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Corporate wear goes chic Fashion has creeped into the city’s corporate cubicles and whizzed some of its amorous arrows at the men working here, says Anandita Gupta Ever wondered how much time does a man take to get dressed for office? Hardly any. Right? Absolutely wrong! For, dreary pants, pin-stripe suits and starched white shirts of yesteryears are no longer being followed like religion in the city’s corporate offices.
Planning a nourishing kitchen
Best foot forward
Pride & Joy
FILM & FASHION
Kerala framed
Chasing a ghost called Amrita Sher-Gill
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Corporate wear goes chic Fashion has creeped into the city’s corporate cubicles and whizzed some of its amorous arrows at the men working here, says Anandita Gupta
Amidst dreary work hours, dysphoric client meetings, deadly pressures to handle and deadlines to meet, young professionals are fighting cube-life claustrophobia by dressing up chic. Their office chairs, the position of important files on their desks and even the receptionist’s hairdo may be looking as they’d looked since the last many years. But men in the city are using their ‘seventh sense’ (style quotient, do we say?) to revamp their office-wear. Friday dressing The cuts, colours and contours—all seem to be going chic when it comes to men’s office-wear. Senior entrepreneurs and executives are cautiously playing up their wardrobe to look cool at their air-conditioned offices. Their office wardrobe is a fusion of Khakis, cargoes, custom made suits and blazers and pieces that fit into the Friday dressing. Smiles Rohit Khanna, Associate director with Vaishnavi Corporate communications Pvt. Ltd, “Men today believe in power dressing that makes them stand out. At the same time it ought to be comfortable too. So I wear linen shirts which are trendy and very
summerish.” Vibrant hues Men today are game for anything fashionable, be it casual wear or corporate wear. Opines Chandigarh based designer Rashmi Bindra, “ Boardroom czars are open to trials and errors, and have no qualms in using feminine shades. Softer, warmer shades have replaced the traditional masculine colours like, black, blue and grey. Today men want to don shirts in Hot Pinks, baby Blues, Pista greens, sunshine lemon and mauves.” Adds Manish Jain of Meena Bazaar, Manimajra, “Even the textures, weaves and fabrics in men’s office-wear is getting quite innovative. Men are strutting their torsos in crisp cottons, georgettes, tusser silks and linens. Lots of detailing is also being flaunted on the shirts, especially thread work, patchwork, detailing on arms, three buttons on cuffs, leather trimmings and so on.” Informs Suneet Singh, Marketing head Ebony, “Men are wearing geometrical prints, animation prints, and hand painted motifs, florals, polka dots, digital graphics, embellished pockets, numbers and what not on their shirts.” Brand bazaar Even brands are getting more experimental. Informs Rajiv Vijj, a software professional based at Mohali, “I’m a very brand conscious person. I’ve observed that nowadays, most brands are revamping their corporate wear. While Louis Phillip has come up with detailing inside the collar, Allen Solly is experimenting with big collars and big abstract prints. Nzyme’s clubbed stripes with florals, Tantra’s playing with lots of Om’s and funny messages on t-shirts, while Musti has launched abstract prints, big pointed collars.” Casual fiesta Chirps designer Salil Gulati, “While the ruff’ n’ tuff denim’s doing the office rounds, paisley and floral prints are a rage too. Floral shirts are being coordinated with floral printed coats. Kurtas in khadi and chicken are being flaunted at board-meetings.” Adds Vikas Monga, working with ICICI, Chandigarh, “I find more and more men wearing denim jeans with a formal jacket or coat to office. Formal shirts are being worn with baby-pink ties. Cargo shirts having lots of pockets are being worn with linen trousers. Today, it’s the casual comfort that matters and not flaunting a formal babu-like look.” Chirps Web Designer Neeraj Khosla from Ambala, “ No body seems to mind wearing rolled-up sleeves with sporty canvas shoes at office. I guess we men are getting more Americanised in this sphere.” Indeed, a whiff of refreshingly fresh fashion seems to have entered through that office window. The sunshine of colorful prints has peeped in through the boring blinds. The piled up files, long work hours and the corporate cubicle are there, all right, but everything seems so rose tinted, so very beautiful. Wonder what has happened? Men are now using their seventh sense; it seems, to remodel their office-wardrobe.
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New kid on the block His march towards fame started even before he could even walk on his own, says Saurabh Malik after getting a close up of rising Bollywood star Sehaj Jot Singh He grimaces when you say cheers! Rolling up his light brown eyes in tender rage, he makes a wry face before turning it away in mock protestation. Utter “light, camera, action” and a bright smile washes the placid ire away. Beaming, he folds his soft palm in a temperate fist before punching you away with gentle fury. If you haven’t seen him act in real life, watch him strike the cord in reel life. Right folks, starry-eyed Sehaj Jot Singh is the new kid on the block. Just two-and-a-half-year-old, the city star is all set to twinkle on Bollywood’s horizon with his spectacular performance in Abbas-Mustan’s latest Bollywood flick “36 China Town”. The murder mystery, scheduled to be released across the country on Friday, revolves around Sehaj, undoubtedly. Kidnapped in the beginning, Sehaj giggles, even cries, his way into stardom, and the hearts of so many audiences, in the movie starring Shahid and Kareena Kapoor. A Subhash Ghai production, it has been shot in Bangkok, Mauritius and our own Mumbai As Sehaj offers to go in for a retake in his Sector 8 house, you realise acting comes naturally to this little performer. Raising his silky brown tresses before allowing them to fall in a tumbling cascade over his fragile shoulders, he looks at you for applause. Sensing the rise of appreciation in your eyes, he bows just a little to recognize your admiration. Innocent start Aware of his captivating looks; dad Sandeep Singh and mom Parvinder Kaur forwarded his portfolio to advertising agencies and movie directors across the country. But when the fateful call came, it took them by surprise. As director Abbas Mastan introduced himself, they thought someone was playing a prank but they told us in no uncertain terms that Sehaj was the boy they had been looking for to slip into the role of Kareena Kapoor’s son in the movie. Well, they promised to bear all expenses and pay another Rs 51,000 to Sehaj. Close up Initially, the family was a bit apprehensive. In the business of photography for years together, they had positioned themselves behind the camera, not in front of it for exhibiting panache in full public glare. And then, Sehaj was too young to be lured into the world of glamour after being overwhelmed by it but then, an extrovert at heart Sehaj took little time to adapt himself to dazzle of the giant light reflectors, and the charming world of cinema. And for a handful of chocolates, he agreed to make his debut into limelight.
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A taste of China Mukta Arts has made its presence felt in Hindi films with many cinematic enterprises. The latest offering 36 China Town by showman Subhash Ghai offers bonechilling suspense, murder mystery, kidnapping, loads of spunky and joyful musical tracks with a beautifully-shot romantic love story. Directed by Abbas -Mustan 36 China Town introduces another model-turned-actor Upen Patel. This murder mystery stars Shaahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Tanushree Dutta, Payal Rohatgi, Johny Lever and Isha Kopikar. The film will see a release today at Piccadilly, Chandigarh, Fun Republic and KC, Panchkula. The preview circle is abuzz with the subject, which highlight three genres of people. The thriller specialists Abbas-Mustan’s first film with Subhash Ghai Aitraaz was super duper hit. Mukta Arts has a winner up their sleeve in succession after the success of Aitraaz. The glossy and flashy promos have already been a rage. Sameer has penned the lyrics. The singer-cum-composer Himesh Reshammiya delivers five original peppy tracks supplemented by six remixes. The promotional video of 36 China Town is choreographed by Remo and has many Chinese dancers. Ahmed Khan has choreographed other five songs of the movie. The buzz is that 36 China Town is a big budget thriller, which will get bumper opening because of the modern and hip look. — D.P.
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Planning a nourishing kitchen
Before you even start to look for appliances or cabinets, set a budget, and decide on a style; you need to be extremely clear about what you need. Functionality and utility must be given precedence over the design. First and foremost is the usage which you subject your kitchen to. Do you cook at all? Or are you gourmet/occasional cook and everyday cooking is done by your maid/chef? Do you simply cook and walk away or is this a room where your family likes to share breakfast before dashing out and converging again for the evening meal? How large is your kitchen space? Is your family larger than two plus two? Do you often consume take-away and microwave able pre-packaged meals or do you prefer fresh ingredients and adore cooking? Are you big on hosting frequent parties at home? Have you made a list of all your electrical appliances including water filter for the kitchen? Which cooking method you use the most? Your preference for frying, baking, roasting or grilling will determine which appliances you must include in your plan. Which appliances would you need to leave on counter top for quick accessibility? Have you prepared list of built in appliances you need? Ensure that you have atleast four spare power points in addition to ones for permanently installed appliances. Do spend time to make a complete list of what all you wish to get accommodated in your kitchen. List may include the size and number of cereal boxes, pulse containers, flour drums, general amount of tinned/processed food you keep, other grocery items and fresh fruit/veg, every day crockery, number of china/dinner/tea sets, amount of cutlery to be housed etc. Also important to is to plan if you are going to have formal China Cabinet within your kitchen or in the dining area. Are you having piped gas or LPG cylinders? Are there many doors leading to and fro your kitchen or you face less traffic? Shelf and cabinet height must be planned according to height and mobility of people who will use the kitchen the most. If there’s more than one cook in your household, you may want to consider making more room around the main work space. If you enjoy entertaining, you may want an open plan kitchen that allows for more social interaction between rooms other than the kitchen. In a small kitchen it is obvious that a large seating area is out of the question, but a small breakfast table might just fit in. In a big kitchen, the seating area will take a big part of the space. Get all family members to state their needs and expectations from the kitchen. Have you considered expansion options especially if you are a young couple and intend to start a family? Is there room to expand into the back/front yard or is there enough room to redesign using the existing floor space? Consider short-term and long-term implications of your renovation decisions. Will you have more/any children, how long you plan to live in this house? Plan a freestanding kitchen if you are intend to move out in the near future and go ahead with a fitted kitchen only if you are going to stay at your current residence for a while to come. Courtsey: A.P. Singh Besten & Co.
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YOUTH SPEAK With the cost of living increasing at an alarming rate, we would not have to wait much before sports becomes the most expensive recreation activity. This is evident from the fact that sports coaching is becoming expensive and sports equipment and accessories, right from a Tennis ball to a Golf court, are getting costlier day by day. A direct impact of this is on the people from the low strata of society who dream of becoming sportsmen. Sports is no more taken up as a hobby or as a pastime, but as a profession or as an occupation. There is no doubt that later on, you may go on to become extremely famous, but the fact remains that you need to loosen up your pockets to a vast extent. And the middle class people are the worst hit. Consequently, games like Soccer, Tennis, Golf, Squash and Badminton are now considered as within the reach of only higher classes of people, and only a couple of games are left for the common man. Another factor that may lead to a decline in the standard of sports in the country is the non-existence of an Indian sports brand that dominates the sports market globally. Also, education in our country is presently given much more importance than sports, which is a discouraging factor. The Government must step in here and play a role in improving the standard of sports in the country. Determined hard work needs to be put in to make conditions likable for new talents to emerge. Sponsors must also come up and support the young players. A complete turn-around of Indian sports is required. We can’t do much but hope for t he best to happen and hope that a new dawn brings along a new beginning. Saurabh Gupta
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Lighting up the stage With the advent of modern experimental theatre in the region, a conscientious effort had been made by the theatre experts to introduce innovative techniques in their theatrical productions. The well attuned background music, audiovisual and chiaroscuro light effects besides appropriate costuming and apt makeup are the vital ingredients for designing a drama production. These technical embellishments are employed to augment the descriptive significance and thematic essence of the play, show or a presentation. “But given the required infrastructure, one needs to be equipped with the genuine technical virtuosity, complete grasp of the characters being portrayed and above all a vision to enhance the performance level of all the actors and the production,” says Parveen Jaggi, the noted theatre artist, director and ace light designer and executor. Jaggi is back from Lahore (Pakistan) after his credible contribution as a light designer and executor of three plays from the city which won tremendous acclaim at the annual Indo-Pak Panj Pani Theatre Festival held recently at the Alambhara Theatre complex, Lahore. Sharing his experiences of Ajoka Theatre festival, he says it was challenging indeed to recreate a perfect compatible ambience through the improvisation of light effects for each of the three plays with diverse themes. Besides the inquisitive Pakistani theatre aficionados were expecting charismatic presentations from the high profile legendary thespians Gursharan Singh (Munshi Khan), Neelam Man Singh (Nag Mandala) and Sahib Singh (Prinde Hun Jaan Kithe) from Chandigarh. “My experience of more 100 productions as light designer, director and actor of two dozen plays stood in good stead and was perceptible in the tremendous applause showered on me at Lahore which reminded me of the memorable ovation at the Dubai Shopping Festival (2003) for Neelam Man Singh’s Kitchen Katha,” adds Jaggi. But an affectionate commendation from the much-adored thespian Madeeha Gohar, host of the Ajoka Festival rejuvenates and inspires me to achieve excellence in the realm of light designing. Her team of the prestigious play Dukh Darya was confronted with a technical problem to show the protagonist (Rajinder Rosy) simultaneously sitting in the tranquil environment of river Ravi as well as going down the memory lane while behind the bars in a jail, both scenes to be created on the same stage. “Taking up the challenge I designed the chiaroscuro light effects using Gobo cutters between the plano convex lens and the lamp at specified angles creating rectangular bars of a jail while the river bank scene was kept alive though another set of cross lights. It was amazing for many while Madeeha Gohar complimented me for it,” claims Jaggi, brimming with confidence and joy.
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Best foot forward Living life on the glamour lane, students across the college campuses are trudging towards fashion in cool slippers imported all the way from Thailand. If you haven’t seen them putting their best foot forward in the alien slip-ons, just hop into your jaunty car and go to the Government College for Girls in Sector 11. Or any other co-ed institute. You will see so many of them walking across the hearts of city guys in the alluring slippers with nice little beads embellishing the straps. “Available in cheerful hues right from baby pink to oceanic blue and silky silver, they go well with any attire,” says Krishna Sahoonja of Dewsun Greetings and Gifts in Sector 11. “You can team them up with jeans, wear them with skirts, or even add charm to your suits with these slippers”. Gals, the best thing about these slippers is that they are absolutely light. “It’s like wearing nothing at all,” says Ritu Gulati, pursuing graduation in English honours from a local government college. “Then the stuff is really inexpensive. In fact, you can pick them up for as less as Rs 160. At the most, you will have to pull out Rs 200 for taking home the slip-ons”. So gals, take the step that will lead you to the bon ton world of high glamour. Coffee with Shakespeare For so many college and university students, air-conditioned restaurants and fast food joints across the city are cool in the summers of 2006, for studying a chapter or two on ease and luxury, gorgeously and glamorously. If you are having any doubts about the popularity of these haunts amidst students still preparing for their annual examinations, just drive away from the academic environs of the campuses all the way to the joints in Sector 10 and 11. You will find the students sipping life comfortably while ardently solving the equations of their lives on comfy chairs. Or else, reposing on inviting sofa sets with good old William Shakespeare, and glasses full of iced-water. Right guys, you have guessed it right! Restaurants, fast food destinations and café bars are hot favourites of “book worms” burning the breakfast calories. And if you are wondering why they are leaving behind their scholastic quarters, and even hostel rooms, to study in the joints, the reason is not very hard to see, actually. Incessant electricity cuts leave most of them powerless throughout the day. Even if they have air conditioners at their houses, they prove useless in the absence of power. For damsels putting up in rooming houses as paying guests with so many other girls, it is nothing less than an opportunity to break free from bickering for studying in comfort. “And then the joints allow you to socialize with chums even during the examination season without giving you the pangs of guilt so strongly associated with trips to the eating houses,” says Romona Tanwar, a college student-cum-frequent visitor. No wonder, the students find the haunt “good” for savoring studies, along with some light music in the background and first-rate crowd to share their concerns. Well, if the serving staff resents or objects to their non-profitable presence, it’s not their problem. At the most, two of them get together, pool in the resources and pick up a frosted glass of nice cold coffee for something like Rs 36. You may find it hard to believe, but they actually know how to make the coffee last for good three or four chapters spread over two hours, even more. So guys, what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy cool café study session with your pals, now. — Saurabh Malik
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All for a role Organisations like the Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR) may cry themselves hoarse, trying to draw attention to how the saas-bahu serials trivialise emotions, encourage gender stereotypes and spin false versions of reality, but nobody’s listening. The fact remains that the soppy emotional fare offered by these stands rock solid on the TVR charts. Welcome to the world of sobbing, simpering or conniving damsels in Kanjeevarams and chandeliers. While there’s the popular protagonist Tulsi Virani, shouting in her circular lounge once again, where all the family dramas take place to the tune of crashing drums and wildly revolving cameras, there’s Kashish boohooing about the aches of putting farz over suhaag. And, yes, then there’s Prerna, still making those bambi eyes at lost beau, Anurag; tears are flowing uninterrupted, like the Niagara. And not to miss, there’s the meddlesome Parvati, (Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii) revelling in brand new widowhood. Of course, female protagonists are Indian television fiction’s lifeblood. Take them away and prime time TV will collapse. But, behind the creation all these popular characters lies just one name—Balaji Telefilms. Perhaps that explains a maddening crowd of 400 city youngsters, standing in a long que on a sweltering summer afternoon. The date was 2nd May and occasion, well, was the Balaji having free auditions for all “pretty faces and handsome men” between the ages of 18 and 28.More than 400 youngsters poured in to Dev Samaj College in Chandigarh, where the auditions took place from 10.30 AM to 8.00 PM. Beamed Bala ji’s regional Creative Head Shivangi Singh Chauhan, “I think the maximum number of entries that we’ll finalise would be from this city. We’ve found the prettiest of faces in Chandigarh. The girls and boys here are very talented too and are full of eagerness to be a part of Bala ji. We gave them each four scripts to perform on and they’ve done an excellent job.” But aren’t these youngsters bothered about how irate actors and actresses are walking out of Balaji Telefilm shows in a huff, or being unceremoniously dropped? “If you are in a Balaji serial, you will soon become a household name,” reasoned Vaishali Bakshi, who had appeared for the audition. “Don’t we know how Tulsi Virani’s become more popular than our Tulsi plant itself today?” giggled Raman and Barkha Sobti, the other starry-eyed aspirants. And of course, when it comes to climbing the ladder to instant fame, don’t we all like to put out best leg forward?
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Pride & Joy Neither gardens nor potted plants appeal to his sense of aesthetic as much as his beloved rose-bush does! And at 23 feet from the ground, this distinctive flowering shrub is Fauji Sarjit Singh’s pride, identity and what-have-you! This inhabitant of Bhurre village in Chamkaur Sahib, district Ropar, loves his nom de plume—Fauji Sarjit Singh gulabwalleh—for that is how you get the directions to his home should you look for him in the village. The beginning was innocuous enough. The plant was bought from a nursery in Mani Majra and planted in a pot. As it started to ‘stalk out’ Sarjit Singh shifted it into the ground and now it has scaled the wall along which it was planted. “I have no formal training in gardening, just a few plants here and there, but this rose-bush is tended to by the whole family with a lot of love and care. In fact my brain works twenty-four hours around this plant.” Indeed, desi khaad and round the clock watering, seems to have done the trick! “If my eyes open even at one or two in the morning I pour a bucket of water onto the plant before I go back to sleep.” With his claim of each branch bursting forth thirty-five blooming roses at a time, this certainly seems to be a unique shrub. And at the end of the day, for this government employee at Zila Fatehgarh Sahib, the rosebush has given him everything that a complete lifetime of struggle cannot, recognition and eminence. For him this is pleasure enough. — Gayatri Rajwade
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FILM & FASHION Aussie singing sensation Kylie Minogue has splurged on a luxurious island in Australia, where she is building a hideaway and possibly planning her wedding. The Sunday Telegraph reports the 37-year-old purchased a retreat in the heart of French Island in Victoria, Australia, 18 months ago and has just bought 80 additional hectares to vastly expand the estate. The oasis includes forests and rolling pastures and brings her island estate to 100 hectares in size. The most private spot on the island is accessible only by ferry and boasts amazing views of Minogue’s hometown of Melbourne. Paula’s famous babysitter Ever wonder how singer Michael Bolton became such a great dad? Well according to ‘American Idol’ judge Paula Abdul, he learnt all his parenting skills babysitting her. Abdul, who was just seven years old when the future Grammy award winning singer became her babysitter, credited herself for all the ‘training’ he got while taking care of her. “He’s a good father now and I think he got his training babysitting me... but I don’t think he ever sang me to sleep,” Contactmusic quoted her, as saying. Victoria’s designer dream flops Victoria ‘Posh Spice’ Beckham’s career as a designer seems to be taking the same road as her solo music career - into oblivion. According to a source, Posh is said to be at ‘loggerheads’ with the American jeans label Rock & Republic, with the label refusing to give into her demands. “Victoria and Rock & Republic are at loggerheads. She’s being demanding about what she wants in the contract. They aren’t giving in,” the Daily Mail quoted the source, as saying. However, Posh’s spokesperson said that the label was still eager to keep Victoria working for them. Keri feels safe with Cruise While actress Keri Russell was certainly very nervous of shooting dangerous stunts for blockbuster sequel Mission:Impossible III, she knew she was ‘safe’ as long as did them with actor Tom Cruise. Kate is two timing It seems that Pete Doherty is not the only rock star Kate Moss was involved with, for TV actress Zara Brocklesby has revealed that the supermodel stole her rocker boyfriend Dylan Burns. Brocklesby, who met Dylan in February 2005 when she appeared in his band Bodyrockers’ video for the hit song, I Like The Way, said she had been furious when she found that Moss had been dating her man behind her back. — ANI
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Kerala framed
Think Kerala, and the image that comes to the mind is of the tranquil world of picturesque beaches, mystical Kathakali dancers and a host of colourful rituals. Sounds irresistible? It is, and if you have a look at Johnathan Watts’s series of photographs on “Kerala: Of Gods and Men” you know you are not alone to get drawn to the charm of this tiny coastal state. This Britain-born photographer, who is associated with the Ethnographic Museum of Geneva, knows his subject well. During his many missions to the state between the 1998 and 2003, Johnathan had an opportunity to document the rituals of Kerala for a research project. Around 50 pictures by the lensmansuccessfully capture the diversity of people and customs of the state. Colour is in abundance and so are the details. His voyage starts with the Teyyam rituals in The Temple of Muchilottu in Kannur and takes you through the dances of Goddess Bhandaramutti and Tirayattam rituals in the temple of Chettipurakandi Bhagavati in Calicut. That is not all. You get to see close-ups of masks used in such ceremonies and even the body of the dancers, with all painted and decorated with amazing details. Johnathan’s fascination for fireworks is evident, as the photographer has gone into great details to capture the magic created by fire acrobats, which usually takes place during the interlude of a Tirayattam ritual. Another photograph about a group of musician moving in search of purified water and a snake worshipper spitting venom are particularly interesting. Once you can interpret the contrasts of light and dark in Johnathan’s paintings, each one becomes eloquent, telling the story of good and evil, of beauty and ugliness, of fire and water, all reflecting the delicate balance between a modern and a traditional world and the earthy and spirituality of the ‘God’s own country’. Gods Never Die To make one understand the state better, Alliance Francaise has arranged for a documentary Gods Never Die capturing ceremonies of Kerala and their preparations. The film comes with no interview or notes, just a title card in the beginning and end, but nevertheless is crisp and clearly conveys the subject. The exhibition opens at Art Gallery, Alliance Francaise, Sector 36 at 5.30 pm today.
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Chasing a ghost called Amrita Sher-Gil IT is said that those whom the Gods love, die young. But the truth of the matter seems to be that the mortal creatures on earth down below love those who die young immensely. Gods may or may not love them as much. Look at the most loved persons who have a great cult following had special talents but invariably by some quirk of fate they also died young. The first lady of the Indian canvas, Amrita Sher-Gil is one such example. The first modern painter of the country who was half-Hungarian died in 1941 at the age of twenty eight and is known by a body of work made in a period of seven years. She is also remembered much for her beauty and her Bohemian lifestyle. The regret of a man like Khushwant Singh is that she never seduced him! Winter’s trail Much has been written and said on Sher-Gil of the haunting eyes. Some time back on a visit to Pakistan a local artist made it a point to take me to the house that Amrita Sher-Gil had lived in. For she had indeed chosen Lahore to be her home. But recently one got a chance to see the Sher-Gil saga searched from the European side in an 11-minute film called ‘Winter’s Trail’, made by a young Indian filmmaker to look out for. She is Pooja Kaul, who after passing out from Jamia Milia, went to study cinema in the National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield, UK. “Amrita Sher-Gil had always been a ghost to me and in this film I wanted to humanize her somehow.” Using the techniques of minimalist cinema, Pooja succeeds very well capturing the artist with her strength and failings.The film shot in 2003 in Hungary is now being taught in the Comparative Media Studies Program, MIT and Harvard University’s South Asia Initiative. Ayesha Dharker plays Sher-Gil and old photographs of the artist fill the gap. Electric blue Besides other memorabilia, the film brings to us her saris that are still lying with an old Hungarian relative. A fine sari that is worn by Ayesha Dharker is an electric blue Benarasi with motifs woven in silver! —Nirupama Dutt
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Shiv Jogiya Shiv Kumar Batalvi was a poet of a classical tradition bringing to contemporary poetry the richness of Punjabi folk. S.D. Sharma pays a tribute to the poet on his 33rd death anniversary There are those who pass into legend after they are gone and there are those who live a legend. Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi was definitely of the latter kind. Kitte takkren taan haal sunavan Bataale deya Shiv Jogiya… a popular Punjabi song in Pakistan is undeniably a veritable tribute to the distinctive poetic elegance of Shiv Kumar Batalvi. It would not be too much to say that during his active literary career of a decade he accomplished all for which a century is too short a period. Born on July 23, 1936, at Barapind Lohtian village Tehsil Shakargarh, now in Pakistan Shiv passed away May 7, 1973. The charismatic persona of Shiv, as a person and poet had its compelling charm and he cast a lasting impression with his loving nature and malice towards none. “Anyone who came across him, be it the relatives, friends, readers audience or his detractors,” says his wife Arun Shiv Batalvi while talking to Lifestyle at her Patiala residence. She adds, “Since every poet reveres and represents the cultural ethos of the people of his region and his poetry too belonged to the Punjabis. By honouring Shiv, we also honour our mother tongue.” Appreciative of the Punjabi University endeavour to transliterate his book Aarti into Bengali, she hopes that more of his poetry is translated into different languages. She has edited the unpublished works of Shiv in a book named Alvida brought out by GND University. Not only the inquisitive readers but the literary icons too hold the poet in high esteem. “Shiv is among the greatest Punjabi poet who with his unrivalled lyrical potential has transformed traditional poetry to a spectacular level,” says the leading Punjabi poet Surjit Patar. Terming Shiv as a confluence of melody, magnanimity and abiding romantic attraction, Patar recalls his mellifluous poetic renditions that were a spectrum of emotions. The noted literary personality Bhushan Dhyanpuri, a close family friend, does not wholly agree with the epithet of Biraha da Sultan and describes him as a gem of versatility. Though his poetic creations replete with the agony and pains of separation had earned him instant popularity but there is a lot written on other themes of secularism, socialism and humanism weaved into the pastoral idiom. “Shiv had given an entirely new vision and direction to Punjabi poetry,” says Dhyanpuri.
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YOUTH SPEAK
Ever wondered how much time does a man take to get dressed for office? Hardly any. Right? Absolutely wrong! For, dreary pants, pin-stripe suits and starched white shirts of yesteryears are no longer being followed like religion in the city’s corporate offices.
A beautiful home may well fill yours and your visitors’ hearts with joy, but it’s your kitchen which keeps you nourished enough so that you may continue to enjoy the beauty of your home. Sit down with your family to plan the kitchen even if you are hiring a professional to design your new kitchen or re-modelling your existing one. The designer will disappear once the kitchen is installed, but you have to live with the consequences; expensive ones at
that.
ARIES : This is a time for you to shine! You have extra energy and confidence and will make a strong impression on others. Begin something new, to initiate a relationship or project you may have been considering. A friend or person in authority may offer help or present an opportunity which will benefit you. A trip is on the cards. Lucky Colour: Lotus pink. TIP OF THE WEEK: Balance in all aspects is recommended.
LIBRA : “ The Lovers” inspire you with love and creativity. Your ideas and thoughts may not meet with the support that you feel they need. A lack of depth and feeling can be lived with a grain of salt. The difficulties that arise now, offer you the best opportunities to grow wiser, listen and learn. Health and finances need to be conserved. Lucky colour: Bottle green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. 
TAURUS : “The Empror” gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. A Scorpio person can be relied upon. You may lead, facilitate or organize an important group function. Avoid Superficial people who create negative feelings. Meditation for higher level of consciousness. Lucky colour: Royal blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Now is the need to question the value judgment, which have shaping your money aspects.
SCORPIO:
“Nine of cups” interprets it as having ‘focused energy’ and concentration on a goal, because of which even the impossible gets done. You have come to a stage in your life where ‘karmic speed breakers’ and circumstances will compel you to put aside grey thoughts. Lucky Colour: Crimson. TIP OF THE WEEK: It is no longer necessary to take risks. You concentrate on projects only with reliable outcome. 
GEMINI : Total love and togetherness as revealed by the ‘Page of Pentacle’ card is the positive start of life together. Setting up home, interior decoration and putting things an order would take up a good part of the week. A gentle and friendly approach can resolve an old conflict. Be in touch with your sense of humour, laughter’s and ability to celebrate. A Taurean friend helps you to attain inner bliss and silence. Lucky colour: Pink. TIP OF THE WEEK: Leave the past in the past.
SAGITTARIUS : “The Moon” reveals you are particularly sensitive to its travels. Whatever you do will be done in a “big” way now. Try to keep the good of the greater number as a priority, you will make the best use of this energy. If you have exercised your self-discipline muscles, you will meet the test and pass with flying colors. Concentrate on realistic expectations. Lucky colour: Yellow. TIP OF THE WEEK: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. 
CANCER : “The Chariot” brings light into darkness. Progressive changes are on the cards. Don’t waste time counting pennies this week. Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. A change in your family situation has made you realize where your true values lie. Lucky colour: Creamy white. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. 
CAPRICORN : “The High Pristess” reveal family pressure and responsibilities Be careful, as you are sufficiently distracted to run into trouble if you don’t pay attention to what you are doing. It is important to look after hair, nails, skin, etc. Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well being. Lucky colour: See green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Extend your circle of friends as people are your best bet against a hostile situation at work. 
LEO : Your card “Six of Wands” so friends could get on your nerves. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Do not expect too much from your loved ones. Hectic work schedule would require you to be on your toes most of the time. Meditation to balance you in and yang energies. Don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand to others. Lucky colour: Deep purple. TIP OF THE WEEK: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.
AQUARIUS : “Seven Golden Cups” full of light and blossom greet you with happiness. Focus on investment on Wednesday and Thursday. You delegate responsibility and allow others to flower and grow. Others are in slow motion compared to you and this could be irritating. Pay close attention to what you are doing, lest you slip at a crucial moment. Lucky Colour: Midnight blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. 
VIRGO : “The Moon” takes you through a difficult Karmic situation. A Taurus or Leo person need your support. Be prepared for all out combat with people. Even though this is pretty much the opposite of your normal style. In fact, “opposite” is pretty much the name of the game for you. Your success will come through deliberate effort. Lucky colour: Fiery red TIP OF THE WEEK: You need to take things slowly and listen to your inner voice.
PISCES:
You are into organising your home or office so it will flow more efficiently. While you are at it, you likely will create a sleeker, less cluttered appearance of things around you. Watch your tendency to overspend the budget. Love and social life are favored. Media attention is on the cards. Lucky colour: Cheery red. TIP OF THE WEEK: Your efforts would gain momentum of your listen to what experienced people have to say.