Shankar Mahadevan
Akshaya Patra is immensely
proud to be associated with Shankar Mahadevan, India’s iconic singer and
composer, who achieved worldwide fame with his album ‘Breathless’, and
who has sung and composed music for innumerable super-hit films in
Bollywood. Shankar will be composing and singing a number specially
dedicated to Akshaya Patra, to coincide with the momentous occasion when
Akshaya Patra serves its billionth meal in the month of August. The
song, accompanied by a video, in which he will feature, will celebrate
the joys of childhood; it will seek to create a world where children can
enjoy a carefree childhood that is not worried about where the next
meal is coming from.
Nandita Das, eminent Indian actress known for her roles in movies
based on unconventional themes has sponsored mid-day meals for 20
children. Acknowledging the Foundation’s efforts in eradicating class
room hunger she said, “I am well aware of the contribution of Akshaya
Patra and have great regards for its contribution.”
‘I
am very happy to be associated with Akshaya Patra because in fact the
cause is very close to my heart and something that I have always wanted
to do - feed children,” says Shankar about his association.
Akshaya Patra believes that Shankar’s
association is a very important milestone that will help the Foundation
to reach its goal of feeding 5 million children by 2020. Shankar’s
music, which is often magical is bound to touch hearts and expand the
Akshaya Patra community.
About Shankar Mahadevan
Though an introduction is hardly
necessary, Shankar is a software engineer by education. He followed the
calling of his heart, which was in music and teamed up with friends
Ehsaan and Loy, both remarkably talented composers and musicians to form
the hugely successful musical team in Bollywood popularly known as
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Not to be limited to any style, category
or genre, he has teamed up successfully with some of world’s most
extraordinary talent and has been an integral part of Bands like
Remember Shakti, SILK, Mynta, etc. His works are not bound to the
Bollywood and fusion realm alone, He has composed and sung in other
Indian languages such as Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi, Gujarati
and Punjabi and many more. Shankar has won three National Awards, and
three Filmfare Awards.
Some of his songs, such as Maa from Taare Zameen Par and Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Na Kehena have become timeless hits.
Shankar`s dream of many years to share
his talent with the world finally culminated by way of the ‘SHANKAR
MAHADEVAN ACADEMY’ an online music academy where anyone willing to learn
music is trained by talented teachers under his own watchful
supervision.
Nandita Das
Nandita
Das is a strong advocator of social justice and human rights through
her creative work and talks around the world and the country. The French
government bestowed the honor of Knight of the Order of Arts and
Letters (Chevalier dansl'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres), a very
prestigious civil award on her. In 2011 Nandita Das was the first Indian
to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Women’s
Forum, Washington DC. She is currently the Chairperson of the Children’s
Film Society, India and is committed to its vision of producing and
distributing high quality films for children.
