Indian movies are the flavour of the season the world over, with the country's filmmakers making the most of globalisation, says FilmIndia Worldwide, a journal published by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

FilmIndia editor Uma da Cunha says: "At year-end 2007, Indian cinema has never felt so self-assured, so ready to take on the world, rather like the country's economy."

"The diversity, creative insights and technical virtuosity of Indian cinema are a pageant on world screens in the fall and winter seasons of 2007," says the latest issue of FilmIndia.

There’s something endearing about her as she extends her hand and tells “just be careful of that step.” For a second, your mind goes back to that almost magical image of versatile vocalist Shubha Mudgal singing ‘Ab Ke Sawan’.

It brings back a thousand splendid memories of rain, music and intensity. Clad in a beautiful sari with her trademark bindi, she exudes energy and modesty during her recent visit to the city for the Times Ahmedabad Festival.

Srinagar's first pop group, Immersions, born out of a yearning for peace and normalcy, is making waves in the valley and the rest of India.

Badal denge duniya ki tasveer
We, the youngsters of Kashmir
Milegi manzil yeh hai yaqeen
Manzil hamse door nahin
Badal denge duniya ki tasveer
We, the youngsters of Kashmir

We at Mastradio wish you and your loved ones a very happy, peaceful and prosperous Dipawali. 

Please do join us today for special Bhajan Hours between 7-11AM EST - Lakshmi & Deepawali Poojan between 7PM-9PM EST, as we celebrate Dipawali. Based on your feedback and requests, starting today we have extended Bhajan Prabhat segment by 2 hours on daily basis.

In the interim, we leave you with a poem in Hindi by Usha Raje Saksena, to reflect on the occasion. Its wonderfully put together. Read on!

Mumbai, Express India: At Prithvi Theatre, the sound of a soulful sax draws you to the lean figure of 19-year-old Rhys D’ Souza. In close proximity, actor Bugs Bhargava rehearses a monologue sprinkled with bebop and blues, slipping into inaudible melodies. Director Etienne Coutinho switches between an empty screen and the script, devising methods to make the narration seamless.

Part of Prithvi’s melodious ensemble that will greet theatre goers starting November 1, is Jazz, scripted by Ramu Ramanathan, it premieres on November 6. Bhargava and D’Souza comprise the dramatis personae in this tribute to Goan jazz musicians who contributed to the thriving entertainment scene of ’60s and ’70s Bombay.

In India, music provides a unique branding opportunity.
 
"Tandurusti ka raksha karta hai lifebuoy, lifebuoy hai jahan tandurusti hai wahan�� the jingle has been abandoned years ago, but it still rings in the minds of those who have grown up on it.
 
"Badal rahe hai hum yahan, yeh zameen yeh aasman, naya hai kal, hamara aaj, naya hai aaj, naye bharat ki naye tasveer �� Hear these words and Bajaj comes to mind.
 
"Kuch khaas hai ham sabhi mein, kuch baat hai ham sabhi mein, baat hai, khaas hai, kya swaad hai zindagi mein ...� No prizes for guessing the brand" Cadbury Dairy Milk.
 
"You and I in this beautiful world, green grass, blue skies, in this beautiful world, you and I ..." and this is the sound of Hutch.
 
Just imagine Mozart's 25th symphony playing and you see watches � Titan watches; think of Shubha Mudgal and her Boondon mein jane kya alag hai and its Alto and AR Rahman's notes that connote Airtel.