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Queen ‘to quit longtime label EMI’

May 12, 2010 By vani Leave a Comment

London, May 12 (ANI): Rockers Queen are set to part ways from their longtime record label EMI, it has emerged.

Queen, which has been with EMI for almost four decades and sold an estimated 300 million albums through the label, are said to be in talks with rival company Universal to sign a multi-million pound deal when their contract with EMI expires at the end of this year.

“EMI just decided they couldn”t compete. It was too much to pay and they want to spend that money on developing new talent,” the Daily Express quoted a source as telling The Times.

After private equity firm Terra Firma took over EMI in 2007, the label has lost many top artists including bands such as The Rolling Stones, Supergrass and Radiohead. (ANI)

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Action plan to phase out consumption of HCFC is on track: Ramesh

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 16 (ANI): Union Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh said on Wednesday that India has developed a comprehensive Road Map and Action Plan to phase-out of production and consumption of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in various sectors.

Addressing the gathering during the 15th International Ozone Day here Ramesh said: “The Government of India has taken a number of policy measures, fiscal and regulatory, to encourage the early adoption of alternative technologies in this area by existing and new enterprises.”

Ramesh hailed the Montreal Protocol as the most successful international treaty to ever achieve universal participation.

“At a time when the world is trying to solve the problem of climate change, the International Ozone Day provided a timely reminder of how international cooperation can help to solve major global environmental problems,” Ramesh added.

India is one of the first developing countries to join the Montreal Protocol and pledge its commitment to protect the Ozone Layer.

As a part of the accelerated phase-out of CFCs, India has completely phased out the production and consumption of CFCs as on 1 August 2008, 17 months prior to the agreed schedule.

Ramesh informed that over 97percent of controlled Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) have been phased out by the Montreal Protocol.

“The end of 2009 will mark another significant milestone in the history of its implementation, with the use of potent ODSs -CFCs, Carbon Tetra Chloride (CTC) and Halons, except pharmaceutical-grade CFCs used in the manufacture of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) – being ceased completely,” he said

The CFCs required for manufacturing for MDIs used by Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients are still available in India, a national transition strategy to phase them out by 2013 is currently under implementation.

“The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Bank recently also launched the India: Chiller Energy Efficiency Project to accelerate the conversion of CFC-based chillers using new, more energy efficient technologies,” Ramesh said.

This year’s theme for the ozone day was ‘Universal participation – Ozone protection unifies the World.’ (ANI)

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Coming soon: Harry Potter theme park

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep 16 (ANI): Harry Potter fans can soon experience the thrills of the adventures of the hugely popular boy wizard, for a new theme park based on the hit franchise is set to open next year.

The theme park, called ‘The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter’, is set to open in spring 2010 at Universal Studios, the Orlando resort has announced.he park is being developed in coordination with J.K. Rowling, the author of the immensely successful books, which have been adapted into films.

Recreating the fabled Hogwarts school that Potter and his friends attend, as well as the nearby village of Hogsmeade, the theme park promises a “completely immersive environment” for visitors.

“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” the Telegraph quoted Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, as saying.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth,” he added.

In fact, visitors at a replica of the Three Broomsticks, one of Hogsmeade’s popular pubs, will be treated to traditional British fare and have the chance to sip on Butterbeer – Potter’s tipple of choice.

The park will also feature theme rides, including the ‘Flight of the Hippogriff’, which will simulate a training flight on the magical, quick-to-offend creature.

Those who lobed the fast-paced wizard sport Quidditch, will also have a chance to participate in a simulated Triwizard Tournament, as well as examine Quidditch equipment and even the elusive Golden Snitch at several Hogsmeade shops.

“Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. (ANI)

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Hollywood celebs ‘to participate in India’s Kumbh Mela’

August 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), Aug 27 (ANI): Rumour has it that some Hollywood celebrities will partake in the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, termed as biggest spiritual gathering on earth, in India during January-April next year.

The names of the celebrities, however, are being kept under wraps.

For international celebrities, business tycoons and other VVIPs, many luxury camps with all-weather cottages will be set-up on the banks of holy river Ganga.

The Mela is expected to see an influx of about 100 million people.

Some American tour companies are promoting the tour for about 9,000, excluding airfares.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, has suggested that Hollywood celebrities should go to the Mela as pilgrims and not as tourists.

In addition to immersing in holy Ganga waters, Zed has urged the celebrities to explore the rich philosophy, which Hinduism offers.

Kumbh Mela will be held from January 14 to April 28 and includes 11 bathing dates in between, at Haridwar.

A belief system in India is that all sins/evils committed by the Mela pilgrims and their ancestors back to the 88th generation will be washed away forever by a dip in Ganga during these dates and that they will achieve salvation and emerge regenerated and healed. (ANI)

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Andy Murray’s life story to be turned into Hollywood flick

July 12, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, July 12 (ANI): Tennis ace Andy Murray’s life story is all set to be turned into a Hollywood movie.t least three major studios are in the run to grab the rights to the star’s life story for millions of pounds.

The rush for the rights began when studio bosses found out that the 22-year-old tennis player survived the Dunblane massacre.

Andy was just eight when Thomas Hamilton shot dead 16 pupils and a teacher at Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996, before killing himself in the gym.

Andy, who reached the Wimbledon semi-final last month, rarely speaks of the nightmare that unfolded before his eyes that day.

However, the Glasgow-born battler, who is now the world’s No. 3, might just reveal the story in return for millions of pounds.

A senior executive at Fox said his studio would “easily match” Andy’s career earnings of 4.7million pounds to acquire the film rights to his life story.

“This guy is an absolute inspiration,” the Daily Star quoted him as saying.

It is believed that Universal and Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks are also hoping to sign him up. (ANI)

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Hindus want actress Jolie to take up apartheid cause of European Roma

July 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), July 10 (ANI): Hindus have urged Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to undertake the cause of apartheid of 15-million Roma people of Europe.

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman, in a statement in Nevada today, said that Jolie, world’s most powerful celebrity, would be very effective in focusing public opinion world over on Roma apartheid. Many Hollywood and other entertainment bigwigs had successfully worked against South Africa’s apartheid in the past.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that Jolie had promoted humanitarian causes world over and Roma would be the next worthwhile cause for her to undertake. If she wanted his services in regard to Roma cause, he was willing to support her.

Alarming condition of Roma people was a social blight for Europe and the rest of the world as they reportedly regularly faced social exclusion, racism, substandard education, hostility, joblessness, rampant illness, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy, unrest, living on desperate margins, language barriers, stereotypes, mistrust, rights violations, discrimination, marginalization, appalling living conditions, prejudice, human rights abuse, racist slogans on Internet, unusually high unemployment rates, etc., Rajan Zed pointed out.

It was like an undeclared apartheid and it was almost total societal exclusion of Roma. The maltreatment of Roma was outside even the European Union norms. Roma issue should be one of the highest priorities of human rights agenda of Europe and world, Zed stressed and added that he was hopeful that Jolie would not stay apathetic and silent spectator when fellow Roma brothers/sisters were reportedly facing blatant injustice and discrimination in Europe.

Ultra famous-talented-rich-beautiful 34-year old Oscar winner Angelina Jolie (Changeling) is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency and is known for her refugee projects, conservation work and philanthropy. She has received Citizen of the World Award, Global Humanitarian Award, Freedom Award, etc. (ANI)

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Rs.15,740 crore for state-run telecom firms

July 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) The government has earmarked Rs.15,740.02 crore ($3.2 billion) for the two state-run telecom majors in the budget for 2009-10 presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in parliament Monday.
According to Mukherjee, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will get Rs.14,015 crore as budgetary allocation, while Rs.1,725.02 crore will be provided to fund the expenses of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL).

The minister has also proposed to allocate Rs.2,820 crore to discharge the liabilities of the state-run telecom equipment manufacturer, Indian Telephone Industries Ltd (ITIL) and clean up its balance sheet.

While the telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India (TRAI) received Rs.10 crore as budgetary support, the Telecom Disputes Settlement Tribunal (TDSAT) has been allocated a meagre Rs.1 crore.

The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) has been allocated Rs.2,400 crore.

USOF, being raised through a 5 percent levy imposed on telecom operators’ revenues, is utilised for supporting telecom services in rural areas.

Mukherjee has allocated Rs.26 crore for providing optical fibre cable network to defence services.

Manoj Kohli, chief executive and joint managing director of Bharti Airtel said the budget “signals significant demand stimulus emanating from its rural and infrastructure growth packages”.

“Telecom infrastructure is an engine of growth and if we are able to double the tele-density to 75 percent in the next five years, especially due to the rural development

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Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa lag behind in providing toilet facilities in rural households

July 3, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, July 3 (ANI): Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa figure among the list of states lagging behind when it comes to providing the toilet facilities in rural households.

“The percentage of rural households without toilet facilities in Bihar stands at 72.58 percent while in Jharkhand 69.08 percent households lack the basic sanitation. In Orissa 64.79 percent rural households are without the toilet facilities,” said Union Minister Of Rural Development C.P.Joshi in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

In sharp contrast Sikkim is the only state in the country, which has achieved a unique distinction of having achieved Universal Sanitation with no backlogs while Kerala and Tripura are on the way to achieve the similar feat.

The findings appear in the backdrop of a nationwide Total Sanitation Campaign . The campaign was launched by the Central Government in 1977 to provide toilet facility in each and every household in the rural areas of the country.

Based on the proposals received, Total Sanitation Campaign projects (to be implemented over a period of 4-5 years) have been approved for 593 rural districts in the country since the inception of TSC.

The major components of the TSC include information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, incentive of Rs. 1500 from Government of India and Rs. 700 from State Government per toilet for BPL households to construct toilets, provision of toilets in schools and Anganwadis, provision of community toilets, rural sanitary marts, etc. and assistance for village solid and liquid waste management.

Since it is a demand – driven program, funds are released as per eligibility criteria based on utilization of funds by the districts. (ANI)

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Monica Bedi releases her first devotional music album in Mumbai

June 30, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Mumbai, June 30 (ANI): Bollywood starlet Monica Bedi on Tuesday released her first devotional music album ‘Ek Onkaar’ in Mumbai.

Bedi, who recently shot to fame after starring in the television shows Jhalak Dilkhlaja and Big Boss, has resurfaced after remaining in oblivion for years.

Monica spoke at length about her new album and said that it was n honour to be part of such a great project,

“Being part of such a great thing it is really a big honour for me. Its definitely my way of thanking god after all I have gone through, its only god who has helped me out to become a stronger person. So I’m strong believer in god. I strongly believe that faith can move mountains,”said Bedi.

The album comprises her renditions of the “Mool Mantra” and passages from the Sikh religious compilation “Japji Sahib” in a musical background.

Universal Music has launched the music album. (ANI)

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Spielberg, Smith’s plans to remake ‘Old Boy’ thrown into jeopardy

June 30, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Jun 30 (ANI): American film director Steven Spielberg and actor Will Smith’s plans to remake cult Korean movie ‘Old Boy’ have been thrown into jeopardy, as the original makers of the 2003 hit are allegedly not authorised to grant a remake.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Spielberg and Smith had recently secured the rights to modernise director Park Chan-Wook’s film from producers Show East.

But Show East filmmakers have found themselves at the centre of a lawsuit from Futabasha bosses, the Japanese publishers of the original manga series, who claim the producers were in no position to negotiate with the Hollywood heavyweights and Universal studios.

Seoul-based Show East has since shut down and its executives have ceased all contact with Futabasha, further complicating legal proceedings, which began last week.

“We haven’t been able to confirm that Show East is bankrupt, and at this stage we’re not sure what effect this will have on the legal case,” the Daily Star quoted a spokesperson for Futabasha as saying.

But, Universal bosses are refusing to halt pre-production on Spielberg and Smith’s planned version and have given them the green light to continue work on the forthcoming movie. (ANI)

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Hindus urge Indian government to honour Jacko with postage stamp

June 30, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, June 30 (ANI): Leading Hindus are urging the Indian government to honour Michael Jackson posthumously by issuing a postage stamp.

Rajan Zed, the President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said the King of Pop was treated like a God in the sub-continent, reports Contactmusic.

Zed says, “When Michael flew to India in 1996 for a live show, he was welcomed at the Mumbai airport by an aarti, which is a Hindu ceremony performed in adoration of a deity or any outstanding personage or guest.

“I now urge the government of India to honour Michael Jackson posthumously at least by issuing a postage stamp. Michael’s personal life might had been controversial, but he did provide joy to a large populace of the world through his music.”

Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest. (ANI)

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Michael Jackson’s death: ‘He’s a true legend’

June 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Zarina Henderson of Sylmar made a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop by the Jackson compound with her two children, Avazia and Garrid Tillis, at about 9 a.m. today.

Henderson said her daughter had asked where Jackson lived, so she decided to take the kids to see the home in which he grew up in Encino.

“Michael is the major legend, he’s a real legend, he’s a true legend,” she said.

Henderson said she wondered why legends seem to die so early. Although Elvis Presley may have been the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Jackson brought more people of different backgrounds together, she said.

“He broke the color barrier in music,” she said.

Henderson said Jackson’s music was universal. For example, her father, Oprey Anderson, is 74 and loves Jackson, she said. Her children, 12 and 9, like Jackson, too.

“He touched people from all ages,” Henderson said.

She remembered emulating Jackson’s moves growing up, and said she owned a replica of the signature red jacket, a Jackson doll and a white glove.

“You couldn’t tell me I didn’t have his dances down,” she said jokingly.

– Nicole Santa Cruz in Encino

Source – http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/michael-jackson-10.html

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Bruno producers remove LaToya Jackson’s cameo

June 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, Jun 27 (ANI): When news of Michael Jackson’s death reached Bruno producers, they were prompted to remove singer LaToya Jackson’s cameo from the film.

The film had been set for a U.S. premiere on June 25 in Hollywood, and out of respect for the ‘Thriller’ star, Jackson’s cameo was taken out.

“Out of respect for the Jackson family, the filmmakers have decided to remove a small scene involving LaToya Jackson,” People magazine quoted a statement issued by Universal Pictures, the studio behind the film.

In the removed scene, Brüno, an Austrian fashion journalist played by Sacha Baron Cohen, interviews Jackson, 53, and asks her repeatedly to talk like her famous brother, Michael.

When she refuses, he asks her for her phone, attempts to find Michael’s contact information and reads aloud what he thinks is his number in German. (ANI)

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New 3-D King Kong to return to Universal studios in 2010

May 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): After the original King Kong was destroyed when a fire broke out in the Universal studios, the film company has decided to entertain fans with a new 3-D attraction.

The studio sources have revealed that new 3-D attraction featuring the great robotic ape will open in summer 2010 as part of its much-hyped tour, reports the China Daily.

The tour’s towering robotic King Kong was destroyed, when a fire ripped through part of the studio’s back lot, also destroying New York Street and other sets.

The New York street and other sets will also open to the audience in 2010.

The new King Kong will be based on Peter Jackson’s 2005 flick.

Guests will wear special 3-D glasses as they ride trams into a darkened soundstage featuring a brawl between King Kong and a dinosaur, once the tour opens in 2010. (ANI)

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Sir Anthony Hopkins to reprise Hannibal Lecter role

May 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, May 15 (ANI): Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is all set to reprise his role as the legendary cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter.

It has been 18 years since he won a Best Actor Oscar for in recognition of his performance in ‘Silence Of The Lambs’, and now at the age of 71, he is set to make a return for the fourth time.

Hopkins had also played the part of the brilliant psychiatrist and murderer in 2001′s Hannibal, and the 2002 prequel Red Dragon.

Sir Ridley Scott, who had directed Hannibal, will be making a return, but Hopkins’ co-star Jodie Foster, 46, who also won an Oscar as FBI agent Clarice Starling, will not.

The actresses, who are in consideration for the role of Starling, include 39-year-old Cate Blanchett.

“The script is really, really good,” the Daily Express quoted filmmakers Universal as saying. (ANI)

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Martin Scorsese to helm Frank Sinatra biopic

May 14, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, May 14 (ANI): Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese will produce and direct a big screen biopic on Frank Sinatra.

The 66-year-old helmer will make the film for Universal and Mandalay Pictures.

Universal and Mandalay announced the project in a joint statement. However, no word was made on which actor would play Sinatra, reports The Telegraph.

After securing the rights to iconic singer and actor’s life, both the companies have been developing the Sinatra project, according to Daily Variety.

Sinatra made his first recording in 1939 and continued recording almost until his death, being responsible for such classics as “Strangers in the Night” and “My Way.”

He married three times and had three children. He died in 1998 of a heart attacked, aged 82. (ANI)

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Hindus laud CBS for interfaith music special

May 13, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), May 13 (ANI): Hindus have applauded CBS Television Network for a special interfaith presentation “Faith, Music and Culture”, to be broadcast on June seven.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that attempts of a major broadcasting network like CBS to bring major world religions together through music was an admirable feat. It includes Hasidic hip-hop, Sufi devotional qawwali, Hindu kirtan chanting of Sanskrit mantras, and Christian cappella.

But Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged CBS to present kirtan in its authentic form and not refashion it to enhance ratings, as kirtan was sacred chant of the Hindus. Treat it respectfully, looking at it from devotees’ viewpoint.

Zed further said that religion was the most powerful, complex and far-reaching force in our society, so we must take it seriously. And we all knew that religion comprised much more than our own particular tradition/experience. In our shared pursuit for the truth, we could learn from one another and thus could arrive nearer to the truth.

CBS Corporation, headquartered in New York and launched in 1928, is a mass media company operating in virtually every field of media and entertainment, which serves all 50 states of USA and key international markets. Its Chief Executive Officer is Leslie Moonves and its recent quarterly revenues totaled around 3.16 billion dollars. (ANI)

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Hindus urge authentic portrayal of Lord Buddha in upcoming mega-film

May 11, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Nevada (US), May 11 (ANI): Welcoming the recent announcement of English language international mega-film on Buddha, Hindus have urged its makers to present an authentic portrayal of his life and times.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Gautama Buddha, besides Buddhists is also revered by Hindus. Reimagining of scriptures and life of Buddha purely for mercantile greed would likely to hurt the devotees.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that they welcomed filmmakers to work on religious themes and figures, but they would recommend them to handle faith related subjects very carefully and sensitively, as cinema was a highly powerful medium.

Apparently the most expensive film ever made in Bollywood, this reportedly about 122 million dollars project, produced by Spice Enfotainment headed by industrialist B. K. Modi and directed by Filmfare Award winner Ashutosh Gowarikar (Lagaan) with a diverse cast and crew, is expected to go on the floor in May 2010 and be completed by the end of the year.

Reportedly scripted by Oscar winner David S. Ward (Sleepless in Seattle) on a book by Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, biographical “Buddha” will be shot in the foothills of Himalayas. Spiritual and temporal leader of Tibetan Buddhists His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama reportedly also has some kind of advisory role with the movie.

Founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha (roughly 568-483 BCE) is also known as Sakyamuni or Siddhartha. Buddha means Wise One or Enlightened One. For Hindus, he was ninth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu (the all-pervader). (ANI)

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Hindus want England faith schools to teach all major religions

May 9, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, May 9 (ANI): Hindus want that faith schools in England should provide well-balanced education about religions, educating pupils about all major religions.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that since today’s schoolchildren were tomorrow’s leaders, they wanted these kids to grow-up as well balanced and nurtured citizens of tomorrow without any biases, stereotypes and caricatures.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that since these schools received state funding, the religious schools should be open to all interested; these should teach the basics of other religions also besides the patron faith; and these should intake more socio-economically disadvantaged children.

Rajan Zed argued that these schools should change their focus from, as many critics say, covert social selection to achieve superior academic and other performance. Historically, such schools were launched to provide free education to those who could not afford.

Zed pointed out that an independent body should be established to regulate their admission processes as many schools were blamed of “backdoor selection” and “cream skimming”.

According to reports, there are about 4,657 Church of England schools, 2,053 Roman Catholic, 82 other Christian, 36 Jewish, eight Muslim, two Sikh, and one Hindu schools in England.(ANI)

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Ancient henna wooing Hollywood celebrities

May 3, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, May 2 (ANI): Henna, which has been playing a vital role in Hindu weddings since ancient times, is becoming popular with Hollywood and other celebrities.

Also known as mehndi, it is turning into an in-thing with celebrities as a trendy alternative to traditional tattoos. Although the final result is similar to tattoo, but the mehndi experience is delightful and painless, and the images are temporary, according to acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed.

Starting with actress Demi Moore and singer Gwen Stefani, many celebrities have been seen sporting this body art, including entertainer Madonna; actresses Drew Barrymore, Daryl Hannah, Angela Bassett, Laura Dern, Kathleen Robertson, Mira Sorvino, Naomi Campbell, Trudie Styler, Nicole Eggert, Justine Bateman, Yasmine Bleeth, Liv Tyler, and Barbara Hershey; musicians The Artist Formerly Known as Prince and Sting; singers Mayte Garcia and Erykah Badu; actors Elijah Wood and Laurence Fishburne; boxers Kassim Ouma, Michael Katsidis, and Bernard Hopkins; model Nell McAndrew.

Associated with joy, celebration, festivals, and weddings, it has a recent renaissance in Hollywood.

Some popular magazines and CD covers had been decorated with henna art, besides it being seen in some Hollywood movies.

Many henna themed parties involving celebrities, including birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, nightclub events, are sometimes held in Hollywood.

Henna has reportedly been used for body art and hair dye since Bronze Age.

It finds references in India’s court records dating back to around 400 CE, in Rome during Roman Empire, in Spain during Convivienca, in medical texts of Ebers Papyrus, in Syria and Egypt in 14th century CE.

Henna as a ceremonial art form is said to have originated in ancient India. It can last anywhere from few days to few months depending on the type of the paste.

Mehndi plays a vital role in Hindu wedding and practically no marriage is considered complete without it. During earlier times, some bridal mehndi processes took four to five days to complete. It is also applied during various Hindu fasts like Karvachauth.

Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged the henna loving celebrities to explore some rich philosophical thought of Hinduism, which is oldest religion of the world with moksha (liberation) as ultimate goal. (ANI)

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