|
|
|
|
|
Much obliged, sir!
Sanju Baba managed to do it in Lage Raho Munnabhai with a smile, red rose and jaadu ki jhapphi. And now our very own traffic police are trying to do the same. So, the next time you violate a rule, you would be showered with gifts instead of being handed out a challan slip. So far so good. But what if the city folks were to do the same—gift the cops in return to send across their message. What would be their return gift to our dear traffic watchers. “A helmet,” says Harshdeep, proprietor, Cine Valley. “This is something that all the traffic cops need.” And why? “Even when it is mandatory to wear a helmet, most of them are seen driving in the city without it, flouting rules that they themselves have to enforce.” The next time you see cops taking a joyride on a two-wheeler sans helmet, race your vehicle, honk, and stop them. Walk towards them with a gift pack in your hand and flash your beatific smile: ‘Uncle, yeh apkey liye.” Hug, smile and look in to their eyes and get going. Man, you have already done the needful. Wait till you hear some of the other wacky gifting ideas for the traffic brigade. Says Harpreet Cheema, CEO and administrator, First Steps play school-26, “First, it is a good initiative of the Chandigarh traffic police. But if I have to reciprocate their gesture, I would give them crisp Rs1000 notes with a huge bouquet of flowers.” All in the spirit of Gandhigiri. According to Harpreet, the cops manage to ‘get’ everything they want! Even Rajbir Deswal, DIG (CID), Haryana, feels that the traffic police’s offer should be taken in the right spirit and reciprocated with the same Gandhigiri. As a law-abiding citizen, his return gift to them: A big thank you plus a promise that he would observe all the traffic rules. Ah, but some youngsters would like to gift the cops something more concrete. For instance, Avdesh Kapoor from SD College takes a good few minutes to tell us what we would hide in the gift box for the ‘maamu.’ “A traffic rule book,” he chuckles. “The rule makers are the real rule breakers. I guess, the trafficwallahs need a quick reminder of the rules.” He adds with a grin, “I bet they’ve just read it once during their life, when they were sitting for the exams. We need to tell them that the rules exist for them as well.” Ditto for J.B. Singh, who works as online editor for a news channel. “It is indeed a good initiative by the cops, but they too seriously need to be reminded of the traffic rules.” Adds JB, “You can see riding triple without helmets. Also, you can see their vans parked in front of no-parking signs. And lastly, they set up nakkas wherever and whenever they want to harass people.”
If JB has to give them a gift, he would do it in his own ishtyle. “I’d give them a big hug and tell them, ‘Aap kamaal hain. Koi apsey sikhey rules banana aur phir unhey thodna. Keep it up, boys’.” “I am sure I will beaten up for an act like this but then Gandhigiri is all about standing by satya.” Well said.
|
|
Wowchers, please
Packed in a huge box, wrapped in a shimmering paper, unwrapping a gift always makes us wish, ‘hope it is something I want’. And when it turns out to be the same old Ferrero Rochers box, a Cadbury chocolate ka daba or a decoration piece it passes on to others as any other gift item. But as this festive season draws near, and you wonder what to gift, we help you see beyond the common and traditional gift items. From gifting spas to haircuts, facials and even dinners, the options are galore. Zara hat ke
Tells Vidya Sharma, a homemaker who recently gifted a body spa to her friend on her birthday and now plans to bag some more to avail them during the festival season. “Gifting is an art and the best way to pamper your loved ones. My friend was pleased to receive a gift of luxurious experience and I was more than pleased to see her happy.” While spas are the most preferred gifts from youngsters these days, it is surely something out of the ordinary and unexpected. Harveen Kathuria, manager of a spa parlour in sector-8 lets in more on the trend, “Spa is a gift that anybody would love to have. Not only is it relaxing but also helps release stress. And for city people they have been buying spa coupons to gift their friends, colleagues and family members on occasions like birthday, marriage and festivals.” Costing from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500, spa falls in the gift budget of majority of youngsters. Nau Nihal Singh, owner of a salon and spa parlour in sector-15 shares his view, “Be it a haircut, facial or spa, trend of gifting services is fast catching up”. Citing a psychological reason, he further adds, “Everybody wants to get a makeover and look good. Beauty has become a necessity and gifting such services means making the most desired wish come true”.
Gastronomic delights
Not to forget the Punjabi’s love for food, which has enticed restaurant owners to give away dinner or brunch services in form of gifts. Manmohan Kohli, owner of Aroma-22 puts in, “Sweets, chocolates, flowers and decoration items are passé now. These are routine gifts but having come over these age-old trends people are presenting a brunch or dinner service to there loved ones as a gift.” “Gifts are a way to show people you care, but sticking to common gifts means a formality done away with. But gifting things like a dinner or lunch means an outing for the whole family,” says Amarbir Singh, owner Salad Bar-17.
|
|
Taare… & Jodhaa Akbar make it to ‘region’s Oscars’ Taare Zameen Par and Jodhaa Akbar are among 11 Indian films as the entries for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA)-08, the highest accolade for movies in the region.
“In just its second year, APSA has been embraced by the burgeoning film industries of Asia-Pacific. The region’s filmmakers welcome the unprecedented opportunity APSA offers to acclaim their work and promote it to an international audience,” says APSA Chairman Des Power. APSA brings together different genres from the multifaceted industries of India, to the stylised horror genres of Japan, to the allegorical tragedies and comedies of Korea, the extraordinary tapestry of Chinese cinema, the poetry and reality of Persian cinema and visionary narratives of the West Asia. APSA is an initiative of the Queensland Government in collaboration with CNN International, Unesco and FIAPF (The International Federation of Film Producers Associations) to acclaim films that best reflect their cultural origins and cinematic excellence. “Asia Pacific Screen Awards is an idea whose time has come, both politically and culturally. Asian cinema, which comprises nearly three-fourths of the world cinema, is properly recognised and represented through these awards,” actress and activist Shabana Azmi, who was the president of the inaugural 2007 Awards, had told IANS. This year, awards will be presented for Best Feature Film, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary, Best Children’s Film, Achievement in Directing, Best Screenplay, Achievement in Cinematography, Performance by an Actress, Performance by an Actor.
|
|
Koffee
Break
Glamorous Bipasha Basu, who sizzled in Race and Bachna Ae Haseeno, says confidence, poise and intelligence are a must to look sexy. "For me, being sexy is an amalgamation of many factors - definitely a good physique and a perfect-10 for health. A good face helps but confidence, poise and intelligence are musts," Bipasha. The actress adds she enjoys her "sexy" image. "I'm sure any man or woman would be flattered by being known as the sexiest. I don't see why I've to justify myself for being happy about being called sexy.
Excerpts from the interview: How do you define being sexy? It's defined differently from person to person. Those who know me know I'm a very down-to-earth girl with no pretensions of being a diva. For me, being sexy is an amalgamation of many factors, definitely a good physique and a perfect 10 for health. A good face helps but confidence, poise and intelligence are musts. How do you adjust with unwanted attention? I've no time to think about unwanted attention. Most of the day I'm at work and besides sets, the only place I go to is the gym. Rest of the time I enjoy being at home. But then when it gets overbearing I simply ignore it. Maybe, that's why I don't understand this whole concept of wearing a robe on top of your shooting clothes. Since I wear skirts, dresses and shorts in real life, why should I get coy about them on sets? I believe in comfort clothing and I wear a robe on the sets only when it is extreme cold. I know it gives people a shock to see me walking up and down in shorts but I care a damn. Do you wear non-comfort clothes for a role? No. I think it's very important for me to be comfortable in what I wear even on screen. There are no clothes that would look alarming on me. I just prefer to be in my skin and for that wearing the right attire even on the sets is important. But how do you advice the girl on the road to dress and behave? She certainly can't be as carefree as me so she has to dress correctly. If I see rubbish going on around me, I just can't take it. I've slapped people on the road. I'm quite fiery and I don't give the liberty to people to mess with me. No one can mess with me. My sister in Kolkata travels by local train but she knows how to take care of herself. She doesn't need a man to keep her safe on the road. Does having John Abraham by your side keep away the wolves? If they want to be unbecoming, they ignore John. However, if he stands right next to me, he can become very intimidating. Even when I'm at work I don't tolerate any shoddiness. My logic is simple. I give a hundred per cent, I expect others to do the same. |
|
Naseer on Maharathi's seat
After Jagmohan Mundhra's Shoot On Sight, thespian Naseeruddin Shah has once again replaced Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan in the comic thriller Maharathi, a film inspired by a hit Gujarati play.
All in place, Paresh is now just waiting to wrap up the shooting and see the end result on the big screen. "It's been a while since I felt this way about any film of mine as Maharathi is based on my own play. I had a tough time directing, as I could not find the right actors. History repeated itself for the film when I had to hardsell my script for almost three years. Finally, I found a producer in Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.," he said. He is expecting it to be a classy comic thriller. I got to work with actors I really respect, like Naseer, Om Puri, Boman Irani. I enjoy doing a film that takes me back to my roots and to work with the people I wanted to work with." Paresh himself plays the same role in the film that he did in the play. Earlier Amitabh opted out of Shoot On Sight, based on the July 2007 London bombings for he found it controversial subject. Now, in this film, Naseer has finally played the role of Tariq Ali, a Muslim police officer at Scotland Yard, who is asked to track down suspected suicide bombers involved in the bombings.— IANS |
|
From Jatland to amchi Mumbai
THE popular lathmaar Haryanvi jat Udham Singh of Channel V, Manish Makhija, is back on small screen. This time as a taxi driver called Munna. He has been roped by Bindass for their new show Cash Cab. Manish will be seen driving a cash cab and will judge the general knowledge of passengers and the winner takes home Rs 20,000 in cash. As anchor of the show Manish is on the verge of extending his small screen image of typical jat character to the big screen.
How was it working with the Bindass team? It is always interesting to work with a channel in their teething phase as they have a great degree of enthusiasm and passion for experimentation. It is to their credit that an unusual show like Cash Cab is ready to entertain audiences. What made you consider a show like this? The fact that the show is ‘on its toes’. It is not static, besides I always wanted to be a taxi driver and now I am officially one. What is Munna’s character like? Does his mannerisms change with each passenger? Mari se itni information kyun maang rahe hain? Latest information’ kissi thane se le le. Ab aaya ‘character’ samajh mein? Tell us some interesting experiences on the sets? Each day is an experience and like a chapter in William Shakespeare’s A comedy of Errors. What is the best part about the show? It was memorable experience since I was interacting with real people, which made the job more unpredictable and hence fun. Future projects? I am working on six films with Sylvester Stallone, three and a half with Sharon Stone, two with Robert De Niro and eight with Shakti Kapoor. — Dharam Pal |
|
Dressing up divinity
Sopping in mud, smudged with paint, for Subasis Adhikari, his wife Archana and the rest of the family members, this time of the year calls for a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, as they have to complete the Durga idols and send them all across the region. Ask them what the festival means to them and they chorus, "It means working day and night as we need to complete the idols on time." While most of the idols are made on order there are a few idols that are made for the tri-city. "Most of the Durga idols go out of station, orders from the city people are very few," says Archana. Specifying the regions from they get orders from, she adds, "people Kalka, Ambuja, Jagadari and HP call up around a month before to place their orders for the idols." While helping her husband paint the idols she says, "The process of making a statue is not easy. We have to find the right type of clay and then mix it well so that it moulds right. Drying the statute too is cumbersome as direct sunlight can lead to fissures and it takes almost 3-4 days to dry the idols before we get on to paint them. The price paid to us for our efforts is certainly less and not justifiable." Though creativity comes to them genetically, Subasis says, "No body taught me how to make these idols, I have learnt it seeing my father, grandfather and uncles and all of us here have learnt the art same way. We have no degree to attach with our creativity." While making of an idol takes almost 15-20 days the age-old art of clay has taken new shape in from of cement, POP and fibre idols. "People these days like art that is durable. The city has very few people who take Durga idols home for the festivals and they prefer the murthis either in fiber or POP." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
|
|
French connection
When one hears of foreign artists doing work on India, one would naturally expect to see poverty-stricken, wrinkled faces in the frames. But Marion Colomer is different. This 25-year-old French artist who is now almost an integral part of Indian art scene likes to capture India in different hues, through the faces of common men as well as celebrities and she makes them come across as mysterious yet happy people.
So, in her 11 portraits on display at the Alliance Art Gallery-36 one gets to see familiar faces like Nawab Pataudi, Aleek Padamsee and the likes and also prince and princesses of the royal families across the country. Well, after all, she is known as an 'official painter', with an emphasis on the settings and symbols of power'. Marion, who studied painting, lithography and photography in ENSBA-Paris (France's top art school), made her presence felt here with her exhibition, India of the Thousand Faces at India Habitat Centre-New Delhi way back in 2004. For that exhibition she painted the faces of men living in Malviya Nagar, her neighbourhood. The artist, who now spends nine months in India and the rest of the time in Paris blends French culture with Indian sensitivity. And she does that by integrating real embroidery in her paintings. Reminds one of Raja Ravi Varma who use to dress his goddesses in Kanchivaram saris and real jewellery. Marion's embroidery constitutes a bridge between Indian and French culture as she picks up motifs from French haute couture and typical motifs inlayed in Pahari miniatures. Floral patterns, either in the foreground or the background, make for another element present almost in all her frames. To quote the artist, "I want to create living portraits, full of contrasts, representing India in the 21st century." —TNS On till October 3 |
|
Peaceful palette
"This exhibition comes as part of our theme months. September is dedicated to peace and non-violence and hence we tried to collect relevant quotes and photos from different sources and put them up here," says Rana. Though most of the quotes come from religious books like the Koran, the Geeta and the Bible there are a few witty ones that gel with the ambience. Particularly the one that says - An onion can make people cry, but there is no vegetable to make people laugh. In another frame Stressed gets converted into Desserts showing how people can still be happy despite all odds. "We have displayed photos which show happy faces of people who come from poor background. Happiness lies within us and we all can be at peace when we resort to non-violence," says Rana. —TNS |
|
Serving with love
FOR someone who was perfect with her smash shots and nets, lifting musical notes was a game of a different kind. But for Deepika Dheer, music came naturally, unlike the game of badminton. " I grew up feeding on the songs of Lataji and Suraiya. Later, I developed my hobby into my passion and trained myself in Punjabi folk under the likes of Shri Narender Biba ji and Shri Balbir Singh Kalsi," tells Deepika, who was the captain of Panjab University badminton team and played at national level. But resource crunch and personal tragedies made her say goodbye to her sporting career. But like it's said, everything happens for a good. And the good came in form of her singing. Her tryst with singing started 15 years back and has materialised into three albums being released, the recent one being Ishq by Choice. "It has eight songs by myself, my sister Pratima Gupta and my daughter Taru Sugandha, who is learning classical singing." Talk about all in the family. The album has diffusion of various colours of love, be it sufi or soft romantic songs." I hope people feel my music and find something true in it." says the singer.
Talking about the status of Punjabi music in Bollywood, she says, "Bollywood has been cashing on the rich Punjabi beats. It has almost become mandatory to have one Punjabi song in films today, like a lucky charm for success." But she has different plans. "My music explores the struggle of a woman and relationships. I hope my music will allow me an emotional intensity to convey stories." she says. Well, lady on a mission. But there is also a diehard romantic hidden inside Deepika, which reflects on her singing. She says, " Romance can change in its form and expression but the basic always remains." With all the romance and anguish in her singing, she signs off by saying; "Music helps keep a spiritual flow in my life. I believe life is not walking on billiard tables." lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
|
The Art of Living Foundation, one of the largest volunteer-based organisations spanning over 140 countries, has started a six-day course in yoga in the Tricity. A basic pranayaam and seven-chakra meditation course is meant for the beginners and is being conducted by Kashi, known as the King of Yoga in the Art of living circles.
In his more than a decade long association with the foundation, the silver jubilee celebrations hold special place in Kashi's heart, "I am overwhelmed to be a part of the group that is striving to serve the humanity." According to him the benefits of the course are threefold - body, mind and personality. "Body gets healthy, immune system is strong, mind is more focused and overall personality is affected in a positive way by yoga," says Kashi Apart from various other projects of the foundation, the recent one is in association with United Nations to plant ten crore trees by the end of October, emphasising the need to take care of our environment. The yoga course has two batches - in morning and evening at Paragon School, Mohali. —TNS
|
|
He Khan do it
Aamir Khan’sTaare Zameen Par has been nominated for the Oscars. It’s Aamir’s second shot, his home production Lagaan also contested for the awards in 2002. Does this make Aamir, who usually shuns awards and award ceremonies, the ‘Real Khan’ of Bollywood? Sense and sensibility
—Navneh Samagh He’s not King Khan
— Surabhi Sharma High time we got it
— Nikhil Jassal Oscar material
— Minisha Nagi
|
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Even if you don’t know much about the choice of a person who you want to buy a gift, it is hardly a deal. Retail scenario offers a lot of viable solutions these days. Shops are selling vouchers that you can gift your friend. Arvinder Singh, business manager, Ebony-9 opines, “Presenting vouchers is a novel trend. This lends the freedom to buy a gift as per your choice, ensuring a great shopping experience”. 
The award ceremony will take place at the popular tourist destination of Gold Coast in Queensland this November. The awards have received entries from 43 countries and the competition will be among 180 films showcasing the talent and cinematic diversity of a region covering one-third of the earth’s surface and 60 percent of its population.
"Amitabh opted out of the film as the role had shades of grey. He explained his point of view in detail to me and I agreed with him," says Paresh Rawal, who has directed the play. It was then his dear friend Naseer, who was supposed to do another role in the screen adaptation, stepped into the role. Shivam Nair instead of Paresh will direct the movie. Paresh cites the reason for not directing the flick, "I avoided directing the movie as I could not remove theatre from my sensibility. The fact is the play is still fresh in my mind but I didn't want the same intricacies of the stage to be applied to the film. As the play is still fresh in my mind I couldn't have detached myself from it."
With dexterity in the hands and creativity in their thoughts, they craft the images. Idols of Goddess Durga, for the coming Navratras and Durga Puja. Creativity unleashed, is what you see at Kali Bari-47, with a family working 24/7 for the coming festive season.
A majority of us read about violence shrug it off and move on with life. But not Bikranjit Singh, Deepak Gupta and Prem Rana. The trio is director, management consultant and manager, respectively, of Maya Palace-35. They wanted to spread the message of peace, happiness and non-violence to the trouble-torn world and so decided to hold an exhibition of photographs and quotes on the theme. The venue is of course the hotel lobby, so that his customers go back with enough food for thought as well after a hearty meal.
An IIT alumni, who has been associated with the foundation for last 13 years has also been training trainers for yoga courses. "The contentment that one gets from making a difference in so many lives is the greatest job satisfaction that one can get and training people for yoga leaves me with this pleasure," tells the yoga guru.
Yes, indeed Aamir is the ‘Real Khan’ of the industry, cause his movies are a realistic take on Indian society. If you remember, Lagaan was an icon movie reflecting Indian society, its values and courageous character in times of adversity. The recent entry to Oscars Taare Zameen Par has portrayed the real face of our society where the parents and children will suffer but dare not approach a psychiatrist for the fear of being labeled ‘mad’. It’s not just dyslexia but there are tons of other problems that people never care (or say dare) to take medical advice on. Aamir is a sensitive filmmaker who brings out fresh ideas and deals with them brilliantly and definitely the best in our industry. But still, I feel his movies are not on a par with the ones nominated at Oscars. Bollywood has to go a long way before it can pocket the much coveted trophy. 
Well, I don’t believe that Aamir is the only real Khan. It’s true that he many a times he makes socially relevant movies but then there are other Khans who are stars in their own right. Shahrukh is a King definitely as he makes very entertaining movies that are super hit. Salmaan is a star in his own right. Saif is rocking in his new avtaar. Industry is brimming with lots of fresh talent — Imran Khan is the next in race. So it would be unjustified to say that Aamir is the ‘Real Khan’. Industry has multifarious talent and all need to be saluted for their roles in entertaining us. As for Oscars, we are still far from gaining the glory. 
I am all for Aamir Khan. He is a perfectionist and indeed makes movies that are critically acclaimed as well as commercial success. I guess having an Oscar will only be an addition in his already illustrious career. And I believe it’s only him who can bring the much-awaited honour to the country. Taare Zammeen Par is a wonderful movie and definitely deserves to be represented on international scene. It’s time that the world gives long awaited recognition to Bollywood in Oscars and we bring the trophy home. 
Aamir has always been synonymous with meaningful cinema. The man is a class apart and way ahead of other Bollywood superstars.He is making good and entertaining cinema, which is being appreciated in India as well as abroad that speaks out loud about his work and his stature as an entertainer. I wish Aamir and his company all the very best at Oscars.