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“Selective secularism is dangerous for the country,” says Director Vivek Agnihotri during CMFF-2022 at Chandigarh University

Second edition of Chandigarh Music & Film Festival culminates at Chandigarh University, Gharuan

CHANDIGARH, India, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — “The Kashmir Files dared to show the truth of Kashmiri Hindu genocide which all the movies made on Kashmir had conveniently ignored,” said Director Vivek Agnihotri, as he hit out at the ‘prevalent selective secularism’ which, he said, was harming the country in a big way.

Speaking at the second edition of Chandigarh Music and Film Festival at Chandigarh University Gharuan, Agnihotri, director of ‘The Kashmir Files’, also said that Punjab has seen more bloodshed than any other region and the solution to the threat of terrorism was the strict policy of ‘zero tolerance to violence of any form’.

Agnihotri said that secularism was and is in the DNA of India, but ‘selective secularism’ that is prevalent in the country is not good for the nation.

“Secularism is a great thing, where all faiths should be given equal treatment and respect but in India, a dangerous trend of selective secularism is prevalent where politicians use the concept as per their convenience. I am against the selfish usage of secularism in politics, for vote bank. This is a threat to the spirit of the concept and will harm this great nation in a big way,” he said, adding that his movie ‘The Kashmir Files’ was being called Islamphobic by people, in the name of this ‘selective secularism’ only.

“People say that The Kashmir Files was missing one side of the story—the story of Kashmir Muslims. Almost half a dozen movies made in past on Kashmir also conveniently and completely ignored one side of the story—that of the Kashmiri Hindu Genocide. The Kashmir Files dared to show that side of the story,” he said.

Agnihotri asserted that almost every part of the country has seen bloodshed at different points in time and unfortunately the countrymen didn’t stand for the victims at any time.

“The bloodshed fuelled by terrorism has occurred in Kashmir, in Jharkhand, in Bengal. Even the land of Punjab has seen more bloodshed than any other region for the longest period of time. The solution to the threat of terrorism was the strict policy of zero tolerance to violence of any form,” he said.

Speaking about ‘The Kashmir Files’, Agnihotri said that he started working on the movie in 2018, and has interviewed 700 Kashmiri Pandits on camera to find out the truth.

“Even today, our eyes get moist, on recounting each of those horrific accounts of the tragedy they went through. The Kashmir Files is the story of those people, put together and shown by me, to tell the truth that terrorism not only destroys the life, but also the culture and identity of even a community,” said an emotional Agnihotri.

Agnihotri said that The Kashmir Files was the second installment of the trilogy that began with The Tashkent Files, and The Delhi Files will be the third movie in the series. Ruing the lack of interest and spending on research in Bollywood, Agnihotri said that each of his films was akin to a full-blown research thesis, taking 3-4 years to complete, just like a PhD.

Earlier, renowned filmmaker and actor Saurabh Shukla spoke at length about the finer nuances of the acting, the layered structuring of the characters and the art of story-telling.

“Most important thing for an actor is his imagination and thus an actor must also write. The characters should be layered carefully, with each element peeled off by the audience on its own, instead of being put in open. Also, I believe that a story teller must understand himself what he is telling. If he does, I don’t see a reason why anyone else wouldn’t,” said the veteran actor while interacting with the students.

Actor Akhilendra Mishra shared with the students valuable tips and tricks on voice modulation and memory as an actor, while emphasising that language and pronunciation are the biggest asset for actors. Celebrated Director Abhishek Dudhaiya urged the students to put in hard work as they step up the ladders in the industry, saying, “the more hard work you put in behind the scenes, the closer you will get to the success on the screen.”

It may be mentioned here that the second edition of annual two-day-long Chandigarh Music And Film Festival (CMFF) culminated today at varsity campus, with renowned filmmakers and artists from Hindi film industry enlightening the audience with their insights into the art of filmmaking.

As many as 150 short films made by students of Film Schools were being screened during the Festival, which also witnessed Imtiaz Ali’s Talk Show and interaction with University Institute of Film and Media Studies giving a glimpse into finer nuances of filmmaking, current trends in the cinema industry as well as his journey in the Bollywood.

Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan was the chief guest while S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University was the special guest during the inaugural ceremony which also featured famed celebrities like Akhilender Mishra, Rana Jung Bahadur, KC Bokadia, Preeti Sapru, Saurabh Shukla, Gavy Chahal, Duleep Singh, Dev Sharma, Dilip Sen, Darshan Aulakh and several other eminent personalities.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and an autonomous educational institution approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule

Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.

MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.

Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.

Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.

Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”

Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”

The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.

About Jameson Connects

Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.

About Azadi Records

Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032

Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jameson-connects-crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-2.jpg

 

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News Wire

Jameson Connects & Crepdog Crew Celebrate Subcultures with Limited-Edition Capsule

Celebrating community, creativity, and self-expression through a limited-edition drop inspired by India’s most vibrant subcultures.

MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jameson Connects joins forces with India’s largest sneaker and streetwear retailer, Crepdog Crew, to launch a one-of-a-kind limited-edition capsule that celebrates the spirit of counterculture in India. The collaboration is being launched under Jameson Connects – Jam Studio, a culture and community-driven collaborative space, which brings together creative minds to help explore a fresh artistic landscape.

Rooted in the dynamic street and creative scenes of India, Jameson Connects and Crepdog Crew have come together to spotlight authentic voices and celebrate self-expression from the ground up. Inspired by bomber jacket patch culture, the drop reinterprets the spirit of individuality and identity through a distinctive camo-style shacket with interchangeable patches, designed to be a canvas for personal storytelling. Complementing the shacket are a tote bag and mug, completing a bold and collectible capsule collection.

Ayush Kalra pays homage to the tattoo scene, Vijaya Aswani captures the dynamic energy of skateboarding, Jayesh Joshi channels the freedom of the biking community, and Siddhartha Iyer brings alive the rhythm and soul of music.

Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO, Crepdog Crew, said, “Subcultures shape the streets long before trends catch up. At Crepdog Crew, we’ve always built spaces—physical and creative—for the community to thrive. This shacket is our way of putting that truth on fabric—a celebration of individuality, identity, and the scenes that give cities their soul. With Jameson Connects, we’ve created more than a drop—we’ve created a canvas for the culture.”

Mo Joshi, Co-founder of Azadi Records, Culture partner for Jameson Connects, said, “Real culture grows where community thrives. Jameson Connects has always been about championing grassroots voices and giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated. This collaboration with Crepdog Crew isn’t just about merch—it’s about movement.”

The drop celebrates the power of creative collaboration through art, music, and community-first experiences.

About Jameson Connects

Powered by Jameson Ginger Ale, Jameson Connects is a community-first platform for India’s creative voices. Through verticals like Jam Pad, Jam Stage, Jam Studio, and Jam Radio, it brings together culture-shaping individuals and subcultures to collaborate, co-create, and connect.

About Azadi Records

Azadi Records is a progressive Indian music label spotlighting thought-provoking hip-hop across regional languages and subcultures. Since 2017, it has given voice to the unheard, pushing the boundaries of what Indian music can be.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Shefali Bhatia, PR Pundit Havas Red | shefali.bhatia@prpundithavasred.com | +91 9821821032

Sanjana Jhawar, PR Pundit Havas Red | sanjana.jhawar@prpundithavasred.com | +91 7023080670

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jameson-connects-crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-1.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects–crepdog-crew-celebrate-subcultures-with-limited-edition-capsule-302472881.html

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Jameson Connects grooves to Grammy winner Anderson .Paak in Mumbai

An intimate celebration of music, culture, and community, also featured Seedhe Maut and Shekhinah

MUMBAI, India, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Music lovers in Mumbai were treated to an unforgettable evening as Jameson Connects brought its signature global experience, Distilled Sounds, to India’s cultural capital with an electrifying night of rhythm, soul, and connection. Headlining the showcase was none other than Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee, who took over Famous Studios, Mumbai, for a high-voltage, electrifying up-close performance that brought unmatched energy to this thrilling chapter of Jameson Connects.

DJ Pee .Wee, the dynamic alter ego of Anderson .Paak, delivered a high-energy DJ set that showcased his impeccable taste and versatility behind the console. Known for his genre-blending sound that merges hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B, Anderson .Paak additionally treated audiences to an intimate live performance towards the end, captivating them with his rich musicality and vibrant presence.

Adding to the evening’s vibrant soundscape was a duo who need little introduction — Seedhe Maut. Fresh off the release of their eighth project DL91 FM, the genre-defying Delhi-based icons brought their razor-sharp lyrics and explosive live energy. Joining them was South African powerhouse Shekhinah, celebrated for her soulful vocals and signature fusion of R&B and pop. Together, they formed a thrilling trifecta of artistry that embodies Jameson’s spirit of fearless creativity and community.

With each edition, Jameson Connects continues to raise the bar in crafting immersive cultural experiences that merge music, community, and creativity. Known for spotlighting boundary-breaking talent from around the world while championing local voices, the platform has become a space where global artistry meets homegrown expression. The upcoming Mumbai showcase is set to be no different-an intimate yet high-impact gathering that celebrates the spirit of connection, the power of live performance, and the magic that unfolds when diverse creative energies come together under one roof.

More than just a music event, Jameson Connects delivered a curated celebration of culture, community, and connection. From eclectic pop-ups by homegrown brands to vibrant F&B experiences and the thoughtfully curated zones, every element is designed to spark conversations and camaraderie.

Stay tuned for what’s next from Jameson Connects.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/jameson_alwaysintomixin?igsh=eGszaTBsNTV5N2Yx

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/jameson-connects-grooves-to-grammy-winner-anderson-paak-in-mumbai-1.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/jameson-connects-grooves-to-grammy-winner-anderson-paak-in-mumbai-302472876.html

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