facebook, how important do you think social networking is today?

Social networking is a great medium to connect and stay connected. However, one must not forget the fine line between the virtual and the real or else you know what happens in the movie

GN: Mughse Fraaandship Karoge is based on two people interacting with each other with hidden identities via social networking websites. This is very common in today’s society. So do you believe Facebook and twitter are good for youth?

I feel everything in life has its pros and cons and so does social networking. As long as the youth realizes that Social networking can be very interactive and fun.

5. How active are you on twitter and Facebook? Would you ever accept a “fraaand” through Facebook/twitter?

My day is not complete if I don’t access my Facebook or twitter account! I like to keep people around me updated and posted! And yes I might accept the friend request if it is interesting or has something different to it…

GN:  Today’s generation often feels a gap between their school of thought versus their parents. What are your views on that?

I think times have changed and therefore both the generations need to take a step forward to gain a better understanding and mend the gap.

GN:  Who do you consider your role model?

Anyone who inspires is a role model and for me that person is my dad. I learn something from him everyday.

GN:  You are not from filmy background, how did you become an actor? Furthermore how hard do you think is it for someone to make it to Bollywood without a family connection with the industry?

Acting happened by a twist of fate, modeling was my first step towards it. I realized very soon that I loved being in front of the camera and gave acting a serious thought and then Yash Raj happened. I definitely feel blessed and overwhelmed with all the love around me.

I think once you get past the intimidation of the industry anything is possible. You just have to put yourself out there and prove yourself and with time you will be rewarded

GN: How did your parents react when you told them that you want to be an actor for living?

Initially my parents thought that my wanting to be an actor was a crazy phase which would pass but soon they realized the passion I had towards it remained the same and since that day they have been nothing but supportive.

GN: Bollywood has evolved greatly overtime, do you think these changes are good for industry?

The very nature of art is to evolve and I think that change is important so yes I do appreciate the transformation in terms of the discipline, technology etc. We as an industry will only move forward from here.

GN: What are your future projects?

I am taking some time off after MFK… But yes I am being offered a few interesting projects, when anything becomes official, you all will know.

By Saurabh Agarwal

Shiamak Davar International’s dance extravaganza Stars of Bollywood – tribute to the bollywood stars, through dance played out to an audience bursting at the seams last night. The show meant to be a one-night-only event was held at Markham Theatre. Thanks to popular demand; Stars of Bollywood will be back! This time around the show will be held at Brampton’s Rose Theatre on October 16, 2011.                                                     .

This large scale stage ensemble produced by Bollywood’s most respected and globally renowned dancer and choreographer, Shiamak Davar, promised to bring a unique cultural experience to audiences in the GTA… The animated audiences were proof that it delivered right on point.

“Stars of Bollywood is a vibrant, high energy show that brings out the best of Bollywood’s essence”. Says Davar “Shiamak’s dance company has performed this ensemble all over the world including India, China, UK and USA; for this particular performance, the Toronto team put in hours and sleepless nights practicing and the exuberant response by our audiences today paid off”, adds Mitul kadakia, Manager for Shiamak Davar International – Toronto.

With the overwhelming response and rush for tickets for last nights show in mind, SDI is pleased to announce that the show will be back this October. “We will bring back the magic on October 16, 2011” Cheered the enthusiastic performers. SDI promises that the show will come back with a bigger bang later this fall. New costumes, props and even more fan-fare are in store.

My dad always said “It’s not the age, it’s the mileage”. Its funny how youth respond to things today, for a lack of better world, they are so old. They are so updated with latest gadgets, news and people and they base an opinion on these things as well, hence they are so mature. From being influenced by decisions youth have now become the decision makersand the transition is phenomenal. As we go forward, there might come a time when kids at the age of five will be switched off, which I hope is not the case.

Nitin Mirani a rising comedian of Komic Sutra from Dubai with sold out shows in the Middle East, India, Hong Kong and Maldives. He recently performed in Toronto with Crystal Ferrier at Masala! Mehndi! Masti!

And I got an opportunity to speak to him about his love for comedy, and shared his experience as a comedian in Mumbai. Nitin Mirani uses every day events that a common individual goes through, and gives audience  an opportunity to laugh at it. His jokes are about being stuck in traffic or texting your friends. Nitin says, “God is in detail” and that’s what as comedians we have to observe.

Here’s our conversation for Generation Next:

What is you inspiration?

Regular people inspire me, I don’t have any one in particular that I look up to.

How is it doing comedy in Dubai?

Dubai is a great city. You get to get very disciplined when you perform in Dubai, because there are things you cannot say in Dubai and if you do, it can really land you in trouble. Luckily, for me I don’t need to use offensive language to be funny.

How important are today’s youth?

My dad always said “It’s not the age, it’s the mileage”. Its funny how youth respond to things today, for a lack of better world, they are so old. They are so updated with latest gadgets, news and people and they base an opinion on these things as well, hence they are so mature. From being influenced by decisions youth have now become the decision makersand the transition is phenomenal. As we go forward, there might come a time when kids at the age of five will be switched off, which I hope is not the case.

Indian economy is slowly rising, what future do you see in India?

I think Indians in general are highly talented, motivated and definitely future of the world. We have to acknowledge that we are extremists, we come across people who don’t like spending and then there are few of us who would love to throw parties every day. For example, there was this one guy in India who was a beggar, who only stays at five star hotels all around the world, I think that is phenomenal.

How do people react to your jokes in India?

They absolutely love my comedy bit. I can say that they are probably the most intelligent audience in the world. Furthermore they are so knowledgeable that they are able to relate and connect to everything, which makes it easy for us comedians to connect to our audience as well.

How is growing up as a comedian in South Asian family?

I was a very shy individual till high school. I realized that whenever I go up on stage, I needed a creative outlet. I have done many things before I got introduce to comedy, I have produced TV shows with Zee TV, I tried my hand in acting, and I have sold French fries and worked in a laundry shop. The truth is I wasn’t a very good student but it was like a normal confused desi situation and through all my experiences I realized, every time I got a chance to do my comedy bit on stage I realized people enjoyed my act and really connected with my act. So I started out this show called “one night stand” in Dubai. Then 14^th Feb 2007, I walked in to comedy café and I was introduced as an international comedian. It was then when one of the comedians asked me to open up for them, from then on I realized that I will be working on comedy as a profession.

By Saurabh Agarwal

Abhijit Sawant performs at Markham

“Whenever my wife is in kitchen, she expects me to be in kitchen.”

“I want to work with AR Rahman. I have already worked with Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Pritam and other big musicians in Bollywood.”

By Zeenat Kazi

Toronto

v  How do you like Markham?

I am loving it. This is the second time I’ve come to Canada. And I very much enjoy it.

v  You seem to be a very shy person, does this help you since you are in Bollywood where this is cut-throat competition?

I am a very shy person but I know I should change that. I am trying to rebuild myself. I am trying to build confidence, learn extrovert things and be more outgoing. I’ve a very small group of friends. They were friends from before my Idol days.

v  Do they really really criticize your work?

They do. They are very open in their opinion and criticism and even I am very frank with them.

v  Is there anything else you would like to achieve or accomplish? Or have you accomplished it already? Like charity work?

It has been five years since I started my career. I want to become a playback singer in Bollywood and succeed as a pop singer. As one of the last few pop singers, I feel like I should keep pop music alive in Bollywood and in India. I’ve already started, but I have a long way to go.

v  Do you face any challenges in reaching your full potential?

There’re some small groups. They always feel comfortable with who they have been working for the longer time. So it’s difficult for the new singer to come in the industry. They do not believe in new singers. I’ve sung for Tess Mar Khan..I’m progressing slowly.

v  Does knowing the right person at the right place sometimes over takes genuine talent? Sometimes yes. You do need networking and the right kind of attitude. If you don’t have talent, you can work well. I don’t believe in this philosophy but it happens.

v  When you were younger, was being a singer is what you wanted to do?

I wanted to be a singer since the age of 6

v  Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?

In my family, my uncle is a singer. My uncle inspired me. He taught me all the music notes and everything I know about music.

v  Who are your favourite musicians and what type of music did you like listening to  growing up?

I love listening to Kishore Kumar. I love listening to Indian classical music. My favourite music director is RD Burman and A R Rahman.

v  Who would you like to collaborate with among Western or Eastern legends?

I want to work with AR Rahman. I have already worked with Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Pritam and other big musicians in Bollywood.

v  What is something that you love up to?

Work hard, and do your things right.

v  Are you involved with any charity?

I have worked a Cancer Charity, and helped street kids in India. I was inspired by how they work and survive through all the obstacles and hardships.

v  Are you married?

v  Yes I am married.

v  Was it a love marriage?

It was a love marriage.

v  Do you help your wife in household chores like cooking, cleaning etc.

I don’t cook and neither does my wife. Even my wife doesn’t cook food for me. Whenever my wife is in kitchen, she expects me to be in kitchen. That’s why we have a maid in the house to do all the housework.

v  Any other hobbies?

I like to play cricket, watch movies, compose songs and write songs.

v  Who’s your favourite Book/author?

I don’t have favourtie authors, I don’t read books.

v  Any message for your fans in Canada?

Thank you so much for liking my work!

By Zeenat Kazi

“Technology has really helped to educate people…a lot of technology (ex: mobile phones, pda’s) can hinder the attention span of young people. Children aren’t learning to interact with each other the same way as they did ten years ago.”

“I don’t think that “attractive looks” are as important as “image/brand looks”. Image is important because people come to see you, not only to hear you,” she tells Generation Next.

“It’s much easier to promote to an audience..however, because it’s easy for EVERYONE, there’s much more competition and information overload, so people sometimes pay less attention to the information around them.”

Stephanie Braganza is a name that is gaining recognition in the music industry. With a BA in Music from Humber College, she is trained in Jazz and Classical music with focus on R&B/funk music. She is one of the few in the South Asian music industry who have a degree in music. But her belief is that many times performers become serious in music only “after they went to school for a different subject,” she tells Generation Next. To be unique “I go with the flow of the audience. I try to encourage my band to play along to the “vibe” of the show, so each performance is different,” she says. Today’s generation rocks on digital media with social media websites as means to get initial publicity. Is it a good thing or bad? In Stephanie’s opinion it’s both. “It’s much easier to promote to an audience..however, because it’s easy for EVERYONE, there’s much more competition and information overload, so people sometimes pay less attention to the information around them.” There are far too many songs one can name that lost public’s attention in less than six months of their release. Is it because they were of inferior quality?“To compete, music still has to be superior in production,” believes Stephanie. Do looks matter in her business? “I don’t think that “attractive looks” are as important as “image/brand looks”. Image is important because people come to see you, not only to hear you,” she tells Generation Next. Stephanie has studied with such greats as Juno award winner Rik Emmett (Triumph), Pat LaBarbera, and Trish Colter. She has been invited to sing with rap artist Belly and Ginuwine at the Muchmusic Video Awards and at hot clubs throughout Ontario.For Stephanie, her album “Unexpected” has many elements of the music that has inspired her over the years. “ Since it was my first album, it was very experimental so it’s difficult to categorize it. Musically, some of the influences range anywhere from Bjork, Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails, to Madonna or even Aqua. I would say my greatest influences growing up are Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Whitney Houston. I try not to limit what genres I sing though,” she reflects. “Musically there are South Asian influences. As a performer, my show would come across more Westernized,” she tells Generation Next.Her background is as diverse as her music. Goan by heritage, Stephanie was born in Kingston, Ontario. Her father was a Goan born in Nairobi, Kenya, but his parents came from Porvorim and Colvale in Bardez, Goa. Her mother was born in Kampala, Uganda, and her parents came from Marjorda and Vasco in Salcete, Goa. “In 1972, my mother and her parents had to flee her country of birth (Uganda) during the “Asian Expulsion” by Idi Amin. They were fortunate that Canada welcomed them as “Uganda Refugees,”” she tells us. While Stephanie’s parents “worry about the future of the music business,” they are supportive of Stephanie’s career choice. With regards to social issues among youth, Stephanie feels that “ technology has really helped to educate people…a lot of technology (ex: mobile phones, pda’s) can hinder the attention span of young people. Children aren’t learning to interact with each other the same way as they did ten years ago.” For her music is metaphorical that has “to do with society’s struggle with the pursuit of happiness, and its after-effects – such as escapism.” She is hoping to do charity shows in support of raising funds for animal shelters, and spreading awareness about animal abuse.She encourages people to Check out more online at www.stephanieb.ca  or download the Stephanie B app for iPhone.

Music – Life

Touring – Soon

Samosa – Indian

England – Indian

Photoshoots – Fun

Fifa World Cup – Underdogs

Michael Jackson – RIP

University – BORING

Bandmates – Family

Alcohol – Moderation

Fans – Awesome

Hi Prashan, please introduce each of yourselves and what your role is in the band?

So we have Daniel, our lead singer and “professional” bassist, Joel, one of our guitarists, Derek, our drummer and myself, the second guitarist. We don’t really have a lead guitarist pretty much coz everyone solo’s here and there, haha.

For people who have never heard your music, how would you describe it?

We’d like to say some awesome things describing what we think we sound like or maybe even compare ourselves to some awesome band but honestly we really don’t sound like much else out there! You just gotta hear us for yourselves, to put us in a genre maybe pop punk?

What kind of bands would you compare yourself to/ say are your influences?

Well our influences come from bands like Taking Back Sunday, our drummer loves UnderOath, a little bit of Fall Out Boy here and there…but then we are also into some RnB and hip hop so we try fit it all in there!

Being Sri Lankan, do you find the majority of your fans are South Asian?

Haha yeah when we first started off and maybe up until pretty recent this was the case. This may have come down to the fact that we constantly had support from family and friends when we began. However we have started branching out a lot more and we have been welcomed into a broader and more diverse fan base, which we gotta say is pretty cool!

How do your parents feel about you being in a band? Did you have to work hard at convincing them you were serious about it to get their approval?

I think it has been overly stereotyped that Asian parents hate their kids “straying” from their heritage or culture. Our parents have supported us SO well in all our decisions, so we really thank God for them. We didn’t have to work hard to convince them at all  and it’s safe to say our parents are now fairly proud of us!

There are not many bands with all South Asian members out there, do you find this makes it easier or more difficult to make it into the industry?

When we started off, as we said before, our fan base was mostly South Asian. This made it really easy to get up on stage and connect with our friends and family because we knew what they wanted and how to give it to them. When we get on stage, about to play to a more diverse crowd, we sometimes get the feeling that people are thinking how we “shouldn’t” be playing rock or how we may “embarrass ourselves”. Sure, it’s made difficult by the fact that there aren’t many brown guys doing rock but then again who said who can play rock? For us music is a great language that speaks to all people and once we start playing, people come up to us after and tell us how much they enjoyed it.
Sorry to get political, what are your thought on the conflicts that occurred in Sri Lanka?

Haha no worries. We believe God’s got a plan for Sri Lanka, what’s done has been done for a reason and even though we are all Tamils we need to forgive people for any wrong that’s been done because there’s no point fighting when people are homeless or have no food. Our heart is for the people.

Do you do tours all over Australia often?

Yeah! If by all over Australia you mean Sydney and Canberra! Haha. At the moment we have been really gigging hard all over Sydney and we road tripped it down to Canberra for an awesome gig. We’d like to hit up a tour around Aus soon but it’s not right up there in our priority list yet. Certainly going to do it though.

When you are on the road how do you deal with being away from friends and family?

We have only experienced it once before, but there’s no getting away from them. We got a call when we got to our destination, we had to call when we finished, and we had to call to tell them where we would be staying. It’s good in a way because it keeps us on track and accountable so we don’t muck around TOO much. Both friends and family are always there helping us along the way.

What would be the ideal band/artist you would want to collaborate with?

At the moment, probably Switchfoot? We all grew up on them and they are up there with our favorites. It’s great to see how far they have come and how they live their lives through their music. Staying local however, our lead singer LOVES a band called New Empire. It would be his dream to collaborate with them.

Any song covers you would like to do?
We do a couple at the moment, stuff like ‘Down’ by Jay Sean, ‘All the Small Things’ by Blink 182 and we have done an acoustic ‘Break Your Heart’ cover by Taio Cruz.
Who are you backing in the World Cup?

We all know Brazil is in it to win it! That’s all that matters…

What is next for Road to Canaan?

Well hopefully a full album, maybe an album release, a music video, a tour? Endless possibilities!

Any plans to go and tour other countries?
We have to finish Aus first we think 
And finally, explain in 5 words why people should listen to your music?
Support great local music…please!?

Thanks Very much guys!

For updates and further information on Road To Canaan, check out their Myspace page – www.myspace.com/roadtocanaan

Author:Tanuja Ravendran.

Canada’s favorite season, spring is here and Shiamak Davar, the Guru of Modern Contemporary Dance in India, has a special dance bonanza lined up for you! Students from Shiamak Davar’s Institute are geared up to present the Spring Funk^TM show on 14^th March 2010 at Markham Theatre. The two back-to-back shows (3.00pm and 7.00pm) are sure to leave you craving formore.

Over 500 students are ready to set the stage on fire with their dazzling performances on latest Bollywood blockbuster tracks. The show will present dance styles like Shiamak’s Bollywood Jazz^TM, Rock n Roll, Hip-Hop and many more. The show will also have a special performance by Shiamak’s Victory Arts Foundation (VAF), the non-profit arm of Shiamak’s company dedicated towards empowering people with special needs through dance.

“Spring Funk^TM is an extension of my motto – Have Feet. Will Dance^TM . With these shows I aim to give all my students, no matter what age, size or background, a professional platform to display their dancing talent. Canada has tremendous potential. People are culturally inclined and so enthusiastic to learn dance styles from India, especially Bollywood”, says dance magnate, Shiamak Davar.

The Spring Funk^TM workshop is a unique program, training amateur dancers to perform like confident professionals. Shiamak trains, energizes and reaches out to people from all walks of life. Aged 4 to 85 years, Shiamak’s students attend dance classes in the age groups of 4-6 years for Kids, 7-12 years for Preteens and 13 years and above for adults and perform in front of huge audiences in a professionally run-event complete with majestic set design, props, lights, sound and costume.

BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW!!!!

For ticket reservation, please contact: www.markhamtheatre.ca / 905.305.7469