Category: Press Release

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 24: ASCENT Foundation, a peer-to-peer learning platform for growth-ready business owners, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Bengaluru Chapter. This marks a milestone in ASCENT’s vision of empowering entrepreneurs across India and fostering a vibrant community within Bengaluru’s dynamic ecosystem.

Since its inception, ASCENT has empowered over 1100+ entrepreneurs across 45+ cities in India. The collective turnover of these entrepreneurs surpasses a staggering Rs 1 lakh+ crore, reflecting the transformative impact of the organisation’s unique approach.

Bengaluru, home to a thriving entrepreneurial network is the perfect hub for collaboration and growth. With this launch, 300+ business leaders will come together under one roof, unlocking new opportunities through shared experiences and collective wisdom.

Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Ltd. & Founder of Kaya and ASCENT:

“Bengaluru is a powerhouse of entrepreneurship, driven by bold ideas and relentless innovation. The launch of ASCENT’s Bengaluru Chapter is a step toward building a strong, growth-focused ecosystem where ambitious entrepreneurs can accelerate their journeys through shared wisdom, strategic connections, and collective problem-solving. True success comes from learning beyond one’s own experiences, and ASCENT provides the platform to challenge, inspire, and scale with purpose.”

Priyanjali Mariwala, Lead Director at ASCENT:

“Over the last decade, ASCENT has built a thriving community of entrepreneurs across Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi, creating a powerful ecosystem of shared learning and growth. The journey has been shaped by founders who challenge, inspire, and support each other through real conversations and collective wisdom. This proven model of peer-learning now comes to one of India’s most dynamic business hubs. Bengaluru’s entrepreneurial energy makes it the perfect next step in this journey, bringing together founders who are ready to scale with the power of a like-minded community. Excited to see what we build together!”

The event will feature insights from industry leaders who have redefined their fields. Vidit Aatrey (Founder & CEO, Meesho) will share his experience in scaling digital commerce for small businesses, while Harsh Mariwala (Chairman, Marico Ltd. & Founder, Kaya and ASCENT) will offer lessons on leadership and entrepreneurial resilience. A fireside chat with Nirupa Shankar (Joint Managing Director, The Brigade Group) and Adrija Agarwal (Director, Salarpuria Sattva) will explore Bengaluru’s evolving real estate landscape.

About ASCENT

ASCENT Foundation, started by Harsh Mariwala (Chairman, Marico Ltd. & Founder, Kaya), is a not-for-profit expression of his passion to identify and enable high-potential growth-stage entrepreneurs in their journey to grow both professionally and personally.

Designed as a peer-to-peer platform, ASCENT leverages the “Power of Collective” and enables entrepreneurs to share experiences, ideas, and insights to learn from each other through self-facilitated Trust Groups and an extended network of Enablers.

Over the past few years, ASCENT has selected 1,100+ entrepreneurs from more than 3,000 applications as members. These members belong to 95+ operational Trust Groups spanning Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and All India Chapters, with more to follow. The member composition is diverse, with a split between Manufacturing (44%) and Service Industries (56%). Additionally, 44% of members represent Family Businesses, while 10% are Women Entrepreneurs, encompassing over 65+ diverse industries. The cumulative annual turnover of ASCENT members is more than Rs. 1 lakh+ crores, with individual member turnovers ranging from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 3000+ crores.

For more information on ASCENT, visit: https://ascentfoundation.in/

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 24: Mumbai’s cultural scene is experiencing a unique transformation with the arrival of Ahlan Dates, a specialty store dedicated to offering a curated selection of premium dates sourced from the Holy Land. Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Kemps Corner, Ahlan Dates is all set to redefine the way Mumbaikars experience this ancient delicacy, blending tradition with innovation for an unforgettable taste experience.

Dates are revered not only for their deep cultural and nutritional value- especially during Ramadan, when they are traditionally consumed to break the fast; but also for their rich, natural sweetness and texture. Ahlan Dates offers a range of handpicked, top-quality varieties, including the luscious Safawi, known for its caramel-like taste, the deeply flavorful Ajwa, the sweet and tender Mabroom, and the rich, succulent Sukkary and Sukkary Rutab, all celebrated for their superior quality.

What sets Ahlan apart is its extensive selection. With over 200 unique flavors, Ahlan Dates offers the largest variety of date-based products in India, a range so diverse that even Gulf doesn’t feature such a wide spectrum of flavors. From stuffed dates filled with premium nuts, decadent chocolate, and Knafeh- a nod to Dubai’s viral dessert trends- Ahlan Dates is taking the traditional date and elevating it to a whole new level.

The brand is on a mission to go beyond expectations, offering products that even the Gulf region is yet to fully explore. Ahlan is bringing a taste of Dubai’s most innovative date offerings to Mumbai, giving customers a taste of the extraordinary with every bite. Whether it’s classic varieties or contemporary combinations, Ahlan Dates is committed to offering an experience that marries the best of both worlds: tradition and modern culinary artistry.

The store’s elegant interiors and refined ambiance further elevate the experience, making it a destination for connoisseurs of fine, globally-inspired flavors. The launch in Kemps Corner, an area known for its vibrant food culture and boutique eateries, perfectly complements Ahlan’s goal of catering to an audience that values not just quality, but a fresh approach to time-honored tastes.

As Ramadan approaches, Ahlan Dates is poised to become a go-to destination for premium gifting options and personal indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a classic date or an indulgent stuffed creation, Ahlan Dates promises to offer Mumbai’s discerning consumers something new and exciting- an international perspective on a beloved delicacy that will forever change the way we think about dates.

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Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], February 24: Reinforcing its commitment to community healthcare as well as aiming to serve 21 more remote villages, Vedanta, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has expanded its Mobile Health Unit (MHU) services to Kashipur block in Odisha’s tribal-dominated Rayagada district.

In his reactions, Dr. Netrananda Nayak, Head, Community Health Centre (CHC), Kashipur, said, “I would like to thank Vedanta for providing quality healthcare at the doorstep of nearly 10,000 people in the Kashipur region through its Mobile Health Unit. This vital initiative will not only enhance medical access, but also raise health awareness fostering a healthier community.”

Emphasizing the company’s dedication to community welfare, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta, we believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right. Our Mobile Health Units are a testament to this commitment, bringing essential medical services to some of the most underserved regions of the country. Through this initiative, we aim to create a lasting impact on the health and well-being of rural communities.”

Pertinent to note that, such a humanitarian initiative is positively impacting the lives of over 10,,000 people at present by delivering essential medical services at their doorsteps.

Also need to be mentioned that, Vedanta Aluminium remains committed to driving transformation in Odisha through strategic initiatives spanning education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture. Collaborating closely with the local authorities and community stakeholders, the company ensures its interventions lead to tangible socio-economic progress.

Notably, Vedanta’s ambitious MHU is a specialized van consisting of a team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and expert medical technicians. The service also includes preliminary medical consultations, blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, basic check-ups and essential medicines for common ailments, while all the services are provided free of cost.

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New Delhi [India], February 24: Devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva have always touched the hearts of devotees. In this spirit, Girdhar Gopal Records and Veda Cine Entertainment are set to launch a new devotional song, “Main Bhakt Hoon Bhole Baba Ka”. This song is entirely dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands out because it has been filmed on real locations without any use of VFX. This unique approach will offer viewers a mesmerizing devotional experience, immersed in natural and spiritual surroundings.

Key Members & Their Roles

This grand devotional song has been crafted with dedication by some of the finest artists in the music industry. Here are the key contributors:

• Producer: Aastha Trivedi
• Director: Vikas Kumar Vishwakarma
• Music: Rahul Bhatt
• Lyrics: Vikas Kumar Vishwakarma
• Singer: Deepak Malhotra
• DOP: Harsh Thapa, Jaskirath
• Featuring: Rishabh Pathak
• Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh, and Haridwar
• Programming, Mixing & Mastering: Biplab Dutta
• Editor: Narendra

A Unique Devotional Presentation on Real Locations 

Nowadays, most music videos rely heavily on VFX and digital effects, but “Main Bhakt Hoon Bhole Baba Ka” takes a different approach. This song has been filmed at sacred and historic locations such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Tapovan. The spiritual essence and natural beauty of these places bring a unique energy and devotion to the song.

For the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, this song holds special significance. It not only presents music and devotion but also embodies a deep sense of faith and reverence towards Lord Shiva. The soulful voice of Deepak Malhotra, combined with the music composed by Rahul Bhatt, makes this song even more impactful.

A Special Offering for Shiva Devotees  

This song is not just a music video but a spiritual journey for every devotee of Lord Shiva. Its purpose is not only to promote devotional music but also to **bring alive the purity and reverence of Lord Shiva.  

Devotional music lovers and Shiva devotees can look forward to a profound spiritual experience with this song. The anticipation for its release is high, and “Main Bhakt Hoon Bhole Baba Ka” is sure to capture hearts, immersing devotees in the divine worship of Lord Shiva.

For move visit –

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Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], February 24: BSE-listed Gujarat Inject (Kerala) Limited (BSE: 524238), a leading agricultural company, reported a staggering increase of 4,500% in its net profit for the quarter ended December 2024.

The company specializes in the trade of bulk vegetables and fruits, sourcing fresh produce directly from farmers and delivering it to shop owners, ensuring quality, freshness, and a seamless supply chain.

The Board of Directors of Gujarat Inject (Kerala) Limited approved the sub-division of each equity share of the company having a face value of Rs. 10 into ten equity shares with a face value of Re. 1 each. This move aims to improve liquidity in the stock market and encourage participation from retail investors by making the shares more accessible.

Key Highlights:

• Gujarat Inject (Kerala) Limited approved a 10-to-1 stock split

• Q3 FY24-25 recorded 4,500% rise in net profit to Rs. 21.16 lakh, with a 1,360% revenue rise to Rs. 315.23 lakh.

• For the 9-month period, Net profit increased by 2007% to 94.40 lakhs and revenue grew by 3,906% to Rs. 1,480.86 lakhs.

Following the stock split, the number of the company’s shares will increase from 1.50 crore to 15 crore, while the authorized share capital will remain unchanged at Rs. 15 crore. The stock split is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, with the record date to be announced in due course. The process is expected to be completed within three months.

Gujarat Inject (Kerala) Limited recently reported robust financial performance for the quarter and nine-month period ended December 2024. For the December 2024 quarter, the company achieved a 4,500% increase in net profit, reporting a net profit of Rs. 21.16 lakh, compared to Rs. 0.46 lakh in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The company’s revenue surged 1,360% to Rs. 315.23 lakh, up from Rs. 21.59 lakh in the same period last year.

For the nine-month period ending December 2024, the company recorded a 3,906% revenue growth, reaching Rs. 1,480.86 lakh compared to Rs. 36.96 lakh in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. Net profit for the period stood at Rs. 94.40 lakh, reflecting a 2,007% increase from Rs. 4.48 lakh in the same period of the previous year.

About Gujarat Inject (Kerala) Limited

Gujarat Inject (Kerala) Limited (BSE: 524238) is a distinguished name in the agricultural sector, specializing in the cultivation and distribution of premium-quality vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural produce. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, the company has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, marked by a strong financial performance and an expanding market presence. Gujarat Inject plays a pivotal role in the B2B segment, supplying fresh and superior-quality produce to businesses, shops and retailers. Through innovation, sustainability, and an unwavering focus on quality, the company continues to strengthen its position in the agribusiness landscape, fostering long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 22: Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest and most prestigious global textile event, concluded on a high note, setting new benchmarks for the textile and apparel sector.

Showcasing MMF & Technical Textiles
Shri Bhadresh Dodhia, Chairman of MATEXIL (Man made Fibre and Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council) and Co-Chairman of the Core Committee said, “Bharat Tex 2025 has provided a great platform to promote Man made fibre and Technical Textiles”. About 250 companies participated in Bharat Tex 2025 through MATEXIL, an Export Promotion Council that promotes exports of Man-made fibre textiles such as Fibre, Yarn, Fabrics, Made-ups (including Home Textiles) and Technical Textiles. Further, about 370 foreign buyers from different countries had visited the event on the Invitations and arrangements made by MATEXIL.

Prime Minister’s Visit & Key Industry Insights
During Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Bharat Tex 2025 on February 16, 2025, Shri Bhadresh Dodhia briefed him on the MMF sector and recycling. He informed the Prime Minister that “While India has got its strength in Cotton, it is making rapid progress in the Manmade Fibre Textiles”. He further stated that the industry is ready to invest to meet the growing demand for manmade fibres. Displaying a garment made out of recycled bottles to the Prime Minister, he highlighted the growing use of recycled plastic bottles obtained from the sea in textile garment production, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ocean cleaning.

Role of MSMEs
In his address at Bharat Tex 2025 , the Prime Minister emphasized on the role of MSMEs in textiles and urged the banks to ensure greater availability of credits to this sector. Shri Bhadresh Dodhia said “the announcement of the National Manufacturing Mission in the Union Budget 2025 will give a boost to MSMEs as they contribute towards 80% of the manufacturing capacities in the textiles & clothing sector”. Further, the new definitions of MSMEs in the Union Budget 2025 will enable the units to grow & enhance production capacities without losing the benefits extended to MSMEs, according to Shri Dodhia.

Focus on Sustainability & Technology
On sustainability and innovations in the textile sector , the Prime Minister urged the youth to come out with new ideas. On the Prime Minister’s observations on the growth of the technical textiles sector, shri Dodhia pointed out the sector is growing in India and the size of the domestic market has increased to about US$ 22 bn. He further stated that MATEXIL has put in place a vision and an Action Plan to increase exports of technical textiles and is engaging closely with the manufacturers and exporters.

Recycling & Upcycling

The Prime Minister expressed his concern that fast changing fashion is leading to disposal of clothes which is causing damage to environment and emphasized on an urgent need for recycling and upcycling. “Textile recycling will need investments” , according to the Chairman, MATEXIL. He expressed his confidence that recycling will certainly attract new investments on account of growing awareness about sustainability aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister. 

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Indian Textiles

“The conclusion of Bharat Tex 2025 is not the end but the beginning of a new era for Indian textiles and we look forward towards translating the momentum gained into concrete growth to establish as a global leader in textiles & clothing” said Shri Bhadresh Dodhia.

Link: www.matexil.org

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Surat (Gujarat) [India], February 22: Sakhiya Skin Clinic, a pioneer in dermatology and aesthetic medicine in India, proudly introduces the Apollo Duet, an advanced skin treatment system that harnesses cutting-edge technology to provide non-invasive, pain-free solutions for a variety of skin concerns. By integrating radio frequency (RF), electroporation, and iontophoresis, this revolutionary system addresses dehydration, wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, sagging skin, seborrhea, capillaries, and more.

The Science Behind Apollo Duet

Apollo Duet’s high-frequency RF lifting technology stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin firmness and radiance with visible results from the very first session. Additionally, its electroporation and iontophoresis mechanisms enable deep penetration of active ingredients without injections, making it a highly effective and comfortable alternative to traditional mesotherapy.

Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya on Apollo Duet’s Impact

Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya, Founder of Sakhiya Skin Clinic, emphasized the clinic’s commitment to innovation

“We continuously strive to provide our patients with the most advanced and effective skin treatments. Apollo Duet is a breakthrough in non-invasive dermatology, offering instant skin rejuvenation, hydration, and tightening—without pain or downtime. Many of our patients have already experienced its remarkable benefits.”

Safety, Comfort & Visible Results

• US FDA-Approved: Apollo Duet has passed rigorous safety and operational inspections, ensuring optimal results for all skin types, including sensitive and inflamed skin.
• Comfortable & Reliable: Equipped with multiple safety mechanisms, it provides a soothing, non-invasive experience.
• Proven Results: Each session lasts 35-40 minutes, with six to eight sessions recommended for long-lasting improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and radiance.

Sakhiya Skin Clinic: Setting New Standards in Dermatology

With over 27 years of expertise, Sakhiya Skin Clinic has built a reputation for excellence in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. By blending innovation with personalized patient care, it continues to set benchmarks in non-invasive skin treatments. The addition of Apollo Duet reinforces its position as a leader in advanced dermatological solutions.

For further details, visit your nearest Sakhiya Skin Clinic or explore www.sakhiyaskinclinic.com.

New Delhi [India], February 21: Renowned Bollywood composer-singer & filmmaker Abhishek Ray was recently approached by the United Nations and the Government of India to create the branding anthem and film of the prestigious IBCA (International Big Cat Alliance), a dream project by PM Modi for bringing together 94 big cat holding countries of the world.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is an intergovernmental organization that aims to conserve big cats l. The Government of India established the IBCA in March 2024.

The IBCA anthem – ‘Guardians of the Wild.’ which is conceived, composed, sung and filmed by Abhishek Ray, depicts the 7 big cats of the world namely the tiger, lion, leopard, puma, jaguar, cheetah and snow leopard. The branding film reveals the glory &  characteristics of the big cats as the apex predators of their natural habitats.

Bringing his music, filmmaking and conservation efforts together to save big cats, Abhishek Ray has recently filmed, sung and composed India’s National Cheetah Anthem for NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) and created India’s national Tiger anthem earlier.

Apart from being an ace film composer

known for the music for iconic films like Paan Singh Tomar, I am Kalam, Saheb Biwi aur Gangster, Welcome Back, Life is Good, Shagird, Yeh Saali Zindagi etc.   Abhishek Ray has been awarded with Swabhiman Bharat &  the prestigious Amazing Indian award by the Vice President of India along with a letter of appreciation by  PM Modi for creating  Sitabani Wildlife Reserve, the world’s first rewilded private sanctuary with wild tiger and leopard presence. His path-breaking work in wildlife conservation is now being used as a precedent in many countries for rewinding degraded habitats.

Right from his early teens, Abhishek Ray has been a Government bonafide tiger & leopard tracker having received multiple certifications for taking part in tiger census in various tiger reserves of India.

‘More than a decade back, I chanced upon this barren hill adjacent to Corbett Tiger Reserve which had been abused by years of slash and burn agriculture. The hill was surrounded by dense Sal forest. So in my eyes, this degraded land was screaming to be returned back to the wild.  My childhood dream of creating a haven for wildlife saw manifestation in this and I utilised all my savings from Bollywood in buying it off and then painstaking rewilding it to pristine forest over many years.   When human interference was removed, nature took over. ‘, says Abhishek.

He did rain water harvesting and made several fresh water bodies on the land. The grass, bamboo, fruiting trees planted by him and particularly the water bodies became a magnet for 350 species of rare birds and ungulates like Sambar, Ghoral , Chital and Barking deer. Once the prey settled in, they were soon followed by apex predators. Thereby the broken tiger-leopard corridor was re-established and then a miracle happened.

The universe conspired and a wild tigress gave birth to cubs in the area.  The cubs found save haven with perennial water, prey, thick undergrowth and no human disturbance. The tigress made Sitabani wildlife reserve famous by reposing her trust in Abhishek and rearing her cubs in a habitat that he created from barren hill.

Abhishek strongly believes that big cat numbers are an accurate indicator of freshwater, rainfall, clean rivers and the overall environmental health of India.

‘ Inspite of being the most populous country, we are home to 5 of the 7 big cats of the world (tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, snow leopard).

Therefore New Delhi is a natural capital for the IBCA (International Big Cat Alliance) and India with its impeccable credentials in tiger-leopard conservation will soon be the global ambassador of big cat conservation and management.’ ,mantains the composer- conservationist.

The famous Bollywood star Jackie Shroff has also lend his voice alongside Ray in ‘Guardians of the wild’- The planet’s big cat anthem.

Link:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/C52c2nYPUs3/?igsh=ZmQwcHF6eTlrM3Yw

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New Delhi, 22 February, 2025: At just 12 years old, Swayam Vir Kashyap, a rising sports star from Haryana, is making waves in both national and international circuits. Competing in the sub-junior age group, he has already earned recognition in top-level basketball tournaments, represented Chhattisgarh at the SGFI School Games, and impressed USA scouts with his exceptional talent.

Standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and playing as a Small Forward/Point Guard, Swayam has been honing his skills for the past three years. His training at KBSS Academy, Gurgaon, has helped him develop into a dynamic player known for his ball-handling, defense, and passing.

A Stellar Performance Record

With a remarkable highest-scoring game of 40 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds, Swayam has showcased his ability to lead his team to victory. His stats speak for themselves:

• Points Per Game (PPG): 15.4
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 3
• Assists Per Game (APG): 4
• Free Throw Percentage (FTP): 70%
• 3-Point Shooting Percentage: 35%

His standout performances earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Inter-School Basketball Tournament held at DPS International.

Excelling in Football as Well

Beyond basketball, Swayam has also made a mark in football. He has represented DPS International in ISSO Jaipur (2023) and continues to train at Rolling Thunder Academy, Gurgaon, showcasing his versatility as a multi-sport athlete.

Notably, he was awarded the Best Football Goalkeeper (Under 11) in ISSO Sports, Jaipur, a testament to his exceptional reflexes, game awareness, and ability to perform under pressure.

National & International Recognition

Swayam has represented IBSO in the SGFI School Games at Rajnandgaon Basketball Stadium, Chhattisgarh, and played in the ISSO Nationals. He also showcased his skills in the Jr. NBA Tournament, New Delhi (2024), reaching the Pre-Quarterfinals with his team. His participation for the Haryana State Team Trials in Panipat further solidifies his position as a promising young talent.

However, his biggest achievement yet has been catching the attention of USA scouts, leading to his selection for Combine Academy, USA—one of the top training centers for young basketball prospects. This marks a significant milestone in his journey, opening up opportunities to train at an international level and compete against top-tier talent.

Adding to his global journey, Swayam has also been selected for a summer camp at KK Cibona Academy, Croatia, for the 2025 season. KK Cibona is one of Europe’s most renowned basketball training centers, known for developing high-caliber players. This opportunity will further enhance his skills, expose him to international competition, and strengthen his chances of making a mark on the global basketball stage.

Focused on the Future

Despite his rapid rise, Swayam remains grounded and dedicated to his game. “Basketball is my passion, and I dream of representing India on the global stage. Being recognized by USA scouts is a huge motivation for me to push harder,” he said.

His Basketball coach, Soji Cheriyan (Ex-Navy), praised his dedication, saying, “He has a rare combination of skill, discipline, and mental toughness for his age. His journey is just beginning, and we expect great things from him.”

As he continues to train and compete at higher levels, Swayam Vir Kashyap is undoubtedly one of India’s brightest young basketball prospects. With his talent, work ethic, and growing international exposure, he is on the path to making a significant impact on Indian basketball at the global level.

Featured in NBA India Official Instagram Page:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFkH_LpNJn2/?img_index=1&igsh=Z3ZkMm5iN2JwYnVy

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New Delhi [India], February 21: Of late, there is a growing trend to make documentaries, which look fiction films and the fiction films which look like documentaries. At times it becomes difficult to decipher whether you are watching a fiction or a non-fiction film. Recently I watched a film in MAMI , which weaved in an emotional story into a film which was talking about Artificial Intelligence. While the filmmakers have their own reasons for doing so, the critics are dived on the issue. One of the arguments given by the purists is that if the non-fiction films are determined to look , feel and move like fiction films , what’s the point in making non-fiction films ?

The earliest non-fiction films sought to present reality in its rawest form. The Lumière Brothers’ Workers Leaving the Factory (1895) and Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat (1895) are among the first examples of capturing real-life events without manipulation. Filmmakers like Robert Flaherty (Nanook of the North, 1922) and Dziga Vertov (Man with a Movie Camera, 1929) were pioneers in the documentary movement. While Flaherty’s work had a slight narrative structure, Vertov strongly believed in an unfiltered representation of life through cinéma vérité—a style dedicated to capturing unscripted reality.

Over time, non-fiction filmmakers began incorporating narrative devices traditionally associated with fiction films. Techniques like montages, dramatic reenactments, background music, and the three-act structure became common. Documentarians started using these cinematic tools to engage audiences emotionally and make their films more compelling.

For instance, in Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine (2002) or Asif Kapadia’s Amy (2015), dramatic pacing, music, and structured storytelling make the films feel closer to fiction in engagement, even though they are based on real events. Similarly, in India, films like Katiyabaaz (2013), which tells the story of electricity theft in Kanpur, or Placebo (2014), which explores mental health in India’s educational institutions, use dramatized elements, background music, and structured narratives to create emotional depth.

Critics argue that using narrative techniques from fiction dilutes the objectivity of non-fiction. They believe that documentaries should function as neutral observers, presenting reality without embellishment. The inclusion of music, reenactments, and emotional arcs can manipulate audience perception, leading to a subjective rather than objective truth.

On the other hand, many modern documentary filmmakers argue that strict realism does not always engage audiences effectively. They believe that storytelling is necessary to make documentaries accessible and impactful.

On the other hand several fiction films have successfully employed the documentary style of filmmaking, blending realism with scripted narratives to create an immersive, vérité-like experience. Here are some notable examples:

International Cinema

1. The Battle of Algiers (1966, dir. Gillo Pontecorvo): A landmark in documentary-style fiction filmmaking, this film about the Algerian War was shot with handheld cameras, non-professional actors, and a newsreel aesthetic, making it appear like an actual documentary.

2. Z (1969, dir. Costa-Gavras): A political thriller that employs handheld cinematography, naturalistic performances, and real-time pacing, giving it the feel of an investigative documentary.

3. The Blair Witch Project (1999, dir. Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez): One of the most famous found-footage horror films, it was marketed as real footage, using handheld cameras and improvisational performances to heighten its documentary realism.

4. Children of Men (2006, dir. Alfonso Cuarón): While heavily scripted, its long takes, handheld camerawork, and natural lighting create an intense, documentary-like sense of immediacy in a dystopian setting.

5. District 9 (2009, dir. Neill Blomkamp): The sci-fi film is presented as a mockumentary, incorporating news-style interviews and handheld footage to add realism to its depiction of an alien refugee crisis.

6. The Hurt Locker (2008, dir. Kathryn Bigelow): Shot with multiple handheld cameras and a raw, observational approach, this war film closely resembles a frontline documentary.

Indian Cinema

1. Black Friday (2004, dir. Anurag Kashyap): A gripping retelling of the 1993 Mumbai blasts, shot in a cinéma vérité style with real locations, handheld cameras, and a documentary-like approach.

2.Missed Call ( 2005,dir Mridul Toolsidass): Using  a secretly carried camera  by the protagonist , it was shot in cinema verité style and used the secretly captured raw moments  in the narrative of the film.

3. Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010, dir. Dibakar Banerjee): Uses hidden cameras, CCTV footage, and handheld shots to tell three interconnected stories, making it appear as if it were captured in real-time.

4. Dhobi Ghat (2011, dir. Kiran Rao): The film employs documentary-style cinematography, including handheld shots and real Mumbai locations, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

5. Ship of Theseus (2012, dir. Anand Gandhi): While not entirely documentary in style, the film’s use of naturalistic cinematography, real settings, and observational storytelling give it a deeply authentic feel.

6. Court (2014, dir. Chaitanya Tamhane): A minimalist legal drama that closely mimics documentary filmmaking with its long takes, non-professional actors, and real-life court procedures.

7. Newton (2017, dir. Amit V. Masurkar): The film uses documentary-like realism to portray the electoral process in a remote village, capturing the setting and performances with an unfiltered, observational style.

The critics or the purists may have arguments on both side of the topic, but I believe change is inevitable and the blurring of the diving line is nothing but a reflection of the times we are living it. It is a part of the process which is being induced with the technological changes which are happening around us and are unstoppable. Therefore in the days to come we will see more blurring of this diving line and we shall se see more of this hybrid kind of filmmaking. I personally believe that a balance between realism and cinematic storytelling may be the key to the future of documentary filmmaking.

A notable example of this hybrid form of documentary filmmaking is ‘Waltz with Bashir’ (2008), directed by Ari Folman. It is an animated documentary that reconstructs the director’s lost memories of the 1982 Lebanon War. The film uniquely blends documentary elements with stylized animation, making it both a personal recollection and a broader commentary on war and trauma. While based on real interviews and events, its use of animation creates a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the traditional boundaries of non-fiction.

https://youtu.be/hWjR9d0IhSQ?si=A543wNrJH5c5DuOw

OP Srivastava is a National Film Award winning filmmaker and writer based in Mumbai.

+9819812473: reelismfilms@gmail.com

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