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It’s Rocking Weddings of the rich & famous, video shoots, festivals, contests...
World famous yet quaint, Nek Chand’s ode to waste is the perfect venue. As the city readies to promote Wedding Tourism, the place prepares to be the star host
Barely have we stopped grooving over terms like eco-tourism and medical tourism and a new word has been thrust upon us — Wedding Tourism. Of course, with a world-class monument Rock Garden doubling as a venue for weddings, Chandigarh Administration’s novel concept of promoting the city as a tourist hub of the north cannot go wrong. The concept is still new and no concrete plan has been chalked out yet. The areas that would be promoted as wedding venues too haven’t been decided. But, it’s a foregone conclusion that Rock Garden will be the star attraction. After all, Rock Garden has proved to be a popular venue for the rich and famous. Statistics says, the third phase of the garden sees at least 10 wedding bookings in a month. Was it not only a month back that it witnessed our Dolly girl Karishma Randeva tied the knot with Yukta Mookhey’s brother, amid much media hype? And prior to that, ex-deputy mayor Harmohinder Singh Lucky’s brother Varinder Pal Singh too married here in style. The lavish wedding of Pawan Kumar Bansal’s son Manish Bansal’s that took place about a year and a half is still fresh in our minds. Even Nek Chand’s, the creator of this wonderland, son Manish Saini got married here. The list is impressive enough to inspire others to make a beeline for Rock Garden on the D-day of their lives. This makes us think. Why Nek Chand’s creation has caught the fancy of the rich and famous as a wedding venue? Is it a mere case of status symbol? In a way! After all, Rock Garden is Rock Garden. How many other monuments are there in the city that can boast of having had 20 million visitors in the past 30 years? And then, it has also been featured everywhere right from Bindrakhiya’s music album to Bollywood flicks like Chaha Hain Tumhe to TV channels like BBC and NDTV to the most recent six-episode docudrama An Innings in India by Australia-based Foxtel Channel. Isn’t it our star performers’ first preferences too? It recently had Wadali Brothers and Sabar Koti performing there. Well, the ones who have tied the knot here justify for their selection for the facilities it provides — ample parking space, nice ambience, unlimited scope of decorating, huge open space (not many open places in the city can host a gathering of 15,000 people), the location and of course, its status as the landmark of Chandigarh. For those who are willing to take the vows there, romanticism takes precedence of practicality. “Where else in the city can you get to be part of the rustic charm rather than rock garden?” are the sentiments of our bachelor brigade who are willing to take the plunge in style. Understandable, if the number of Havelis and Chaupals dotting the entire length and breadth of the region is anything to go by, the ‘true to the roots’ sentiment is riding all-time high. If you are the kind who feels heritage should not be commercialised as a marriage venue or messed up with, let’s assure you its creator has no qualms about Rock Garden being turned into one. “I designed the third phase as a playground and a place for community functions. Later the administration decided to rent it out for marriage purposes. It turned out to be a good decision, not only is it generating money but also such events make the place lively,” he says. “The only thing we have to be careful about is that people do not litter the place,” says Anuj Saini, Nek Chand’s son. “And also, while decorating the venue one should be in sync with the inherent elements of Rock Garden,” he adds. So, all of you out there who wish for a royal memorable wedding, just walk up to the booking counter and book the venue for Rs 15,000 per day and have any Bollywood set replicated amidst the rocky terrain. After all, we have to keep up with our tradition of the Big Fat Punjabi Weddings! parbina@tribunemail.com
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Folksy art It’s a perfect blend of tradition and creativity at the handicraft exhibition at Panchayat Bhawan-18. With a wide variety of items for home décor on display, the place makes a must visit for those in love with traditional handicrafts. Though the main emphasis of the fair is on home decor, there is a colourful stall for kurtis and suits that greets visitors as the entrance. Richly crafted with katawar, Gujrati and ari stitch, the embroidered suits and kurtis make for a good buy. Next in line are a string of decorative materials in brass that include wall hangings, candle stands, flower pots, with figurines of tribesmen engraved on these decorative items that add to their distinctiveness. Brass is also molded into the shapes of various animals, namely goat, bull and elephants, to make for heavy decorative pieces for the drawing room. A potted plant made in brass priced at Rs 5,000 is the major attraction. A huge variety of purses of various sizes in bamboo, tablemats, magazine holders and file holder are also on display. Prices range from Rs 20 to a few hundreds. Then there are shell bags with sea shells crafted on cloth are priced at Rs 200. A ghagra choli has been designed with seashells speaks volimes about the innovative artistes. Piggy banks in bamboo and brass, serving trays, figurines of tribesmen in iron and brass are another things that catch one’s eyes. Ornamental stuff made of wood and a variety of earthen pots are also made available to add to the beauty of your homes. The artisans come from Chhatisgarh. On till November 23 |
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Thorny Affair Cultivating cacti is not very cumbersome but one has to have endless patience. Why? A cactus needs eight months to develop from a seed, six months from a graft and some eight to ten years to mature and flower. Species like the Echinocactus Grusonii takes 35 years to flower. The barrel- shaped cactus is full of thorns and is fondly known as a mother-in-laws-cushion and it belongs to a class that grows tall and robust. But not all cacti grow tall, some attain the maximum height of just 10 cm and are known as bonsai cactus, like the Gymnocaycium class and Crasula Mermiana which are small and difficult to grow. And if you think that growing a cactus is a thorny experience then Namlaria Plmosa, which has no thorns and comes with a top that looks like net, will change the way you think. But what catches the eye is the Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii that is made by grafting a regular cactus stem with a colourless flower lacking chlorophyll. The Japanese have added colour to it by passing gamma rays. Every year city’s cactus lovers gather in this Asia’s biggest garden for India’s biggest cactus show to display their prized possessions. The love of these people is evident from the number of plants they own. Tarsem Lal, chief editor of their journal and wife Ravi Lal have some 650 species, V. K. Kaushal, a chartered accountant, has some 400 and M. S. Kohli, a member, has 250. Not just the plant display but also the category named tray garden is especially interesting. As many as 30 species are displayed on a single tray beautifully landscaped with water, animals and sand. The stupendous task of the four judges was picking the best three entries among the 62 categories. The best succulent prize went to Ravi Lal and the best cactus award and best flowering cacti went to Sohit Sood who came to participate in the show from Malerkotla and the best euphorbia went to Brig Bewli. So, if you are interested to find out more then step out to see the show that concludes today and if you get inspired enough you can even buy a few plants for a price that ranges between Rs 150 to Rs 6,000.
aman@tribunemail.com — Photos by Vinay Malik & Parvesh Chauhan |
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Brig Bewli’s collected 400 species in 13 yrs flat! Brig C.S. Bewli’s tryst with thorns is not too old. It was in 1994 when he first purchased Gasteria, a cactus species. Today, his collection of cacti and succulents at his Sector 36 residence exceeds 400. Even the first purchased cactus adorns his priceless collection. Though succulents and cacti are native to South Africa, South America and Madagascar, some cacti lovers in this region have collected a good number of species by exchanging with each other. “I am always on the lookout for good cacti. People generally believe that keeping cacti in homes is a bad omen but the plant is one of nature’s most beautiful creations. Our thorny friends bear beautiful multi-hued flowers during spring,” says Brigadier Bewli, deputy survey general, Survey of India, Dehra Dun. He believes little beauties needs tender care and personal touch. For this, one should understand its cultivation, propagation and conservation. He says today the number of cacti lovers has increased in and around city. This is because of the efforts of the National Cactus and Succulent Society of India. It is a platform for exchanging plants and disseminating information about them. Brigadier Bewli’s collection ranges from slow-growing mammillaria humbolti to rare melocactus azurious to pachypodium lamerei. Native of South Africa, pachypodium lamerei is best used for landscaping. His collection could be anybody’s envy. Potted plants fill up every inch of available space in his house. “Everyday, I tend to the plants, watering and pruning them, protecting them from the vagaries of weather,” he says. Surprisingly, he has never been injured from the cactus, but once he did get hurt from a bougainvillea bush! |
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Imagine this! We had more than an hour to imagine what this new channel would be all about as we waited last Wednesday morning for the big launch of NDTV’s Hindi general entertainment channel, NDTV Imagine. The Imagine team made sure that we got to the event venue in Mumbai well in time, so we sat in the hall and let our imagination run riot till the event actually kick started. The channel’s reel played that in the hall had elements of colours, freshness and happiness, and that’s we got a glimpse of what to expect — a happy one. And rightly so, for the welcome note by CEO NDTV Imagine Sameer Nair promised that. “The channel is about everything that one can dream and imagine about,” he said. And, they claim that their programmes will not be about individuals, but family-centric. “We’ll once again bring the entire family together to watch television,” said Nair. With their tag line — Entertain and Delight — they wish to grab the attention of the viewers by bidding goodbye to gloom and making way for positivity with their fresh concepts. Roped in as their brand ambassador, creative consultant, judge and more, is none other than Karan Johar. A story that inspires, a talent hunt that is pre-packed with talent, a family that breathes happiness, jhatkas that one can master, the magic of 70 mm on your telly screen and more, and binding it all with a thread of imagination is what we witnessed in the entertainment extravaganza put together by the production team. A scene from Sagar’s Dharam Veer was staged with its two leading stars, the prince brothers, displaying their fighting skills. What followed next was a dose of hope, aka, Ek Packet Umeed, from the makers of fame comedy show Khichdi. Next, the stage was packed with the Gujju family members of another show called Jasuben Jayantilaal Joshi Ki Joint Family by the same house. The best part of the event was swinging to Mera piya ghar aya when the dancing queen Saroj Khan took over the stage and boosted our confidence by making us believe that we too can dance like the stars. On her show Nach Le with Saroj Khan, she’ll teach the viewers how to dance. A musical treat came when a few popular, a few one-song wonders and other singers delighted us with their numbers. Jaspinder Nirula, Jassi, Baba Sehgal, Babul Supriyo will be a part of the team of 11 singers who’ll compete with each other in Dhoom Macha De to grab the best live performer title. Though what we saw looked a mere extension of what’s at present already on air, it was the packaging and grandeur that caught our attention. A collaborative work of people and ideas from TV and films, we hope it will add a whiff of freshness to our telly screens. Their production partners include Sagar Arts, Synergy Adlabs and Rajshri Films, to name a few. Ask them why a Hindi channel being christened as Imagine? And says Nair, “For, we’ll cater to both Bharat and India.” Now, to see that happening, that we have another long wait till January, for that’s when the channel goes on
air. purva@tribunemail.com |
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Laughing all the way It’s always refreshing to see students come up with fresh ideas and implement them on screen. More so, if you happen to watch a comedy like Filmi Thug on a four feet by six feet screen along with comedy king Aurangzeb Eshai and Jaspal Bhatti at Bhatti’s state-of the-art institute Mad Arts-Mohali. Well, Jaspal Bhatti needs no introduction. But Aurangzeb Eshai? Let us jog your memory a little. He was the Jawadji of Khwaja and Sons, a Pakistani serial that ruled this part of the country during late eighties. So as this eight-minute long student production tickles him pink, we ask him to give his input on comedy per se. “Comedy is a serious business. It is easy to make people cry, but to make people laugh is a big challenge,” he says. But to achieve that by making faces or through gestures is also a big no-no. “Comedy should be situational. It takes every ounce of one’s intelligence to feel the nerves of the people and make them laugh,” he adds. Aurangzeb, who has had long innings on stage, television and film (his first film was Meri Surat Teri Aankhen in ‘70) has a different genre of roles to his credit, but closest to his heart is Rashi Ki Zanjeer, a long tele-play. “I portrayed seven characters and that too without a trace of make up. The characters were differentiated only by my body language,” he recalls. Well, that’s on the technicalities of comedy. The advice that comes next for the students is how not to get typecast in a particular role. “If you have done similar kinds of a roles two or three times, your career as an actor is doomed.” This comes from his lifetime experience. He says, “After Khwaja and Sons, I did not act for 13 long years, because similar kind of roles kept coming my way. You either make money by grabbing them or make a sacrifice in order to survive as an actor.” So, do we get to see him on screen in the near future? “I am open to the idea of working in off-beat non-formula films or TV serials in India.” Well, he is not exactly planning to join the Balaji group but Bhatti’s camp, only if Bhatti decides to revive the magic of Ulta Pulta or Mahul Theek Hai. |
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Little Interview DJ Sanj, renowned disc jockey from UK, is performing in the city at Disc X-over. Just in case you are not so familiar with his name, he has hit numbers like Kehre pind di tu ni and Block party to his credit. Known for his remixes in Bollywood and Bhangra music, he has more than 10 CDs to his name. His upcoming albums are Apna Punjab and American Desi. How did you enter music production? It began as a hobby and is now a profession. I love to make music. Even while I am travelling, if I hear something new, I work on it. What’s new in music in clubs and discothèques? Music, which makes people dance is in. I always play new music in every party. Bhangra rocks everywhere, it is the same whether I am playing in UK, Thailand or India. What do you think about the party culture in the city? So far, I have been here five or six times. I love to play here because the people are awesome. While playing music what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I enjoy playing music that makes people dance that’s why my music is lively. Also, I feel great to be a DJ. You don’t need to be the best turn tablist. You just need to be the best entertainer. Play for the party people, not for yourself. What about family support? It’s great to have a family that supports my addiction and passion for work. I try to make a balance between work and family. |
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Bollywood is entertaining but often not thought provoking, it was this notion that got a few city people thinking and they formed a group called META — Meaningful, Entertaining,
Thought-provoking and Artistic cinema. With the idea to give the city a chance to open their hearts to meaningful art, the open for all club screens movies across all genres. Today, they will be staging their first play titled Can You Arrest me? Directed by Ashu Sharma, a fresh graduate from Panjab University’s Department of Indian Theatre, the play is effusive dark humour interplay between a man charged of murder and his lawyer. No stage, no frills and no fees charged, the play would be performed under a neem tree in the school campus. Why? To bring stage and the audience closer. At Coveda, New Public School-18, 7 pm (on first come first basis) |
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Matka Chowk
Diwali is over, but the season is still festive. The city has still not slowed down from the shopping fever and dry fruit excesses. What I enjoy most are not the fancy diyas or the glittering crystal ware – but the unfettered joy that seems to pervade the air. Eager faces of young brides examining shiny kadais, and churiyans – kids running around with phuljariyan and walking through the milling crowd. This year I was especially lucky. I was inadvertently caught in a street-side Diwali mela. At the outset I felt sheer dread. I had not been to a mela in years and the prospect of having to navigate through the crushing crowd looked ominous. As I jostled along with hundred others, I couldn’t help but look around. In the middle of being pushed around, I remembered melas from my childhood and decided to embrace the atmosphere. When I finally extricated myself, I felt happy – for I was reminded that the spirit of festivals does not lie in diamonds and brocade, but in simple pleasures of street-side joy. The mela had vendors selling a multitude of wares – from super cheap nail polishes to clay Ganeshas – plastic flowers to Indianised Barbie dolls – kaju heaps to nakli kundan. It didn’t matter what people bought – they all looked radiant and happy. I loved the sight of girls sitting with their hands outstretched – while young boys drew beautiful mehendi designs on them so masterfully and with such ease. Women were buying cheap jewellery – their faces looked like they were in Tiffany’s. People were buying bartan with such relish – you would think it was Waterford crystal. Kids looked delirious – they all looked high in sugar. Entire families moved from vendor to vendor, arms locked, eyes glazed and inordinately happy over their purchase of bindis, mirrored door hangs and rasgoollas. The vendors were equally energised – one vendor claimed to be giving out American diamond earrings – hundred rupees a piece. One was selling cheap bags, which he claimed to be genuine leather. Lots of panipuriwallas and chatwallas were doing booming business. Who cares about Hepatitis B? Once I was out of the crowd and walked back home turning over in my mind the images, I felt happy for being part of something we often lose with adulthood, urbaneness and disuse. Flavours of festivity are a joy forever. |
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First Day First Show No Reservations GOODBYE grandeur, welcome simplicity. As the cacophony of squeaks and rattles over Saawariya and Om Shanti Om subsides, there is a gentle breeze in the form of No Reservations, which starts blowing in from nowhere and soothes your ruffled feelings. Directed by Scott Hicks and based on German film Mostly Martha, about an expert female chef whose life turns upside down when she assumes the role of the guardian of her dead sister’s young daughter, the Hollywood flick oscillates between grief and romance at a fast pace. Master chef Kate Armstrong (Catherine Zeta-Jones) runs her kitchen at a fancy Manhattan restaurant with perfection. But life is not as perfect as a kitchen. Kate’s sister is killed in a car accident and her nine-year-old daughter Zoe (Abigail Breslin) moves in with her aunt. While Kate copes with the unexpected situation, her boss hires a high-spirited chef Nick (Aaron Eckhart). The new culinary expert has unconventional ways of running the kitchen — he loves to listen to opera while cooking and makes the staff laugh. The more Kate feels threatened by Nick, the more she seems to fall in love with him. Looking after a temperamental niece, getting hooked by a freewheeling colleague is the last thing on her mind. How to connect with both of them is her dilemma and ultimate test. Deglamorised Catherine Zeta-Jones gives a restrained performance. Her range may not capsize your senses, but it surely touches an emotional chord in you. Aaron Eckhart’s character is extremely likeable. His encounters with Abigail are heart-warming. Even while acting as a bohemian and somewhat brash chef, he conducts himself with dignity. Little Abigail Breslin’s innocence tugs at your heartstrings. It’s a pity that while movies with designer fights and designer emotions bring in the audience in droves, those like No Reservations run to almost empty houses. Showing at: Fun Republic
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Write to Renee
We are two friends studying the same subjects. In the last exam, my friend copied from me and did not get caught. Now she has made it a habit. She also teases me that I am not smart enough. I am losing my confidence. I do not want my studies to suffer. Please help. Sudha Mohan Friends should be there to share your joys and happiness and definitely not to take advantage. Just put your foot down. Be polite but firm. Pretend nothing has happened to you emotionally but do put your point across. Sometimes we have to take a stand to keep our values and our level of ethics. I am 16-year-old-girl looking for a career. I have varied interests and do not really know what career option to choose. I feel bent towards the media world, but my parents think it is not a very good idea. I am rather confused. Please help . Taruna Kalra No need to feel confused. Life is about choices and whatever option you take now will last your lifetime. So be very clear and focused. We must learn to have a dream and once it is clear only then we can start working towards it. Media studies has a lot of scope. And remember you can excel only if you are passinate about your subject. So go ahead and once you are successful, your parents will be happy too. A friend of mine from Delhi has applied for a job in the company where I am working. In her resume she stated a lot of non-factual things. I feel guilty as though I know it is wrong practice. I am keeping quiet about it. Is it alright to interfere or I should let things be? Rina Shrivastava You are having an ethical dilemma. However, why do we always spend so much time leading other people’s lives for them instead of concentrating on our own? Unless her being in your company jeopardises any situation in your life I really don’t think it should matter. Try in life to make it a habit not to interfere in other peoples business. Do pray for her that she takes good and ethical
decisions in life. Do not believe in meddling, ask the universe to create harmony for the whole world. |
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Did you know there are over 6,000 species of cacti in the world or the tricity has over 3,500 species or that Aloe Vera is a cactus or that it takes some cacti as long as 35 years to flower? Well, we too were amazed to see as many as 710 varieties of cacti by 32 participants at the 30th Annual Cactus Show, which is being organised by the National Cactus and Succulent Society of India.
Cactus is always associated with dry deserts and growing them in a place like Panchkula is challenging. But the society headed by its chairperson Ravi Lal, who passionately says that ‘every cactus is special and rare and just like we understand plants they understand us’. He assures their proper growth by using porous soil that is required for growing cactus and protects the softer species by keeping them in the two green houses that are warm.
He loves thorny beauties. His passion to collect rare and exotic cacti makes him a “botanist”. Though he is a mechanical engineer by profession, his knowledge about plants, especially cacti, is noteworthy.