When my mother danced for Chou Enlai and the Dalai Lama

No one on that glittery occasion could possibly have imagined that the Chinese were conspiring to invade India, nor could anyone have predicted that the seemingly benign Dalai Lama was plotting to......

The concert that changed Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan's lives

At some point, it became evident to the audience that a subtle musical duel was taking place.By the time the faster taans started, the notes had become sharp arrows shot with the intention to......

Derek Trucks on Ustad Ali Akbar Khan

Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, who passed away on Friday, was an inspiration in more ways than one for Derek Trucks, a rock guitar phenomenon with a growing, global fan following. Trucks, who began playing......

'One day a spaceship will kidnap me'

After national prayers for the Columbia crew last February in the United States, a college student from Hawaii approached Kalpana Chawla's family.She came because a chance meeting with Kalpana......

The Best Songs Of 2024

Khalnayak's Choli Ke Peeche, Duplicate's Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam, Mrityudaata's Na Na Na Na Re, Hare Rama Hare Krishna' Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham's Dekha Tainu Pehli, it's an......

Raj Kapoor@100: The Essential RK Playlist

'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai' 'Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan' Even a sliver of a Raj Kapoor song has the finality of a statement, a slogan, a saga of life. A deep desire for......

90 UNFORGETTABLE Asha Bhosle Songs

Sukanya Verma celebrates the singing legend who turns 90 on September 8. IMAGE: Asha Bhosle in Mumbai, August 9, 2023. Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com Her voice reminds me of tiramisu.......

Who Was Lata's Favourite Co-Singer?

IMAGE: Vyjayanthimala in the song Kaiso Re Paapi Bichua from Madhumati. Playback singers enjoyed the challenge of being pitched against the finest voice God ever created, but they were also wary......