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The Amara Hall of Fame Awards is a prestigious celebration dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of Indian-origin individuals across the globe.

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Advisory Council

Amara Hall of Fame Awards

Amara   Hall   Of   Fame   Awards

The AMARA Advisory Council brings together accomplished visionaries, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and distinguished professionals whose careers span industries and continents.

Recognized for excellence, leadership and global impact, they contribute experience, perspective and relationships that help guide AMARA's international vision.

Together, they represent the spirit of achievement, cultural connection and global excellence at the heart of AMARA.

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AMARA

Our Team

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Kamal Dandona

Founder & Chairman • Global Visionary • Cultural Pioneer

Kamal Dandona, Founder and Chairman of the AMARA Hall of Fame Awards, is a New York-based cultural entrepreneur with more than four decades of experience creating international entertainment and cultural events.
He pioneered major Bollywood awards, music and fashion events outside India, producing landmark celebrations across New York, New Jersey, the Caribbean, Dubai and other international markets.
Through AMARA, he continues that legacy—bringing Hollywood and Bollywood together while celebrating Global Icons and extraordinary achievement across industries.

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Aroon Shivdasani

Founder, Indo-American Arts Council • Emmy Awards Juror • Cultural Leader

Aroon Shivdasani is the Founder of the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) in the United States and a distinguished champion of cross-cultural exchange through the arts. She conceived and produced the first Festival of Indian Theatre and has served on the boards of prominent cultural organizations. She has also served as an Emmy Awards juror, further reflecting her longstanding contribution to arts and cultural dialogue.

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Rohan Marley

Entrepreneur • Philanthropist • Cultural Ambassador • Son of Reggae Legend Bob Marley

Rohan Marley is a globally respected Jamaican entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador, celebrated for transforming heritage into world-class enterprises. The son of legendary Bob Marley, Rohan has built an independent legacy rooted in purpose, sustainability, and conscious leadership. He rose to international prominence as the founder of Marley Coffee, a premium organic global brand sourced from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, now recognized across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

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Kirron Kher

Celebrated Indian Actress • Theatre & Television Icon • Public Figure

Kirron Kher is one of India’s most respected and accomplished actresses, with a distinguished career spanning theatre, film, and television. Known for her powerful screen presence and emotional depth, she has delivered memorable performances across critically acclaimed cinema and popular entertainment, earning admiration for her versatility, authenticity, and command of the craft.

Beyond her work in the arts, Kirron Kher has played an influential role in public life. Her journey reflects a rare balance of artistic excellence and civic engagement, making her a voice that resonates within the creative world and beyond it.

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Falguni Shah

GRAMMY Award Winner • Internationally Acclaimed Vocalist

Falguni Shah stands among the most celebrated Indian artists on the global stage — a GRAMMY Award–winning vocalist whose mastery of Indian classical, fusion, and contemporary world music has redefined the international soundscape. Based in New York, she has performed for presidents, dignitaries, and royalty, bringing Indian music to the world’s most iconic platforms including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the White House. She has also performed at the GRAMMY Awards, highlighting her artistry on the world stage. Her status as a four-time GRAMMY nominee in three different genres, including Global Music Performance, Folk Music, and Children’s Music — marks a milestone.

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Natvar Bhavsar

Globally Acclaimed Artist • Exhibited at the Guggenheim, The Met, Whitney & MoMA

Natvar Bhavsar is one of the most revered Indian-origin artists on the global stage, celebrated for transforming modern abstraction through his signature mastery of pure pigment and color. Based in New York for over five decades, Bhavsar has created a monumental body of work that has been showcased in some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. His paintings—immersive, meditative, and spiritually resonant—have shaped the international evolution of color and earned him the distinction of being one of the most influential Indian-American artists in modern art history.

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Rita K. Mehta

Media Entrepreneur • Luxury & Celebrity Branding Visionary

Rita K. Mehta is a distinguished figure in media, branding, and celebrity culture, with a career that has redefined how South Asian talent is presented and celebrated worldwide. She began her journey at The Illustrated Weekly of India under the mentorship of her father, the legendary Russy Karanjia, before launching one of India’s most influential film magazines, Ciné Blitz, and later expanding into global content syndication and celebrity branding through her Dubai-based companies, Keynnote Media and Key Global. She has served on judging panels for major awards, advised high-profile publications, and built a network that spans Bollywood, fashion, elite events, and international branding.

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Nawaz M Singhania

Global Wellness Visionary, Lifestyle Ambassador,& Former Raymond Director

Nawaz Modi Singhania stands among India’s most dynamic and multifaceted women — a fitness entrepreneur, corporate leader, philanthropist, and cultural icon. As Founder of Body Art Fitness Centers, she pioneered India’s wellness revolution long before fitness became a lifestyle industry. A former Director of the Raymond Group, she combines business acumen with artistic flair. A regular at India’s most exclusive cultural and luxury gatherings, Nawaz embodies grace, intellect, and influence — a true modern Renaissance woman

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Raj Shahani

International sculptor shaping modern expression at global art centers

Raj Shahani is a celebrated Indian-American sculptor based in New York, whose contemporary installations and expressive sculptures have captivated audiences worldwide. After a successful career in business and marketing, Shahani embraced his lifelong passion for art and went on to create works that blend ancient Indian cultural motifs, layered materials, and modern themes of identity and transformation. His acclaimed exhibitions—held in venues such as Jehangir Art Gallery and the Centre for Contemporary Art— feature vibrant Apsara figures, dynamic forms, and innovative use of wood, metal, and stone.

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Nick Rajsakha

Global Talent Executive • Producer • Entrepreneur

Nick Rajsakha is a producer and entrepreneur who leads EEG Talent, a premier management and production house that champions musicians, actors, and filmmakers in North America. He has played a key role in bringing major South Asian talent into the U.S. market, driving pioneering collaborations, merchandising deals, and cross-cultural entertainment projects. Beyond entertainment, Rajsakha is active in investment groups spanning hospitality, real estate, sports, entertainment ventures, and luxury branding, blending creative vision with business strategy. His work continues to expand global audiences for South Asian music, film, and talent through innovative marketing and content partnerships.

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Neeta Sinha

Pioneering Astro-Architect • Trusted by Celebrities & Business Leaders

Meet the world’s first Astro Architect Neeta Sinha, founder of Astroarchitecture, celebrated as India's leading astro-architect — a unique expert blending ancient wisdom with modern design to harmonize personal and spatial energies for greater well-being, prosperity, and success. Her illustrious clientele includes some of the most prominent names in entertainment and business — Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Virat Kohli, Karan Johar, Salman Khan, and Anupam Kher, to name a few. With over 40 years of experience, she has transformed the homes and workspaces of celebrities, business leaders, and everyday families by applying her renowned “Every House Has a Horoscope” philosophy.

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Gautam Patwa

Global Financial Advisor • Wealth Strategist • Indian-American Business Leader

Gautam Patwa is a highly accomplished Indian-American financial advisor and wealth management expert based in New York, known for his strategic guidance to global clients across investment, business, and family office services. A graduate of IIT Bombay and NYU Stern, Gautam has worked with leading institutions such as Merrill Lynch and Bank of America for over three decades, earning recognition for his expertise, integrity, and cross-cultural leadership. His dedication to supporting diverse communities and innovative ventures makes him a valuable asset to the Amara Hall of Fame Awards Advisory council.

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Jason Goldstein

GRAMMY Award-Winning Engineer • Behind Global Hits by Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez & More

Jason Goldstein is a Grammy-winning audio engineer whose sonic magic has powered some of the most iconic hits of our time. From chart-topping R&B to global pop anthems, his work with music royalty — including legends like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and David Bowie — has shaped the sound of modern music and set new creative benchmarks across the industry. Every track he touches becomes bigger, bolder, and unmistakably world-class.

Celebrated worldwide for his fusion of artistry and cutting-edge innovation, Jason continues to transform how the world hears music.

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Shubir Mukerji

Chairman, Filmalaya Studios • Film Producer • Member of a Legendary Cinema Family

Chairman of Filmalaya Studios, one of Mumbai’s most iconic & historic film studios, Shubir Mukerji is also a film producer and the youngest son of Filmalaya founder Sashadhar Mukherji. He represents the legendary Mukerji–Ganguly lineage — brother to Joy Mukherjee, Deb Mukherjee & filmmaker Shomu Mukherjee (father of actresses Kajol & Tanisha), and nephew of cinema greats Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar & Anoop Kumar. He also serves as President of the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, upholding one of Mumbai’s most cherished cultural traditions which is attended by A-list celebrities.

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Rajan Pillai

Harvard Attorney, Nobel Prize–Linked, Rare Earths Pioneer, Incubator & IPO Expert

Rajan Pillai, Esq. is a Harvard Law School full-scholarship valedictorian and a key figure behind one of today’s most significant scientific breakthroughs — the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to NCM’s Chief Scientist Aleksey Yekimov, whose discovery underpins NanoCrystal Magnetics’ technology. As President & COO of NCM, Rajan leads the development of rare-earth-free permanent magnets..

As a lawyer, he represented many governments. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded two generic pharma companies, one of which went public and the other was acquired. His global business experience includes serving as Managing Director of Peregrine Capital in Hong Kong.

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Anu Sehgal

Founder & CEO, The Culture Tree | Award-Winning Children’s Author | Cultural Literacy Advocate

Anu Sehgal is a New York–based cultural entrepreneur and founder of The Culture Tree, advancing cultural literacy through immersive programming and community engagement. A Yale MBA with 15 years in the corporate sector, she is recognized for elevating South Asian culture across the U.S. She is the author of eight children’s books featured at NYPL’s World Literature Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival, Brooklyn Museum, IAAC, and Asia Society. Her work has been covered by The New York Times, CBS, CNBC, NPR, and others, and she has partnered with leading institutions across New York City. Her organization has received honors from the New York State Assembly, Mayor’s Office, and Manhattan Borough President.

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Dr. P. Kohona

Cambridge Doctorate, Renowned Ambassador to the U.N.& China

Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona is a distinguished Sri Lankan diplomat, international legal expert, and global thought leader, celebrated for his decades of service as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and, more recently, as Ambassador to China. With a doctorate from Cambridge and legal credentials from Sri Lanka and Australia, he has chaired key UN committees, led peace negotiations, and played a vital role in global trade, environmental, and humanitarian initiatives. Ambassador Kohona’s vast multilateral experience and dedication to cross-cultural diplomacy bring invaluable insight and global vision to the Amara Hall of Fame Awards advisory team.

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Manee Kamboj

Empowering Global Innovation, Leadership, Purpose, Inclusion, and Transformational Impact.

Manee Kamboj is a global business strategist, investor, philanthropist, and technology leader with over two decades of experience in digital transformation, innovation, strategic growth, and community empowerment. She is the Founder of Hexert Technology Group and Co-Founder of RAYWA Foundation and Roshni Media, initiatives supporting women, youth, neurodiverse talent, and socially impactful entrepreneurship. Professionally, she serves in senior growth leadership at Persistent Systems, working with Fortune 500 organizations on AI-led transformation and strategic partnerships. Recognized for bridging business, technology, culture, and social impact, Manee has built strong global relationships across industries and communities and has been honored by the Congressional Record and New York State Senate for leadership and community impact.

AMARA AWARDS

More than an awards ceremony, the Amara Hall of Fame Awards is a platform for connection, inspiration, and celebration. We unite visionaries, leaders, and trailblazers under one roof to honor their legacies and celebrate their contributions. This is Amara—a tribute to excellence, a celebration of achievement, and a testament to the remarkable spirit of the Indian diaspora.

Join us in recognizing greatness and fostering a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

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