News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Martin Scorsese Hosts Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’ In New York, Karan Johar Expresses Happiness F ilmmaker Karan Johar was elated about the screening of India’s Oscar entry ‘Homebound’ in NewYork, which was hosted by legendary director Martin Scorsese. Taking to his Instagram handle, Karan Johar shared an appreciation note for the director Martin Scorsese. The screening was attended by the film’s lead cast and director Neeraj Ghaywan. While sharing the photos, Karan Johar wrote, “Taking our story of #Homebound across the continents and seas has been the most surreal journey…and this is another chapter of it! Our NYC screening hosted by our executive producer @martinscorsese_ was a night filled with friends and more supporting with their full hear. Thank you!!! This means everything to us, showing up and giving us your love. I am bummed to be missing out but I feel absolutely whole knowing that our film is getting everything it needs.” -ANI PHOTO: Instagram @karanjoharvia ANI Homebound screening in New York. Neeraj Ghaywan and the cast of ‘Homebound’ with Martin Scorsese at the event. News India Times (November 15, 2025 - November 21, 2025) November 21, 2025 14 Entertainment Surati Holds Joyous Diwali Gala 2025 In Jersey City T he Jersey City-based non-profit art and culture organization, Surati for Performing Arts, held its first Diwali Gala November 7, 2025, at Barrow Mansion in Jersey City. While Surati has orga- nized several Diwali celebrations in the past, this marked its inaugural formal Gala, uniting culture, art- istry, and community in an evening that truly embodied the spirit of the Festival o Lights, the organization said in a press release. The evening brought together artists, dignitaries, community members, and supporters, beginning with a VIP cocktail reception, vendor displays, and a silent auc- tion featuring community-donated items and cultural experiences. The event celebrated 23 years of Surati’s journey of providing artistic work, and community engagement through a video presentation. The Gala’s performances were curated by Surati Founder and Executive Artistic Director Rimli Roy and included a range of Indian classical, folk, and contem- porary art forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Rajasthani Ghoomar, Bollywood, belly dance, and mod- ern fusion pieces. Roy’s segment included dancers who performed clas- sical and modern fusion items by Hitanshi Patel, Harsha Harikumar, Vidhya Dinesh, Alisha Desai, Avishi Jain, and Kijana Lewis. The evening also featured a tabla and cajón fusion by Abhinav Acharya and Kaleb Hassell, followed by an Indian Raaga Jazz fusion by guest artist Sumit Roy from Kolkata, on the piano, accompanied by Abhinav on the tablas. The second act included excerpts from Ramaavan – A Musical, Surati’s NEA award-winning original produc- tion, envisioned, re-imagined, and created by Roy, which also toured India in 2024 by a special invitation by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Inspired by the Ramayana, the segment was performed by Jona- than Power, Andrew Leonforte, Paulina Yeung, Madison Halla, Harsha Harikumar, Hitanshi Patel, Kijana Lewis, and Vidhya Dinesh, earning a standing ovation. Ramaa- van is an original production with music composed by Sumit Roy and Rajesh Roy, and lyrics and verses written by Arati Roy. The finale featured a live music performance by Jayanta Banerjee. Guest artist from India Sumit Roy, a singer, composer, and mentor from Kolkata, concluded the program with a medley of Calypso, retro, and Indian folk songs, bringing the audience to their feet before the night wrapped up with a lively DJ set. Among the distinguished attendees were Piyush Singh, Consul (Political, Press, Information & Culture), Consulate General of India in NewYork; Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey; Brian Murray from Hudson County Cultural Affairs; Hudson County Commissioner Yraida Lipski, and Former New Jersey Governor JimMcGreevey. Surati’s Diwali Gala sponsors were Albrich Academy of Excellence (AAE), represented by owner Dorota Mani, serving as the event’s principal silent auction contribu- tor and community sponsor, Hudson County Cultural & Heritage Affairs / Tourism Development, and LeFrak & Newport Associates Development Company. “Surati and Rimli Roy have been doing excellent work for the last two decades, bringing cultures together and bridging gaps between people so that communities can better understand, collaborate, and grow,” said Piyush Singh. Rimli Roy noted that the event was a celebration of India’s rich heritage, and added, “Having my father, the legendary composer and performing artist from India, Sumit Roy, perform alongside our company artists in the presence of my mother, Arati Roy, also a very gifted writer and lyricist, was deeply personal and a reminder of Surati’s roots and mission — connecting generations, cultures, and hearts through art. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Surati for Performing Arts One of the numerous cultural and dance performances at the Surati for Performing Arts Diwali Gala 2025, held in Jersey City, NJ, November 7, 2025. Special guests at the event including Piyush Singh, Consul (Political, Press, Information & Culture) from the Indian Consulate in New York, seen with Rimli Roy. Composer and performing artist from India, Sumit Roy, (Rimli Roy’s father), performed at the Diwali Gala in Jersey City Nov. 7, 2025.