|
A
Platform for NRI Artists: NRI TV-Film Club
At
the release of the film "Arya," seen from left
to right, actor-producer Tirlok Malik,
renowned actress Padmani, actor-associate producer Sunny
Suri
and writer-director Manan Singh Katohora.
To
Explore the Artist in You - is the motto of NRI TV-Film
Club and that is exactly what it aims to do, as announced
at the Club's official launch recently. "The Club
is for any NRI who has any kind of talent in film, television,
or theater," says founder Tirlok Malik, adding, "It
is for anyone with an interest in film and theater."
The
Club was officially launched May 24th with
the release of its film Arya. The ceremony was
attended by over 150 invited guests among whom were the
Club's supporters, media, film personalities, and dignitaries.
"NRI
TV-Film Club's
goal is to form a platform that supports NRI talent in
film, television and theater. We aim to provide all kinds
of support to the artists in production and distribution
of their works, as well as showcasing their other talents,"
Malik says.
Arya
which released as part of the official launch of the Club,
is a true NRI film. With 37 NRI actors, some of whom were
first time actors, and with a novel theme, it is directed
by first time writer-director Manan Singh Katohora. A
psychological thriller, the film leaves audiences in suspense
till the end.
NRI
TV-Film Club held its First NRI TV-Film Awards last December
where for the first time, 15 NRI films were honored and
recognized.
The
Club is an ambitious project which brings together leaders
from different media. Tirlok Malik brings to the Club
his experience of acting and producing films, while Lal
Dadlaney brings years of experience of film distribution,
making this a complete circle that the Club aims to cover.
Gopal Raju, noted editor and publisher, brings his expertise
with the print media to the Club. H.R. Shah of TV Asia
is also a part of the Club bringing his television medium
experience.
The
evening began with a wine and cheese reception that gave
guests and actors from Arya an opportunity to mingle.
The location of the launch was specially designed by Malik
to enhance the Club's aims, at Shadow Studios in Manhattan.
Shadow Studios is a sound and light studio and is designed
with a center stage.
*
* * * *
At the NRI TV Film Club official launch, from left to right, Reeves
Lehmann
(Chairman of the Film Department at the School of Visual
Arts) and
Co-Founder of NRI TV Film Club Tirlok Malik (Photo:
Ram’s Photo)
Upon
entering, the guests found themselves in the midst of
posters of Arya and actors from
the film. Some of the guests were approached by these
actors for help to rehearse their
lines. The interested guest was given a cue-card and read
the lines of the other character that the actor was supposed
to be rehearsing. This was a very creative way to introduce
guests to what a film production is. Their amateur attempts
were caught on video tapes that were given to them to
save memories of their acting.
The
need for a supportive platform was emphasized by all speakers
including Malik, Dadlaney, Raju and Shah. Other supporters
of the Club recognized at the event were Dr. Bhupi Patel,
chartered accountant Ranjan Rihani, Editor and publisher
Veena Merchant and entrepreneur Rajan Gangahar, all of
whom were thanked by Malik for their encouragement and
interest. Patel has always been interested in Malik’s
activities, and Merchant has been promoting activities
of NRI talent through her newspapers, according to Malik.
Gangahar, noted businessman, has himself been actor and
professor of acting, as informed by Malik.
Others
who provided moral support were Pam Quatra, Sunil Haali,
Raju Sethi, Sree Srinivasan of SAJA, and Georgie Bhalla,
Malik said. A special mention was made of Indian producer
Raaj Grover and his wife Shashi Grover.
An
important supporter present at the function, was Director
of the School of Visual Arts Reeves Lehmann. “Lehmann
has shown genuine interest in the Club and, in a way,
is supporting it by training NRI students at his school,”
Malik says. Lehmann, in his speech, said he was excited
by Malik’s passion and was there with full support.
The
DVD of the film was released by bollywood actress Padmini
who is now an NRI. Paying tribute to her acting career
of 300 films, a clip of one of her films was shown. The
release was in keeping with the film production setting
and was done with a Clapping Board. The Club’s formation
was praised by Padmini who said the need for such a platform
had existed for a long time.
The
cast of Arya then came on the stage and lighted
the traditional lamp. The lamp was lit by them, Malik
explains, as a symbol to light the way to success for
other NRI artists. A short trailer of Arya was
then shown. At the end, all guests were given a DVD of
the film. Emphasizing the need to buy original to support
all the NRI talent, Malik said the DVDs were going to
be available at all retailers through Video Sound or the
DVD may be purchased on-line at www.nritvfilmclub.com.
NRI
TV-Film Club
Web
site:
http:// www.NRITVFilmClub.com
E-mail:
NRITVFilmClub@aol.com
_ . _
http://www.lightmillennium.org
- June 2005, New York
|
