The art of Chitrakathi, once supported by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but later rejected by society, was on the verge of extinction. Today, the Gangavane family ensures the preservation and development of this art form.
The art of Chitrakathi, once supported by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj but later rejected by society, was on the verge of extinction. Today, the Gangavane family ensures the preservation and development of this art form.
Before the advent of cinema and television, stories came alive through Chitrakathi—one of Maharashtra's oldest narrative traditions. Hand-painted illustrations brought epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata to life.
Developed by the nomadic Takar community, Chitrakathi traveled from village to village. Artists carried sets of 20–30 paintings, performing songs and telling stories, while also conveying social messages through their performances.
Their outstanding skill attracted the attention of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who assisted the artists by providing them with handmade paper. During their travels through villages, they also performed valuable work for spies, gathering intelligence.
However, the situation changed over time. The same artists began to be perceived as vagrants, being forbidden from eating in villages or using common wells. Many of them abandoned the art to provide for themselves.
The Gangavane family chose a different path. They are currently the last Takar family supporting Chitrakathi. In 2006, Parshuram Gangavane converted his stable into a museum to protect this tradition.
His dedication was recognized with the Padma Shri award in 2021. Today, the family supports Chitrakathi through performances, exhibitions, workshops, Gurukul-style training programs for young students, and the creation of new paintings.
The family's dream extends further; they aim to create a broader future for this art. They hope that Sindhudurg will become a cultural center of Maharashtra, attracting visitors through its stories, paintings, and living heritage alongside its beaches.
The beginning of July will be marked by the joint exhibitions Gifts World Expo and the debut Paperworld Delhi. These events will take place at the Bharat Mandapam venue from July 30 to August 1.
The joint hosting of these exhibitions will unite the gift, stationery, paper, and office supplies industries on a single business platform. Organizers reported that more than 850 exhibitors will participate in these events.
Fans of musician Kabza De Small were disappointed after the producer postponed the release of his album 'Tutu'. This album had been long awaited by fans who were following its release.
Initially, the release of 'Tutu' was scheduled for July 31, 2026. However, fans noticed an update on the Spotify platform indicating that the release has been moved to a later date—August 28, 2026. The reason for this postponement was not stated by Kabza De Small himself, although it is known that the music producer has been very busy recently.
Earlier in July, the renowned producer launched a new recording label called Tech Hub. This label aims to support the growing Afrotech movement and help develop the next generation of electronic music talents. JNR SA became the first artist signed to Tech Hub. Kabza De Small stated in the media that 'Tech Hub was created to create a space for innovation and showcase the future of African electronic music,' adding that 'JNR SA has been an important part of this journey from the beginning, and it is fitting that he becomes the first artist representing this vision.'
Furthermore, Kabza De Small is expanding his partnership with the cognac brand Hennessy. Before the race at the Hollywoodbets Durban July this year, Kabza De Small hosted an event with this brand that sold out completely. The event, 'Hennessy Presents: Kabza & Friends Durban July Edition,' turned The Station location in Stamford Hill, Durban, into one of the most sought-after venues over the weekend. This event demonstrated Hennessy's increasing investment in artist-created events, while Kabza De Small's creative vision defined the music, atmosphere, and overall guest experience.
Despite the release delay, fans are happy to see their favorite hitmaker developing in other areas of his career, but they are still awaiting the album's release.
The romantic film '29' is characterized by its simplicity and basic approach; it does not fantasize about love but rather teaches the viewer about boundaries and the necessity of achieving wholeness before entering a union.
The production of the film was overseen by Karthik Subbaraj and Lokesh Kanagaraj, who moved away from their usual genres of Tamil spaghetti films and action thrillers.
The Tamil film '29' is a multi-layered romantic drama centered on Sathya (Vidhu), a young man of 29 years old who experiences an identity crisis, changing jobs and feeling a lack of ambition. His personality contrasts with Vijayalakshmi (Prithi Asrani), a determined woman who dreams of becoming an officer in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Sathya and Vijay meet at work, and their friendship gradually evolves into a relationship, bringing new significance to Sathya's life. However, this happy period is soon overshadowed by a divergence in priorities: Vijay's relentless pursuit of career goals and Sathya's inability to support her during critical moments, including grueling exam preparation.
When Vijay moves to Delhi with her mother to continue IAS preparation, Sathya is left devastated, forcing him to look at his own shortcomings. Their separation stimulates both characters to achieve their goals, find their true 'selves,' and undergo emotional growth.
The lead actor Vidhu demonstrates his youth and versatility, portraying Sathya as gentle and sincere, making him one of the best performers in this picture. The female lead Prithi Asrani illuminates Sathya's dark world, sharply contrasting with his character in many aspects. It is interesting to see how well both leads handle their roles, as the contrasts are sharp, the emotions are genuine, and the love feels close to realism.
Director Ratna Kumar created a good storyline that has been seen before, but what distinguishes '29' is its realism, devoid of excessive sentimentality. A major production achievement was the participation of Shon Roland in composing the music—the melodies are soulful, warm, and varied for different narrative threads, with the compositions 'Seelay Seelay' and 'Polladha Aasaigal' standing out as gems of the album.
The film '29' is recommended for viewing and is available for streaming on Netflix.
