Press

June 2, 2015 MGF Metroploitan Mall Shopping Center

March 2015 Navdrishti Times Women’s Day Special

March 1, 2015 Hindustan Live

March 1, 2015 Gurgaon Mail

February 14, 2015

“One Wrong Step” featuring Sagarika received ‘Certificate of Excellence’ in the first day screening of the ‘Noida International Film Festival’.

January 17, 2015
Jagran Jalandhar

December 22, 2014

Reposted from http://www.asianage.com/people/lively-tunes-worthy-cause-222

By Saumya Bhatia

April 29, 2014

Reposted from http://khabardar.tv/sagarika-deb-singer-song-writer-women-empowerment-animal-rights-activist/#.U2tzDYF_vh7

By Munhir Rahool

Sagarika Deb Singer, Song-writer, Women Empowerment & Animal Rights Activist

Sagarika's Video Message for Pakistani Fans par MunirRahool

SAGARIKA DEB, The Profile

Sagarika Deb is an International Singer/Songwriter, Women Empowerment and Animal Rights Activist. She is the creator of the World’s First Internet Girl Band, Wild Blossoms. Online music collaborations of musicians from different parts of the world, spinning almost all the continents. None of the members ever met anyone in person but they work as a team through the internet to fulfill their musical dreams.

Currently signed as a Solo International Pop Artist under French Music Company, HorizonVU Music, she is working on her Album with Songwriters & Lyricists of Europe & America.

Here are some videos. It was made for European Independent Film Festival & Los Angeles Film Festival as a homage to the Indian rape victim Jyoti Pandey (Nirbhaya) and all the other women in the world suffering in silence. Shot by French Film Making team and Lyrics & Composed by British team and Indian Pop Singer Sagarika Deb.

For her contributions to music, Sagarika has been inducted in the prestigious “Limca Book of Records” in their music special edition, also in ‘Assist World Records’ as a part of their research on outstanding achievers by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Pondicherry and honored as the “Young Achiever/Top 10 Shining Faces” of Delhi/NCR by Delhi Desire, Dainik Jagran Group Magazine. Her other achievements includes winning the “Vivaan Music Awards” by Dr. Kiran Bedi’s NGO Navjyoti India Foundation 2014. For her outstanding musical contributions to music and the society.

She was a finalist in ‘mBillionth South Asia Awards 2013’ and ‘Manthan Awards Asia Pacific 2013’ and was also featured in the ‘BBC World New’s series ‘Digital Indians’. Her talent and efforts for music collaboration was acknowledged by the Prestigious “California Music Industry Summit” and has received numerous media coverages both in Indian and International Media. Has been awarded by Dr.Kiran Bedi’s NGO Navjyoti India Foundation the Certificate of Excellence for her works through her music.

She has received great success with her songs. Got several BBC Radio (United Kingdom) airplays, Women of Substance Radio (California, USA) airplays and won international competitions of her songs. Her song ‘Teacher’ used as a gratitude song for Navjyoti India Foundation, in which she collaborated with British lyricist Mellina Barnett and Indian Composer Sujith Kurrian has been awarded Semi Finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition.

Sagarika is also a strong advocate of Women Empowerment & Animal Rights activism.

Sagarika released her Song “Shine A Light” in Dec 2013. This magnificent single is a statement of strength and hope for women in the world suffering in silence. With “Shine a Light / Navjyoti Ki Oar” Sagarika teams up with composer Billy Playle and lyricist Mellina Barnett, both from the UK. The Hindi version of the song was originally written and performed for Dr.Kiran Bedi’s NGO, Navjyoti India Foundation for their women empowerment campaign ‘Bigul’.

Shine A Light (English)

The music video of the song is filmed by French Film Makers, ‘Casandra Prerost and Bruno Acard’ in Delhi in Dec 2013 featuring Sagarika & Actor Amit Tiwari. The (non-commercial) music video was filmed as a homage to Nirbhaya (Jyoti Pandey) & will be showcased in the prestigious “European Independent Film Festival” 2014 also in ‘Los Angeles Music Video Festival’ 2014 under the project “Women-In-Film-In-Music”.

Sagarika runs an online community (We Feel The Pain For Animals) with her friend Abhishek Kachchwaha informing and educating people about the cruelties that the voiceless animals face and is also the Colony Caretaker ‘Govt ID card holder’. Her responsibility for the stray dogs includes feeding them every day to taking care of their injuries and attending to their other needs.

On April 2014, due to her achievements and humanitarian works, Sagarika was honored and awarded as the ‘WOMEN ROLE MODEL AWARDS’ and felicitated with certificate and trophy for her outstanding contribution to the society through her online musical collaborations worldwide.

Website: www.sagarikaofficial.com
Contact: sagarika@sagarikaofficial.com

For more details “Google”, ‘Sagarika Deb’, ‘Pop Singer Sagarika Deb’, ‘Singer Sagarika Deb’.

You can also check more of her songs on her website www.sagarikaofficial.com and then click on ‘MUSIC’.

March 26, 2014

Reposted from http://banarastimes.com/

By CMGMEDIA

Ashish Sahu and Neal Sahu – the Fashion Photographer launched their fashion calendar – OUTFITS at Zebaa Lounge in GK II which witnessed a huge amount of footfall at the show.

The event was very well appreciated by socialites and major figures of fashion and entertainment world who were preset at the launch like Shehnaz Hussain, Sandee Marwah of the Marwah Studios, BCCI Umpire Rajiv Gupta, Ankit Nagpal Director BANG on Target PR & Media Solutions, Deepali Mathur, Director Elysian Hues & Gazal Sharma, Director, The Vage Story and many more.

Also in attendance was Pop Singer Sagarika Deb. She says “It was for the first time I attended a Fashion Calender launch and I was so happy to see the standards getting so high. The event was a huge hit and I am glad to be a part of it”. The calendar will go out to over 4000 fashion houses and designers.

Sagarika is working on her Solo Album with songwriters of Europe & American writing and composing songs for her. The album will be promoted by HorizonVU Music, a France based Music Firm promoting the album Globally.

March 25, 2014

Reposted from http://thehummingnotes.com/2014/03/25/ashish-and-neal-launched-their-fashion-calendar-outfits/

Ashish and Neal launched their fashion calendar – OUTFITS

Ashish Sahu and Neal Sahu – the Fashion Photographer launched their fashion calendar – OUTFITS at Zebaa Lounge in GK II which witnessed a huge amount of footfall at the show.
The event was very well appreciated by socialites and major figures of fashion and entertainment world who were preset at the launch like Shehnaz Hussain, Sandee Marwah, BCCI Umpire Rajiv Gupta, Deepali Mathur, Director Elysian Hues & Gazal Sharma, Director, The Vage Story and many more.
Also in attendance was Pop Singer Sagarika Deb. She says “It was for the first time I attended a Fashion Calender launch and I was so happy to see the standards getting so high. The event was a huge hit and I am glad to be a part of it”. The calendar will go out to over 4000 fashion houses and designers.

Sagarika is working on her Solo Album with songwriters of Europe & American writing and composing songs for her. The album will be promoted by HorizonVU Music, a France based Music Firm promoting the album Globally.

To know more about Sagarika visit http://www.sagarikaofficial.com
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/sagarikaofcl

March 24, 2014

Ashish Sahu’s Fashion Calender launch At Zebaa

Reposted from http://www.insightglimpse.com/ashish-sahus-fashion-calender-launch-at-zebaa/

The Fashion Photographer Ashish Sahu and Neal Sahu have launched their fashion calendar – OUTFITS at Zebaa Lounge in GK II. The launch received a huge amount of footfall at the show.

The event was very well appreciated by socialites and major figures of fashion and entertainment world who were preset at the launch like Shehnaz Hussain, Sandee Marwah, BCCI Umpire Rajiv Gupta, Deepali Mathur, Director Elysian Hues & Gazal Sharma, Director, The Vage Story and many more.

Also in attendance was Pop Singer Sagarika Deb. She says “It was for the first time I attended a Fashion Calender launch and I was so happy to see the standards getting so high. The event was a huge hit and I am glad to be a part of it”. The calendar will go out to over 4000 fashion houses and designers.

Sagarika is working on her Solo Album with songwriters of Europe & American writing and composing songs for her. The album will be promoted by HorizonVU Music, a France based Music Firm promoting the album Globally.

To know more about Sagarika visit www.sagarikaofficial.com

11 March 2014

IN CONVERSATION WITH SAGARIKA DEB – FOUNDER OF THE WORLD’S FIRST INTERNET GIRL BAND

Reposted from http://www.youth24x7.com/specials/item/635-in-conversation-with-sagarika-deb

Having born in a musical family, Sagarika Deb has music bequeathed to her at her birth. Blessed with a beautiful voice as she is, she is a staunch supporter of women empowerment and animal rights. Even as she has carved a successful niche for herself, she aspires to support the causes dear to her heart through her music.

She has to her credit a lot of accolades. She is the Founder of the World’s First Internet Girl Band, “Wild Blossoms”; she has been recognized as the Young Achiever/ Top 10 Shining Faces of Delhi/ NCR 2012; and many of her songs have received exceptional reviews from critics and music lovers alike. We at Youth24x7 are pleased to bring to you a candid interview with her. Read on!

What is your musical background? Do you have a musical family or did you get started with music all on your own?

I came from a very music family, my mother and sister are both briliant singers. So singing has always played a BIG part in my life. Ever since I remember I have been singing and even my earliest memories are also of performing on stage.

How old were you when you started getting involved in music? How did you figure out you can sing?

Ever since I opened my eyes as a baby, I heard my mother singing to me, and I felt so proud seeing her perform on stage. I always wanted to be like her. I have never taken any professional singing classes or vocal lessons but it came naturally to me. My first steps on stage was at the tender age of two and half when I dressed up as a beautiful Bengali Indian bride and my sister acted as my groom. A musical act followed, and I remember being really excited to be a part of it all. Even then, I was a child with big dreams, and I knew there was nothing else I wanted more than performing on stage, singing/dancing in front of an audience.

What have been the challenges faced in forming the world’s first internet girl’s band?

I have always had immense interest in the internet and social media, and in using these channels to share not only my music, but also important social issues like Women’s Empowerment and Animal Rights, another cause which is extremely close to me.

Wild Blossoms was an experiment which will always be very close to my heart, although now my career has moved on and I am concentrating on evolving as a solo artist. My manager is based in Paris and I use the internet several times a day to communicate with him. I am totally independent of Wild Blossoms now, but I will treasure the memories. Now that I am absorbed in my own music, it is an exhilarating time, especially with the 2013 release of “Shine a Light”, and its music video released few weeks ago. I will continue to perform live, release songs and support the social issues I believe in. A big step for me in 2014 will be working on my Solo Album.

Starting and working on an internet-based project is never easy. Everyone thought I was out of my mind when I said that I had no money or funding, the situation became hysterical, but I wanted to prove them wrong. There were hardships and challenges, but who doesn’t face hardships when starting something new? The key is to not give in!

One big challenge I have faced is sitting on my computer, communicating with my team. What people don’t know about me is that I am a person who likes to be very active. I can’t sit still and I am always on my toes. Answering e-mails throughout the day was a personal challenge. I cannot even watch a movie that is longer than one-and-a-half hours, without fidgeting. I like being a busy bee 😉
At the early stages of my singing career, there were a few communication problems. One of the most important problems, to overcome, was the time difference. This made the work process rather difficult. (I am based in New Delhi, India, my music Management Team is based in Paris, France and my songwriting team is spread throughout USA and Europe).

Contact has become much easier even with the time difference we all experience, as we now use SMS or sometimes make telephone calls if we are in a hurry. E-mail, Skype conferences and Facebook still remain the best choices for interaction, (it’s not always possible to call others because it may be late at night in their country). Gradually, we have overcome all of these concerns and are working together brilliantly – it has been a big team effort though.

Another difficulty has been the production of songs. The composers and songwriters often ask me to record a home demo of the song, in case they need to rearrange any of the music or change any lyrics. It is important that I get their approval before the final studio recording. I have sometimes felt that the songs produced earlier could have been much better if the composer was sitting right in front of me, helping and guiding me during the final recording sessions.

Mixing and Mastering of songs was also an obstacle we had to conquer as Indian sound engineers rarely work on the mixing of English songs. To avoid this problem now, I always collect my ‘raw vocals’ from the studio and the mixing is finalised in Europe or America with professional sound engineers or by the composer of that specific song.

Do you think online music will play a large part in where the industry heads in the future? Where do you see songwriters and singers fitting into that?

I don’t think but I know that online music ‘is’ & will play a large and a very important part in where the industry is heading. Even the major stars are releasing their songs digitally and are making special videos to be showcased exclusively for their online followers. Mobile and internet is where the youth stays now days and if you want to connect to them, online music plays a very important part. There are no chances of the power of the internet going down but will just increase with more and more people joining in even from the remotest parts of the world.

Because of online music I was able to make a mark for myself in the music field. And I feel it holds tremendous opportunities for songwriters & singers to fit in. It gives opportunities to grow ones fan base without taking the traditional long route and gives the liberty to connect to their supporters through any parts of the world.

What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?

Being a musician I totally understand how much pain and hardwork one has to go through in finishing any creative project, so I really appreciate all genre of music. However if I wear my heart on sleeve, I would say Hard Rock Metal genre is what I can’t stand to listen. I tried before since it is quite popular with boys, ha, but it gives me big headache.

Do you try and give messages in your songs? If yes, what are they?

Music is a universal language of love and peace, and it is the best way to spread awareness about the cases which are very close to my heart, Women Empowerment, Animal Rights, and many others. Many of my songs have been written specifically for them.

I am closely associated with Dr.Kiran Bedi’s NGO, Navjyoti India Foundation (NIF) and attend their events, spreading awareness through my music by joining hands with them. I was first approached by NIF to compose the theme song for their Women Empowerment campaign called ‘Bigul’. This was when we started working on “Shine a Light/Navjyoti Ki Oar”.

Shine a light is a song about a notorious incident which took place a year ago. A very brutal rape and murder took place in Delhi. It was so distressing that it created headlines all over the world. Here in India, it caused shock, revulsion, anger, and the loss hit us all very hard. She was everyone’s sister, daughter and friend. The young girl’s name was Jyoti, and she was a beautiful, bright, young student at the University. Jyoti was trying to get home on a cold night after watching a movie with her friend, something that young girls all over the world do. It is a part of growing up, it is a time of fun, which sadly ended horrifically for her, and ultimately led to her death.

I realized then, that things finally have to change for women in India. Laws have to change, but more so, there has to be a change in attitudes, hearts and minds. Women have to be loved and protected. We have so much to offer not only to each other, but to the world as well. With “Shine a Light”, I wanted to reach out to the world.

My contribution as an artist was to sing this song, which is called “Shine a Light” in English and “Navjyoti Ki Oar” in Hindi. It is an expression of hope and change. It is about kindness and peace, not rage and anger. The lyrics spoke to me, and through the music and the video, I hope they will speak to everyone.

The words were written with great sensitivity by lyricist Mellina Barnett and the music was composed by Billy Playle, both from the UK. I have recorded the song in English and Hindi. The Hindi version was composed for Dr.Kiran Bedi’s NGO, Navjyoti India Foundation and used for their campaign for the empowerment of women, ‘Bigul’.

All the people involved in the production of this song are keen to take the message deep into India and share it with the world as well. For a more powerful impact, we decided to make a video of this beautiful song, here in Delhi. I was highly fortunate to have two extremely talented French filmmakers Casandra Prerost and Bruno Acard, sent to India by my management, HorizonVU Music, for shooting the video with me. We filmed extensively in parts of Delhi, and wrapped up the shoot just before Christmas.
The link to the video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U3N-7gbvNQ&feature=youtu.be

The video was released and soon went into the prestigious Huffington’s Posts Blog acknowledging our efforts to support Women Empwoerment around the world.Link to the article – http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/casandra-prerostsingh/delhi-gang-rape-music-video-for-jyoti_b_4802085.html

The video will be featured in this year’s prestigious ‘European Independent Film Festival’, and the ‘Los Angeles Music Video Festival’. We hope to spread our message of Women’s Empowerment across the world.

Also, my association with Animal Rights has been part of me since I was very little. My family and I are very fond of all animals, especially the strays. There used to be a TV Series by Mrs. Maneka Gandhi called Heads and Tails. As a child, I used to watch it regularly. I was filled with horror and revulsion when I found out how these beautiful voiceless creatures were tortured by humans. That forced me to give up eating meat and to fight for animal rights.

Today, apart from feeding stray dogs, my friend (Abhishek Kachhawaha) and I run a Facebook community and blog called ‘We Feel the Pain for Animals’. We hope to educate people about animal cruelty and try hard to bring positive change in the world. It is another battle, but it is close to my heart and very important to me.

I am also a ‘Colony Care Taker’ for stray animals and hold the ‘Government ID Card’. I don’t understand why anyone has to be so cruel and heartless towards them. I hope to be a voice for them. I, and people like me, proudly call ourselves “Voices for the Voiceless”.

My day is incomplete without playing with or feeding my stray dogs, and with my own success in music, I wish to form an NGO dedicated to the well-being of animals. A big part of my charity will also be dedicated to people living on the streets. It would be wonderful to have the ability to give jobs to the jobless or homeless people so that they can take care of themselves and their families. It would give these people the opportunity to earn their own money, and live respectfully and compassionately. As you can see, I have many dreams and hope one day to have the ability to bring about change.
We have composed songs for Animal Rights which will be released soon in the future. I am so excited for all the happenings and all the songs which are coming up, hope I will be able to spread awareness with my music and touch many lives on my way.

If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?

I feel I have a kind of voice that can blend into many genre of music. Prior to signing with my current management team I have sang songs in many genres that included, Opera style ‘Ave Maria’, Rap, folk songs, and even songs in multiple languages, including Cantonese, Chinese 🙂
But if I could dabble in another genre I would say ‘Soul Sufi’ genre of music. It’s a very peaceful genre of music and I love listening to them and perhaps might try recording one song in my voice too. Another genre of music I like a lot is ‘Country Music’.

When did you decide you wanted music to be your career?

I always visualized myself singing and dancing on stage. I think it came really naturally to me keeping in mind my family background and the history of stage performances. I feel this is what I was supposed to be, that I am today. I never thought about any other profession but to take music as my career. And finally with the inception of my internet project my dream and passion became much clearer (even with all the hardships that I had to overcome) and finally with my French management team joining in, my professional solo journey started as an artist.

Do you think your fans and critics expect too much from you?
Of course my fans and critics expect a lot from me and they do have reasons to expect too much from me as well. After all I was able to achieve a name for myself pushing behind all the odds, even when everyone said and thought it was impossible for me to sustain in the music world.
During my early days people thought of me as someone coming in and then fading away quickly but I was able to prove them wrong so it is obvious it was surprising for everyone and now their expectations has raised.Honestly their expectations and my will to fulfill them musically keep me going….

Who are your favorite singers/songwriters and why?

A singer that has inspired me the most is my mother. I happen to come from a very musical family and my mother and sister are both brilliant singers. Ever since I opened my eyes as a baby, I heard my mother singing to me, and I felt so proud seeing her perform on stage. I always wanted to be like her. My family has been my strength and I love them more than words can express.

Before my mother got married, she lived in Kolkata. A very famous music teacher lived there too. He was truly gifted and very special even more so because he was born blind and had spend his entire life on music. He once said to my mother, “If there is anyone to take the place of Lata Mangeshkar, it would be you.” In her prime, my mother had plenty of opportunities to pursue her singing career. However, a career in music was extremely difficult for women at the time (even today it is tough but luckily, I have an incredibly dedicated team as my support network). My mother was also highly devoted to her family and I feel she sacrificed her career for us.

My mother constantly encourages me to aim high. My parents have always told me to chase my dreams and most importantly, that there is no difference between a boy and a girl and that we are all equal.
If I have to choose from any of the famous singers it will definitely be Enrique Iglesias. I just love his voice and the way his vocal timbre goes. I am also a very big fan of Britney Spears, the stage presence that she has is out of this world and I don’t think anyone else would be able to do that and Celine Dion for the power in her voice and there are few more like Adele, Whitney Huston, Mariah Carey, Beyonce. Out of the Indian singers Shaan, K.K and Shreya Ghoshal, the depth in their voices and the dedication for music is commandable. I have grown up listening to all of these people and take great inspiration from them.

If I was to turn on your iPod right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

At present we are selecting songs for my album so my playlist at the moment is dominated by the songs of my future album 🙂
Chasing A Butterfly – (by English Lyricist Mellina Barnett and American Composer Frank Prenevost).
Can You – (by English Lyricist Mellina Barnett and Danish Composer Paul Bengtsson).
Dreams – (by American Lyricist Susan Simonson and Produced by Benjamin Bishop also from America.)

Apart from my own songs, the other top songs in my playlist are –
i) Songs of Enrique Iglesias (I can listen to Enruqie all day long without getting bored, he is one of the most talented singers and deserves to be on top of my playlist always).
ii) Ellie Goulding – Burn
iii) Bruno Mars – Young Girls
iv) Raam Chahe Leela – Film ‘Raam Leela’ (The song is very catchy).
v) Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus

How important do you think image is to musicians in general and to yourself personally?

What I have noticed in general is, it’s all about the image now days. There are very few artists like Adele, Celion Dion and few more who actually concentrate on music rather than taking themselves towards a particular image to gain publicity. I am sure you all agree that it works.
Although an image is important however I strongly think talent and dedication towards music is more important than just a particular image.

I think I have a very positive image and I didn’t have to do anything to create it. I have always been singing and always been working for my causes, the only difference is people didn’t knew about me and my work prior to my professional music career. I have always had the same image that I have today.
What’s coming up for you? What are you working on now and where do you feel your music is headed?
At present we are preparing for my first Solo Album. We are finalizing the songs and hopefully will be able to realease it within this year. It will be a Pop Album and the songs are written and composed by songwriters from Europe and America.

My music video ‘Shine A Light’ (“Navjyoti Ki Oar” in Hindi), which has been shot as a homage to Nirbhaya/Jyoti was released few weeks ago. The song is written in a hope to bring awareness about the brutality which young girls go through in their lives. It’s about hope for a new light for women not only in India but all around the world. I have recorded it in English and in Hindi. The Hindi version was originally composed for Dr.Kiran Bedi’s NGO Navjyoti India Foundation and used for their Women Empowerment campaign against eve teasing ‘Bigul’.

The video will be featured in this year’s Prestigious ‘European Independent Film Festival’, also in “Los Angeles Music Video Festival” and many other Film Festivals around the world.

In between the album and video shoots I am also constantly attending musical events as a singer/performer/hostess and even as a ‘Guest of Honour’. It’s an honour when people approach you to launch their prestigious conferences and say that they idolize you and your efforts and are amazed by your achievements. I feel truly humbled and blessed.

I strongly feel my music is headed in a very positive direction. In the nearby future I see myself as a successful music artist as well as a Social worker for my causes.

I have a very dedicated management and creative team and I see myself growing fully as a music artist under their guidance and influence. I am already working on my solo Album, waiting for my first video to be showcased in the prestigious film festivals of the world and luckly preparing for my second video shoot.

Everyone will be surprised to know that I haven’t met any of my team mates in person yet, and just after knowing me virtually and over the phone they have managed to arrange for the video shoot and had sent film directors, all the way from Paris. The confidence that they have in me helps me to grow musically and as a person.

I very strongly believe everything starts with your own self confidence, so all of this makes me want to think I have a bright future as musical artist ahead and this is just the beginning of my journey…

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I feel if I had the experience and the understanding of the music business that I have now, I might have been able to take my prior decisions more maturely and appropriately, however I strongly feel inspite of having any resources, funding or God Father in the music business I have done pretty good for myself so far 🙂

Please leave one tip you think is invaluable for aspiring/ beginner singer/songwriters to know.
The biggest message I would like to give to aspiring singers is that there is no shortcut in life, especially in the entertainment business. It can be very hard on your voice, so riyaaz (vocal exercise) is important and should be done regularly, as without your voice, you have nothing. Although luck can sometimes come into play, true talent is always recognised so, never give up. Share your voice where you can. The internet is great for this. Be prepared to take criticism, take advice and work hard. Always dream big, there is nothing wrong with that.

Before anyone believes in your efforts you have to believe in yourself. Believe in your own strength, believe in the power of the Universe and always spread a positive message. I always try to be the person I am. I won’t let anyone change me or make me conform. Be kind, but don’t let people take advantage of you. Everyone should have a dream, something wonderful to aim for.

Last modified on Monday, 10 March 2014 23:11

8 March 2014

Sagarika Shares Her Style Mantra with ‘Fashion and Style’ Magazine

6 March 2014

‘Dainik Jagran Josh Plus’ Magazine – Cover Story for International Women’s Day Celebration!

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH MUSIC
World’s First Internet Girl Band’s creator Sagarika Deb has music running in her blood. Still it took a great deal of efforts for her to make a mark in the music industry. At last with the help of internet and social media just within three years she is able to achieve what very few girls are able to do. Her video ‘Shine A Light’ will be showcased in ‘European Independent Film Festival’ and ‘Los Angeles Music Video Festival’.

UNIVERSAL APPEAL THROUGH MUSIC
Sagarika says ‘music is a universal language through which peace and love can be spread in the world’. She continues, ‘Shine a Light’ album is close to not only her but to women all around the globe because it tells the story of their struggle through music. This album was created in the memory of the Nirbhaya case of Delhi, for the campaign Bigul. The lyrics are written by Mellina Barnett and composed by Billy Plyale both from Britain. They strongly feel that their small effort will sensitize the issue of women empowerment in the society.

RECOGNIZED THE POWER OF INTERNET
She said starting an internet project wasn’t easy. People at first taunted her as mad but she still didn’t lose hope. Uploaded her song on the internet. At present she is working on her solo music album with French music firm HorizonVU Music. Her Paris based manager is helping her along with songwritters from Europe and USA. She believes that a lot can be learned from the internet.

27 February 2014

Sagarika in Samachar Post “Ashish and Neal Sahu launches OUTFITS – Calendar 2014”

25 February 2014

Shine a Light – A Music Video for Jyoti [Posted from Huffington Post]

Reposted from http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/casandra-prerostsingh/delhi-gang-rape-music-video-for-jyoti_b_4802085.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-entertainment&ir=UK+Entertainment

By Casandra Prerost

Jyoti

Jyoti means “light “or “flame” in Hindi and in the Sanskrit, “celestial brilliance”. It is also the first name of a 23 year old young women, Jyoti Pandey Singh, known in India as Nirbhaya, who was pack raped and reportedly eviscerated by one of her six attackers on a cold night in Delhi, 16 December 2012. She had gone with a friend to an early Sunday evening movie session and they were simply trying to go home. She succumbed to her injuries some 13 days later.

Just before the first anniversary of her death, I found myself in Delhi with fellow filmmaker Bruno Acard making a music video in English and Hindi of a song inspired by these tragic events entitled Shine a Light and Navjyoti ki Oar.

Jyoti as a Catalyst

What happened to this girl was horrible and is unbearable to read and to hear. India was seized by a wave of revulsion, as was the rest of the world. I was in Delhi shortly after these events and read, heard and saw detail, too much detail and found it incomprehensible. I was struck by the sadness, the anger and the incredulity of people, this in a place where papers print on a seemingly daily basis reports of rape and violence toward women and children.

For many people, Jyoti’s attack was a catalyst, a line in the sand in its sheer barbarity and awfulness. Huge demonstrations ensued, public statements for change were made and blame was apportioned -to western influences and, incredibly, at times to Jyoti herself. The perpetrators were tried and sentenced to death, one suicided or was killed in jail and the minor, reportedly the most brutal attacker, got a sentence of three years. Since then, the dreadful litany of rapes and brutality in India has continued unabated. Womens’ insecurity was an election issue in Delhi’s December 2013 elections.

What happened to Jyoti stuck in my mind and attached itself to my heart. In a Paris café on a quiet summer afternoon in August 2013 , I listened to a demo of a song inspired by this tragedy. ‘Shine a Light’ was written by British team of lyricist Mel Barnett with music by William Playle and was written for and is sung by a young Delhi singer, Sagarika Deb. The poignancy of the lyrics and the sweetness of the voice of the singer appealed and seemed right. The version in Hindi, Navjyoti ki Oar, had become an anthem for the Indian NGO for womens’ empowerment and education, ‘Navjyoti’, created 25 years ago by Kirin Bedi.

I thought a video had to be made and listened to in India and indeed the world. I talked to Bruno Acard, a French filmmaker with whom I have collaborated before, and proposed a no frills/ no pay production in Delhi of two versions of the song, in the original English and in Hindi – for Jyoti. We had a two week window in early December 2013 and he took the challeng.

Crowdfunding was intended but the French banking system was against us. The administrative organizer in Delhi let us down and disappeared at the last minute. Ingenuity, our own pockets and those of friends and friends of friends plus an unexpectedly fast approval of the Delhi Police did the rest. “The making of” Shine a Light / Navjyoti ki Oar is a story in itself for another time.

How do you make a music video in the era of ‘twerking’ and sensationalism that has as its inspiration a brutal rape and murder? How do you make it without sensationalism? How do you do it with respect for the humanity of the victim? How do you transmit the intent and the message of the lyrics? Why did we make it?

The last question was the easiest. We made this video because we felt we had to. It seemed evident to us. We wanted to do homage to Jyoti, to the lost life and the truncated promise of her youth. In giving her name to Reuters in early 2013, her father said he wanted her remembered and that there be some sense to the senselessness of what happened to her. Music and moving image are immensely powerful and emotional communicators and we wanted to lend our skills to carry a positive message and a story via music and video. We saw Shine a Light as a story, a visual dialogue between a Boy and his memory of a Girl. The relationship is undefined and the style deliberately low key and personal.

Why Jyoti matters to us

In the book (the only book?) about Jyoti called Courting Injustice: The Nirbhaya Case and its Aftermath, Rajesh Talwar raises very pressing issues for reform of the legal system but also provides some compelling insights into what made this particular incident so disturbing. As he writes, she was every young Indian woman from a poor background seeking to improve her situation and that of her family via education. Secondly, she put up a ferocious struggle against overwhelming odds.

To that I would add it was life interrupted, a light snuffed out randomly, brutally and pointlessly. The Times of India and the Hindustan Times carried a series of articles in the aftermath, extracts of her diary and her last notes to her mother in hospital. She is every young woman -our daughter, our sister and our friend – everywhere. She is not a statistic, not “person x “, not an abstract symbol. She was real, she is our loss and it is personal..

In the process of getting permission to film from the Delhi Police (which they subsequently and rapidly gave), I was asked the curious question “What would be the single most important thing you would do for women’s empowerment in India.” My answer has changed. After shooting this video in Delhi, it is what I have always taken for granted, the freedom of movement and, as a right, to simply “be” as a woman in a public place without outright danger.

I can’t stop seeing their faces Jyoti to wrote her mother. I keep seeing her face and as personified by Sagarika Deb in the music video, she looks back. At us all.

Follow Casandra Prerost-Singh on Twitter: www.twitter.com/casandraprerost

22 February 2014

Reposted from http://www.sodelhi.com/local-experts/11441-sagarika-deb-singer

A brief introduction about yourself and what you do: I am Sagarika Deb. An oridinary girl from New Delhi with extraordinary dreams. I always had a great interest in the internet, social media and in using these, wanted to share not only my music but also important social issues like Women’s Empowerment and Animal Rights, another cause which is extremely close to me. The music in me and my love for the internet/social media helped me to create the World’s First Internet Girl Band, after that numerous media coverages and awards followed.

Some of the most memorable being honoured as the “Top 10 Shining Faces/Young Achiever of the Year 2012” for Delhi/NCR by ‘Delhi Desire’, Dainik Jagran Group Magazine, being inducted in the prestigious Limca Book of Records for their music special edition and to be featured in the ‘BBC World News series ‘Digital Indians’.

Now I have started my solo journey under the guidance of French Music Firm, HorizonVU Music as an International Pop Artist. I released my first Single “Shine A Light”and the music video as a homage to Nirbhaya/Jyoti. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U3N-7gbvNQ&feature=youtu.be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuCgoil8Lqo

Who or what inspired you to become a Singer?

A singer that has inspired me the most is my mother. I happen to come from a very musical family and my mother and sister are both brilliant singers. Ever since I first opened my eyes as a baby I heard my mother singing to me and later too I was so proud to see her performing on stage. I always wanted to be like her, she really inspired me. I have always got my inspiration from my mother and she always encourages me to aim high.

Before my mother got married she lived in Kolkata, and living there was a very famous music teacher. He was truly gifted and very special, even more so because he was born blind. He once said to my mother, “If there is anyone to take the place of ‘Lata Mangeshkar’, it would be you”. So of course I cannot be asking for any other inspiration than in my own family, my Mother.

How long have you been singing?

Coming from a musical family, singing has always played a BIG part in my life. My first steps on stage were at the tender age of two and half when I dressed up as a beautiful Bengali Indian Bride and my sister acted as my groom. A musical act followed and I can remember being so excited to be part of it all. Even then I was a child with big dreams, and I knew there was nothing else I wanted more than to be performing on stage in front of an audience.

Through the years I have won numerous certificates and awards for singing, dancing and acting. I have always been very passionate about mixing the styles and sounds of Western music with Indian music, a ‘fusion’. Luckily my musical abilities enabled me to build up friendships and contacts with some truly talented songwriters from different parts of the world. My confidence as a performer and singer has grown and I am more aware than ever of the singing career I wish to pursue. I have not looked back.

Are there any famous singers that have influenced you down the path of your career?
If I have to choose from any of the famous singers I will definitely be Enrique Iglesias. I just love his voice and the way his vocal timbre goes.

What did your family do to encourage you?

My mother and sister are both brilliant singers. My parents have always told me to chase my dreams and most importantly, that there is no difference between a boy and a girl and that we are all equal. I am exceptionally close to them. There were times when I lost hope and was disheartened with the failures but my parents have always asked me not to lose hope and believe in my talent, believe in the power of the universe and spread a positive message.

They totally understand my life, career and the pressure of being in the entertainment business. They are totally my comfort pillow on whom I can rely upon anytime without worrying about anything.

The last three years of my life has been like a practical tutorial. I have learned how to work as a team – Now it is all about ‘WE’ not me. Everything I have been able to achieve today is down to a big team effort. The support that I have had from my management, songwriting team and family has been overwhelming.

I have learnt that a successful artist wants and needs a team that can be relied on. After all, it is about trust, sensitivity and support for everyone involved. So now my team is like my second family.

What plans do the future hold for you?

I am extremely excited about the future, as my management and I are in the planning stages of my first Solo Album. The Album will consist of songs written specifically for me by songwriters from Europe and America. New album, brand new songs, and music videos and hopefully a musical concert tour will be in the pipeline.

Also my latest music video, ‘Shine A Light’ will be featured at this year’s Prestigious ‘European Independent Film Festival’, also in the ‘Los Angeles Music Video Festival’ and many other film festivals across the globe. We hope to take our message of Women’s Empowerment everywhere around the world.

What characteristic according to you is unique to Delhi (What makes Delhi, ‘So Delhi’!)

It should definitely have to be the History of Delhi, the special monuments spread at different parts of it. My entire team is based out of India (America & Europe) and they are extremely moved with the historical monuments in the city. The director of my music video Casandra Prerost has read the very famous travelogue by William Dalrymple ‘City of Djinns’ about the historical capital of India many times, and the monuments are one of the reasons she visits the capital. Several times during the shoot I felt she might know more about the city than me 

Other than the unique monuments the different street food joints all around the city are also what make Delhi, ‘So Delhi’. I travel for work and needless to say I miss it a lot whenever I am out of town.

One misconception about Delhi?

One popular misconception about Delhi is people (especially outsiders) think “everything would be too difficult”. Everything will be very slow here and how sometimes the simplest task would be impossible. Sure it’s not completely like the developed states/countries however it is also not as difficult as people think it to be.

They also think eating all the street food here would most likely get them sick. Interestingly enough, it’s not the case otherwise we all would have been bed ridden everytime with stomach problems.

A Hidden gem of the city everyone must know about?

The Delhi Green Ridge and the bird life found in it! The Delhi ridge protects us from the hot winds of the deserts of Rajasthan to the west, and is also responsible for earning Delhi the tag of the world’s second most bird rich capital. Since I am very close to nature it attracts me a lot and of course everyone should know about them and try to protect their natural environment with whatever means possible.

Also I do feel Delhi has the potential to become a world class city. It has all the resources, talent, is the political centre and the capital of our country. We find all religion/communities, people, fool, culture, festivals here in Delhi, so in short you can see the entire India in this region. So for me it represents a ‘Chhota India’!

Top 5 places to eat out in Delhi?

When I am out with family, I most of the times choose restaurants that are affordable and friendly. So some of the top options are:

Pind Baluchi
Haldiram’s

When I am out with my friends however we love to gorge on the street food, some small but very popular joins are:
Moolchand Parathewala
BTW (Bittoo Tikki Wala) or Pizza Hut/Dominos

For official high profile meetings with my music collaboration friends, my favourites are:
Bukhara, Maurya Sheraton
Travertino, The Oberoi

What advice would you give to someone wishing to get into the Singing Industry?

The biggest message I would like to give to aspiring singers is that there is no shortcut in life especially in the entertainment business. It can be very hard on your voice, riyaaz (vocal exercise) is important and should be done regularly as without your voice you have nothing. Although luck can sometimes come into play, true talent is recognised so never give in; share your voice where you can, the internet is super for this. Be prepared to take criticism, take advice and work hard. Always dream big, there is nothing wrong with that.

Before anyone believes in your efforts you have to believe in yourself. Believe in your own strength, believe in the power of the universe and always spread a positive message. I always try to be the person I am, I won’t let anyone change me just to conform. Be kind but don’t let people take advantage of you. Everyone should have a dream, something wonderful to aim for.

– See more at: http://www.sodelhi.com/local-experts/11441-sagarika-deb-singer#sthash.IqTt4GGw.dpuf

15 February 2014

Read the full article on my blog and http://www.efictionindia.in/2014/02/tuning-in-with-sagarika-deb/

10 February 2014

Sagarika gets candid with Fusion Life Magazine’s Shalini Jha.

For The Love of Music – Female Pop Stars Are Coming Up with Unique and Innovative Singing Styles

22 December 2013

“Of chai, change and winning ideas”
From youth-driven journalism to online chat shows to Internet music bands, young people are coming up with innovative startups powered by social media, says Shuma Raha

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1131222/jsp/7days/17708498.jsp

इंटरनेट ने बदल दी मेरी जिंदगी

सागरिका देब: जब पहली बार मैंने लोगों को अपने इंटरनेट बैंड प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में बताया तो कुछ लोग हंस पड़े, कई ‘फ़ितूरी आइडिया है, कुछ नहीं होगा’ बोलकर आगे निकल गए.

गाने का शौक़ तो बचपन से ही था लेकिन मिडिल क्लास परिवार से हूँ, लिहाज़ा इतने पैसे नहीं थे कि दूसरों की तरह महंगे म्यूज़िक एल्बम बनाकर अपना शौक़ पूरा कर पाती.

सपनों और हक़ीकत के बीच झूलते हुए ख़ुद को अक्सर इंटरनेट पर पाती थी, और वहीं से मिला मुझे इंटरनेट पर बैंड बनाने का आइडिया.

सोशल नेटवर्किंग वेबसाइटों पर मुझे मेरी जैसी कई लड़कियां मिलीं. कोई गाना चाहती थी, तो कोई इंस्टूमेंट प्ले करना लेकिन सारे अलग-अलग देश के थे. मैंने सोचा कि सब एक साथ जुड़कर काम करें तो!

क्या ऐसा हो सकता है कि ऐसा कोई बैंड बने जो इंटरनेट पर ही मिले, वहीं कम्यूनिकेट करे और वहीं संगीत बनाए? ऐसे कई सवाल थे मेरे मन में. पर हमने शुरू किया. कई लड़कियों को ख़ुद से जोड़ा, कोई अरब से तो कोई यूरोप से इंटरनेट के माध्यम से हमसे जुड़ी.

साल 2010 में हमने दुनिया का पहला इंटरनेट गर्ल बैंड, ‘वाइल्ड ब्लॉसम्स’ तो बना लिया लेकिन, लोगों को इसका कॉन्सेप्ट समझाने में काफ़ी समय लगा.

आइडिया का विरोध
जब वेबसाइटों पर संगीत से जुड़े लोगों को बताया कि पैसे के अभाव में हम इंटरनेट पर लड़कियों का बैंड बना रहे हैं तो मुझे पागल कहा गया, कुछ ने तो बिलकुल नकार दिया, बात करने से भी इनकार कर दिया.

लेकिन कुछ ऐसे भी लोग थे जो डिजिटल दुनिया की समझ रखते थे. ऐसे ही कुछ स्क्रिप्टराइटर्स और कंपोज़र्स बड़े विश्वास के साथ हमसे जुड़े.

आज तीन साल बाद मेरे किसी भी आम दिन की शुरुआत इंटरनेट पर म्यूज़िक से जुड़ी नई ख़बरें पढ़ने से होती है और दिन का अंत फ़ेसबुक, ट्विटर या स्काइप पर कम्युनिटी इंटरेक्शन से होता है.

मोबाइल पर इंटरनेट का काफ़ी प्रयोग करती हूं. ख़ासकर मैसेजिंग ऐप्स के लिए जैसे कि ‘व्हाट्स ऐप’, ‘लाइन’. इनसे छोटी-मोटी फ़ाइल भी भेजने की सुविधा मिलती है और वॉयस चैट की भी.

कभी-कभी जब किसी कार्यक्रम के संबंध में दूसरे शहर में बैठे किसी व्यक्ति से बात करनी होती है तो स्काइप का इस्तेमाल कर लेते हैं.

अगर इंटरनेट पर म्यूज़िक बनाने के तरीक़े की बात करें तो ये हमें काफ़ी सहज लगता है. कई राउंड की चर्चाओं के बाद किसी गाने के बोल फ़ाइनल किए जाते हैं और फिर इसे म्यूज़िक कंपोज़र को भेजा जाता है. डेमो तैयार होने के बाद मैं भारत में वो गाने गाती हूं और एक कॉमन डेटाबेस में डाल देती हूं ताकि टीम के सभी लोग उसे सुनकर प्रतिक्रिया दे सकें. सबसे अंत में इसे साउंड इंजीनियर मिक्स कर देता है और गाना रिलीज़ के लिए तैयार हो जाता है. फिर लग जाते हैं हम इसको लोगों तक ले जाने की तैयारी में.

सारे दोस्त, दुश्मन और शुभचिंतक सोशल नेटवर्किंग साइट्स पर जुड़े हुए हैं और पल-पल की हलचल देखते और पोस्ट करते रहते हैं.

दिन का बाक़ी सारा समय म्यूज़िक और सामाजिक कार्य का.

‘मिले अवार्ड तो पता चला परिवार को’
हम काम करते गए और इंटरनेट पर उसे प्रकाशित करते गए. इसी बीच लिम्का बुक ऑफ़ रिकॉर्ड्स को हमारे काम के बारे में सूचना मिली और उन्होंने संगीत क्षेत्र में हमें पुरस्कार दिया. और भी कई अवार्ड मिले जिसके बाद हमें एक पहचान मिली. अख़बारों में पहली बारी नाम छपना बेहद सुखद अहसास था.

मेरे प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में मेरी ‘मां’ और ‘बाबा’ को भी तभी पता चला. वह सभी अचानक से यह सब देखकर आश्चर्यचकित थे क्योंकि मैंने उन्हें इसके बारे में बताया ही नहीं था.

मुझे डर था कि अगर मेरा प्रोजेक्ट फ़ेल हो जाता तो उन्हें बुरा लगता. इसलिए काम करती गई और बाक़ी भगवान भरोसे छोड़ दिया.

इंटरनेट के ज़रिए डॉक्टर किरण बेदी की सामाजिक संस्था ‘नवज्योति इंडिया फ़ाउंडेशन’ के बारे में पता चला, जिसके ज़रिए बाद में मुझे महिला सशक्तीकरण के विषय पर काफ़ी काम करने का मौक़ा मिला.

तीन वर्षों की मेहनत रंग ला रही है और अब लोग मुझे एक डिजिटल आंतरेप्रेन्यर के तौर पर भी पहचानते हैं. बेशक, इंटरनेट, कंप्यूटर और फ़ोन के बिना यह सब होना संभव ही नहीं था.

आज इंटरनेट की ताक़त को पूरी दुनिया समझ रही है, लेकिन हमारे लिए यह ऐसे दोस्त से कम नहीं जिसने बुरे वक़्त में साथ दिया और उन सपनों को पूरा किया जो सिर्फ़ मेरी आंखें देख रही थीं.

http://www.thebhaskar.com/2013/09/blog-post_8272.html#.UjoNq9KKKSp

Digital Indians: Sagarika Aired on BBC Hindi

Sagarika Interviewed by BBC Hindi

Listen to the broadcast by following the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/hindi/multimedia/2013/08/000000_din_bhar.shtml

Saragarika’s in the “Prabhat Khabar” News!

19 September 2013

“Prabhat Khabar” 19 September 2013

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