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Timekeepers
While we carry on our routine jobs, there is a different class, which after leaving their cushioned existence, moves ahead and documents untold stories. Environment, women's rights, communal harmony — themes are diverse, the efforts individual. Documentary makers are surely trying to make a difference in their own special way. We talk to some inspired people and the challenges they encounter in their creative journeys.
Reality byte
Surya Shankar Dash started as an ad-maker in Delhi and later decided to do a documentary. A visit to KBK (Kalahandi Balangir Koraput) zone and the endless struggle of the people there made Surya give up his regular life, only to be the voice of reality. Close to 40 films that talk of 'jal, jungle and jameen' being appropriated by policy makers and capitalists, Surya's life has never been the same. "Right from threat to life to camera being smashed and more have been the order of the day," he says. How he deals with them? Well, depending on a situation. Sometimes running for life is his only way. Daljit Ami comes from an agricultural background in Punjab and tells the stories of his land. Labourers and activists figure alike in his works. "In our region where people have little interest in non-fiction, documentaries lose the race to entertainment. The dictum is 'nacho, gaao, socho mat', while documentaries demand that you to think." Ask him about the challenges in his journey and he says, "Gaining the confidence of your subject is tough and then begins the trials of filming, screening and more."
Fund funda
While documentary-makers are the chroniclers of the times, it's unfortunate that there aren't many agencies to facilitate funding, making and screening films. Nandan Saxena and Kavita Bahl work in the genres of documentary and poetry films. Their films explore man's relationship with his environment through many windows. "Poor budgets and lack of screening options are our two biggest challenges," admits Kavita. "Funding remains the biggest challenge," opines Yousuf Saeed. Based in Delhi, he has worked on many themes, including shared culture. His film Basant is about a Hindu festival being celebrated at the shrine of Nizamuddin by Sufis and qawwals in Delhi.
Young guns
The younger generation that has grown up with digi-cams is not scared of facing the challenges in documenting issues. Some of them are fierce fighters while some chose the practical approach. Jasraj Bhatti, who has made documentaries on Sikh history and also won a bronze medal in cultural Olympics for making a documentary on Juju, South Korea, shares his stand, "What is the idea of making a film when your message doesn't reach anywhere. We approach agencies and governments to find screening slots."
Tough journey
The road to independent cinematic journey is fraught with challenges, but on the brighter side, things are looking up. Independent documentary festivals are held in cities and small towns across the country. Chandigarh has its own share. "If people in Gorakhpur and Chandigarh are watching films about issues in Orissa or Tamil Nadu, I guess we are doing well," says Surya, whose initiative Video Republic aims to take the cause forward. "Our latest video is by Amitabh Patra that shows thousands of farmers of the Lower Suktel plateau in Bolangir, Orissa, protesting against the upcoming dam. Following the video, Amitabh was attacked and is struggling for life with severe head injuries," says Surya. Each day is a challenge for him, yet, he likes to keep his films 'people' funded so that he is responsible for them and not corporate houses. "Despite the struggle, the documentary scene is thriving today. Lots of youngsters are showing interest in making small films on their times and their country," says Kavita. mona@tribunemail.com
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Technology harms!
Almost everyone is hooked on to the cellphone and internet these days. Phone of various kinds are now making communication and access to information much easier than ever before. However, experts warn of the adverse impact of excessive communication.
Nowadays, youngsters are too much into phones. Not only are the telephones giving a fillip to 'telephonic' relationships, these are also increasing the stress level of youngsters. "This excessive communication rather than helping their relationships are marring them, leading to increased stress in their lives," says psychologist Dr Ravinder Kala. "There is a sense of control, which is marring relationships," she says. "I have known so many youngsters who say that they talk over the phone so much, they are not able to communicate enough when they meet in person," she adds. Dr Sukhdev Singh, professor of Sociology at the Punjab Agricultural University, says there is so much of penetration of technology and information that it is creating a communication barrier among members of the same family. "Everyone has his or her own little world of communication, which is in turn harming familial relationships and increasing overall stress in life," he says. "There is so much information nowadays; some is being bombarded onto you and some is self-injected though our social media etc," opines Rohit, a lecturer. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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A short take on reality
If we thought that its beginner's luck that favoured Devinder Paul Singh in his first movie Take Out, which got an entry in the prestigious Cannes festival 2011, well, he has repeated the feat with The Search that has again made it to the Cannes short film corner 2013. The Search has also been accepted by the National Film Board of Canada for one of their programmes. Notably, NFB is a premier public film organisation in Canada.
Devinder Paul Singh spent his childhood in Dharamsala and moved to Chandigarh like most people from Himachal Pradesh do. Further education took him to Mcgill University, Canada, where he is working now. For the past nine years, he has been living in Montreal, whose multiculturalism and unique identity has inspired his work. Take Out was Devinder's first short film that premiered at the Cannes in 2011 and explored diverse themes such as multiculturalism and relationships in a post-modern society. His second film, The Search, is a fantasy/thriller and takes a complete 180 degree turn from his first in terms of exploring a different genre and style of filmmaking. Why filmmaking? "I believe that the need to express, explore and connect with people is perhaps the reasons why anyone wants to make films or undertake any artistic pursuit. For me, it is also about trying to create a different world through my work, which helps me ride through the humdrum existence of everyday life." Making a film is a very arduous journey and that challenge to create something out of nothing gives a high to Devinder! "Filmmaking is anything but a walk in the park. Right from trying to raise the money to finding the right people to work with to making the film and to finally promoting your work, all are different challenges. But, as I said earlier, I would rather do that than follow a career path which is secure but predictable and boring." He believes that society (anywhere in the world, India or West) does not want you to become an artist. In both direct and indirect ways, there are roadblocks created for anyone who wants to pursue a life of a full-time artist. On a practical level, access to technology and information has made films reach different corners of the world. "Only the best and the most motivated will survive in the long run," he says. Relationships in a post-modern society, inter-racial interactions in multicultural societies and the blurring lines between reality and fantasy are some of the themes Devinder has explored till now. In future, he is keen on exploring science fiction, black comedy and history genres. Devinder admires many filmmakers and tries to learn from their work; Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder and Coen Brothers are some of his favourites. Devinder hopes to make many more films in future and tell stories, which are both emotionally satisfying and intellectually stimulating. And, yes, India also figures in his list. "One day I would love to shoot in India and tell stories with an Indian context. Especially, our history is so interesting that there are so many stories waiting to be told," he says. mona@tribunemail.com
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Shades of creativity
With the summer temperature soaring up to alarming degrees, the sun-baked city roads have only a mirage to offer. However, if you are an artist or an art lover/critic, this summer breeze may ripen your sour perspectives about creativity, especially in this region. For long, Punjab has battled to ignite a piquant conviction about art in the lieu of developing people's perception about the same. And the struggle proved to be worth the while as nine artists, from Punjab, exhibited their talent in Artists Speak, an exhibition dedicated to women at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery in Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16, on Saturday.
As you walk the floors of the gallery, your head oscillates from one painting to another and they appear like the windows in the wall. While Kamal Nath captures different shades of women as he binds them with music and spirituality, he also expresses his love for animals as he communicates compassion. Using dark colours as a backdrop for his paintings, Kamal intensifies the beauty of his subjects as he defines them on different paradigms of aesthetics, which indeed convey momentum and acuity. He uses acrylic on canvas in all of his paintings, including Harp, Krishna, Horse, Saawan, Naayika and Raadha Krishna. Meanwhile, Tejinder Ladi Singh, a Ludhiana-based interior and graphic designer, uses oil pastels, soft pastels with charcoal and ink to make contemporary and abstract art paintings. While his works mainly border on the intellectual extension of his thoughts, he also focuses on aesthetics as he throws in a lot of neon and psychedelic shades. He paints the expression of freedom in his painting, expression of emancipation that runs along to support homosexuality. "This painting was also chosen for the United Art Fair, Delhi," he says. In another of his painting, Immutable Bane, Singh explains, "This painting is about the lingual war, thus the backdrop of multi-lingual calligraphy. Also, in my painting, Paradoxically Yours, I have tried to highlight the commercial value of women and how they are made to be a part of each and every ad campaign to make it look desirable, yet the paradox is that female foeticide is rampant." Singh's paintings, Enlightenment, which is based on the Delhi-rape case, Multi-tasking, My Mona Lisa and Sarovar Ishnan are quiet a refreshing delight. The paintings range between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. Shefali Shera, a Chandigarh-based artist shares, "I use cone on wood to come up with this art form." Her paintings reflect a glaze and the three dimensional cuts. "I take old Egyptian mythological stories and paint images of the same." Meanwhile, Darshan Singh Saggu, who uses water colours as a medium, paints landmarks, including Ghanta Ghar and landscapes from Tumkela Bhatti and Shimla as his inspiration. The exhibition also showcases the works of Jagdish Sohal (Phagwara), Narinder Singh (Amritsar), Mandeep Singh Manu (Amritsar), Mannatpreet Kaur (Amritsar) and Karanbir Singh (Amritsar). On till May 20
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Doc Talk
Let's take a good look at ourselves in the mirror and learn how to read the signs of ill health. The skin conveys a wealth of information about the person inside it, indeed it frequently mirrors health status - simple examples of this are 'ill', flushed', 'pale' or 'peaky' appearances, recognised by even those not trained in physical assessment.
Tell tale signs Spotty
skin: Probable causes are hormonal imbalance associated with puberty, polycystic ovaries and irritable bowel syndrome. The complexion is a good barometer of our digestive health and problems such as irritable bowel syndrome can be reflected in the state of your skin. Sallow skin: Probable cause is dehydration. Inadequate fluid intake leads to water loss from skin cells. The body uses the fluid to keep vital organs functioning. This results in dull, lifeless skin. You can test for dehydration by pinching the skin on the back of the hand. If it does not immediately spring back into place, you are not drinking enough. Fluid intake should be at least 2 lt per day - particularly in hot weather. Itchy skin: Probable causes are dermatitis (allergies, barrier function disruption) or poor liver function. In rare cases, itching particularly on the hands and feet can mean you are suffering from poor liver function. This is known as cholestasis and occurs when bile (a yellow liquid released from the gall bladder containing waste products) cannot flow freely into the digestive tract and instead accumulates in the blood, causing itching. Pale skin & pale lips: Probable causes are iron deficiency, poor thyroid function or heart problems Pale lips can also be a sign of heart conditions and lung problems, as these can affect oxygen levels in the blood. When this level drops significantly, the lips take on a bluish tone, instead of being a healthy deep pink. Cracked lips: Probable causes are anaemia, vitamin B2 deficiency, or diabetes. Premature grey hair: Probable cause is Pernicious anaemia; a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency. Thin, lifeless hair: Probable causes are iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency or under-active thyroid. (Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based consultant dermatologist)
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Enjoy your day!
The world is changing at a very fast pace, the speed of these changes is putting us under real unprecedented pressure. It is very important that we all regularly visit the Stability Zone so that any stress that is slowly building up can be kept at bay.
Planning an anti-stress day There is nothing better for charging flat batteries than a well planned anti-stress day. Organise your activities well in advance. Take a day off from work and plan your time. If there are children in the house you can either include them in your plan or send them to stay with relatives or friends. Early morning Make sure that you wake up naturally. Don't jump up from your bed. Get up comfortably savouring the prospect of the day ahead. Once you are up, take a few minutes to do some simple stretching exercises. Drink a glass of water before enjoying a light breakfast. Always include a special treat for yourself. One small portion of some food you really enjoy. Easy afternoon For some people any non- competitive sport is a great stress reliever. Build your strength gradually. For many the golf course is the most pleasurable day to follow and yet many of us love retail therapy. A spot of shopping, a leisurely lunch with a friend or just letting your hair down with them and allowing the conversation to flow relieves tension and eases us. Enjoyable evening Try to enjoy the evening. Resist the temptation to read papers and watch news on TV. The treatment of stress —no news is good news. A key feature of any anti-stress day is not knowing what is going on in the rest of the world. Go to the cinema if it suits your temperament, listen to some music, read a good book. Taking a leisurely walk in the park or even your own garden is a great stress reliever too. Nature always calms you down, soothes your nerves and rejuvenates your tired senses. Enjoying nature is truly de stressing, flowers in the garden and the music of chirping birds is a healer. Relaxed night Go in for a nice leisurely bath. Pamper your body with aromatic bath oils. Listen to some soothing music while dressing up for a relaxed dinner with your partner or friends. Do not worry about time. When you get home have a cup of soothing herbal tea before drifting into sleep. Giving yourself enough time is the best way to de stress yourself. Make your family aware that spending time with them is sacred and show them that they are worth more than just a quick word spoken here and there. Simple things count a lot in life. Make an effort to spend time enjoying the everyday things of life. If you just spend this a one day a week in just your way, with yourself in a fairly consciously planned fashion, stress will run miles from you. Enjoy your life just simply as happiness is our inherent state. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
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Emerald rules 2013
For those of you who don't already know it, emerald has been declared colour of the year by Pantone LLC, the world wide authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards for the design industry. You may have already caught a fleeting glimpse of this radiant colour on the pages of fashion and beauty magazines. Another sector of the design industry that has also been equally influenced is home interiors.
It's hard to visualise such a robust colour within an interior: How does one implement it? In my eyes, emerald exudes more luxury, brilliance and beauty than any other jewel tone. As a very rich shade, Emerald must only be used as an accent rather than a base to which to add other colours. Using it as a base colour would become rather overpowering and an interior could easily be misinterpreted for a jungle theme! So where do you introduce this colour? Depending on how brave you are, you could use it: As an area rug, attention to proportion must be given here. Using a patterned rug allows you introduce the colour throughout the room in a subtle way Now you have decided how to introduce this colour, the objective is to draw attention to it. This can only be achieved if the background colour is a neutral such as white or grey. Such colours work brilliantly as a canvas to which accents can be highlighted. Additional colours to compliment emerald green, white or grey can be magenta, black, gold or even purple. My recommendation for an exciting palette would include a striking piece of emerald coloured furniture juxtaposed against a pure white background with accents of black and gold... (Soni is a Chandigarh based interior
designer)
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Shruti Haasan unplugged
Shruti Haasan has two back-to-back releases in July. Sarika and Kamal Haasan's daughter talks about religion, her equation with Dhanush and much more. On Dhanush
Dhanush is my artistic best friend and I am not going around justifying my life to people. He is one of the most wonderful actors to work with and our film 3 changed my career. We are both on the same wavelength. He is a brilliant actor, writer and musician. I would totally want to work with him in the future. Religious beliefs My father is an atheist and we had no puja room in the house while growing up. I would sneak out and go to the church and temple. I believe that I am being looked after by a higher power. I get a lot of my answers through faith and I believe in God. The ideal man I want to get married but I do not know when that will happen. I want someone who looks good, smells good, talks well but more importantly, he has to be a nice person and has to make me laugh and we have to be comfortable with each other. He has to be full of life. He could be a doctor or a sportsperson but should be talented in his field. Dear mother My mother is the most determined person in the world. She took up acting and won a National Award after twenty years! That takes patience and consistency. She loves to cook and I want to buy her a house with a giant kitchen. She is very particular about tameez. She is sensitive to the way we feel. She likes simple things in life and is not extravagant at all. She is like my friend now and I share a lot with her. Father figure My father is my greatest inspiration as an artiste. He knows something about everything. He looks serious and intense but is actually very funny. He works hard even at the age of 60. He does not party at all and is consumed by all things cinematic. He still wakes up at 5.30 am. He is an institution in himself.
From courtship to courts
It came to be known that she is not even attending a fashion show in Dubai because she is distraught about her divorce. Of course, her marriage and her career do not seem to gel at all. Let us see where this goes.
Leading by example
Split wide open
It seems that Leander Paes and Rhea Pillai are having troubles in their marriage and want to go their separate ways. They have a daughter. They are not legally married so it will not be very difficult for them to walk their own paths now. We wish them well.
Sense of humour
Ranbir Kapoor says that he has no problem when the media mixes him with Ranveer Singh and vice versa. He said that during the making of Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa, some people mistook him for Imran Khan and perhaps, during Slumdog Millionaire, people would have confused Ayan Mukerji with Dev Patel. The boy is funny, apart from being talented!
The more, the merrier
Veena Malik is doing some steaming hot scenes in Zindagi 50 50 and is more than satisfied with her role. Her new film will be released in four languages; Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam and on the same day. More controversy for her, we guess
Fancy foot forward
Heidi’s weekend plans
Supermodel Heidi Klum always keeps her weekends free for her children and makes sure she finishes work at an early enough time to be with them.
The 39-year-old model has kids Leni, nine, Henry, seven, Johan, six and Lou, three and despite her busy schedule, she tries to be around to spend quality time with them whenever possible, reported a publication. "I keep weekends open and wrap my workday at a reasonable hour so I'm home for dinner and bedtime stories," Klum said. The busy working mother, who started dating her bodyguard Martin Kristen after splitting from husband Seal last year, also revealed that key to looking great is water. "I drink a ton of water all day. Honestly, staying hydrated is the best beauty tip. And I have an amazing team that gets me glammed up every time I hit the red carpet," she added. —
PTI
I wanted to be like Whitney Houston: Beyonce
Pop star Beyonce Knowles was determined to be as talented and famous as the late singer Whitney Houston when she grew up.
The 31-year-old singer still remembers the first time she watched the late music legend perform The Star-Spangled Banner at the US Super Bowl in 1991 and was determined to reach a similar level stardom, doing whatever it takes to reach her goal, reported a publication. "I turned to my mom and said, 'Oh my God, she's awesome!' My mom said, 'Yeah, baby, she is.' And I said, 'One day I'm going to be like that too.' My mom said, 'Yeah, baby, whatever.' "But you just never know what's going to happen in your life because even back then I knew there was something worth fighting for and that I was going to do whatever it took to fight for it," Beyonce said. —PTI
The see-saw story
Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have reportedly parted ways after more than three years of dating. Pattinson ditched out his 27th birthday plans arranged by Stewart, reported a magazine.
The couple had a brief break-up last year due to the 23-year-old actress' cheating scandal with married director Rupert Sanders. The duo had reunited in less than two months after a public apology from Stewart. Recently, they were spotted in New York after the Met Gala and then flew back to LA together. They also celebrated Stewart's 23rd birthday together. —
PTI
It’s a girl!
Pregnant reality star Kim Kardashian has fuelled rumours that she is expecting a daughter with rapper Kanye West as the invitations to her baby shower feature a dancing ballerina. The socialite's sisters, Kourtney and Khloe, are hosting a special bash for the mother-to-be on June 2.
They have spared no expense while sending out the party invitations, which contain music boxes that, when opened, play West's song Hey Mama and put into motion a twirling toy ballerina, reported a publication online. The over-the-top mailings have prompted many to suspect that the socialite and fashion designer is planning for a girl, especially since photographers snapped multiple photos of Kardashian's assistant carrying a pink-themed baby gift basket into her home in April. Actress-turned-TV host Kathie Lee Gifford, who is the beauty's godmother, first sparked speculation that the couple was expecting a girl on a TV show in February, when she divulged that Kardashian was "four months pregnant, I think now with her little girl". Kim is due to give birth in July. —
PTI
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Once bitten twice shy
Apparently, Mohit Sehgal turned down the offer of playing the lead role in the show, Amrit Manthan that is telecast on Life OK. Mohit's previous show, Khamoshiyaan that is telecast on Star Plus did not fair well and perhaps he felt that Amrit Manthan was not his cup of tea because it has not been getting great TRPs either. Also, the inclusion of new lead is an attempt to boost the show's ratings. However, producer Rajan Shahi has signed Angad Hasija for the role now.
Polishing linguistic skills
Back in the game
Donning multiple avatars
In the show, Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha that is telecast on Colors, Kanwar, who essays the role of Munna will be seen in several looks. Till now he has donned 9 looks in the show to mislead the protagonists. Munna was earlier seen as the cylinder guy, teacher, taxi driver, electrician, chai vendor and a compounder. The viewers are still contemplating his real avatar and wondering if he is Megha Mohan's lost Addu or not. Kanwar says, "I dont think that any actor has supported so many disguises in one show ever. I'm glad that I have experimented something new on television. Every disguise that Munna has been seen in was worked out with a lot of effort and patience. It was a challenge for me to essay different looks as they were completely opposite of what I am in real life. As an actor, doing something new and different is always an aspiration and for me the greed to do more never ends."
Candid confessions
Mitali Nag, who rose to fame by the virtue of her role in the show, Afsar Bitiya, is currently seen in Sony's Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat. She talks about her new role and more...
Why did you choose to do the show, Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat? I liked the role of Prerna as she is a strong character. Also, because I am essaying the role of a sister, I don't work throughout the month so the work timing suits me. What do you watch on TV? I hardly get time to watch other shows on TV. I have heard about some good shows but because I have not seen them, I would not be able to comment. Do you think your complexion was the main reason why you were chosen for this role? Maybe, but the look in the show that I have is due to the dark makeup that makes the character look less attractive. Will your role become negative? I don't think so. I am not interested in doing negative roles. You got lot of acclaim for the role of Krishna in Afsar Bitiya. What do you have to say about it? Yes that role had many elements. Not only did it help me to get exposure, it also honed my talent. The show and the concept were very exciting too.
The grapevine has it!
Aanchal had made quiet an impact in the show, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke. Now that her character is in jail, she is planning to take a break. Sources claim that her contract with the show has ended so she might quit. However, she negates the rumours.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Self- employed and business owners need to supervise property ventures. Conditions at home will be pleasant. It's critical to arrange a balanced life-style. Court witness goes in your
favour. TAURUS: If there is work to be done and you will bhe willing to complete it. House chores will be handled efficiently. Consider helping a relative. You should be in a happy mood. GEMINI: Today's the day to do something for your pleasure. Do all in your power to settle agreements with your co-workers. A close rapport will develop between CANCER: Dream big, this is a first step in creating success. Many of you have been working constantly to achieve your goals. Older people may drum up certain problems for you. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruits of your
hardwork. LEO: The crowning fulfillment of achieving your goals and gaining recognition will arrive soon. Stay focused as you take the last steps to reach a journey's end. Property matters are highlighted. Tarot message: Infuse your efforts into decisive action. VIRGO: You need to retrace your steps. Get on with any job that is at hands. A secret love affair will bring you an added pleasure. Do not get involved in any land deal. LIBRA: The Page of Swords reveals a good time to tie all loose ends together. You are in for a mixed day. Lunar position highlights your service matters. You will find people rather unreliable. Tarot message: Avoid nasty situations. SCORPIO: Searching a soul-mate? You will be able to make right connection effortlessly, with the added assistance of a dash of intuition and trust. All in all, it will be an interesting day. SAGITTARIUS: The door-way to profound knowledge and insight will open through a wise acquaintance. If you want to impress someone important you will find the right approach today. CAPRICORN: This day starts calmly and uneventfully, lulling you into a false sense of security. Trusting people is a foolish move. Go all out to improve your position at work. AQUARIUS: Minding your business is a good choice. If a task seems overwhelming break it down into smaller, simple steps. Concentrate all your energy and efforts towards concluding the task at hand. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. PISCES: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a certain deal will cause anxiety. Love life will be quite intriguing. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. |
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Dependable activities like reading a book, going for a walk, watching a TV soap full of familiar predictable characters, going for a bike ride or walking the dog are some of the activities that would make us feel comfortable with ourselves and also give us the feeling that all is going well with the world. We sometimes need that feeling of familiarity with our environment to help us realise the 'feel good' factor in our lives.
On one wall — a painted surface or a self patterned wallpaper 
