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Badly yours Goodbye
candy lover, hello troublemaker! Bad, worse, worst, we find out why good
girls like baddies
You keep picking up guys who are just no good. It’s the vroom of the engine that attracts you more than a prince charming riding a white horse. An adventurous evening in a dead dark jungle is your idea of a perfect date. You are smitten with this guy’s ability to give Schumacher a competition and Mallya’s liquor business a boost. Welcome to the group of good gals in love with baddies! Simply put, a case of opposite attracts, but there has to be more to it. We speak to a few good girlies, bad dudes and experts to find out. For starters, a ‘bad boy’ is defined by our city gals as someone stinkingly rich, obsessed with his mean machines, goes hic hic (at times dopes) regularly, is the party of any life, and above all spells liberation for his girlfriend. “Carefree,” is how 25-year-old Smriti recalls her teeny weenie affairs over the past two years. “There were absolutely no restrictions, I would get drunk, party till wee hours and would even try my hand at the wheel,” she says. Chips in city-based psychologist Rajshree Sarda, “A bad boy introduces the girl to a world of excitement, showing and letting her do it all. And, then no matter how bad you are, you are still good enough in front of your baddie boyfriend.” Indeed, that reminds us of Melissa Maerz’s Bad bad bad bad boys, you make me feel so good. Agrees, rather confesses, Ankita, a BPO employee, “ I have this bad boy fixation. They are so exciting and willing to take risk.” She dated a druggie for six months, before she fell for a man literally possessed by rock music, speed and stunts. “I’ll not mind dating a don too,” she adds. Says Dr Simi Wariach, consultant psychiatrist at Fortis-Mohali, “There are girls who have sensation-seeking genes and also some are impulsive and prone to taking risk themselves.” Gutsy, fun loving Casanova Amit says, “It’s always nice walking in a disc with a gal who doesn’t throw tantrums. An affair without issues of reaching home on time, threats to drive slow, drink less, would make any man happy.” Sarda discloses another reason for this attraction, “Bad boys exude certain sexual vibes that make them more attractive.” Flamboyant, charming and smooth-talker, but what’s a bad man inside? Tells Sarda, “Hollow. The outwardly cool attractive man wears a mask to hide his own complexes.” Ouch, and does this relation hurt? Nope, it comes sans heart shaterring breakups, for it’s ultra safe flirting with zero emotional involvement for both. Why? “Neither wants to settle down. A guy wants a cultured convent girl and a girl an educated, profesionally settled guy,” say the good-bad couples. But, then too much of anything, good or bad is harmful, and in the latter remember bad boys maybe fun at a party, but then the party does not last forever. But then, what if you happen to fall in love with him truly, we ask the gals. “We’ll make sure our love changes him forever,” says the girl brigade in unison. See, that’s we call women
power!
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For God’s sake
Diaries with deities sanctifying the covers have hit the market with pious fervour
You do not need to undertake an undercover operation to know this. Just a visit to the card and gift shops across the city is enough to tell you that diary covers with devotional motifs are climbing up the popularity charts, religiously. Sales of these diaries speak volumes. Scripting his own success story in the stationery business for over a decade now, city-based entrepreneur Raman Kumar Sharma alone is selling something like four to five such diaries daily. And, there are many more like him. Even the Punjab and Haryana High Court has a bookshop, Muskan Law House, offering the “religious” diaries, devotedly. The stuff is not very expensive either. “You can take home a diary with Lord Krishna or Rama on the cover and scenes from the Ramayana inside, by pulling out less than Rs 150 from your wallet,” says Lalit Goyal of Muskan. Considering the fact that the diary can be used the entire year, it’s not at all expensive. In fact, you pay less than Rs 13 a month for the holy book”. Well, paying for the stuff are not just lawyers, businessmen and executives, but even students. A commerce student, Madhup Yadav, has already purchased two — one to use and the other to gift. Just in case you are wondering why so much of importance to diaries and their covers, ask Anshu Kataria. The director of Aryan Business School in the city’s vicinity will tell you all about it. “Just like you can judge a book by its cover, a man’s personality can also be ascertained from the diary he carries,” he asserts. “For, a diary does more than the job of carrying notes for you. It reflects class, and also your bent of mind”. Quoting examples, Kataria says: “A diary with Swarovski crystals on the cover is nothing but an echo of privileged circumstances. Similarly, another chronicle with a plush leather cover can actually spell opulence. And a diary with a religious symbol says I am carrying god with me”. Guys, there’s another reason. You may differ with great political economist Karl Marx when he says religion is the opium of masses. But there is no denying the fact that fashion devotees have always worshiped stuff with a religious touch. Having doubts? Go the varsity or college campuses and you will actually find half the city youngsters going berserk over bright and cheery tees and sweatshirts with Om printed across in bold letters. And then you have ornaments devotedly carved out of religious symbols. Right from rings to pendants, there’s hardly anything you cannot pick up with sacred theme. So why should diaries with spiritual covers be far behind. So fellows, for god’s sake, pick up the stuff.
saurabh@tribunemail.com |
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Dreaming big Kabir Singh beats 123 budding filmmakers to win the Passion for Cinema contest
His one-minute film made an impact, enough to bring him to the notice of Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. When Kabir Singh had sent his film Dolly to ‘Passion for Cinema’ to enlist for an international contest, little did he realise that his take on incest would enable him to get an internship with Anurag. But this is exactly what happened; this 21-year-old beat 124 entries from all over the world to bag the first position. Kabir is euphoric: “I will be joining Anurag’s unit sometime in February.” The project turns out to be Dev D, Anurag’s modern take on Devdas. “It will be quite an experience to learn from the master filmmaker,” he adds. We understand his euphoria, for his expression that he would like to ‘stick to Anurag Kashyap like a leech’ to learn everything on filmmaking is still fresh in our mind. But his winning the award has changed his position from a ‘leech’ to that of an assistant. “I will be doing things like finding out locations and help in the casting etc,” he informs. However, it is not Kabir’s first brush with filmmaking at a professional level. After doing the research work for Deepa Mehta’s Koma Gatta Maru, a documentary, he is now assisting Mehta in her latest venture — Heaven on Earth. Coming back to Dolly, how did the idea come to him? “I wanted to make something on globalisation. But as we started shooting, it turned out to be something else altogether. My central character is a girl called Dolly who has been physically abused by her brother. Her life moves on but the pain remains bottled within her,” he says. He shot the film with his digital camera. On our parting shot, we cannot resist but ask Kabir, now that he has an opportunity to ‘stick to Anurag Kashyap like a leech’, what aspect of filmmaking does he want to learn from him? “I have no clue at this moment,” is his rejoinder. All of his creative juices we hope! |
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Intricate Art A bunch of quilt-makers in the city is keeping the gift of generations alive
Even before you make up your mind whether to walk into one of the numerous quilt shops that dot the Bajwara market or just keep walking by, women appear from nowhere to ask for your requirements. And looking at so many of them weaving designs on colourful quilts you just give in, even if not to order but to know a little about the art of quilt-making! The art has been handed over to these men and women since generations. And if you want to know about the designs — ranging from simple squares to circles with flowers thrown in at the centre, all in running stitch — they will give you a demonstration using the floor as the canvas.Where did you learn this art, we ask Rani and Bubli who approach us hoping for an order. “From our grandmothers,” they reply. Looking at their deft fingers working non-stop even as they carry on with the conversation, one can see that their grandmothers had been good teachers. But hold on, they are not full time professionals. It is only for a couple of months that they make their base at Bajwara. “Since this is only a seasonal thing, we otherwise work as daily wagers,” they add. Another distinctive class is those who are permanent on the scene. There is Sheela, a young quilt-maker who works alongside 60-year-old Der Footi. “I have been doing the stitching part for the past 20 years,” says Sheela. Most of the women, baring a few men, do the stitching job while most men take care of filling up of cotton. And the money they make per quilt depends on the intricacy of the pattern and number of stitches. “For a normal one we charge Rs 40 and for a detailed pattern the charges go up to Rs 80,” Sheela informs. The most rewarding for them are Jaipuri quilts. “One Jaipuri quilt fetches us something like Rs 300,” she says. However, with the floating workforce adding to the market and numerous exhibitions providing fancy quilts to city residents, Sheela, Bubli and about 70 others who are presently engaged in this profession here are not finding it lucrative any longer. “Officials of the municipal corporation too trouble us a lot. They come and grab our quilts and to recover those we have to pay Rs 200 per piece,” says Viru, showing her injured finger that she almost broke while trying to snatch her quilt back from an official during one such raid. So are they looking for an alternative means of livelihood? “No, because this is the only skill we have. To start something afresh, one needs money,” they reply. A familiar story, familiar logic, only this time, the backdrop is not some slum area but the heart of the city! parbina@tribunemail.com
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Visual Treat NSD irks stage artistes The annual National School of Drama theatre festival beginning January 3 has sparked off a controversy with eminent artists opposing inclusion of foreign plays in the event. Theatre artistes from across the country staged a demonstration demanding inclusion of regional plays. His paintings are appreciated by connoisseurs and critics alike. Artist Jarnail Singh has earned international recognition with his classic works that adorn top art galleries and are also part of many private collections in the UK, USA, Canada and other countries. Born in Zira (Punjab) and educated in Chandigarh, Jarnail migrated to Canada 10 years back. Son of illustrious artist Kirpal Singh, he showed keen interest in art from childhood. In fact, he attempted to paint even before he learnt to write! Noticing a spark of talent and sensitivity in Jarnail, his father groomed him. Jarnail grew up painting whatever caught his fancy but later developed a fascination for folk art and Sikh history.
Presently director of the Arts Council, Surrey, British Columbia, Jarnail is hailed by the Punjabi diaspora as a rare artist who has captured the soul of Punjab in his paintings, murals and photographs. Lajmi Punjabi, a book published by the Textbook Board, which is part of the syllabus for Punjab’s schools and colleges, has a chapter on him. Sharing his passion for painting and his experience in life, Jarnail, who is in town these days, says an artist should interpret reality and reproduce it. “Though poetry, literature or films give a glimpse of the cultural heritage of a region, paintings preserve it permanently,” he says. “My paintings bring alive the pastoral life of Punjab, women performing daily chores, spinning cotton, grinding corn and doing phulkari. Punjabis living abroad love such paintings as they exude the fragrance of their land,” he adds. He says the woman behind his success is his wife Baljit Kaur. Together they have evolved as artists and have many shows all over the world. One of his portraits The Patriarch has won the Daniel P. Izzard medal during a competition organised by the Canadian Institute of Portrait
Artists.
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Fantasy Flight Glass
prints of city artist are showing in UK
Singh’s 28 prints, mostly in monochrome, are on display at the exhibition that started on December 25. The theme is the same — Human Fantasy, capturing the free spirit of mankind in different motifs and symbols. Though, the subject has been executed in semi-figurative and semi-abstract forms, one gets to see a lot of Indian motifs that are inherent to Indian mythology in his works. After all, he was a student of Hinduism at Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar once. And, as for his shift towards monochromatic prints, Singh has a valid explanation. His association with London-based Jone Smith, who specialises in the lesser-cutting technique, has yielded into Mughal art inspired jharokha-type partition walls, which is based on his prints. “When the prints are done in black and white, it is easier to convert them into iron sheets and then cut them accordingly,” he says. So what about his contribution to the city? “I am talking to the administration about popularising the concept of using jalis as boundary or partition walls,” he informs. It may take a little while to import that kind of machinery, but in the meantime, Singh is busy popularising glass-etching technique among his students. “Glass is cheaper than zinc or copper plates and a lot more easier to handle.” And with Silver Oak glue readily available in the campus, there is no stopping to his teaching. |
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Exhi Watch Grass cushions, stone pottery, miniatures & gachak are up for grabs THE invitation card for this exhibition of handicrafts came with an alluring caption ‘Tribes India: An artistic expression of the nation’s tribal heritage’. The beautiful display of photographs gave us a fair idea of what to expect. And braving the evening chill when we reached Panchayat Bhawan-18, the venue for the exhibition, we were not disappointed. This one brought us something new — Frankie and his black stone pottery and Sujata and her grass cushions. Striking a conversation with Frankie, a young artisan from Manipur, is easy. In his enthusiasm to talk about his craft, he readily gives all the details, how young boys and girls in Manipur dig the earth up to five feet to extract black stone, which is the basic raw material for pottery. “We grind the stone into powder and then mix it with water which is later crafted into various shapes. And the tool, apart from the grinder, is only hands,” he says. Looking at the cooking pots (Rs 500 onwards), beer mugs (Rs 250), coffee mugs (Rs 160) besides hookahs, flower vases and other show pieces, it is difficult to believe that one can attain such finesse without the aid of a machine. The thing, which is new, is grass cushions ideal for low-lying sitting arrangements. Sujata, who offers a wide range of cushions — single, double and round ones — explain how Kouna grass, grown only in Manipur, are woven into multiple layers to make those. “The grass has medicinal value and is temperature resistant,” says Sujata. Apart from these two highlights, there are stalls that offer Pashmina shawls from Kullu, Bhagalpur silk from Bihar, Angora caps and sweaters from Uttarkhand, shawls and stoles from Arunachal Pradesh and a wide variety of bamboo flowers from Nagaland. On till January 6
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Miniature Magic
At the same venue there is an exhibition from Rajasthan that offers not just those familiar quilts and dress materials but a large variety of gachaks with unfamiliar names like murani
tikiya, murani papri (made of gur and til), gachak biscuits and of course
churans. But, what catches the attention is the artistic corner where Kumar
Shyam, a third generation miniature artist, is busy making paintings for city art lovers. Shyam loves to demonstrate his skill, which he executes in watercolour or vegetable dyes and with ‘glaric’ brushes for that fine textured look. Apart from painting on orders he also has a big collection of emboss work
(Rs 5,000 onwards) that bears the trademarks of the Rajasthani school of miniature paintings — all bright colours with a lot of emphasis on human figure, a little different from our Kangra miniatures where emphasis is on nature and subtle
colours. In all, an exhibition worth a visit if you want to add fresh sweet delights to your Lohri menu or catch an artist in action. On till January 15 |
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Rising Star
A versatile actor, young Harish Verma has carved a niche for himself — be it on stage, television or films. His memorable performance at Alahamra International Theatre Festival in Lahore for two consecutive years and later at Marutias Festival had won him recognition. “Such recognitions and adulations inspires an artist to work harder,” says handsome Harish. “But in my case it helped to lessen the stiff opposition from my parents for opting for theatre as a profession,” he added. Inspired by thespian Gursharan Singh, young Harish fell into the compelling charm of meaningful theatre of social relevance, propagated by his octogenarian mentor and guru. Born at Kurali Harish, a graduate, he had no formal training in acting. He believes that actors are born and not made. During the span of eight years, he is credited with 1400 stage performances of seventy plays, including many award winning productions. Besides important roles in TV serials like Saude Dilan De, Misson Fateh, Bulle Shah, None Sense Private Limited, Hostel Ek Zindgi, he has done a number of advertisements. “I have made Mumbai my second home and played lead roles in two video films Mera Ki Kasoor Hai and London ton Amritsar. Working under Gursharan Bhaji, Jaspal Bhatti, Dr Sahib Singh, Girish Malik and others has been quite a learning experience. With their blessings and the grace of God, I now wish to repeat the tradition of excellence what I achieved in theatre in Bollywood too,” comes the parting
shot. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
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youth
speak If you are still sticking to your childhood dreams of becoming a teacher at college or university level, then here is something you ought to know. You may score 90 per cent or have enrolled for a Ph. D, but your ambition will remain unfulfilled unless and until you clarify UGC-NET. The test is boon for some and bane for others. Boon for those who are fortunate enough to clear it as it gives one the opportunity to start early, just after completing one’s post-graduation. But bane for those who cannot make it. In that case even if you have a doctorate, you cannot enter this profession. The University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET). The test for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and NET is held twice — June and December. The test is divided into three sections. Paper I and II are of objective type and Paper III is subjective type. It is a one-time hurdle for those who aspire to be lecturers. But clearing UGC-NET is not a kid’s play. One really has to study and prepare thoroughly for the examination. All in all, we can say that there is no short cut for clearing NET. And, one should remember that there are three basic fundas to clear it — hard work, patience and a tension-free attitude. Feel strongly about something? If you are under 25, this is the forum for you. Mail us your views in not more than 300 words along with a passport photograph at lifestyletribune@gmail.com
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After having an ‘insane’ 2007, Pamela Anderson is looking forward to 2008 because she is ready to put her marriage problems behind her. The former Baywatch star had ended her relationship with second husband Kid Rock abruptly last year. And just as unexpectedly she married and then filed for divorce from third hubby Rick Salomon. After reconciling with Salomon, she has decided to spend her time in having more fun than she did last year. “This year is the year I’m going to do everything I wanted to do, my way. I have so many projects for the environment. I’m going to stay focused,” she added. Kylie in futuristic mode
Kylie Minogue will be cutting back on her sexy routines onstage, for the pop princess has said that she wants a ‘futuristic look’ for her upcoming tour. The 39-year-old said she wanted an electronic feel for her three-month long KYLIEX2008 event, implying more songs from recently released album ‘X’ rather than her early hits. A source said Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind hit-maker would take the style from the X track Speakerphone for her gig. The tour kicks off in Paris in May, reaching the UK in June.
— ANI |
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New releases Starring: Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green THE Golden Compass is a fantasy film based on Northern Lights (also known as The Golden Compass), the first novel in Philip Pullman’s trilogy — His Dark Materials. Set in an alternative world where people’s souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. At the centre of the story is Lyra (played by Dakota Blue Richards), a 12-year-old orphan, who lives in a parallel universe in which a person’s soul resides outside the body in the form of an animal called a ‘demon’. She tries to rescue a friend who’s been kidnapped by a mysterious organisation known as the Gobblers and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well. Casino Royale star Daniel Craig has played the character of Lord Asriel. Before its release, the film received criticism from secular organisations and fans of His Dark Materials for the dilution of the religious elements in the novels, as well as from some religious organisations for its perceived anti-Christian and atheistic themes. Showing at: Fun Republic
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TAROT TALK
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He made news when he invented an etching cream from the gum of Silver Oak trees. J.P.Singh, a teacher of printmaking at Government College of Art, next using the cream, started a glass etching technique to take out fine prints of his series called Fantasy. Later, demonstrations of his new technique at Brackell Mela Festival twice, (2006 and 2007) earned him a name among the artists community of the British Arts Council. Well, so an invite to Singh from the council to put up his works at Bracknell Art Gallery, Southall, was only expected. 
Director: Chris Weitz
ARIES: An interesting romantic encounter will happen on Tuesday. Businesspersons could be involved in a legal dispute. Professionals & self-employed will do better. Litigation and settlement proceed smoothly in your favour. Lucky colour: Cherry. Tip of the week: Focus on meditation, spiritual discourses.
LIBRA: The Princess of Cups brings you your truth, hope & desire. Values, priorities and attitudes are likely to be transformed. Face opposition and competition rather than escape. Endings and new beginnings are likely. You are blessed with divine wisdom and endurance to achieve professional and personal goals. Lucky
colour: Turquoise. Tip: Take limited risks.
TAURUS: The Magician conjures up travel and business opportunities. Monday will be hectic in office. A residence or office is redecorated. Study all aspects of the situation before making commitments on Tuesday. Beware of a conceited and ambitious person. Lucky
colour: Crimson. Tip: Make friends at work.
SCORPIO: The Magus blesses you sensitivity and creativity in whatever you do. You are ready to shatter old patterns and limitations. Express plans, feelings and ideas on Monday. Don’t repent as you cannot turn the clock back. A Scorpion can be relied upon. Short journey and expeditions are likely. Financially, tread carefully. Lucky Colour: Lime green. Tip: Allow a sick situation to blow over before starting a new
project.
GEMINI: Overindulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward your loved ones and let bygones be bygones. Your routine will speed up after Tuesday. Watch your health and restart your fitness routine. Lucky
colour: Black. Tip: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work.
SAGITTARIUS: Seven Golden Cups full of light and blossom greet you with happiness. A journey for business or holiday is likely. Drive carefully and pay attention to your vehicle on Tuesday. Focus on investment on Wednesday, Thursday. You delegate responsibility. Pay close attention to what you are doing, lest you slip at a crucial moment. Lucky
colour: Black. Tip: Solve business problems without anybody getting hurt.
CANCER: Your sunny spirits are back. You will motivate and encourage loved ones. New projects start slowly on Tuesday. Don’t get tangled with an idle and superficially attractive person. A trip is likely to bring joy if you combine adventure and spiritualism. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Tip: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact.
CAPRICORN: The Five of Pentacles brings many opportunities. Moneymaking ventures may just turn your life around. A romantic infatuation from your past may surface if you frequent places you both used to visit. Reason and passion pull you in different directions. Lucky colour: Ruby. Tip: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride.
LEO: The Fool infuses you with courage. You find ways to express creativity & emotions. Luck in speculation is indicated and you could also make investment in shares. Those seeking a career in TV will get a good opportunity. Wednesday will be expensive. Entertainment tops your agenda. Lucky
colour: Scarlet. Tip: Focus on professional changes.
AQUARIUS: It’s time to clear the air and rid yourself of all burdens. You may be in a laidback mood on Monday and would prefer to daydream about the future. Romantic relationships will bring happiness. Social commitments will keep you busy. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Tip: Share responsibility.
VIRGO: You will review a close partnership wondering whether it gives you what you want. Fulfill your needs without sounding too contradictory or making partners feel you are being unreasonable. Go slow and reaffirm your boundaries. Surprises related with family and friends are likely. An Aquarian brings joy. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: Don’t allow others to interfere in business or personal
partnerships.
PISCES: Friends could get on your nerves. Mixing business with pleasure works well. Do not expect too much from loved ones. Hectic work schedule would keep you on your toes. You might accomplish things with greater ease than usual. Meditate. Lucky colour: Emerald. Tip: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact.