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Sunshine for Paris
Return of the Native
First among equals
Bedroom for the guests Strokes of imagination FILM & FASHION NEW RELEASES
YOUTH SPEAK HOPSCOTCH
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One more for Women
Cheers! Liquor superstores and “malls” in Chandigarh are bringing wine and women together, steadily. It may hit you like a strong drink, but women across the city are actually raising spirits, and not eyebrows, by picking up green bottles full of pleasure from the stores, flagrantly. A heady cocktail of unadulterated environment and bubbly salesgirls in the well-lit stores — set up after a change in Chandigarh Administration’s liquor policy — are only making the guzzling task easier. “No wonder, everyday we have something like 30 to 40 women picking up not just chilled beer, but also vodkas, breezers and wines,” says Rajiv Suri, running one such superstore under the banner “Spirit” in Sector 9. A drink for all If you are staggering with doubts about the blend of wine and women, just push your way through the impressive glass doors of Spirit or other liquor super marts in the city. Just over a week has lapsed since these stores came into existence, still you will find damsels of the world picking up the gods’ nectar, dazzling merrily on the glass shelves, with rock steady hands. Among the devotees of Bacchus are not just young professionals working in the call centres or worse-for-liquor girl students staying as paying guests across the city. Even housewives are there, buying the Demon Rum in full public view. The apprehension of being “labeled” is the last thing on their ever shifting minds as salesgirls offering the golden elixir make them feel in-place. Busting at the brim with enthusiasm, they pull out hard currency notes from their leather handbags before carrying away the firewater for igniting the sparks of enthusiasm in parties strictly for women. No taboos “Gone are the days when women had to bribe their servants into bringing whoopee water from the rum shops located in the vicinity before mixing it with coke to prevent discovery,” says wine lover-cum-housewife Shikha Kapoor (name changed to protect identity).”Or else, go to the liquor vends in the seclusion of hot summer afternoons to pick up the sorrow-drowner after covering their fair visages with scarves. Like me, now they simply walk into the showrooms and come out with the social lubricant and a broad smile”. Flashing an intoxicating smile, she says: “Picking up the bottle before hitting it is no longer a taboo in a man’s world for contemporary women out to live life. For, avant-garde stores with air conditioners and cool music bellowing out of the overhead speakers have all mingled to make liquor shopping an on-the-rocks experience,” Raising a toast to the stimulating trend brought about by the stores, Shikha quotes the punch line of an advertisement promoting the sales of a two-wheeler designed just for women. “Watch us now, here we come…. Why should boys have all the fun?” Standing behind the counter, Suri agrees. Taking you through the aisles lined with temptation, he says: “We have basically tried to make liquor shopping a casual affair for the ladies. By employing girl staff, we are saying liquor stores are not just for men, women too are welcome”. Sounds neat! Hurray to
him!
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Sunshine for Paris
The nostalgia of homecoming, which made him to work a complete series on his beloved city Chandigarh about seven years ago, is still intact for Paris-based artist Bhawani Katoch. So though one has heard his story before on how he landed in Ecole Nationale Superierue des Beaux-Arts de Paris, initially on a French Government scholarship and later made Paris his home, one cannot help but flow along as he reminisces his ‘golden days’ in city. For the man from Pathankot who made it big in France after passing out from the Government College of Art here, this visit is also a trip to assess the art scene here. “Recently I saw an exhibition by some Indian artists in Paris and I was highly impressed with the latest innovations and techniques which have become a part of Indian art.”says Bhawani. He is particularly impressed with the works of women artists here. This shift in his outlook comes along with another shift in his own personal life; this time to leave his long courtship with lithography and embrace his first love—painting. He says, “I am getting old and lithograph is a long tedious process, especially the classical kind which I do,” is his prompt reply. But get into a little deeper into the conversation and one realises it has much more to do than his age. He has lost interest in his chosen field because, “Lithography now has become something similar like offset printing on good quality paper. People who can afford to buy art, would like to go for something unique, and lithography is not known for it,” says Bhiwani. Known for his mood swings, Bhawani does not believe in sticking to one particular style of work. His style varies from figurative to abstract, so does his theme. “As far as subject is concerned, nature is my all time favourite for you get everything in nature—spiritualism, force, emotion, everything. But my style largely depends upon the subject matter I select, it can be figurative or it can be total abstract,” he informs. He shows us a few prints from his latest series on God where cosmic energy emerges to impart the feeling of creation. Bhawani is also working on a series on the sun. “The sun is the rarity in Paris. Too many gray dull days in Paris make one depressed. So this series is like my day to day dialogue with the imaginary sun,” says Bhawani. As we wind up our notepads and leave him alone to enjoy the bright Indian sunshine, we cannot resist one last question, how much of Indianness he has retained in his art? “I do not consciously induce Indian culture into my painting, but if you are sincere to your roots, it is bound to reflect in your work.”
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Birdy for
the 3rd hole It
all started with a brown-headed barbet which fell out! Well,
strictly speaking, it all began at the 3rd hole at the Chandigarh Golf
Club! Avid golfer Rima Dhillon was
swinging her irons at the club tournaments in January this year when off
went the ball to the left and into a tree. “You’ve
got a birdie,” cried out her partner and golfingly this was not really
true! “I had just begun to play and to get a birdie you need to play the hole one under par,” explains a cheery Rima. What instead had happened was that the ball had hit the branch and ricocheted into the barbet which fell out! “I used my cap to catch it. It had a bruised wing and took it to the SPCA veterinary hospital in Sector 38 West where it was treated for two weeks after which it recovered and flew away.” That was not all. In March, during the Chandigarh Open for Ladies, Rima whose “eyes are always on trees when walking up to my ball” saw mynahs and hornbills creating a ruckus. “When I got closer I saw a Collared Scops Owl hanging by its dear neck. A rag was attached to its neck and while trying to fly away, it must have got caught in the thorns.” The owl was freed and was put on to a branch but it was too traumatised to fly away. “So I took it to the hospital where after soothing its trauma and keeping it for four days, the owl was released into the wild.” Today Rima laughs when we tell her she has a reputation for being the guardian angel for distressed birds! “I have loved birds since I was a little child” she smiles. A bird in the wild and flowers on plants is her mantra, “so no pets please and fresh flowers only when someone presents them to me!” Having come back from Sri Lanka recently where her husband prominent orthopaedic surgeon Professor Mandeep Singh Dhillon was posted, she regales with stories about her stint at the birding club in Colombo, the Field Ornithology Group for Sri Lanka. “Every Poya (full moon) is a holiday in Sri Lanka, we would go off in a group for field trips all over where we camped, climbed mountains, did bird counts, bird ringing and identified them. We were quite a sight, piling out of our buses and into trees with our binoculars.” Every night the group with sit and make a list of birds in the area, new sightings, counts and any other interesting feature that was noted during the day. Rima, these days, is on the lookout for a similar group of people interested in bird watching in the city. All for a passion that began while Rima was studying in Simla as young girl. “The first bird I saw was a colourful little Simla Tit hanging upside-down trying to get at the water dripping from an overhead drainpipe.” It was love at first sight—to last forever.
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Return of the Native If you think that small-screen stars are nothing but a bunch of partying and air-kissing bubbleheads, you are in for a relieving surprise. For, in the branches of the doddering television tree, somewhere lies a crook that’s full of stars fresh as lush leaves. Navneet Nishan Singh is one among them. The fiery ‘Tara’ who breezed on the telly screen some ten years back and dabbled in movies like Raja Hindustani, Tum Bin, Kya Kehna, Salame Ishq and Asan nu maan watnan da is back on television, with shows like Sab sa bada rupayia and Kya hoga Nimmo ka. Recently in the City for a personal visit, we caught up the chirpy lady and chit chatted with her about her career, childhood memories and yes, Chandigarh— her favourite city. Bubbly and sparkling, she’s always struck us as, but in this one-hour banter, Navneet revealed a persona that has many layers to it— actress, painter, theatre artist, costume designer and a great cook. “I love to pick up the paint brush and let my creativity take charge. And I’m madly into crafts too. I’ve worked with beads, glass, acrylic and what not,” says Navneet with a hearty, childlike laughter. But her creative nirvana lies in doing theatre. While celluloid fuels her imagination, theatre feeds her soul. No wonder, the Patiala girl first dived head-first into theatre before foraying into the chaotic world of Bollywood. She joined the National School of Drama where she acted, directed and what’s more designed costumes. “I designed more than 200 costumes for the NSD,” she smiles. And asked about her childhood, the lady seems to take a whirlwind tour down the memory lane. “ My dad being in the Army, we never had a very settled life, but I immensely enjoyed my childhood. I did most of my college at Patiala and spent leisurely holidays at Chandigarh.” The best part about City Beautiful, “Oh, the city is amazing. I simply loved freaking out with my gang of firangi friends on its sprawling streets and lush lawns,” she goes into a nostalgic drive. Coming to her offbeat style of dressing, we wanna know what inspires her to dress up so differently? “My personality tells me what clothes it wants to get draped in and I just follow the command. I wouldn’t mind sporting a fire red ghagra with fluff pink chappals to a party,” she confesses with a cool demeanour. Why not, when she has a free spirit and oodles of grit? No wonder, she comes across as a woman who lives and breathes her dreams and possesses the passion to bring them to life!
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Jeeping around Open jeeps are raising the dust of excitement in Panjab University and college grounds across the city. Just trot down the freeways meandering their way through the academic environs of the campuses in the mornings and you will find jaunty machines zipping down the fast track of exhilaration, menacingly, yet glamorously. Agreed, open jeeps negotiating the sharp curves of life were always a craze among students for whom sky is the limit. But all of a sudden the fad has turned into a passion for so many guys. No wonder, they are painting the campuses red in jeeps coated with bright and cheerful paints of thrill. For them, motorcycles are passé. Oh, yes! Gone are the days when they would impress pretty little classmates with promises of long sprees on the single-cylinder flying machines. Nowadays, they take the bubbling babes for a ride in the jeeps, arrogantly. In an apparent attempt to lure the girls, some of the guys have driven a mile further. You may find it hard to believe, but they have actually painted their names and mobile numbers in bold print on the jeep’s spare wheel cover at the vehicle’s rear. Phew! Sounds crazy! Well, the fear of the cops is the last thing on the ever-shifting toyshop of their minds. Nothing else can explain their imposing presence on the streets despite warning of strict action by the Chandigarh Police against drivers modifying the jeeps in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act. In fact, challaning drive undertaken by the men-in-white from time to time in the past near the college campuses has proved futile. Ask the cops and they themselves admit it in muffled voice. “We are planning to launch another drive,” is all a senior police officer has to say on the issue. Operation or no operation, there is nothing to stop the knight riders in the driver’s seat. Just in case you are wondering why they are so crazy about jeeps, the reason is not very hard to see. For one, damsels of the world simply long to go out for bumpy ride on the smooth terrains of existence in rugged jeeps. It’s an open secret. “Also, the vehicles with jerry cans and spades affixed at the sides lend some kind of charm to the drivers. They actually make them look macho, cool and larger than life,” says Supriya Nayyar, pursuing her graduation in English honours from a local college. “I would any day prefer a jeep over a bike”. Another thing! The jeeps are not all that expensive. “You can in reality get hold of a second hand jeep damned by the Army for less than the price of a brawny bike, says Raman Sharma, the owner of one such jeep. “Spend some money on it and its ready to take you into the bon ton world of enjoyment, non-stop”. Great, isn’t it! Storm in a coffee cup Reservation issue continues to be the topic of prime-time discussion. Go to the Government College for Girls, or any other institute in the mornings and you will find the students holding round table conferences in the canteens to discuss the matter. In fact, a massive rally was also organised at the Panjab University campus just last week in this regard. In between the coffee sessions, some of the students have even been forwarding their “strong opinion” in the matter through the short message service (SMS). “We are using it as a platform to take up the issue at the national level, instead of just limiting it to coffee table discussion among friends,” says BA first year student Ranjana Kathuria. “In fact, we are trying to spread social consciousness through the messages”. The students sound determined, indeed! — Saurabh Malik
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THEATRE FOR LIFE Theatre and music were always a passion with Raminder Thind and he managed to play his part in spite of holding a regular newspaper job. A disciple of Yamla Jat, he sings toombi songs with aplomb and was long involved with the theatre of Harpal Tiwana. However, the past couple of years he was missing from the scene. Where could he be? Well just over in Vancouver settling down like most Punjabis do. So for a while this arty man had to do rounds in a security service. But that is all over and he is firmly entrenched as a radio host and also interviews Punjabi celebs on television. But what has pleased him the most is his involvement with the Headlines Theatre group headed by well-known David Diamond. “In fact I got what can be called the role of a lifetime in his most recent production called ‘Here and Now’. The play deals with second generation Indians in Canada who have been turning gangsters.” Raminder played the role of the father who has to deal with this problem in his own home. The director did not start with a pre-conceived script but the script was evolved through improvisations in a 21-day workshop with one actor who had actually been a gangster. In fact he is at the heart of the play, a young
Indo-Candian who lives with his parents, sister and grandmother. The tensions prevailing in his home make him an easy target and he is initiated in a gang with the lure of a job and then handed over a gun. What was most interesting about the production was that the actors perform the piece and then repeat it and invite the audience to interrupt and take over the role that they identify with and alter the course of the events. Raminder says, “There was no performance in which the audience did not come up and play a role and many times they offered interesting solutions to the problems.” Were there enough viewers wanting to play his role of the father? Raminder says, “Ever so many and very often the course of events was changed.” This is theatre that does not merely choose to entertain a passive audience with a slick play but an endeavour to work towards a collective understanding that may just act as a catalyst for change. So Raminder keep us updated about your theatrical dates in Vancouver town. And how about trying something here when he comes home for a vacation?
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First among equals Charm, effervescence and style—that’s the stuff Miss Indias are made of, right? No (laughs). Actually I’m very different from past winners. Remember my first reaction when my name was announced as the winner at the pageant? There were no tears running Niagra-like on my cheeks, no mouth agape and no bewildered looks. Yes, who’ll forget the victorious whoop of joy and that springy stride of yours on the stage when you won? Did you plan it this way? Oh, not at all. In fact, I never thought I could win. Not because I lacked confidence or smartness, but because I can never give those clichéd, well-rehearsed answers. I’m very spontaneous and say whatever I want to, without caring if it sounds if it’s politically correct. But I guess that’s what the judges liked about me and declared me the ‘first among equals.’ And you feel this self-assuredness will push you through the Miss Universe contest as well? Yes, the grand finale, that would be held at California in June is the test of all my qualities—perseverance, confidence and belief in my values. You know, it’s like a golden prison when preparing for such contests. The contestants are under a tight scrutiny 24 hours a day, missing friends, family and yes food. But at the end of it all, it’s the drive to excel that pushes you through. Any weakness that you’re scared will take you over during the contest? I’m a very normal girl with lots of weaknesses. People expect Miss India’s to be perfectionists, but believe me we are as normal as any young teenager. But my greatest weakness is that I lose myself to the situation which I’m scared of. But I guess my strong Indian values will help me come out of it. Something you’re craving to do after the contest? Oh, sit with my family and watch lots of English classics. I’m a total movie buff and am dying to see movies sitting on a couch, sipping my all-time favourite diet coke. And yes, I love to paint charcoal paintings. Besides there are many causes close to my heart like energy conservation and HIV awareness. Your dream guy? Yet to come. Frankly, I’d go for a guy who has the intellect and patience to listen to my chatter all the time. But yes, I’d love to have someone special in my life as I’ve seen friends falling in love and their faces radiating what a wonderful feeling it is. —Anandita Gupta
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Seeing with his heart
It is said that there are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. However, in the case of Tribune photographer Vinay Malik, who received this week the Best Photo Journalist Award of the City instituted by the Chandigarh Press Club, it is an eye that sees and a heart that feels. In other words one could say that he has learnt to see with his heart. A graduate in photography from the local College of Art in 1995 batch, Vinay has been showing his talent in painting, sports and photography, which have won him in a number of awards. But now working as a news photographer, his entire creativity is going into the snapshots that he brings after a hard day’s, and sometimes a hard night’s, work. His photographs range from the poignant to the humorous and from the ironic to the empathetic. His pictures indeed speak for him. One of the finest shots this year was on the Independence Day when he captured a group of children of the local Blind School glued to the transistor as they listened to the Prime Minister’s address. Others shots to remember included the Haryana Chief Minister blowing a wolf whistled at a public do, a petite woman police officer leading the parade of big and towering policemen and a group of children curiously winding the old gramophone. What has been a special moment in his career? Vinay replies: “ Celebrated painter M.F. Husain on seeing his picture clicked by me in the newspaper sought me out and asked me to give prints. He was leaving so I hurriedly got some prints made and rushed to the airport and he sat on the ground and put his million-dollar signature on one of the prints and gifted it to me. It was indeed a moment to cherish.” Similar requests for their pictures clicked by him have come from cricket stars Sachin Tendulkar and Yugraj Singh. He still has to fulfill these requests and in the larger sense he has many promises to keep and miles to go —TNS
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Bedroom for the guests Most guests spend a while with us and then take leave; a handful may choose to spend a few days. Gone are the days when guests were expected to sleep on a folding bed in any available space. Moreover, it indeed does not cost much to provide a comfortable and inviting guest bedroom in your home either. If possible, plan the guestroom slightly away from your personal areas such as family lounge or family bedrooms. If options are limited, then earmark the available rooms for personal use prior to labelling one as your guest bedroom. Since it’s your house, your needs take priority as you are going to spend more time in the house than the guests! Now decide upon a particular interiors style for your guest bedroom. Create English look with low height wall panelling, marble flooring with rugs. Depending upon space available, furniture options range from Chippendale half/full height four-poster bed with side tables, two chairs with peg table, study table with shelves for reading and writing material, wardrobe and chest of drawers. If there’s no room for separate dressing area, then keep a large mirror frame and console with drawers. Alternatively, opt for wooden flooring with part wooden faux ceiling, groovy wall texture behind the bed and light finishes in contemporary furniture. Your guests must leave with pleasant memories of their stay at your home rather than struggling to cope with brooding dark colours staring back at them from the walls or clinical whites scaring them at nights. Don’t forget paintings above the headboard of the bed underneath a spot light, two luxurious bedside lamps, spare pillows and sheets in the closet, moth balls in the cupboards, mosquito repellent in summers and room heater in winters. Fresh or artificial flowers with hand made candles will cheer up even the most lifeless corners. There should be a reasonably high suitcase rack to provide easy access to the luggage, built-in wardrobes with hanging area, shelves, shoe rack and possibly a lockable cabinet for the valuables. You must provide hangers in the hanging area and shoe rack must be free of dust and musty smells. Moving into the guest bathroom, replace out-of-date products with fresh products, especially if you are providing a small medicine box in the room. Travel sized bottles and jars of toiletry products are generally sufficient and pocket friendly. Provide fresh towels everyday and keep stock of new toothbrushes as well. Every square inch of the guest bed must be scrubbed free of dust, smudges, stains, musty smells, cobwebs, roaches, spiders, ants and rodents. Every item of utility which you provide in the room, dressing area and the bathroom must be in pristine condition. Courtsey: A.P. Singh Beston & Co.
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Strokes of imagination The spirit of nature infuses their works. With predominance in oils, there is a riot of colours that greets the visitors; yet, each of the three artists displaying their compositions has definite form and structure within which their own styles flower. For these three friends from the Bama Academy of Fine Art, Panchkula, the “acknowledgement and appreciation” is reward enough for their efforts. Poonam Arora, Seema Chauhan and Sunita Minhas, three housewives with a passion for art, came together under an umbrella called ‘Triumverate’ to exhibit at Fun Republic. A science graduate, Poonam joined the Academy in 2005 to learn the finer nuances of art. Inspired by nature and bright colours her works span a gamut of techniques and strokes. Striking in their eloquent forms are two paintings titled ‘Yearning’ and ‘Symphony’ both renditions of the love between Krishna and Radha. Even her ‘Life’ of rural women appeals with its earthy tones and flowing forms. Seema Chauhan’s fascination with flowers spills into vibrant tones that sprinkle the wall in myriad hues. ‘Euphoric’ in a spry pink on hand-made paper or the ‘Parterrre’ in oils, a delightful spread of yellow blossoms and even the ‘Elite’—a splash of white and orange roses—bloom on her canvas. A graduate from the College of Art in Sector 10, Seema comes back to her art, after a gap of 16 years. A deep admirer of artist Sobha Singh, she loves the way he puts life into his paintings. “I get goose bumps whenever I see his works,” she smiles. Deeply textured works mark Sunita Minhas’s efforts. With liberal use of zinc oxide with oils, she allows nature to run in gay abandon in her paintings. ‘Crimson Sunrise’, ‘Rocky Grandeur’, Finally this exhibition is about bringing back meaning to their lives and that delight is reflected in their works of art. The exhibition will remain open from April 20 to May 4 at ‘Chitralaya’ Fun Republic, Mani Majra. —G.R.
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FILM & FASHION
Harry Potter star Emma Watson celebrated her sweet 16th birthday by treating a 150 of her friends to live bands, DJs and fruit juice cocktails ‘Hermione Hangovers’ and ‘Wicked Watsons’. And though the Watson, who plays the character of Hermione in the Harry Potter movies, tried to make sure her pals stayed sober and not have too much to drink by serving them juice cocktails, and insisting they pay for their drinks, like any 16-year old, she couldn’t resist letting her hair down at the end of the evening. “She kicked off her shoes when The Prodigy came on and was all over her boyfriend at the end of the night,” The Sun quoted a source, as saying. U2 wins favourite pop lyric title A line from U2’s song ‘One’ has topped a poll to become Britain’s Favourite Pop Lyric. The line, “One life, with each other, sisters, brothers”, from U2’s 1992 album Achtung Baby, beat off competition from The Smiths’ lyric “So you go, and you stand on your own, and you leave on your own” from the track ‘How Soon is Now?’ which came in second in the poll of more than 13,000 music fans conducted by VH1. The lyric “I feel stupid and contagious, here we are now, entertain us” from Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, came in third, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Songs for the poll were chosen by people of the music industry, ranging from Noel Gallagher to Jon Bon Jovi, and they include songs from the Sixties to present day favourites such as Coldplay and the Artic Monkeys. Robbie Williams irks Church leaders Church leaders from singer Robbie Williams’ hometown Stoke-On-Trent have slammed him for ‘trivialising’ the Crucifixion in his controversial stunt. The stunt, for illusionist Derren Brown’s new TV show Trick Of The Mind, saw the hypnotised Beyond the Sea singer having 14 inch needles pierced through his arms while being stretched out as if he were on the cross, like Jesus Christ. And though TV station Channel 4 said the stunt was merely a magic trick, Rev Ian Gregory said Williams had committed an ‘unforgivable’ mistake by taking part in it.
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NEW RELEASES
After making the viewers laugh in ‘Masti’, producer Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria has come up with a film ‘Pyare Mohan’ that will make you laugh, cry, smile and think. The lead characters Pyare and Mohan promise to bring more ‘masti’ and ‘dhamaal’. Starring Vivek Oberoi and Fardeen Khan, it is a romantic comedy from the banner of Maruti International. The film will be released today at Batra Chandigarh, Fun Republic Manimajra and Suraj Panchkula. ‘Pyare Mohan’ is a story of two friends — one is blind and the other is deaf. How this duo takes on the world and proves that to love and to be loved, you do not need eyes and ears but a heart of gold. Trade Pundits predict it a comedy that will leave the viewers spell-bound. Amrita Rao and Esha Deol are the leading ladies. Boman Irani plays a very important role. Cinematography by Sunil Patel, Screenplay by Milan Jhaveri and Tushar Hirandani dialogue by Milan Jhaveri besides dances by Kookie Gulati and Geeta Kapoor are major credits. Sameer has penned the lyrics. Anu Malik’s compositions have been potential to keep its target audience happy. The title song ‘Har Mohan Ki Koi Radha’ — is a fusion track that captures the essence of qawalli with western style and Indian melody. ‘Pyare Mohan’ promises to bring masti with technical qualities like great outdoor locates and some eye candy cinematography. — D.P.
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YOUTH SPEAK
The political scenario in our country has changed dramatically since 1990, when V.P. Singh’s Mandal card unleashed strong forces of caste and community, which continue to influence national politics. The supreme irony is that the politics of post-Mandal implementations has led to the overall deterioration of the standard of development, law and order and economic growth in the State. The Government must, instead of playing a vote-churning game through Mandal, the Government must spend more money on the education of the deprived sections and grant them more fellowships to pursue higher studies. It should also strengthen standards at the primary and secondary level. But a sudden announcement that 49.5% seats in all institutes of repute such as IIM’s and IIT’s would be reserved for the weaker sections is bound to evoke a very strong reaction. If political parties are keeping mum, its only because no one wants to harm their chances of tapping into the potential vote bank that lies beneath this seemingly pious decision. No body’s against the Government’s doing something for the deprived sections. But at the stage when our country is striving to compete with the world in the areas of bio-technology, IT, Management, such a step is bound to create a strong resentment among a sizable section and would annoy the hardworking deserving candidates. It would create an angry atmosphere that would hamper the growth of the nation. Sumit Narula
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It
is not every day that a music maestro of the genius of Pandit Jasraj comes
to sing in town. Of course, it is a private show on Monday with corporate
sponsorship and only a select few will be able hear him for concerts with
the maestros are increasingly getting out of the reach of the average
organise as well as the average listener. On the one hand, it is joyous
that our great musicians are getting their due well within their lifetimes
for why should the best talents who nurture souls and provide the best to
the fleeting moment be the one to live in penury, unable to meet even the
basic needs. A couple of years ago the national conscience was shaken when the great living legend of shehnai, Ustad Bismillah Khan, was living in miserable conditions with no money for his treatment. The government did intervene but the whole process was humiliating not just for the maestro but those who loved his music. So it is just as well that the musicians charge what they will for their concerts than turn to indifferent governments with begging bowls in hand. However, an ironic situation arose recently in case of the shehnai maestro’s last wish to perform at Darbangha in Bihar. Khan Sahib had said, “I will be overwhelmed if I get an opportunity to perform at Darbhanga in Bihar. I would like to take a dip in the same pond where I used to take twice a day in my childhood.” However, money came in the way of his ‘last wish’. The Darbhanga-based Lalit Narayan Mithila University was all set to organise his concert and were offering him Rs 51,000. Khan Sahib said nothing short of Rs 5 lakh. Even this is much and the maestro could have shown some magnanimity during the celebration of his 91st birthday celebrations. Coming to our own city and Pandit Jasraj’s concert, Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi Chaiman Kamal Tewari says: “It is good that corporates are sponsoring great music but one wishes that it was done in a space where others than most important persons could hear him. For raga is understood by most common people also, those going to the gurdwara or the purbia labour who have a fine understanding of bhajan.”
Poetic recall This very fine statement by Kamal brings back to the mind the times when Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan used to be held in the Leisure Valley before it moved to the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan premises. There would be people in the front rows of course, the important ones, but ordinary people could sit outside and have their fill of music. The Bhaskar Rao Sangeet Sammelan too throws its doors open to all music lovers and the price tag by way of donor cards or invitations to the elite, that may or may not relish a Jasraj or a Bismillah go against the spirit of the propagation of music. Pay the maestro his due by all means but let his voice reach out to all. At the moment I am recalling a poem in the Eighties written by poet of the city Kumar Vikal. Who, the poet had questioned, was the loser in it all? He provided the answer that it was the young Bihari boy who was able to clean very few cars and unable to hear his favourite bhajan nicely.
—Nirupama Dutt
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Osteoarthritis leads to pain, stiffness of the joints, anxiety, depression and limitation of daily activities. Apart from treatment with Calcium and Vit-D3, aerobic activity, stretching and strengthening exercises are important as they promote bone mineral density. — Dr. Ravinder Chadha
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TAROT TALK
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ARIES : Its best not to have great expectations or you could be disappointed. You can be dreamy and romantic in personal relationships. Surprise and unexpected happiness is on the cards. Do not take partners for granted. TIP OF THE WEEK: Focus on your dream project. Lucky colour: Cream. 
LIBRA : Your warm and sensitive side will be revealed through a chain of unusual and unsuspected circumstances. A feeling for ease and harmony contributes to your effectiveness. It is a good time to attempt difficult tasks. TIP OF THE WEEK: Dare to accomplish even those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Golden. 
TAURUS : Like “The queen of cups” you are dreamy, poetic, tranquil and imaginative in loving relationships. But you tend to ignore emotional and spiritual aspects, as you are busy and involved with work. Try to develop a new attitude of ease and inner peace. TIP OF THE WEEK: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky Colour: Black 
SCORPIO:
Multifarious activity can be tiring and depleting so try to focus on priorities. In fact, your troubles could eventually prove to be a blessing in disguise. Express special feelings towards your beloved or spouse on Monday. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be firm and stand ground. Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky colour: Citric green. 
GEMINI : You are gifted with the magic of communication in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. You may miss an important opportunity so be alert. Progressive changes are on the cards. Avoid superficial people on Thursday. Meditation and introspection takes you towards inner peace. TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t settle all business in one summery. Lucky colour: silver grey. 
SAGITTARIUS : “The Magus” bring monument; change and travel in your life. A pure spiritual and exalted influences transforms your professional priorities. Don’t make demands; instead, just explain what you want from the other person. TIP OF THE WEEK: Dare to accomplish even those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: brown. 
CANCER : The
week will be hectic and there could be unexpected delays or
setbacks. Don’t be overwhelmed by things; figure out the cause of
the problem and focus on finding a solution. Take firm decisions
before circumstances change. Pay attention to your health if you are
feeling tired on Wednesday. TIP OF THE WEEK: You may have to treat
people with lot of charity. Lucky colour: Deep crimson. 
CAPRICORN : A wonderfully optimistic week. Get organised and do what you have to do in a sensible fashion. There is a greater understanding with your spouse. Getting down to the real nitty-gritty will be well worth the effort. Party fun and short vacation on the cards. TIP OF THE WEEK: Frankness and ability to state the truth are your strong points. Lucky Colour: Pink. 
LEO : Your card “Judgment” is reversed so be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be very effective in presentations or group situations. Be careful with your temper as work pressures could make thing tense. You are able to resolve conflicts and bring harmony in love relationship. TIP OF THE WEEK: You are on the right track don’t allow other people to interfere you. Lucky colour: Purple. 
AQUARIUS : Dear Aquarian, just remember that a Taurean friend really loves you. You share great moments with a soul mate. You are likely to face up to fresh difficulties. The remedy ? Lighten up a little. “ The Sun” shines on you to enhance new beginnings at work. A brief
pleasure trip is on the cards. TIP OF THE WEEK: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Saffron. 
VIRGO : “Two of wands” spins in speculation luck. Your speech may be good and also you may be able to convince people very fast. Artistic and creative pastimes are elevating. Water signs comes closer to you. Student’s will do well and some may have romantic inclination. There is reunion of old friends and associates. TIP OF THE WEEK: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Blood red. 
PISCES:
“The third eye of Lord Shiva” opens for an inner transformation that leads to new attitude. There is likely to be emotional growth through awareness and experiences. You feel released when you flap your wings in the vast sky of space and freedom. Love & romance brighten your
horizon. TIP OF THE WEEK: You have well-wishers around at the time who will give you sound advice. Lucky Colour: Rust.