Latest news with #SchoolofVisualArts
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Like Ranbir Kapoor, Kussh Sinha admits working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali was tough: 'I had enough...'
Like Ranbir Kapoor, Kussh Sinha admits working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali was tough: 'I had enough...'| Exclusive Filmmaker Kussh S Sinha, son of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha and brother to actress Sonakshi Sinha is all set to make his directorial debut with the film Nikita Roy. Despite hailing from a prominent film family, Kussh's journey into filmmaking was far from easy. Before stepping into direction, he gained hands-on experience by working behind-the-camera in various fields such as photography, production, and visual development. After studying film direction at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York, he went on to assist renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of Saawariya (2007). Kussh Sinha, like Ranbir Kapoor, had to quit midway while assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali? Ranbir Kapoor, before marking his Bollywood debut with Saawariya, worked as an assistant director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of Black (2005) . At a 2021 event, the Tamasha actor recalled that Bhansali was extremely strict, sometimes to the point of being physically and verbally harsh. He recounted, 'When I assisted Mr. Bhansali on Black, he used to really treat me as an assistant director. I used to be kneeling down for hours, he used to hit us, he used to abuse us… that only hardens you and prepares you for the world.' The actor further revealed that intense pressure and emotional strain ultimately led him to step away from the project. Kussh Sinha recalls working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Similarly, Kussh who started his career as an assistant director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, also faced intense pressure during his collaboration with the acclaimed filmmaker. In an exclusive interview with Kussh stated, 'Mr Bhansali had a way of working. During Saawariya, I went there as an assistant director, I do believe that at that point I might have said some things, maybe some things that I shouldn't have let them happen, but I was very young at that time.' He admitted that working with Bhansali was challenging and not suited for thin-skinned. Kussh recalled, 'So, yeah, it was tough environment, I would say you definitely have to understand yourself as a person, whether you can handle that tough environment or not.' The reason why Kussh Sinha didn't work Sanjay Leela Bhansali anymore… Kussh eventually had to walk away from the sets of Sawaariya due to internal-team conflict. 'I could manage that environment, but frankly there was an issue at some point which when I decided that I had enough, because there was some inter-team conflict. It was getting out of hand. So again, I could handle it, but it depends on person-to-person.' He said. Although Bhansali gave a hard time to Ranbir when he worked as an AD, Kussh still remarked that he received a terrific launch in the industry because of him. 'Ranbir was an AD with him. When he worked with him, he became a star at some degree because of him, I wouldn't say all of it because of Bhansali, but definitely that launch, that entry, that larger-than-life-persona the visual that Mr Bhansali presented him with that some of added into Ranbir's entry into films.' He said. About Nikita Roy Meanwhile, Kussh Sinha's directorial debut Nikita Roy is all set to release on July 18. Originally scheduled for June 27, the release was postponed due to heavy traffic of movies this weekend, including Kajol's horror-thriller Maa and Akshay Kumar's multi-starrer mythological drama Kannappa. Written by Pavan Kirpalani, Kussh Sinha's mystery thriller stars Sonakshi Sinha, Arjun Rampal and Paresh Rawal in key roles.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Who Is Rama Duwaji, Zohran Mamdani's Artist Wife Whom He Met On Hinge
Zohran Mamdani might not be the only socialist activist heading to Gracie Mansion this fall. His wife, 27-year-old multimedia artist Rama Duwaji, whose creative work often carries pro-Palestinian themes, will be by his side if he clinches the mayoralty in November. Ms Duwaji, usually absent from the public eye, appeared onstage alongside her 33-year-old husband after his Democratic primary win against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. It was one of her rare campaign trail appearances since Mr Mamdani launched his bid in October. During his victory speech Tuesday night, Zohran Mamdani acknowledged her. "I must thank my incredible wife," he said, drawing applause. "Rama, thank you," he added, kissing her hand. sorry not to be basic but zohran's wife might be one the prettiest women i've ever seen lol and the fact that they took wedding photos on the subway is awesome — Basil???? (@LinkofSunshine) June 18, 2025 She later shared a four-word Instagram post, "couldn't possibly be prouder", accompanied by a photo booth strip with Mr Mamdani and a voting selfie. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RAMA DUWAJI (@ramaduwaji) Who Is Rama Duwaji? Rama Duwaji is a 27-year-old Syrian American animator and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. Originally listed on her Instagram as being from Damascus, her campaign says that she is " ethnically Syrian" and was born in Texas. She met Zohran Mamdani several years ago on the dating app Hinge. The couple held a private engagement and a Nikkah ceremony in Dubai in December 2024, followed by a wedding at the New York City Clerk's office earlier this year. Ms Duwaji earned a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her work has been featured by The New Yorker, The Washington Post, BBC, Apple, Spotify, VICE, and the Tate Modern in London. She uses drawn portraiture and movement to explore themes of sisterhood, Arab identity, communal experience, and political resistance, as per her website. Her illustrations often focus on pro-Palestinian messages, including depictions of Israeli violence, ethnic cleansing, and US complicity. One of her animations, shared by Mr Mamdani, criticises New York charities for allegedly funding Israeli war crimes. "An artist's duty... is to reflect the times," she quoted singer and pianist Nina Simone in an interview. She also creates ceramics, particularly hand-illustrated blue-and-white plates. Ms Duwaji has nearly 92,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares her artwork, political commentary, and other milestones.
Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Meet Rama Duwaji: The Syrian artist NYC Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani met on Hinge
Rama Duwaji, 27, is a Syrian illustrator and visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York — and now, she's also in the public eye as the wife of Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic socialist who just won the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City. The couple's story began not on a campaign trail, but through the dating app Hinge. In an interview with comedian Kaneez Surka, Zohran revealed: 'First is, I found my wife on Hinge. So (dating apps) still work. Just to let people know.' Their connection deepened over a shared love of music and art. They got engaged in December 2024 in Dubai, where Rama's family lives, and tied the knot in early 2025 in a quiet civil ceremony at the New York City clerk's office. Born in Damascus, Syria, Rama Duwaji is an award-winning illustrator whose vibrant work explores identity, heritage, migration, and the everyday intimacy of community. She holds a BFA in Communication Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master's in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York. She has worked with top-tier clients including: The New Yorker, The Washington Post, VICE, BBC, Apple, Spotify, Tate Modern and Cartier. Her artistic practice also extends to pottery and ceramics. According to her website, Duwaji's art 'examines the nuances of sisterhood and communal experiences' — themes often reflected in her expressive and deeply personal illustrations. Despite being married to a politician, Rama has kept a low profile throughout Mamdani's mayoral campaign. Her absence from the campaign trail led to criticism from opponents who accused Zohran of 'hiding his wife.' In May 2025, Zohran responded to the backlash with a candid Instagram post, defending Rama's choice to stay out of the spotlight. 'Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk's office,' Mamdani wrote. 'Now, right-wing trolls are trying to make this race – which should be about you – about her. Rama isn't just my wife, she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.' With Mamdani poised to make history as New York City's first Indian-American, first Muslim, and first Democratic Socialist mayor, Duwaji could become a very different kind of First Lady — one grounded in art, activism, and cultural identity. Though she has remained deliberately out of political limelight, Rama Duwaji's talent and story are already resonating with a new generation of New Yorkers — a quiet but powerful counter to traditional expectations of political spouses. As Mamdani put it: 'You can critique my views, but not my family.'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NYC Democratic Primary Mayoral Polls: Who is Zohran Mamdani's wife?
Zohran Kwame Mamdani has made history – making a strong case for 'Roti, Kapda aur Makaan', all the while winning hearts of NYC with roses! The 33‑year‑old Democratic Socialist and New York State Assemblymember from Queens has emerged as the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. On June 24, he led the first round of ranked‑choice voting with roughly 44%, outpacing former Governor Andrew Cuomo at nearly 36%. Cuomo decided to concede, saying, 'Tonight is his night,' with Brad Lander possibly ending in the third position. While Mamdani's candidacy for NYC Mayoral Polls has been fueled by bold policies like, rent freezes, universal child care, free city buses, and even public grocery stores – his messages have been built on storing and empathic grounds of playful banter and heartwarming gestures, something that have been able to strike a resonance with younger, working-class voters fed up with traditional politics. At the core of his success – an innovative campaigning strategy – driven by pro-people policies, and most of all, shared love for each other and New York City. And as it goes without saying – personal always drives the political (and vice-versa), Mamdani's personal life and choices have also been a very subtle part of his viral outreach. From swiping right to standing up for the right – via the art galleries Now, Mamdani might have a millennial mind, but his heart doesn't mind taking the Gen Z routes! In fact, the 33-year-old recently shared that he found the love of his life on a dating app (it's Hinge, yep, get it now)! When Kaneez Surka , an Indian-origin, NYC-based comedian and content creator, caught up with Mamdani and popped the most-awaited question, the man-of-the-moment didn't hesitate to spill the beans! With a chuckle, NYC's first Indian-origin Muslim mayoral candidate revealed his best-kept secret: 'First of all, I found my wife on Hinge. So, it still works! Just to let people know!' Who is the lucky girl? It's Rama Duwaji ! The better half Behind the progressive flash and firebrand policies sits a quieter, equally compelling story: Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji. Who is she? Rama is a 27‑year‑old Syrian-born illustrator and artist residing in Brooklyn. An MFA graduate from the School of Visual Arts, she blends sophisticated talent with a global upbringing – splitting her time between family in Dubai and life in New York – her work has appeared in prestigious outlets like The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and VICE. The couple quietly married in December last year, in a low-key rooftop ceremony in Dubai's Vida Creek Harbour. Their private celebration reflected intimacy, not extravagance, reported at about $72 per person, aligning with Mamdani's socialist ideals. A civil ceremony in New York in January this year formalized their union. During a May 2025 Instagram post, Mamdani revealed their marriage – responding to online trolls calling him 'secretive' – writing, 'Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk's office… Rama isn't just my wife, she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.' A statement, speaking for his protective stance toward privacy and his call for campaign substance over personal distractions. More than a magazine romance Rama's emergence into the spotlight isn't trivial and juicy campaign gossip – it reflects evolving expectations of public figures in 2025. Personal stories shape trust. Her identity – Syrian, female, creative – adds depth to Zohran's platform, rooted in representation and inclusion. For a candidate advocating marginalized voices, her presence strengthens his narrative. Although their cross-continental nuptials and Rama's 'pro-Palestine' art have been criticized much, Mamdani's response – to name her, to stand by her – not only flags a politics of integrity but also shifts the conversation from cheap attacks to shared values and emotional authenticity. In fact, Mamdani's idea of love is also rooted in his beliefs and aspirations for the future. So, when Kaneez asks, how to find love in NYC, Mamdani connects the dots and makes his point, saying, 'I think we also need to give people more time. A lot of New Yorkers are basically on a hamster wheel of anxiety! There's not much time to sit in the park, to explore your own city. If you're always worried about if you have enough money to make your rent, enough money to pay for your metro card… the love of your life, may currently be stressed about whether they can afford the most expensive city in the United States to find you!' He finishes it off by saying, 'Affordability is about romance!' Sounds like a solid argument, right? The cherry on the top? In today's hyper-media world, managing a spouse's privacy while campaigning is an art. The balance – in which Rama is respected yet allowed her own agency – speaks volumes about Mamdani's campaign's ethos. The power couple Zohran and Rama complement one another beautifully. He's youthful, bold, and political. She's thoughtful, reflective, and artistic. And together, they project a modern image: lighthearted, fun, yet empathetic leaders grounded in lived experience. It's only natural that their story resonates with voters wary of polished, photo-op politics. Moreover, their cross-cultural union – a Syrian illustrator married to a South Asian‑Ugandan American progressive – also highlights NYC's cosmopolitan, diverse, and inclusive mosaic. It's not only a global exhibit but also a living embodiment of New York's promise. Mira Nair's politician-rapper son Zohran Mamdani wins seat in New York State Assembly One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zohran Mamdani love life: How the NYC mayoral candidate found the one who loves art just as much as him
Image credits: Instagram/zohrankmamdani NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has been making headlines ever since the New York State Assemblymember stepped up as a candidate. The democratic socialist has surged in the mayor's race leaving behind former Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo. The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist candidate stands out not just for his unique policy proposals but also for his love story revealed alongside his campaign. The former rapper didn't fall in love with just anyone, he found a soulmate in a person who loves art just as much as him, his wife- Rama Duwaji. A love bound by art and soul Image credits: Instagram/zohrankmamdani Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji's love is one bound in art. Mamdani, previously rapped under the moniker Mr Cardamom and even collaborated with popular cookbook authors and actress Madhur Jaffrey for his 2019 single 'Nani.' He is also known to be a fan of hip-hop music. Recently, he released a campaign video on X filled with iconic Bollywood scenes and music, where he explained the voting process in Hindi and highlighted his agenda. His wife, Rama Duwaji is not far behind him in her love for all things creative. The 27-year-old Syrian artist holds a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. Her illustrations have appeared in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and VICE. She is also an animator and ceramicist. Image credits: Instagram/zohrankmamdani Mamdani recently shared photos from their New York City civil ceremony on Instagram writing, "Three months ago, I married the love of my life, Rama, at the City Clerk's office. Rama isn't just my wife, she's an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms." Even the couple's wedding photos were a unique artistic expression, clicked on the subway and the streets with Mamdani donning a traditional attire and Duwaji in a white knee-length dress with boots. It speaks of how the couple is bound by love but differs in personalities, accepting both for their rarity. Zohran once shared how Rama had influenced his fashion too, recommending him to drop skinny jeans and gifting him two pieces he dons daily- a Casio watch and a handmade ring. Before their NYC ceremony, the couple tied the knot in a formal nikkah ceremony on December 22nd, 2024 in Dubai, where Duwaji's family resides. The ceremony was described as intimate, and traditional, with a minimalist and modern aesthetic that reflected the couple's personalities. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
