Tuesday morning brought with it a different kind of activity to The Tribune, not the usual chaos one is used to seeing in a newspaper office. Orders being barked at security staff to clear up the gateway and prepare a reception party to welcome “the guest”.

After all, it is not everyday that a celebrity like Om Puri drops in to look up his childhood friend. And guess what he does? He walks through The Tribune gate, looks up and exclaims Jai Tribune!

The friend in question is Naresh Kaushal, editor of Dainik Tribune. As the man-in-black makes an impressive entry into Kaushal’s office, we, a few lucky journos, get to witness a heart-warming scene — two old friends embracing each other, oblivious of the curiosity of the onlookers.

We learnt that though Puri makes it a point to visit Kaushal whenever he is in Punjab, this was the first time he came down to his office.

“I had always been awestruck by the dignity this building radiates. It is not just a landmark for the city. It feels great to be inside it,” and the conversation flows.

“I came to my village, Sanaur, to campaign for the Congress.” Is Om Puri testing waters before he takes the actual plunge? “I liked the experience but, no, I am not joining politics.”

Well, we do not know whether to be relieved or sad, but the observations this first-time campaigner makes are interesting – the mode of campaigning is subtle now (perhaps, we should thank T.N. Seshan). “At least I did not see those rickshaws and cycles with loudspeakers this time,” he proclaims.

As the number of visitors to Kaushal’s room steadily increases, the interview takes a backseat. “I am doing Rahul Rawail’s Buddha Mar Gaya, a black comedy,” he tells us between exchanging greetings with those eager to catch a glimpse of the ‘Pride of Punjab’.

But what is keeping Om’s spirit soaring these days is latest Hollywood production Charlie Wilson’s War in which he shares screen space with Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks.

“I have played the role of Zia-ul-Haq, gold teeth and all,” he says. It was a challenging role no doubt, but he had friends to help him out. “The most important bit of information on this character came from Shatrughan Sinha. He told us that Zia-ul-Haq laughed very loudly,” he says.

Back home, he is busy with productions like Mukhvir and Dilli Heights and a few others, enough to keep him busy. But Om misses the art film genre. “Nobody makes art films these days, so one has to make do with whatever that comes one’s way,” he justifies.

Four different people from diverse walks come together and form a group called ‘Triangle’ about 15 years ago. The common thread is their love for the same kind of music. They stick through thick and thin and survive to be called the oldest band of the city. That’s, however, is not news. The news is that after a long gap, the group is ready to rock you. This time in a different mood altogether.

Lalit, Raj, Sandy and Chandi are practicing hard at the basement of Mount Carmel School in sector 47 to get their acts together. “This is not just a concert but a parameter to gauge the mood of our audience,” says Chandi who inform us that the group is ready to cut their first album Just for You. “In this concert we will play a few original compositions which we are incorporating in the CD,” he adds.

The city, according to the group, is ready for rock music. “We have seen different phases in the rock music scenario, but if the recent competitions like the Indian Rock Idol and people’s preferences to go by, we are ready to rock,” they say.

However, the band promises much more than simple rock. “Our music is Indian classical based, but no, it is not fusion. We are bringing the classical feel using the guitar and synthesizer,” says Chandi, who plays drums, percussion as well as sings. Lalit too sings and plays the guitar, while Raj is on the keyboard and Sandy is on base guitar.

The band likes to call their compositions ‘artistic rock’. “After fifteen years in the music scene we are beginning to understand music and this concert and our CD will showcase our understanding.” Since we have not sampled their new music yet, we shift to a safer ground. What was the major problem the rock bands of the city faced 15 years back and what is the scene now.

“The major hurdle in the growth of rock scene is the lack of sponsors, then and even now,” say the gang. “Sponsors do not mind pouring money when it come to Punjabi pop or rock bands from big cities. But when it comes to us homegrown ones, no one is willing,” rue the four.

But the Triangle is not ready to bow down, yet. “We have determination and the passion to match,” they chorus. And of course, when there is a strong will, there are several ways….

— Parbina Rashid

For someone used to the limelight and the pressure of meeting people, Darshan Dave, seems a little shy when it comes to giving interviews. Once you break the ice, he is more than eager to talk you about his much-hyped serial Ghar Ek Sapna, which airs on Sahara One Television. Those who have watched him in Ghar Ek Sapna swear by his deep involvement in to his character.

The familiar face in many ads is Darshan Dave from Jaipur. He began his career as an assistant director then became a team director, to our surprise he also worked successfully as a music director and lyricist and worked with the likes of Dev Anand, Sunidhi Chauhan, Ajay Sinha, Aruna Raje, Aziz Mirza etc to become an actor.

“I wanted to become an actor and the day came when he signed contracts with multinational companies as their main model, after projects like Rishtey with Ajay Sinha and Aapbeeti with B.R films he was not very keen on doing serials as he feels, “Unless you are one of the main leads you don’t get noticed and if that continues for a couple of years, you are tagged ‘over-exposed’ without even getting exposed properly”.

“There are at least some people in the work circuit and among the audience who want to see me act but as I said I must like what I do so now. My favourite Ajay Sinha directs Ghar Ek Sapna and the role I am doing is one of the main leads and my childhood fantasy that of playing a don. Sahara One and my director Ajai Sinha came up with a concept that why cannot a boy from an underworld family be good looking so they dared to experiment with a family oriented side of a don, who is newly wed, has a beautiful wife, a sister-in-law he treats like a sister, he dances, sings and still has a rough, daring and dominating side to his personality, a guy who flirts, romances, has a sense of humor and on the other side is surrounded by bodyguards all the time…a very balanced character not  a loud filmy don….and the best part is that I get to drive a jungle jeep and fire real pistols in the serial, this incentive was strong enough for me to do this serial.”

About his future plans Darshan says, “I have never been able to plan my career, things keep coming up in a very unpredictable way, why should I fight with my destiny when it always has been generous to me…as of now I have to continue with my contract with Easy Off Bang and other ads and have to give time to my serial.

— D.P.

Humming Pretty woman walking down the street… the svelte, sensuous, Shobhaa De, a pretty picture herself came to city, to unveil her latest collection, of Cocktail Sarees at Samsaara in Hotel Taj. Draped in her own creation, a sizzling black saree teamed with stone jewellery, it seems years just make her more and more beautiful and creative.

Describing her latest collection as, ‘Enduring’, young and vibrant collection of Cocktail sarees, she says, is her reply to that essential lil’ black dress. “With versatility as the keyword, all a woman needs to do is to jazz up this traditional Indian attire,” she says.

“Team it with a sexy halter, a tiny bustier, a strappy blouse or a choli or even a brocade jacket, which is my favourite and you are ready for any occasion. What can be added to the splendour is a pair of chandelier earrings, a choker and other jewellery pieces using mix n match and the same saree can be worn on three different occasions, she quips.

Celebrating Indianness, the collection includes sarees with a medley of modern designs combined with traditional materials, exquisite weaves, brocade, zari, Patti Ka Kaam, velvet appliqué in vibrant colours. As De puts it, “Indian colours are rich hues such as rani pink, red, maroon and peacock blue not the pastels like lavender, peach, which are European colours”.

What’s different this time around in De’s collection is the price tag. Starting from seven grand, the price range can go up to seventy as well. Compared with her other stores in metros, the tags have been kept lil’ low.

After the initial formalities De slips into role for which she is better known as, a writer. On being asked what’s that in writing that is keeping her busy and she is quick to reply, “I am very superstitious regarding the projects and success.” Okay then how about television projects? Already riding high on the soaring TRP ratings of a cricket show Shobhaa is hosting on DD National, another saga from her kitty, a la Swabhimaan is ready to rock the small screen in three months time.

A writer, designer, mother, TV host, and perhaps one of the most legible flag bearers of Indian style of dressing, is it easy enough to dabble in all these comfortably, well, “Whatever I do it involves creativity which is like the never ending holy Ganga, I have to tap my creativity at times”. And finally the clichéd, the secret behind her perpetual attractiveness, “It’s all about how good and beautiful you feel and that does the magic. I feel beautiful and young and it reflects,” says De.

Newman is blonde, six, with huge blue eyes. His parents visit India often on teaching assignments. Kay, the mother, is a beauty with red hair and green eyes. Patrick, the father, is over six feet two, blonde, is a black belt in karate, with a heart like a marshmallow. He cannot bear his son’s tears and is often stressed out by the harsh reality around him. He reacts with a bad tum, but smiles through it.

Kay and Patrick bought first class tickets for a Pink Floyd concert. It would have cost them ten times the amount in the UK. They asked if I would babysit Newman. As “little blue eyes” looks like an angel, I agreed to do so without remuneration because Indian hospitality does not allow me the luxury of such materialism.

With his parents away, Newman demanded egg paranthas – a fried roti, with an onion and tomato omlette stuck on one side – to be followed by our “sau meel waali chai”  favoured by  truck drivers. Newman’s gastronomic choices are:  paranthas, papads, pakoras, chicken tikkas (which he sandwiches between bread slices) and sweet lassi. He feels that Brit food “tastes awful.”

Three paranthas and an equal number of chais later, I was exhausted and suggested that Newman slept. He put a hand to his forehead – Rodin style - and said he was “stressed” and needed a story to help him sleep. Newman finally slept but I was stressed by the word “stress” and its connotations in the mind of a six-year-old. None of our children seemed stressed. Could it be that they were used to it and we had not noticed? Bad!

Kay, Patrick and I discussed stress, which seemed to haunt them in India. The plumber did not come at the given time. The electrician went on leave and left a few naked wires in the kitchen. Newman was pushed in school and had to have a Tetanus shot. The dhobi burnt a hole in Kay’s beaded blouse. Patrick’s cream shirt had been washed with a bleeding madras one. The balcony light had a huge beehive dangling from it. I told them how stressful it had been when an inept doctor refused to x-ray my broken ankle as I did not “seem in enough pain.”  I continued my jobs with a crepe bandage and ice packs. They empathised and said they knew exactly how I felt.

I offered them a de-stressing holiday at our Goa flat. We went by Sharma’s deluxe sleeper, but not before I had threatened the conductor for re-selling our berths to four others just an hour before departure. Newman wanted to know why I was shouting. The other passengers asked us to catch the next bus so that they could get a shift on. The high decibels won and we reached Goa. Our return – by the same service – led to another altercation, as our lower berths had been converted to top ones. By the time the issue was settled, Patrick’s stomach was churning, Kay and Newman held their heads in despair.

It dawned on me that Social Welfare in the UK means living stress-free lives. But why are we Indians doing so well worldwide? We can work with stress, anywhere, any time. We are trained to do so the moment we land in Bharat Mata. Jai Hind!

Jessica Simpson was thrilled with her performance in the movie The Dukes of Hazzard, because she felt she was finally able to establish herself as an actress by playing sexy Daisy Duke.
The star claims she worked hard portraying the tomboy, especially while filming the provocative video for These Boots are made for Walkin.

Anurag Kashyap’s much-awaited Black Friday finally makes it to theatres all over. The censor board has passed this film with ‘A’ certificate. The film is directed by Anurag Kashyap whose Paanch has been stuck for many reasons. Despite this the courageous director is ready with another bold him Black Friday based on the 1993 Mumbai blasts. The movie will finally see a release today at Fun Republic Manimajra.

Black Friday has Kay Kay Menon (Corporate fame) and the theatre artist Pawan Malhotra in the lead roles. Aditya Srivastva also plays important character. The film deals with a dark theme on the Mumbai blasts. The buzz is that this one is a hard-hitting drama produced by Arindam Mitra. Those who have seen the rushes predicts it a shocking truth behind Mumbai blasts. Lyrics by Piyush Mishra and Music by the famous band, Indian Ocean are other, major credits of Black Friday. — D.P.

There is a ‘point of departure’ in every artist’s style, and going by Brahm Prakash’s recent works, he has reached that point. Getting ready for his forthcoming exhibition at Ravindra Bhavan, Delhi, Brahm Prakash’s paintings show all the signs — change in medium, going liberal with colour and most importantly, letting go of his bow lines.

As we walk into his studio in Sector 27 to talk about his latest works, which he is taking to Delhi on February 17, we get a pleasant surprise. For a change, bright colours like red and yellow dominate the usual blues Brahm Prakash is known by. “I have tried acrylic for the first time and also bright colours,” says Brahm Prakash. “I am through with subtle colours. I want a change,” he adds in a lighter vein.

The creations he is taking to Delhi is, however, are a mixed lot — his new acrylic series, a few water colours and a few from his earlier digital paintings.

The inspiration for the water colour series is from a river meandering through a rocky terrain, but one has to look at it through the artist’s eye, for the series has been executed in total abstract format, a la BrahmPrakash style.

So the point of departure in his style seems only skin-deep. “Changes are mostly superficial. For an artist can just try out new medium or colour palette or a new style of execution, but ultimately when it comes to its essence, it remains the same, for it is connected to his thought process,” he explains.

But what seems final in his style now is the abstract form.

“I had done figurative works in my earlier days, but now I am hooked to abstract and semi-abstract as it gives an artist scope for experiment,” he says. Next in this line is his ‘river and the rock’ series, also in watercolours. “I am going to develop this series further and perhaps have another exhibition soon,” he adds.

Currently, principal of Government College of Art, Prakash, who retires next year, looks upbeat as he shares his future plans. “I am happy I will have more time to paint,” he says.

Brahm Prakash, who came to the city after completing a five-year-course in the College of Art, Delhi, admits that the city has had a profound impact on his works. “In all my works you will get a feel of space. This element comes from living in this city for so many years,” says Brahm Prakash.

Yes, we indeed love the feeling of space in Brahm Prakash’s creations as well as Corbusier’s.

Cartoon strips are not just about evoking humour and tickling the funny bone. They have a sensibility attached, as in the works of Christian Cailleaux, a French cartoonist exhibiting at Alliance Francaise, Sector 36.

Christian came to India under the artist-in-residence programme in December 2004 and travelled the length and breadth of the country finding inspiration and gaining experiences about its culture and ethos. The result of his two-month stay here is an illustrated book and an exposition of cartoons and paintings.

From half-baked ideas to producing works motivated largely by Indian-ness, Cailleaux has given Indian women a new face in The Flying Saree. So we have women dressed in half a saree, wearing a superhero mask with a long plait and a bindi! She is the flag bearer, defying ideologies of a male subjugated society.

With inscriptions like he has no horn and pure silk, the artiste provokes a different kind of meaningful humour. In another work is a super heroine riding pillion on a scooter behind a man dressed up like an Indian king with punch lines like Only Rs 10, Hindi subtitles and Action depicting Bollywood. A ‘bollywooder’ in action is another one that catches the eye.

Christian’s shift in focus is noticeable in the painting of two boys sitting on a scooter and waiting and that of a cobbler at his roadside adda. A couple sitting in a park and an old Ambassador car model bring in an amazing reality to the frame.

Adding to the variety are the faces of an old man, a young man and a girl reading a book. Do check out the frame with the auto rickshaw in it. It reminds one of how the very useful vehicle adds to the cacophony on the Indian roads with “no limit” being the guiding force of the auto drivers.

(At Alliance Francaise, Sector 36, till Feb 17)

Resolve to preserve his family’s tradition makes Avirbhav Verma pursue excellence in the field of instrumental classical music. Graduating from a child prodigy to maestro, still in his teens, this serene, sober and scintillating performer is the new face on the classical percussion music scene in the region. With dexterity he plays the Tabla Tarang on seven tables, reflects the originality of tradition combined with artistic imagination. He produces intricate rhythmic patterns, a rarity indeed for a boy of his age.

Punjab state honour for contribution to Indian classical music at the age of 16, performing with the maestros of Indian and Jazz music, winning laurels for his SD College at youth festivals this young lad has a long list of achievements. He took part in International Shrophire and Patiala Heritage cultural exchange programme in England.

The connoisseurs adored him during the performance of classical and folk music by the troupe in London, Landrineo, Wales, Manchester and other places. The teenaged maestro later won the hearts of the Canadian music lovers during a six month tour for Tabla performances at Calgiri, Edmonton and Prince George in concerts held under the aegis of Raag Mala Society Canada in 2003.

He accompanied the ace sitarist Manau Kumar Sen and Pandit Lachhman Singh Seen during their concerts. ‘Avirbhav has miles to go to emulate the zenith of perfection and prowess accomplished by his father,’ says his musician mother Gandharv Bala, now a mentor and guide of Avirbhav.

His illustrious guru and father Late Pandit Pavan Kumar Verma, a Tabla wizard of Punjab gharana groomed him in his childhood. Avirbhav grasped the finer nuances of the art at strenuous riyaz sessions at home and during many stage performances he shared with Pavan ji from the age of six.

The ICCR deputation of the maestro couple of Pandit Pavan Verma and Gandharava Bala to Indonesia for five years proved a boon for Avirhav and his brother Swarit. He experimented various improvisations and fusion of our traditional and art music with contemporary music forms while leading a six-member band of junior artists from Djakarta.

The junior band comprising of western instruments and tabla performed at music festivals in Singapore, Brazil, Poland and Holland under his direction. Not averse to innovative trends of blending the tradition with modernity Avirbhav holds the Indian classical music and rhythmic beats are in sync with the heartbeat of all musicians and musical instruments.

Winter is on its way home, the days are getting longer, the sun’s a new hue. And if the cleaning bug bites you too, here’s how to care for your precious artwork.

In general, the cleaning of paintings should be left in the hands of a trained conservator. However, there are some simple procedures that can be followed to increase the longevity of a painting.

• Carefully examine your paintings for loose or flaking paint once a month.

• Dust them every four to six months. Feather dusters can scratch paintings, instead use soft brushes like sable (such as a typical makeup brush).

• Never try to clean a painting yourself or use any liquid or commercial cleaners on a painted surface. Commercial preparations can cause irreparable damage to the fragile layers of a painting.

• Avoid using pesticides, foggers, air fresheners, or furniture sprays near 
  artworks.

• Remove paintings from a room before painting, plastering, or steam cleaning carpets or wallpaper. Return the artworks only when the walls and floors are completely dry.

The greatest amount of damage to artifacts is caused by careless handling. Prior to moving a painting, be sure to remove all jewelry, belt buckles, etc. so that the painting is not accidentally torn or scratched while being moved. When moving a painting, always be sure to grasp the painting from both vertical sides. Do not hold a painting at the top of the frame or by its hanging wire.