Global IndianstoryBehind the lens: Artist Vishal Punjabi’s path to wedding filmmaking stardom

Behind the lens: Artist Vishal Punjabi’s path to wedding filmmaking stardom

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

(April 21, 2024) During the filming of the song Kabira in the 2013 film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
actress Deepika Padukone was directed by Vishal Punjabi. It was then that she had mentioned to him that she would like him to shoot her wedding when it happened. Five years later in 2018, when she got married to actor Ranveer Singh, she called the photographer to remind him. The name behind the stunning wedding visuals of several Bollywood celebrities, Vishal Punjabi is a persona with many dimensions.

Artist | Vishal Punjabi | Global Indian

And now the artist, whose firm The Wedding Filmer is a favourite with celebrities to shoot their wedding memories, has a captivating storytelling and cinematic style with offices in India, London, and soon New York.

The globetrotter

Vishal grew up in Ghana, and while his parents split when he was under 10, it did not stop him from soaking in its rich cultural and musical vibes. He then hopped over to London for studies, and finally, Mumbai stole his heart when he chased down a job with Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) when times were simpler.

Vishal with Shah Rukh Khan

“Along the way, from hustling as a waiter to building computers in my dad’s garage to chasing my film-making dream, life’s been a wild ride. I was born Hindu but wasn’t exposed to it much. I found myself diving into the Bible with my mum, initially out of curiosity, which led me to embrace Christianity. It was a beautiful read that kept me entertained. Then, love happened, and marrying a Muslim meant I happily welcomed Islam into my life. It’s been a journey of faith, love, heartbreak, and second chances, all while learning to tell my own stories through a camera lens,” the artist says. His career took off when he had the opportunity to work with SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment and he credits SRK, Farah Khan, and Santosh Sivan for helping him learn about filmmaking and visual art.

Wedding bells

Being an ace in visual art he started his firm The Wedding Filmer as the photographer believes that weddings are like live theatres teeming with stories about unity and stunning visuals that you just don’t see anywhere else.

Artist | Vishal Punjabi | Global Indian

“There’s something magical about capturing two people in love, amidst their nearest and dearest, coming together despite all odds. Honestly, it was at a wedding that I found love again, seeing firsthand how these events could bridge worlds, mend fences, and bring families closer together. When I shoot weddings, I’m like a fly on the wall—observant and unobtrusive, yet deeply involved and sometimes playing the part of a therapist during interviews with the couple, family, and friends. We navigate through lifetimes in those conversations, piecing together films that are not just memories but bridges. The way I see it, these films do something extraordinary; they pull people together, creating a bond that’s about more than just the festivities,” the artist explains.

ALSO READ | Ace photographer Nitin Rai’s journey was a roller-coaster ride

Motivation cues

The artist is the name behind the captivating wedding films of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, and recently Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh. The photographer’s deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives is a great motivator for him. The ability of creating opportunities, crafting stable and rewarding careers for those who are not just talented but also embody loyalty and fairness is also a driver.

Viahal with filmmaker Farah Khan

Prod him and he smilingly says, “A cheeky part of me always jokes that the incredible food I get to enjoy at weddings is a big motivator. And let’s not forget the chance to dress up! There’s no stage quite like a wedding to showcase your best attire. But when I peel back the layers and really think about it, the core of my motivation is my family, especially my son, Sufi. He’s such a big part of why I wake up every morning—so much so that we honoured him in our logo animation when I started The Wedding Filmer. It was a time when I was searching for a greater purpose, something significant I could build not just for me, but for him. His arrival was a catalyst, pushing me to create something meaningful, something that could make a real difference. There’s immense satisfaction in knowing that, through my work, I’m able to contribute to someone else’s growth and happiness.”

Celeb connect

Shooting celebrity weddings has been an exhilarating journey for him as each one unique and full of moments that are both intimate and grand. “What makes these experiences unforgettable isn’t just the glitz and glamour, but the raw, heartfelt emotions that bubble beneath the surface. There’s this beautiful universality in weddings – whether it’s a celebrity’s or not – the nervous smiles, the teary-eyed parents, the laughter, and the dances, they all weave into the timeless story,” the artist says.

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A post shared by Vishal Punjabi (@theweddingfilmer)

One of his best experiences recently was capturing a princess who was getting married at a temple built by her ancestors. “It wasn’t opulent, local flowers were used but what stood out was the simplicity of her love story, a narrative that resonated with anyone who believes in the magic of love. Here were two people finding love again, for all the right reasons. The highlight is always the small, unguarded moments between the couple – a whisper, a glance, a smile. In my films, I strive to weave the personal anecdotes shared by family and friends, the cultural nuances, and the couple’s journey into a cohesive story that not only celebrates their union but also touches the hearts of anyone who watches it. It’s about transcending the boundaries of tradition and culture to highlight the universal language of love. This storytelling approach transforms each film into a personal heirloom,” he explains.

Being resilient

For someone who has been deported, divorced, and discarded he has always bounced back. Overcoming challenges has been a cornerstone of his journey, deeply intertwined with the art of embracing and fighting through failure.

Artist | Vishal Punjabi | Global Indian

“Each setback, each stumble, has been a lesson, shaping not just my career but my very approach to life and storytelling. Failure, in its daunting shadows, often carries the seeds of growth and innovation. By facing it head-on, acknowledging the lessons it offers, and using them as stepping stones, I have found new pathways to success that were previously obscured by the comfort of the familiar. In my work, this translates to a relentless pursuit of authenticity and innovation. When a film doesn’t capture the essence of the story I aim to tell, or when a creative risk doesn’t pay off as hoped, I take it as a cue to delve deeper, to refine my vision and technique,” the artist expresses.

ALSO READ | Photographer Omer Khan, who loves to shoot life, on his lucky escape from Afghanistan

Looking ahead

His mantra in life is simple – if you lose the job, you will find a better job, and if you lose the girl, you will find a better girl, and if you get sick, you will learn to stop putting rubbish in your system.

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A post shared by All About Eve India (@allabouteve_in)

“Embrace failure. Make it your greatest ally. For the moment they think you’re finished; that’s when your success is assured,” he says. A voracious reader and an avid cook he admits that he is a beautiful time waster. “I have the exceptional ability to do nothing for extended periods of time,” the artist smiles. His plans going forward is to make The Wedding Filmer affordable and extendable so that every bride and groom can have a memory worth cherishing. A memory that brings them closer together.

Follow Vishal Punjabi on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and his Website

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Published on 21, Apr 2024

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Professor Meghana Pandit: The first female and person of colour to become CEO of Oxford University Hospitals

(February 24, 2023) With the recent spate of unprecedented appointments in the United Kingdom, it is clear that the Indian diaspora is more than making its mark, across different walks of life, in the European nation. The latest appointment in the news is that of Indian-origin medic Meghana Pandit as the CEO of the Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust. Professor Meghana, who received her MBBS from the University of Bombay, has become the first female and the first person of colour to hold the coveted post. The NHS Foundation Trust is one of England’s largest teaching trusts, representing some of the biggest teaching hospitals in the country. [embed]https://twitter.com/OUHospitals/status/1626186256630644737?s=20[/embed] Joining the trust as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in 2019, Professor Meghana has been serving as interim CEO since July 2022. Following a rigorous and competitive process, which concluded after what OUH described as an extensive national and international recruitment search, the Indian medic has got appointed to the post permanently. “It is a privilege to be asked to lead OUH on a permanent basis. I look forward to continue working with colleagues at OUH, our partners in the health and social care system in Oxfordshire and across the BOB Integrated

itter.com/OUHospitals/status/1626186256630644737?s=20[/embed]

Joining the trust as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in 2019, Professor Meghana has been serving as interim CEO since July 2022. Following a rigorous and competitive process, which concluded after what OUH described as an extensive national and international recruitment search, the Indian medic has got appointed to the post permanently.

“It is a privilege to be asked to lead OUH on a permanent basis. I look forward to continue working with colleagues at OUH, our partners in the health and social care system in Oxfordshire and across the BOB Integrated Care System, our partner universities, and Oxford Hospitals Charity, to ensure the highest quality of research and innovation enabled care for our patients and populations,” she said after the announcement was made.

Shining bright

The Indian origin doctor managed to impress the final selection panel comprising the Trust's Chair, Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, two non-executive directors, lead governor, the chair of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), and the regional director for NHS England's South East region during the final interview.

I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading with compassion and respect for others, with a desire for excellence - Professor Meghana Pandit

The OUH said in its press release that "all members of the interview panel unanimously agreed that Meghana was the preferred candidate for appointment." The recommendation was approved at a meeting of the Council of Governors.

The impactful leader

During her successful stint as the Chief Medical Officer of the OUH NHS Foundation Trust, the Indian-origin medic had led the development of clinical strategy at the institution. She was responsible for clinical quality, medical education, risk management, legal services, and research and development. Dr Meghana was also leading a team of over 1,000 doctors, and undertaking clinical office-based gynaecology.

Indian doctor | Dr Meghana Pandit | Global Indian

During the interim period as CEO, Professor Meghana performed her duties with élan, displaying exceptional leadership. In a previous interview published by British Medical Journal (BMJ), the renowned UK medic had said, “Leaders should be accountable for their actions and responsible for maintaining staff and patient safety.”

Leaders should facilitate change and empower staff to speak up. Support for colleagues and consistent messaging are incredibly important - Professor Meghana Pandit

From Bombay to UK

After finishing her MBBS from the University of Bombay, the Global Indian moved to the Oxford Deanery in the UK, where she specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology. Later, life took her to the US, where she was a visiting lecturer of urogynaecology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Her career in United Kingdom boasts several coveted roles. Dr Meghana has served as consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, clinical director and then divisional director at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. She contributed to the growth of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and consequently the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE), before joining Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.

[embed]https://twitter.com/willquince/status/1625847318028210176?s=20[/embed]

Having received her MBA from Oxford Brookes University, she moved to the prestigious INSEAD University in Fontainebleau, for the Innovating Health for Tomorrow programme. Dr Meghana has done impactful work as a founding senior fellow of the faculty of medical leadership and management, an associate fellow at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, and a professor of practice at Warwick University.

Being kind to each other and oneself goes a long way in our work. We are all very busy and can very easily forget to appreciate our colleagues for what they do. It is important to put ourselves in their shoes — to gain powerful insights that shape how we act — and learn to appreciate others - Professor Meghana Pandit

"Throughout my career, and more so since I have held leadership roles, it has become clear to me that as a leader, one has to communicate clearly and ensure consistency in messaging," she had said. Above all, she values the patient experience.

For Professor Meghana, who is making waves on the professional front; her loving and supportive family enables her to reach great heights. A passion for long walks and cooking have been the medic’s go-to, helping her relax amidst her several demanding roles over the years.

Follow Professor Meghana Pandit on LinkedIn

Reading Time: 5 mins

On the right foot: UK-based Dr Venu’s surgical solutions give diabetics new lease on life

(June 2, 2022) Hundreds of patients have passed through the able hands of Dr Venu Kavarthapu since he first began working at King's College Hospital in London, in 2006. Appointed as an orthopaedic consultant, Dr Venu soon realised, as he treated diabetic patients with foot problems, that surgical options were very limited. More often not, amputation was the only measure. His experiments with External and Internal Fixation techniques remained largely unsuccessful. Dr Venu decided to study the problem himself, developing, over years of extensive research, a surgical technique that revolutionised diabetic foot management. He went on to become the first doctor in the UK to have fully reconstructed a diabetic foot. Now a world-renowned surgeon with over 200 specific complex diabetic foot reconstructions behind him, Dr Venu's surgical procedure became part of a multidisciplinary Centre of Excellence for Diabetic Foot Management at Apollo Hospital. “Diabetic foot reconstruction surgery is a very complex procedure and requires advanced fellowship training,” explains Dr Venu, during an interview with Global Indian. “Multidisciplinary diabetic foot team support is also critical. My techniques are now followed across the world to great success,” he smiles. Over the years, he developed rods, plates and screws designed especially for

ow followed across the world to great success,” he smiles. Over the years, he developed rods, plates and screws designed especially for diabetic foot reconstruction surgery. It is, arguably, a revolution in the surgical field.

[caption id="attachment_25205" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Indian doctor | Dr Venu Kavarthapu | Global Indian Dr Venu Kavarthapu[/caption]

From rural AP to the UK

Born in Tangutur, Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh in 1970, Dr Venu's parents -- Srinivasa Rao and Ramadevi, did cloth dyeing work to support the family. The youngest of four brothers and inspired by an older, studious sibling, Prasada Rao, Venu was the only child in the house to choose medical school over engineering. “My mother encouraged me,” he says, by way of explanation. Venu did his MBBS from Guntur Medical College, graduating in 1992 with an interest in orthopaedics.

Travelling to the UK to train in orthopaedics was all the rage in India at the time and like many of his peers, Dr Venu set off for foreign shores. “My elder brother funded my travel to England in 1995,” he recalls. He completed his FRCS in 2003 and then did an MIS and Computer Navigation Hip Surgery Fellowship in Los Angeles. He then returned to London for a Hip Surgery Fellowship and the London Foot and Ankle Fellowship. Following this prolonged training period, Dr Venu was appointed as an orthopaedic consultant at King’s College Hospital in 2006, where the Indian doctor provides specialist services on hip, foot and ankle disorders.

Orthopaedics at King’s Hospital

"When I joined King’s Hospital, I was approached by Professor Michael Edmonds, a world-renowned diabetic foot physician, to become the orthopaedic member of his diabetic foot multidisciplinary unit. I accepted his offer and established the diabetic foot reconstruction service in our unit, which soon became the national referral centre," says the Indian doctor, who was given the post of an Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, the only one in the entire orthopaedic department at King's College Hospital, in recognition of his work.

Indian doctor | Dr Venu Kavarthapu | Global Indian

When Dr Venu began working at King’s College Hospital, surgery was not offered as treatment for deformed diabetic foot. Surgery attempts had yielded poor results globally and treatment was limited to “callipers and casts, with some amputations,” Dr Venu explains. “On the other hand, I had seen patients crippled by arthritis and other knee, hip or ankle injuries, all getting back to normal following replacement procedures. I wanted to provide similar surgical solutions to diabetic foot patients so they can be mobile again,” says the surgeon, who established the Hip Arthroscopy (hip keyhole surgery) and small incision Hip Replacement surgery in the hospital.

If the shoe fits… finding surgical solutions

Today, Dr Venu’s services are sought after the world over, with patients clamouring for his diabetic foot reconstruction surgery. He used the techniques he “had originally designed for midfoot and hindfoot reconstructions and continued to develop surgical techniques for combined midfoot and hindfoot deformity corrections, which became highly successful," he explains.

Despite the pressing nature of the problem Dr Venu was trying to address, his efforts at a solution were met with resistance and scepticism from clinicians and healthcare groups, who felt his techniques wouldn’t work. “I persevered,” he states, slowly developing the reconstruction process and then publishing research work on the new techniques as well as their improved outcomes. “As the scientific evidence on the success of our techniques became evident, many diabetic foot surgeons globally started visiting my centre to learn this technique," informs Dr Venu, who went on to establish ‘Charcot Foot Reconstruction Cadaver Workshop’ for surgeons, to provide practical training on the surgical techniques used.

For infected diabetic foot deformities, the Indian doctor developed a ‘Staged Reconstruction’ approach, that involved the first stage of infection eradication surgery, followed by another round three months later, which includes reconstructing the deformity. "This technique has now become the gold standard of treatment across the world," says the doctor, who runs short visitation fellowship programmes for overseas doctors including those from India. He has hosted about 100 specialists from Europe and USA over the past 10 years.

All diabetic foot reconstructions require extensive and prolonged clinical assessments, patient preparation and surgical planning. "Badly infected diabetic foot deformities are extremely complex to reconstruct, and the treatment is more expensive. The surgery needs to be done in stages and is very meticulous and is similar to the surgery performed for removing cancer tissue," says the doctor, who runs the only diabetic foot fellowship programme available in the UK and has trained about 10 surgeons over the past nine years since the start of the programme.

Philanthropy at home

In India, where a large portion of healthcare is provided in the private sector, the common man may find it difficult to afford such care. "The expenses come in the form of doctor consultations and hospital costs. Most diabetic foot doctors in India work in isolation and do not have access to a multidisciplinary team," feels Dr Venu, who was awarded with an Honorary membership by the Indian Orthopaedic Association in recognition of his services.

Indian doctor | Dr Venu Kavarthapu | Global Indian

To address this issue, the Indian doctor recently set up a charity called UK India Diabetic Foot Foundation- UKIDFF which provides free multidisciplinary team advice from a large panel of experts to the doctors in India on diabetic foot treatment. UKIDFF also has plans to arrange medical camps in India in future and provide free treatment to poor patients with support from philanthropists.

Asked about the cost of the complex surgery, Dr Venu says the hospital costs for diabetic foot reconstructions are variable and depend on the complexity of the procedure. "Routine diabetic foot reconstruction surgeries performed in the early stage of the disease, cost much less. However, late presentation cases often require complex surgical procedures and can be very expensive," explains Dr Venu, whose wife Lavanya is an IT professional.

A writer and a teacher

His association with Indian Orthopaedics has been very close since he became a consultant. "I ran British Indian Visiting Orthopaedic Fellowship programmes and hosted over 100 senior orthopaedic consultants from various parts of India in my Hip Unit," says the specialist, who also appointed many junior orthopaedic consultants from India in his Orthopaedic department for a two-year specialist training.

Keen on spreading his skills and knowledge, Dr Venu regularly pens articles in scientific journals, writes textbook chapters, teaches in webinars and speaks at various national and international meetings. This year alone, he will be participating in 17 webinars and speak in 11 meetings globally. "A large part of my teaching contribution is to India at present," smiles the father of two, who was elected as the President of Indian Orthopaedic Society UK and most recently as the President of the International Association of Diabetic Foot Surgeons.

His busy schedule leaves him with little time for family. "Going on walks to local greeneries in Kent and London with family, watching TV or movies and playing games is what I do in my free time," smiles Dr Venu, for whom Europe is the best holiday destination. The Indian doctor ensures he maintains a healthy diet and does physical activities in moderation.

Follow Dr Venu Kavarthapu on Linkedin and Twitter

Reading Time: 6 min

Vineet Singh Hukmani – How this multi-Grammy submitted artist spreads hope

(November 24, 2021) In early 2021, as people were hopelessly locked down aching for an infusion of light, singer-songwriter Vineet Singh Hukmani became a beacon of positivity. Inside his home studio in Noida, Hukmani created music imbued with optimism. Released on global radio in 2021, his nine singles in multiple genres became vaccines of sorts, spreading waves of hope. The former CEO of Radio One is unafraid to unlearn, and learn. Today, the multi-Grammy submitted artist has three singles making it to the Grammy ballots. "My lyrics are colloquial and conversational. They are simple words that represent universal thoughts to connect with any radio listener," smiles Vineet Singh Hukmani. In an exclusive conversation with Global Indian, the singer-songwriter explores his song-making. "I create the chorus first, and then work the rest of the song around it. Once the song groove and genre are defined, its mood is upbeat and optimistic, I write lyrics that fit the melody," shares the singer whose track Jab the World — a fun and synth-based rock number became one of the top 20 songs most played on rock radio in the US in 2021. [caption id="attachment_16621" align="aligncenter" width="498"] Vineet Singh Hukmani[/caption] "It is an out

tion id="attachment_16621" align="aligncenter" width="498"] Indian Singer | Vineet Singh Hukmani | Grammy Artist | Global Indian Vineet Singh Hukmani[/caption]

"It is an out and out rock song that imagines a vaccination for hate and disaffection. It has a happy optimistic dance rock vibe" he adds. With this track, he became the first Asian Indian to enter the Digital Radio Tracker Rock Top 50 chart and his song peaked at number 8 in the top 50 alongside rock legends AC/DC, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Papa Roach, Imagine Dragons, among others.

His multi-radio genre approach rings out loud and clear – his first release Dreaming out Loud was synth-pop, Can I go Now was kidz pop (which he sang with his twins Avni and Vir, tenth graders), it was rock for Jab the World, synth-rock with So New, melodic rap with i Pray, electronic pop with Turning Back Time, funk with WTF - Where's the fun. The adult contemporary Hurry came next with Latino pop PFH - Party From Home which released on November 11, 2021.

Born in the Gulf, he schooled at New Indian School in Kuwait, and had parents who encouraged music. His favourite pastime was listening to 80s pop and chart shows on FM, and songs from Duran Duran, The Police, Depeche Mode, Phil Collins, etc.

Thank you to all the #radio stations in #Europe and the #World and to their wonderful listeners for voting my #single #Hurry to the top of the #music #charts 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/aGXSboL0Mk

— Vineet Singh Hukmani (@vineethukmani) November 6, 2021

Engineering from Bengaluru, Vineet recalls his rocker days, "I was in two good bands during college. Rock Clef and Stone Cold, which was chosen in the top 14 bands of India by Rock Street Journal, in their Great Indian Rock Volume 1 compilation album." Classic rock resonated and so did David Coverdale from Whitesnake, Sammy Hagar from Van Halen, and Graham Bonnet from Rainbow.

Making music is second nature, and he then turned to radio, studied management from Harvard Business School, specialising in disruptive innovation strategy. "My day jobs were related to business development. Music, creating and performing has always been a thriving parallel throughout life," says the veteran radio honcho who was the co-founder of 94.3 Radio One in 2007. "That was a dream come true. I ran it for 12 years before selling it to a media house in 2019," informs Vineet, who is the first artist in the world to secure eight No 1 tracks on the European Indie Charts with his last release Hurry on top too.

[caption id="attachment_16625" align="aligncenter" width="489"] Indian Singer | Vineet Singh Hukmani | Grammy Artist | Global Indian Vineet Singh Hukmani[/caption]

Nine songs in a year are remarkable, and he admits that it was legally contracted. "Radio release to charting is a five-six-week cycle, and every 45 days keeps the single release momentum. That consistency of release followed by charting across the world gave me an edge," he says.

So New, a "pick-me-up" song for the days when you are down and need simple pleasures to feel "so new" again, "was in the synth-pop/rock genre, and entered the DRT Rock top 10. Around this period, I was the only artist in the world to have two songs simultaneously in the prestigious DRT top 50," he informs, beaming with pride.

[caption id="attachment_16622" align="aligncenter" width="497"] Indian Singer | Vineet Singh Hukmani | Grammy Artist | Global Indian Vineet Singh Hukmani[/caption]

So, what makes Vineet so good at reinvention with an intuitive grasp of music? "The process is to first understand how global radio stations are formatted. They are formatted into well-defined popular genres. You must ensure a single fits a radio genre perfectly," he says, adding that the most important part of the creative process is to make songs with "repeat listening value."

Now, commercially, his aim to release a single in each genre of radio format - a single every 45 days is his goal. The pandemic inspired PFH (Party from Home) when some close vaccinated friends landed up at his home during lockdown to party after being stuck indoors, home, he realised, became a panacea of the English Latino riff inspired by the likes of J Balvin and Nicky Jam with a sprinkle of Spanish lyrics.

Many do charity, Vineet cares deeply about the industry. His foundation Greatsong.world aims to help Asian musicians find their own platform globally, and has helped 45 artists and counting. "If you want to create commercial music globally, you have to understand how it works, and create accordingly. If you are creating music for your own sense of joy, there are no rules. Joy is then the only goal," says Vineet.

[caption id="attachment_16626" align="aligncenter" width="452"] Indian Singer | Vineet Singh Hukmani | Grammy Artist | Global Indian Vineet Singh Hukmani[/caption]

The decades have made Hukmani consistent, better planned and grounded, "Grammy submissions for three of my singles this year in four mainstream languages has taught me that hard-work pays. It toughened me," says the singer with fans across Europe, and the US. Now, he hopes to start performing live.

On the Grammy

"Over the past two years, the recording academy members led by Harvey Mason Jr worked hard to bring in diversity and inclusivity. With the launch of Latin Grammys, a separate space, a different region of music awards was created. We may even see an Asian Grammy version soon. This year, the voting structure has changed, and the so-called special hidden committees of the past were removed, leaving the large voting member bank to vote directly for the artist or song they love. The Grammys this year received 22,000 entries, of which about 500 will be nominated, and only 15-17 percent may win. Winning a Grammy will be the ultimate dream for many global musicians!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgrd6cxfib0

On the medium of radio in India

Radio in India has not been able to grow into a leader medium like the USA or Europe. In India, the huge 15-year license fee that is paid upfront has made all radio companies extremely risk averse. Majority of stations "follow" Bollywood for content, unlike the West where radio creates its own leader path with new bands, music and hyper local content. However, Radio One, Indigo Radio and a few stations in East India are doing well with international formats. Globally, radio and music are a 50-billion-dollar discovery behemoth, India has a long way to go at 0.26 billion. Globally, independent music is a huge force to reckon with and India too is showing signs of this. Artists can only hope it realises it’s true potential, coupled with online broadcasting to become the leader medium it was intended to be.

Follow Vineet Singh Hukmani on Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 7 min

Shachi Gurumayum: The Switzerland based recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is changing lives in Manipur

(December 7, 2022) “When I was leaving India, I knew I would do something for Manipur one day. I just didn’t know what and when.” Dr Shachi Gurumayum’s determination only grew over the years and in 2017, he started the MaolKeki Foundation. Named after his grandparents, the foundation works to uplift people in Manipur through social initiatives in agriculture, education and healthcare. In 2021, his efforts earned him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. [caption id="attachment_32502" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Shachi Gurumayum during a field visit in Manipur[/caption] Born and raised in Manipur, Shachi is the founder and director of Switzerland-based AgriMayum, which stands for ‘House of Agriculture’. He also advises the World Benchmarking Alliance (Amsterdam), LadyAgri (Brussels) and is part of the Board of Sahel Consulting (Lagos). Giving back "I believe that if you are blessed, you share your blessings," Shachi tells Global Indian connecting from Switzerland. Growing up in Manipur, the son of an engineer father and a teacher mother, Shachi has happy recollections of his childhood. The community where he grew up comprised of smallholder farmers who lived a remote, very rural life. “There was no electricity, no infrastructure and a lot of civil society issues,” he says. It's now that the urbanisation is creeping in,

n data-contrast="auto">which stands for ‘House of Agriculture’. He also advises the World Benchmarking Alliance (Amsterdam), LadyAgri (Brussels) and is part of the Board of Sahel Consulting (Lagos).

Giving back

"I believe that if you are blessed, you share your blessings," Shachi tells Global Indian connecting from Switzerland.

Growing up in Manipur, the son of an engineer father and a teacher mother, Shachi has happy recollections of his childhood. The community where he grew up comprised of smallholder farmers who lived a remote, very rural life. “There was no electricity, no infrastructure and a lot of civil society issues,” he says. It's now that the urbanisation is creeping in, it was all marshland then.

If you are able to come out of such a rural environment and achieve something in life, you have to give back. It’s not just money, it’s also about sharing the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the years.

[caption id="attachment_32504" align="aligncenter" width="739"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian Dr Shachi receiving Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland. He was felicitated by Ambassador Monika Kapil Mohta[/caption]

Manipur, which stands for the ‘land of gems’ has a special significance in the entrepreneur’s heart. It’s where his parents spent all their life. When Shachi started MaolKeki Foundation, he made his parents its trustees.

Finding his feet

“I remember my father scolding me in class seven or so because I came back home ranking towards the end of 30 students in the class almost flunking in math,” he smiles. “My father said, ‘an engineer’s son cannot flunk in math.

The carefree Manipur lad grew into an extraordinary student when he moved to boarding school in Karnataka, where he finished high school. That transformation would remain with him through his life. “I won the medal for being the school topper,” he says. From there, he went on to study Chemistry at St Stephen’s College, Delhi. After that, he earned his Master’s and a PhD from the University of Bristol in the UK.

A series of scholarships carried him through his educational career, from his bachelor’s degree in Delhi to his MSc in Surface and Colloid Science and later PhD in the same subject in the UK. “It’s very expensive to study in the UK otherwise and was certainly out of my reach if it had not been for the full scholarship,” he remarks.

MaolKeki Foundation

[caption id="attachment_32506" align="aligncenter" width="938"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian The Maolkeki Foundation team[/caption]

Through last-mile agricultural training, health projects and nurturing agri-entrepreneurs, the foundation’s aim is to catalyse the development of people. The organisation achieves its purpose by designing and implementing socially impactful initiatives in agriculture, education and healthcare through strategic partnerships, grants and direct investments.

My belief is that no one party can solve society’s challenges; however, if we come together and create an ecosystem to share our knowledge, skills, resources and energy, much can be achieved collectively.

A district by Loktak Lake was one of the MaolKeki team’s first locations. “It is the only freshwater lake in the region, with the world’s only floating national park. That’s something to admire,” Shachi says. From there, his team, whom he gives immense credit, scaled up their reach to other parts of the state.

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

"The learning point during all this has been that the impact of an individual effort can never match that of an institutionalised initiative,” Shachi explains. Today, the Foundation works in synergy with Syngenta Foundation India, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation, Anaha Trust, Sattva, NABARD and the Swiss TPH Support Group.

Life in the UK

England was eventful for Shachi. “I was very actively promoting STEM education.” He was promoting chemistry through the Young Persons’ Network of the UK Chemical Industries Association and was even invited to Buckingham Palace for his contribution to British science.

Recalling his meeting with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Shachi tells he was in awe of the Queen’s charismatic presence and says, of Prince Phillip, “He was a curious man and showed genuine interest in knowing what I was doing.”

In the same event, Shachi met the CEO of BP, the multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London. That association led him to multiple interviews at BP and the opportunity to enrol himself into a fully-sponsored MBA programme at HEC Paris.

Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian

Shachi quotes Steve Jobs as he looks back at his life: “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

Working in labs and doing research work was not the route that Shachi wanted to take forever so the MBA fulfilled his desire to venture into the commercial side of enterprises.

Choosing Agriculture

With a PhD in Surface and Colloid Science and an MBA, Shachi had options to work in diverse industries.

I could have worked in industries like personal care, and oil and gas but versus those I chose to work in the agricultural sector because I thought I would be able to take the lessons I learn to Manipur.

After working with companies like Lubrizol Corporation, Chemical Industries Association and BP, he joined Syngenta, the leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. He spent nearly a decade there, working his way up the hierarchy to multiple leadership roles in the Africa Middle East division. “I felt that there were lots of commonalities between smallholder farming in Africa and in India, especially Manipur,” he remarks.

[caption id="attachment_32514" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian For Shachi, it was a moment to learn what farmers experience in carrying a 'sam' around![/caption]

In the process of spearheading the Good Growth Plan in Africa Middle East (AME), Shachi and the AME team trained over 300,000 farmers, mostly smallholders, in over 25 countries to increase their productivity. The experiences were setting the stage for the developmental changes that were about to happen back home in Manipur.

The new course in life

In 2017, Shachi left corporate life behind to establish AgriMayum GmbH  – his own business venture. Around the same time, he set up MaolKeki Foundation to fulfil the goal he had set at the time of leaving India decades ago. “If we don’t help ourselves, nobody will come and help,” he says. To address the gaps in his state, he has been lucky to find a helping hand from acquaintances there.

The affable Samaritan has also found support from his rich network of friends that he nurtured over the years. For instance, the network of Stephanians played a good role in helping him out with the complete know-how of setting up a foundation in India. “That made life easier."

One has to appreciate the advantage of going to a good college because of the good exposure and life-long access it provides.

Shachi Gurumayum's foundation offers annual MaolKeki Memorial Scholarship to a deserving Manipuri student at St. Stephen's College.

[caption id="attachment_32515" align="aligncenter" width="877"] Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian Shachi Gurumayum with his family during the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland[/caption]

 Shachi and his team at MaolKeki Foundation focus on data and technology driven initiatives to support farmers. Because of their modern approach to address challenges, they have been able to impress a host of leading organisations for strategic partnerships and co-funding opportunities. Even Syngenta, the organisation where he worked before embracing entrepreneurship, has been a major supporter right from the beginning through Syngenta Foundation India.

Learning is fun

Enhancing his knowledge by enrolling in different courses is a vital part of Shachi’s life’s journey. The lifelong learner is currently enrolled at the Swiss TPH for an International Healthcare Management MBA programme. “It’s my second MBA,” he says, about the programme that emphasises practical, pragmatic lessons on the ground. “For each module that we have, we also have to do some practical work and submit reports, and I've focused all of them on activities in Manipur,” tells the Global Indian.

To combine agriculture and health at the very last mile in Manipur, Shachi and his MaolKeki team are facilitating the healthcare of farmers. Their health is assessed as they come to learn about new agricultural practices. Farmers are encouraged to get their routine health check-up done as a preventive measure.

Indian Philanthropist | Shachi Gurumayum | Global Indian

All these are novel experiences for them. Recalling one of the instances, Shachi says, “What was fun for the farmers was that some hadn't even weighed themselves in 10-20 years. Even standing on the scale was such a big attraction, apart from other basic primary care check-ups. The Foundation hired nursing staff for this purpose and has also worked on a tie-up with local healthcare centres to ensure farmers’ good health.

The philantropreneur is based in Europe for a majority of his time but spends a substantial amount of time each year in Manipur – the place closest to his heart and where his mother still lives – often accompanied by his family.

Follow Dr Shachi Gurumayum on LinkedIn
Follow MaolKeki Foundation on Facebook and its website

Reading Time: 7 mins

Eclectic Food and the Electric Guitar: Cheetie Kumar excels at both

(December 17, 2023) With a passion for food, while pursuing a career as a guitar player with a music band, Cheetie Kumar runs a successful restaurant where she serves global cuisine with an Indian touch. If one looked at Cheetie Kumar's picture and were asked to guess whether she is a musician and a member of a rock band or a chef, most people would probably pick the first option. But, guess what, she is both, and a foodpreneur who makes news in the world of cuisine. Multi-cultural Influences A self-taught success story, Cheetie [real name Chitra], moved to the Bronx in New York with her family when she was eight years old. Hailing from Punjab, Cheetie learnt to adapt to the multi-cultural environment. In an exclusive with Global Indian, Cheetie recalls, "It was a tough but diverse neighbourhood. There were other immigrants as well and seeing the connectivity of people through food when I was older, and the influences of cuisine from all parts of the world, shaped my own cooking." [caption id="attachment_47552" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Cheetie Kumar (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption] Cheetie would help her mother by doing prep work in the kitchen at home after school and that

g class="size-large wp-image-47552" src="https://stage.globalindian.com//wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ajja_Cheetie-Kumar-photo_Baxter-Miller-photo-credit-683x1024.jpg" alt="Chettie Kumar | Global Indian" width="683" height="1024" /> Cheetie Kumar (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption]

Cheetie would help her mother by doing prep work in the kitchen at home after school and that fuelled in her an early love for cooking. Though she does regret the fact that she doesn't have age-old recipes to reinvent. "My maternal grandparents lost their lives during the Partition. It is sad that I don’t have access to the food history on my mother's side, which might have had had an Afghan or other influences."

The Sound of Music

Surprisingly, she did not pursue a career in hospitality when she grew up; instead, Cheetie chose to learn music. She was the lead guitarist in the band called The Cherry Valence and recently, Birds of Avalon, where she plays with her husband Paul Siler, who is also her partner in the food business. She describes the music they play as "art rock. It is not heavy metal; we create different sounds with our music; somewhat along the lines of David Bowie and Brian Eno."

In fact, Cheetie remarks that the restaurant business was not a possibility while they were touring with the band in the early years. "When we were touring, six to eight months in a year, I used to read cookbooks while on the road."

[caption id="attachment_47549" align="aligncenter" width="936"] Cheetie Kumar | Global Indian Cheetie Kumar on stage[/caption]

South Side Story

When they set down roots in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cheetie and Paul leased a space to launch a restaurant Garland, which was a favourite with the local community for almost a decade. The venue also housed a cocktail bar and a music studio. Menusofchange.org described the food served at Garland as "an interpretation of local ingredients made through the eyes of someone who grew up in India, New York City and the South."

In fact, some reports reveal how locals were upset it shut down. She says, "It was spread over 11,000 square feet. When the pandemic hit, it was too much for us to manage. My husband and I decided to narrow our focus; we didn't want the music space as it was a separate creative process. We leased this venue and launched our new restaurant." It is called Ajja – from the Hindi phrase aa jaa – which loosely translates to come over.

Cheetie herself defines her food as "multi-cultural." A believer in paradigms like seasonal cooking and ingredient driven food, Cheetie reveals that her ingredients are always those that are grown locally by farmers around them. "The food we serve at Ajja is a blend of Middle Eastern, leaning towards Mediterranean cuisine. Like the space, the food is light, bright, and seasoning driven. There is also the Indian influence, which is the backbone really of everything I create. For example, I serve a fried trout with a tamarind glaze; a lemony dip made with tuvar dal puree and cherry tomatoes; I also give my dishes a masala base and do a tadka. I have included slow cooking techniques too." The cocktails too use Indian spices and masalas with drinks incorporating ingredients like sweet potatoes and beets to cardamom and garam masala.

[caption id="attachment_47553" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Paul Siler and Cheetie Kumar | Global Indian Paul Siler and Cheetie Kumar (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption]

Food for all Seasons

Cheetie's food philosophy is based on experimenting with ingredients and techniques. She says, "I use root vegetables a lot in winter and tomatoes and eggplant in summer. Some techniques are good with some ingredient and some are not, so there is a lot of trial and error. I am not attached to the outcome, so I find my way around them and create something new. I don't believe in serving ingredients that are bad for the planet though. I love serving vegetables when they are at their peak."

Not overly reliant on animal protein, Cheetie's favourite ingredients to work with are a good quality EVOO, cumin, coriander and fennel. She remains involved with the everyday functioning of the restaurant, even tasting every vegetable that comes in. She says, "On a good day, I spend a little while in the kitchen. Our chef Scott and I create new dishes and that usually takes a couple of days."

She adds that there is never one answer to the challenges one encounters while running a restaurant business. Cheetie is, however, a vocal spokesperson for the Independent Restaurant Coalition, a body that takes the concerns of independent restaurant owners to the government. "It is a tough industry; small businesses employ millions but they are not considered important as compared to big chains or airlines. We have no federal support and if we don't unite and ask for it, we won’t get what we need."

[caption id="attachment_47554" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Toor Whip | Global Indian Toor Whip (Photo Courtesy: Baxter Miller)[/caption]

The five-time semi-finalist and two-time finalist for Best Chef, South East, in the James Beard Foundation Awards, Cheetie also believes that food is "One hundred percent an undeniable and immortal soft power. Food has the power to heal, to nourish; and one can tell the story of a land through its food-driven culture."

As for global trends in food, Cheetie has this to say. "I think people are opting for bigger flavours; global food is excited about using spices – and I don't mean the spiciness of chilli alone – but other robust ones to bring balance. The bland and subtler European flavours are on their way out and their cultural influence is waning. Most Asian cuisines are becoming popular, including Indian cuisine."

With a recipe book and a trip to India on the agenda, Cheetie's food in the meantime, continues to be relished by the local community of Raleigh, of which she is such an intrinsic part.

When she travels, Chef Cheetie Kumar eats at:
Txikito in New York City
Nari in San Francisco, California
Canje in Austin, Texas
Bombay Canteen in Mumbai, India
Rasika, Washington DC

Follow Chef Cheetie Kumar on Instagram

Reading Time: 5 min

Behind the lens: Artist Vishal Punjabi’s path to wedding filmmaking stardom

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

The globetrotter

Wedding bells

Motivation cues

Celeb connect

Being resilient

Looking ahead

Share with

ALSO READ

I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading with compassion and respect for others, with a desire for excellence - Professor Meghana Pandit

Leaders should facilitate change and empower staff to speak up. Support for colleagues and consistent messaging are incredibly important - Professor Meghana Pandit

If you are able to come out of such a rural environment and achieve something in life, you have to give back. It’s not just money, it’s also about sharing the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the years.

My belief is that no one party can solve society’s challenges; however, if we come together and create an ecosystem to share our knowledge, skills, resources and energy, much can be achieved collectively.

I could have worked in industries like personal care, and oil and gas but versus those I chose to work in the agricultural sector because I thought I would be able to take the lessons I learn to Manipur.

One has to appreciate the advantage of going to a good college because of the good exposure and life-long access it provides.

Behind the lens: Artist Vishal Punjabi’s path to wedding filmmaking stardom

Written by: Bindu Gopal Rao

The globetrotter

Wedding bells

Motivation cues

Celeb connect

Being resilient

Looking ahead

Share with

ALSO READ

Professor Meghana Pandit: The first female and person of colour to become CEO of Oxford University Hospitals

Shining bright

I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading with compassion and respect for others, with a desire for excellence - Professor Meghana Pandit

The impactful leader

Leaders should facilitate change and empower staff to speak up. Support for colleagues and consistent messaging are incredibly important - Professor Meghana Pandit

From Bombay to UK

On the right foot: UK-based Dr Venu’s surgical solutions give diabetics new lease on life

From rural AP to the UK

Orthopaedics at King’s Hospital

If the shoe fits… finding surgical solutions

Philanthropy at home

A writer and a teacher

Vineet Singh Hukmani – How this multi-Grammy submitted artist spreads hope

On the Grammy

On the medium of radio in India

Shachi Gurumayum: The Switzerland based recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is changing lives in Manipur

Giving back

If you are able to come out of such a rural environment and achieve something in life, you have to give back. It’s not just money, it’s also about sharing the knowledge and skills you have acquired over the years.

Finding his feet

MaolKeki Foundation

My belief is that no one party can solve society’s challenges; however, if we come together and create an ecosystem to share our knowledge, skills, resources and energy, much can be achieved collectively.

Life in the UK

Choosing Agriculture

I could have worked in industries like personal care, and oil and gas but versus those I chose to work in the agricultural sector because I thought I would be able to take the lessons I learn to Manipur.

The new course in life

One has to appreciate the advantage of going to a good college because of the good exposure and life-long access it provides.

Learning is fun

Eclectic Food and the Electric Guitar: Cheetie Kumar excels at both

The Sound of Music

South Side Story

Food for all Seasons

Shachi Gurumayum: The Switzerland based recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is changing lives in Manipur