Bhavan Sat 5 Dec '09 Pukkapoets Poetry & Dance Extravaganza
In the shadow of Mahatma Gandhi's carbon footprints of bygone days, friends from various sectors of society converged on the London Bhavan despite the dank day to attend the Pukkapoets Poetry and Dance Extravaganza at the Bhavan's MP Birla Millennium Gallery.
Gandhi the Great Soul lived very close to the Bhavan (which was once a church) when he was a law student in London. He lived at 20 Barons Ct. Road for a year and it's believed he visited the church where he may have meditated - the former church now known as the Bhavan. Gandhi loved his long London walks the inquiring mind walked everywhere munching on biscuits. In the area, one can almost feel Gandhi's presence his indefatigable unwavering spirit and determination, deliberating and lugging India's then colossal burden on his slender though tungsten - like steely frame.
The Pukkapoets Poetry & Dance Extravaganza with ‘Sonams' dance was held at the Millennium Gallery during Anita Kapur's (Curator) ‘Rhythm and Hues in Miniature Style' exhibition in December. Displayed in the Gallery was a wonderful collection of paintings (sale of which supports Indian children's charity Shiksha) done by 3 skilled Rajasthani artists Naina Kumari, Ghanshyam Nimberk and Navneet Pareek.
The Gallery with paintings and printed textiles on screens was a lovely venue colouring the Pukkapoets Poetry & Dance event which I organized and presented and read a selection of my poems in the programme too. I also introduced my two talented and seasoned guest poets Beryl Cross Director of Phoenix Poets and award-winning poet/translator Shafi Ahmed who both lent their support with great enthusiasm. The unique voice of a poet is crucial to the enjoyment of a poem bringing the poem alive and connecting with the audience - I feel this was achieved by our three different voices and our diverse subject matter was much appreciated by a discerning audience.
‘Sonams' Bollywood dance followed next with the fantastic vivacious dancers Amun Bhachu and Sonal Chakravarti who performed a Bollywood dance routine to 3 tracks introducing a fresh dimension to dance with their fusion of vintage and modern. The Dancers were well-received and hugely complimented by all.
After the exciting programme guests mingled, chatted, viewed paintings, poems and savoured a combination of tasty savoury and sweet snacks washed down with exotic fruit juices. It was a successful, well-balanced, informal Arts & Performing Arts pukka occasion enjoyed by all and, it was good to see many friends and the Bhavan's Director Dr. Nandakumara present at the event.
Many thanks to everyone who came and supported us.
Thanks & Credit to:
Gina Chrysanthou of Pukka PR for photography, event promotion, sourcing artists. Bhavan Curator Darshana Vora. The Bhavan's ever- helpful Bihari Khamar and the ever- green Parvati Nair. Pritima Rama for hosting & managing guestlist.
Event was a Pukkapoets, ‘Sonams' Dance, Anita Kapur's ‘Rhythm and Hues' and Pukka PR Collaboration.
By Amita Chatterji Photos by Gina Chrysanthou ©
Poet/Presenter Amita Chatterji Poet Beryl Cross
Poet Shafi Ahmed Director Pukka PR Gina Chrysanthou
'Sonams' Dancers Amun Bhachu & Sonal Chakravarti
Above pics: Guests, Poets and last pic Exhibition Curator Anita Kapur with husband Vijai
Please click below to view full photo collection in Gallery: http://www.pukkapr.com/gallery/view.aspx?
'Santa brings the magic of Christmas to Kumo Knightsbridge' at the exclusive Kumo Cocktail Bar/Club on Friday 11th December '09
Gina, Director of Pukka PR hosted a Christmas Party at the Kumo Bar/Club Knightsbridge.
This was a perfect time of year to enjoy a festive drink, wind down and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loyal supporters of Pukka PR. Kumo is a boutique style cocktail bar in one of Knightsbridge's most fashionable streets Beauchamp Place, a favourite with celebrities and a place to be seen at and to mingle with Knightsbridge's elite. The bar has recently been acquired by Manoj Lad the owner of Rumi Bar and Valmont Club in Chelsea.
Guests received a warm welcome on arrival and were treated to complimentary cocktail shots as a Christmas warmer and were offered delicious Sushi platters. The staff were extremely hospitable and keen to please patrons. Kumo is a compact sleek venue with a sophisticated red and black décor creating an Oriental touch and the place was looking particularly warm and inviting dressed with Christmas decorations. The bar offers an interesting choice of cocktails and modern Japanese cuisine for diners.
Pukka PR provided a variety of tempting chocolate treats, Christmas crackers and prizes for the best dressed glamorous Christmassy outfits and guests did make an effort to look sparkly and festive particularly the ladies as you can see in the photos.
Article by Gina Chrysanthou. Photos by Aki Bg for Pukka PR with additional photos by Amita Chatterji ©
'Santa brings the magic of Christmas to Kumo Knightsbridge' pics below by Aki Bg
Pics below by Amita Chatterji
Left: Kumo Bar Proprietor Manoj with Amerjit, Gina and her party guests
Please click below to view full photo collection in Gallery: http://www.pukkapr.com/gallery/view.aspx?