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Directing a film was a different high: Vikram Phadnis

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By Durga Chakravarty
Bangkok, June 22 (IANS) Fashion designer Vikram Phadnis, who ventured into filmmaking last year with the Marathi film “Hrudayantar”, says directing a film was a “life-changing experience” for him and that it gave him a “different high”.

The film, featuring Hrithik Roshan in a cameo, revolves around a couple going through a rough patch and how they mend their relationship after a traumatic incident in their family.

On his first experience behind the camera, Phadnis told IANS: “‘Hrudyantar’ was a life-changing experience for me. I only wish I could turn back the clock and I wish I had done this years ago. Directing a film was a different high altogether.

“I was the captain of the ship and there was a huge responsibility riding on my shoulders. It was the most beautiful and enriching experience, and I can’t wait to be on set again.”

The designer is now looking forward to his next Marathi venture.

“I am starting with my next Marathi film hopefully towards the year end, and onwards and upwards I will look forward to directing a Hindi film next year,” he said.

Phadnis is here for the 19th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards. He has collaborated with Myntra to showcase an all black collection at the IIFA Rocks on Friday night.

A popular designer, he has styled the likes of late veteran actress Sridevi, Sushmita Sen, Malaika Arora, Bipasha Basu and Dia Mirza.

Asked what does he enjoy doing more, he said: “It’s like choosing between two children… I am equally passionate about each one. Even today when I do a fashion show, it gives me butterflies in my stomach before the show. So, I never take anything for granted and I love doing both. I can’t pick one.”

Talking about IIFA — an annual celebration of Hindi cinema across the shores — Phadnis said: “I have been with IIFA ever since its inception and I have always been connected with IIFA Rocks’ fashion show segment. Every country we have been to, the IIFA gala has been so different from one another, especially because of its location, where it takes place, the kind of shows that we put together and the kind of designer line-ups we have.”

(The writer’s trip is at the invitation of IIFA organisers. Durga Chakravarty 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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