Flowers speak more than a thousand words. So, whatever may be the occasion, they make for the perfect gift. And now, they’ve donned an arty avatar with creative packaging that brings in that extra touch of elegance. So, just cheer every occasion with a bouquet of elegantly packed flowers in white bamboo baskets, perfumed candles, chocolates and silver spirals.

“It doesn’t matter whether the occasion is big or small, it’s always nice to celebrate it with flowers,” says Sahil Jain, director, Exotic Flowers -10. He specialises in theme-based flower arrangements of natural, artificial and dry flowers. “Flowers speak the universal language of love and affection and now you can express yourself with bouquets, which are done in creative ways. In fact, this city has the tradition of gifting flowers, which has now moved beyond tube roses or gladuli.” According to him, exotic flowers are high on the scene these days. He adds, “Lot many people ask for tulips, anthurium, lilies, bird of paradise, halucinia or orchids, but of course with lot of innovations. It is now less of flowers and more innovation which is required in a bouquet.”

So, what’s new on the creative front? “Lots,” offers Sahil. “White bamboo baskets and natural tree trunks are used as base and are accessoried with Spanish mats, brocade, dry sticks with silver, white and pink pearls, coloured as well as natural jute, smokeless candles and feathers.” And there’s more to it.

Puts in Sahil, “Glass vases and French goblets are used as base for the flower arrangement. Depending on the occasion, we offer a basket of chocolates, wine, and balloons along with the flowers. We also provide for different combinations like red roses with red jute and natural jute with off white flowers look great. For ‘soaked in love’ couples we make a special kind of the moon and the star bouquet in yellow, white and red roses. Just notice the expression of the person’s face after you have gifted such flowers,” he smiles.

Tastefully done up flower arrangements for sure add to the event. A beautifully arranged bouquet or flower basket is the ideal way of saying how much you care.

According to Chander Mohan, who works with Ferns ‘n’ Petals, Panchkula, “What can be a nicer way to congratulate one, than gifting a creative basket of flowers?”

Chander also feels that people have moved beyond regular flowers. “They are interested in exotic flowers and innovative bouquet. We use glass vases in different shapes and sizes, coloured net for background, jute, dry flowers, different textured cloth, organza and dry, which again comes in silver, golden, pink and blue.”

So, express yourself with exotic bouquets and lend that classic touch to the occasion.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

A silent protest for the silent creatures that can’t speak for themselves. It was PETA’s (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) protest against the inhuman treatment of animals that is also associated with international celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Anoushka Shankar, Sir Paul McCartney.

Two girls holding big red hearts reading ‘KFC breaks chicks’ hearts’ urge tricity residents to boycott the fast food chain until it ends slaughter abuse. The action was part of an international campaign to pressure KFC to crackdown on its supplier’s cruel treatment to chicken.

Talking about the campaign, its coordinator Tejinder Singh said, “We are just trying to promote awareness among the people so that they know how and from where the chicken that they feast on comes from.” The campaign was aimed at making people make aware that killing chickens for food is one thing and giving them birth and torturing them in the most inhuman conditions till they die is another.

So, they want all people to turn vegetarians? Puts in Nikunj Sharma, another campaign co-ordinator, “Ideally, we would want everyone to turn vegetarian but till the time it’s possible we can at least give the birds a bearable life.” Talking about the gap in this and previous PETA’s campaign, he says, “We’ve been holding campaigns all across India and last month only we held a campaign in Chennai and we’ve been working on it all this while.”

As far as the effectiveness of the campaign is concerned these people do not expect overnight changes. As Nikunj adds, “Our team believes in the efficacy of such measures. Moreover, change does not come in a fraction of a second.” Commenting on the venue of the protest, Tejinder said, “We’ve only held a silent protest. We are not doing anything wrong.” What better place to campaign against an organisation than right outside its door? And one more thing they like to call it Kentucky’s Fried Cruelty!

When contacted, KFC released a statement, that they are committed to the highest poultry welfare standards and their suppliers meet all the relevant national animal welfare legislation and industry standards. They also said that they do not directly own or operate any poultry farms but purchase products from the highest quality producers who also supply to other leading supermarkets and retailers.

It was one of the exhibitions at Alliance Francaise that drew our attention to goats as an artist’s favourite theme. As part of few compositions, it would have gone unnoticed had Malkit Singh not painted them with elongated necks in bright colours, giving them an almost a surreal aura. But then this is what makes Malkit one of the lovable artists with simple yet artistic bend of mind. So, it came as little surprise when he showed us the rest of his collection — goats in geometric patterns, flying around in myriad colours and hues.

“Painting them revived the nostalgia of my childhood days when rearing goats used to be part of life. And there are so many folk tales that revolve around goats,” says Malkit.

However, Malkit is not the only one who is mad about goats.

Manjit Bawa painted his famous painting A Girl, A Goat and A Tree (oil on canvas) in 1982. He continued with goats till 90s when he drew another untitled one featuring some unknown deity and a goat-like creature. In the former painting, goat is the most outstanding feature while in the later, the deity gets the prime focus. While Bawa’s goats look quite calm and serene, the background stands out for its bright purple and red.

When talking about artists’ fascinations with goats, who can forget M. F. Husain’s Apu and The Toy Train or his Man with Prayer Beads? With water colour on paper, Husain captured a village scene in a human form, wherein two goats were the dominating elements, while in the later painting, nomadic lifestyle through a male, a female and a goat as forms, linking up the civilisation with a train.

This piece would remain incomplete without the mention of Satwant Singh who has been painting since 1966 without failing to incorporate goats as one of his forms. With both the paintings done in ink and colours, his goats are symbolic, mostly half animal and half human form. “I use goats as a metaphor for a woman. Because, they are so similar in their innocence and sacrificing nature,” he says. But we really look forward to seeing his latest works in which he has framed his goats in a six feet tall canvass with lots of texturing and calligraphy symbols thrown in.

parbina@tribunemail.com

The goat has inspired several Indian artists. Beginning today, we are starting a series on commonplace objects that have been the painter’s muse. Happy reading!

“PHOOLAN diye daaliye, siron tere uchian dwaran da mein das ki karan; tuhion ehna kadd kadh, ban ke daler appe mal le bulandian de thaan.” These lines describe piece of heart of a poetess whose thought and undying passion for literature has remained unchallenged through time. Meet Ratandeep or ‘Ratneev’, a pioneer in Punjabi poetry and a member of the Chandigarh Sahit Academy. Her love with poetry started at an age when most children don’t know how to spell correctly. “My father was a farmer and we had a humble background. But my father had a collection of Urdu books that introduced me to reading and writing,” says Ratneev.

Though she’s penned down numerous poems since then but it was in 1988 that her thoughts personified in form of her first book, Gehne Pai Dhupp. “It had all the different colours of my poetry. It covered social issues, romantic poems and war poems,” says Ratneev, who was also the vice-president of Punjab Sahit Academy. Some of her best works include Jung; a poem based on war issues, Rooh de banere te and Mere Saheb, a poem based on women exploitation. Her works have been published in many newspapers and magazines. Indo-Canadian newspaper in Canada, run by Tara Singh Hayra, published 14 of her poems in single edition. Her inspiration? “I am a big follower of thoughts and ideas of Avtaar Singh Paash, Amrita Pritam and Shiv Kumar Batalvi. In 1979, Amrita Pritam published my poem on the title page of her magazine Nagmani,” she says.

Her most prized possessions are the letters of appreciation she received from Amrita Pritam and Paash, who she calls ‘ an inquilaabi writer’. And what is her take on status of literature today? “Literature has lost its position. It lacks tolerance and depth. It’s all pakhand baazi now, for fame and money,” says the poetess who refused awards, as it would have corrupted her work.

lifestyletribune@gmail.com

Readers are invited to share their creative pursuits with us. Mail a synopsis of your work and contact details to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, c/o The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd.

AFTER scripting history for himself by reciting poems on Doordarshan in days of black and white cinematography and penning over seven books, Dr Dharam Swaroop Gupt is all set to open a new chapter of excellence with his nomination as vice-chairman of the Chandigarh Sahitya Academy.

The academy has been set up by the Chandigarh Administration to "create an atmosphere of creativity in the city". Dr Gupt has been nominated by Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator Gen S.F. Rodrigues.

Ask Dr Gupt about his priorities as academy vice-chairman and the educationist-turned-author and book review writer does not hesitate in saying talent has been ignored in the city since long. As such, his mission possible will be to provide level platform to the bidding artiste for enabling them to display their flair before the floodlights.

Ah, a podium essentially for the youngsters? "No, not really… a level field for all. Youngsters will be encouraged to come forward with their work in specially created environs of appreciation, undoubtedly, but not at the cost of serious senior writers," asserts Dr Gupt. "You see, there is no dearth of talent in Chandigarh. The only thing lacking so far is a common stage for them to come together and whet their skills through interaction and some serious discussion."      

Dr Gupt, awarded fellowship for post-doctoral research by the University Grants Commission, plans to rotate his radar to ascertain aptitude obscure in the rural and sub-urban areas of the city. "Among the village folks, there is talent that does not know how to rise above the predicament of mundane existence. Or, there is little incentive for it to manifest itself. So, our endeavour will be assist them in the process of bringing out the best that may have remained obscure without timely intervention.”

Well, Dr Gupt himself has penned some 270 book reviews in addition to 560 features. His writing essentially reflects his feelings about contemporary situations, nationalism, humour, alienation and creativity. Only recently, his anthology of poems Talash Zindagi Ki Khandaron Mein had hit the stands and has been widely cherished. Before parting, Dr Gupt says his philosophy of life is easy, yet extremely complex — Practice makes a man perfect. But nobody is perfect. So the pursuit for perfection never ends.

saurabh@tribunemail.com

ARTISTS’ fascination with Leh and Ladakh is well-known. We have seen it in numerous photo exhibitions in the city. So, the invitation for an exhibition of photographs on this subject would not have generated much interest had it not been for the name of the artiste — D. S. Saroya.

Little did we know till then that Devinder Singh Saroya, additional secretary in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, whom we knew from his DPI (school) days, was an avid adventure lover and photographer too. He proves us wrong. “In fact, I have clicked every nook and cranny of the country, right from Andaman Nicobar to the North-East,” he says.

But this particular exhibition at Artizen Art Gallery-Mohali, inaugurated on Wednesday, showcases the mystic beauty of Ladakh that Saroya had captured during a recent trip. “There are 25 frames on display and these were clicked when I was travelling from Rohtang Pass to Khardungla by road,” he says.

Taken by a simple Canon camera, the photographs are unedited, untampered. “No editing or touching up, because I wanted to capture the beauty of the place in its natural form.” And what intrigued Saroya’s artistic mind was its ever-changing colours and the terrain which looked like from the outer planet. “It’s god’s original master plan,” he adds fondly.

A must-visit for those who love adventure and photography. — TNS

On till July 26

WITH his calming effect and encouraging words, he is more like a big brother to the contestants than a host. But then that’s Shaan and being nice comes naturally to him. So little wonder, there is general sense of cheerfulness among the viewers as news travels that he is going to anchor Amul Star Voice of India 2. And he is ready, all rejuvenated after a 20-day holiday in Europe with his wife and children, to continue doing what he does best.

What makes you earn the title ‘India’s favourite host’?

I am just being myself. If that has become my USP and is making me popular among viewers and contestants, I cannot be complaining.

Have you not had enough of reality shows?

Reality shows provide a platform to so many talents from all corners of the country. If you look at the TRPs of all such shows, they are still going on strong in terms of popularity. With few innovations one can break free from the monotony that sets in one’s life and career.

Your were seen in the finale of Chhote Ustaad. Planning to play host to young singers too?

Not really. Honestly speaking, I do not like children taking part in reality shows. They are not equipped to undergo that kind of pressure on national television. I hate to see them cry.

What about playback singing?

Did quite a few numbers recently — Kismat Konnection, God Tussi Great Ho, Break Free and Mission Istanbul.

What about albums?

Not immediately, but eventually I plan to.

Any chance of making music with Sagarika?

She is with her family right now. But maybe someday we will come out with our album.

CHANDIGARH has a new look. We have bow shaped, pink and grey cement tiles all along the roads. Verges are being dug and soon tiles will be cemented in to make it easier for pedestrians to walk. Where will the dogs offload their poop? It’s a smelly, messy question — unless the MCC asks dog owners to collect and dispose off the stuff. Can’t see it happening in a country where we do not even own up to our own waste but often throw it over the wall! It is a possibility that our show animals will use the various green areas of the Tricity. More manure, better plants all round. To be fair, if cows can stroll through without censure, our canine friends need to be treated with more tolerance.

The park in Sector 19-A has labourers and tilers living under tents for as long as it takes. Billa Waterworks brings in the tanks for their daily ablutions. The dozen or so youngsters from Bihar or UP are a cheery, muscular lot. The youngest in the pecking order wakes up early to make tea and breakfast. The same boy prepares the evening meal, well before sundown. Extra food is thrown near our wall.  My son spotted two huge, rats strolling past having bloated themselves on leftovers. These are the minor hazards of public works facing completion in citizen-friendly areas. We, the public, for whose benefit it is all done, look forward to using the park once more. Strange though that Estate Office rules do not apply to their own departments!  Before any civil works are undertaken, the builder has to ensure that temporary lodgings, loos and water points are provided. Billa has done his bit but where are the hutments and toilets?

At 5.30 a.m. I take the Cocker Spaniel out. By then, the tented colony is stirring, getting ready for a new day of hard work under the blazing sun. They have a good scrub with Billa’s water, which has formed puddles all round as drainage is non-existent. The mosquito population has trebled and it is impossible to sit out at any hour. During the first week of their camping in the park, the men broke branches from the jamun tree to make datuns. I remember using a neem stick as a child, just to try out the indigenous toothbrushes used by all our servants. It was bitter and required a lot of effort to chew into shape. A month down the line, every labourer who is our neighbour is using a toothbrush with ‘Colgate’, the term coined for any and every brand of toothpaste. I am sure Mr Colgate could never have imagined the unbelievable impact and popularity of his toob in far off places around the globe.

I heard our maid ask her daughter if she had ‘Colgated’ her teeth before she left for school. The English language is very flexible. It converts nouns into verbs whenever the need arises. This ensures its universality and global standing. Owning a toothbrush and accompanying toothpaste means we have achieved some sort of standards in hygiene. Even temporary hands want their mouths to smell sweet and their teeth to gleam as they dig, sing and tile their way through various sectors. It is immaterial that they are brushing their teeth before they eat, not after. It may take another 60 years of independence before the basic concepts of healthcare filter down to the populace. Till then we can rejoice over the fact that every mother’s son and daughter has exchanged the humble datun for a toothbrush and Colgate.

(This column appears weekly)

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Om Puri

Director: Aziz Mirza

A story of two lives or rather lucks against a backdrop of lot of other characters and in turn their luck. Raj Malhotra (Shahid) is a winner to the core at college. Cruising through academics, sports, dramatics is a way of life for him. Best student of the year trophy from architectural college is just another feather in his cap.

Despite all this, five years down the line, the guy is still struggling for a break, hinting at some sort of ill-luck trailing him. A meeting with Hasina Bano (Juhi), a quirky oracle, makes him believe, that for his luck to turn 360 degrees he needs to find a lucky charm and never let go of it. Enter Priya (Vidya Balan), a good samaritan, who’s out to save her Community Center from destruction. Suddenly, Raj’s luck turns upside down and he manages to bag a prestigious project among other things and even convinces Priya, how he’s the Messiah who can save her community.

Among all the criss cross of lucks and charms of various characters, there remains the ultimate question that Raj has to decide between. What should he choose, the pinnacle of success or true love? He decides? Will the movie itself has good kismat to fare well at the box – office? You decide.

Showing at: Batra, Fun Republic,

DT Cinemas, KC, Panchkula.

BOLLYWOOD has always been the next stopover for all beauty queens. So, you don’t jump out of your seat when you know that yet another Miss Delhi 2006 and Miss India 2007 finalists makes her debut opposite another debutante, Adhvik Mahajan in Ram Gopal Varma directed Contract. News? Well, Ramuji always manages to create one.

Meerut born, MBA and Economics graduate from Delhi University, Sakshi Gulati waits for the audiences’ verdict. Says the RGV discovery, “I am excited about the movie. I desperately want to know what the film fraternity and the audiences have to say about me.”

Touted as a sequel to Satya and Company, Contract is a launch pad for two new comers. So, what made the sultry lady say yes to the movie? Smiles Sakshi, “Ramuji called me for the screen test and then narrated the storyline to me, which is must say was spellbinding to the core. I was impressed with how character Divya was coined and I instantly agreed to be part of Contract”.

Talking about her role in the film, Sakshi tells us that her character begins on a negative note, which eventually takes a positive turn as the story proceeds. “It has shaped up well”, tells the debutant who can’t stop thanking RGV for giving her an opportunity like this. “I am grateful to Ramuji for giving me a chance to be a part of the movie. He is simply brilliant; someone who does not throws his weight around. At the same time, he knows how to get work done from the actors.”

From RGV to the new co-star Adhvik Mahajan. Offers Sakshi who is a great fan of Shahrukh Khan, “He treated me like a pal, and not like a dainty girl. Infact, all my co-stars were pretty cooperative with me”,

Sakshi has already been signed by Ram Gopal Varma for his next flick and you bet it will at par with rest of his projects. As per the leading lady, who likes to dance, swim in her free time, Contract is different from rest of his works. “ It is an extraordinary movie and I am doing a great work it in,” she sums up. — Dharam Pal

Starring: Adhvik Mahajan, Sumeet Nijhawan

Director: Ram Gopal Varma

After Satya and Company, Ram Gopal Varma completes his trilogy on the underworld films with Contract. In 1998, Ramu gave us the inside view of the underworld with Satya. In 2002, he explored the workings of the underworld, its nuts and bolts, in Company. And now, the maverick director completes his trilogy with Contract, which is about the nexus of the underworld and terrorism.

The movie doesn’t feature any established stars, but introduces newcomers. Aman (Adhvik) is a man who chooses to make his life a mission. Ahmad Hussain (Prasad Purandare) is the chief of the special cell of Mumbai police. His right hand doesn’t know what his left hand is doing. His deadpan face hides a wolf’s brain. RD (Sumeet) is a maverick gangster who is responsible for the unholy marriage of underworld and terrorism. What makes him very dangerous is that he is still a kid at heart.

Iya (Sakshi Gulati) is RD’s sister who falls in love. The question is whether she loves the man or the man’s name? Sultan (Zakir Hussain) who is a self- proclaimed guiding light, the messiah of mayhem and an agent of annihilation.

Then there’s Dara (Kishore Kadam), Mumbai’s top encounter cop and a megalomaniac who relishes killing. Upendra Limaye plays Goonga, who is forced to live in a watery exile after RD emerged the winner in the turf wars of Mumbai underworld. Goonga lives on a yacht to hide and survive, in the desperate hope of killing RD one day. The story of ‘Contract’ is written by Prashant Pandey. The movie has music by Amar Mohile, Sanaa and Bapi-Tutul.

Showing at: Neelam, DT Cinemas, Fun Republic, Suraj (Pkl)

RECENT case of a girl losing her voice because of comments passed by the judges on a reality show has raised questions on these shows, especially for children.

In the recent times there has been an increase in the number of reality shows, with many among them related to children.

It is said that these shows put immense pressure on parents and children both, but how can one forget that in such a competitive world a child has to face many such situations. Though not all of them are screened on national TV, but that never means one should escape from competition. It was sad that a girl lost her voice, but this fact cannot be ignored that such shows also instill feeling of healthy competition, remove stage fright and also give opportunities to children who never thought to see themselves on stage performing in front of an audience.

Nobody expected the grieved tragedy for that matter, but one should also not raise allegations on the judges and ban such programmes, had the same girl won the finals, her parents would have been all praises.

Blaming solely the judges would be wrong as it is also the parent’s responsibility to prepare their child for the competitive world. Winning is important but participation is more important and this has been taught to us from childhood and one should abide by these words. Opportunities like such are to be caught with two hands and should not be thrown away as garbage.

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

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: The Hanged Man says this particular week would be quite favorable for working women. On the whole, most Arians would feel upbeat and enthusiastic about life and themselves. The week would hold a heady combination of love, comforts, relaxation and recreation. Lucky colour: Baby Pink. Tip of the week: You would need to balance out things.

TAURUS: The Three of Coins reveals that a sudden increase in the flow of money would make you happier and increase your confidence. The situation at home would be easygoing and you would be able to get your space and privacy. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Advice will put you on the right track.

GEMINI: The Strength card says work problems may crop up for some. Take the advice of someone you trust and respect. In relationships, the past may catch up with you and you may meet some old friends or colleagues. Home and love life would remain balanced and harmonious. Lucky colour: Chocolate brown. Tip: Do not cover up your own mistakes.

CANCER: The Moon says all that work and socialisation would make you quite fidgety and edgy. Find new hobbies or meet with friends and do things you otherwise hardly have time for. As far as money goes, check unnecessary spending. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: Be diplomatic with colleagues if you don’t agree.

LEO: This is a week in which your inherent Leonine spirit would rise to the fore, says the Ace of Pentacles. Work life would become much more challenging for many but with extra duties. However, you would welcome the change. Lucky colour: White. Tip: Worship Lord Ganesha for overall prosperity.

VIRGO: The Seven of Swords says now would be the time when you would be assertive, firm and expressive. As far as health is concerned, you may be anxious about the health of a child/younger member of the family. Friends and family would look to you for advice and guidance. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Tip: Don’t get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a large period of time.

LIBRA: The Wheel of Fortune says the presence of Venus would enhance your attractiveness, charisma and communication. However, try not to get carried away and watch what you say. Money matters may be of concern. Lucky colour: Rose. Tip: Start a saving plan and curb expenses. 

SCORPIO: Your card The World indicates feelings of love, affection and romance would be strong this week and many of you would be entering a new phase in life. Career-wise, you may have to take on more responsibilities and execute them efficiently. Lucky colour: Crimson. Tip: Pay attention to your inner feelings and trust them when making a decision.

SAGITTARIUS: The Chariot brings light into darkness. This exercise would be quite helpful and enable you to see the past, present and future in a rational manner. You would receive a lot of love and support from your partner or spouse. Lucky colour: Deep crimson. Tip: Keeping a close eye on savings and investments would be fruitful long term.

CAPRICORN: The Priestess says this would be a week in which you would spend some time reflecting and reviewing the progress made so far. At work, there would be extra demands on your time and you may have to work more than usual. Lucky colour: Brown. Tip: Finance and health would need looking after.

AQUARIUS: You draw The Ace of Cups. Despite the good stint most of you have been having at work, relationships would need frank and heartfelt communication. Keeping your commitments to friends would bring you closer. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: Keep others’ secrets well-guarded.

PISCES: The Emperor says this would be a week in which you would be filled with adventure and daring. However, don’t be too aggressive since others may not react too kindly to force. Take out time to be with friends. Lucky colour: Lime green. Tip: Do not spend beyond your capacity.