He is an uninterrupted stream. This Bulla da Banda hasn’t yet chalked out his course.
Curry Soul
Anandita Gupta

Since he’s crooned chart-topper Bulla ki jana main kaun (God, I know not who I am!), the whole country knows who he is! Every Indian teenager worth his crackling voice attempts mastering that perfect barritone. Our Punju brotheren can’t help flaunting about this guitar-playing (yet raggi-looking!) sufi sensation. Half a dozen Bollywood filmmakers have tried getting him to sing their compositions.

His soulful voice has been bowling over many a person of note, Big B, Sir V. S. Naipaul and Mira Nair. And yet, 33-year-old Rabbi Shergill continues to wonder who he is. A sufi at heart, we quiz the singer, quite expecting him to smile and admit it. “Please don’t call me that. The load this tag brings along is unbearably heavy. Who am I to call myself a sufi? Sufis are saints, free from human frivilities, but I’ll rather call myself a sinner!” smiles the singer, present at Taj-17, for his second album’s digital release on Friday.

But why this sudden aversion to brand sufism, something that got him so famous? “Don’t get me wrong. It’s not aversion but respect for the genre that prevents me to reducing it to my level. In fact, my inspiration has always been sufi kalams of mystics like Baba Bulleh Shah. But then, rock, hard rock as well Punjabi folk inspires me too.”

So, is he now turning towards western influences, “ Maybe. My favourite musicians have always been Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Jimmy Page. And then, Punjabi language and sufi poetry stirs my soul as well, thanks to my Punjabi upbringing. So, my second album Avengi Ja Nahi has nine tracks, and these are an eclectic mix of hard rock and jazz with slightly sufi undertones. But frankly, I don’t consciously decide what genres or moods will make my compositions. It happens naturally from within!”

The phrase ‘naturally from within’ gets us curious, for hasen’t that been the guiding force for all his compositions, in fact, life? “ I’m like a free-flowing stream. Can anyone curb its flow?” We decipher his smile well, having read about his dropping out from the Fore School of Management to do jingles for Nova ghee, Yamaha RX-T motorbikes, and Times FM, signing contracts with Sony Music, Minty Tejpal (Tarun Tejpal’s brother), Magnasound and finally landing with Phat Phish Records, that brought out his debut album.”

However, the struggle didn’t end here. Even post his first album’s success and working as a music director and lyricist for Delhii Heights, Rabbi’s still travelling, searching himself.

“I’ve performed at the World Social Forum in Brazil, played at the innauguration of the Tri-Continental Film Festival in New Delhi and various other shows. But working for somebody means a 360 degrees encirclement for my creative soul. So doing film music’s is not in my trip,” he chuckles. He sure talks philosophy with an individualistic attitude.

And we chuckle too, pleased at the contradictions oozing out of his persona – sufi inspiration, yet jazz and hard rock numbers, Punjabi lyrics, yet guitar-strings-melody, a happy red turban, yet a sombre black dress. No wonder, his songs remain deeply philosophical, blending archaic, almost lost, Punjabi phrases into Indian rock. Truly, this man’s our desi Bob Dylan merged into Punjabi raggi.

anandita@tribunemail.com

Music on the move

Technology is our new-age godsend. Though the trend of technology taking over our lives started off as a trickle, it’s turned into a flood now. No wonder, the hi-society celebration associated with a music album’s release has happily turned into a victim of the music industry’s quest for technology.

So here we have our very own Punjabi puttar Rabbi’s second (and much-awaited) album Avengi Ja Nahi premiering on Nokia Nseries mobiles. Announcing the country’s first ever launch of a music album on a mobile prior to its physical launch, the singer-composer breezed into the city on Friday.

The album will be pre-loaded on N95 and music edition’s of N70 and N73. The music CDs by Yash Raj Music will come in early May. In addition to the sufi singer’s album, the Nokia Nseries devices will also come packaged with 100 DRM songs of different genres.

Nokia also announced a contest called My Music My Muse that invites music enthusiasts to shoot a mobile video for the lead track of Rabbi’s album. The best five entries would be then available as the online music video for the song. This will be the first user-generated online Indian music video.

Amol Palekar’s passion for theatre and films is unparalleled
Paheli demystified
Parbina Rashid

After a few futile attempts to talk to Amol Palekar in December when he came to Delhi on the jury of META, we had almost forgotten about him, until an urgent message from Neelam Mansingh this morning tells us that the veteran actor, director and theatre activist is in town and ready to have a tete-a-tete with the local Press. When we reach the venue on time, he is already there waiting for us, fresh and energetic even after a gruelling session with the students of Indian Theatre Department at Panjab University.

The talk starts on a mysterious note, “I am here to meet Neelam and to learn what she’s doing, because I have an offer for her that I can’t talk about right now.” And to that, our homegrown theatre personality mumbles a polite, “I am honoured to be asked”. We do not get a clue but our journalistic ethics tell us not to pry, so the conversation gets steered into the topic, which everyone is comfortable with — theatre.

“I come from a place where theatre is a passion,” he starts. “But are you still actively involved?” we interject. And the question does not make him happy. “I have always been actively involved in theatre. In fact, even when I was a star during 70s and 80s, incidentally it was also one of my most creative period, for most of my good productions were done during that time. But if you ask me about my recent works, my last production was about two years back.” We get it! Theatre has never been a stepping stone for our Paheli man.

The last two years he has been busy organising theme-based theatre festivals, like the one on the works of Badal Sarkar and another one on Vijay Tendulkar. The motive — to acquaint the younger generation with stage giants. “Theatre cannot be preserved, for it is a live moment. Yet, it needs to be preserved,” he justifies. And he’s happy the festivals have had the desired impact on the younger generation. And do not fret if theatre does not bring economic rewards. For Palekar, “It is a way to add meaning to one’s survival.”

What about films? “If I find a story which excites me, I want to share it with others. I am happy I made 13 films, all non-masala, non-mainstream movies, without compromising on my thoughts and creativity.” Well, does it bother him that they sometimes fail to keep pace with the masala types in the Box Office? “It may be frustrating at times, but it is wise not to make life complicated by comparing things.” Well, creative satisfaction is indeed priceless. Watch out for Dum Kata that releases in May.

parbina@tribunemail.com

Sunny days mean outdoor fun but before you step out, equip yourself to beat the UV rays
Sunsational!
Purva Grover

Sun is shining bright and harsh. You are happily sipping chilled fresh juices, sporting fun dresses, slipping into comfy flip-flops, and yes, biting into juicy fruits. Now all this fun in the sun is good as long as the realisation of the havoc the sun is causing to your skin doesn’t strike you. And once it does, what do you do? Lock yourself indoors till the grinning sun mellows down? Nope, venture out carefree and say goodbye to sun worries, suggest experts.

Summer skin care for most of us means applying a lot of sunscreen or sunblock. Difference between the two? Tells beauty manager VLCC Ramandeep, “Sunblock provides protection against both alpha and beta rays, and sunscreen only against alpha rays.”

And how does one pick the right sunscreen? Says director Cleopatra Ritu Kolentine, “It depends on many factors — whether you are indoors or outdoors, your skin type, number of sun-exposure hours etc.” So those who stay indoors should go in for a sunscreen with SPF between15-20 and the ones who stay outdoors can pick one with SPF between 30-50.

Does higher SPF mean higher protection? “Not really, SPF is according to the skin type. For oily skin, its 15-20, normal 20-30, dry 25 onwards, and 40 for extreme exposure,” tells Ramandeep. How does one apply it? She explains,” Just use it as a screen without letting it merge into the skin.” And all those who can’t resist the temptation to swim, remember to wear a waterproof sunscreen.

For those who don’t wish to apply a moisturiser first and then a sunscreen, the market is flooded with products that combine the two. Says Raisy from Iris, “Those with oily skin should, however, avoid sunscreens with moisturiser.” She adds, “Even if your job involves sitting glued to the computer screen in an AC room, you still need a sunscreen. The rays from the screen too do a lot of damage.” And mommies ensure your kid wears a sunscreen when he steps out. This word of caution comes in the wake of an increase in the number of skin cancer patients.

Summer spell nuisance specially for people with oily skins. Excessive sweating and increase in oil secretions make the skin look greasy and also attracts dirt and pollutants. Says beauty expert Shahnaz Husain, ”An astringent toner helps reduce oiliness and refines pores. Wiping the skin several times a day can be refreshing.” Also she tells that a good skin toner is a must.

“A toner containing rose or lavender is ideal. For normal to dry skin, rose water can be used for a clean fresh feeling,” she says. Or you can also keep the rose tonic or water in a bowl in refrigerator and use it chilled.

Now, all this still doesn’t mean that you would be able to save yourself from tanning. First, remember tanning is not bad. It’s a defence mechanism of the skin against the harmful radiations. The skin produces melanin, which acts as a sun block causing the skin to darken.

And how does one ban the tan? Through routine facials, anti-tan bleach and regular exfoliation. Facials using juicy fruits, cool cucumber, pleasant papaya, marine-based products and a lot of ice and cold water enrich and moisturise the tired dehydrated skin.

Remember to go in for deep pore cleansing. “This will keep the pores free of clogged oil and dirt. For deep cleansing, mix cleansing grains with a skin tonic and rub gently on the skin. Later wash it off with plenty of water,” says Husain. Well, so now that you are fully equipped, go ahead, and enjoy the sunshine!

Sun Shield

Low on fats: A low fat diet spells healthy skin. Gorge on fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants.

Sip on: Include lots of fluids, especially water in your diet.

Daily dos: Include cleansing and exfoliation in your daily skin care regime. Gel- based face washes and tea tree oil cleansers are ideal. Exfoliation boosts circulation, making the skin softer.

Happy feet: Sweating and open footwear makes feet and nails prone to fungal infection. Flaky peeling skin is common during the summer. Peels, exfoliation, and a use of pumice stone helps solve the issue.

Sleep well: Get plenty of sleep, this will give your body a chance to repair the damage caused during waking moments.

Sunshine Smile

Your sensitive skin is taken care off. But what about your lips? All you need to do to keep that pretty smile is a rich lip balm. Go in for a lip balm with a high protective sunscreen. Says Ramandeep, “It’s best to use a lip balm at night, for when out in the open, a lip balm catches a lot of dust.” Gently scrub over your lips to remove dry skin and follow with a balm in morning. It’s better to buy a stick lip balm that’s applied directly to the lips than the one that needs to be applied with the finger. Wear a transparent lip balm over the lipper and smile that sunshine smile.

purva@tribunemail.com

Simply Sunny

Lavishly apply a sunscreen, at least 15 minutes before stepping out.

Reapply it after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Try avoiding the sun during the middle of the day.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses.

If you stay out longer, reapply the sunscreen every three hours.

Some common irritants that can ruin your summer
Allergy Alert
Purva Grover

Warm breezy noons, bright harsh sun, layers of sunblock, blooming flowers, dips in the swimming pool, lawn mowing session, picnics in the neighbourhood park and much more. That’s summer for you. Wait, but add to it itchy eyes, uncontrollable sneezing, running nose, peeling skin, irritating sunburns, the list is long. But, hey worry not. For,you can deal with these irritants and step out confidently.

Let’s begin by dealing with the common concern — sunburn. Says Dr Malika Sachdeva of Sachdev Clinic-18,” Sunburns happen mostly at the advent of summer because of the sudden change of season from cold winters. ”The symptoms can be tanning, burning or peeling. If severe, it can result in burning that leaves behind marks. As for the cure, say experts, lie in prevention. Good water intake and protecting oneself with umbrellas, caps, gloves, cool cotton clothes, and sunscreens.

“Next come mild diseases like polymorphic light eruption — rashes, consisting of small red spots or blisters resulting in itching on all exposed areas,” informs Sachdeva. Infections — bacterial or fungal also appear at this time because of excessive sweating. Says Dr Vivek Malhotra of Beau Visage-40,” Use of an antiseptic soap and an anti-fungal power can be used after proper consultation.”

A word of caution from Sachdeva — ensure that kids take in a lot of water and citrus fruit juices. “Boils, blemishes and prickly heat are most common with kids,” she says. “Prickly heat also called miliaria is basically due to excessive sweating or blockage of sweat gland,” says Malhotra. And what’s the cure? “Frequent showers, not necessarily with soap but just plain water. In fact, excessive use of soap makes the skin dry,” he informs.

“Many people become victims of hay fever too,” tells Dr Raman Abrol, senior ENT consultant, Fortis. This can mean sneezing, water discharge from the nose, itching in the nose, eyes and throat or even mild asthma in certain cases. And what causes it? “Grass and pollens. A person allergic to these should avoid wandering into gardens,” he says. And if the situation worsens then advises the doctor, “Be prepared to pop in anti-allergic medicines.”

Naturally beautiful!

The stuff on the kitchen shelves can come to your rescue when it comes to summer skin care. Shahnaz Husain spills some easy and effective beauty recipes:

Exfoliator

Mix three tablespoons oatmeal and yogurt to form a paste. Apply on face, neck. When dry, wash off with plenty of water. For dry skin, do this once a week. For oily skin, scrub two or three times a week. Don’t use a scrub if you have pimples.

Cleanser

Normal to dry skin: Mix milk and cucumber juice. Soak cotton wool in it and wipe your face with it.

Oily to combination skin: Mix lemon and cucumber juices in equal quantities. Soak cotton wool in it and wipe face with it.  

All skin types: Use papaya pulp as a mask and wash off after 20 minutes. Papaya has enzymes that soften the skin and dislodge dead cells.

Mask

Cleansing & skin lightening: Mix cucumber and papaya pulp with three teaspoons oatmeal and one teaspoon each of yogurt, honey and lemon juice.  

All skin types: One tablespoon honey, 15 drops orange juice, one tablespoon oatmeal and one tablespoon rose water. Mix together and apply on face, neck. Wash off after 20 minutes. 

Oily skin: Mix one tablespoon Multani Mitti with rose water and apply. Wash off when dry.  

Freshener & astringent for oily/ combination skin: Mix one part rose water and two parts cucumber juice. Post-cleansing, apply on face, wash off after 15 minutes.    

Sun tan

- Add a pinch of haldi to dahi and apply on face, neck and arms daily for 30 minutes. 

- Mix half cup dried lemon peel with cold milk or yogurt and apply on face daily for 20 minutes.

- Mix cucumber pulp with yogurt and apply on the face daily. Wash it off after 20 minutes.

Guru Mantra
Parbina Rashid

It took him three long years to finally visit the city but Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudeva is glad he could make it to the Land of Gurus. But guess what is his biggest apprehensions? “In the South I am quite distinctive because of my flowing beard and turban, but here I may get lost in the crowd!” he starts the press meet on a jocular note.

Founder of the Isha Foundation and one of the most sought after speaker at international fora, Vasudeva was here on Friday to address Army officers at Western Command followed by a deliberation at Panjab University.

“The Isha Foundation aims to present spiritualism as pure science minus cultural trappings,” he says. And if you question the need to look inwards, Vasudeva gives statistics that will make you agree with him. “Economic prosperity brings a lot of turmoil. Are we happy? In America, 43 per cent people take anti-depressants. It is a tough journey and one has to think about the well being of the inner-self otherwise we’ll soon be where the West is today.”

Vasudeva is particularly worried about Punjab. “Punjab is three steps ahead in prosperity, but at the same time is showing signs of desperations too, specially among youngsters.” So what are the suggestions he puts forward at the World Economic Forum? “Go for a more inclusive economy rather than making a particular segment richer and others dependant on it. For, charity does not work.”

Potpourri Pleasure
Anandita Gupta

Jewels, funky accessories, home furnishings, flimsy fabrics ala voiles, chiffons and georgettes. The latest expo bandwagon to hit us shopaholics is The Woman-08 that is offering this and a lot more.

Here’s sneak peaking into the venue Shivalik View-17 and getting you a glimpse of the irresistible picks. Our apparel lovers can start stuffing their shopping bags now. While young designer Yuvraj Nagpal offers rich Swarovsky-studded bridal trousseau in brocades, silk and velvet (Rs 9,000-2.5lakh), Hena Creation stocks classy cotton and chiffon suits from Pakistan, embellished with zari, tarquashi, crochet work and hand embroidery (Rs 1,500-1,100). Perfect for summer afternoons are Suchitra’s breezy Calcutta saris and angrakha suits in crisp cotton.

For fabric-fans, Tekchand Handloom House brings cottons, nets, voiles, and mulmuls, all flaunting everything from foil prints, sequins, cutwork and ribbons (Rs 125/metre to 3,000/metre). Imported from Korea, France and China, these can be stitched into dresses, suits or draped as saris. Takers for jamewaar with tilla, mukaish and sequins can check out Sonia Mahajan’s Dar-e-aab from Kashmir.

Accessory wise, Gem Opticians brings biggie eyewear brands to town (Rs 3,500- 15,000). Thai gem-cutters Alta Auro delight with slender neckpieces and pendants in South Sea pearls and rare oysters.

Absolute eye-candy is their under-water range (Rs 1,000-4,000), with pendants shaped like caterpillar, star, fish, crab, tortoise and butterflies! Nazarlik Concept has a potpourri of Turkish evil eyes, rings, bracelets, anklets and mobile accessories in coloured glass, with Swarovsky on them (Rs 200-4,000 depending on size and embellishments).

‘Much More’ delights with its chunky anklets-cum-bracelets (Rs 2,550), besides tie-up bangles and armlets in silver (Rs 850-12,000). For 350-year-old thewa jewellery and Meenakari bangles, check out Jasra (Rs 350-5,000).

All that jazz

The second café concert by Alliance Francaise’s Cafe Turtle has brought with it a jazz band. The trio of the band — Nipun, Sahil Sarin and Geoff Aranha, has already won the hearts of music lovers with their performances in the city over the last two months.

Nipun on the piano has studied under the music teachers in Delhi. He has also taught at Delhi’s, The Performer’s collective. On the drums is the young and dynamic Sahil who participated as a drum technician in the annual Jazz Yatra. Geoff, a music teacher at St. Stephens has an experience of over 20 years and draws inspiration from the hymns and blues of Gospel.

Punjabiyat Captured

Tribune photo by Parvesh Chauhan

A family in debt, a young man who wants to make it as a singer and, of course, an NRI angle. That’s the plot of any Punjabi flick and Apni Bol Apna Desh. “It may be old but still as relevant,” says director Ravinder Peepat.

Telly Tales
To daughters, with love
The doting, dutiful & devoted daughters are back
& dominating primetime!
Purva Grover

Our telly is women-centric, whether we admit it or not. We have highly emotional mothers and baas who believe in tyaag, the oh-so-bitchy other women who can only think of devious plans, the submissive, yet sometimes commanding bahu, the slinky brigade of bhabhis, devranis and jethanis who sport flimsy outfits — it sure is a woman’s world!

So, when we tuned into telly recently and found a fresh girlie face — daughter, aka ghar ki lakshmi, dominating primetime, we were not very surprised. But what got us hooked was the ever-increasing number of betis on telly. We flipped channels and counted over 15 daughter-centric soaps. Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi, Amber-Dhara, Annu Ki Ho Gayee Waah Bhai Waah, Sapnaa Babul Ka — Bidaai, Dahhej, Kahe Na Kahe, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, Babul Ka Aangann Chootey Na — to name a few.

The relation with a daughter is indeed special. Filled with joys, pain, delights, sorrows, tensions and more, the plot does offer a lot in terms of masala family drama. Recall Banegi Apni Baat (BAB) or Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, they were indeed very popular. So, what’s new in the genre? BAB inspired is NDTV Imagine’s Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi. The mommy and her three daughters narrate their struggle story of finding a place in big bad Mumbai.

Then there is the fair vs dark soap Bidaai. A love story sees Anu working as a male chef in Annu Ki Ho… A special mention in this genre does go to Amber-Dhara, the tale of conjoint twins struggling to carve an identity. Ghar ki Lakshmi… is a story of four daughters. Babul Ka Aangann…sees daughter Astha playing the breadwinner.

Now, whether the trend is boosting TRPs or not, we don’t know. But, the good news is that its finally giving women a place outside the family. They are independent, ready to fight, and ready to take responsibility. Plus, what does one expect from the producers who have actors not older than 22 in the lead.

Well, so if you’ve hit the saturation point and patience level with saas-bahu soaps, then you know where to find respite, temporary though! Cos’ most of these soaps have already begun to head towards morose kitchen politics.

(This column appears weekly)

Spice up
Crowning Glory
Shahnaz Husain

During summer, when the weather is hot and dry, one needs to protect the hair. Excessive exposure to the summer heat can make the hair brittle. It may also acquire split ends. Swimming in an outdoor pool also results in dryness. Chlorine in the water and the salt in seawater can make the hair dry, matted and dull. So wash it before and after a swim.

Hair is porous, but it can absorb that much and no more. So, when you wet it before a swim, it actually protects. Rinse again after the swim. As for the hairdo, go in for a simple style that keeps the hair away from the face. Try to keep the nape of the neck free of hair. It will make you feel cool. Matted hair, sticking to the skin on the back can be most unattractive.

Kitchen cure

For dry, damaged hair with split ends: Mix together one egg, two tablespoons castor oil, the juice of a lemon and one teaspoon of glycerin. Massage the scalp and hair using the mixture. Wear a plastic shower cap and wash it off after half an hour. Rinse well to remove all residues, so that they do not clog the pores.

If you perspire a lot, you need to shampoo more frequently. Many people want to know if they can shampoo daily. It is quite safe to shampoo your hair daily, if required, but you must mild herbal shampoo. Use little shampoo and rinse your hair well with water. Short, layered hairstyles require frequent shampoos to maintain body and style. A henna-based herbal shampoo is ideal during humid conditions.

If your hair is oily, avoid rich conditioners. Try a herbal hair rinse. Or choose from conditioning agents on kitchen shelf. Tea and lemon rinses work well in summer. Boil used tea leaves in enough water. Cool the liquid and use as a rinse after shampoo.

Lemon juice can be added to a mug of water and used as a last rinse. A lemon rinse helps reducing grease and also maintains normal balances. Apply egg white before shampoo, leaving it on for half-an-hour. This not only gives body to the hair but is a wonderful cleanser too that cuts down on oiliness. A henna conditioner is ideal. It benefits all hair types and adds body and shine to the hair and removes impurities.

Healthy Henna

Add 4 teaspoons of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs, one teaspoon methi seed powder and enough tea water to the henna powder and mix it into a thick paste. Tea water can be made by boiling used tea leaves. Apply the henna on the hair and wash it off after an hour. If you do not wish to use egg, add more tea water. 

Fresh ‘n’ Nice

Add lemon juice and half a cup of rose water to a mug of water and use as a last rinse.

Pour cologne on a clean cloth. Wrap it around the brush and brush hair with it. Removes oil and dirt. Adds fragrance.

Eau-de-cologne can also be added to a mug of water and used as a last rinse to reduce oiliness and remove odour. Eau-de-cologne has a cooling effect too.

(This column appears fortnightly)

Health Tip
Dr Ravinder Chadha

In diabetes there is an increased level of sugar in the body. It can affect the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Diet, exercise and medication help in its control.      

Benefits of exercises: Energy required for exercising comes from sugar in the body, so exercising reduces the blood sugar levels. Obese patient becomes resistant to insulin. It also keeps a check on the heart diseases by decreasing blood pressure and increasing good cholesterol.

Diabetics are normally advised aerobic exercises which include walking, jogging, and cycling. Patients having numbness/ pain in the foot or leg should avoid activities that put stress on the foot. Resistance training in the form of weight lifting, sit ups and push ups is ideal for type 2 adult onset diabetic patients.

Stop exercising in case of headache, blurring of vision, dizziness, chest pain or breathlessness. Take about 15 gms of carbohydrate, candy or sugar tablet to get quick relief.