Bharat Gaurav Mr. Javed Akhtar - Urdu poet and film lyricist

Son of well-known Urdu poet and film lyricist Jan Nisar Akhtar and SafiaAkhtar, teacher and writer, Javed Akhtar belongs to a family lineage that can be traced back to seven generations of writers. The highly respected Urdu poet, Majaz was his mother’s brother and the work of Muzter Khairabadi, his grandfather, is looked upon as a milestone in Urdu Poetry.

Javed Akhtar did his schooling at the Cambridge School in Bhopal, Colvin Taluqdars’ College in Lucknow, Minto Circle at Aligarh, and graduated from Vikram University, Bhopal in 1964.

His first collection of poetry ‘Tarkash' is in its twenty-seven editions. It has received rave reviews both as a book and as India’s first audio book. According to a recent survey done by a publisher’s organization, ‘Tarkash’ is the most sold book of verses in the last 75 years in India.

   

It has been translated in English, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi and recently in French ‘D’Autres Mondes’ to rave reviews and he was invited to recite at the historic Maison De La Poesie in Paris. It has now been translated in Italian ‘In altre parole, altri mondi’. He was invited to recite at Universities of Rome and Bologna, Italy. His 2nd publication of verses titled Lava was released in 2012 and is still on the list of 10 best sellers in Hindi.

His books ‘Talking Films’ & ‘Talking Songs’ published by Oxford University Press have been hailed by film critics as the most definitive works on Indian Cinema and are in the libraries of major Ivy League Universities in USA. Now his third book of the same series ‘Talking Life’ has been published recently by Westland Publications. ‘Jadunama’ a book on Javed Akhtar’s journey has also been published by Manjul Publications.

Javed Akhtar has been nominated to Rajya Sabha (Upper House) as Member of Parliament by President of India 2010. He is the architect of the Copyright Amendment Bill passed by both Houses of Indian Parliament which after a long struggle has finally given Copyright royalties to Writers and Music composers. He was the Vice – President of International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) the first Asian to be on the Governing Board of CISAC. Javed Akhtar is the Chairman of IPRS which is the Government recognized Copyright Society of India.

A multi-faceted personality Javed Akhtar is also a celebrated T.V anchor who has had talk shows on Zee TV, Epic Channel and Tata Sky has dedicated solely to him on which he explains the intricacies of poetry in a language that is simple to understand and relates dohas (two-line poems in Hindi) and Urdu poetry to everyday living.

     

Highly regarded as a social commentator and respected for his liberal progressive values Javed Akhtar is considered one of India’s 50 most powerful people in a survey conducted by India today.

He is married to film actress Shabana Azmi and has two children Zoya who is a writer – director and Farhan Akhtar who is and actor, singer, writer, director and producer.

His body of work can be categorized under four distinct categories :

(a) Script Writer (b) Lyricist (c) Poet (d) Activist

AWARDS: Films

5 National Awards by Government of India as Best Lyricist three of them in a row an unprecedented achievement.

15 Film Fare Awards which are considered to be India’s Oscars as Best Script Writer and Best Lyricist.

Awards :

Hon. Doctorate (Doctor of Literature) by SOAS University of London 2023 l Shailendra Trust Memorial Award 2023 l Poet Laureate Award by Tata Literature Live 2020 l Richard Dawkins Award by Center for Inquiry and Richard Dawkins Foundation 2020 l Hon. Doctorate (Doctor of Letters) by Symbiosis International University 2019 l Lifetime Achievement Award – Times Litfest 2019 l Hon. Doctorate (Doctor of Letters) by Jamia Hamdard University 2019

l Ghalib Award for Poetry 2018 l Sankat Mochan Shanti Doot Award 2018 l Hindi Akademi Shalaka Award 2018 l Sahitya Akademi Award 2014 (The Central Academy of Literature) l Hon. Doctorate (Doctor of Letters) by Pondicherry University 2010 l Padma Bhushan Award 2007 (2nd highest civilian honour for excellence in writing) by Government of India l Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration 2006 l Padmashri in 1999 by the Government of India.

Universities Addressed :

Harvard University l Columbia University l University of Mary Land l Berkeley California

l University of Cambridge l University of Oxford l London School of Economics

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Mr. Madhav Agasti - Dress Designer

Madhav Agasti, a legendary men’s dress designer based in Mumbai, has spent more than five decades tailoring not just clothes, but the very image of power and charisma in Indian public life. At 76, Agasti’s legacy is stitched into the fabric of both Bollywood and Indian politics, where his bespoke creations have adorned some of the most influential personalities in the country.

Agasti’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With no formal training in tailoring or fashion design, he entered the world of costume-making driven purely by passion and perseverance. His story is a testament to the power of self-belief and the value of hands-on learning. What began as humble beginnings in the city of dreams, Mumbai, blossomed into a remarkable career that saw him design costumes for over 350 Hindi films. Over the years, his clientele expanded to include Indian Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, Presidents, Governors, Chief Ministers from various states, senior leaders across political parties, and notable international figures.

   

One of the defining chapters of Agasti’s illustrious career began in the heart of Bollywood. Though he designed costumes across genres, he became especially known for his work with villains—crafting looks that were as memorable as the characters themselves. Among his most iconic works is the costume of Mogambo, the infamous antagonist from the 1987 blockbuster Mr. India, portrayed by the late Amrish Puri. The costume, with its military flair and menacing style, became an iconic symbol of villainy in Indian cinema.

While Agasti made his name in the world of cinema, his work soon caught the attention of political leaders. His transition from Bollywood to politics was seamless, and his understanding of personality and presence made him a favorite among politicians who wanted their attire to reflect authority and identity. His most celebrated political client was Shiv Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray. Agasti designed Thackeray’s signature white shirt-style kurta and the elegant Kashmiri shawl that became synonymous with the leader’s public persona. The attire was not just clothing; it was a carefully constructed image that embodied simplicity, strength, and cultural pride.

Agasti’s designs were never about following fashion trends. Instead, they were about understanding the essence of a person and creating garments that highlighted their individuality. He approached each project like a storyteller, using fabric and form to express a narrative. Whether it was a commanding politician or a formidable film villain, Agasti had a unique ability to translate character into clothing. Behind the glamour and acclaim, however, was a journey of grit and resilience. Agasti started with little more than a dream and an unwavering belief in his craft. He worked tirelessly to establish his business, facing many challenges that come with working in a highly competitive industry. But with every stitch, he refined his skill and built a reputation as a meticulous and insightful designer. His dedication to quality and his ability to adapt to changing times have been key to his long-standing success.

Agasti believes that the key to a fulfilling life is to follow one's passion with perseverance. In his own words, “When passion is paired with perseverance, it can transform dreams into reality.” His story is not just about fashion—it’s about human connection, adaptability, and the power of purpose. Throughout his career, Madhav Agasti has remained grounded and grateful. He often speaks of the people who supported him along the way—clients, colleagues, and friends who believed in him and gave him opportunities to grow. He sees his journey as a collaborative one, shaped by countless interactions and shared experiences.

His upcoming memoir delves into the personal and professional milestones that have defined his career, offering readers an intimate look into the world of Indian tailoring and design. It’s more than a recounting of achievements—it’s a heartfelt narrative of struggle, growth, and the timeless art of dressing men with dignity and distinction. Madhav Agasti’s legacy lies not just in the clothes he has crafted, but in the impact he has had on Indian visual culture. From the silver screen to the corridors of power, his designs have helped shape how India’s most iconic figures are seen and remembered. Through skill, intuition, and an unshakable love for his craft, he has earned his place as one of India’s most revered and influential designers.

     

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Ms. Gulabo Sapera - Folk Artist

A legendry folk artist, Gulabo not only got the flamboyant dance style "Kalbeliya", conceptualized and choreographed by herself, identified across the globe but got her community, a nomadic one, a never imagined recognition. Battling all the odds that life thrust upon her she proceeded with courage and perseverance for the honour of the nation, her community and her family. The dance form, she introduced, is today one of the major features the state of Rajasthan is identified with on culture and tourism map.

Born in kalbeliya tribe in Ajmer as dhanvanti, her parents buried her on pressure from the community despite their unwillingness due to her being 4th girl child but she was lucky to be exhumed alive after almost six hours on the insistence of her mother's sister. Her father started taking her along in a very tender age for the snake show on the roads, their staple profession and growing up with the snakes, she started dancing like the snakes.  A style, which was quite a unique and unprecedented one.

Given her rather maniacal passion for the dance, she continued practicing surreptitiously in the isolated places despite the objections of her community.

Once she was taken to the holy shrine of khwaza moinuddin chishti, where the shrine blessed her with a rose flower and here she got the new name "GULABO".

The turning point of her life came when she was dancing with her community women in a fair at Pushkar at the age of seven yrs in 1981. There she was noticed by some representatives of tourism department, who were quite enthralled by the gyrations and suppleness of her dance. There she was offered to dance before a group of foreigners, which she did after a rigorous convincing and won enormous appreciation. This public performance further enraged her community and this time the infuriated community panchayat slapped her family with social boycott. Unable to beat this resistance, she finally shifted to Jaipur with the help of her family and her promoters.

In 1985, she got an offer to join a culture crew for the USA, which again was opposed heavily, but overcoming this opposition, she finally left for the USA with her father passing away just a day ahead of her departure to the USA. But for the realization of the dreams of her father and her family and for the recognition of her community and art, she flew to the USA  and remained in washington for two months performing continuously.

Impressed by the dance form, she had an offer to live there permanently and teach the dance but she refused. The intervention of the then prime minister, Rajiv gandhi, on whose wrist she tied a symbolic rakhi, could not budge her and he had to give in to her patriotic sentiments and interest in teaching the art in her own country.

Since then, she tied the holy thread  on his wrist every raksha bandhan until he passes away. With this her relation with the Gandhi family became eternal.

This overseas performance in the US established her as an ambassador of the folk heritage of Rajasthan. President of the all India kalbeliya community, today she is treated as an institution, a hallmark of the state with a plethora of national and international awards. A visiting faculty at institutions in countries like Denmark (Copenhagen), France (Paris).

She has visited 153 countries. She wishes to set up a dance school in Pushkar, amidst the people of her own community. She has also taken up the course of educating the girls and boys of her community and working tirelessly for the image makeover of the community through the GULABI SAPERA SANGEET SANSTHAN, set up by her.

In 2011, GULABO featured in reality television show BIGG BOSS 5 as contestant No. 12. She spoke openly about the truth in 2016.

She got Padma Shri award from President of India.

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Mrs. Begam Batool - Mand Singer

In the sprawling deserts of Rajasthan, where the sands whisper tales of ancient traditions and vibrant culture, there emerges a voice that transcends time and space. That voice belongs to Mrs. Begam Batool, a true maestro of Rajasthani Bhajan and Maand, whose journey from the narrow alleys of tradition to the grand stages of the world is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born into a conservative Muslim community, where the echoes of tradition often suffocate the dreams of women, Begam Batool dared to defy convention from a young age. Blessed with a natural talent for music, she found solace and expression in the rhythmic beats of the tabla and the soul-stirring melodies of Rajasthani folk songs.

But Begam Batool’s journey to musical prominence was not without its challenges. In a society where women’s voices were meant to be heard only within the confines of their homes, stepping onto the public stage was a bold and courageous act. Yet, fueled by her passion for music and her unwavering determination, she embarked on a journey that would take her beyond the borders of her homeland and into the hearts of audiences worldwide.

With her mastery over a plethora of rhythmic instruments like the tabla, dholak, dhol, and Daf, as well as her proficiency in international instruments like the djembe and darbuka, Begam Batool crafted a unique and mesmerizing style that blended the traditional with the contemporary. Her ability to sing while playing the tabla herself became her signature, captivating audiences with its seamless fusion of melody and rhythm.

Despite facing skepticism and resistance from conservative elements within her community, Begam Batool remained undeterred. For over four decades, she has crisscrossed the globe, sharing the soulful melodies of Rajasthan with audiences in India, Europe, Africa, Australia, and beyond. From the grandeur of the Town Hall of Paris to the humble surroundings of the Cathédrale Saint-Louis in Tunisia, her performances have left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of hearing her sing.

But Begam Batool’s contributions extend far beyond her musical prowess. She is a trailblazer, a pioneer, and a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment. In a society where women are often relegated to the sidelines, she has carved out a space for herself as the only woman in her community to perform in public concerts. Through her initiatives like “Bassant,” she provides a platform for talented artists from rural Rajasthan to showcase their skills, fostering a sense of community and pride.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with prestigious awards like the “Nari Shakti Puraskar,” the highest civilian honor for women in India, as well as the “Rajasthan Gaurav” Award from the Governor of Rajasthan. She has shared the stage with luminaries from across the globe, including French actress Sandrine Bonnaire, musician duo Polo and Pan, and Spanish flamenco dancer Yolanda Osuna, among others.

But perhaps Begam Batool’s greatest legacy lies in the lives she has touched and the doors she has opened for future generations. Through her advocacy for education and empowerment, she has inspired countless young girls from her community to pursue their dreams, showing them that with talent, determination, and opportunity, anything is possible.

As the spotlight continues to shine on her remarkable journey, Begam Batool remains humble and grounded, a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite hearts. Her story, soon to be immortalized in a documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Audre Gordon, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring musicians and empowered women everywhere. In the rich tapestry of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, Begam Batool’s voice will forever echo, a testament to the enduring power of music to uplift, inspire, and unite.

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Mr. Mathiyalagan Kangartnam - Artist

Promoting Indian music and dance in Europe for the past 30 years.

Arrived in France at the age of 15 in 1993. Started as a dancer in Viluthu association where became the dance teacher. Subsequently, after 10 years for stage experience, he finally realized his dream in 2003 by creating his own group “RC New Boys and Girls” was born. Mr. Mathiyalagan is the artistic director and choreographer and lead dancer of this group. Performed more than 10,000 universal private events and given numerous dance classes through artistic schools in France.

Mr. Mathiyalagan has achieved several landmarks in his artistic career :

  • Played in the French film “Célibataires” with Guillaume Depardieu (2006).
  • Acted in the Tamil film “Boys and girls” by V. Rajagopal (2006).
  • Danced in film “The Theory of the Universe” by Kamir Méridja (2007)
  • Participated till semi-final at France Got Talent television show on French television and reached till Semi-Final (2008),
  • Participated in the show “2 hours of laughter with Gad Merad”,
  • Participated in the show “Jodi number 1” on Vijay TV in India (2011),
  • Acted in music video with Indila and TLF called “Criminels” (2012),
  • Participated in the show “Who will be the best tonight?” (2012),
  • Choreographed a couple (Julie and Florian) for the show “You can dance” (2012),
  • Participated in a major festival in Algeria (2013),
  • Participated in a grand show for the Hon’ble President of Congo-Brazaville (2013),
  • Appeared in TV show “4 honeymoon weddings” (2013),
  • Participated in the show “Touche pas à mon poste” (2014),
  • Participated in a program at the town hall of Paris in the presence of Mr Deepak Vohra, Ambassador and officer on Special Duty to the Technology Adviser to the Prime Minister of India (2015),
  • Received “GOPIO ACHIEVERS AWARD” (2022),
  • Received grand prize at Anuradha Sriram’s concert in India (2023),
  • Performed at several Tamil channels (SUN TV, VIJAY TV, DEEPAM, TTN, TRT) and French channels (TF1, M6, NT1, W8, CANAL+).

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Mr. Ramesh Pokhriyal - Writer & Politician

Ramesh Pokhriyal is a renowned Indian author, born in 1959 in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty. Since his childhood, he had a passion for writing poems and stories, which led him to publish his first book, "Samarpan," in 1983. He has authored over 100 books on various topics such as travel, tourism, culture, and religion. His pen name, "Nishank," is well-known among readers worldwide, as his books have been translated into several languages, including English, German, Spanish, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannad, Urdu, Farsi, Marathi, Konkan, and Rajasthani.

Pokhriyal's contribution to Indian literature has been recognized by several dignitaries, including Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Mrs. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, and Mr. Pranav Mukhrjee. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including the "Vatyan Lifetime Achievement Award" in the United Kingdom, the "International Global Galaxy Award" in Germany, the "Sahitya Gaurav Samman" in Canada, the "Mauritius Award" by the President of Mauritius, the "Himal Gaurav Samman" in Nepal, the "Environment Conservation Award" in Poland, and the "Sahitya Bharti" award by the Indian Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He has also received the highest recognition in the world of literature, the "International Ajay Swarn Padak."

Apart from being an acclaimed author, Pokhriyal is also an Indian politician. He was appointed as the Minister of Human Resource Development on 31 May 2019, which was later renamed as the Minister of Education in July 2020. He represents the Haridwar Parliamentary constituency of Uttarakhand in the 17th Lok Sabha. Previously, he served as the 5th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand from 2009 to 2011 and was a member of the 16th Lok Sabha, where he chaired the Committee on Government Assurances.

Pokhriyal is married to Kusum Kanta Pokhriyal, whom he married on 7 May 1985. The couple has three daughters, one of whom, Aarushi Nishank, is a classical dancer. With his impressive achievements in both literature and politics, Pokhriyal continues to be an inspiration to many in India and beyond.

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Mr. Siddharth Singh - Chef UK

Mr. Sidhharth Singh is a talented and experienced chef who has spent the last 25 years honing his skills in various kitchens around the world. Born in Jaipur, India, he had a passion for exploring diverse cuisines and restaurant options available in his hometown from an early age. His father, Chef Gopal Singh, had a significant influence on his culinary journey, and he learned his first cooking lessons under his father's guidance.

After developing a keen interest in Indian cooking, he joined the restaurant industry at the prestigious Rajputana Palace Sheraton in Jaipur in 1994. Here, he learned the art of tandoor and Indian spices under the guidance of his seniors. Later, he joined the Radisson Hotel in Varanasi, where he was honored to open The Great Kabab Factory, an Indian specialty restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Som Shankar and Chef Vakeel Ahmad. The restaurant is now a signature restaurant for Radisson Hotels in India.

During his career, he had the privilege of serving many notable figures, including Bollywood celebrity Salman Khan, who he served during one of his shoots. Customers commended him for the quality and taste of his food, and he won various local culinary awards over the years.

He continued to hone his skills by working at many hotels, including Fortune (Ahmedabad) and Park Plaza (Jaipur), and even worked on Miami Cruise lines. Fifteen years ago, he made Sheffield, UK, his home and worked at various restaurant chains such as Las Iguanas and Giraffe to understand the restaurant culture in the UK and develop new skill sets.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, he decided it was time to fulfill his dream of opening a successful restaurant overseas, and that's when 400°C was born. He designed a menu that focuses on dishes made with readily available fresh ingredients, and he implemented strict quality control to ensure that his food is safe to eat and adheres to all food safety regulations. He also ensures that his staff members are honing their skills to ensure the best service.

400°C is the manifestation of his life's experiences, hard work, and dreams. It's also a form of appreciation for his community. He believes that he is still learning something new every single day while thoroughly enjoying this process because of his love and passion for food crafts.

by Team Bharat Gaurav

Bharat Gaurav Suvigya Sharma - The Artist

by Team Bharat Gaurav