Want to catch the latest flick? Forget traffic jams, long queues and houseful boards. Get the feel of the bada parda in your living room with a home theatre

Kuldip Singh and his family get a taste of high-end telly viewing Photo: Pradeep Tewari

FOR most of us watching a film with friends would mean rushing to some multiplex, stand in those endless queues (unless of course you have been smart enough to do online booking), pushing and get pushed in turn at the entry point with the accompanied hassles of getting the purses and pockets checked for any possible explosives and then groping in the dark for the allotted seats before finally settling down in the chair to concentrate on the screen.

But not for these lucky ones! For Kuldip Singh and his family, watching a film in style entails only a minor argument over which DVD to run in their home theatre which has a 10 ft by 10 ft screen, state-of-the art sound technology, tastefully done interior and all the comforts of home!

“We have never gone out for a film ever since we had this installed at our home almost seven years back,” says Kuldip and Nimmi Singh of Sector 9. Kuldip and his sons Karan and Rajan Pratap handpicked the accessories from Delhi, like the projector from Barco, amplifiers from Denon and four speakers from Jamo. It cost them about Rs nine to ten lakh but the effort and the money was worth it. So, how much time is spent in the room. “Plenty,” says Nimmi. “In fact, it has been monopolised by my sons and their friends. So, I am planning to have another one at the ground floor,” she says. And who can blame them? With the chairs and couches with black Italian leather for upholstery, soothing flooring and classy black and white pictures of Beatles, Marylin Monore and Paul Mc Courtney to keep you company, the lure of the room is too great to resist.

Another, home theatre which deserves to be talked about is Chandigarh MC councillor Devinder Singh Babla’s home theatre in the basement of his Sector 27 residence. Equipped with 156 inches screen, a Hitachi projector, speakers by JBL and amplifiers Harman Kardon and once again the interior done in black leather, it makes watching even a tacky song like Beedi jalaile… an experience to savour.

“We got it installed about a year back and tried to get the best deal possible by assembling it rather than buying everything from the same company,” says Harpreet Kaur Babla. Though the venture was initiated by her husband and son Yudhveer Singh, Harpreet took over when it came to doing the interior bit. “Initially, I was not all that keen, but now I do watch films, reality shows and of course cricket matches.” Though like any youngster of his age, Yudhveer likes to visit the multiplexes, he makes it a point to watch the cricket matches with his parents. Makes for quality family time.

Suchitra Mitra, a Bharatnatyam dancer from the city, will share the stage with Sonal Mansingh’s troupe at Poompuhar

Pure art. That’s how this danseuse from Chandigarh defines the Indian classical dance form, Bharatnatyam. And she has an advice for all those who turn up to see Bharatnatyam performances for entertainment’s sake. “Appreciate the dance form just as you would any painting by a renowned artist. All it offers is a visual treat,” avers Suchitra Mitra, a Bharatnatyam dancer from the city who will be performing on Sunday with her troupe at the Poompuhar-08 show. The lady could not hide her excitement while sharing with us how she got this opportunity. “Sonal Mansingh saw our dance and asked me to perform with her troupe at the cultural nite. Her asking us to do Bharatnatyam with performers from the South, is indeed a great honour and appreciation of our talent.”

That the modern-day popular dances like the salsa, hip hop and tango are a favourite among youngsters, leaving just a few takers for Bharatnatyam, hardly bothers her, “Indian classical dances are meant just for the classes and not for the masses. Unlike the contemporary dances, you cannot master Bharatnatyam in a week or a month, years of dedicated hard work is required for that.” No surprises if next she tells us that her association with the dance form has been 30 years’ long. “It requires constant improvisation. As a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, you know the intricacies of the dance that demands more practice.”

But the lady is equally convinced that popularity of these party-floor dances is short-lived. She also feels that dance shows earning huge TRPs for TV channels do less good to the art than harm. “The practice has made the very parameters of a good dancer look false. It makes youngsters believe that they are versatile, whereas the fact is that they can perform only to select Bollywood numbers.”

The Hungarian film festival in the city is sure to popularise this small country of Europe

What if we are handed over the boring history books to learn about the culture and traditions of different countries? Without devoting more than ten minutes (that too is the maximum time limit), we would start doing something else or end up making an excuse of severe headache; the escape mantras, we used in history lessons back in school, will certainly become handy once more. On the contrary, visual mediums would be better and of course entertaining to the core. In an effort to do the same, Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre in association with STEPS has come up with Hungarian Film and cultural festival that will showcase Hungarian films, a photographic exhibition, dance and classical programmes by Hungarian artists.

The five-day festival begins from Saturday and aims to bring home the culture of not much talked about European country. Dr Imre Lazar, director of HICC, talks about the films that will be screened during the festival. “The films will showcase the history of our country. Also people will get an idea about the prevalent social problems and the nature of society in Hungary.” He did not forget to mention that the films would have universal appeal that people will find easy to connect too. Talking about popular Bollywood flicks he said, “Black and Kabul Express have certainly left a mark in the International cinema.” The film festival primarily aims to promote cinema of Hungary. “We don’t have enough funds to add special effects in our movies, the budget is limited and so most of the movies mirror social problems that need to be urgently addressed.”

Decorations made of wood raisin Photo: S. Chandan

A lazy Saturday afternoon, and a nip in the air. A drive away from the rush of the city, an eating out by the poolside, and a spending spree that takes care of your festival wardrobe and gifting. That’s what a trip to Vanity Fair at Whispering Willows would entail. Brimming with pretty girls, mummies, mothers-in-law, young boys accompanying their mothers, the first day of the annual exhibition was a good crowd puller. “Touchwood,” smiles Priya Jagat, co-owner Whispering Willows, who has made sure that this annual feature has something different to offer. “This time we have brought in about 30-35 new participant.”

So, we begin with the new. A whole range of ethnic and semi-traditional wear by designers from Mumbai and Delhi. And the offings, kurtis, suits, kaftans, stoles, in various forms, patterns, colours accessorised with bags, purses, cluthes and designer jewellery. All this, you have loads of at the exhibition.

Ah, the prices? Well, they are worth the products on display—-whether it’s the wooden raisin decorative items by the first timer Take Me Home, or Wood Wonderz, a new collection by Punita Singh. In fact, there are a good number of stalls on high-end décor. Wooden candle stands, glass photo frames, tea sets, bar accessories, artifacts in metal and wood, hand-painted ceramic paintings, decorative candles, there is lots on the list. All you need is a ample time and an eye for such exclusive products.

In addition, designer wedding cards, gift-wraps and festival packaging also rule. Aditi Arora’s designer boxes or Tina Lutha’s pooja thalis and designer candles and diyas, there was much to choose from.

Lastly, something that women just can’t ignore. The Fall- winter prêt and couture collection 2008 by various designers and dazzling accessories. Anarkali suits, kaani jamewars, hand and block-printed kurtis, funky Indian wear, branded tops, sweaters, tunics, kurtis, Indo-western outfits in umpteen patterns and designs, bridal suits, embroidered suits, casual winter collection, fashion jewellery, designer and branded bags, shawls, stoles, evil eye bracelets, hangings, it was indeed an amalgamation of style and comfort. And finally, lots in the home linen section as well—— High-end bedspreads, home linen, cushions, table linen, quilts, table sets, durries, bed covers, bottle covers and what have you.

On till October 19

South Indian food lovers are in for a treat. Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) has come up with fare from down south called Spicy South Food Festival at Hotel Mountview.

The three-day festival is part of the cultural extravaganza of Tamil Nadu Government, Poompoohar-2008. And no, non-vegetarians need not skip it, for they have for the first time introduced non-vegetarian delicacies. The three course menu, starting with soup, consists of two chicken dishes and one each with mutton and fish. This is apart from the standard vegetarian fare comprising dosas, idli etc.

For the beginners there would be fresh coconut welcome drink, with greens, cucumber and beans sprout and Omar-E-Khyam reserved for salads. Besides, the festival also goes onto prove that South Indian cuisine can have options and variety for non-vegetarians too. So one can have browse through Chicken Chattinad, Koly Kuzhambul, chicken variety, Mutton Vindaloo, Meen Kuzhambu. That’s not it.

To give that down south feel, there would be a South Indian artist performing in the rustles while all the service staff dressed in the uniform, symbolic of the region. And while the quantity and quality are in no way lacking, it does not reflect on the prices. The package rate costs only Rs 399 per person. Hmm…it just got better. —TNS

On till 20th October

Fresh lease of life: Surinder Kaur and Harbhajan Singh get role in Saif starrer Photo: Himanshu Mahajan

Life brings strange surprises. Harbhajan Singh and Surinder Kaur had one waiting for them as they handed a passport size photograph of theirs to a friend. The picture bagged them a short role in Saif’s upcoming untitled flick.

While the shooting of a song sequence lasted just four days in one of the havelis in Rajasthan wherein the couple plays elders in a joint family.

“I was almost out of work after my two sons’ demise. It was a welcome change as we got to get out of our home and do something,” says Harbhajan Singh.

“We have been living on our own and this four-day employment earned us some cash as well an outing in Rajasthan where living in a star hotel was nice,” says his wife Surinder Kaur.

And how was it working with Saif? “It was fine, we just did what we were told,” tells the couple. Ask them about their future as actors and thay say, “Well, it is something that was totally unexpected. Forget acting, we do not even watch movies. But yes, since we don’t have anything much to do, if given a chance we would like to do it again. As of now there are no offers.”

THE road to creative nirvana is paved with honest intentions. Jag Mundhra seems to have understood it well as this time he gets 'provoked' by London's infamous tube bombings and its aftermath —Operation Kratos—to churn out a gripping drama that focuses on human story.

Shoot on Sight is an earnest effort to bring forth the sensitive issue of Islamic fundamentalism and plight of moderate Muslims in post-7/7 England when the law-keepers were given the unbridled power to unleash lethal force on terror suspects. During one such operation, a young innocent Muslim student is gunned down by a Scotland Yard squad at a metro station.

In an exercise to salvage the public relations disaster, the department asks Tariq Ali (Naseeruddin Shah), a Pakistan-born, liberal Muslim officer, to carry out the investigations in a manner to minimise the damage. In turn, he is promised an 'exemplary' elevation.

As Ali charters on his investigative route along with his assistant Ruby Kaur (Laila Rouass), he realises his predicament: Being a Muslim his peers mistrust him, while his own community doesn't quite accept his moderate stand. Add to it the complexities at the domestic front. He has an English wife (Greta Scacchi) and a rebel teenage daughter Sadie Frost.

Events take a dramatic turn with the entry of Tariq's nephew Zaheer (Mikaal Zulfiqaar) into the household. The reserved boy is one among the bunch of Muslim fanatics being harboured, controlled and directed by a sinister Imam (Om Puri), a childhood acquaintance of Ali whom the latter despises for his radicalism.

In a predictable end, our hero discovers the plot to blow up the Galleria shopping centre just in time and saves thousands, but not before having to shoot down his nephew.

The beauty of Shoot… is that nowhere Mundhra has tried to be didactic and preachy. He rather takes a balanced approach while putting forward the views of both sides.

The script by Carl Austin is taut and the direction steady which brings out riveting performances from the talented cast. Naseer as protagonist is simply outstanding. He excels while portraying that torn expression on his face. The remarkable ease with which he slips into the different shades of his character—an ardent cop, a concerned father, a loving husband and a moderate Muslim—speaks of his prowess as a performer. Puri as a chilling, disturbing extremist Imam is convincing.

The rest of the cast with Scacchi as an understanding wife, Brian Cox as Tariq's superior and Grover as friend in need lends an apt support to the plot. Zulfikar looks promising, while Laila Rouass impresses in her cameo. A must one-time watch!

MONTY is back and so is Karz, albeit under the mounting burden of extra Zs. While Subhash Ghai made sure that The Reincarnation of Peter Proud was Indianised to the minutest detail in his Karz, Satish Kaushik is happy aping the classic without many twists.

Only one thing bogs down the latest Karzzzz: Comparison. Monty (Himesh) is a rock star who falls in love with Tina (Shweta Kumar) and follows her to South Africa. He gets flashes of past life and tries to get even with his evil wife Kamini (Urmila) who had killed him as Ravi Verma (Dino Morea) with the help of Sir Juda (Gulshan Grover).

Kaushik didn't have much to do in this remake. Even then he falters, as the first half looks like an extended song 'n' dance tour of Reshammiya. The later half begins on a promising note, only to end abruptly.

As for performances, Reshammiya is no Rishi. And he is clever enough to understand his limitations and makes no effort to match his predecessor. Urmila as the woman in scarlet is impressive. The new Kamini replaces the poise of Simi Garewal with oomph. Shweta has miles to go in the acting department. Danny and Dino are good in cameos. Grover as mute Sir Juda is comical. Good outing for Reshamiya fan club, the rest can rest.

On my return from a recent trip to Kolkata - I found an earth-repairing change – plastic bags have been banned and the ban has been literally implemented. I was so surprised that I even forgot to drink my evening tea. It seems almost implausible that life can go on without the ubiquitous plastic bags.

The first day I ventured into a market for buying things – I realised I had not brought any carry-bags. When I cursed myself and thought of retracing my steps, I saw some vendors on the street side. They were selling bags made from cut out cement bohris – five or ten rupees a piece. I was absolutely bowled over by this sheer genius of entrepreneurship. It showed great commercial serendipity. Armed with the bags – I set out on my shopping. By the time I returned – his business was booming. People were haggling over prices. One man complained that he bought one for three rupees the previous day. The man replied nonchalantly – “Phir hath se utha ke cheez le jao.”

The lesson had still not sunk in. I ended up in a supermarket – once more without a carry bag. They were quite resourceful as well. For ten rupees I got a bag that was refundable. Not bad! I went once more to the stores and carried tissue rolls by hand – back to the car. Then I sent someone to get atta who used a gunny sack bag and left a trail to my house like Hansel and Grettel. We started looking around the house for sturdy plastic bags folded away in shelves that would turn into real bags now.

My mother had a hard green plastic ‘balti’ bag – that was her trademark bazaar bag. Even after it had cracked up after many years of carrying watermelons to pumpkins, she would not throw it away. When polythene invaded India, she hung up her green bag for the longest time, till someone took pity on the decaying bag and gave pieces of it to the puppy and rest to the kudawalla. I can almost visualise the triumphant look on her face if she were here to witness this new era!

Most shops have put up notices requesting shoppers to bring their own bags. Nevertheless, people are carrying ice-creams by hand as well as eggs. The reorientation will take a while. I remember the times when sarees came in red cardboard boxes tied with a pink string and wrapped in light tissue paper.

I love the way we are going back in time now. I am looking forward to seeing paper bags floating in Sukhna instead of polythene. Now, only if we could ban cell phones in movie halls!

Mohali residents now don’t need to drive down to Chandigarh everytime they want to shop for home furnishings. Splash, a retail outlet for home furnishing brand of Hanung Retail ltd. opened its branch in Phase-5. The store aims at providing at one stop experience for home furnishing shoppers with tablecloths, bed linens, curtains and towels available under one roof.

The store is just a part of the company’s expansion spree with its outlet already running across metros like Noida, Gurgaon, New Delhi, Jammu and Dehradun. The Splash range of home furnishing is also available at over 3500 multi-brand retail outlets. Residents can now look forward to indulging in some splash.

It’s all about finest fashion for women with Ananta fashion accessories launching their three outlets in city. It presents a collection of ladies accessories like belts, handbags, scarves, shawls and jewellery. There is a new collection for each season designed by a team of well qualified designers for creating that exquisite and elegant range for the contemporary women.