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IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Step into the vibrant world of Suvina Mahadaw: dance star, instructor and cultural dynamo
Suvina Mahadaw is living out her childhood dream, sharing the joy of Bollywood dance and South Asian culture with audiences across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Image: Supplied Meet Suvina Mahadaw, a vibrant force on and off the dance floor. At 34, this Durban-born dancer, instructor and lifestyle content creator is living out her childhood dream, sharing the joy of Bollywood dance and South Asian culture with audiences across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. We caught up with her to chat about her journey, passions and the meaning of dance in her life - fittingly during a year when more people than ever are looking to celebrate and connect through culture and movement. Mahadaw currently resides in the scenic coastal town of Ballito, but her story begins in Phoenix, Durban. 'I am originally from the beautiful Phoenix,' she said with pride. It's there that her love for Bollywood dance first took root. 'Growing up with Bollywood movies and music, my dream as a kid was to be like the Indian Bollywood actresses I saw on screen - watching them dance and wear all those beautiful outfits. That inspired my love for dance from as young as six.' Encouraged by her mother, Lekha Mahadaw, she was enrolled in dance classes where her journey officially began. Interestingly, Mahadaw's foundation spans two very different styles. 'I started learning ballet and Indian classical dance - Bharatanatyam - at the same time,' she recalled. Later, she expanded her repertoire at university to include jazz, contemporary, salsa and belly dance. 'I left ballet just before my pointe work, graduated in Bharatanatyam under Kumari Shiksha's Dance Institute, and even completed a one-year teacher's diploma.' Today, Mahadaw's choreography reflects this wide-ranging training. 'My choreography is a combination of various dance styles. Every form is beautiful in its own way. You will find belly-bolly (a mix of belly dance and Bollywood), hip hop Bollywood and salsa Bollywood for partner dances.' She also teaches a variety of classes tailored to different levels. 'There is BollyFit - a keep-fit class with Bollywood music for beginner dancers - and an advanced class for those who have danced before and want to perfect their style, expressions, and technique, often mixing genres to Bollywood songs. "Every Bollywood style is energetic, so you are definitely in for a workout.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ With years of experience under her belt, what stands out the most? For Mahadaw, every show is meaningful. 'Each event or performance is one for the books because it allows me to gain more experience than the last. It's always special when a client selects and trusts me and my team to entertain their family and guests.' But one milestone, "Dancing with the Legends 2" by Eastern Move Productions, holds a particularly cherished place in her heart. As a dance instructor, Mahadaw finds the greatest reward in seeing her students shine. 'Watching them perform on stage, seeing the joy on their faces - that's the best part.' She keeps her own inspiration flowing by paying attention to what is new. 'Thanks to TikTok and YouTube, there is a different trend almost every week. And sometimes, just going back to the basics is as amazing as chasing a trend.' When she is not teaching or performing, Mahadaw is busy building her lifestyle content. 'My life is extremely fun and exciting - I work in hospitality and entertainment. On my days off, I love doing something adventurous with friends and family, from 6am snorkelling on the North Coast to trying out new restaurants. I love sharing these experiences with my social media family,' she said. Balancing it all takes intention. 'It can get overwhelming, so I dedicate one day just for me to recuperate and recover. I also spend an hour each morning listening to music while getting ready for work. "I believe my energy is passed on to my team and students, so I must keep my spirits high.' As for her favourite self-care rituals? 'Going back to basics - enjoying a cup of coffee at the beach, a simple bubble bath or watching a feel-good movie.' For Suvina Mahadaw, Bollywood dance is more than just a performance. Image: Supplied For Mahadaw, Bollywood dance is more than just a performance. 'When you hear Bollywood dance, you feel the energy. It's the vibe, the music - it's a culture, a very positive culture on its own that automatically brings a smile to my face. If I hear a Bollywood song at a random event, I am instantly in a good mood,' she noted. Showcasing South Asian culture is also deeply important to her. When asked for her instant mood-boosting song, she laughed. 'Worst question to ask a dance instructor! Anything with a happy beat. But if I had to pick, it would be Toploader's 'Dancing in the Moonlight', or the classic Bollywood track 'Desi Girl (From 'Dostana')'.' She also lit up talking about style. 'I'm a huge fan of Indo-western outfits - gorgeous, easy to wear and mainly comfortable. I love how designer Masaba Gupta transforms simple outfits with Indian prints. Locally, I found a brand called The Desi Closet that sells outfits true to this vision.' If she weren't dancing? 'Well, dance is my passionate hobby. But I also fell in love with the hospitality industry at a young age. During the day, I run a beautiful breakfast restaurant in the heart of Ballito - and after hours, I'm spreading the Bollywood love,' said Mahadaw. Asked to name her ultimate Bollywood style icon, she said there are too many to count. But if she could perform with anyone, it would be her Bollywood idol, Shahid Kapoor. Most of all, Mahadaw is proud of the relationships her journey has cultivated. 'The friendships I've made over the years - even keeping in touch with the very first bridal couple I performed for, thanks to social media - that means everything.' Her advice to aspiring dancers? 'It's never too late to start. Many ladies my age tell me they missed the chance to learn dance when they were young. I always say: just begin. "And for young dancers, discipline is important, and consistency is key. It sounds cliché, but those two things will help you succeed in your own strengths.'
The Province
12-07-2025
- The Province
'Fear is real': Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke pleads with social media platforms to ban violence
Locke implores platforms like X and Instagram to police its content after footage of the shooting at Kap's Cafe in Surrey reportedly posted to social media by the perpetrators A bullet hole in the window of Kap's Cafe in the 8400-block of 120th Street. Surrey police investigating after shots were fired at a Surrey restaurant at approximately 1:50 a.m on July 10, 2025. The newly opened cafe is owned by Indian Bollywood star, Kapil Sharma. Photo by Nikola Bennett / PNG Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has issued a plea to social-media platforms to police the content posted by criminals glorifying violence. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors After a shooting at Kap's Café on Thursday morning, video of the incident was posted online by someone claiming to be one of the perpetrators. Kap's, a Surrey restaurant owned by Kapil Sharma, a well-known standup comedian and TV host, is just the latest in a string of South Asian Canadian establishments to be targeted by shootings. 'Today, I issue an urgent appeal to Meta, X, TikTok, and every social-media platform: Stop allowing violent criminals to weaponize your networks against the people of Surrey,' Locke wrote in a news release. 'A recent shooting at a local business was brazenly filmed and posted online by an individual claiming responsibility. This act was meant not only to harm its direct victim, but to terrorize our whole community. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'That fear is real. I felt it first-hand last night while visiting Kap's Café and nearby businesses, and speaking with employees and customers who now worry about their safety. A place that should have been filled with buzz and excitement about the establishment was instead overtaken by fear and unease. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG 'It is intolerable that legitimate news content is blocked on some platforms while videos glorifying violent crime circulate freely. Corporate responsibility and basic decency require immediate, decisive action. Criminal organizations must not be given digital megaphones to recruit, intimidate or celebrate violence.' Locke called for the social-media platforms to permanently ban accounts linked to criminal organizations, remove any content that promotes, supports or glorifies violent crime, and implement real-time detection and reporting tools so dangerous material is taken down before it spreads. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Surrey's strength lies in our unity and our refusal to be intimidated. We will not let criminals dictate how we live or work,' Locke wrote. 'I am confident that, together, we will keep Surrey safe, resilient and unafraid.' Nijjar Trucking in Surrey was shot at in June, which points to an extortion-motivated shooting. Photo by Jason Payne / PNG Kap's Café, which opened earlier this week in the 8400-block of 120th Street, was sprayed by bullets just before 2 a.m. on Thursday while staff were still inside. There have been five reported shooting incidents affecting the South Asian business community in the city, including the murder of 56-year-old Satwinder Sharma, who was gunned down outside a Surrey office building on June 11. While the shooting at Kap's hasn't been linked to them, there has been a series of extortion-based shootings at businesses in Brampton, Ont., Edmonton and Surrey since 2023. Read More Business Vancouver Canucks Local News News Local News
Kuwait Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
India-Pakistan war hits shared love of film, music
WAGAH BORDER: Indian Bollywood film actresses Sonam Kapoor (center) and Kirron Kher (left), and Pakistani actor Fawad Afzal Khan (second left) watch the daily retreat ceremony performed by Pakistani Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at India-Pakistan Border Wagah Post on September 17, 2014. -- AFP LAHORE: While conflict raged between the powerful militaries of India and Pakistan, a battle was also fought on the cultural front lines despite years of shared love for films and music. The deadly fighting in early May—the worst in decades—affected artists previously untouched by animosity between their leaders. Ali Gul Pir, a Pakistani rapper and comedian with a huge Indian following, released a song years ago mocking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While he was spared consequences then, in May his YouTube channel and Instagram profile were blocked in India. 'Indians now recognize that the digital space serves as a bridge between Pakistanis and Indians, and they seem intent on severing that connection,' Pir told AFP. The collapse in bilateral relations was caused by a deadly April attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denied the allegation and, after tit-for-tat diplomatic retaliation, their militaries fought for four days before a ceasefire was reached. The conflict hit the music industry for the first time, with Pakistani singer Annural Khalid also remembering how her Indian following dropped off. 'Delhi was my top listening city before the ban,' said Khalid, who has 3.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. 'I suffered a great loss in the audience' from India, she told AFP. 'Listeners were deprived of content because music was turned into something it is not,' Khalid added. The conflict also scrubbed out some prior exchanges, such as the soundtrack of the 2017 film 'Raees' on Spotify in India. It now shows only Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, without his Pakistani co-star Mahira Khan. With Pakistan producing just a handful of movies each year under strict censorship rules, Bollywood has always proven popular among viewers. 'I grew up watching Bollywood. We have the same traumas, we have the same history, we have the same stories,' said Pakistani film critic Sajeer Shaikh. Pakistani actors and directors have for decades seen making it to Bollywood as the ultimate recognition. But this month, Indian star Diljit Dosanjh announced his latest movie, 'Sardaar Ji 3', which features four Pakistani actors, would be released 'overseas only', after New Delhi banned Pakistani content and artists from productions. 'Abir Gulaal', a love story starring Pakistan's Fawad Khan and Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, was scheduled to hit Indian cinemas on May 9 but the release was postponed. Even some in the industry who had previously backed the cross-border artistic trade changed their tune last month. 'Everything should be banned... cricket, films, everything,' said Indian actor Suniel Shetty, who has a big fan following in Pakistan. He starred in the 2004 movie 'Main Hoon Na', which subtly promotes peace between India and Pakistan. 'It's something really unfortunate about politics, creating that rift and putting boundaries around art,' said Dua Zahra, assistant manager at Warner Bros South Asia's music label in Pakistan. — AFP
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Mic Drop' moment at Miss World 2025? Ishaan Khatter trolled for dancing on BTS' hit track: 'A sparrow can never be a falcon'
The Miss World 2025 grand finale in Hyderabad was a night of glitz, glamour — and controversy. While Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned the new Miss World, it was Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter's performance that unexpectedly stole the spotlight — and not entirely for the right reasons. Khatter took the stage at the HITEX Exhibition Centre on May 31 with a high-energy dance routine to BTS' globally popular track Mic Drop. His attempt to blend Bollywood flair with K-pop swagger, however, sparked a storm of reactions online, particularly from BTS fans — famously known as ARMY. Indian Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter delivers a breathtaking performance BTS's iconic song "Mic Drop" on the Miss World 2025 Ishaan Khatter trolled for his dance Social media was quick to respond, with reactions ranging from confused to outright critical. One comment that gained traction read: "A sparrow can never be a falcon," implying that Ishaan's performance fell short of the original group's standard. Many also questioned the choice of song, pointing out that Mic Drop was intended as a bold message to BTS' haters. Others criticized the choreography, saying it lacked the precision and power that BTS is known for. Some argued that the original choreography should have been respected, while others simply used the moment to further praise BTS for their unmatched stage presence and commitment to perfection. That said, not everyone was displeased. Some viewers appreciated Ishaan's energy and his willingness to take on such an iconic song on an international stage. They called his performance bold and entertaining, applauding his attempt to bridge two global pop cultures. He lowkey ate but I blame the choreographer! Very cool!! 👏 💜 Great timing too as it's BTS MONTH!! 🎵 Ishaan Khatter's dance grabs attention This isn't the Bollywood actor's first time drawing attention for his dance performances. His earlier routine to Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us also sparked mixed reactions online. But if there's one thing that stands out, it's that Ishaan isn't afraid to step out of his comfort zone — even if it means facing backlash. Despite the divided opinions, Ishaan's appearance at Miss World 2025 has once again shown that when Bollywood meets K-pop, strong reactions are inevitable — especially in a country like India, where K-pop has a massive fan following. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fashion Designers Are Using Musical Acts To Bring Life To The Runway
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 02: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Anok Yai walks the runway during the Mugler Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by) Global fashion weeks have become a place to steal the show. It is no longer just reporters and buyers attending runway shows, but celebrities, influencers and brands who weave their way into the fashion week mix to bring their own style to the stage. In an ever-competitive fashion market, brands need to keep up. Some use extravagant lighting on the runway (like Acne or Viktor&Rolf), others use unconventional spaces to host their runway shows (like the recent Chanel runway the Grand Palais in Paris, or Tom Ford showing his Spring/Summer 2020 collection on a New York subway platform). But more independent fashion designers are turning to hiring live musicians to add a spark to their runway shows. With New York Bridal Fashion Week around the corner, all eyes are on the runway. While music performances on the runway are nothing new, Victoria Secret has created showstopping concerts out of their fashion shows, with major acts like Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars, while Louis Vuitton had Pharrell & Jay-Z perform in 2023. But not every designer has this kind of budget, which is why many designers rely on the tradition of 'runway music,' that being a chosen playlist selected by the designer or a respected DJ (one cultural critic calls it 'sound branding'). Shannon K, outfit BJS productions Now, more independent designers are hiring up-and-coming musicians to perform on the runway, like Shannon Kumar, whose stage name is Shannon K. The pop musician, who sings in English and Hindi, is best known as the daughter of Indian Bollywood star, Kumar Sanu. She recently performed on the runway at Los Angeles Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2025 collections for brands like Mifuae and Anna Gupta, and has more runway performances planned this year. Having performed at large venues, she loves the intimacy that a runway show brings. 'It's certainly an experience, I get to interact more with the crowd,' she said. 'Unlike a concert, a fashion show offers a unique opportunity to really connect with the audience.' She performs her hit songs, like 9-5 and OTT, and aims to compliment the fashion with her own sound. 'If you can add a bit more excitement and entertainment, you can make the event even more enjoyable for everyone,' said Kumar, who made a debut with her single A Long Time, which was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Poo Bear, a frequent collaborator of Justin Bieber. To musicians like Kumar, it's more than just providing a soundtrack to clothes. 'I feel like fashion shows should create a lasting emotional impact, not just present garments,' she explains. 'Adding live music, dancers, dramatic lighting and stage designs all work together to make the experience more dynamic and memorable for the audience. Music is a way for fashion designers to tell their story.' A fashion runway At her upcoming show on March 22, Kumar will perform a bilingual song to 'truly represent the fusion of East and West cultures,' she said, to 'showcase the power of music to transcend language barriers.' As she explains: 'Musical performances elevate the overall atmosphere of fashion shows, creating an immersive experience for the audience. They serve as add-ons to the designer's vision, truly elevating their fashion story to new heights.' Taiwanese fashion designer Malan Breton recently showed his latest collection at London Fashion Week. The designer's new Fall/Winter 2025 collection, which he showed at the Royal Horseguards Hotel, is inspired by the lunar new year, the Year of the Snake, which he combined with influences from Victorian couture and Asian silk fabrics. As part of Breton's latest collection, which showcased metallic fabrics and embroidered snakes, live music was composed and performed by British pop band, Johnny Hates Jazz, alongside Malan Breton with a mix by DJ Marc Baigent. Closing the show, Clark Datchler, the lead singer of Johnny Hates Jazz performed the band's 1988 single, 'Shattered Dreams.' LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Models walk the runway at the Malan Breton show during London Fashion Week February 2025 at The Royal Horseguards on February 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by) Breton is a classically trained musician who has often had musicians take the stage of his runway shows, like singer Crystal Waters, M People's Heather Small and Billboard topping musician, Kristine W, which is partly why he has made it an essential element of his shows. 'Fashion is a symphony of movement and emotion, and live music is its heartbeat,' said Breton. 'It transforms a runway into a living, breathing performance—where fabric, form, and melody intertwine to create a story that lingers in the soul.' The British composer and producer Oscar Osicki works with several independent musicians; he has seen many of them perform on the runway. He cites a recent Paris Fashion Week show where acclaimed classical composer Max Richter and a group of musicians performed at a Christian Dior show in 2022. 'For luxury fashion brands, I think that having famous artists perform is a symbol of status,' said Osicki. 'In the case of Richter, his music is classical, but accessible. Classical music often has a sort of luxury status. It even suggests that you're creating 'timeless art,' rather than mere passing entertainment. It's a brand association.' An audience member captures fashion week with their phone BMW recently hired German composer Hans Zimmer to compose a new soundtrack for a luxury car launch, while Osickinotes that operatic soprano singers often sing at Paris Fashion Week runway shows. 'These fashion brands are using the music to create associations with their brand, perhaps wealth, drama, status, high art, timelessness, or classical beauty,' said Osicki. 'The fashion brands that reinvest in music help their appearance. The music they choose affects how we experience the fashion show, and hopefully the music helps us remember it as cinematic.' Diana Mahrach showcased her latest couture collection at New York Fashion Week, in a runway show accompanied by a live performance by Melina, a German-Canadian singer. The music only adds to the runway show, says the designer. 'I believe that seeing a fashion collection should engage as many senses as possible,' said Mahrach. 'Inviting a singer, such as Melina who opened my Fall/Winter 2025 collection runway show in New York City was all about realizing my vision of blending music and fashion to truly elevate the runway experience and make it unforgettable for the audience.'
