PM Modi was greeted by Indian diaspora outside the Blair House in Washington DC.
waShington dC: In a bold statement on social media, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would unveil reciprocal tariffs later on Thursday, marking a significant shift in economic policy.
“Three great weeks, perhaps the best ever, but today is the big one: reciprocal tariffs!!! Make America great again!!!” Trump posted in all capital letters on his Truth Social platform, signaling a major development in his administration’s trade strategy.
The announcement comes ahead of a high-stakes meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set for Thursday morning. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of trade issues, and the announcement of these tariffs suggests a potential change in USIndia trade relations.
This strategy would essentially align US tariffs with the tariff rates imposed by other countries on US imports. Under the policy, if a country like India, for example, imposes a 25% tariff on US
automobiles, the US would match that rate on imports from India.
The announcement has sparked concerns among economists, who warn that such a move could significantly raise tariffs on goods from emerging market economies. Countries such as India and Thailand, which have higher tariff rates on US products, would be most affected. In contrast, nations with existing trade agreements with the US, like South Korea, are seen as less vulnerable to these new tariffs.
Trump had previously promised during his campaign, “An eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount,” reinforcing his stance on making trade relations “fair” for American exports. Analysts believe that his push for reciprocal tariffs aims to address US trade imbalances and ensure that American goods face equal treatment abroad.
Countries like India currently have a 9.5% average tariff on US exports, while the US imposes a much lower 3% tariff on Indian
exports. Thailand’s tariff rate stands at 6.2%, while China’s is at 7.1%, further highlighting the disparity in tariff rates that Trump’s mto keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.
With the almost $200 billion bilateral trade, what irks Trump is the $40-50 billion surplus that is in India’s favor.
And, while Trump has emphasised his desire for a trade relationship with India that is more “fair,” Delhi has already signalled its willingness to negotiate a limited trade deal to address Washington’s concerns over market access.
On Monday, Trump closed exemptions to his 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminium, while also raising the tariff rates on aluminium. He has also floated the idea of imposing further tariffs on imported automobiles, computer chips, and pharmaceutical drugs.
Founder: dr. K.L. Sindwani
PubLiSher: Jawahar MaLhotra
editor: PraMod KuLKarni
CorreSPondent: SanChaLi baSu
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The tariffs rattled India’s steel and aluminium industries threatening billions of dollars in exports each year. The Indian Steel Association warned on Tuesday that the steel tariff alone could cut exports to the US by 85%, significantly impacting the sector.
India recently reduced tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which Mr. Trump had zeroed in on as a symbol of India’s misuse of tariffs. The reduction, though, had little effect on the company. India has also raised the prospect of lower duties on goods like bourbon and pecans, which are produced mainly in Republican states.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday met newly confirmed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who was confirmed by the US Congress just hours earlier on Wednesday.
In France, during the bilateral talks, Mr. Modi and Mr. Macron on Wednesday (February 12, 2025) called for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries and committed to further
deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific and various global forums and initiatives.
Mr. Modi and Mr. Macron jointly inaugurated India’s new consulate in France’s Marseille. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi cochaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
During his visit to France, Mr. Modi also met U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and his Indian-origin wife along with their two young sons.
Modi also met Wednesday night with Tesla founder Elon Musk, US national security advisor Mike Waltz and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy.
Just days before his trip to Washington, the arrival of more than 100 Indians on a U.S. military plane caused a domestic backlash. There was uproar in India’s Parliament last week over reports that migrants were mistreated on that journey, including being shackled and handcuffed. -- ToI, IE
houSton: On Sunday morning, February 9, Ashiana 55 After President Paru McGuire delivered a compelling and insightful presentation on Grief and Grieving to the Indian Seniors Citizen Association. She masterfully delved into the myriad causes of grief, eloquently articulated the five stages of the grieving process, and highlighted the transformative benefits of being part of a grief support group.
McGuire and her Board members addressed the ISCA members
after their regular monthly meeting, held this time at the Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Temple on the city’s far westside.
The opportunity was made possible by Yogesh Gandhi, President of ISCA and his committee, who provided a platform for this important presentation. Ashiana 55 After extends its heartfelt gratitude to them for their support in fostering meaningful conversations on topics that deeply impact our community.
As the emcee, Board Director
Deepti Patel skillfully introduced
*Ashiana 55 After* with a perfect blend of clarity, humor, and heartfelt warmth, drawing everyone into the conversation.
She also shared her own journey through grief, speaking from the heart about the challenges and emotional toll of a loved one’s prolonged illness. Her openness and vulnerability created a profound connection with the audience, inspiring hope and solidarity.
The session was enriched by heartfelt contributions from speak-
ers on the Ashiana 55 After Board of Directors and Board of Advisors. Indo American News’ Publisher Jawahar Malhotra’s moving speech resonated deeply with the audience as he candidly shared his recent profound loss, captivating everyone with his authenticity and grace.
Rajeshree Choudhary seamlessly intertwined the themes of dance, gardening, and the healing journey through grief, painting a vivid picture of resilience and renewal. Dilip Desai eloquently ad-
dressed the pivotal role of religion and spirituality in navigating grief, delivering his poignant message in Gujarati, which added a powerful personal touch.
This presentation marked the beginning of many meaningful conversations that A55A intends to have with the community, reinforcing the essential role of support and community in the journey through grief. It was a reminder that through shared experiences and compassionate connections, we can find solace and strength
ahMedabad: Gautam Adani’s youngest son, Jeet Adani, tied the knot with Diva Shah in an intimate and traditional ceremony at the Belvedere Club in the Adani Shantigram township in Ahmedabad on February 7.
In a refreshing departure from high-profile events, the AdaniShah wedding saw a distinct lack of celebrity guests and politicians. The wedding also came with a philanthropic gesture from the Adani family, who donated INR 10,000 crore to various social causes, set to fund critical infrastructure initiatives in healthcare, education, and skill development.
Despite the intimate nature of the celebration, it was by no means a lowkey affair. Luxury wedding planner Aash Studio took to social media to share behind-the-scenes snippets of the mehendi ceremony, featuring elaborate floral arrangements and larger-than-life installations in bright hues.
Aashna Saran, founder of Aash Studio, told indianexpress.com that the flowers were the most
by
bhagyaShree deo
For years, I struggled with manic depression. Traditional treatments offered some relief, but it wasn’t until I discovered the power of pranayama, the yogic practice of breath control, that I truly began to heal. My journey started with my sister-in-law, Shobhatai, who introduced me to the “Art of Living” pranayama. Initially, I was hesitant. For three months, I observed, unsure if it was right for me. But something inside me pushed me to try, and I began a practice that would change my life. I created a sanctuary for my practice – my study, my God’s room –a place where I felt comfortable and at peace. There, on my white seaty, I connected with my breath. My pranayama practice, taught to me by Jaiprakash Zende, became a daily ritual. Over time, my practice evolved. I start and end with “Om” japa, a meditative chant. Then, I move into Bhastrika, the bellows breath, for 12 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of Anulom Vilom, alternate nostril breathing. This specific combination has been transformative. The Anulom Vilom, in particular, helped me overcome years of debilitating constipation, something even Triphala couldn’t cure. Before Anulom Vilom, I incorporate Kapalbhati for 5 minutes, modified due to back pain. Finally, I conclude with a 10minute guided Vipassana meditation by Goenkaji. Initially, dhyan (meditation) was a struggle. My mind raced, making it impossible to find stillness. But with Goenkaji’s guided meditation, I learned to quiet the noise and find my center. I am deeply grateful to Jaiprakash Zende, who
carefully curated thing they had on hand, and the decorations took a month of detailing and sampling.
“From creating beautiful shapes of flowers, getting lakhs of carefully carved sola wood flowers made
by Indian artisans and then dyeing them in beautiful colours, a lot went into creating the magical carnival ‘Mastani Mehendi’,” she said, adding that they also “motorised the flowers to have beauti-
ful movements and make the dream come alive.”
“Months of meticulous planning, mood boarding, and sampling. We were very sure with the families guidance that beyond this event be-
ing beautiful it had to be meaningful (sic),” they revealed in the caption of their video.
They shared further insights into working with 500 artisans from all over the country. “Handwoven crochet flowers, to a crochet blanket made with 50 women from their homes, cane weaving techniques for furniture, women lead organisations to create cross stitch panels made for the stage,” read their caption.
Previously, Gautam Adani had shared pictures of the wedding on social media. He wrote on X:
“With the blessings of Almighty God, Jeet and Diva tied the sacred knot of marriage today. The wedding took place in Ahmedabad with traditional rituals and Shubh Mangal Bhaav among loved ones. It was a small and extremely private function, so we could not invite all the well-wishers even if we wanted to, for which I apologise. I sincerely seek blessings and love from all of you for my daughter Diva and Jeet.”
first shared this powerful practice with me during a visit to our home in Pune. His pranayama is truly powerful, and it paved the way for me to embrace other forms, including Ramdev Baba’s pranayama, which I’ve practiced since 2009. My passion for pranayama extends beyond my personal practice. During a trip to Japan with my husband, Vasant, I shared these techniques with Yamini Joshi, Shruti Acharya, and Ritu Chauhan. It filled me with joy to share something so beneficial. I remember Shruti’s husband expressing his gratitude, and even showing me the wealth of information available on YouTube.
I write with the hope that my words will resonate with someone, somewhere. I write when
inspiration strikes, whenever an idea takes hold. My pranayama and meditation practice has become an anchor. It gives structure to my day and a sense of purpose. At 70, I understand the importance of maintaining the flow of prana, life force, through my body. Yoga, especially pranayama, is my lifeline. It’s as essential to me as drinking water or brushing my teeth.
“Let it go.” This simple phrase has become a personal mantra. It reminds me to release negativity and find peace. I even traveled to a Vipassana center in Dallas for a 10-day course to deepen my understanding of meditation. While I struggled to maintain a regular practice at home initially,
Jaiprakash Zende’s gift of a mini Anapan video by Goenkaji has enabled me to incorporate daily meditation into my routine. It leaves me feeling calm, quiet, and relaxed.
Jaiprakash Zende was my first true yoga teacher. Breathing, pranayama, is my anchor, my focus, a way to tame my “monkey mind.” I prioritize it, no matter what. Yoga reminds me of the impermanence of life. Pranayama, derived from the Sanskrit words prana (life force) and ayam (control), is an integral part of yoga.
“Sthira Sukhum Asanam” – ef-
fort without tension, relaxation without dullness. This sutra resonates deeply with me. It’s a reminder that energy should not be confused with anxiety and stress. My journey with pranayama began when my psychiatrist recommended it as an alternative to antidepressants. It was a way to relax, to calm the storm of disturbing thoughts. Bhastrika and Anulom Vilom are my favorites. Bhastrika brings a sense of calm and relaxation to my heart and mind, so much so that I now practice it twice a day. Anulom Vilom, which I initially practiced for 15 minutes as advised by Anand Murti Guruma, became even more powerful when I extended it to 30 minutes, as recommended for experienced practitioners. This longer practice was the key to finally overcoming
my chronic constipation.
“You design the life you want to live every single day.” This is my guiding principle. It’s about how we treat ourselves, and yoga, especially pranayama, is one of my tools for designing the life I wish to live – a life of peace, balance, and well-being.
The Consulate General of India, Houston invites application for the following posts of Consulate General of India Houston
(a) Marketing Assistant; and (b) local clerk for a period of twelve months from the date of engagement (non-renewable), on contractual basis Applicants may be either US citizens or permanent residents, residents with valid appropriate visa or valid work permit. by email to: admn.houston@mea.gov.in or by post to: Head of Chancery Consulate General of India
Interested candidates may send their application and resume along with copies of all supporting documents (for educational / passports / visa /work permit etc) latest by 28th February 2025:
4300 Scotland Street, Houston, Texas 77007
Job Summary:
Req # 10111498
Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms. ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, which is the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.
The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive. The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! ABC 13 is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.
What You Will Do
KTRK-TV is looking for a collaborative, innovative, creative, hard-working and fiercely competitive reporter who loves to dig and enterprise stories for multiple platforms. Candidates must be master storytellers who can identify, develop, shoot, write, edit, produce and report high-quality stories. Our ideal candidate also knows how to tell high-impact stories utilizing data and other research tools and is willing to experiment with new technology.
Must be a team player with an exceptional work ethic, the ability to work under deadline, multi-task, prioritize assignments, and have the flexibility to work any shift required.
We want a respected, knowledgeable, ethical station representative and team player with a strong presence on social media.
Must have a desire to serve the community and a knack for quickly cultivating contacts and exclusive story ideas.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Qualified candidates must have a minimum 2-year major market television news experience with excellent editorial, writing, shooting, editing and onair presentation skills, including live reporting & ad lib expertise.
Must be flexible with working hours (late nights, overnights. Weekends and holidays) and adaptable to change.
Background check clearance and clean driving record will be required.
Education: College Diploma
Preferred Education: Degree in Journalism or related field
Interested candidates apply via Disneycareers.com reference JOB ID # 10111498
About ABC Owned TV Stations:
The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks.
About Disney Entertainment:
At Disney Corporate you can see how the businesses behind the Company’s powerful brands come together to create the most innovative, far-reaching and admired entertainment company in the world. As a member of a corporate team, you’ll work with world-class leaders driving the strategies that keep The Walt Disney Company at the leading edge of entertainment. See and be seen by other innovative thinkers as you enable the greatest storytellers in the world to create memories for millions of families around the globe.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment.
KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.
About the Role & Team
Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. For over 70 years, ABC13 has been Houston’s news and weather leader, and the station remains the dominant #1 choice for Houstonians today. ABC13 provides live local news and weather coverage 24/7 through its linear and streaming newscasts, as well as its website, apps and social media platforms.
ABC13 is deeply engrained in the Houston community, which is the most diverse city in the nation. ABC13 Localish stories celebrate the good people and places that make Houston so unique.
The station is the community leader, giving back through tentpole events throughout the year, including Share Your Holidays food drive, E-Cycle Earth Day electronics recycling event, and Pick Your Pet adoption drive. The biggest events in Houston all happen on ABC13! ABC 13 is the proud media partner for the Houston Marathon, Galveston Mardi Gras, the Houston Rodeo Parade and the Houston Pride Parade, and the Freedom Over Texas July 4th celebration.
KTRK-TV is looking for a collaborative, innovative, creative, hard-working and fiercely competitive reporter who loves to dig and enterprise stories for multiple platforms as a general assignment reporter and loves to work on investigative, in-depth pieces covering race and culture in our very diverse market.
The stories we are looking for are not localizations of national stories. We are looking for breaking, hard-hitting, exclusive and enterprise stories about our local markets that no one else is talking about.
You must be an excellent multi-tasker who can be developing stories and sources for general assignment and for race and culture. All roles at KTRK can be assigned to any day, any shift, so working any day part and weekends is an expectation.
Candidates must be master storytellers who can identify, develop, shoot, write, edit, produce and report high-quality stories.
Our ideal candidate also knows how to tell high-impact stories utilizing data and other research tools and is willing to experiment with new technology.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Must be a team player with an exceptional work ethic, the ability to work under deadline, multi-task, prioritize assignments, and have the flexibility to work any shift required. We want a respected, knowledgeable, ethical station representative and team player with a strong presence on social media. Must have a desire to serve the community and a knack for quickly cultivating contacts and exclusive story ideas.
Qualified candidates must have a minimum 2-year major market television news experience with excellent editorial, writing, shooting, editing and on-air presentation skills, including live reporting & ad lib expertise.
Must be flexible with working hours (late nights, overnights. Weekends and holidays) and adaptable to change.
Background check clearance and clean driving record will be required.
Education College Diploma
Preferred Education Degree in Journalism or related field
Interested Candidates Must Apply To: Disneycareers.com Req # 10111990
About ABC Owned TV Stations:
The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with KTRK Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations.
KTRK Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
-
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
new deLhi: The weakening rupee has started impacting Indian corporates that have gone for foreign currency borrowings, compounding concerns at a time when trade wars and economic slowdown are casting a shadow over global growth prospects. The five per cent depreciation in the rupee since April 2024 has directly increased the rupee equivalent of debt repayment for companies relying on external commercial borrowings (ECBs) by the same percentage, pinching the corporate sector.
There could be more trouble in the offing as there are clear indications from the RBI that it may not be averse to the idea of a steady depreciation in the rupee in line with other currencies. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra last week said the RBI’s interventions in the forex market focus on smoothening excessive and disruptive volatility rather than targeting any specific exchange rate level or band. When the interest rate differential between the US and India was nearly 5 per cent in 2020, foreign loans were more attractive than rupee borrowing. However, that’s not the case now. With the U.S. Federal Reserve hiking rates and the dollar appreciating, this advantage has eroded and the foreign loans have started haunting Indian firms which have failed to hedge the risk. As the rupee has depreciated by 3.2 per cent in the last three months, a company which has borrowed Rs 2,000 crore overseas – mostly unhedged – will see the slide squeezing them hard of late. If the loan of this company is five years old, the depreciation burden will shoot up by over 22 per cent in addition to the interest of 6.6-7 per cent per annum.
“For instance, a company with $500 million in ECBs would see an additional Rs 2,500 crore burden if the rupee weakens by 5 per cent (assuming Rs 75 per USD as the base),” said Amit Pabari, MD, CR Forex Advisors. The combination of rising US rates and a weaker rupee has significantly increased the cost of servicing foreign loans, making them riskier and less appealing. Indian companies need to pay more rupees to service their foreign currency loans.
The rupee has depreciated by over 22.36 per cent from 71.51 against the dollar in the last five years. This means the additional outgo on account of rupee depreciation will be the same percentage. The burden on companies could be substantial as cumulatively, there were 1,221 ECB registrations valued at $49.2 billion in 2023-24 as against $26.62 registrations by 1,102 entities in the previous year, the RBI said. While 70 per cent of ECBs raised during 2023-24 were effectively hedged in terms of explicit hedging, rupee denominated loans or loans from foreign parents, limiting the impact of external shocks, depreciation will burn the remaining 30 per cent.
“Obviously, corporates which have availed forex loans and have not hedged the risk, would incur additional cost to the extent of rupee depreciation, making forex loans much costlier than the rupee borrowing. Also, reduced probability of rate cuts by the US Fed will keep the interest benchmark higher,” said Dipti Chitale, Director, Mecklai Financial, a consultancy company providing treasury risk management services. -- IE
by Jawahar MaLhotra
houSton: You’re hooked into the story from the first line that mentions the Riverwalk in San Antonio. After all, how many novels do you come across that are set in San Antonio and in the opening pages take you riding on the flat bottom boat that ply by all the restaurants and sites along the way?
In this familiar setting, we meet Maya and Allen who discover each other through furtive glances, then connect on the dance floor of a restaurant while her family eats lunch nearby. They meet again the next day, but leave without sharing their phone numbers, and Maya goes back to Barcelona the following day.
As the story unfolds, Rasul Ramji, in his debut novel, “Once Upon a Dream …. A Tale of Fated Love” takes you on a journey from San Antonio to Barcelona and Madrid as the forlorn lovers try to find each other and connect in their dreams.
Meanwhile the family business is in turmoil and the matriarch is comatose in Barcelona. There are several twists and turns and sinister figures who try to destroy the company and seek Maya’s hand in marriage.
If all of this sounds vaguely like the plot of a Bollywood movie, then you have to thank Ramji for being faithful to his Indian upbringing in a coffee estate in Nairobi, Kenya.
Rasul Ramji discusses his novel, “Once Upon a Dream” on the Indo American News Radio show on Saturday, February 8. To listen to his discussion, go to Spotify and search for IANR 2506 020825
Though he has a background in entomology and horticulture, and doctorates in chiropractic medicine and public health, his passion for creative arts shows up in his personality and gregarious style.
And it definitely reflects in the novel which, “is more like Bollywood meets Hollywood,” Ramji quipped on a recent interview on
the Indo American News Radio show. He has already done pre-production work for making the novel into a movie - which will have five romantic songs - and expects the trailer to be out by June. He has already hired several actors, and he himself will be the director, while the producer will be Escape Films USA headed by Adam Ramji of the Ramji Law firm. “Adam gave me the inspiration for the movie”, explained Ramji, “and it became a novel afterwards”.
The 273-page novel is a quick and engrossing read, and wastes no space with superfluous descriptions, moving rapidly from one scene to the next. An interesting element is the way Ramji weaves the Greek Gods Morpheus and Eros into the explanation of dreams as might be described in a Shakespearean play. And true to form, there is a superb twist that comes out of nowhere!
“Once Upon a Dream …. A Tale of Fated Love” is available on Amazon and Google Books.
by abiSheK SrivaStava
Story: Due to unavoidable circumstances, a father and son must spend 48 hours together, leading them to confront their complex relationship and gain a deeper understanding of each other.
Review: ‘The Mehta Boys’ is a poignant drama that delves into the complex yet respectful relationship between a father and his son. Set in Navsari, Gujarat, the film follows Shiv Mehta (Boman Irani), a retired widower preparing to move to the US with his daughter Anu (Puja Sarup) after the death of his wife. His son, Amay (Avinash Tiwary), an architect in Mumbai, shares a distant, almost formal relationship with him. However, a last-minute ticketing mishap forces Shiv to stay with Amay for 48 hours, leading to an uneasy yet transformative experience for both. As the father and son navigate their time together, buried emotions surface, and unspoken words find their place, making for an honest and heartfelt exploration of familial bonds. The film’s understated realism, coupled with a strong narrative and compelling performances, makes for an emotionally resonant watch, capturing the nuances of family dynamics with depth and authenticity.
‘The Mehta Boys’ is a finely crafted drama that feels deeply personal, as if drawn from reallife experiences within one’s own home or neighbourhood. Boman Irani excels both in front of and behind the camera, delivering a film rich in emotional depth and authenticity. The narrative intricately weaves multiple relationships—the strained yet respectful bond between a father and son, the warmth between a father and daughter, and the subtle dynamics of siblinghood—each rendered with finesse and a delicate touch. At its core, the film explores how unforeseen circumstances force a father and son to spend time together, leading to profound changes in their relationship and personal growth. What sets ‘The Mehta Boys’ apart is its ability to balance
poignancy with warmth, making it not just an introspective drama but also a deeply heartwarming and feel-good experience.
Boman Irani delivers a stellar performance as Shiv Mehta, a loving yet reserved father whose quirks add charm and depth to the film. His character’s subtle eccentricities—like forbidding his son from sitting on a freshly made bed or instinctively clutching the emergency brake in a moving car—help paint a vivid picture of his personality, making him all the more relatable. Avinash Tiwary impresses as Amay, portraying a man constantly grappling with uncertainty, his restrained performance adding layers to the character. Puja Sarup shines as Anu, the pragmatic yet affectionate daughter, bringing an effortless realism to her role.
Shreya Chaudhry, despite limited screen time as Amay’s colleague and girlfriend Zara, leaves a mark with her natural presence. With fine performances all around, this drama thrives on its authentic character portrayals, making it a
heartfelt and engaging watch.
‘The Mehta Boys’ does have a minor flaw in that the film never fully explains the root cause of the coldness between the father and son, leaving this crucial aspect unexplored. While this lack of clarity could have enriched the narrative, it remains a minor hiccup that doesn’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
A special mention must go to Oscar-winning writer Alexander Dinelaris, who co-wrote the film with Boman Irani. Known for his collaborations with Alejandro Iñárritu on ‘Birdman’ and ‘The Revenant,’ Dinelaris brings his signature brilliance to this project, elevating its depth and emotional resonance. This film is a refreshing reminder of the kind of films Bollywood has long forgotten how to make—real, funny, and heartwarming. By the end, it’s a film that leaves you with a smile, proving that sometimes simplicity and sincerity are the strongest ingredients for a memorable cinematic experience.-- ToI
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Send us the correct answer before February 18, 2025. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.
Kumud Athavale, Krishna R. Vuddagiri, Sanchali Basu, Prabha Barvalia, Ramana Vadrevu, Yudhveer Bagga, Arup Gupta, Pranav Sharma, Nirmala Devi Rajesh, Sai Lakshmi Subramanian
