Speakers included Dev Mahajan (left) Ramesh Bhutada, and Dr. Ratan Sharda -- PAGE 5
Atul Badwal (left) , Iqbal Khan, CG D. C. Manjunath, Aparna Manjunath, Sutapa Ghosh, Michael Buening.
Indian Film Festival of Houston 2025: Another Resounding Success
Houston: Each year, the Indian Film Festival of Houston (IFFH) brings audiences from diverse communities who enjoy storytelling from different points of view. Since its founding 17 years ago, 100 plus films in more than 12 Indian languages have been screened at the Festival. The films were carefully curated from more than 800 submissions to get the best films that feature universal subjects reflecting cultural and socio-economic conditions. This year was no exception.
Sutapa Ghosh, Founder and Executive Director who is an awardwinning filmmaker herself, has the eye and sensibility to know what movie-goers like. Her attention to detail is evident from the moment guests enter the Asia Society Texas Center. The décor and eye-catching floral backdrop set
the mood for an exotic evening of enthralling cinema for the attendees with engaging Q&A with filmmakers.
The first night’s screenings began with the documentary Agent of Happiness, directed by Arun Bhatterai and Dorottya Zurbó. The tiny country of Bhutan invented the Gross National Happiness Index to prove that it is primed to be the happiest country in the world. The film reveals itself to be an ingenious, absorbing ethnographic portrait of a society reeling under the weight of its own loneliness. Free as a Bird, the short film directed by Aditya Khude, set in Mumbai, chronicles the travails of young members of a lower-middle class family as they navigate a police raid at the beach on their anniversary night. After enjoying Indian delicacies
and refreshments from Verandah Restaurant and listening to the music of Moodafaruka, Music Beyond Borders, the group returned to the theater to see the feature film The Mehta Boys, a directorial debut for Boman Irani, capturing the universal cross-wiring between fathers and sons.
Iqbal Khan — a television superstar, who has acted in several web series and films, and is a past President and longtime IFFH Board Member —served as the master of ceremonies for the Festival.
Honorable Consul General of India, Mr. D.C. Manjunath praised the festival and shared that he has been a strong supporter of the event. Sutapa Ghosh revealed a new theme “Collaborate, Create, and Deliver in 2025 and Beyond!” as part of exciting new updates to include films, food, music and cul-
ture from one other country each year.
The final feature film, The Ancient (Puratawn), directed by Suman Ghosh reveals a theme about burying ghosts of the past so that the living can move on. The film was very moving and many in the audience could relate to it.
A meaningful Q & A took place afterwards, with a discussion from people who were dealing with relatives who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. One person said that the film gave her new ideas on how to relate to her family member. The world’s population is aging, so more people will have to confront the new realities. Films like The Ancient (Puratawn) serve an important function, because they offer perspectives that may not have otherwise been considered.
A special Event Black-Tie Din-
ner served by Verandah Restaurant and live music by famed saxophonist Tom Braxton closed out an enchanting evening overlooking the water garden terrace.
Peer Recognition presentations were received by Suman Ghosh for Best Picture, Iqbal Khan as Special Recognition for ongoing support and commitment to IFFH and to Paula Sutton who received the IFFH Philanthropy Award for her passion of improving the lives of those less fortunate, especially in the world of banking and finance.
Paula is also in the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Hall of Fame. She is an inspiration for all. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Indian Film Festival of Houston.
Alfred Cervantes and Paula Sutton Films screened during the film festival.
Sam and Omana Abraham
Leela Krishnamurthy, CG DC Manjunath, Aparna Manjunath and Sarla Prasad.
Paolo del Valle, Fernandes Martha Reyes, Martin Sulzer, Kevin Sulzer.
COMMUNITY Author Explains RSS Contributions Since Freedom Struggle, Future Directions
Houston: Rashtriya Swayam
Sevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu volunteer organization founded by Dr. Keshav B. Hegdewar in 1925. The RSS is currently celebrating 100 years of Sangh-inspired institutions and movements which form a strong presence in India’s social, cultural, educational, labor, developmental, political and other fields of national endeavor
The RSS volunteers prefer to the nation as Bharat. From 1940 onwards, the task of steering the organisation as the second SarSanghachalak (premier leader) came upon the shoulders of Sri Guruji (Madhav Sadashiva Golwalkar, 19.2.1906 - 5.6.1973). Dr. Hegdewar initially worked with Congress and other revolutionaries during the freedom movement. Thereafter, Dr. Hegdewar felt the need to start RSS as an organization of all Hindus, regardless of caste or ethnicity.
A RSS volunteer can be identified through a uniform consisting of a white shirt and brown shorts. The RSS performs its functions through more than 77,000 shakhas (local chapters) located throughout the country. The volunteers meet regularly with a saffron flag (called the Bhagawa Dhwaj) fluttering in the midst of an open playground. Youths and boys of all ages engage in varieties of indigenous games. There are exercises, Suryanamaskar, sometimes training in skilfully wielding the “danda”. All activities arc totally disciplined. The physical-fitness programmes are followed by group singing of patriotic songs.
On the occasion of the 100-year anniversary a local organization AHEAD (American Hindus Engagement and Dialogue) held an educational forum on Sunday,
Feb. 23 evening at the Indian Summer restaurant in association with Hindus of Greater Houston. The chief guest at the forum was Dr. Raatan Sharda, the foremost authority on the RSS. Dr. Sharda is currently on an educational tour in the United States.
As explained by principal vollunteer Manoj Rathi, AHEAD is a not-for-profit committed to fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding between American Hindus and broader U.S. society.
“Our mission is to highlight India’s rise as a global power and promote the civilizational values of knowledge, resilience, and progress that drive its economic and political success,” Rathi explained, “Despite the diaspora’s achievements, their rich heritage remains underrepresented. AHEAD seeks to amplify their voice by engaging policymakers, thought leaders, and communities through dialogue, education, and advocacy, ensuring
their contributions and perspectives are recognized in shaping a more diverse and informed society.”
Ratan Sharda has been awarded a PhD for his thesis on RSS. He is an author, columnist and renowned TV panelist. He has written 9 books of which 7 are on RSS, one on Guru Nanak Dev and one on Disaster Management; translated two books about RSS – The Incomparable Guruji Golwalkar and M S Golwalkar: His Vision and Mission, from Hindi to English; written by the foremost RSS thinker Shri Ranga Hari. He has edited/designed 12 books.
His most popular books on RSS are RSS360 degree, Sangh & Swaraj, RSS – Evolution from an Organisation to a Movement, Prof Rajendra Singh Ki Jeevan Yatra and Conflict Resolution: The RSS Way.
Ratan Sharda has travelled extensively in and outside Bharat.
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He was jailed during 1975-77 in the days of Emergency. He was an ERP consultant for two decades in addition to varied industrial experience of two decades. He was the founder secretary of Vishw Kendra (Centre for International Studies), Mumbai for eight years. He is an advisor to many institutions and voluntary organisations.
Dr. Ratan Ji shared profound insights about the 100-year journey of RSS, its achievements, and discussed about his books.
He also addressed various issues concerning Bharat and emphasized the importance of fostering accelerated Hindu perspective dialogue and engagement with the mainstream society in the US.The event was graced by the presence of doctors, professors, media professionals, and community leaders, making it a truly impactful and thought-provoking experience.
The first speaker at the forum was Dev Mahajan, one of the
founders of the Arya Samaj of Greater Houston. Mahajan was born in Sialkot, which is now in Pakistan. Speaking of his long association with the RSS, Mahajan recalled, “I remember going to Multan prior to Independence to attend a lecture by Guruji.” He remembers his father and would-be brother-in-law being arrested after the death of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. “What I am today is based on foundation of samskars (teachings) I gained from my parents and from attending RSS shakhas,” explained Mahajan.
Subsequently, Dr. Sharda took the floor to explain the impact of the RSS over the last 100 years. The first example of RSS impact was during the partition. “During this tragic event, many acts of violence occurred. In one of my books, I’ve provided a list 33 RSS volunteers who were killed while protecting Hindus and Sikhs.”
“During the initial Kashmir struggle, it was RSS volunteers who served as guides for the the Dogra and Indian Army platoons. They also repaired roads and bridges and helped the Indian Army save Kashmir,” explained Dr. Sharda.
Dr. Sharda also explained the role of RSS volunteers in funding the rock memorial to Swami Vivekananda at Kanya Kumari by raising Rs. 1 each from 400,000 people. Another RSS contribution was to Dr. DS Patankar, an archaeologist, who rediscovered the path of the Saraswati River and found the Bhimteka Paleolithic site.
In closing, Ramesh Bhutada, founder of Star Pipe products and now a philanthropist, thanked Dr. Sharda for his enlightening remarks and to the audience, said, “We’re all following Hindu thinking with how we live and raise our families, but without realizing it.”
Speakers at the RSS function included Dev Mahajan (left), Ramesh Bhutada and RSS author Ratan Sharda.
IMMIGRATION
Trump’s $5 MM Gold Card Visa
wasHington dC: President Donald Trump’s proposal to introduce a $5 million “gold card” visa as a replacement for the EB-5 investor program has sparked major concerns among Indian nationals waiting for US green cards. With over 1 million Indians stuck in employment-based backlogs— some for over 50 years—the shift toward a wealth-based immigration model could drastically reshape their options.
The new “gold card” visa would grant green card privileges and a pathway to US citizenship for a $5 million fee. Unlike the traditional EB-5 investor visa, which requires a $800,000-$1.05 million investment in a business that creates at least 10 US jobs, the gold card has no such job creation requirement.
Instead, it is being positioned as a premium residency option for wealthy individuals.
Indians are among the largest groups waiting for US green cards, with backlogs exceeding 50 years in some employmentbased categories. The gold card could offer a faster route for wealthy Indians who can afford it, but exclude middle-tier investors who previously used EB-5.
The Gold card visa would also shift focus from job creation to wealth, favouring Indian business tycoons over skilled professionals. Trump claimed, “We’ll be able to sell maybe a million of these cards,” and even suggested selling 10 million to reduce the US deficit.
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Save Smart, Prosper Strong
Year of the Snake Special CD rates!
new deLHi: The weakening rupee has started impacting Indian corporates that have gone for foreign currency borrowings, compounding concerns at a time when trade wars and economic slowdown are casting a shadow over global growth prospects. The five per cent depreciation in the rupee since April 2024 has directly increased the rupee equivalent of debt repayment for companies relying on external commercial borrowings (ECBs) by the same percentage, pinching the corporate sector.
Interview with Acclaimed Director Reema Kagti about “Superboys of Malegaon”
MuMbai: Director Reema Kagti won raves from critics and audiences alike at international film festivals for her latest film SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON which releases in North American theaters this Friday, February 28. An ode to Indian Cinema, SUPERBOYS takes inspiration from the life and journey of Nasir Sheikh, an amateur filmmaker from Malegaon who, along with his passionate group of friends brings a cinematic spotlight on the small town of Malegaon, India. Kagti sat down to talk about the journey she and her team took to bring this fascinating story to the big screen in this interview below. What inspired you to make Superboys of Malegaon?
Nasir’s story is a testament to the power of cinema. His journey into low budget amateur film-making
is incredible. He had very little to work with but eventually created a thriving video film industry in Malegaon. It was complete with their own distribution and exhibition network through video parlours. Nasir is a very inspirational man.
How is Superboys of Malegaon different from the original documentary? What are the key highlights that make this film unique?
The film covers over a decade of Nasir’s life while the documentary is primarily centered around the making of one of his films ‘Supermen of Malegaon’. The film follows how Nasir started out and what were the catalysts that led him to filmmaking.
What kind of research and groundwork did you undertake while developing the film and
did it help to influence the film’s narrative and add depth to the story?
Screenwriter Varun Grover spent a lot of time in Malegaon extensively researching Nasir and all the people in the story which no doubt has added a lot of depth and realism to the narrative. Apart from that the cast and crew also spent time in Malegaon and with Nasir and other characters because we wanted to be authentic to the people and place.
Given that Superboys of Malegaon highlights the passion of Malegaon’s residents for filmmaking amidst the struggle and challenges they faced, what can the audience expect from its storyline and portrayal of these themes?
Superboys of Malegaon is a story about filmmaking and friendship
colliding to create a powerful end result. It’s about a bunch of guys who didn’t have much but created something stunning from that, against all odds.
Portraying real-life characters on screen is not an easy task. How did you go about casting the actors to bring a realistic feel to the film?
Casting directors Nandini Shrikent and Karan Mally made my life pretty easy. They did auditions with an exhaustive list of actors and shortlisted the ones that clicked. Once we felt an actor fit the part we did call backs, alone and with other actors. Then we did workshops. Aleem who is a character in the movie came in to train the actors with their diction. Hair, makeup and wardrobe departments all did their own research and referencing which went a long
way in lending authenticity to the portrayal.
How did it feel to have Superboys of Malegaon selected at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival?
It feels wonderful to be selected for TIFF. My cast and crew and I have really worked hard on this and I am grateful to showcase our work on such a large global platform.
Is there any message you would like to convey to the audience, given that the film is about friends who come up with the idea of making their own movies without any guidance or a big budget?
The film conveys a strong message to follow your dreams and not be daunted by adversity or a lack of resources.
SPIRITUAL
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Dhoom Dham’: Wild Wedding Night Mystery
by arCHiKa KHurana
Story: Newlyweds Koyal (Yami Gautam Dhar) and Veer (Pratik Gandhi) are thrown into chaos when they are visited by armed intruders on their wedding night. What follows is a high-octane mix of action, comedy, and mystery.
Review: Dhoom Dhaam is a fast-paced rollercoaster of action, comedy, and mystery, powered by Yami Gautam Dhar and Pratik Gandhi’s electric chemistry. What starts as a routine wedding night in an arranged marriage setup quickly spirals into a chaotic adventure filled with deceptive identities, uninvited guests, and hilariously awkward situations. The central mystery—”Charlie kaun hai and kaha hain?”—keeps the intrigue alive as the newlyweds navigate one unexpected twist after another.
This 108-minute entertainer kicks off like any classic romcom—families meet, and due to a lack of shubh muhurat, Koyal and Veer are married within just two weeks. But the real fun begins on their wedding night when an intruder (Eijaz Khan) storms into their room, demanding answers. While Veer attempts to reason with him, Koyal proves she’s no damsel in distress— grabbing a pistol without hesitation. What follows is a thrilling yet comedic journey where two seemingly mismatched individuals find an unexpected connection amidst the chaos.
Director Rishab Seth ensures the film maintains a brisk, engaging pace, backed by a snappy screenplay co-written by Aditya Dhar and Aarsh Vohra. While the story treads familiar ground with some predictable twists, its execution is sharp, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The witty dialogues by Dhar add to the film’s charm, with standout moments like Veer declaring, “I’m a vegetarian because I’m a veterinarian—I can’t eat my patients,” or Koyal playfully warning Veer, “Aap se tum,
tum se tu, aur tu se chu par bhi aa sakti hoon!”
At its core, Dhoom Dhaam belongs to Yami Gautam Dhar and Pratik Gandhi. Yami delivers a standout performance, breaking stereotypes as a fearless, no-nonsense bride who takes charge of her destiny. Her powerful monologue about women and their struggles is reminiscent of Kartik Aaryan’s famous Pyaar Ka Punchnama rant—only this time, with a strong feminist twist. Pratik Gandhi, meanwhile, is refreshingly relatable—his comic timing, vulnerability, and knack for handling unexpected situations make him a delight to watch. And don’t miss his special dance moves—they’ll
have you rooting for him!
Eijaz Khan and Prateik Babbar (in a brief but impactful cameo) round out the supporting cast with solid performances. Adding to the film’s appeal is Shor Police’s energetic soundtrack, featuring the catchy How Are You and Arijit Singh’s soulful Silsila, both seamlessly woven into the narrative. With its snappy writing, crackling performances, and an exciting blend of action, romance, and humour, Dhoom Dhaam is an allout entertainer. A perfect pick for Valentine’s Day, this film delivers high drama, nonstop laughter, and endless surprises, keeping you hooked from start to finish!..-- ToI
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