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In
glittering company
YOUTH SPEAK FILM & FASHION
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Works of famous alumni of the Art College will be displayed along with those of budding artists in a grand exhibition planned for August end, reports Parbina Rashid
We have art and we have artists. Now we have Kala Maitri to bring all the artists that the Government College of Art has ever produced over the years. A brainchild of D.S. Kapoor, this old students association has caught the fancy of young and the old artists and within the short span of time it has enrolled more than 400 members. Though it was born last year, Kala Maitri for the first time going to come out in the open with a big bang — with an exhibition which will unite nationally and internationally acclaimed artists like Bhiwani Katoch, Prem Singh, Sidharth, Diwan Manna, Viren Tanwar among others with the budding ones. The idea came during one of the party when Kapoor met quite a few of his batch-mate and the topic came up that the Art College despite of having a rich historical background (it is a branch of prestigious Mayo School of Art, Lahore), it lacked a binding force to bring the past and present together. So he joined hands with Suraj Mukhi Sharma, Ishwar Dayal, Ram Pratap Verma, Ashwani Narang and other like-mined artists of the city to give shape to his dream. This is how Kala Maitri was born last year. “Our aim is to bring the old and the new artists under one platform so that they can benefit from one another and also fight for our rights, specially equal status in society as other professionals,” says founder president D. S. Kapoor, who is the third generation of his family to teach at the college. His grandfather Sunder Singh had earlier served at the Mayo School of Art and his father Sujan Singh Kapoor was a teacher at Shimla when a new school of Arts and Craft was set up after the Partition. The list of aims and objectives of the association reads noble enough that include promoting friendly relations among all members to provide platform to upcoming artists to participation in cultural exchange programme etc. But do Kapoor and his co-artists feel that society is not giving equal status to artist community like other professionals? “The image of an artists is still that if someone is not bright enough to join a profession like medicine, engineering or management, he or she turns to art. But the fact is art is a field, which needs maximum creativity and is no less than any profession. We are trying to change this general perception,” he says. Coming back to the exhibition, Kapoor informs that about 200 works from known and unknown artists are being expected, out of which 50 has already arrived. “There will also be a slide show in the evenings during which prominent artists will interact with the students,” Kapoor informs. According Kapoor, the principle of this association is based on the fact that be it an artist of prominence or a student who has just learnt how to handle easel and brush, all its members consider themselves to be a student of art and continue with their creative journey. Is it not this modesty that sets the artist community apart? The exhibition starts from August 29 at the Panjab University art gallery.
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Ten Punjab and Haryana High Court employees have packed courage, and campaigning gear, to unwind themselves in the Himalayas on their single-cylinder motorbikes, says Saurabh Malik He racks his brains from nine to five behind a stack of files everyday. In fact, his work as a class one gazetted officer with the Punjab and Haryana High Court leaves B.S. Rawat little time to ease off. So, he has decided to hop-on his macho single-cylinder motorbike and unwind himself on the winding roads of the lofty Himalayas all the way to Marshmik-La pass along, the Indo-China border. And he is not alone to bid adieu to the rough terrains of daily existence. Nine other High Court employees are revving up the engines for touching the dizzy heights with their feet, just a few meters from the ground on their motorbike. In fact, the expedition was ceremoniously flagged off Thursday morning by the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association President, Dr Anmol Rattan Sidhu, from his Sector 33 house. Flashing a broad smile from behind the safety helmet, camouflaging most part of his vibrant face, trip coordinator-cum-member of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Adventure Association Rawat says: “The men and the machines will be back on August 20. Right, after cutting along the sharp curves of life on the road dotted with lonely nomad camps, besides Tibetan refugees tending yaks and crafting cheese by hand.” Guys, Rawat knows what he is saying. For the man with an exploratory spirit that tends to soar faster than his bike has savored the spectacle from the top of the compassionate creation at least seven times during similar trips across the Himalayas. Rubbing his excited hands in anticipation before slipping on the protective knuckle gloves, team leader Surinder Singh says: “In all, 10 bikes and a Scorpion with foodstuff, campaign gear and even fuel, will break free from the daily grind to negotiate the meandering road that will eventually lead us straight into the heart of the Himalayas”. On day one of the expedition, the adventurers plan to reach Mountaineering Institute in Manali before leaving from Jispa the next day. From there, they expect to start for Sarchu along the Himachal Pradesh-Jammu and Kashmir border before touching Leh. On August 14, they will rest for a day before hoisting flag at Mashmik-La at height of 18,604 feet on the Independence Day. The journey back home will begin soon after. Good! But any concerns? “Altitude sickness due to the effect of thin air at great heights is sometimes a cause of worry. For, the riders may suffer discomfort like breathlessness and headaches before they get acclimatized,” says Surinder Singh. “The entire process can take a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individuals. So we have asked the riders to take it lightly and to drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids as proper hydration is critical.” Sounds exciting folks!
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In glittering company
Ever wondered what sprinkles some spice into those soggy soaps we are helplessly addicted to? Or peppers up period films like Devdas, Taj Mahal and Paheli? The petite, pretty actresses and lavish props are all there, ofcourse. But what is it without which our Mumbai’s masala potpourri would be left a pinch blander? Well, it’s none but the exquisite jewellery— sparkling tikas, chunky chandeliers and glittering necklaces. And for all those who fantasise about these exotic jewels jumping out of the screen to rest on their delicate frames, here’s some good news. SIA Art jewellery (the brand that’s being renting out jewellery for Bollywood flicks and TV serials) has brought to town a six-day jewellery exhibition called Gehna. Having kicked off at the Chandigarh Club on Wednesday, this jewellery extravaganza has the stuff screen starlets are made of—Kundan sets, Victorian Queen’s collection, silver trinkets encrusted with semi-precious stones and Korean neckpieces with American diamonds. Though not essentially avant-garde, the designs let Indian culture seep deep into you. The Kundan jewellery, especially, takes one away from the minimalist west and invite tradition to adorn your body. And the range remains quite affordable, starting from Rs. 5000 and going upto Rs. 16000.But how about the investment part? Doesn’t this jewellery, by not having any resale value, defy the very purpose Indians buy jewellery for? The concern doesn’t seem to bother SIA, that plans to blossom into the favourite haunt of the region’s discerning clientele with an exclusive taste. Chips in Kaustubh Lahiri, Retail Head, SIA Art jewellery, “We have 13 outlets across India and now we are planning to open five more in Punjab. People here have a lavish lifestyle and don’t hesitate spending on clothes and jewellery.” But would Punjabis shift over from Gold to filmi jewellery so easily? “Jewellery today is being perceived more as an hip accessory accompanying an outfit, rather than an investment. And being encrusted with brightly-hued semi-precious stones like Emeralds, Rubies, Turquoise and Ferozas, our jewellery can be coordinated with specific occasions,” explains Lahiri. Seems like its extravaganza time for all jewellery buffs. Specially those who’ve always succumbed to the sparkle of the gleaming delights worn by Parvati Bhabis and Jassis (remember Kahani Ghar Ghar Kii, Jaisi Koi Nahin and Nach Baliye?), here’s the time to savour these delights.
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Brush with Freedom For Shweta Talwar, art should not have one-time appeal. Every time you look at a painting it should tell you something new. And she achieves that by creating confusion in her work for ‘it sets creativity free and evokes mystery’, to quote this Delhi-based artist who is holding her solo exhibition in the city. True to her words, Shweta has kept her works to the contemporary figurative level, playing with texture and vibrant colours in mixed media. One look at her ‘Fantasy’, which greets one at the entrance of Art Folio in Sector 9 and Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali’s influence on her creations comes out loud and clear. Then what meets the eye after that is about 20 huge frames with contents bordering on surrealism, but rich in colour that comes in layers and complements the textured effect which the artist has so painstakingly achieved, sometimes with a knife and sometimes with her fingers. A product of the prestigious Central St. Martins College, University of the Arts, London, Shweta admits of having been influenced by Dali, famous for his hallmark style — the disturbing blend of precise realism and dreamlike fantasy, but Shweta is not ready to be typecast into any particular category at this point of time. “Paining for me amounts to the freedom of expression and I do not want my works to be structured. My signature style at present is that every time I want to paint, I want to do something new,” she says with confidence. For this 22-year-old knows what is she talking about. An accomplished piano and guitar player from the Trinity College, London and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London, Shweta has given up her lucrative fashion apparel designing business only to devote full time to painting. So what is it about art that makes her give up so much? “The unknown,” says Shweta, a bit of a mystery herself. “Though I believe in giving free reign to my imagination, I do start with a preconceived idea. But so often I deviate from the main theme that many a time the end result startles me. So it is treading the unknown path in which way my paintings take me holds the fascination for me,” she explains. Her fascination also extends to women for almost each of her paintings have at least one woman figure. Be it her flame series or so many untitled ones, Shweta has captured a woman in different colours and hues, sometimes comparing her to mother nature or sometimes capturing her mind, body and soul. “Women are more emotive and being a woman it is easier for me to capture,” says Shweta. Does she fancy the work of any contemporary artist “Shipra Bhattycharya for her style of exaggerating human faces.” And has she ever tried it out? “Not yet, but that’s a thought,” comes the reply. But then like the artist, we too should not keep any pre-conceived idea about the subject for her next exhibition. Let it be a complete surprise. The exhibition is on at Art Folio, Sector 9, till August 18.
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Research shows that on an average, human being normally does half an hour of reading everyday. Even if it’s scouting through the auto magazines to salivate at the latest cars or hunting for that elusive recipe for the perfect paella, we need a little reading space for a few minutes of peace. So would it not be better to do that reading in a comfortably designed appointed place? Obviously it’s the perfect scenario if you could have a room within your household to call it your library. Thoughts of wood paneled walls, huge reading table with deep comfortable leather Chesterfields with Regency chairs to sink into and Renaissance paintings or portraits of your forefathers hung on the walls immediately spring to mind. Add a wooden step ladder to reach for the leather bound books on the Gothic or Chippendale styled book shelves, a chess or bridge table, Queen Anne chair next to the window or a fire place with French doors opening out in the lawn or your terrace and you get transported to Europe promptly. However, we neither need an extravagantly large home to house our library, nor the formal English interiors to make reading a pleasurable experience. We can easily find nooks and crannies even in a small dwelling for our literary time. Space underneath the stairs is generally a bone of contention anyway which can easily be utilized for your fully fitted library. It’s a given that if the staircase is in a hallway then you would not be able to arrange a seating; however, it’s easy access would certainly prompt everyone to read on their way in or out. You will not need any specific design element either but may consider hanging a ‘reading’ influenced painting or print facing the staircase library unit. Another option is to have your library sit quietly in a far corner of your family lounge itself. Choose a book shelf which complements the rest of your interiors. If country style reigns high, then opt for farm house style shelving set against the wall and through a rug to keep your feet warm on an ottoman in front of your fully upholstered sofa. Don’t forget to value your eyes without a nice lamp shade at sitting eye level. Choose a steel frame with glass shelves and coloured strips running across the back of each shelf, if you prefer modern straight lines. Yet another chic option would be install on the wall a large translucent glass lit from the back. Now affix thick laminated shelves to hold your books at varied heights and of varied lengths too. Sit yourself on a Corbusier style leather lounger with a down lighter and large palm to keep you company whilst your browse through the latest top seller of the week. If space permits then this place of leisurely reading could also be converted into a practical corner. Put a writing desk with a chair so that you may be able to take care of your correspondence from within this area. You may also wish to have lockable cabinets to valuable documents, bank papers or cheque books and space allocated for filing purposes too for easy access of essential papers. Surely no one could really overlook the need for a nifty multi-utility corner in their home. Courtsey: A.P. Singh Besten & Co.
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CAMPUS CAFE Pretty girls in spaghetti tops over short denim skirts! Comfortable in the drivers’ seat! Cutting along the sharp curves of life in semi-limousines! The ones with stereos blaring high wattage hip-hop numbers in the evenings! Not just the silhouette, but also the timings of the “geri-route crowd” have altered with the changing times. To the old-timers, still breathing in the city of perfumes, it seems absolutely hard to reconcile with the tough fact that good old days of soft cheerful chasing on the geri route have been pushed into the trash can of memory. Never to be taken out. Good ol’ geri days Right guys, gone are the days when gangs of macho guys in denims strategically worn at the knees would strut behind the group of giggling gals all along the geri route after sitting on the hard wooden benches in the college classrooms. “I still remember those years of happy flirting when a set crowd of youngsters would frequent the route. Those were the days when everyone knew everyone. But in the absence of formal introduction and courage to break the ice, thawing the chances of friendship, no one use to talk to anyone,” asserts young city-based business executive working with a multi-national consumer goods organisation Anil K. Sharma. Flashing abroad smile, he says: “We would basically start the day by going after one gang of gals before shifting our attention to another group coming our way, day after day. There was nothing serious about the entire affair and even the girls knew this. That’s perhaps the reason why they would acknowledge our appreciating glances by tilting the head at an angle of 90 degrees before passing translucent fingers through their peroxide-blonde tresses”. But now things have changed somewhere down the route. For worse! In everything, including life, you have the remix version of the original where the tempo is fast, but the substance is missing. Walking away “Youngsters no longer saunter up and down the geri route in high-heel ankle boots,” says Chetan Kumar, running a chunk jewellery shop situated along the route. “They zip down the fast track of excitement, and existence, in their cars with flashing lights and that also late in the evenings.” Explaining the trend, Chetan says: “Now that so many guys and gals are going around, they remain confined to secluded corners of college and university department canteens. It’s only in the evenings that they take out time for `group activities’. But as walking is more or less a taboo for so many youngsters, they hurry up and down the route on vehicles. Well guys, the old order changes yielding place to new — that’s the law of the world. And it goes without saying that you will seldom find remix version that’s better than the original. So all you old-timers; live with the fact that walking is no longer a fashion on the geri route!
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YOUTH SPEAK Various eminent personalities have proven this fact, be it Abraham Lincoln, Dhirubahi Ambani or Laxmi Nivas Mital. If we look upon their inspiring past, they possessed nothing but hard work, sincerity and trust. They believed in themselves and worked hard day and night. They did not even have their basic necessities. Be it business or any other profession, hard work is and ingredient that cannot be submitted. Remember friends, the ladder of success have a few steps but many hurdles. Work hard to face them and achieve what you desire. Do not forget, those who never succeed count success sweetest. To comprehend nectar, requires sorest need.” —
Divya Bhasin
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FILM & FASHION Michael Douglas has a disappointing news for his fans. The veteran actor has vowed to cover up his famous bottom. The 61-year-old Basic Instinct actor, who has bared his bottom in nearly 10 movies, including Basic Instinct I - wearing nothing but a V-neck sweater - Disclosure and Fatal Attraction, has decided to quit baring his backside in his forthcoming movies. “I’ve dropped my pants for the last time. I was never going to do the sequel anyway,” The Mirror quoted the husband of Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, as saying. Actor Samuel L. Jackson had a clause in his contract for high-flying thriller Snakes On A Plane which insisted all reptiles on the set were kept at least 20 feet from him at all times. According to contactmusic.com, Jackson, who plays a federal agent on board a plane full of slithering venomous reptiles, made sure he was safe throughout filming. He says: “My agent was insistent, No snakes within 20 feet. In the beginning they were talking about having rattlesnakes they had taken the venom sacks out of them but I was like, Hell no. I don’t have a fear of snakes... When I grew up in the country, when we saw a snake the snake was in a lot more trouble then we were. I’ve handled them, I had snakes draped all over me for the photo shoot.” Timberlake
humbled Pop star Justin Timberlake has termed his charity trip to Africa as one of the most humbling experiences of his life because no one recognised him there.
According to contactmusic.com, Timberlake recently accompanied his girlfriend Cameron Diaz to Tanzania and was shocked to meet people who had no idea who they were. He said: “We arrived in this village and people were celebrating. We weren’t sure why they were celebrating. First we thought they might have recognised us, but we were humbled to find out they hadn’t a clue who we were. They were celebrating because they finally had a well with drinking water.
— ANI & IANS
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NEW RELEASES
Precocious director Karan Johar, the only son of late veteran producer Yash Johar, returns to the center stage after a four-and-a- half-year gap with ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’, a story of infidelity starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal and Kirron Kher. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have pooled in their talents for the music score along with Javed Akthar. The movie will be released today at Piccadily, Kiran, Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Manimajra and K.C. Panchkula. After Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Karan Johar is a best-selling director and expectations from his fifth film Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna are sky-high. Critics say the film is a rollicking entertainment ride, which delves into the grey areas of all relationship. Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna should see Karan Johar in top gear because this time he promises you the unexpected. First-time casting of Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek along with Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta in this film has already generated curiosity among the audiences. The fascination with foreign shores also continues. After Kal Ho Na Ho, we will get to see the sights of New York again in this film. Great expectations are being built around Dharma Productions’ Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. The USP of this eagerly awaited film is the colossal star cast and the Dharma Productions banner. — D.P.
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TAROT TALK
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All of us may realise but only a few of us agree to the fact that there is no shortcut to success. The only way to success in any field is handwork. Work sincerely to accomplish all you desire. Success has nothing to do with money and status. It comes to you only when you labour towards it. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill; great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.
Reptile problem
ARIES: Your card “The World” reveals love and close relationships. But now, you wonder whether commitments were quite what you wanted. Don’t be too stubborn. Be aware of what you say to whom as it can go against you. Lucky colour: Dark red. TIP OF THE WEEK: Seek out solid ; well researched information before making any moves.
LIBRA: “ The Magus” bring monument ; change and travel in your life. Spiritual and exalted influences transforms your professional priorities. Love and romance are on the cards. A new vision and understanding dawns. Take breaks during a busy day and unwind. Lucky Colour : saffron. TIP OF THE WEEK : Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
TAURUS: You draw “ Seven of Swords.” If you feel a close one has got one up on you, don’t get stuck in your feelings. You cope better when detached and lighthearted. Businesspersons could get involved in a legal dispute. In love, you can now have your cake and eat it. Lucky colour : Crimson. TIP OF THE WEEK: Frankness and ability to state the truth are your strong points.
SCORPIO:
Like “ The Queen of Cups,” you are dreamy, poetic, tranquil and imaginative in loving relationships. Be in touch with your sense of humour. Luxury shopping may bring a hole in your pocket on Wednesday. You may want to shut out the world. Lucky Colour : Black. TIP OF THE WEEK : You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work.
GEMINI: You draw “ Ten of Wands” and you will review a close partnership , wandering whether it gives you what you want. Fulfill your needs without sounding too contradictory, or making partners feel you are being unreasonable. An Aquarius person brings joy and lightens in your life. Lucky colour : Turquoise. TIP OF THE WEEK : Be firm and stand ground.
SAGITTARIUS: Your card “ The Hermit” provides harmony, friendship & understanding. Work tempo increases and you are able to achieve much more with the co-operation of the others. Getting down to the real nitty-gritty will be well worth the effort. Party fun and short vacation on the cards. Lucky colour: silver grey. . TIP OF THE WEEK : Don’t do anything at the cost of health.
CANCER: Your ruling planet Moon brings a Karmic situation to the fore. A Pisces person is generous and understanding. Remember, it isn’t up to you to maintain peace in the family. A romantic evening with your partner is a nice way to end the week. Stop spending time pinning over that long lost affair. Lucky colour : Brick Red. TIP OF THE WEEK: You have well wishers who will give you sound advice.
CAPRICORN: A blockbuster week for love and romance. An influential person who may have promised you certain assistance will come forward with an offer of a favourable packet. A residential change is possible now. Beware of ego conflicts, rashness and ill temper. Media attention is on the cards. Lucky colour : Deep crimson TIP OF THE WEEK : Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past.
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. Mediation and inner silence lift you to higher levels of consciousness. A Taurean person proves to be a friend indeed. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. TIP OF THE WEEK : Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time.
AQUARIUS: Your card “ The Princess of Cups” manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Be careful with your temper as work pressures could make things tense. You are able to resolve conflicts and bring harmony in a love relationship. A Surprise is in store for you. Lucky colour: brown. TIP OF THE WEEK : Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.
VIRGO: “ The Lovers” inspires you to climb new heights and actualize creative ideas. Your sunny spirits are back. You will motivate and encourage loved ones into better humour. New projects will start slowly on Tuesday. A trip is likely to bring joy if you combine adventure and spiritualism. Lucky colour : Brown. TIP OF THE WEEK : Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time.
PISCES: You draw “ The World,” so this is a good time for relaxing and rejuvenating yourself and do the things you most enjoy. Don’t be in a hurry and feeling impatient on Sunday. You are re-evaluating your life, especially where it comes to passion and romance. Lucky Colour : Pink. TIP OF THE WEEK : Be positive and think carefully before taking action.