Drawing on more than 4 decades of experience working in Nautanki as a writer, director, singer, and actor, Sharma's book is the first major study to analyse Nautanki not only through its literary bases, but also through live performances, considering it both in a historical vein and as contemporary theatre on the ground.What entertained India's masses and elites before the arrival of cinema in India? When did “modern” theatre begin in India and how did Nautanki con...

Vijay Prakash Singha studied at Mayo College, Ajmer and Rajasthan University, Jaipur before joining the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in 1967. He got infatuated with Hindustani classical music in his teens, and was able to indulge in it throughout his career postings all over India. This guidebook is an effort to share his passion with others. He now lives in Kolkata with his wife and continues to enjoy the best of the new generation of artistes.

While we have become familiar with the idea of "Bollywood" here in the West, we know little about the industry's films beyond a certain celebration of kitsch. Bollywood, the latest in Wallflower Press's Short Cuts introductory series, surveys this style of filmmaking from its origins in colonial times to the present, tracing its impact on both the Indian and global imagination. Chapters explore the history and workings of the industry, the narratives and aesthetics of its films, v...

Why does Indian Cinema look different, sound different and is so lengthy? Why are the dialogues so long winding? Why are our costumes so gaudy and garish? Why do we have so many songs in our films? Why do our actors burst into songs and dances for no reason? Are we a society that is exactly like our Cinema? Why are films directed by Saytyajit Ray great and not so great by some other Directors. Have you ever called your spouse ‘Sajni or Sajna’ or ‘Saiyan’ or ‘Balam’ ? Perhaps no, then why d...

A concise but passionately written book with a descriptive and literary style, about the 'hidden beauties' of some less visited corners especially in North, North-East and Central India. The book is special because it is not written by a professional tour-promoter. It rather represents the personal perspective of the author. Tips for travellers are added bonus!

About the book INDIA and my Persian gardenA must have book for any true traveller“…I was walking in a labyrinth of extreme beauty: serene interior gardens; shady, covered verandahs; cool, marble loggias. I’d climb up small towers and descend into yet another garden, where I ended up swinging on a sofa. On either side were a pair of marble urns with rose petals floating prettily in the water…”“…At other times we would be walking in ...

Have you always wanted to explore the mysteries of India? Are the bustling cities, stunning countryside and ancient landmarks calling you to visit?If you, like millions of others, want to explore the crowded markets, ancient temples, fortresses and fading glory of India’s greatest cities, then preparing for your trip is a must.With Traveler's Paradise - Southern Asia (India): Travel Guide for Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai & Goa, you will get ...

The Power of Practice showcases the pioneering achievements of renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin (1916-99) and how both disciplines transformed his life and practice. Menuhin's contributions as a performer, teacher, and humanitarian are celebrated around the world. Less well known, however, is Menuhin's devotion to the practice of yoga and his close friendship with the renowned yogi B. K. S. Iyengar (1918–2014), whose guidance profoundly influenced Menuhin as both a musician and a...

Received a special citation from The de la Torre Bueno© First Book Award Committee of the Dance Studies Association (2020). The book has been hailed as "an invaluable addition to the scholarship on Bharatanatyam."Celluloid Classicism provides a rich and detailed history of two important modern South Indian cultural forms: Tamil Cinema and Bharatanatyam dance. It addresses representations of dance in the cinema from an interdisciplinary, critical-historical...

Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone, popularly known as Guru Dutt, was an Indian film director, producer and actor. He is often credited with ushering in the golden era of Hindi cinema. He made quintessential 1950s and 1960s classics such as Pyaasa (Thirsty), Kaagaz Ke Phool (Paper Flowers), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (The King, the Queen and the Jack) and Chaudhvin Ka Chand (The Fourteenth Day Moon in Muslim calendar but actually means full moon, a metaphor for beauty). In particular, Pyaasa a...

This stunning India travel pictorial captures the intensity, color and energy of this ancient nation in breathtaking photos and fascinating essays exploring all aspects of Indian life.Everywhere one looks in India, time-honored tradition meets twenty-first century head-on in a dizzying cocktail of intense impressions. India’s compelling appeal derives from her rich history, her incredibly diverse population, and the staggering array of artistic achievements that ar...

This India travel pictorial captures the mind-boggling geographic and cultural diversity of the Indian subcontinent.Exciting India brings readers the major attractions of India through spectacular photographs. The heart of India is the densely populated Gangetic plain, the home of great civilizations for over 5,000 years. To the north of the of the plain lies the spectacular Himalayan range which has been described as the finest natural combination of boun...