Twin Successes

Twins are a fascinating breed, the subject of academic study as well as of numerous Bollywood and Hollywood films. They are known to be the closest siblings, yet often have opposite personalities. One look at Los Angeles-based Veena and Neena Bidasha, and you'll certainly do a double-take. The Bidasha twins, or as they are called, the "Belly Twins," have certainly made their mark in the cut-throat and demanding world of Hollywood entertainment. How did they get into belly dancing, how do they like performing together, what are their individual strengths? I've always been more comfortable seeing snakes behind bars in a zoo, but with the Bidasha sisters, their snakes slither around them with abandon. We wanted to know more about these dancing divas and their unique life together. Read our cover story to learn the secret behind their twin successes in television and film.

Upendra Chivukula may not be a household word, but his impact on American politics is beginning to quietly take shape. A three-term state assemblyman from New Jersey, a state heavily populated by Indian Americans, Chivukula is a role model for our youth yearning to enter mainstream politics. Read "Making a Difference" about this young, rising star who has always been committed and steadfast in his aspirations to change political policy.

Casting an even wider net in the field of television is Sonia Nikore, who has the power to make or break TV stars. "Star Power" takes a look at the fast-paced life of this NBC-Television casting director, who chose the relatively-unknown Allison Janney for the Emmy-award winning program, "The West Wing," and who now hopes to make her presence felt in India as well.

It's a given that Indian Americans are moving far beyond the traditional professions of engineering, hi-tech, medicine and business. But baseball, that quintessential American sport? "Play Ball" goes behind the scenes to see how Amit Patel, a young entrepreneur in California, pitched his venture to the Stanford Business School and ended up with his six-team Golden Baseball League.

The tiger population in India has been dwindling for years, spurring the government in 1973 to launch Project Tiger, which has resulted in saving the species from extinction. Corbett National Park, in the foothills of the Himalayas, is famous for its wild population of tigers, leopards and elephants, among other animals. Our Getaways selection, "Magical Jungle," takes the reader on a ride through India's first national park and the first sanctuary to have come under the purview of this conservation effort.

Finally, some of our readers have asked us to put more "style" into Indian Life & Style. With that in mind, we have launched "Style Beat," focusing on upcoming trends in the fashion scene. To all our loyal readers, keep those suggestions coming.

Bina Murarka