A | Academy Award-winning composer AR Rahman is expanding his vision beyond film soundtracks and global concerts with the launch of a brand new music production and creative facility in Kohima, Nagaland. The celebrated singer-composer recently joined hands with Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio to formally announce the establishment of the Naga International Studio, a project that promises to place the state firmly on the cultural map of the country.A Landmark Collaboration in the HillsAccording to the official release, the studio will feature a dedicated auditorium for performances, state-of-the-art recording facilities and a wide range of creative infrastructure aimed at nurturing young talent. The idea is not just to build a studio but to create an ecosystem that allows music production, collaboration and experimentation to thrive.During the announcement, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed Rahman to his native village of Touphema and spoke warmly about the significance of the project. He thanked the composer for choosing Nagaland for such a major initiative and described the move as a reflection of Rahman’s affection for the people of the state. The Chief Minister added that the Naga International Studio represents a shared commitment towards encouraging creativity and innovation in regions that often lie outside the mainstream spotlight. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ARR (@arrahman) “This is a meaningful step that reflects our shared commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and supporting creative talent. I wish this initiative growth, excellence, and impact,” the CM stated, while also assuring Rahman of complete support from the state government.From Headhunting to Beatboxing and BeyondRahman, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Nagaland government and its people for the warmth with which the project has been embraced. Speaking about the cultural richness of the region, he said, “Nagaland has a rare musical soul which is honest, original, and deeply rooted in its culture. The Naga International Studio is envisioned as a space where this heritage can meet world class creativity, allowing young artists from the region to collaborate, experiment, and create music that resonates not just nationally, but globally. I am grateful to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, the Government of Nagaland and TAFMA for their vision and support in making this dream possible.”Alongside the studio announcement, Rahman also unveiled the trailer of Headhunting to Beatboxing, a documentary he has produced, directed by Rohit Gupta. The film explores Nagaland’s evolving creative identity and its musical resurgence, tracing how traditional roots are blending with modern sounds to create something distinctively new.The documentary is expected to shine a light on local musicians, cultural traditions and the changing face of music in the region, further underlining Rahman’s larger mission to bring stories from the Northeast to a global audience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virtual Bharat (@virtualbharat) The Naga International Studio is being positioned as more than just a facility. It is intended to serve as a creative hub that draws artists, producers and collaborators from across India and abroad. By offering professional grade infrastructure in Kohima, the project aims to reduce the need for young musicians to migrate to metros in search of opportunity.For Nagaland, a state long known for its vibrant music culture but limited access to industry level platforms, this initiative could be transformative. With Rahman’s global reputation and the backing of the state government, the studio is expected to generate new opportunities, encourage skill development and spotlight regional talent on national and international stages. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AR Rahman: Official Updates (@arrofficialupdates) At a time when conversations around inclusivity and decentralisation are gaining momentum in the Indian creative industries, the Naga International Studio stands out as a meaningful step forward. It not only acknowledges the immense potential of the Northeast but also provides the tools to help that potential flourish.Also Read: A.R. Rahman Says Roja Was Going to Be His Last Film。 NEW DELHI -- Bishan Bedi, the India cricket great whose dazzling left-arm spin claimed 266 test wickets, has died. He was 77.The death of Bedi, who underwent multiple surgeries over the last two years that included a knee operation a month ago, was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday.“The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India Test Captain and legendary spinner, Bishan Singh Bedi,” the BCCI wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans in these tough times. May his soul rest in peace.”Bedi was part of the famous Indian spin quartet with Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkataraghavan in the 1970s.He grabbed his 266 wickets in 67 test matches, but played only 10 ODIs between 1974-79, picking up seven wickets. He took 1,560 first-class wickets — the most by any Indian bowler ever — playing for various teams including Delhi and Northern Punjab in India and Northamptonshire in England.He is survived by his wife and two children.India Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, saying on X: “His passion for the sport was unwavering and his exemplary bowling performances led India to numerous memorable victories.“He will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. Condolences to his family and admirers.”Bedi made an impressive test debut in a series against Australia in 1969-70 when he picked up 21 wickets. He kept on troubling other major test playing nations like West Indies and England before eventually succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan as India skipper in 1976. His first win as test captain came at Port-of-Spain when India chased down a historic 406. He led India 22 times in total, winning six of them.Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the International Cricket Council, said Bedi was one of the masters of flight and turn.“I would like to extend heartfelt condolences from everyone at the ICC to the family of one of the greats of the game and one whose exploits in test cricket will be remembered for a long time," Allardice said. “He was the kind of spinner who could excel in different conditions and would have been one of the greats in any era.”Known for wearing colorful patkas and a graceful delivery hiding devastating variety, Bedi was outspoken on the field and often got embroiled in controversies.In 1976 he declared India’s second innings early at Kingston to protest intimidatory bowling by Caribbean fast bowlers. With three Indian batters already out of the game after being hit by West Indies pacers, Bedi claimed there weren’t enough fit players available to come out and bat. West Indies eventually won the test match by 10 wickets.Bedi also criticized Sri Lanka spin great Muttiah Muralitharan for his bowling action. He refused to compete in Kerry Packer’s lucrative World Series Cricket in 1978 and claimed that he was approached by the rebel cricket league.But his love for the game was clear, even when on the receiving end. Cricinfo.com website said Bedi “often applauded batters when they hit him for six.”___AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket。
Current article:http://www.shangfochengcongshuaizhuang.buzz/qajfk/rhd.html
Published on:12:56:44
