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PAMMY’S BEAUTY TIPS
Write to Renee FILM REVIEW
Mobile phones are ringing in social awareness!
And it’s not just messages seeking the reopening of Jessica Lal murder trial that are being aired for shaking the people out of their indifferent slumber without switching on the alarms. Even students are connecting to technology for sending across the message against reservations, even in its favour.
You may find it hard to believe just in case you do not have a constant companion in a mobile phone. MATKA CHOWK FUN WITH FASHION Breezy drapes STRIKING A POSE: A
photograph on display at the Chandigarh Museum Fun with craft WEEK AHEAD
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Sticking your neck out Sunroofs — offering a glimpse of innovative trend in automobile modification — are hot-off-the-fire passion among automobile owners in the city, says
Saurabh Malik Sunroofs are dazzling the onlookers like never before. Call it the latest scream amidst city residents, or just another hole-in-the-roof modification. Anything you like. The fact is that the sunroofs are springing up a fashion, gorgeously. True, amended sedans, zipping down the fast track of innovation, were always modifying the lifestyles of so many city residents, but the sunroofs are lending colour to the ordinary, making it an avantgarde expressions of style and innovation. So far if you haven’t seen jaunty cars with panoramic sunroofs, just drive down the roads meandering their way to the parking lots in Sector 17 and other places. Among the cars with open tops, you will find a modified Maruti Swift belonging to Sector 21-based eye surgeon Dr Rajan Chugh.
Reality touch For the pleasure of driving under the open sky, he contacted a firm in Noida. Its representatives came all the way to Chandigarh and fitted the “whole fabric” top that repels sunlight when closed, and allows light hot air to escape from the vehicle when open, making the air conditioner more effective. Dr Chugh has his own reasons. “You see in a car you are always in a compartment — just like author Robert M. Pirsig said in `Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance’. In it, you are nothing more than a passive observer. In fact what you see through the car window is just more TV,” he asserts. “But with the sunroof giving you a glimpse of clear blue sky, you are in the scene, not just watching it”. Flashing a broad smile, he adds: “When open, the sunroof lets in the light for everyone, allowing you to bask in glory. This is not all. You can even stand up and hear the boisterous whisper of cool evening breeze blowing soft across the trees over the din of city existence. And at night, it is simply wonderful to reach out for the stars. During the Monsoons, you can actually hear the pitter-patter of rain over your head without venturing out…. It’s like driving a convertible. Rather, the automobile offers you combo pleasure pack of open jeep and car with all the benefits of staying secure from the vagaries of weather.”
Health-wise There is another reason why you will love to have a sunroof fitted in your car. Quoting research carried abroad by industry experts, Dr Chugh says a sunroof can actually offer health benefits to overstressed workers and fatigued parents by taking away that feeling of being in a cage. In fact, some psychologists in the West are actually prescribing sunroofs to patients constantly feeling low or displaying symptoms of depression. “There are enough studies to establish the fact that people show improvement in mood and energy levels with more light entering their vehicles through the roof,” says Dr Chugh. Just in case you are getting interested in sunroofs, you can stick your neck out by going in for cars that come with the ready-to-open tops. But the choice is limited. And then, the fact remains that sunroofs
add quite a huge amount to a sticker price. On the other hand, modification from the right place can cost you anywhere between
Rs 15,000 and Rs 80,000 depending upon the shape, size and the material. Just make sure that
you get the job done from the right place, rest you end up with leaking roof…. Folks, if you are asking what’s next; well, sky is the limit.
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COFFEE WITH SATYA PAUL This is noon-time coffee and tête-à-tête with a glamorous twist. Over a steaming cup of coffee or a sip of Earl Grey, are cascading lines of haute couture to mull over and mill around. The buzzword is ‘inspiration’ for what is up for grabs is none other than Satya Paul’s stylish saris, unstitched suits and bundles of fabric at their exclusive outlet at the Taj-17. In a unique, one-of-its-kind push-off, Meera Singh, Coordinator for Satya Paul in the city, started a city staple, a kitty, but with a difference, for this one is for the Satya Paul saris. “We simply want to change a mindset that designer saris are expensive. Come on over and take a look with absolutely so obligation to buy and you will be surprised at how affordable the stuff here is,” avers Meera and nods franchisee / owner Divya Kapoor in total agreement. Divya knows the city’s tastes like the back of her hand and chooses form a medley of fabrics and designs keeping the local taste-buds in mind. “Bright colours and season to season,” is her mantra while she also takes care to order the special dupatta and suit combos which the women here love to sport. Graceful chiffons in summery pastels with swirling patterns and motifs—including the polkas and animal prints that Satya Paul is known for—start at Rs 2500. The embellished creations are steeper at Rs 6500 upwards but what makes the whole deal interesting is that as part of a kitty in which you put in Rs 1000 per month for ten months, you end up with an original Satya Paul, maybe two, depending on the range you go for. Trousseau designer Honii Sandhu, living in Sector 8, is here for the first time and she can be found glancing through the polka range. “Satya Paul has always excited me because he plays with a blend of colours and fabrics which really appeals to me.” The coffee and kitty routine which started at the end of November last year, now boasts over a 100 people strong participating. Contemporary styles on French chiffons, georgettes and crepes in dappled greens, sunlight yellow and powder blue, stark black, white and fiery red and flower power prints, wiggles and whorls, swirls and stripes, there are vibrant patterns festooned all over to plump for. Renee Singh, columnist and about-to-be-published poet has been a “die-hard” Satya Paul fan for 25 years now. Sporting a vivid blue outfit designed by him, she recounts the time when for both her children’s first birthdays she wore Satya Paul creations, especially crafted by him. “What is more he is one of my favourite people and does things I totally relate to.” So what appeals to her sense of aesthetics? “He is about freedom and colour and I totally love colour,” she smiles. Jewellery designer Kiran Grewal living in Sector 18, has been a part of the kitty for two months now but comes every week to pick something up. Kiran’s favourite Satya Paul colour is the mango-peach which she loves but summers are a time to pick up the subtler hues while winters are for the bold blushes. Housewife Manju Bhalla came dressed in a striking red ensemble, Satya Paul of course, and immediately became the cynosure of all eyes. Three months into the kitty and she has already picked up two saris. It all seems so easy if contemporary chic does it for you. So go on and register your name at their outlet counter and wait for that phone-call inviting you over for a cuppa, in vividly coloured cups to boot, a la Satya Paul style!
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PAMMY’S BEAUTY TIPS HOW many times have you stepped into a salon and stepped out with maybe a lovely new hairstyle but never stepped in there again simply because that’s not the style you asked for? In India where there is no concept of consultation prior to the service, everything is based on guesswork and your luck. Salons still run on the glam and glitz rather than the technical knowledge of the stylists. In India, there is still no governing body controlling the standards and the concept of insurance is unheard of. So where do the unsatisfied clients go? High time the salons recognise the importance of client and of technical knowledge and that how the salons can benefit more out of the professional image portrayed, because if you are happy with the services you will tell few friends but if you are unhappy you will tell the whole world. In the West, by law you have to explain the nature of treatment you are going to be offered. You do not touch a client without proper consultation and service explained. Everything is discussed before suggesting what is actually needed including time factor involved, cost of treatment plan and the cost of retail products for home care. On the other hand in India, most of the times you are not familiar with the service offered, it’s just done for you. Do insist on knowing the step-by-step service, products used by the stylist on you and also the limitations of the service that you are going to have. Is there anything that is contra indicating with the treatment? Treatment tips Always keep time for a consultation when booking a service. Establishing a rapport between you and the stylist is important. You will have more faith in the stylist if you know what service he is offering you. Insist on having information written down on your client records of the products used, how long were they were left on, peroxide strength used etc. It will not only help you for future reference but in the absence of your stylist another stylist can carry out the service successfully. Also, if you want a repeat performance you don’t have to go through the guesswork again. Be very careful about the peroxide strength used on your hair as it can leave your hair brittle and cuticles damaged. During your consultation insist on having the porosity, incompatibility test done before the tinting service. If perming your hair do ask the stylist to check for the presence of metallic salts and the incompatible chemicals in the hair. People with breathing difficulties, asthma patients must have the service involving chemicals undertaken in a well-ventilated area. Make your stylist know that it is a contraindication to the treatment when you have the consultation. If you have any history of allergies or have sensitive skin make sure you have a skin test done 48 hours before the treatment. Bring this point out in your consultation. As a rule everybody must go through the patch test to avoid any allergic reaction. Your stylist should be examining you as doctor diagnoses during the consultation. Adverse hair or scalp conditions, any infectious diseases must be brought to the stylist’s knowledge. A good consultation should help you in making recommendations for a hairstyle to suit your appearance and style. A good stylist will keep in mind your age, skin, lifestyle, personality, occupation, medical history, occasion and time available on your hands. Make sure the stylist agrees and understands to what is finally decided. If you are unclear about the service then ask for a repeat summary of the main information. Because of misinterpatation you can land with a style that is too difficult to maintain. The outcome of such services can lead to mistrust, arguments, and embarrassments and to no return visit. The hair dressing industry is a service industry and as such it should be the major aim of every salon to provide a service which is safe, professional, pleasant and relaxing for you. Each treatment must be adapted to meet the client’s unique set of circumstances. Your consultation will prevent any possible misunderstanding that could arise between you and your hair stylist. With a good consultation everything will be up to your expectations, it will help to assess your need and provide an opportunity to discuss your requirements and expectations and allow you to make recommendations for treatment. Remember, you are the best stylist for your hair as you are more aware of the limitations, and the natural fall of your hair. So, with good consultation your stylist and you can lead to a satisfactory end-result.
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Being an effective
radio jockey This million dollar question has continued to haunt each and everybody who has had a chance to be ‘On-Air’ or is planning to do so. Well I guess, the answer is pretty simple…..anyone who has the ability to make the audience eat out of their hands. But how do you achieve it….I mean all RJs cannot be like the legendary Ameen Sayani or Casey Kasem. So what sets them apart? Well, it is the way they can effectively modulate their voice, the way they can be so natural and are able to talk to the listener, not at them. Next I would say, is a good sense of humour, which can actually be the cherry on top of the cake. No one wants to listen to an RJ who is drab, sounds lazy and is not at all emotive…what say? And of course, good articulation, diction, knowledge of music genres etc., are just the basics that any RJ has to possess, otherwise the management of the radio station will very willingly escort him or her to the nearest exit. And this is where proper professional training steps in. If you can put your thoughts on paper in a way that the listener feels close to them, be rest assured that your voice will surely be heard. Writing for the ear is very different than writing for the eye, so make sure in order to be effective as a Radio Jockey, you sharpen this talent. Doing a radio show without a properly written script, is just like jumping into a shark infested sea, with just a life jacket to cling on to. So make sure you possess this talent to survive. Knowledge of music is a big plus point. Often I have come across so-called music experts, who will put The Backstreet Boys in a show reserved exclusively for Reggae singers. Now don’t sell me that…and better still don’t sell it to the listener. RJs need to know music genres back to back, so that the chances of falling flat on your face are reduced. Make sure you play the right music at the right time. Spontaneity is a virtue that surely will help you in making your voice heard. Don’t try and act dumb ‘On-Air’ and be especially careful with people interacting through the phones. And please don’t try and be a ‘smart alec’ or else……… Guys (read RJs) no matter how good or smart you seem to be or even try to put on an act, always remember that the person on the other side of the radio is smarter. (The writer is a renowned radio personality running Radio Buzz, a Radio Jockey trainer, voice expert and an international broadcaster)
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Write
to Renee I am a young man 27 years but I am what they call a self help book addict. I feel I have become very dependent on these books. Each time I have a problem or I am feeling low or depressed. I simply run to my collection of books, open one, read a few pages and then seem to relax and calm down. Life starts seeming worthwhile again. I even have a collection of tapes that which I rely on. So much so that travelling without these companions seems completely unthinkable. I do not have a steady girlfriend but I am looking for one, may be that will give me emotional stability. I do want that I could rely on myself to feel good, but it just doesn’t seem to happen. Is there a way to make life better? Jaspal Randhawa, Patiala Young man, you just need to spend a little time to understand yourself. Why do you have this dependency on others to make things alright for you. Whether its books or tapes or even the girl friend you are looking for. You are actually running away from yourself. The cause of your lows is basically inherent fears or problems you have suppressed and not really dealt with. You are only providing quick fix with your self-help material. You need to confront your deep-rooted fears and deal with them. Self-help books are great companions I agree but you cannot allow dependency of any sort to take over your life. You must realise that you within yourself have the wisdom, knowledge and courage to heal yourself, just have the courage to do so. Take charge of your life and get in touch with the divinity within you. The peace will naturally flow from within. I am extremely worried about a girl friend who has been living in an abusive marriage for the last more than 15 years. Although her husband is not physically abusive, emotionally he sees to it that she is a complete wreck. But the strange thing is that she seems to think this is pretty normal and all men are supposed to treat women like this and the women are supposed to bear up with it. I have over the years watched her going through many a depression, even her kids seem to be emotionally disturbed with her pattern. I really want to reach out to heal her but do not know how to go about it. Can you advise me on what could be suggested to her? Neelima Sen, Panchkula In your childhood years if you have been treated badly by your mother or father then unfortunately you start associating this behaviour with love. You start believing that each time you are going through a bad patch in your marriage it is a man’s way of showing he cares for you. Anyway, this is like a pattern in the mind. It’s like a prison of resentment, and depression is a refuge. The human mind takes it in order to run away from it all. Your friend has probably developed a comfort zone in emotional abuse during her childhood with her parents. Now she is still living the same pattern and reveling in it. She is associating being treated badly, with actually being loved. You can help by asking her to open her heart out to you, and try to pour her emotions from her childhood onwards. Only then you could help her change her pattern. Try and help her to stand up for herself in a more positive way. I am 21 years old and have serious problems on a confidence level. I feel I lack in self esteem and although, I have everything a college going young man could ask for I feel inadequately equipped in one way. I do not seem to find the right girl. The only time I approached a girl and asked her to be friends with me, she rejected me. Ever since I have had problems with talking to girls. I feel I will make a fool of myself again. My confidence in myself is completely shaken. All my friends go out with girls and am the only one who feels like a fool with them. Each time I gather the confidence to talk to a girl I shy away. My studies are suffering as I do not seem to be able to concentrate on any thing but this problem. Please help me. Anil
Nighwan, Trust me, you’re sailing in the right boat even if you are thinking to the contrary. Women have a habit of rejecting men just to prove a point, and then has’nt she done you a favour by allowing you to think about yourself? Your confidence can not possibly hinge on one girls rejection of you, how can you allow someone to influence your life like this, there are many knocks you will be getting further on in life, in the job market etc. You have learnt a valuable lesson, whatever comes easily in life is anyways not worth having, just toughen yourself up and learn to carve a niche for yourself in the world. Get on with your studies, concentrate on just making friends. Reach out with a certain level of confidence and a couldn’t care less attitude. Girls love this one. Your nonchalant air shall attract many. Go ahead with your new self.
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FILM REVIEW
Tere Dil Mein Meri Sanson Ko Panaah mil Jaaye, Tere Ishq main Meri Jaan Fanaa Ho Jaaye, this powerful dialogue is from Yash Raj Films’ latest offering Fanaa, which opened to packed houses on Friday at Piccadily, Kiran- Chandigarh and K.C- Panchkula. The Yash Raj banner has been spinning gold for a couple of years and its films have been doing good business. Fanaa, the new film directed by young director Kunal Kohli, who made his debut with Mujhse Dosti Karoge, will prove to be a money-spinner. Fanaa has been making news for many reasons. It is the biggest film coming from Yash Raj Films since Veer-Zaara. Kajol makes a come back with a bang. She stars opposite Aamir Khan for the first time in Fanaa. Fanaa is a love story where Aamir Khan plays a perfect negative character of a terrorist. Kajol plays a blind Kashmiri girl. She is a stunner in this film. Tabu, Rishi Kapoor, Kiron Kher very well support the lead stars. Laara Dutta and Shiney Ahuja are in guest appearances. Shot widely in Poland, Fanaa has superb camera work by Ravi K. Chandran. Jatin-Lalit, who have composed for this last biggie before their split , team up with lyricist Prasoon Joshi. The film has undoubtedly a melodious score. The first track Chand sifarish, sung by Shaan has a strong western influence and is definitely a chartbuster. — D.P.
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SMS: Social Message Service Not just jokes, youngsters today are using the short message service for spreading the message of unity and equality in the days of anguish over reservations, says
Saurabh Malik after receiving several such messages Mobile phones are ringing in social awareness! And it’s not just messages seeking the reopening of Jessica Lal murder trial that are being aired for shaking the people out of their indifferent slumber without switching on the alarms. Even students are connecting to technology for sending across the message against reservations, even in its favour. You may find it hard to believe just in case you do not have a constant companion in a mobile phone. But youngsters across the region are actually spreading the serious message, the somber and even the sidesplitting way, effectively. “Gone are the days when the short message service (SMS) was used just for sharing jokes or whispering sweet nothings without uttering words,” says Sector 22-based mobile-phone dealer Rajesh Sharma. “Ever since a news-channel launched an SMS campaign to round up support for reopening Jessica Lal murder case, more and more youngsters are using the service for giving a vent to their grievances”. Right guys, the fact that the youngsters today are using SMS as a driver to steer home the social message against “divide and misrule” policy is evident from so many “mobile” jokes that are being forwarded these days. One such joke say that MBBS doctors across the country can easily undertake an inexpensive two-week crash course in shoe polishing for making a success out of their careers. Sourced to the ‘Youth for Equality’, another message making rounds of mobile phone’s inbox coaxes the youngsters to wake up and prevent the country from being divided on the caste lines. Merit, it says, is more important than birth certificates. Commenting upon the popularity and effectiveness of such messages, a senior officer in a cellular phone company says that even in ‘Fight for Jessica Lal’ campaign, the SMS service managed to garner support for a fresh trail. In the reservation issue also, the mobile-phone subscribers’ attitude only shows that technology has changed the face of mobilization completely. “Until about two years ago, a battallion of volunteers and motivated youngsters would have gone from door to door collecting signatures as a part of the campaign. But today, much less effort is required. All you have to do is to hit the mobile keys for forwarding and re-forwarding the message if you agree with its contents”. That’s the way it is.
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MATKA CHOWK NOW
that Chandigarh is getting to be a sizable and happening city, we surely need some direct connections to get in and out of Chandigarh. I find myself in Delhi all too frequently, simply because I am attempting to travel to another Indian city. The Delhi station, one of my least favourite places, is one that I find myself in more often than not. On a busy day, it can shake the confidence of many stalwarts, specially on a day, when a strong loo is blowing, or there is a religious festival or a special holiday. Chandigarh railway station, in comparison is a much gentler cousin. You can actually wait on a clear spot without people falling all over you. You can also find a parking spot – which can be considered miraculous in a city like Kolkata. You have to often seek out a coolie, rather than having them pounce on you as soon as you alight from the car. The station does not smell too bad (by some standards) and you can actually navigate your way to the magazine stall and even get a bench free of litter and paan stain to sit down on and read the freshly bought ‘India Today’! You can climb the overbridge, without being pushed around by jostling human streams and almost being knocked down! Fewer dogs are running free and, of course, getting kicked around by the people (a sight that causes us a great deal of anguish in Delhi)! And you don’t have to turn away from beggars and urchins and endless vendors selling hand-held fans and melamine trays. The road to the station is not something to cause nightmares and while leaving home, you don’t have to leave time margins for (probable) stupendous traffic jams. You might even reach early as it happens to me often, since I am conditioned by the big city fears of getting late for a flight or the train and instinctively hustle whenever I travel. On one particular trip I came back from Delhi during a busy season. Groups of pilgrims were rushing around like some untamed Himalayan river all around us and the noise was deafening. I held on to my daughter’s hand with all my might and used all my strength just to stop myself from falling over. When we reached Chandigarh, it was already dusk. It was a winter evening with a light mist hanging in the air. The eucalyptus trees were green as ever. There were hardly any people on the station. The cold air, the dim neon lights and the stillness that greeted us were profoundly exhilarating! I was so glad to be home!
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FUN WITH FASHION
As the simmering sun showers sizzling sparks left and right, leaving us all snorting and puffing like a steam engine, we better protect ourselves than get sunburned. And talking of sun protection, what comes instantly to mind is um….um… the humble umbrella! Yes! Besides offering us instant protection from that dreaded sunburn, an umbrella can also notch up our stylo- meters. For, the stark black and bulky umbrellas are totally out. What’s replaced these Raj-Kapoor-Nargis black umbrellas (remember Shri 420?) is a smiling bunch of some happy colourful umbrellas. You must have seen, and even sported cartoons on tees, jeans, scarfs and even totes, but ever spotted umbrellas with cartoons? Well, these are the latest teen sensation in town. Sprinkling a dash of fashion, flounce and fun to the overall attires of city girls, these are being scuttled between the city lanes. Loud acid coloured prints, fun cartoons, graphics and smiling colours—a flush of sunshine orange, rainforest green and even the peppery bubblegum pink. Umbrellas in the city are sporting it all. Flowers, stars and polkas are dappling these delightful things. Chirps fashion designer Nidhi Bajaj, “ Umbrellas and raincoats today are more of a fashion statement. They form a part of most fashion shows and rain-dance sequences in films. Even girls in the region are choosing umbrellas that match with their dresses nowadays.” Adds another designer Mini Singh, “Many girls ask for florescent umbrellas in bright hues that match their dresses and handbags.” So, all those hissing with the horrid heat can choose their pick and brave the weather. The winds humming a sweet melody may hold a promise of the rain showers, but it may take a while to actually happen. Meanwhile just grab a colourful umbrella and notch up your stylo-meter.
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Breezy drapes “Traditional with fusion” is her mantra but this does not translate into gaudy lines with dangling baubles! Simple, stylish and fresh colours that spell breezy are the order of the day as Parampara comes with its saris and salwar-kameez and dupattas for the scorching summer ahead. Handloom cottons—mangalgiris, garhwals, bomkai from Orissa—silk-cotton mix and printed rubia in delightful Batik, Kalamkari and block-prints from all over and even typical Puneri saris with Kutchi thread-work, bring out the vibrancy of our weaves and dyeing traditions. Handloom cotton is in and proprietor Kiran Patel who has travelled the length and breadth of the country sampling weaves from villages all over is its biggest believer. “There is nothing quite like cotton for the summers.” The saris range from Rs 500 to 1000 and the suits from Rs 400 to 2000 depending upon the embellishments and creative strokes involved. Even the trimmings are subtle with small beads, silver thread-work and gold prints around batik blocks. But what really stands out is Kiran’s array of saris with simple blocks in lovely shades, combination of unusual traditional borders like the Peshawari Ikkals and a beautiful variety of dramatic black and red saris with Kutchi stitches (Rs 1500). Check out the exhibition
at Hotel Aroma, Sector 22, Room 101 on Sunday May 28.
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Clicking at life THE camera clicks the picture but it is the eye behind the lens that decides the quality and intensity of the picture. Gayatri Rajwade reports on memorable shots in the sixth ‘Friends of Photography’ show. Life is the greatest muse and the strokes of ‘Friends of Photography’ reflect its eddies and currents. Some 52 prints by eight artists (B S N Reddy’s works could not make it), including three invitee photographers, Amitabha Sil, Abhoy Nath Ganguly and Anil Risal Singh (who have recently been honoured by the Federation Internationale de l’Art Photographique, a premier international organisation promoting art in photography) have been put on show. Anil Risal Singh’s ‘Forms’ is a striking composition in black and white, perhaps the only one of its kind in the showing that is almost ‘still-life’ in its arrangement. The shadow behind the stack of plates with the elegant globular vase holding a single stalk has a magical quality. Abhoy Nath Ganguly’s ‘Dancing’ conveys the isolated joy of a girl dancing in gay abandon while ‘Tune B’ is a lovely juxtaposition of a girl playing a flute standing in a narrow passage surrounded by walls and houses. Amitabha Sil’s ‘Sentinel’ is an imposing visual of a city alight against a blazing skyline overseen by a guard standing near a cannon at a height while his ‘Hearts in Harmony’ is a soft black and white image of a couple sporting hats standing under a tree in full bloom. The members also do the exhibition proud. V S Kundu’s ‘Sadness’ speaks through the eyes of his subject. “What makes this picture is that even when I was clicking, the man did not change his expression, the eyes held,” explains Kundu who is also the President of the association. His ‘Challenger’ is also a unique composition for the moment it captures, that of a man running against a speeding train. Subhash Sapru,s works span the gamut of nature and man from his ‘Umbrellas of Nature’, toadstools in a field, to ‘Maati Ke Rang’ where a group of boys pose after gambolling in mud, a photograph that comes alive with the inherent joie de vivre that emanates from it. Red ochre sky and a man in silhouette sitting on a charpoy with a hookah in one hand (‘Evening Rest’) and an arresting close-up of a winged creature climbing a green stalk (‘Winning Spree’) are fine examples of O P Gupta’s works. Inderjit Premi’s white tiger sitting in majestic splendour in the lush natural opulence of mountainous country, titled ‘My Kingdom’, is splendid for its subject and depth as is his ‘Lone Traveller’ while Deep Ram Bhatia’s different compositions, ‘Revenge’ of a camel gunning for a little boy and ‘Golden Glory’, beautiful for the spilling light captured so effectively reveal his range of vision. B S Sodhi’s ‘Brother & Sister’ is a picture postcard visual of companionship while the little girl looking back in ‘Holiday Mood’ is a charming click of the shutter. Amardip Singh Samara’s ‘Pride’ with the eyes of the protagonist fiercely telling to his sepia-toned ‘Rural Conveyance’ to his ‘Black and White’ of two starkly different swans in a sea of blue spans of gamut of subjects. Finally Adit Agarwala’s ‘Requiem’ of ducks against a row of grave-stones is a note-worthy photograph as is his ‘Tranquillity’ which stands out for its exquisite details while ‘Journey’s End’ is interesting for its composition. The exhibition will be on till May 30 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10.
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Fun with craft
Simple with an earnest vision, Shripal Kashyap Kalakaar is a gentle old man in a hurry. With a tuft of hair dancing on his head, he explains his point intently. He wants you to recognise his dream. “I can empower children who are physically challenged, blind and deaf by teaching them how to make handicrafts out of waste material,” he declares. He just needs a larger platform. Photo-frames of broken glass and cardboard taken from the back of used notebooks and adorned with pictures of gods and goddesses, candles in the shape of corn cobs and parrots, diyas made from the moulds fashioned by him, plaster of paris, wax, everything goes. Meagre but content, he has travelled far from his native village Mahwatpur Bawli, Zila Bagpat in Uttar Pradesh since he set off on this venture in 2001, visiting thousands of schools demonstrating his techniques to youngsters. He even has a book laden with photographs to prove his efforts along with a shield from Kendriya Vidyalaya on the Zirakhpur-Patiala road and certificates from schools lauding his efforts. His wares are all neatly packed in a small bright yellow tin suitcase, which he carts around on a cycle as he goes from place to place. “I make enough to get by. Schools give me some money for my effort and I have even written a book with 27 craft items explaining which I sell to whoever is interested. I do not need more than this.” It all started when Shripal was in his sixth class and his guru a certain Guptaji in Delhi showed him how to make grapes from wax, POP frames and blue ink for pens. “I got interested then but of course now I have gone far beyond what he taught me,” he says solemnly. In Chandigarh till the schools close for summer holidays, Shripal was due to visit the Government School at Halo Majra on Wednesday and hopes to reach out to as many children as he can before he goes home. Having been part of the creative art workshop at the National Bal Bhavan, Training Resource Centre and having participated in a four-day programme of arts and crafts at the National Museum all in Delhi, Shripal feels certain he has the wherewithal to train young children. “Look at these frames, they cost only a few rupees to make but sell for double or triple the amount especially at Divali,” he smiles. “Children can really benefit from making these products and the sky is the limit as far as imagination is concerned.” How does his family take to his not being home for the better part of the year? “My children are all settled and my wife is very brave, she manages,” he explains gravely. As final proof of his enterprise, he teaches us how to make peda barfi in the shape of rose petals from a tiny cast made by him. Craft made fun.
— GR
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WEEK AHEAD ‘Friends of Society’ a city based group of photo-artists striving to promote photography in the region are exhibiting 52 prints by 8 artists, including three well-known photographers who have recently been awarded by a premier international photography organisation. Date: On till May 30 Venue: Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10 Time: 10 am to 7 pm Creative brush: Artizen—Mohali’s first art gallery, has a splendid show on display with almost all the city’s celebrated artists and photographers coming together under one roof Date: Ongoing Venue: On at SCF-36, Phase XI, Mohali Time: From 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Arty delight: An exhibition of oils and water-colours, artist Aastha’s first solo showing, is her creative splurge drawing primarily from nature. Date: On till June 9 Venue: The exhibition is on at Chitralaya (Fun Republic), Mani Majra Creative strokes: A painting exhibition called Chitrankan 2006 will be organised by the students of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh. Date: May 30-June 3, 2006 Venue: Government College of Art, sector 10-C, Chandigarh, Time: 11am-6pm Décor Interior fiesta: First Friday forum is organising an audio-visual presentation on Feng Shui. Date: Friday,2nd June Venue: India Havell’s Ltd. SCO 12,Madhya Marg, Chandigarh Workshops All in one: An interesting workshop on music, dance and theatre for children for slum children is being held at Kalagram. Date: Ongoing Venue: Kalagram Time: 6-8pm daily Sculpting with love: The ongoing Sculpture workshop at Kalagram has many artists making sculptures, the best ones among which would be displayed at Kalagram. A sculpture garden is on the cards too, for which, 140 sculpture pieces are already ready. Date: Ongoing Venue: Kalagram Time: 5-8am daily Chiselling youngsters: A workshop to hone the youngsters’ multiple skills will be held at Kalagram. Around 150 children would be taught theatre, painting, clay modelling and dance here as per their interest. Date: 1st-20th June Venue: Kalagram Time: Full day Folksy workshop: Saranglok, Mohali, under the initiative of Rama Rattan, who has devoted a lifetime to cultural enrichment of children and adolescents, is organising a workshop for children in music, art and craft, painting, bhangra and Gidha. Date: June 1 to 30. Venue: Saranglok, Sector 65, Mohali. Time: 10 am to 12 pm
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Health TIP OF THE DAY While answering a telephone call, phone should always be held in one hand and never placed between shoulder and ear as this could lead to neck pain. While conversing frequently and prolonged periods of times, one should ideally use a headset with a microphone positioned near the mouth, such as the one telephone operators use. — Dr. Ravinder
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