Maestro | Debashish Chaudhuri | Global Indian

Global IndianstoryOn a high note: Maestro Debashish Chaudhuri is a shining star in the music world

On a high note: Maestro Debashish Chaudhuri is a shining star in the music world

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(November 23, 2022) His first job was as a music teacher at St. James’ School, Kolkata in 1995. Surrounded by several instruments, a young Debashish Chaudhuri would often daydream about giving a stage performance someday. Little did the maestro know that one day, he would become one of the finest symphonic conductors of Western classical music. Based in the Czech Republic, the maestro has worked with several leading European orchestras such as Prague Philharmonia PKF, Brno Philharmonic, Czech Chamber Orchestra Pardubice, Plzen Radio Symphony, South Bohemian Chamber Philharmonic, Karlovy Vary Symphony, Hradec Kralove Philharmonic, Zlin Philharmonic, Moravian Philharmonic, State Philharmonic Zilina and several others.

Symphonic conductor, Debashish Chaudhuri

Currently, the maestro is serving on the governing body of The Antonín Dvořák Music Festival and is part of the Petrof Art Family. Recognising his contributions to the world of music, the Government of India awarded him the highest award for non-resident Indians, Pravasi Bharat Samman in 2021. Interestingly, Chaudhuri also received the prestigious Distinguished Contribution to Diplomacy Medal from the Czech Republic in the same year.

“Music was something that truly and deeply fulfilled me. I knew well before my teens that music had to be a part of my life, which was quite early on. I don’t mean to say that I wanted to be a conductor at once, at that early age,” the maestro said during an interview with Serenade Magazine, adding, “I have always been extremely passionate about music, even before I could walk.”

Born to music

There is hardly any home in the entire state of West Bengal without a musical instrument. And maestro Chaudhuri’s house was no different. His childhood was spent listening to a lot of Rabindra Sangeet, Bollywood, and other folk songs. “I guess this love (for music) was kindled by my parents, both of whom love music. Ever since I remember, there was always some music playing in the house. Even my grandparents – we all were lovers of music and in Bengal, it’s quite normal to have all sorts of songs sung in the house throughout the year,” he shared.

Maestro | Debashish Chaudhuri | Global Indian

Growing up, Chaudhari moved to various cities, and even countries, as a result of his father’s frequent postings. Everywhere he went, he would try to learn more about the local music and art, which inspired him further to pursue a career in music. It was during his teenage years that he decided to leave his academics and concentrate on his music studies. “India isn’t typically a country where society would encourage a musical career with the same enthusiasm and awe, as in the West, not even in Calcutta. I recall several people discouraging me when I decided not to further my academics and concentrate on music alone. Fortunately, those people weren’t my parents or some other very key people, who believed in me and gave me that space to grow in the way that they all felt was natural for me,” the maestro recalled.

After finishing his diploma in music, Chaudhari joined St Jame’s school in Kolkata, where he conducted their four choirs. This experience pushed him to learn more about European music and he eventually founded the St. James’ School Orchestra and the Calcutta School of Music Chamber Orchestra, over the next few years.

The heart of Europe

Three years after he got his first job, Chaudhuri got a chance to move to Prague and was the first Indian to have studied at the Prague Conservatory. He also trained under maestro Gianluigi Gelmetti at the Chigiana Academy of Music in Siena, Italy, where he studied symphonic conduct.

“I suppose, the influence in Prague was at various stages and by various individuals. Not only one’s teachers but also the fact that you can come into such close contact with such great international musicians and talk to them, hear their views and share their experiences. So many names were just on the labels of cassettes and records for me and suddenly, you are talking to them without any “false barriers”! My love for Dvořák’s music was cemented very early on due to the closeness I developed quite by chance, with his descendants and family; they are among my closest and oldest friends here now,” the maestro said.

Conducting acclaimed Philharmonics around the world

In 2004, Chaudhuri did his conducting at the Janáček Festival in his Silesian hometown of Hukvaldy, at the annual festival. Since then, he has worked with various orchestras, including Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Philharmonia, Stratus Chamber Orchestra (USA), Žilina State Chamber Orchestra (Slovakia), and Karlovy Vary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Debashish and Jana Chaudhuri

Still connected to his roots, the maestro was the brains behind rediscovering the original orchestral score of Czech composer J.B Foerster’s song cycle based on Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Gitanjali’. “Being a non-European conductor isn’t all that rare, there are so many now and they are often better received than the native ones today. I guess that there were challenges but I never took them in that light and I don’t want to start thinking that way now, after so many years. Whatever they may have been, one had to cross them if one wanted to get to one’s goals. Sometimes it’s better not to know the problems and challenges beforehand,” he had said, when asked about the greatest challenges he faced in his career, in a recent interview.

Making a difference back home

Married to one of the most applauded Czech pianists, Jana, Chaudhuri wishes to help young Indian artists, who are passionate about making a career in music. “We decided a few years back to start a family scholarship for Indian citizens, based out of India, who wish to further their knowledge in European classical music. Since 2016, in connection with the Calcutta School of Music, we sponsor such people to attend the now 25-year-old Ameropa Music Courses in Prague. Over the summer months, they come into contact with others from around the world and teachers, who guide them in a very intense concert-filled course in solo and chamber music. The course can be attended by anyone who doesn’t get the scholarships as well, as they are paid and open to all who reach the standards required. Talent is a massive resource in India we believe,” the musician shared.

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Published on 23, Nov 2022

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The potion maker: Entrepreneur Mitali Tandon’s path from silk protein to hangover relief

(May 9, 2024) Her journey started in her father's lab, where he was working on silk protein and looking for bio applications of the same. "We figured out that there are multiple applications of this ingredient," shares entrepreneur Mitali Tandon, who is the co-founder of Morning Fresh, a promising cure for hangovers. "One of the things that we did find was that it can support liver function. So once we went out into the market to figure out if this was a product that we could develop and validated the concept, we came back to the R&D board and started figuring out a formulation for hangover issues," she adds. Today, the Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur has established her brand in the market and is recognised by several loyal users, popular retailers, supermarkets, and e-tailers as the go-to brand for those looking for a healthy solution to protect and replenish their bodies after a night of revelry. "Morning Fresh was born out of the need to uncover and understand the myriad uses, versatilities, and biological applications of silk coupled with a market gap and an opportunity. It is India’s first post-drink solution to help relieve customers from the after-effects of

ies after a night of revelry. "Morning Fresh was born out of the need to uncover and understand the myriad uses, versatilities, and biological applications of silk coupled with a market gap and an opportunity. It is India’s first post-drink solution to help relieve customers from the after-effects of alcohol consumption and liver protection” adds the entrepreneur, as she sits for an exclusive interview with Global Indian.

Navigating people's psychology

Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Mitali has always been inspired by her parents' journey. "Both my parents are entrepreneurs. My mother runs her own practice. My father has run his own business," shares the entrepreneur, adding, "Both my parents have always been working and both of them started their own businesses after a short stint in the professional world. So I think for me that has played a fairly significant role, and gave me the confidence when I wanted to become an entrepreneur."

Entrepreneur | Mitali Tandon | Global Indian

But interestingly, the entrepreneur didn't pursue a degree in management after finishing her schooling. She, in fact, was admitted to the University of Kent, where she pursued a double honours bachelor's degree in criminology and social policy. "It was quite an exciting experience. While I was studying there, I also used to work at neighbourhood centers in the UK with young kids," she shares.

After moving back to India, Mitali worked at the infamous Tihar Jail in Delhi, for about three months. Sharing her experiences of her time there, she says, "When I just back to India, I got to know about a programme being headed by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), where they were going to work with adolescents between the age of 18 and 21, who had been convicted. The convicts were given a chance to complete their education or take on elective courses during their prison time. Everyone at my house was quite terrified that I would have to work with these convicts, but the real experience was quite fun. It wasn't anything different from a real classroom - people would chat, have questions, and even play like in any regular classroom. Some kids would bunk classes as well. I had a great time we interacted with all the inmates."

A master blender

After she came back to Bengaluru, the young entrepreneur started going to her father's lab to observe the R&D being done on silk protein. "Our primary research found properties in silk protein that resembled and enabled naturally occurring liver enzymes. A lot of back-end scientific research and extensive product development was also required including testing and finalising formulations," shares the entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur | Mitali Tandon | Global Indian

Soon, the company had successfully developed a brew that could help people with hangovers, without any side-effects. But that is when Mitali faced the real issue. "The biggest challenge that I faced was the lack of knowledge in people. We were selling the product to a retail store and spoke to a procurement officer, who wouldn't understand whether to place the drink near a Red Bull or Yakult. Also, many of the procurement officers would not talk to me, as I was a woman about the product. They would rather speak to the male intern accompanying me. It took us a while, but we are in the market now," the entrepreneur shares.

With nine stock-keeping units, Morning Fresh is available in 450 retail outlets across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, and other cities, and also on e-commerce platforms. "We are now looking at expanding our market," shared the entrepreneur, adding, "We are working on establishing ourselves, not just as a hangover drink brand, but also in the wellness space as well."

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Anya Chalotra: From Indian roots to Netflix fame and Forbes 30 Under 30 in European entertainment

(November 12, 2024) In 2024, Anya Chalotra earned a prestigious spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for European entertainers, a nod to her breakthrough performances and rising stardom. The British-Indian actor, best known for her role as Yennefer of Vengerberg in Netflix’s fantasy TV series The Witcher, has mesmerised audiences worldwide with her talent and distinct cultural heritage. Raised by a British mother and an Indian father, Anya Chalotra grew up in a home that celebrated both cultures. Her upbringing was a rich amalgam of traditions; on one hand, she enjoyed British literature and theatre, which fuelled her fascination with storytelling, while on the other, she was immersed in the world of Bollywood through her father's influence. From a young age, she found herself enchanted by Bollywood's emotional depth and grandeur, often humming tunes from films like Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. This early exposure to Indian cinema kindled her love for acting, shaping her desire to perform on screen. As her career gained momentum in Britain, her unique blend of influences—both British and Indian—set her apart, paving the way for her breakout role in The Witcher and ultimately earning her a spot on

>. This early exposure to Indian cinema kindled her love for acting, shaping her desire to perform on screen. As her career gained momentum in Britain, her unique blend of influences—both British and Indian—set her apart, paving the way for her breakout role in The Witcher and ultimately earning her a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

[caption id="attachment_59781" align="aligncenter" width="709"] Indian actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian Anya Chalotra in Netflix series, 'The Witchers'[/caption]

Anya’s maiden India visit

In 2019, Anya visited India for the first time, embarking on a heartfelt trip with her father, a native of Pathankot in Punjab. Describing the visit as “special,” she fondly recalled her instant connection with relatives she had only ever known from afar. “It completely got me,” she shared, reflecting on how Indian culture had always felt close yet distant. “Even though we’d never met, we became so close so soon,” she said, noting the warmth and familiarity of her extended family. For her, it was an embodiment of India’s deeply rooted familial bonds, “where your cousins are actually like your siblings.”

While it took over two decades for her to visit her father’s homeland, Anya’s cultural ties had always been nurtured. Growing up, her father introduced her to Bollywood classics like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Hoon Na, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, sparking her passion for acting. Her visit to India further inspired her to take up Hindi classes, deepening her connection to her roots. Shortly after that trip, her career reached new heights with the premiere of The Witcher, a performance that ultimately earned her recognition in Forbes' influential list.

Indian actor | Vengerberg | Global Indian

Growing up in Britain

Born in Wolverhampton, Anya grew up in Lower Penn village in South Staffordshire, UK, where she lived with her parents, and two siblings. She completed her schooling at the St. Dominic's Grammar School for Girls in Brewood, and later trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

She discovered her natural flair for performing at an early age. Like every Indian parents, his father too nudged her to sing for her relatives during a family gathering. She was only eight at that time. “We were having a family get-together, and he told me to sing an Indian song. And I knew, right then, that I loved attention,” she recalled.

Punjabis in Britain

Over the years, Punjabis in Britain have not only maintained their cultural identity but also thrived, contributing significantly to the country’s social, economic, and political landscape. From family-owned businesses to leaders in politics, academia, and the arts, British Punjabis have made their mark, blending heritage with a new sense of belonging. Gurudwaras, community centres, and cultural festivals like Baisakhi have become prominent symbols of Punjabi culture, while the community’s values of hard work, and unity have helped successive generations thrive. Today, Punjabis in Britain are celebrated as an integral part of the UK’s multicultural landscape, bridging continents with a legacy of tradition, pride, and progress.

[caption id="attachment_59783" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Indian actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian Anya with her parents[/caption]

Shining in all three seasons of Netflix’s ‘The Witcher’

Yennefer of Vengerberg is a name that needs no introduction for fans of The Witcher. The saga began as a short story submitted to a Polish magazine in 1986, evolved into a multi-book series throughout the '90s, was adapted into a video game in 2007, inspired various comic book iterations over the past decade, and finally became a TV series for Netflix in 2019.

Yennefer of Vengerberg is a complex, powerful sorceress in The Witcher universe, known for her fierce independence, intelligence, and magical prowess. Born with physical deformities and enduring a difficult childhood, she transforms into a formidable and enchanting figure, both beautiful and skilled in magic. Her character’s journey from hardship to strength, and her intense bond with Geralt of Rivia, makes Yennefer one of the most intriguing and beloved figures in the series.

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Anya Chalotara was a relative newcomer when she got the role on the grand scale fantasy drama and that too opposite ace actor Henry Cavill who played the role of Geralt. However, instead of struggling under the weight of the role's legacy, the actor embraced the challenge putting her heart and soul into the character of ancient sorceress that she portrays.

In the series, she is the youngest member of the Council of Sorcerers and one of the most powerful mages, slaying monsters, saving lives, and transforming from a hunchbacked farm girl into a charming diva.

“Yennefer is almost 100 years old, so it falls to me to find the middle ground between being someone who has seen a lot of the world and someone who is figuring things out on the go simply because the world around her is constantly changing,” she remarked talking about her character.

Journey in acting

Before starting her career on screen, Anya had starred in several stage productions. In 2017 she was nominated for the stage debut award for best actress for her performance as Hero in a production of Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe, London. Thereafter she performed in several stage productions.

Her first on screen role came in 2018 when she portrayed Jennifer Ashman in the BBC comedy-drama, Wanderlust. The same year, she appeared as Lily Marbury in BBC’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders, and then casting for other on-screen productions followed.

[caption id="attachment_59805" align="aligncenter" width="795"] Indian Actor | Vengerberg | Global Indian Anya during one of her shoots[/caption]

Striding past challenges

Anya Chalotra had to audition thrice for the role in The Witcher. “Every time I auditioned, I became hungrier for the role,” said the actress who considers the opportunity to play the role an ‘absolute gift’. The Witcher novels were written with white characters. However, looking at her talent the makers selected her for the role of Yennefer despite her being an actor of colour and far younger than the fictional character.

Although it was a moment of elation for her, she faced ridicule by many fans of The Witcher novels. They thought the choice of Yennefer’s character was not a good one. Many fans labelled her as ‘incapable’ or ‘inexperienced’ for such a plum role. Anya had to shut her social media accounts to escape the negative words of people who were writing her off even without seeing her work.

“I wanted my journey to be very different. I wanted to allow the character to evolve organically, without any pressure, and I know that the only way to do that was to shut off my social media,” she explained. For all the eight months of filming of the first series she was not on Instagram and Twitter. She wanted to woo her fans by her good performance and hence just focused on her work, and stayed positive.

Indian Actor | Anya Chalotra | Global Indian

The hard work, focus, and dedication paid off when the first season aired. At the premiere of the first season, the Indian-origin actor proudly showcased her heritage by wearing a Manish Malhotra sari.

Today, Anya Chalotra and Yennefer are virtually inseparable in the minds of The Witcher fans, with Anya having filmed the first three seasons across the world. She is now busy shooting for Seasons 4 and 5, set for release later this year and in 2025. The actor’s success reflects the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in global entertainment, showcasing how diverse cultural backgrounds can enrich storytelling on the world stage.

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Indian influencers: Using social media to create an impact

(December 3, 2022) They are stylish, sassy, funny and witty — meet the Indian influencers who have taken over social media and how. This social media brigade is presenting a slice of India to the world, one post at a time, and is loved by its army of followers. Every post, reel or story is smothered with thousands of likes and comments in no time. Welcome to the world of Instagram and influencers. In a world where millennials are literally living and breathing on the digital platforms, there are a handful of content creators who are putting Brand India on the global map with their creatives. If some are brushing shoulders with the likes of Michelle Obama, others are strutting the red carpets of the biggest international events. Here are five Indian influencers who are living it up on social media and making a difference. Masoom Minawala [caption id="attachment_32389" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Masoom Minawala[/caption] With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, Antwerp-based fashion influencer and entrepreneur Masoom Minawala is a woman on a mission — to make Indian fashion global. Her social media accounts are a testimony to her love for Indian attire, especially saris, and she doesn't shy away from sashaying

influencer and entrepreneur Masoom Minawala is a woman on a mission — to make Indian fashion global. Her social media accounts are a testimony to her love for Indian attire, especially saris, and she doesn't shy away from sashaying in them on the streets of Europe. Her mantra in fashion is a perfect mix of culture and style, and that's exactly what has made her popular on the gram. A regular at Cannes Film Festival, the 29-year-old was the first fashion blogger from India at Paris Fashion Week. Most recently, Minawala was also the first Indian creator to walk at Milan Fashion Week, modelling for Vaishali S.

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A post shared by Masoom Minawala Mehta (@masoomminawala)

When she began blogging many years ago, it was at its nascent stage, but she knew how to drive traffic and convert her readers into potential customers. And in no time, she made it to the top of the game. So much so that she recently made it to Forbes 30 Under 30 list. With her initiative #SupportIndianDesigners, she is promoting homegrown brands and designers on the global platform. From someone who began her journey as a blogger a decade ago when it wasn't so mainstream to making it to CNN's 20 under 40 list, Minawala has come a long way.

Prajakta Koli

[caption id="attachment_32384" align="aligncenter" width="583"] Indian influencers Prajakta Koli Prajakta Koli has become a force to reckon with.[/caption]

How popular is Prajakta Koli, you ask? This Indian influencer received a personally signed copy of Michelle Obama's Becoming. The social media star had been chosen by YouTube and the UN for Creators of Change, which brought together 50 creators from around the world to create content on social issues — in her segment, Koli was in conversation with Michelle Obama to talk about girls' education. She went on to win the Daytime Emmy Award and the 27-year-old became a global brand in her own right.

From being invited to the United Nations to represent India on World Tolerance Day to being the only Indian to have been invited by Marvel to collaborate with the cast of Captain Marvel, Koli has become a force to reckon with.

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A post shared by Prajakta Koli (@mostlysane)

With over 7 million followers, Prajakta Koli aka MostlySane is a champion for female education, and has been invited by the Gates Foundation for its Goalkeepers Summit. A popular YouTuber, influencer and now an actor, the Forbes 30 Under 30 alumnus is making it big, one video at a time.

Niharika NM

[caption id="attachment_32385" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Indian influencers Niharika NM Niharika NM[/caption]

One million followers in two months, now that's the fastest any content creator has grown on Instagram. But that's LA-based Niharika NM for you. The Indian-American made surviving 2020 a bit easier, thanks to her humor, sass and relatable reels on everyday life. Well before Mindy Kaling came out with Never Have I Ever, social media found a perfect and relatable representation of South Indians in Niharika, and since then people are unable to get enough of her — the influencer's following (read 3.1 million) on social media is proof of it. Born in Chennai and brought up in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old moved to the US, and now her journey to amassing a million followers in such a short span is a case study at California's Chapman University, where she is pursuing her MBA.

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A post shared by Niharika Nm (@niharika_nm)

The content creator, who was named Best Entertainment Influencer at Impact Digital Influencers Awards 2021 and Blogger/Creator of the year 2021 at Women Disruptors Awards 2021, was recently selected by YouTube as one of the global ambassadors for the Creators for Change program.

Diipa Khosla

[caption id="attachment_32386" align="aligncenter" width="598"] Indian influencers Diipa Khosla Diipa Khosla[/caption]

Born in India, studied in Netherlands and worked in the UK, Diipa calls herself a "Global Indian" on her Instagram page. The 30-year-old has many firsts to her credit - including being the first Indian influencer to walk the BAFTA red carpet as well as the Cannes red carpet. But the global influencer is more than just beauty and glamour, and her NGO Post for Change Foundation, which uses social media to bring social change, is proof of it. Post for Change has collaborated with UNICEF for Red Dot Challenge to emphasise the importance of menstrual hygiene.

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A popular Instagrammer with 1.8 million followers, Khosla is using her clout to create healthy dialogues around women empowerment and racial discrimination.

Ruhee Dosani

[caption id="attachment_32387" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Indian influencer Ruhee Dosani Ruhe Dosani[/caption]

Ruhee Dosani just wanted to make cool videos of her 'we deshi' friends dancing to Bollywood songs, but little did she know that one such video would catch the fancy of singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh. Soon, people started landing on her page and as they say, the rest is history. The US-based 'Punjab di kudi' is every desi's delight. Her hilarious spins on brands and group dances with videshi friends have become a hit on social media. Such has been the entertainment quotient of her videos that even Netflix couldn't stop going gaga over her, and regrammed her video. This content creator and influencer is definitely making it big.

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‘Belting’ out sustainability: How social entrepreneur Gautam Malik’s eco-friendly bags are the rage

(February 14, 2022) The visual language of accessories on the buzzing streets of New York in the 2000s left a lasting impression on Gautam Malik. Seeing them as an extension of one’s personal style, he understood the huge market for it. Cut to 2015, the 44-year-old took a leaf out of that book, and turned into a social entrepreneur to start Jaggery Bags, with a twist. Helping the environment breathe, the social entrepreneur decided to turn old car seat belts into eco-friendly bags. “People were recycling plastic waste, but when I stumbled upon old and discarded car seat belts, I realised the potential because of their sturdiness,” Gautam shares with Global Indian in an exclusive. His startup has today recycled 9,546 metres of car seat belts, and 5,986 meters of cargo belts from landfills in Delhi/NCR. The passion project has now taken on a global entity with customers in India, US, Australia, Japan, Italy, France and Switzerland. “When we started, sustainability wasn’t the buzzword but soon the idea started resonating with the environment-friendly. We are creating products that help change the perception of waste,” adds the TedTalk speaker. The Gurugram-based startup is a change-maker, and has already been accepted to

�� adds the TedTalk speaker. The Gurugram-based startup is a change-maker, and has already been accepted to the World Economic Forum’s Catalyst 2030 for being a prominent part of the modern-day online community of impact makers.

[caption id="attachment_19873" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Social Entrepreneur | Gautam Malik Gautam Malik with his eco-friendly bags[/caption]

Dreaming big for the planet

Born in 1977 to professor parents, Gautam was drawn to the idea of the American dream as a young lad. However, before the fructification of his dream, he found his calling in architecture and enrolled at the University of Pune (architecture and planning) to learn the tricks of the trade. But things took a turn when the social entrepreneur stumbled upon sustainable living during a short internship at Auroville. “I attribute much of what I am doing now to that experience. For the first time, I came across a new system of existence,” recalls Gautam. Calling it a “eureka” moment, he was fascinated by the concept of co-creating a common green philosophy that was sustainable.

Thinking sustainability

His first tryst with sustainability left him contemplating, but he dropped the idea after realising it wasn’t the modus operandi for Indians in the 90s. Instead, he turned his energy to his American dream. He enrolled at Memphis College of Art (communication design). He then discovered a passion for film and video, and in 2005, he joined University at Buffalo in media studies. “Those years were very liberating and enterprising. However, I often found myself asking, ‘What’s my purpose in life?’ I wasn’t satisfied with where I was,” adds the social entrepreneur.

[caption id="attachment_19875" align="aligncenter" width="479"] Social Entrepreneur | Gautam Malik Products by Jaggery Bags[/caption]

While a sense of purpose kept gnawing at him, he worked as an interface designer, and creative director in New York for several years before returning to India in 2010. “The American dream was old and passe, and NRIs were returning to India,” explains the social entrepreneur who started Suitcase 27, and later joined Jabong where he stumbled upon sustainability reports which helped him identify the huge gap in the market. “I started researching millennials’ buying habits and the green audience. It took me back to my NYC days where accessories were an extension of a personal style. A Swiss brand, Freitag, caught my eye,” recalls the social entrepreneur whose interest in upcycling grew after seeing Freitag reuse tarpaulin waste for bags.

"The strong need for a company that worked on the same ethos but in an Indian context,” was what he set out to do. Jaggery Bags was born in 2015 after quitting Jabong. “My family was shocked with my decision. It took me three to six months to convince them,” says Gautam, who co-founded the company with his wife Bhawna Dandona, whom he met in Pune during college. They married in 2004. His mother Usha Malik is a former professor at Delhi University.

[caption id="attachment_19872" align="aligncenter" width="467"] Social Entrepreneur | Gautam Malik Gautam Malik with his wife Bhawna Dandona[/caption]

Researching the dream

The social entrepreneur’s recce across Delhi led him to Mayapuri where he found old sturdy seat belts. “If a car seat belt can hold the weight of a person, it is a strong raw material for a bag. Also, it wasn’t a material explored before,” says Gautam. The first batch of Jaggery Bags was circulated among friends and family. Garnering interest, and a market for eco-friendly bags, Gautam pushed the pedal on production.

The early days were “tough,” and it took them two to three years to find a footing in India. “It was after my TedTalk in 2019 that the floodgates opened, and we garnered international interest,” says Gautam, who also added cargo belts in 2018. Currently, Jaggery Bags works with canvas tents, parachutes, automobile seat belts, and inflatable castles. They make pouches, laptop bags, satchel bags and bagpacks which are priced between Rs 1500 and Rs 8000. “Raw materials are sorted, washed, and sun-dried before turning them into products,” adds Gautam.

[caption id="attachment_19874" align="aligncenter" width="499"] Social Entrepreneur | Global Indian Sourcing car belts from Mayapuri[/caption]

On its quirky name, he adds, “Like jaggery is a healthy substitute for sugar, we want to provide a healthy substitute for bags. A brand that’s synonymous with organic, healthy, and environment friendly.” The sustainable startup has now spread its wings in Italy, Japan, Switzerland and France with exporting. “We soon realised that the startup had the masala for a global entity, and the grit to create jobs for the marginalised,” says the social entrepreneur.

[caption id="attachment_19876" align="aligncenter" width="503"] Social Entrepreneur | Gautam Malik Gautam Malik at Sankalp Forum[/caption]

The future is sustainable, thanks to Malik’s idea. “We are scaling up with a focus on marketing and social media as a business. As a social entrepreneur, I want to collaborate with like-minded people,” adds Gautam, a film and music aficionado. When not thinking ecologically, his two daughters are his go-to - reading Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls or just absorbing their positivity. “I want them grow up with a sense of freedom and stand up for themselves,” Gautam concludes.

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From Hyderabad to the World: How Telugu cinema is winning hearts globally

(May 26, 2023) "There was only one wish on my mind. ... RRR has to win, pride of every Indian, and must put me on the top of the world," is how music composer MM Keeravani accepted his Oscar for Best Original Song Naatu Naatu. But this wasn't a speech, instead a rendition of the popular 70s pop hit Top Of The World by the Carpenters that he crooned to a full house. This is how the first-ever Oscar for a Telugu film, RRR, was accepted amid a thunderous applause and a standing ovation. The epic moment has now turned into a beautiful memory for Telugu cinema lovers forever, thanks to director SS Rajamouli. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYt_srWx_V8 Pushing the envelope and scripting history has become synonymous with the filmmaker whose epic action drama RRR got a deafening response at the 96th Academy Awards. So much so that even Steven Spielberg, who Rajamouli calls the God of filmmaking, couldn't help but laud the film. "I thought your movie was outstanding. I couldn’t believe my eyes, for me, it was like eye candy," he said, adding, "It was a beautiful visual style and extraordinary to look at and experience." Shot in 320 hours across

d extraordinary to look at and experience."

Shot in 320 hours across three years, the three-hour long Telugu action drama caught the attention of American viewers in the summer of 2022, when it got a US-wide release in over 100 theatres. Dylan Marchetti of Variance Films (the distributor of the film in the US) told a daily, "With more than 250 films coming out of India annually, RRR could be a gateway drug." And it did emerge as one.

The visuals, impressive storytelling, songs, dance and jaw-dropping action turned out to be West's introduction to not just Indian cinema but Tollywood. "This happened to be the film that broke all of the barriers," Ram Charan told Deadline about the film, which has found a new level of global success which only strengthened with the release of the Hindi-dubbed version on Netflix with English subtitles. Such has been the admiration that it helped Rajamouli win Best Director at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, and later bagged a Golden Globe and an Oscar for the song Naatu Naatu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBVtSwb5G7M

Swiftly, there has been a new wave of awareness in the West about Indian cinema's artistic potential. While Bollywood films like Dangal and Bajrangi Bhaijaan have been popular overseas, it's a first for Telugu cinema to break the glass ceiling. Telugu cinema's global appeal can be attributed to its exceptional craftsmanship, breathtaking visuals, and soul-stirring music. Filmmakers have masterfully blended entertainment with thought-provoking narratives, addressing social issues and stimulating meaningful discussions.

Evolution of Telugu cinema

The roots of Telugu cinema can be traced back as early as 1921 when the first Telugu silent film, Bhishma Pratigna, by Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu (known as the father of Telugu cinema), was released. The industry grew steadily, and by the 1950s, Telugu cinema had established itself as a major film industry in India. The emergence of iconic actors and directors such as NT Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and BN Reddy contributed significantly to its growth.

[caption id="attachment_39173" align="aligncenter" width="271"] Mayabazar | Telugu Cinema | Global Indian The poster of Mayabazar[/caption]

Over the years, Telugu cinema underwent several transformations, adapting to changing trends and incorporating technical advancements. The introduction of sound in the 1930s revolutionised the industry, leading to the production of talkies. The 1980s witnessed a shift towards commercial cinema, with larger-than-life storytelling and high-energy performances. This era saw the rise of superstars like Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna, who garnered a massive fan following.

Scaling global heights

It was in the early 50s that Telugu cinema had its first tryst with international film festivals, when the talent and stories of Tollywood were showcased at global platforms. Films like Patala Bhairavi (1951), Mayabazar (1957) and Nartanasala (1963) were appreciated at the Indonesian Film Festival, followed by the 1976 film Seeta Kalyanam that enthralled audiences at the London Film Festival. In the 80s, Telugu cinema landed at Cannes Film Festival and Moscow Film Festival with films like Meghasandesam (1982) and Swayamkrushi (1987) taking the baton forward.

[caption id="attachment_39174" align="aligncenter" width="829"] Baahubali | Global Indian A still from Baahubali: The Conclusion[/caption]

But it's in the recent years that Telugu cinema has garnered significant attention on the global stage, owing to its grand-scale productions, compelling storytelling, and technical brilliance. The axis tilted in 2015 when SS Rajamouli presented Baahubali: The Beginning to the world. It made the global audience sit up and take notice of the creative potential that Telugu cinema holds. This was exacerbated by the phenomenal response to the 2017 film Baahubali: The Conclusion which brought Telugu cinema to the forefront of international recognition. The franchise shattered box-office records and captivated audiences worldwide with their stunning visual effects, gripping narratives, and powerful performances. Interestingly, Baahubali: The Conclusion became the first Indian film to cross ₹1000 crore at the box office, thanks to its release in countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Russia and China.

The impact of Telugu cinema

The success of Baahubali franchise opened doors for Telugu cinema to reach wider audiences across various languages and cultures. Its massive international success showcased the industry's potential to create content with universal appeal.

[caption id="attachment_39175" align="aligncenter" width="755"] SS Rajamouli with Steven Spielberg SS Rajamouli and MM Keeravani meet Steven Spielberg[/caption]

RRR further solidified the global impact of Telugu cinema. The film, set in the pre-independence era, struck the right chord with the audiences worldwide for its gripping storytelling, powerful performances and exceptional production values. Interestingly, it was the long duration, songs and dance which kept the Westerns away from Indian films for the longest time, and now it's exactly these things that brought them to RRR. "Some Indian filmmakers came to understand the power of song and dance, if it makes the story go forward, rather than stopping the story. Very few Indian filmmakers have figured out how to do that, but when that happens even Westerners will enjoy it," SS Rajamouli told The New Yorker.

That's why Naatu Naatu winning an Oscar and a Golden Globe can be easily called a watershed moment for Telugu cinema. It highlighted the industry's ability to create music that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. This recognition not only celebrated the talent of the composers, lyricists, and singers but also served as a testament to the global reach of Telugu cinema.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgBoMJy386M

Over the years, Telugu cinema's impact has gone beyond just box-office numbers and awards. It has inspired filmmakers around the world to explore new possibilities and push creative boundaries. The success of films like Baahubali and RRR has instilled a sense of pride and enthusiasm among Telugu filmmakers and audiences alike, fostering a vibrant and innovative film ecosystem.

In conclusion, Telugu cinema's impact on the world is undeniable. Its ability to captivate the mind and heart of a global audience through its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and powerful emotions is a testament to the industry's creative brilliance. With its continuous evolution and growing international recognition, Telugu cinema is poised to shine even brighter, inspiring and enchanting audiences around the world for years to come.

Reading Time: 6 min