I wish I was in Toronto to be part of the re-opening. If you’re there do check it out. I will certainly be there when I’m in town for the film festival

Check out the write up in The Toronto Star. Oh, yes they are hosting some free screenings.

The Carlton Returns!

Why are we in the habit of tearing down our buildings that have all this beautiful history? On my last trip to Hamilton I read in the local paper that the Century Theatre was being torn down.

They said that the building was considered unsafe. Even if they wanted to preserve the façade it was a danger. As a result, the city decided it was best to demolish it.

I notice there’s been a track record of this sort of thing happening in Canada. I certainly don’t want to paint all of Canada with one broad stroke. So, please keep in mind that this only pertains to my experience in Toronto and Hamilton.

The Century Theatre has (oooopppsss…sorry as of this blog HAD) one of the oldest histories in Hamilton. It opened as a vaudeville theater in April 1913 and in 1940 it was operated by 20^th Century Theatres at which time it was renamed Century Theatre. The last showing at this theater was in 1989 with ‘Lethal Weapon 2”.

Century Theatre Hamilton - photo by Rupinder Nagra, Jan. 17, 2010

As a kid I would go to see a number of films here and it played a part in my interest to pursue a career in film. This theater sat empty from 1989 until January 2010 when it was demolished.

Century Theatre Hamilton - photo by Rupinder Nagra, Jan. 17, 2010

I wonder why there was no push to use the building in another form. Living in London I love the way historical buildings are preserved here. Perhaps, there have been buildings with a history that have been demolished but I do see more of the old mixed with the new here than I have seen while I was living in Canada.

Yes, Canada is a young country. However, as Canada becomes older should we not be able to look back and appreciate our past?

The Tivoli Theatre where I performed a number of times on stage was demolished a few years back. There was a group that tried very hard to preserve it but eventually the city took it over. Of course, how does a not for profit company preserve such a costly old building?

Tivoli Theatre Archive Photo

Perhaps this is where the private corporations have to step in. There has to be a true appreciation of the arts.

APPRECIATON is the important word here.

Do we have an appreciation for our arts or history? When I think about the Uptown Theatre in Toronto being torn down to make way for condo developers in the City of Toronto or even a great theater space like Artword, it boggles my mind. I was in the King West location this past January only to find a condominium where the Artword once stood.

Uptown - Toronto Archive Photo

Yes, it does come down to dollars & cents but can’t we find a way to have them co-exist together?

Art defines a country.

I love walking down the streets of London looking at the great architecture and going to see a play in a restored theater space. One thing that keeps coming to mind is how nice it would be to walk down a street in Toronto or Hamilton and feel the same thing.

Recently I was asked to host a podcast series with The Canadian Expat Association. The goal of the podcast is to speak with Canadians living abroad and to put a face to the Canadian Expat.

This has been a very interesting experience. Normally I am the interviewee. Now, I’m the one asking the questions! It does give one an appreciation for all those reporters out there who need to research their topics and find a hook to make the interview interesting.

There are times that I have been in an interview and I can tell that the interviewer has not done their research. I certainly don’t want to be that person. So, this is an interesting challenge for me. Hopefully, it will be something that people will find interesting and of benefit to them.

Here is the link to the podcast series:

http://thecanadianexpat.com

It all happened in a flash but there was a big smile on her face and you can see that she truly did love the film. I’m amazed at how far reaching the film has been. Here I am at home in London and being recognized because of this film. The same has happened in other unexpected places. I truly feel blessed to be part of a film like Amal that has touched people world wide. I hope that I continue to have these type of opportunities and that I can do justice to the roles that I play.

A big thanks to those who have taken time to say ‘hello’ or even shout ‘hey, Amal’ it means a lot.

Thanks!

Waiting for a Fare

Taken before a friends wedding in Colaba, Bombay, India

February 2009

Then a week later this.

To see that people would bring violence into a place of worship is totally against any type of teaching. I don’t know which religion or teaching endorses something like this. Violence in any form is not acceptable but violence in a holy place? What kind of thinking is involved in doing something like this. These same people in a few hours/weeks/months will be praying in a place of worship. Meanwhile, they have attempted to take lives.

I don’t know who is right or wrong in their argument but one thing I know for sure, their actions are completely wrong.

Take a look for yourself.

Bloody fight erupts at Brampton Sikh temple

The Walk

Taken during a winter snow storm in Toronto

December 2008

Lights, Camera, ACTION

This was taken during the filming of KURBAAN at Mehboob Studios, Bandra.

February 2009

The Attacks

This shot was take a few months after the attacks at the Taj Hotel.

February 2009

A few months back we were at Whistling Woods speaking to the students in regards to our film. The students consisted of actors, directors and producers. It was a fantastic session. It was great to be with Richie Mehta and Koel Purie again.