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Flute flight
They are called the ‘Flute Sisters’. Making his girls, Suchismita and Debopriya, play the flute was Robin Chatterjee's wish and an experiment that has yielded substantial results. "Like all parents, our father also tried to live his dream of being a flautist through us," admit the sisters. They were not keen to begin with, but credit their Guru for not only making them stick but also carry on in the field.
"When we started learning under Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, all others were advanced students. Pushed by our mother each Sunday, we would doze-off by the end of the class! Guru ji would gently ask, ‘Kuch bajane ka man hai’. If we felt like, we did," says Suchismita. Fifteen years on, they have accompanied their Guru on prestigious platforms. "We owe all that we have to our Guru." While these sisters have moved on finishing studies, getting married, having kids; flute has been their partner right through. "When we began, there was hardly any female playing flute. Initially we were discouraged, as was our father. With time, audiences have not only accepted but also appreciated us," says Suchismita. They have continued learning. "When we got married, people thought we will be out of the music scene, but we bounced back. We were out of action for two to three years, but now we are here to stay," says Debopriya. Ask them about their Guru and they say, "Music is his life. Whatever he is doing, wherever he is, his flute is with him. Even if he's free and in a new city, he would rather close his door and do riyaaz. We haven't seen anyone who's as passionate and as dedicated to the art as him and that's why he's where he is!" Flute is a simple instrument, but to master it is quite challenging. Riyaaz, performances take up their time; they have also played the background scores in television serials like Afsar Bitiya and Balika Vadhu. They are fine with others going for fusion; they want to keep it pure! "We are still learning," say the sisters who aim to continue doing concerts and take their art to as many people as possible! mona@tribunemail.com
Spring in step
Ranjani picked up Bharatnatyam and Hindustani Classical Vocal while growing up. Music appealed more than dance and that's where she ended up making her career; one which she actually didn't plan! A resident scholar at ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, where she spent five years, Ranjani is currently a Guru at Lalit Kala Kendra, Pune. Concerts take her far and wide; along with submitting her PhD thesis, she loves to teach too. Many are disgruntled about classical arts not getting their due, but not Ranjani. "Reward cannot be just in monetary terms. The happiness I receive in singing and the ability to pass it on to my listeners is what gives me a high." She finds conducive environment to grow in Pune, where she is currently based and loves performing in Dharwad, Bengaluru and Benaras, which she finds as hubs of classical art. She's heartened to see this school Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya at Dharwad, which provides music education to underprivileged children. "Each artiste endeavours to take her art to as many as possible, I am doing my bit by associating with SPICMACAY.”
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Step towards peace
Altaf Ahmed Bhatt is leading a life quite similar to the one Rizwan Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan) in My Name is Khan!
Only his surname is Bhatt and he feels victimised not in America but on his own land. Altaf, who hails from Kashmir, is on a walk with a message of peace. He likes to share his thoughts with those he meets on travels and address students in school that fall on his way.
He's 42, started his first walk on September 24, 2010 from Mumbai to Delhi with an aim to meet the Prime Minister. He couldn't. He's continued the walk in different parts of India and is heading back to Delhi in a fresh attempt to meet the Prime Minister. And why? Altaf, who was in Chandigarh recently, shares his story: "When I was 18, under the circumstances that prevailed in Kashmir in the 90s, I was led to a training camp in the POK." He claims to have escaped and visited different cities in Pakistan. "I asked people as why they hated India. Surprisingly, I met no one who was angry with India, on the other hand all they wanted was peace between the two countries. I crossed again and left AK47 at the border." He claims to have attempted leading a peaceful life as a hawker, freelance photographer and a vendor. "My efforts at good life were rendered fruitless as on someone's information I was lodged in Kashmir Central Jail for two long years." After release, Altaf's troubles only grew manifold, when he decided to move out of Kashmir and start afresh. After many false starts in Delhi, Mumbai and other places, Altaf couldn't lead a normal life. "My past came on the way. Sadly, it's not easy for Kashmiris to lead a regular life neither in Kashmir or any other part of the country. We are always suspected; and, subjected to inhuman behaviour." Tired of failing in his attempts to lead a normal life, Altaf chose to walk. "I want to spread my message — peace must return to Kashmir. No parents want their children to turn terrorists. It's about time we changed the system." Wearing all white, flags with the message of peace, Altaf who claims to have done 7000 km already carries on walking towards Delhi. Though, he carries an iPhone, a gift from someone, with no job, he is living day to day. There are challenges aplenty.
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No problem at all!
We didn't know that using Akshay Kumar as a prefix for the film, Bhaji in Problem, can make the cast throw tantrums typical to Bollywood stars! Gippy Grewal along with director of the film, Smeep Kang, arrive one-and-a-half hours late for the scheduled music launch of the film. Although Gippy begins with a humble apology, citing a dance sequence with Dharmendra for another film as the reason, that didn't quite make up for the time lost.
Adding to that, even Ragini Khanna, television-actor-turned Pollywood heroine was amiss, "She was supposed to come but had a shooting schedule in Mumbai. The launch was decided at the last moment and she couldn't alter her plans," says Gippy. Coming to the music of the film, it has six songs and since it is an Akshay Kumar's production, the actor lent himself for an item number. "Besides that the film is also produced by Viacom 18, a major production house. We hope that the better production values of the film will not just make it a hit in Punjab, but also in other states," adds Gippy, who did all the talking, since even music directors weren't present! After the superhit Carry On Jatta and Lucky Di Unlucky Story, Smeep Kang, Gippy Grewal and Gurpreet Ghuggi, have come together for the third time. "Post Carry On Jatta there was a deluge of rom-coms. This film will, however, be different, where there is situational comedy. And I am sure the audience will love it more than Carry On Jatta." If what he is claiming is true, he will be forgiven for not being punctual enough! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Bling it on!
There might not be a fashion week dedicated to festive-wear but if there was one, it would have enjoyed attendance from all stalwarts of the fashion industry besides, of course, the new crop of designers. So even when there is no formal event to celebrate the segment of fashion, designers do come up with a festive collection each season and these are cleared off the shelves in no time! While Anarkali suits and light-on-bling sarees have been a staple in the collections, there are interesting variations in these introduced each time. Fashion designers share with us what they have in store and their definition of perfect festive-wear.
Colour feast Nishka Lulla
My collection for the festival season provides a much-needed break from the usual saris and Anarkali suits. Why not try a high-waist skirt with a cropped choli? I have designed tunics that would look perfect with salwars. The work has been limited to Gujarati Kutch embroidery and rest of the brightness has been provided by colours. Need I say there are hot pinks, red and parrot green in the colour menu?
Classic cut Jyotsna Tewari
This time, I have focused more on cuts than crystals. I have designed pre-draped, pre-stiched saris that are simple to wear and easy to carry. You need to just pull them up like a skirt. These have a very contemporary look, which means not only middle-aged but also college-going girls can wear saris. The pallus are brooched and lighter than what we have seen on the traditional sarees.
Mix & match Riddhi-Siddhi Even a tube-top would look good but for that one needs to have a lean frame. An apt colour scheme would be mixing-matching light and bright shades. After all one wouldn't like to look like a bride on Diwali!
Shining jewel Mandira Wirk This is the time to wear bright colours, indulge in bling and why shy away from crystals and Swarovski's when the season allows you? I have used a lot of jewel tones for my creations. As for designs, I have made concept saris, which are pre-stitched. There is a variation in pallus, pleats, blouses…everything that makes the sari is a great outfit for the festive collection, especially for the modern Indian women, who does not want to be bogged down by the weight and volume of the garment.
Local flavour
If you find it difficult to travel to Delhi to pick stuff for the festival season, checking the city and around might not be a bad idea as well. If men's designer Raman Vij has created sleeveless jackets in vibrant colours to be teamed up with Jodhpuri pants, Babi Grewal store has floor-length Anarkali suits and heavily embroidered sarees for the festival purpose. In the retail sector, Meena Bazaar has in the offing a range of pre-stitched sarees, gown lehangas in their Aliyana collection and Kala Emporium has some beautiful brocade suits. Not to forget, there is Adaah Couture, which has brought to town creations by some top-of-the-line designers.
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Aimless Ishq
Jasmine Singh What happens when something that you don't expect stares you in your face? You don't quite enjoy it, don't you? Quite like the Punjabi film Ishq Garaari! A look at the star cast and the director raises your hopes a bit, but the reality is far different from the expectation. Starring Sharry Mann, Gulzar Chahal, Rannvijay, Mandy Takkar, Miss Pooja, and Balwinder Vicky, Ishq Garaari is everything that you didn't expect. Starting with the director, Dheeraj Rattan. He is known to be a good script writer, a good storyteller but with Ishq Garaari, he fails to give shape to the story. From the beginning to the middle and towards the end, the story moves aimlessly. If only Dheeraj could pull the reins, if only he realised the story was meant to move according to his direction and not take its own course! Ishq Garaari has or let's say, had an interesting storyline that couldn't be handled properly. With low-meter dialogues, Ishq Garaari slips from the director's hand and goes to the actors, who again couldn't handle it well. Singer-actor Sharry Mann did not rise to the expectations. Yes, he is cute and you will love him for his desi style. But is that all that takes to be an actor? Sharry will figure out sooner or later just like the other actors, Rannvijay and Gulzar Chahal. Gulzaar looks like a complete misfit in the role as he is known for his romantic intense roles. As an actor he has the right to experiment but anything for the sake of experiment is not done. Rannvijay, this actor, needs to run. He looks good, he talks well and he can be put to use in a much better way. So, as the film slips from the hands of the actors and lands in front of the pretty ladies, Mandy Takkar, Miss Pooja and Prableen Sandhu, Gunjan Walia, and the four beauties lift it and treat it pretty well, as much as they could. All the actresses have displayed better acting skills than the actors. What seems to top 'the killing the expectation list' is Balwinder Vicky, the comedian who is known for his Bull's eye punches. The director wasted him in the 'exaggerated for no use' auto rickshaw act. If by this time you have already left the theatre, we will make no effort to pull you back. Neither does the music of the film. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Get infected!
Mickey Virus
Written and directed by Saurabh Varma Mickey Virus is an upcoming thriller comedy film. The film has been produced by DAR Motion Pictures in association with Trilogic Digital Media Limited and Awesome Films Pvt Ltd and it features Manish Paul, Elli Avram, Manish Choudhary, Puja Gupta and Varun Badola in the lead roles. The film is set in Delhi. When Delhi Police comes across a case revolving around hacking, they begin their search to find a computer hacker who can help them crack this case. The head of the police team ACP Siddhanth (Manish Choudhary), stumbles across Mickey Arora (Manish Paul), a lazy but street-smart hacker, who can actually help them solve the case. Mickey runs a grocery store in daytime and creates virus for anti-virus companies at night along with his tomboy friend Chutney (Puja Gupta), who always helps him out in all odd jobs. Little does he know that ACP Siddhanth accompanied by Inspector Bhalla (Varun Badola) are tough nuts to crack. Something new It was a tight film. I like it because of the sheer novelty of the subject. Also, the dialogues and the storyline of the film are absolutely amazing. It is definitely a onetime watch. Vandana Ghai, housewife Exciting feat The film is absolutely amazing and I am very fond of the way with which Manish Paul has pulled off the role. Also, Ellie looks amazing. I like the dialogues and the plot of the film. It's different and exciting. Viraj Sethi, student Relatable theme This is the kind of the film that our generation will be able to relate to. It is fast-paced and it constantly takes you from one unexpected situation to another. The film slips into thriller territory while keeping the dramatic tension intact and the climax is very entertaining too. Bani Sachdev, student — As told to Amarjot Kaur
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To top it all!
Leading Indian FMCG brand, Tops & Royal Taste Cookies from G.D. Foods Mfg. (India) Pvt. Ltd. has participated in the 18th edition of Chandigarh Consumer Fair 2013 organized by CII (Confederation of Indian Industry). The four-day shopping festival begins today at Parade Ground, Sector 17, Chandigarh and continues till October 28.
The grand fair acts as a platform to various leading Indian and international brands like Fiat, C&G, IFB, Eureka, Panasonic, Godrej, Neelkamal, Maruti, Tata, Honda, McCain, Haldirams, Cremica, Hindware, Hero cycles, Amway, Venus Remedies, Aditya Birla Group, Maxwell Healthcare, Quick Heal, DLF to name a few, to exhibit in diverse categories of consumer durables and non-durables, explore business opportunities, open new vistas and generate sales. Talking about the event, Nitin Seth, joint managing director, GD Foods Mfg. (India) Pvt. Ltd. says, “We are proud to associate with this prestigious shopping festival organized by CII. With this platform, we hope to create more awareness among our target audience and benefit from B2B interactions. — TNS
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Star track
Govinda's career has got a new lease of life. He talks about his upcoming projects and more.
Third innings You don't know about the film I am doing with Mira Nair. While I am not allowed to disclose the details of my new projects, I must say that I have got a new lease of life. Pahlaj Nihalani's Ilzaam made me a star. And then I was without work in '89 before Pahlaj again brought me back with Shola aur Shabnam. And now, Avtar, which set the ball rolling again for me once again. So, this is my third innings. Aditya Chopra's film came like a big surprise to me. More recently, Anurag Basu signed me up for Jagga Jasoos. Moreover, I am also producing a film Abhinay Chakra, co-starring Chandrachur Singh. One & only friend People had written me off. But I am used to such comments, which somehow don't stop coming. Maybe that's because I don't belong to any camp, which can stand up for me and say things in my defense. Only Salman is a friend and he is special. Work is worship When it comes to aging, nobody has a choice but to change with age. If you are still getting work at 50, you will get it according to your age. My funda while signing Anurag Basu's film was clear. I am playing Ranbir's father in it. Am I not a father in real life? So why should I shy from being one in reel life? Mind you, I am still dancing. My new music video Gori Tere Naina is soon going to be released. Work is worship. Lessons learnt Keep your relationships casual. Never get too involved with anybody. Don't let anybody know that you need them badly. Else, you are bound to get hurt and weakened at some point or the other.
Shattered dream
When watching films is a riyaz
Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is currently working on the remake of Khoobsurat, was spotted at the recently concluded the 15th Mumbai Film Festival. She was there for the screening of director Khalid Mohammed's film Little Big People.
Introducing the film which is about Mumbai's talented street children, Sonam The film focuses on a tight trope walker, a multi-linguist hawker boy, an aspiring Bollywood heroine, a cricket champ and four other kids to sensitise viewers of the abundant talent among the untrained children. She also professed that watches film to improve her acting skills. "Mumbai Film Festival is such a great festival. I am a big world cinema fan. Watching world cinema is like doing riyaz for me. I have to do it regularly," she added.
Foursome!
Hrithik Roshan loved the character of Kaal in Krrish 3 so much so that he wanted to essay it but was not allowed to do so. In that case, he said that he would play Krrish, Rohit, Krishna, and Kaal in the movie. That's something!
Arjun’s boyish talk
Arjun Kapoor talks about losing weight, school days, and more.
Video games I love playing video games. I am addicted to FIFA and I keep playing on my PS3 in between shoots. I've grown up on a healthy appetite of videogames - mainly football-centric ones. I always had the latest launched console and every boy in school would be envious of me. Weight loss Losing weight was one of the most difficult battles I have fought. If my story inspires even one person to shed some extra pounds, I would be more than happy. So I don't mind talking about it. I was a lazy kid. If it were not for some very important people in my life, I wouldn't have managed to shed even five per cent weight of what I have managed to. School days I remember my school days quite vividly. I spent most of my schooldays outside the class. Although I had a fondness for history and literature, I was never much into studies. Sonam and I went to the same school, and although we hardly used to hang out together, she would conveniently make me her protective, elder brother whenever she was in trouble.
Bedi vs Bedi
Singular issue
Imtiaz Ali is facing a problem because of his single status. He recently separated from his wife Preety and has been linked with Pakistani bombshell Iman Ali. He has been unable to purchase a flat in his name because of his single status.
Lata remembers Manna Dey
Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar fondly remembered her association with singer Manna Dey saying she salutes his dedication and spirit. The two have collaborated on innumerable hits like Pyaar Huaa Ikraar Huaa, Chunari Sambhal Gori Udhi Chali, Yeh Raat Bheegi-Bheegi, Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Men among others.
"Today, great classical singer Manna Dey sahab, who we fondly called Manna da, is not among us anymore. He had a very pleasant and easy personality. He was very dedicated to his work. I salute him and pray that his soul rests in peace," she reminisced on Twitter after Dey's death. Recalling her first song recording with the legendary singer, she said, "As far as I remember I sang composer Anil Biswas' classical song with him in the year 1947 or 1948. It was the first time we worked together." Mangeshkar and Dey's duet Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua from Shri 420, picturised on Raj Kapoor and Nargis on a rainy night is among the most popular romantic classic songs. Busy boy
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Put on your dancing shoes!
Nach Baliye is back with its season six on Star Plus. With the 11 jodis set to take on the challenge, it seems Gurmeet and Debina, one of the hottest couples this season, is leaving no stone unturned to succeed. Recently the sizzling couple took off to the beautiful temples of Khajuraho to spend some quality time with each other and to take a break from the hectic work schedule. This season promises to give the celebrity couples a chance to rekindle their physical intimacy and passion through dance. No wonder Khajuraho, a place symbolic of love and spirituality became the ideal place for this jodi to get into the dance mode. Gurmeet said, "We have been waiting to do this show since its first season. All this while either Debina or I was busy but this season we had to do it. We both have been very busy with work and now the rehearsals took most of our time hence, we decided to take a short break. He further added, "Debina had gone to Khajuraho when she was in 8th and spoke highly about this place. Since we are doing Nach show now, we thought this is the best place to go for a short trip and get inspired Feeling inspired: Gurmeet & Debina
On her wishlist
Post her show Parichay, Arti Singh has lost 8 kg weight. She has been observing a strict diet and working out religiously. She aims at looking younger to avoid roles of bhabhi kind of roles. She also wants to try her hand at South Indian and Punjabi films once again.
Better luck next time
Many popular television actors have tried their luck in films but while some have made it, others haven't. There are many who are looking for the right break. We look at a few who haven't managed to crack it yet.
Status quo Ankita Lokhande: There was buzz about Ankita bagging the lead role in Farah Khan's Happy New Year. That she wants to do films is a known fact now. But after Deepika Padukone was signed for the lead role, she accepted the double role in her TV show, Pavitra
Rishta.
Parul Chauhan: Post her hit show Bidaai, she did one film but it didn't find many takers. She was last heard calling it an art film.
Not happening yet Pratyusha Banerjee: After becoming popular as Anandi in Balika Vadhu, there were reports that she got a role in Mahesh Bhatt's next film. It turned out that Vikram Bhatt had met her but things didn't work out. Still on tube Karan Singh Grover: After becoming big, he tried his luck in a film with Diana Hayden but it never released. He realised soon, it would be best that he sticks to TV.
Drashti Dhami: After winning Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6, she claimed that she has got many offers but she wants to focus on her TV show Madhubala for now. There were rumours that she was offered Ajay Devgn's Singham 2. But the makers refuted the
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Astro turf
ARIES: An unexpected guest can gate-crash on your hospitality. A romantic mood can colour even the toughest situation in rosy hues. Your abilities will put you in the good books of your supervisor. TAURUS: You draw the Ace of Pentacles, so you will begin the day full of energy and confidence. People are drawn to you; but do not trust them. New ventures that are launched have a better chance of being a success. Tarot message: Bury an old
quarrel and compromise. Lucky colour: Orange. GEMINI: This is a great day to get your ideas down on paper and start planning your next project. Do not let people intrude into your space if you need solitude. It is a good day for dealing with accounts. CANCER: Romance and creativity are highlighted. This is also the perfect time for initiating a new personal project. Family matters can keep you busy in the evening.Tarot message: Listen to your voice of wisdom. LEO: The "Queen of Swords" suggests that the spotlight is on fashion, appearance and charm. Romance and passion are on the cards. Do not allow feelings of frustration overtake you. VIRGO: Your card "Five of Swords" reveals physical activity and pleasure. Do not start this day by being extravagant. You must cut down on spending. Loved ones will not be very helpful. Tarot message: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. LIBRA: It is the time to begin new projects and contracts. Make important calls, write up a proposal and do anything that requires a starting point. Travel will prove futile. Focus on religious discourses. Tarot message: Fitness routine and healthy diet is important. Lucky colour: Lime green. Magic number: 54 SCORPIO: Business dealings can fall due to lack of details and information. Confusion over priorities can also cause havoc at the workplace. It is not a good
day for financial matters. SAGITTARIUS: A career switch can mean having to move out of state or overseas and upsetting the applecart at home. You can spend quite a lot of time on planning. Business matters are fairly well under control. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55
CAPRICORN: Stick to the beaten track today and look after yourself. At the end of the day you will be proud of what you have achieved and can be rewarded with a bonus. This is the time to go for medical check-up. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires.
Lucky colour: Rust.
Magic number: 38 AQUARIUS: A special person in your life will be hard to communicate with. Students: light reading will keep you busy today. A health problem can be satisfactorily treated. PISCES: Your card "The Devils" boosts your enthusiasm and self-confidence. Take this time to expand your social circle, develop new talents; learn new hobbies or plan a vacation.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 26...
Your birthday falls this year on Ahoi
Ashtmi, known for safety of children and spouse. Many opportunities will strike; catch them. Finances are perfect this time. Health is better from now onwards. Part of the backdrop of your life changes on this birthday, as a friendship begins to expand and improve. Over the next year you'll see some of your relationships growing, leading to greater understanding. Saturn makes you confident, jolly, creative and enthusiastic. Investments will flourish. Positive
colours: Dark blue, Dark grey, Purple, Violet. Select days: Saturday, Wednesday and
Friday. Favourable numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8 Gems recommended: Sapphire, Diamond and Emerald. Charity on birthday: Donate charcoal to a washerman or construction material at any upcoming religious building.
You share your birthday with Raveena Tandon (October 26, 1974, Mumbai), who started her career with Patthar Ke
Phool. But commercial success came with Mohra and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi. Due to her Rahu
Dasha, Raveena's career will slow down in the times to come.
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