Murtaza Ali Khan

NEW YORK (TIP): New York Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Tirlok Malik’s On Golden Years wasscreened  on TV Asia on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. The film, written and directed byMalik, and  produced by Golden Movies. Iggy Ignatius is the co-director of the film. The filmhas been shot at the Indian retirement community Shantiniketan in Florida,  conceived and founded by Iggy Ignatius .A great place to retire. On Golden Years portrays complex emotions, which come at the time of retirement forimmigrants. Through various characters, who are residents of an Indian retirementcommunity, the film deals with the conflicts such as India versus America, contentmentversus regrets, and of course, where to retire. This is the story about the realization  ofthe American Dream. The story is also about remembering to live every day asValentine’s Day. “Tell your loved ones ’I love you’ every day or as often as possible,”entreats Malik. “COVID-19 has shown us the uncertainty of life. It has taught us never totake relationships for granted,” asserts Malik. Malik’s film meditates upon the true meaning and purpose of Valentine’s Day. “The wayI look at this Valentine’s Day applies to all ages and to all relationships, lovers, friends,family members, co-workers, parents, brothers, sisters and to people we know, we carefor. On Golden Years endeavors to communicate this thought at large,” explains Malikwho sees it as “one of those films that is capable of providing the healing touch to theviewer.” The movie stars late Ranjit Chowdhary, Jyoti Singh, Reeves Lehmann, Shetal Shah, NoorNaghmi, Tirlok Malik, Shruti Tewari, FarokhDaruwala, InduGajwani, Prof. IndrajitSaluja, Lovllien Kaurr, Sandeep Suri, Iggy Ignatius, and Kamlesh Gupta, among others.

Malik who is an Indian American and a New Yorker has made many films starting fromLonely in America, Love, Lust & Marriage, Khushiyaan, On Golden Years and manymore. They all deal with the effects of migration in America.

Malik has won many awards,including the New York Citizens’ Award from the New York Mayor’s office, and his workis acclaimed worldwide. Malik and the cast of On Golden Years are glad  to have thispremiere on TV Asia—the first cable television channel developed for the InternationalSouth Asian community.

Malik considers himself a filmmaker and a healer. His new educational platform isdedicated to promoting healthy and happy living. It is called ‘Happy Life Yoga’. The concept of Happy Life Yoga draws itself from his strong belief that the Indian philosophyholds the key to living a healthy and fulfilling life. The platform endeavours to provide aholistic approach towards life by leveraging upon the combined power of Yoga,Ayurveda, and Indian Philosophy at large. It was launched in New York on the occasionof International Yoga Day 2019.

(Murtaza Ali Khan is a Delhi-based Film/  TV Critic / Journalist who has been coveringentertainment for over 10 years. He can be reached at murtaza@apotpourriofvestiges.com )