Lynn Manwar

Author Archive

Lynn’s Comments: It was on Saturday, February 4th, 2012, that I took my temperature at night just as I was about to go to sleep and noticed that it was 38.  I was informed by my doctors that once the temperature is above of 37, I should go straight to the emergency at the hospital.  I packed a small bag with slippers, toothbrush and some snacks.   I drove with my mother to the emergency hospital and she dropped me off.  I was seen by a nurse, emergency doctor and then left in an emergency hospital bed.  The next morning I was admitted to the hospital and moved to a room in the Short Term Stay area of the hospital.  My family came to visit me, along with my friend Senthil.  I then messaged my friend and asked him to post on facebook that I was in the hospital and welcomed visitors.  The next day was my birthday and I had tickets to see the Marilyn Dennis show with my family.  I asked me friend to cancel my reservation for the show and my takeout order for food for my birthday meal.  I then messaged a few friends and asked if they could bring my birthday meal to the hospital, and Sudarshan responded.

I started to cry on Feb 5th as I went to sleep, realizing that I’d be spending my birthday in the hospital.  The next day, I started to get texts and phone calls for my birthday.  Around 2:30pm on my birthday, I got a surprise visit from a friend and she brought me flowers and chocolate.  Then a couple hours later, more friends arrived with a Dora balloon, teddy bear and cake with chocolate covered strawberries.  It certainly made my day.  My mom, had come earlier in the day and my aunt, arrived that evening with my cousin.  I even had a facebook friend call me and pray with me, which was extremely special.   I had a humbling and blessed day for my birthday.

Lynn’s Comments: What is Love?  Is it a kiss, a feeling, a hug, and a warm embrace?  Is it kind word, act, deed or sharing your meal?  Love can be anything you desire it to be…how big or how small?  Share love in the world in your own little way.  Do something nice for someone you know or even a stranger.  When you give love out,  it comes back at you- you will feel it and it’s absolutely amazing!

Check out The Love Movie by my friend Danish Ahmed:

Lynn’s Comments: I left India on September 4th, 2011 and arrived back to Canada on September 5th, 2011.  It was a brand new time in my life for me.  I have never felt so renewed, fresh, hopeful and happy.  My psoriasis on my skin began to heal up and I haven’t seen beautiful arms in many years.  I had a new sense of self confidence and less than 1 week later, I got to show off my arms wearing a strapless dress at ReelWorld Indie Film Lounge Cocktail Party at Empire Lounge during the Toronto International Film Festival 2011.

I had also decided upon returning back home, it would be time for me to start dating again.  Now, that I was feeling good, I declared I am ready! And lined up a date for myself that weekend.

People often question, why I am single, what’s wrong with you?  You go out so much and meet so many people.  To me, it’s all about timing and I have worked on my inner self to prepare myself to receive that “Great Love” coming my way.  Being in love is such madness and I can’t wait to have that experience again!

Lynn’s Comments: I have lived in the Danforth area otherwise known as Greek Town in Toronto, Ontario, Canada since 1975 and moved away two times for 1 year and for 4 years.  I have always enjoyed attending the Taste of the Danforth.  This year I went to the food festival with the Toronto Wine and Social Meetup group organized by Julian.  I met new people and enjoyed trying free hummous, greek pasteries, and fresh lemonade.  It is a big celebration with music, food, drink,  performance and people coming together.  I ran into a couple of friends and even a cousin of mine.  By far, the Taste of the Danforth is one of my favourite festivals of the city.  I look forward to next year and encourage you to check out the restaurant gems located on the Danforth in Greek Town.

Lynn with Cousin Donna

Photo Credit: Henry Chan, Lynn Manwar with Ravi Amin

Lynn’s Comments: It was 6 years ago that I was part of the team at Pride Toronto as the Volunteer Development Lead and was responsible for recruiting and coordinating 600 plus volunteers. The organization had a good number of volunteers already in their database, but it was important for me to reconnect with everyone and recruit new volunteers to make the event a success for their 25th anniversary in 2005. I was able to connect to the community even though I did not identify as “queer” myself and everyone welcomed me with open arms.

It was with great happiness that I was able to attend Pride 2011, 6 years later as a public attendee and observe the festival from a different perspective. Pride weekend brings such wealth, joy, and celebration to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I commend those who got this initiative started. When you start something big, and then it takes a life of it’s own, you have accomplished your goal. Pride Toronto certainly has made it’s mark in lives of a million plus people each year.

Lynn’s Comments: It was on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 that I was invited to the Green Carpet Gala, an International Indian Film Awards Buzz event held at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.  It was a night full of music, drink, dance and fine entertainment, buzzing with local celebrities.  Overall,  I would say about 1000 people showed up and it got to be a busy night.  I met old friends and made new ones.  I had a great time dancing and had wonderful company. Thanks to Dinesh Sachdev of FILMI for the invitation and thanks to Ravi for taking me there.

Lynn Manwar with Ravi Amin

Lynn’s Comments: At the end of February 2011 I decided to register as a delegate for Hot Docs Film Festival to learn more about the industry. This year’s festival was held from April 28th to May 8th, 2011. I was able to watch many documentaries that touched, moved and disturbed me. I love the storytelling and reality that documentaries bring to the world. Some docs that really opened up my eyes included: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, <The Pirate Tapes, Being Elmo, Kumare, The Bengali Detective, My Barefoot Friend, and The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

The networking at this event was phenomenal with contacts from all around the world. I attended both Opening and Closing Night parties and met some great people, had lots of food and drink.

I had my first pitch session of my doc to TVO, even though I do not have experience in making a film. It was a good learning curve. I need to build my team and have a strong producer to go back to a broadcaster to support my project.

Opening Night Party of Hot Docs! Lynn with Ashima Suri and Lola of Limitless Productions

Jian Ghomeshi @ Hot Docs Awards

Lynn’s Comments: I was able to participate in Amazing Woman’s Day at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, April 16th, 2011 as a volunteer for the day. It was a day bringing together dynamic leaders, entrepreneurs, and feminine mentors that connects, transforms and celebrates! Here is a great highlight from Extraordinary Woman TV:

With leaders such as Jennifer Hough of the Vital You and Joanna Andros of Courageous Living, in attendance, it was definitely a day to remember.

Lynn with Jennifer Hough of the Vital You

Lynn with Joanna Andros of Courageous Living

Lynn’s Comments: I attended the Press Conference for the 11th Annual ReelWorld Film Festival at Canada Square Theatre at 2200 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada on March 15th, 2011.

Lynn Manwar with Actor Cle Bennet of Barney's Version film

The five day festival is about diverse film making and screens animation, documentaries, features, music videos and shorts.

I worked for this festival in 2006 as the Volunteer Coordinator and I am so happy to stay connected to this festival. Founded by actress Tonya Lee Williams, this festival has launched the careers of many aspiring diverse filmmakers

Lynn Manwar with Actress & Founder, Tonya Lee Williams

Lynn’s Comments:

Anokhi’s 5th Annual Gala was held on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at the prestigious Liberty Grand entertainment complex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is an annual event that honours a roster of international talented South Asians from business, entertainment, fashion and media. There was a 2 hour awards and entertainment show, accompanied by a 4 course dinner and followed by an exclusive VIP afterparty.

It was an inspirational and heart warming evening that celebrated the success of Raj Girn, Anokhi and talented individuals from across the Globe. I had the good fortune of having Jenna Kash of JK Lifestyle, as my company for the evening. We had the opportunity to meet both international and local celebrities. I had a great night and look forward to Anokhi’s Gala next year!

Lynn with Jenna Kash

Lynn Manwar with Actress Melinda Shankar