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I have always been an entertainer: Mantra

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By Sugandha Rawal
New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) Mantra started as a radio jockey, and navigated his way to television, theatre and films. The multi-talented actor doesn’t think much about the medium, and says he just wants to entertain people.

“It is something that has been a joyride for me from radio to TV to theatre to films. For me, the mediums kept on changing but I was always an entertainer, a performer. And that is what I am doing even today,” Mantra told IANS.

“You need to adapt according to different formats…If you are a batsman, you are a batsman, and if you are a bowler, you are a bowler… You need to get the basics right, and my basics are sorted,” added the actor, who is regaling people in Delhi with his Genie act in the ongoing Disney India’s Broadway-style musical based on “Aladdin”.

Mantra has featured in shows like “Mystery Hunters India”, “Narayan Narayan – Chulbule Narad ki Natkhat Leelayen” and “Family Fortunes”. When it comes to big the screen, he has projects like “Tum Mile”, “Game”, “Bheja Fry 2”, “Hum Tum Shabana” and “London, Paris, New York” to his credit.

“Radio is always going to be my first love because radio gave birth to RJ Mantra. Radio is in my veins. I will continue to consider radio to be my first love,” added the actor, whose real name is Puranjit Dasgupta.

Talking about his inclination towards theatre, he said: “You may call it live entertainment, big dramas or musical — the terms can change but it is always good to have people come and watch theatre.

“When it comes to getting people in a theatre auditorium, it has always been a tough task. Good actors and directors have always managed to have houseful shows. When it comes to Broadway-style musicals like ‘Beauty And The Beast’ and ‘Aladdin’, there is a lot at stake.

“It is great to see people come to theatre, no matter whether it involves two or 50 people. I am a theatre lover and I find it amazing when people give love to theatre.”

At the moment, he is busy with Delhi leg of “Aladdin” — produced by BookMyShow. The classic tale has been reimagined for the Indian stage, with around 50 performers.

Along with the dance revelry and music hoopla, there are many “desi” references to strike a bond with the audience. The show premiered in Mumbai back in April, and then travelled to Delhi, where it will be staged till July 15. It will then head to Hyderabad.

Many of us relate to Robin Williams’ voice as Genie in Disney’s 1992 classic “Aladdin”. And Mantra says the late actor is a legend.

“This is a Broadway style musical… One remembers Genie through the film with Robin Williams. He is a legend and he is a hero to us all. To step into those shoes, was phenomenal for me.

“Genie is the Virender Sehwag of the Indian cricket team. He is the master blaster. When, he is on the field, you know that there will be entertainment.”

But Mantra says it is being treated as a new story.

“It is no longer the animated film. It is the play that what stands for me,” he added.

On the work front, Mantra has his hands full.

“I have a web series which will be launched soon. I can’t reveal the name but it is a big time web series. And then ‘Aladdin’ travels to different cities. As an anchor, I will be hosting Pro Kabaddi for Star Sports… The year is packed and I am looking forward to it.”

(Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at [email protected])

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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