Akshay Kumar Takes On Female Social Initiative. Bollywood’s khiladi has a noble cause up his sleeve. Word has it that Akshay Kumar is set to launch a martial arts training institute offering free self-defense classes to women of all ages taught by professionals and Akshay himself. He plans to have the training complex open by the end of May and hopes to take this program across Maharashtra. (Bollywood Life)
New York Physicians Set To Release Mughal Comic Book Series. Co-writers, Omar Mirza and Khurram Mehtabdin, plan to unveil their new comic book series, The Last Ansaars of Zindan, chronicling the lives of two orphan brothers during the Mughal era after Emperor Shah Jahan was overthrown. Co-Creator Omar Mirza notes:
“What we’re trying to do with Zindan is illustrate a story of hope and determination through the perspective of these two brothers, set in a time period of great uncertainty.”
The Last Ansaars of Zindan is set to release this June. (Urban Asian)
Indian Hair Auction Breaks Record Income. Nearly 70 percent (106 tons!) of human hair was sold for a record-breaking 200 crores this past year as “an estimated 10 million devotees got their heads tonsured in fulfillment of their prayers” at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in India. The shaved hair is sold via the Metal Scrap Trading Corporation, attracting a majority of online customers from Europe and the US, where it is woven into wigs. (DNA India)
YouTube Sensation Hits It Big In Bollywood. After racking up nearly 30 million views on YouTube with hit remixes of Bollywood songs over the past two years, Arjun has finally been signed with India’s leading music company, T-Series. Arjun responds: “I’m very grateful for this opportunity to take my music to the next level. T-Series is a formidable company and their vision aligns very well with mine. I’m excited for everyone to hear all the music I’ve been working on behind the scenes. Big thank you to my fans who have enabled this to happen through their hard work and support. It’s been a team effort.” Watch his “Why This Kolaveri Di” video below. (Asian Image)
5th Annual South Asian Showdown to Take Boston by Storm. If you’re in the Boston area this weekend, you’re in for a treat. Teams from all over North America will be lighting up the stage with South Asian Fusion, competing for the Showdown Champion title this Saturday, February 8 at the John Hancock Theater at 6 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here. (Broadway World)
Ashley Kooblall is a NYC-based online writer/editor whose work has been featured in YourTango, Women’s Health, and DISFunkshion Magazine. In her spare time she can be found in the nearest Barnes & Noble scoping out the latest books, preferably South Asian historical fiction. Follow her on Twitter @akooblall.
