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Digitally yours
Subhash Kataria, who has been enjoying his association with the Ramlila from the past 42 years, tells how the craze for this live drama has increased. “Earlier, we used to have a 20 ft wide stage and audiences were made to sit on the ground. Actors too failed to perform well as they never got microphones to deliver dialogues.” It is indeed a different and better scene now. The Dolby and echo sound system from the multiplexes has this year reached the stage, where Ramlila is performed. “From a quality sound and lighting system to a 90 feet wide stage, we now have the apposite infrastructure to make it entertaining.” Reinforcing people’s interest in the age-old epic story, the techno Ramlila is thus proving to be an instant hit. “Every year we bring in latest technology to make the act look more real and engaging. You can’t expect crowds to turn up for the show if there isn’t a good lighting system and background music, which until now was given by playing harmonium,” avers Dharampal Thakur, a Ramlila actor and additional director, Ramlila- 17. Electronic music and pre-recorded audio CD’s now serve the purpose and make the whole act more interesting. “These facilities leave no chance for mistakes and make it easier for actors to perform.” So what makes the Ramayana so popular even after all of us have watched it umpteen times on television? “It is a wonderful recreation for all age groups, especially children. Also it educates them on Hindu mythology.” With 52 Ramlilas being enacted across the city, we quite realised the popularity and demand of the show. Madhu Bala, a theatre artiste who has played several roles in hi-tech Ramlila opines that a good light and sound system comes as an aid to actor while he is performing. She takes pride in the fact that she has acted in the first hi-tech Ramlila held in 2006, “Unlike the ten day affair, hi-tech Ramlila showcases story of the Ramayana in three hours where light system is aptly used to show different scenes. The backdrop of the stage changes with every scene, rendering it a real look.” ashima@tribunemail.com
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Divine mudras
Married when she was still in her teens to a bureaucrat, she kept her passion alive despite the odds and established Ganesa Natyalaya Institute in Delhi. In the city, for a performance at the Navratra Utsav at Mansa Devi Sthal, she shares her views on tradition and modernity relating to the dance form. “Originally performed in temples by Devdasis, this dance form was known as the Dassi attam but subsequently it went through transformations from time to time. Since originated in the South India, most compositions were based on the lyrical contents of South Indian poets but now see the spiritual utterances of North Indian seers like Meera Kabir and others have entered the repertoire. Even Bhasratnatyam has become a global phenomenon now,” and she proves her point by introducing her disciples from foreign lands who came to perform with her in a choreographic spectacle Padosham. Maya Zholova (from Bulgaria) plays Lord Vishnu while Nikolina Niklosky (Croatia) and Suhashini (Sri Lanka) play Devta and Asur, respectively. “But the rigid code of conduct which had always been part of the tradition of Bharatnatyam is no longer there. For this dance form has been subjected to innovations to keep pace with time,” she says. “The technological advancement has helped all art forms. Television and radio awakened in the people the love for classical music and dance. The Bharatnatyam practitioners now compose on the social themes. I have done it too, like the one on woman empowerment,” she signs off. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Picks & piques
Kidnap charters the familiar revenge formula without many twists. Kabir (Imran Khan) is an angst-ridden orphan who has spent his teen years behind bars, courtesy a billionaire Vikrant Raina (Sanjay Dutt), who wanted to teach him a good lesson for a choohti si bhool. In jail, the boy undergoes experiences that leave him scarred physically and more so, psychologically. He comes out and kidnaps Raina's daughter Sonia (Minnisha Lamba) who stays with her mom Mallika (Vidya Malvade) as the parents are divorced. The cat-and-mouse game now begins with the kidnapper laying out the rules, giving clues to Raina, who's promised his daughter if he wins. A wafer-thin plot keeps slipping out of director Sanjay Gadhvi's hands whose earlier two outings Dhoom and Dhoom 2 had set the cash registers ringing. Clearly, this time, he has been undone by a weak script. The writer, Shibani Bhatija, fails to build up the suspense, a hallmark of any thriller. The narrative slackens right at the outset and that's the biggest drawback. If anything stands out in the movie, it's Imran. The film belongs to the youngster who proves that he is indeed from 'Khan-do-it' clan. Watch him deliver a captivating performance. In fact, had it not been him, Kidnap could have been a complete disaster. If you drooled over his soft looks in Janne Tu…, get ready to be bowled over by his rugged appeal this time. Minnisha makes an unabashed splash into the skin-show genre. Her cleavage-pooping dresses and ample leg show certainly up the glam quotient. And then there's of course the bikini. However, despite her new toned avatar, she doesn't look like a 17. Interestingly, her mom Malvade(Of Chak de fame) looks younger. Sanjay Dutt is mechanical and a bit rusty. Malvade coudn’t impress. Camera-work by Bobby Singh is good. The highlight of the film is a wonderfully executed sequence wherein Sanjay Dutt is in hot pursuit of Imran who does an impressive Spidey act by jumping over the under construction buildings and scaling walls. Allan Amin sure deserves a pat for this one. The score by Pritam closely toes the script line and is not up to the mark. Barring Mit Jaye, the rest of the numbers are forgettable. Also, goof-ups are aplenty in the plotline. Minnisha gets the best of the revealing wardrobe in captivity! So eager is the kidnapper to talk to the victim's family that he lands at latter's house! In the night, the kidnapper gets bullet wounds, the next morning he wakes up hale and hearty! Overall, Kidnap is just a time pass. mona@tribunemail.com
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Tacky tale
Mona
Drona is a lavish but amateurish attempt at weaving a fanciful tale of mystical myths and legendary legacies in which our director dear fumbles, stumbles and finally falls flat. The scene opens in Prague winter where Aditya (Abhishek Bachchan) is shown a nervous lad surviving his nagging aunt. An orphaned boy, who has never known love, he finds solace in a mysteriously appearing blue flower petal (Love Story 2050's butterfly hangover). One fateful day, the petal guides him to a stone-studded bracelet. Aditya wears it and his life changes forever. He goes to watch a show by a wicked wizard Riz Raizada (Kay Kay Menon) who is a descendant of asuras and desperately hunting for a secret magical potion (read amrit) to gain control over the mankind. Only one thing stands between him and absolute power - Drona. But the problem is that Riz doesn't know who Drona is. However, a chance meeting puts him face-to-face with his bete noire. Aditya is on the run with Riz's army close on his heels. He is protected by his secret bodyguard Sonia (Priyanka Chopra) who makes him realise his true identity. She takes him to his birthplace, palace of Queen Jayati Devi (Jaya Bachchan) who breaks into a lori as her grown-up son comes home after years and introduces him to his royal lineage and responsibility of protecting the amrit. However, Drona is not interested in yudhh. But when Riz turns his mother into a stone-statue, the Mummy way, he has no option but to take up arms against the maverick magician and thus embarks on a journey where he realizes his real self. Soon, the good vanquishes the evil and saves the world in a familiar end. Right from a rambling plot, poorly etched out characters, lousy screenplay to lackluster performances, everything about this much-hyped project is unbearable. What prompted Behl to take up such a slipshod script is a secret. Though Abhishek tries hard to get into the shoes of a superhero, his discomfort is starkly visible. He also lacks the panache and the body language of a character larger than life. Abhishek is certainly not a lucky mascot for Behl. (The duo were last seen together in a box-office disaster Bus Itna Sa Khawab Hai). Kay Kay is more comical than ghoulish who is happy mouthing gustakhi maaf at one instance or the other. Priyanka looks stunning and convincing in action sequences but then ‘babuji kahte the’ chatter doesn't go with her image in the movie. The writer and his plot seem to be caught in a time-warp. One doesn't know whether the film has a contemporary or an ancient setting. It starts with the snow-covered streets of Prague, cut to next scene and we move to a desert and an ancient palace. The highpoint are the visual effects, which are splashed in liberal doses. But alas even those are exaggerated - there's one with Bachchan Jr on horse atop a train. Though Behl had roped in big names in action choreography like Tom Delmar of Troy fame and UK-based sword master Richard Ryan, the results remain ordinary. Sameer Arya is good at picturising locales, but he doesn't show consistency. The music is very average and the songs look like 'forced insertions' between two sequences. On the whole, the fantasy tale fails to keep you hooked.
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When real meets unreal
Sometimes Hollywood movies bludgeon us with an excess of special effects that it's hard to believe there's anything special about them at all. With Hellboy II: The Golden Army, director Guillermo del Toro transforms the use of special effects to something magical, beautiful, mesmerising with a lot of heart and soul. Del Toro is clearly one of the best young directors in Hollywood and his underlying genius is his power of vision. Hellboy, releaed in 2004, did not receive breakthrough success, but established itself among hard-core fans. This time around the studios have put in more money and Del Toro has made good use of every penny spent.He has created an incredible tableau of mythical creatures and monsters with a decent story line mixed with a good emotional backbone and sprinkled with the requisite superhero wisecrack humour. Hellboy (Ron Perlman), his woman Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) and this time joined by Johann Straus (voiced by Seth McFarlane) all work with the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, a secret US government agency. They have to contend with Prince Nuada (Luke Goss) from the mythological world, who has for centuries wanted to take over the world from the humans. He has a twin sister, who is connected to him very deeply but she doesn't comply with his plans. The director envisions a blend of the real and supernatural world. The creatures may be otherworldly and supernatural but have very human natures, which makes it easier for us to relate to. The actors all do a commendable job and their camaraderie is believable. Perlman as the lead actor is solid and manages to convey emotions through the red paint he is covered in. The movie is also blessed with a singular vision since Del Toro was also involved in the developing of the story and script.—ians
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Elizabeth Hurley managed to steal the spotlight at a recent event, because of a wardrobe malfunction that revealed an embarrassing sneak peak of her nude-coloured underpants. Hosting the event clad in a halter-neck red dress, the British model was left red-faced when the incident occurred at a charity event at Bloomingdale's in New York. The 44-year-old's dress, while turning up a light switch to turn the store pink, was apparently affected by static that made it edge up and reveal her pants. Liz recently stole the spotlight at Ramsay Gordon's annual fundraising dinner with her fabulous cleavage in a plunging black evening gown that stirred memories of her famous dress at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994. —ANI
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A moment to freeze
He is the prince of the intricate area. Raghu Rai undoubtedly is. And when he is in the city for a workshop ‘Hazaron Khwahishen...’, you bet it is a ‘not to be missed event’. The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi has thrown open a two-day workshop by Raghu Rai for serious practitioners of the art of photography, starting on Saturday at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10, Chandigarh. As per schedule, there were two different kinds of workshops. The first one had selected photographers hooked on to the works and Raghu Rai in person. Yet another part of the event was the exclusive workshop for the mediaphotographers. Nearly 50 photojournalists from the tricity and surrounding areas attended the workshop, and the first lesson they got was, to treat their work as their dharam. Remarks Rai, “For the dharma, you are also required to do the needful karam.” For the photojournalists, listening to him with rapt attention, he had a piece of advice, “Never get disheartened if your pictures are rejected by the editor. Concentrate on your work and try to better it with each picture. And, if it does not go for print, don’t lose hope; rather look at it as an addition to your collection. Expand your horizon and don’t limit yourself to the newspapers.” A documentary film on Rai was also screened in the early part of the day. According to Diwan Manna, Chairman of the Akademi, “For those of you who want to cherish the works of Raghu Rai, can take back his works, which have been complied in a book Raghu Rai’s India-Reflection in colour for Rs 5,296. In addition to this, limited edition prints, signed by Rai are also available for Rs 550 for the unframed and Rs 1,600 for the framed.” He adds, “For the art lovers we plan to bring in many more such events in the near future.” Those looking for more merchandise of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, bookmarks, t-shirts and mugs make for a lasting souvenior. These workshops are free for all participants. Concludes today
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Countries having strict social rules and behavioural etiquettes may actually heighten drinking culture, characterised by unruly or bad behaviour, says a new report. The report on alcohol and violence has enlisted cultural features that may predict levels of violence such as homicide and spousal abuse. Titled, Alcohol and Violence: Exploring Patterns and Responses, the report has analysed the link between alcohol and violence through the disciplines of anthropology, clinical psychology, human rights law, gender and public health. “We need to look more closely at the factors attached to both drinking and violence in different cultures, without assuming that the one causes the other,” said Anne Fox, PhD, a contributor to the report. She said that certain cultural feature could largely predict levels of homicide, spousal abuse and other forms Violence-reinforcing cultures tend to share the following features: Cultural support (in media, norms, icons, myths, and so on) for aggression and aggressive solutions, militaristic readiness and participation in wars-societies that are frequently at war have consistently higher rates of interpersonal violence as well, Glorification of fighters, Corporal and capital punishment and socialization of male children toward aggression. Fox has argued in her paper, titled Sociocultural Factors that Foster or Inhibit Alcohol-related Violence that efforts to counteract a culture of violence and the male propensity for aggression should be channelled toward altering beliefs about alcohol and social responses to violence and aggression. The study was released by International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP). — ANI
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Every dance form generates its own aura, breathes its atmosphere welcomes innovations to accommodate the alien influences.” Opines Rajendra Gangani, admired as the young icon of Jaipur gharana kathak. About the two dance forms, he adds, while the oldest classical dance form, Bharatnatyam has solemnity as well as the spiritual grandeur; its new form kathak stimulates the senses. Keeping alive the centuries old family legacy of kathak dancers, holding allegiance to the Jaipur gharana, Rajendra has emerged as the youngest virtuoso to be honoured with national Sangeet Natak Akademy award. The disciple son of legendry Pandit Kundan Lal Gangani, he was in Panchkula, on the invitation of NZCC with his troupe for a performance in the ongoing third Pinjore Heritage Fest- 2008. With reverence to the older dance forms Rajendra opines, “Kathak is endowed with a wider spectrum for emotional expression, flexibility of movements and variegated rhythmic patterns. This enables a kathak dancer to immaculately translate the essence of any spiritual, sufi or ghazal into a dance spectacle.” The Kathak is known as a hybrid offspring of vastly different cultures. People are also opting for or this dance form in the west and are drawing inspiration from its formats used in film songs, video albums and other choreographic ventures. Rajendra won applause for his choreographic excellence on his tour to Paris and Scandinavian counties. He first skillfully harmonised kathak with mohiniattam and subsequently with Bharatnatyam in his recital, which displayed his talent and innovative expertise. He believes, “Since composing a dance is multidimensional art, the composer must have a profound knowledge of classical, light and regional music, poetry, drama, diction, light and sound effects.” His perception of dance can be seen in his production in Panachshar and Vedna – Dance Drama which also be staged at Yadvindra gardens on Saturday.
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Sailing on hope
Personifying courage and grit, they won the battle that would have made many accept a defeat. It certainly wasn't easy; in fact the toughest battle, wherein they had to fight with themselves. But these women won it, and are a source of inspiration for others who are readying for the same battle. Meet the breast cancer survivors, who gathered to make women aware at the event organised by Ivy Hospital, 71 to celebrate the Breast Cancer. Sangita Kharbanda, a government employee came to know about the cancerous lumps at the third stage of cancer. "It gave me a shock when doctors told me about the disease, which had reached the third stage when it was finally detected," says she. From the normal 65 kgs she was reduced to 30 kgs in few months. "Given my condition, I used to feel I was nearing death. It was scary, but then I met the doctors and other cancer survivors who asked me to be optimistic. And I blindly trusted them." Her optimism didn't go waste. Today, after undergoing all the chemotherapies and radiotherapies, Sangita is now a volunteer for the cancer organisation and counseling for other cancer patients. Other than the breast removal, she has also got her stomach and back muscles removed. "It wasn't easy at all, but I tell other patients than they too do it too." Josephine Gill, a nurse in PGI got rid of the disease after the lump was detected. But she feels that more than treatment, it is the emotional support that matters. Talking about her experience as a counselor, she adds, "Depression creeps in the minute patients come to know that they have cancer. As volunteers, we give them all the motivation and support, which they need." Medical specialists will provide free breast cancer screening in the month of October,. To spread awareness about the disease, poster-making competition will also be held on October 18, at Museum of Fine Arts in Panjab University.
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TAROT TALK ARIES: The Wheel of Fortune spins in some good fortune. Singles, too, would find someone special to share their time. There may, however, be unforeseen developments either at home or at work, and these could take an unprecedented turn. Lucky Colour: Pink. Tip of the week: Don't be bullied. TAURUS: The Queen of Cups says you would be able to accomplish a lot more. In relationships, you would be sensitive yet assertive . Those of you, who have been balancing their diet, sleep and exercise, would see a difference. Lucky Colour: Red. Tip: Be frank and truthful. GEMINI: You draw The Moon. Rumors and gossip in office would take up most of your time. Appreciate your loved ones.They have been extremely supportive towards you. Investments would start to show returns while expense management would also get better. Lucky Colour: Brick red. Tip: Consolidate your gains. CANCER: The Six of Swords reveals your personal and professional relationships, communication would play a key role, hence, be careful about your words. This would also be a good time to rethink plans, strategies and priorities. Monday would be lucky for you. Lucky Colour: Golden. Tip: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. LEO: The Prince of Wands shows housewives would remain on their toes and there may be some unexpected guests. Money-wise, profits would come in from previous investments. Students would need to be extra studious and diligent. Many of you would travel for business and these would be profitable journeys. Lucky Colour: Earthy brown. Tip: Listen carefully to what others say even if you do not relish. VIRGO: The six of cups blesses you with new beginnings. At work, there would be additional responsibility, which would give you a sense of authority. Avoid being judgmental, since you may lose out on vital friendships and relationships. Pay attention to your health, diet and exercise. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Tip: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses. LIBRA: Your card The Universe reveals the week would be favorable for business alliances and dealings. Be very careful when signing anything financial. Some of you may contemplate buying a vehicle or a house. Health would not be a concern. Lucky Colour: Jade. Tip: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. SCORPIO: The Wheel of Fortune says this would be quite an eventful week for most of you. The arrangement of the planets would be most favorable to students and those seeking jobs. The planet Mars and Moon would shower fame and fortune on you. Lucky Colour: Bottle green. Tip: Take limited risks while speculating. SAGITTARIUS: The Ten of Pentacles is good for your relationship and romance. From a health perspective, you should try and get enough rest. This is also a crucial week for your finances and investments. So, take out time to review them. Lucky Colour: Brown. Tip: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. CAPRICORN: The Ace of Wands says you would be able to interact and meet new and fascinating people who would prove valuable in future. This would be a time in which you would need to assert yourself and be honest in your conversations. Lucky Colour: Pale yellow. Tip: Take no risks. AQUARIUS: You draw the Knight of Pentacles so this is a good week to use those grey cells to your advantage in all professional endeavors. In relationships, be perceptive.Money matters would need some of your attention, especially, investments. Lucky Colour: Emerald green. Tip: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion PISCES: You draw The World. This would be a week of surprises and changes.Extra expenses may cause a dent in your budget. There may be some traveling for pleasure. Lucky Colour: Peacock green. Tip: Have faith in yourself.
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IT is a tale that has impregnated in our lives so effortlessly. Action, drama, emotions and not to forget the spiritual extravaganza, it offers it all and though we know each and every sequence by heart now, the craving just doesn’t end. Yes, you got it right we are talking about the Ramayana and if today also the epic serial is ruling the prime time slot on the national television, it is not a deal at all. Fine, we all know it and have heard all this before too, but how about hi-tech Ramlila? The art of performing Ramayana is catching popularity, thanks to technology that is making it much more than mere story telling. It is a complete entertainment package now and here we check out what makes it so.
“The emotional appeal replete with spiritual fervour, body gestures with the wealth of meaning with an emphasis on Rasa are the basic ingredients of Bharatnatyam, the oldest classical dance form of India,” claims Padmashri Saroja Vaidyanathan, the dance performer and guru. Credited with over a dozen publications and albums, 21 dance dramas, performances all over the world, she is still going strong.
The pre-release hype around Kidnap was colossal - another racy thriller from a stylist's stable, potent star cast, a lover-boy eager for an image makeover and a meek girl leaping onto the bikini bandwagon. The ingredients seemed perfect (read mouthwatering). However, the final fable dished out to you is not that great.
Somebody should tell Goldie Behl that VFX alone do not deliver a hit. An exciting story is what viewers are looking for, more so when it is a saga of a superhero.