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Knight riders Nano may be geared up to remodel the vehicular market, but many knight riders in the city still prefer to grab handles than steering wheels, says Saurabh Malik Riding high on the adventure
spirit, he reaches out for the helmet than seat belt. The guy can find the
money for cars, no probs, but it’s the bike that kickstarts Rajneesh
Sharma’s day and sets adrenaline rushing through his blood for that
fight and flee feeling. Well, you may think the varsity student is
driving at better mileage. But that’s not true, fellows. It’s just
that the young English literature scholar believes in letting a bike
propel him to glory, every time he takes to the streets. No wonder, even
as the world is going gaga over the Nano-factor, Sharma has "no plans
of putting his dad’s money where his heart is not". "You can
call me a knight rider or a hardcore biker, whatever you like. But the
fact remains I am pretty comfortable on my twin-cylinder
flying-on-the-road machine’s seat," he asserts with a smile.
"Cars, luxury or rugged, are a big no for me". Alright, his
trousers are more often than not smeared with oil spilling out of the bike’s
silencer and the kick lever. His boots too stand testimony to a tough
ride. And, when the wheel goes flat, it’s a pity to see sweating and
infuriated Sharma dragging the bike all the way to a service station. For,
there are no spare tyres to change. He swears and he curses. But with the
air back in the wheels, he bounces back to his smiling self. Ask him,
and he says cars can never drive bikes off the road no matter how
inexpensive and cost effective. Geared up for an evening geri with his
biker pals, he says: "There are no brakes on the route to pleasure
when you are sitting in the rider’s seat on a bike. It is so very
different from driving a car." Sharma says: Bike’s clout is the
force beneath his wings that helps him to fly high. "The mechanical
workhorse has something in it which no car can provide — unleashed power
and a macho image. The howling roar, the powerful revving up of the
engine, and metal under tension; all beg me to touch and go every time I
zoom into the world of delight that accompanies the loosening of sheer
strength." Pushing back tough leather gloves over his hands for a
ride, his chum Madhup Yadav says: "You see, in a car you are always
in a compartment — just like author Robert M. Pirsig said in Zen and
the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. In it, you are nothing more than a
passive observer. In fact, what you see through the car window is just
more TV," he says. "But on a bike with the road less than six
inches below your feet, you are a part of the scene, not just watching
it." His heart thumping with excitement races faster than the bike
as the fretting and fuming engine trembles tumultuously before exhaling
deep short and infrequent sighs. As it pounds against his chest, Yadav
says thrill surges through his veins, terrifically. But this is not the
only reason. Yadav simply loves to take his gal out for a ride on a bike.
"As there are no backrest and handles, she has no option but to grab
me as we go whizzing down the road to excitement," he says with a
naughty tinkle in the eye. "In a car, you are simply tied up to your
seats with the belts holding you back, actually and psychologically. Even
with light music on, it’s not worth it." Flashing a smile, he says:
Let the boys play with their toy cars. In a man’s world, you need a
bike. saurabh@tribunemail.com
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Pyaar ke, oops, Nano ke side effects Titled, Side effects of Tata Nano car, it reached to me, and maybe many of you too by now, with a couple of absolutely hilarious illustrations depicting the side effects of the wonder car. Nope, it’s not environmental concerns, but the concerns of the janta, we are looking at. Run through these with us. Okay, now enough of mocking, there’s a positive illustration too. We might see political leaders making claims to provide roti, kapda, makaan aur car. Phew, sounds like a good deal. Another, good deal could be a bike-Nano exchange offer. Well, we don’t really know who and where the creator is, but his creativity and imagination did tickle our funny bone and got us thinking. And yes, in case you happen to spot him through the list of e-mail addresses in the forwarded mail, do post it to the Tatas and us. purva@tribunemail.com |
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New releases Bombay to Bangkok Starring: Shreyas Talpade, Lena Christianson, Rajeshwari Sachdev KUKUNOOR is shifting from meaningful cinema to some light movies with this true blue romantic comedy. Cook Shankar (Shreyas), a petty thief, is in desperate need of money to get medical help for his sick mother. He, therefore, steals it from the local don and scampers away to Bangkok as part of a team of doctors heading for relief work. As luck would have it, Shankar anyway loses the money in the chaos. Since the don and his gang are after his life, he escapes to Bangkok as doctor to save his life. The plot only thickens every minute thereon. In the middle of this mayhem in Bangkok, he comes across the pretty Jasmine (Lina) in a bar. She’s a new recruit at a classy Thai massage parlour. Cupid strikes but the hitch is that she is Thai and he can’t converse with her at all. A ray of hope comes his way the next day when Jasmine turns up desperately in need of a doctor! Shankar posing as a doctor along with the goofy Sardar buddy Rachinder, jumps into this whirlpool while Jasmine soon gets pulled into his bumbling adventures while running away from the don and his henchmen. Hop onto this hilarious comedy of errors with Shankar as he discovers love and life on a rollicking ride from Bombay to Bangkok. Showing at: Fun Republic The Heartbreak Kid
Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Cantrow, Malin Akerman, Michelle Monaghan, Jerry Stiller Directors:
Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly Eddie (Ben) is forty but single. After watching his ex-fiancée walk down the aisle, he meets Lila (Malin), a researcher, who seems too good to be true. Pressured by his father and best friend, Eddie pops the question and marries Lila after only six weeks. However, as he almost instantly discovers, his new bride is a nightmare with more baggage than he can handle. She’s immature, foolish, a monster in bed, owes a tremendous amount of money to various sources, and as it turns out, is only a volunteer and doesn’t actually have a job. While on their honeymoon in Cabo, Eddie meets Miranda, a down-to-earth sports coach who is visiting with her family. Sparks fly. Eddie falls for her. Now comes the tricky part of breaking off his marriage to crazy Lila, all while keeping the truth from Miranda about why he’s in Cabo in the first place... Showing at: Fun Republic
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Rising Star But then fame is not new to this young singer. Sartaj recalls another occasion when the prolonged applause from music lovers from 32 countries greeted the young Punjabi at the Dubai International Cultural Fest-2003 when he was crowned with Best Sufi Singer Award, living up to the meaning of his name Sartaj, the supreme. Back home, Satinder has a galaxy of achievements like featuring in a documentary on the life of Baba Bulle Shah on Alpha TV. He also won appreciation in Zee Antakshari show with Annu Kapoor in the folk category. Winner of a scholarship in Sufi music from the Government of India, first runner-up in the 24th All-India Light Vocal Festival and a topper in the Punjab Heritage Foundation Competitions are just to name a few. Living in the sleepy Bajrawar village of Hoshiarpur, as a child, Satinder was hooked to the melody emanating from the flute and Sarangi of the wandering folk artistes. He was also drawn to the beauty and fragrance of flowers, rainbows, the tranquil flow of the water creating a rhythmic pattern. Though too young to analyze the innate pleasure derived from the natural phenomena, Satinder’s yeaning to delve deep into the creations, gave birth to religious and sufiana thoughts in his young mind which later made an impact on his career choice. Gifted with a mellifluous voice and a remarkable range in all octaves, Satinder could have made his career as a pop singer or light classical vocalist, which are financially more rewarding, but following the dictates of his inner soul, he chose to revel in the glory of the mysticism of Sufi saints like Baba Farid, Bulleh Shah, Sultan Bahu, Shah Hussain and others. Presently teaching at the Department of Music, Panjab University, Satinder attributes his success to his mentor Pankaj Mala Sharma. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
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Youth speak
Last week’s Sydney Test match was played in an unpleasant atmosphere of racism, umpiring controversy, players’ unfathomable behaviour on field and severe criticism from one and all. It was not surprising when once again the Australians’ on-field behaviour was called into question in the aftermath of their 122-run second test victory over India at the SCG. Indian visiting captain Anil Kumble accused the world champions of not playing the game with the right spirit. Umpire Steve Buckner’s decision of not consulting a third umpire is strictly against the rules of the game and both Steve and India had to pay a price for it. Consequently, India was out of the game and Steve sacked for rest of the series. It was also a tough situation for Harbhajan Singh as he was charged with racism outbursts and banned from playing in three test matches. But, the unity and enthusiasm with which the entire team and BCCI backed him is really laudable. So it’s time that the Aussies understand that they are not the only perfect team and also that they can’t dictate things to the supreme body of cricket, ICC. As for the rest of the cricket playing nations, they have to break the illusion that has made CA i.e. Cricket Australia, God of this sport. Aussies have started taking things for granted, be it on or off field. One needs to play the game with right sportsmanship for the ultimate sufferer in such a situation will be not so much the players or the fans, but the game of cricket in itself. 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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Crystals, Candles & Cures A long bindi, huge crystal rings, a stone necklace, a crystal wand and a purple cape. No, this is no supernatural being or a figment from the world of Harry Potter. The lady in picture is Renu Mathur. Call her a white magic queen, a herb healer or a Shaman Witch, she can make anything happen. Claiming to be the country’s first Shaman Witch, this Panchkula-based tarot card reader, Reiki master and now a High Priestess, promises to remove all negative energy. Now, lest you doubt, she chants, Harm Ye None, Se Hote It Being, meaning — As long as you harm none, you can make anything happen. She translates, “Shaman means a herb healer and Wiccan is a person who uses the natural power to cast a spell.” Her tools, as she points out, are candles and crystals in various colours, an anthame (read, a crystal or metal wand) and a purple cape, helps invoke blessings from natural elements. Purple, the strongest colour of the spectrum is the colour of her coven. Coven? “It’s essentially a group to which one belongs. And after 19 years of learning Wicca from my teacher in the U.K. now I can start my own coven.” So, what’s the mission behind her coven? “To help the people of this region, especially women, to deal with relationship problems, mental or physical abuse and stress,” she says. And, how does it work? Honesty, proper counselling and tools, and the positive energy can bring results in five minutes to a month’s time. For the layman, a lavender colour candle is for relations, a pink for spirituality, yellow/green for money, same goes for the colours in crystals. And all this together helps in the cleansing process i.e. bidding goodbye to evil and negativity. She tells, “Around 65 per cent of my clientele comprises victims of domestic violence, sadly a majority of them are women.” Set to teach the art to the people here, she already has five young students. So is the youth taking more interest in such things? “Thanks to the Internet, they are informed and educated on such subjects,” she says. Next, she will be holding free workshops for people of the tricity and all are welcome, the curious, the ones keen to learn or cure seekers. |
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SIDELANES The greatest love stories ever, are often left unsaid, unwritten, untold. Their magic and beauty lies in their incompleteness and the thought of what could have been but never came to pass. We prefer these unfinished stories to the romances which end in dreariness, forgetfulness and old age flab. When Teji Bachchan (nee Suri) passed away, my mother recalled a tall, willowy beauty on the arm of a dapper Sardar, as they often walked under the trees in Lahore. In Ma’s eyes they were the perfect picture of gentle, Jane Austen love. But suddenly a wild haired, angular, roughly hewn poet, with piercing large eyes swept Teji off her feet. My mother’s dreams of heavenly couplings fell flat. Years later, our neighbour at Shimla was a suave, soft-spoken Sikh with an elegant wife and two children. Fifty years later my mother tells me that he was the same gentleman who lent his arm to Teji. Baba came back from Selwyn College, Cambridge, and became interested in a well-heeled, poised socialite from Lahore. The depth of his feelings was revealed when he gifted her a maroon Persian carpet, the twin of which he kept for himself. Not being able to earn enough to keep body, soul, wife and transport horses together, the budding romance came to an end. The carpets were never matched together and the lady died a spinster. I’m sure this was a great story that was buried with them. Premola, Baba’s younger sister, met Jumbo Mazumdar at a party. It was love at first sight. Premola was heartbroken when Jumbo died in an air crash while performing aerobatics at Lahore on his son’s second birthday. Years later, the young widow married a scion of the Kapurthala House. It was only then that Kunwar Sahib showed his wife the two names —his and hers— carved under a desk cover at BCS, Shimla. There are sweet memories of a young army officer pounding through the markets at Mumbai, nipping into every tiny bookshop, looking for poems written by a young teenager who succumbed to cancer. The manuscripts were found swirling in a gale at Juhu beach. The journalist who read them got them published, but as it was a limited edition, my friend did not find a single copy. With feet that were aching and blistered, he sat down and copied every word in ink. When I open that slim, green register today, I simper like a dewy-eyed sixteen-year-old! There are a couple of insoles lovingly nestled amongst my party shoes. When I went to meet Ossie in the Dooars, my job, packing and fog-delayed flights, all made me forget my size 6 walking shoes. Ossie had the thick insoles made by the garden mochi to tighten his size 10 keds. We talked and walked for miles. Those ugly, frayed pieces of leather have kept our feet firmly on the ground for the past 25 years. Love is a word that evokes poetry, emotion and madness. I would like to warn my children and grandchildren of its whirlpool madness and volatility. But would that be fair? Should they not experience it themselves and draw their own conclusions? |
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Leave it to the experts, advises Parbina Rashid, as she delves into art restoration
Anyone with basic knowledge of art also knows what goes into creating a painting, but restoring one? Well, not too many people know that one needs the deftness of a surgeon and the expertise of a chemist to handle the job. And as D. K. Ghavri points out the nuances of restoration and conservation through a demonstration at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10, one realises it may not be as glamorous a job as that of an artist, but is equally gratifying. “A painting comes with sentimental value. So, to put it back to its original state is like infusing new life into something close to your heart,” says Ghavri, a masters in chemistry and archeology, who also has special training on the subject from prestigious institutes including Lucknow’s National Conservation Lab and Delhi’s National
Museum.
But sadly enough, the city has not been awakened up to the need of restorers. Apart from the museum’s restoration cell, there is hardly anyone restoring art professionally. Sadly, even the Government College of Art is not giving much importance to restoration save a chapter on Methods and Materials in the curriculum. So, our artists have devised their own preventive measures. “We use a thick layer of white texture on canvas before we start painting. The stuff is readily available and helps make the paint waterproof,” says city-based artist Malkit Singh. “Now, in fact, there are sprays available that guarantee protection for 50 years,” he adds. However, things were not that simple about 20 years ago. “Earlier, artists would apply a coat of varnish once the painting turned one (it takes six-eight months for red colour to dry up!). But the flip side of this method was that the painting would acquire a yellow hue after some time,” Malkit adds. And as for charcoal painting or pencil drawings, there used to be a grain called Romi Mastgi, which artists would powder, mix with spirit and spray on the painting. “The professional conservator appeared in India only about 20 years ago,” says Anupama Vishwa, a Delhi-based conservator, a masters in Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art from the National Museum, Delhi. “In fact, the common practice of conservation, till recently, has been that the owner takes the painting back to the artist once he detects flakes or cracks in it and the artist would repaint that particular portion, thus damaging the entire creation,” says Anupama, who also undertook internship on the same subject from Northumbria University, UK. But it is a job best left to professionals. For, only a professional conservator is equipped with the knowledge of historical and modern artists’ materials, their structure and behaviour, chemistry and know-how of scientific methods available for examining, restoring and preserving objects of art. parbina@tribunemail.com
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Hollywood star Tom Hanks has decided not to take the director’s seat any further, for he believes that it will mean spending too much time away from his family. The actor is known for helming 1996 movie That Thing You Do! and 2001 TV mini-series Band of Brothers. His is also associated with a new film A Wilderness of Monkeys, scheduled for release later this year, as director. The 51-year-old, however, has decided not to direct any movies after A Wilderness of Monkeys. He would rather prefer to spend time with his two grown-up children, Colin, 30, and Elizabeth-Ann, 26. — ANI
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TAROT TALK ARIES: You draw Nine of Wands, which puts you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Allow your heart to lead the way in personal relationships. You may have to take sides in a conflict at work, remain on neutral ground as far as possible. Lucky colour: Peach. Tip of the week: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. TAURUS: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes. Profits are expected from a new deal if it comes through on Monday. Romance may blossom at work place. You can expect a sudden change in career. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Tip: Feel free to change your mind. GEMINI:
You draw the Four of Swords. Take the lead at work and propose overdue changes. All aspects of life improve dramatically. Do not mix business with pleasure. Professionals may have to go slow or they may incur losses. Lucky colour: Red. Tip: A dissatisfactory phase will need gentle handling rather than temperamental extremes. CANCER: The Sun brings change and travel. You will be able to expedite matters and make up for the lost time. There seem to be great distraction from a person of the opposite sex. Safeguard your interests by being sincere and honest. Lucky colour: Soft blue. Tip: Do not refuse offers. LEO: The Princes of Cups offer you an opportunity to make new beginnings. You’ll succeed in convincing even those who were opposed to your ideas. Monday is a good day to settle practical matters. Love and friendships give you support. Lucky colour: Brick red. Tip: At work, a setback would be followed by a rapid advance, so don’t worry. VIRGO: Your card the Princess of Cups manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. If you are looking at future plans then it could be the time to think the unthinkable. Tread carefully in romantic affairs for someone close to you is particularly sensitive. Lucky colour: Cherry. Tip: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. LIBRA: The Knight of Swords instigates you to be active and clever. Visit friends or relatives. You can make money if you’re willing to push your ideas on those in a position to support your efforts. You must continue working at a good pace as you are nearly there at the top, where you belong. Lucky colour: Lavender. Tip: Don’t deplete your energy or resources on others. SCORPIO: The Emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Your mind will be alert, enabling you to find immediate solutions to the problems that may arise. Keep other people’s secret well guarded. An Aries person is supportive. Lucky colour: Black Tip: Polish your public relation skills. SAGITTARIUS: Six of Cups inspire you to climb new heights and actualise creative ideas. You will receive support and co-operation by being gentle, and generous. There could be opportunities for new business ventures. Network with people who share your interests. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Tip: Take thing one at a time. CAPRICORN: Two of Pentacles showers blessing on lovers. Your destiny may well be handed to you and it may help you to make your dreams come true. People are attracted to you for your gift of communication. Retain your sense of humour. Lucky colour: Black. Tip: Don’t accept situations you dislike. AQUARIUS: The Temperance inspires you to climb new heights and actulise creative ideas. A small sum spent now will allow you to make big profits later. Your desire to help others could lead you into trouble. Surprises changes are on the cards. Lucky colour: Ebony. Tip: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. PISCES: The Three of Wands reveals now is the time to put your plans into action. Brilliant links between Venus and Moon indicate that your wishes and hopes are now beginning to take shape. Lucky colour: Cream. Tip: Focus on your dream project.
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One of my friends is all kicked up to sell off her old Maruti 800, a colleague is busy discussing loan offers with the accounts department, two kids in the neighbourhood have promised their nani to buy her a Nano and are already fondly calling her Nano Nani. Well, forget my neighbourhood. The world is abuzz with the praises for this wonder machine — Tata’s Nano. Now, I too, like million others, was upbeat about the idea of driving one, till this mail popped up in my inbox.
First, attention all moms. Listen to this fresh maid tantrum. Kantabai might get stuck in a traffic jam or get late cos’ of a flat tyre. And, who will not get stuck? The smart stunt driver, who’ll manage to push his right under a truck and oh-la-la avoid the jam. What more could happen on the roads? You might be at the signal when a Nano will stop right next and a head and a hand with a katora (bowl) will peep out asking for alms. And, of course not for ek doo rupaya, but ten bucks at least!
THE story centres on a man who is convinced that he has finally met the right girl and marries too quickly. While on his honeymoon and in the process of discovering that his new bride is a nightmare, he meets the girl of his dreams.
The convocation ceremony at Punjab University On Wednesday held a special meaning for young Sufi maestro Satinder Sartaj. Bestowed with a gold medal in Persian (diploma) and doctorate in Sufiana music, Sartaj is already a name to reckon with in his field and that too at an age when many of his contemporaries are yet to start their careers.