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Green Wedding
We are talking ‘green’ but for the big fat Indian wedding no less. A home-grown, organically cultivated, eco-friendly wedding is the new mantra, one that does not stress the environment and helps the recycling cause. Does an eco-friendly wedding seem way out? Not really when all you need to do is ensure you preserve your environment around you. That translates into home-grown flowers and vegetables; using the jumble lying at home to decorate and a wedding outfit you can recycle or rather cycle to the venue in instead of traipsing around in a petrol puffing limousine. And there are takers for “green” weddings in the city, albeit still too few. Michelangelo, teacher of Fine Arts and Music at St John’s School, Sector 26, is an avid “green”. So much so that he has just submitted a proposal to his principal on how to completely do away with paper at school. So, needless to add, a “green” wedding is definitely his cup of “green tea”. “For starters I will cycle to my wedding and expect all my guests to cycle too. It will happen in the garden and in daylight so I can save electricity. The food will come from home-grown vegetables from friends’ kitchen gardens,” he smiles. He has also ordered a tandem bike so that post wedding, he and his wife can cycle around together, but there is a small problem. Alas no girl yet! “It is actually a really fun idea,” insists Deepa Chand (name changed), a third year student at the Government College of Art, Sector 10. A self-professed “bohemian” she plans to substitute flowers for rings. “The champa makes for lovely rings. All you need to do is make holes in the petals turn then and slip them into the stem, the ring is ready,” she smiles. As for the bridal dress, an old sari of her mother’s will be refurbished by a designer friend with old coins and tassels lying in the house. Her fiancé, a painter in Delhi is planning to set up a website with links to eco-friendly gift sites from where friends can shop for them. In fact at any wedding, even an eco-friendly one, what is important is the bonding says Reena Singh, author of ‘The Wedding Planner’ published by Penguin. “It is all about love, excitement and togetherness and not the perfect flower arrangement,” she says. And an eco-friendly nuptial affords exactly that what with a bagful of ideas chipped in by Reena who says the trick is to do a wedding elegantly and not expensively. As for the bride, Reena advocates wearing the wedding outfit that the bride’s mother or grandmother wore in her time because apart from the sentiments attached, “It is very relevant in the Indian context where bonds and ancestry matter so much,” she smiles. With the bridal dress as good as ready, can the jewellery be far behind? There is the ‘tribal route’ of stringing up flowers and leaves and wearing them or then there is the ‘environmental’ designer jewellery. According to accessory designer Shweta Arora of ‘Nafees’ in Sector 8, “There is exquisite stuff being made out of dry leaves and flowers and even kesar which is either laminated or crushed and used to make jewellery. It is all very pretty and contemporary.” Finally if you want to thank your guests for collaborating with your novel idea gift them a collage made of real flowers from ‘Nature’s Art’ in Sector 32 that specialises in this. Or better yet, commission the city’s young painter Bharti Sharma (16) who makes the most delightful peacocks on collages made from different strips of magazine paper using a gamut of mediums from oils to watercolours to pen and colour-pencil sketches and even permanent markers. Of course, organic products do come at a higher price with a 15 to 20 per cent premium for the products and services if taken on professionally, but an eco-friendly wedding need not be bright-green, they can be light-green too! gayatrir@tribunemail.com ‘Humble’ approach
British and American brides are already turning green, metaphorically at least. While the trend is still to catch on in India, in the West the trendiest weddings are those that conserve, recycle and preserve the environment. Websites like www.ethicalweddings.com which launched only a year ago in the UK are not only giving advice on how to plan eco-friendly weddings but also on how to source knotty items like organic confetti. With the average cost of British wedding reaching almost 18,500 pounds this year according to UK-based insurer Weddingplan, it is time to take the more ‘humble’ approach to weddings. Get on with it Dressing up the bride
and the house
The outfit should be the one that the bride’s mother/grandmother wore. For reasons of sentiments and bonding with ancestry
n Dress up the house with flowers grown in the garden (but plan for this one in advance if you want a spray of colours)
Decorate doors and windows with old colourful saris and dupattas
Use natural holi colours extracted from flowers and haldi for rangoli. Use bricks or kota stone piled haphazardly like a pitthu and place diyas and marigolds around it to deck up niches. Honeymoon
Find a travel agent who can book you a socially and environmentally sensitive trip, including hotels that recycle and reduce the amount of unnecessary laundering, vegetarian, holistic and off the beaten path adventures and electric/hybrid car rentals.
Let’s hope the panditji uses organically grown ingredients when he performs the havan. You mean there shall there be no havan, or ghodi? That’s preposterous! Let’s hope the ghodi (a ``natural’’ alternative to a limo for me) is also willing to be draped in green. Or, shall the panditji/ghodi be replaced with something more ``natural’’... What? A havan near burning leaves? Great. See, that’s done habitually in our country and it comes for free at most street corners and near garbage dumps quite close
to our houses. A combo of smoke with (holy) fire. What more do you want, eh?...’’
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After sporting the tri-colour costumes and banging the drum for long, one billion broken hearts have now decided to speak
out, writes Saurabh Malik Even as the cricket board is considering the feasibility of changing the face of the team, a series of online polls conducted by MSN India and Windows Live India have indicated the desire of the majority to see Tendulkar walk out of the field. To a question, ‘Should Sachin Tendulkar hang up his boots?’ a good 60 per cent replied in affirmative. Next query was raised on the basis of what former Australian captain Ian Chappell said that Tendulkar is past his prime and must now retire. It is a fact that in recent years Tendulkar has been a shadow of the player he once was. Should he go out now when he still demands respect or continue on and get himself into a situation where the selectors are forced to drop him? As many as nine per cent in Delhi, 10 per cent in Bangalore, 15 per cent in Mumbai, six per cent in Hyderabad and nine per cent in Chennai said ‘yes’. Internationally, 23 per cent buffs want Tendulkar to say goodbye to the field. One cricket buff was of the view that Tendulkar can contribute a lot more to the country even otherwise. He can associate himself with the team by assisting in coaching or selecting the team. In fact, any one above the age of 30 should not be in the team, unless he is twice as fit as any other youngster. Another rather candid reply came from a Chennai resident. Hurling an angry bouncer at Tendulkar, he asserted, “ Even a child will now call this emperor a ‘naked man’ like in the fable.” A word of advice to Sachin, You can fool all for some time, some all the time; but not all, all the time. In an answer to another query, ‘Should an Indian take over as the new coach of Team India?’-56 per cent do not want a foreigner to coach the team. The question suggested names of personalities like Viv Richards, Dav Whatmore, John Wright, Sandeep Patil, Mohinder Amarnath and Anshuman Gaekwad to coach the team. But, after two foreign coaches, is it now time for Team India to have an Indian coach? A Sydney resident hits a six with his reply. He asserted,” I think so, probably the players will understand the coach and his language better.” In any case, 70 per cent think BCCI’s move to limit player endorsements is justified. A Vadodara resident says, “If a common man working hard for his living wins a lottery worth 40 to 50 times his annual earning, will he still put the same amount of effort and hard work in his old job?” Ah guys! After all this there is just one thing to say- the team’s performance in the World Cup has bowled the players out of the minds of the buffs! saurabh@tribunemail.com
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First Day First Show Big Brother A below average film with the usual run-of-the mill story for any Sunny Deol starrer. The film develops with the typical plot of a one-man army against the evil forces. The action packed movie is technically sound and even has a couple of beautiful tracks like Jag lal lal, composed by Sandesh Shandilya and sung by Ustad Sultan Khan. Priyanka Chopra’s remarkable handling of emotional scenes leave a mark, along with impressive performances of Farida Jalal and Danny. Showing at Kiran and Fun Republic.
After ‘Khosla Ka Ghosla’, it is Bheja Fry to tickle your funny bone. A comedy class apart, it strikes an intimate chord with the audience so much so that one relates to the story. While, Vinay Pathak makes you laugh at the character he portrays, Rajat Kapoor is his usual matured self and Ranvir Shorey performance is just average. Brilliant script, excellent performance- the film is a perfect comedy. Showing at Fun Republic.
Vikram Bhatt seems to be loosing his directorial touch. The flick looks at real issues of today’s youth through the eyes of five youngsters. An average thriller, it fails to impress; despite swift pace, stunning visuals and striking cinematography. We expect a better show from Vikram next. Showing at Fun Republic — Dharam Pal
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Write to Renee
I am a girl in my early 20’s with a passion for shopping. My friends call me a shopping addict. My family also makes me feel guilty about it, as my pocket money also goes into shopping . I feel satisfied thinking that it is my money and I can shop or save. Is there a way of explaining my predicament please help. Renuka Malhotra,
Chandigarh You are definitely a shopaholic; I feel at your age there ought to be other priorities. Of course, shopping is fun , but all your pocket money should not be squandered away in frivolities. There is much more to life than acquiring material things. Why don’t you try putting your mind to some interesting activities like a readers group or a game. You need to channelise your energy by diversifying your interests. I was in Plus 2 when a boy 3 years senior to me proposed to me. This happened 10 years ago. I have a regular government job. He has been bluffing me since past 10 years about his MBA and other qualifications, but he sits in his father’s shop. He even got married and has a baby. He has promised to divorce his wife and I still like to believe him, although I am in my 30’s now. Please advise me. Kamla Verma You sound like a mature sensible girl, how can you allow a situation like this to continue. Please release your self from this self-inflicted torment. The good part is that you understand the situation. When the man is already married with a kid all during your courtship period how can you trust him any further. There are many young men on the horizon who will love you. I am a woman in my 20’s and have just moved in to this town and rented an apartment in a building. I have made friends with a colleague. I happen to be attractive and smart whereas this girl is not very attractive and seems to have a low self-esteem. I find her intelligent and interesting; but she sometimes passes rude and cutting remarks at me. I feel sorry for her and allow her to get away with the nasty comments. But now it is beginning to get to me. What do I do? Reena First of all, let me congratulate you on your magnanimity. It is wonderful to know that people still allow others space and freedom to express themselves. But, please do not allow this person to overstep her boundaries. Gently ask her whether she is aware that she is being critical on passing nasty remarks; may be she is not even aware of it. Just feeling sorry for her is not really showing her care from your side, you’re just spoiling her.
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Tyson to dance to Bollywood tunes A diamond heist, a Bollywood dance routine and Mike Tyson make an unlikely combination. But the former heavyweight boxing champion is set to groove to Indian pop music in a promotional video for a Bollywood comedy set for a June release, the film’s media consultant has said. Tyson will be in India this summer to shoot the promo with the cast of “Fool n Final,” said N. Chattani, in charge of publicity for the movie’s producer, Firoze Nadiadwala. “It’s finalized,” Chattani said. “Tyson will be shooting the music promo with the entire cast.” In the slapstick film, two diamond-thirsty gangs clash over the loot while it is being shipped from the Middle East to India. But why Tyson? Aside from instant publicity, action hero Deol stars as a boxer. “The movie is a laugh riot, and the filmmakers thought Tyson would be great in the promo,” Chattani said. The movie, directed by choreographer-turned-director Ahmed Khan, is almost complete, she said. Khan has choreographed more than 45 movies since 1994 and has directed two films. Nadiadwala has produced nine movies, mainly comedies, including last year’s hit “Phir Hera Pheri” (Some More Hustling). Tyson became the youngest heavyweight boxing champion in history at 20 in 1986. — AP
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Scissorshand
Every time master paper-cutting artiste Prabal Pramanik pays us Pramanik who has authored this book calls it an illustrated introduction to the land and people. “It is an important book on social anthropology,” says Pramanik. The launch of the book is packaged with a documentary showing this beautiful place at the Himalayan foothills. Written in first person, the book narrates how Pramanik landed up at the place way back in 1982 only with a pair of scissors and a sketch book. While describing his journey, Pramanik throws light at people and social customs and traditions and also the changing socio-economic scenario.
“When I ran away from my home town Kolkata, with a little money and my paper-cutting skill, I first went to Mahabalipuram. But, I learnt that the seawater often comes inland and destroys everything. So Mahabalipuram was out and I packed my bags again and came to Bhamlada, whose name I had heard from the driver of the bus which I had boarded,” Pramanik’s narration is as spicy as his book which is packaged with a beautiful set of photographs clicked by his companion Arup Chandra. Bhamlada taught him a lot, right from how to cook chapatis to the intimate relationship he shares with his surroundings. “First 10 years I lived with no electricity and running water. Now things have changed but then so has moral values,” he says. By ‘things’, he means basic amenities and economic conditions of the people. The other three books published by his Academy of Arts along with his Bhamlada are –The Unknown Path, a poetry collection, once again by Pramanik, Prem Setu by Sahitya Samman and Mahakavi award winner Rakesh Nudrat and David in India: It will Surely Take Your Breath Away by David Clark, an Australian poet and singer who is a frequent visitor in the Northern Himalayan region. Each book has been documented with illustration by Pramanik’s paper characters and Arups pictures as well as background songs and music. Now that with running water and electricity, things are looking up for Pramanik and his academy, is his paper cutting taking a backseat for him, we ask. “Not at all, I always carry my scissors with me,” says Pramanik, readily it fishing out from his long-flowing kurta pockets as proof. We feel relieved. For all his social contributions and writings apart, we would like to see this genius continuing with his magic on papers. parbina@tribunemail.com
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Little Interview Smriti Sharma 
Manish Nagdev was fresh out of school, when the acting bug bit him. This 22-year-old Mumbaikar who plays Chinu in Dulhan, a popular soap on Zee TV is a former student of Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Labs, Mumbai. It was Manish’s passion for acting that got him enrolled in the course. He talks to Life Style about the importance of attending an acting school. How important is it to take lessons in acting? Well, for some it may not be necessary; but when you are in front of the camera giving a shot, it is the tips that you learnt which come handy. Agreed, that acting is an inborn talent but the acting school teaches you to the feel character you are playing. Tell us more about what is taught at the acting schools? Everything right from facing the camera, to using make up, correct dialogue delivery, dancing moves and even tricks to fight; every bit of it is taught at the schools. A lot of actors prefer theatre as a platform to begin with, what to do you think about it? Theatre allows an actor to pick up his own blocking movements and express and emote himself freely. He is the baadshah on stage, but the exposure that an actor needs can only be provided through television these days. It has larger audience and a wider reach. What are your future plans? My ultimate dream is to make it in films. Right now, I am grooming myself for films through television. For the small screen, my immediate goal is to make an entry into Ekta’s camp for she has raised the standards of Indian television. Do you idolise anybody in the industry? I admire Hrithik Roshan for his hard work and his totality as an actor. Also, I look up to Aamir Khan for his versatility. Even if his films flop, his character is etched in the minds of audience; I want to imbibe this quality of Aamir.
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Transform your
trinkets
All of just 25, Nitika Bhandari, is the creative director of her family’s export house in Ludhiana. But, certainly there is much more to her than this. A graduate from Pearl Academy of Fashion, a gemologist and jewellery designer from Jewellery Design and Technology Institute from Delhi, Nitika brings to the city her exquisite jewellery collection, for the first time.
Her collection inspired from various cultures is a blend of both tradition and modernity. As Nitika puts it, ‘After having traveled around India and abroad, accompanying my dad for many exhibitions, I was really inspired to do jewellery creatively’.
That’s precisely what her collection is all about. Bracelets can change into rings and necklaces can be worn as armlets and rings can be worn as pendants. ‘Initially, I started designing jewellery for myself and it was then that I realised that after a while a jewellery piece becomes boring’, articulates Nitika. And, this is how her detachable gold (yellow and white) intricate pieces and changeable stone colours ornaments were created. Though her first collection was inspired by Mughal architecture, carpets and shawls; in this collection east meets the west.
So, we have a variety of chandelier earrings, cocktail rings, bracelets and neckpieces in diamond, coloured stones, uncut diamonds and victorian jewellery. ‘Wearable’ is how this young designer wants to define her collection. “After doing a thorough research of jewellery trends all over the world, I have crafted these pieces”. Apart from these, there is beautiful polki work and use of semiprecious and precious stones like topaz, rubies and emeralds that attract the eyes. The price range starts from Rs 20,000 and goes up to Rs 2 lakhs.
Though, this is her first exhibition and the budding designer is still testing waters; but she plans exclusive outlets and export assignments soon. — S. S.
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Matka chowk Sreedhara Bhasin In one of the spiritual self-help books I read recently, I learnt that the subconscious mind is very receptive and willing to deliver back to you whatever you tell it to do. The subconscious mind does not argue, does not challenge your bidding and does not talk you out of your whims. All it says is “Yes. Yes. Yes.” Then it tries to fill your order. For example, if I was to take my wishes to my receptive and accommodating subconscious, the dialogue could turn out something like this – Subconscious me: “Yes, what would you like?” Conscious me: “I would really like to become a writer.” Subconscious me: “Okay, you can become a writer. Anything else?” Conscious me: “But, that would never happen. I am not bright enough!” Subconscious me: “Okay, you are not bright enough. Anything else?” Conscious me: “But, maybe, I can become a singer!” Subconscious me: “Okay, you can become a singer. Anything else?” Well, you get the gist of it. In the aftermath of imbibing this piece knowledge, I have been trying to find ways to get my subconscious mind to propel my rather worldly desires and to tell you the truth, have not had much success! But, my faith in this principle received affirmation this afternoon. I was at a dingy, local bazaar, standing next to a roadside tailor. Along came a young boy who carried in his hand a rather gaudy piece of brocade and a newspaper cutting of Abhishek Bacchan in a long golden sherwani. Apparently, he was getting married and this was his wedding suit. He took out many other cuttings of wedding suits, some being adorned by other celebrities. He started explaining to the tailor nuances about the collar, the piping, the cut, the look, the shine and many other things in almost paradoxical detail. What struck me as most spiritual was the tailor’s subconscious-like replies. When asked –“zyada mota to nahi dikhega?” – He said “nahi ji,” (although I could see the cloth was awfully thick). It went on somewhat like this – “Lambai thik hai?” “hanji.” “Lambai thora aur baraha de – accha dikhega?” – “ha, ha, bada do, acchahi dikhega.” “Collar mei golden button kaisa dikhega?” “Bahut badiya.” “Lekin golden button to dhone se kharab ho jayega!” “Nahiji, bilkul kharab nahi hoga – guarantee hai.” “Kale button bhi to smart dikhega?” “Ha, ha, woh bhi bahut smart dikhega.” “Suit first-class banaoge na?” “Hanji, bilkul first-class banaeyenge – log dekhte rahe jayenge.” The discourse was still on when I left. I knew that well-marketed spirituality sells well these days. However, spiritual reverberation at a roadside sales-pitch was truly -a revelation!
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Health tip of the day
Walking or jogging on hard surface like concrete road
leads to knee nad ankle problems. One should run on grass or soft
surface.
— Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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Green is in and gold is out. Yes, we declare this to be the new blush for this season and forever. However, if you are thinking of ferns and leaves, of olives and jalapenos or even lime-green caterpillars there is more to come.
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1. Colourful, eco-friendly.jpg)
Listen to what "The Wedding Planner’’ author Reena Singh has to say:
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Doubt Recycled: Organic Havan, Green Ghodi?
Bheja Fry
Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie
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a visit, he brings his adopted village, Bhamlada, a step closer to us. This time he is presenting us the place in its pictorial form. Yes, Pramanik is coming along with a treasure house of four books, and Bhamlada is one of them..jpg)
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