|
|
|
|
|
Lines of control
Art inspires. Art intrigues. Yet, it’s not for nothing that they say, art works when everything else fails. Ruhaniyat, an exhibition by Syed Aftab Ahmed Shah is a testimony to the fact. The calligraphic artist from the famous Fakir Khana family of Lahore has displayed his works for the first time in India. For a change, we don’t have questions, don’t wish to ask, just want to listen.
The artist, a graduate from Aitchison College, Lahore, has successfully captured the essence of all religions in his works. He says, “I’ve come here with the message of peace.” So, there’s a piece of work on whose four corners is inscribed Ek Onkar and in the centre is written Bismillah in different style. Then there’s another, Guru Gobind Singh — Zafar Nama, an epistle from the Guru to Emperor Aurangzeb protesting against his atrocities. “We also provide a translation of the Zafar Nama, so that you know what you are buying,” says Annu Bains, curator.
About his inspiration, he adds, “I wanted there to be a visual medium that would be an everyday reminder of history. Otherwise, how often do we open the Guru Granth Sahib?” Having put up his works in America, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, his creations have found a place in the drawing rooms of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and General Musharaf, to name a few. Coming back to his works, on some pieces are ayaats from the Koran written in Persian. What about calligraphy, the beautiful and rare art? He replies, “The discipline of calligraphy depends on the width of the kalam. For Alaph, there’s some other width, while it’s different measurements for Bay.” His kalam is made of anything from bamboo to iron. Not just calligraphy, the works on display also include paintings by him.
However, Syed is hopeful as the National College of Arts has introduced calligraphy in its curriculum. Amen! manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
As Bangalore hosts the golden jubilee bash of the Gnat aircraft today, nostalgia runs high in the tricity too I do everything myself, from engine start to engine shutdown. In a war, I will face alone the missiles and the flak of the small arms fire over the front lines. If I die, I will die alone.’ I remember, scribbling these words while going through Richard Bach. And the image that flashed across my mind was that of a tall, good-looking pilot, and a long pointed plane. And on Thursday, we come to know about the golden jubilee celebrations of the Gnat aircraft in India on November 21 at Bangalore, which would be attended by 200 pilots, engineers, and flight testing experts of yesteryear, their families from India and abroad. It was time to get real and talk to some real people.
“Gnat was a beautiful aircraft,” he shares. “It didn’t have any ladders; you had to jump into it. And of course, one had to be physically fit to fly it. Packed with all possible emergency equipment, it could take off within 45 seconds. A very maneuverable, tiny aircraft and a great one,” adds S.Sukhinder Singh. “And memories,” he smiles, “There are loads of them. Some have to do with the technical details, and others of the wonderful people associated with it. “I would love to talk about Gnat and everything about it, if only the listener is receptive to it,” says S.Sukhinder Singh. “I can’t be blowing my own trumpet.” But we are interested to know what fighter pilots aremade of? Where do they garner the risk-taking capabilities? And the world up there, what is it like? “A true fighter pilot is like an astronaut, all by himself. The onus right from the take off to the landing is on him,” shares the Flt. Lieutenant, who wouldn’t be able to make it to the Golden Jubliee celebrations due to some urgent work back home. “Honestly, I have not experienced any thrill greater than flying a fighter plane. The power, the thrust, the enjoyment is unexplainable. It’s like riding a horse you can control, In fact much greater than a horse in strength.” How would the youngsters relate to it? “They are busy scouting the sensex, sitting in a cabin of some swanky office. “Nevertheless,” he puts in, “Do not underestimate the education or whatever goes in making of a pilot.” Instead, he views everything positively. “I must add that all pilots are well read. No one can fly a plane without getting through the ground tests. Earlier, money was not the criterion. But now, one has to educate their children, look after a family ,” adds S.Sukhinder Singh. “I never had a room to myself in 10 years of my service. That was the scene.” Isn’t that what makes a ‘real’ fighter pilot? “A different attitude, a bit of bravado, risk taking ability, fearlessness, intuitiveness and last but not the least, the spirit of adventure. As long as you enjoy it and not treat it like any other job, you can’t be a good fighter pilot.” One last thing, he points out, “You can’ just read a book and fly a plane.” Real men don’t do that, we know that sir. jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
Koffee break The star son of yesteryears heartthrob Sanjay Khan aka Tipu of tele-serial Tipu Sultan; Zayed Khan debuted in Bollywood with Chura Liya Hai Tumne. Though the movie didn't do very well on box office, but it sure made Zayed a star. Turing him into a new leaf it was Farah Khan's blockbuster Main Hoon Na and then Dus where he played a cop, gave his filmy career a new height.
Having bagged the best male debut award for Chura Liya Hai Tumne (2004) and Filmfare best supporting award for Main Hoon Na (2005), in the past one year he only had one release-Mission Istanbul. The movie didn't fare well, but his stars are again looking bright with Yuvraaj. Sharing screen space with Salman Khan and Anil Kapoor, the story revolves around relationships and younger generation's attitude towards money. Except your first release all your movies have been multi-starrers. How does it feel to share screen space with other actors? I have no problems working in multi-starrers. It is not that I have not been offered solo films, but they were not interesting. Yuvraaj is releasing with a lot of expectations. Are you feeling the pressure? Not at all, I am excited about this film. Whenever I do a film, I always hope that film does well. I give my 100 per cent and then leave the rest for the viewers to judge. Subhash Ghai, has called Yuvraaj a unique tale narrated through music. Do you agree with him? Yes, it is true. It is a musical story revolving around today's youngsters and their attitude towards money and lifestyle. Subhash Ghai, is well-versed in cinema. Your equation with Salman Khan and Anil Kapoor Both Salman and Anil Kapoor are ace actors who have proved their metal over the years. And working with them was definitely a good experience. You have always done something different in your films. Does Yuvraaj follow this trend? I play Danny Yuvraaj in the film. I think my performance will go a long way in carrying this film ahead. It is a pretty good role. Which other films are you looking forward to? Blue and Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge are in pipeline. —Dharam Pal
|
|
Bare flair
Sonu, who is a fitness freak himself and took initial lessons of exercising from the actor, said: "I started my fitness lessons with Salman. It is during that time that I saw him exercising and found his legs in perfect shape with perfect muscles." "We are familiar with his perfect six-pack abs and the upper body muscles, but fans have yet to see his muscular legs, which are so perfect. I think he should expose his legs too, which he has not done often," Sonu added. Sonu was speaking at a function held here recently to celebrate the success of the music of Yuvvraaj. Releasing Friday, the movie has Salman in the lead role. Reacting to Sonu's statement, Salman said: "I have done it on a few occasions, but not too often. If need arises and there is a demand, I would surely do it. But, it has to be done by keeping the Indian sensibilities in mind," the actor remarked.
|
|
It was a hugely emotional experience for Hrithik Roshan when he inaugurated the Audio and Speech therapy wing at the Nanavati Hospital and donated Rs two million for the treatment of special children. The actor met his old doctor, Ramesh Ojha, who treated him for his speech impairment. "All the memory of my past difficulties came spilling out at Nanavati. When I met my doctor who treated me at age 14 for stammering I could barely control my emotions. It's not easy to be a special child," Hrithik, said. "You may be called 'special' to make you feel less troubled about your disability. But only a child who goes through the physical or psychological disability knows the trauma," said Hrithik. Sharing his own trauma he says, "As someone who has a certain standing I feel it's my duty to tell kids with disabilities to chill. 'It's okay, guys. I got over it. So will you.' I think it's very important for me to convey this message far and wide and I want to do it more often.” "I feel charity is a very selfish thing. I feel so good after doing it. I'm sure those who will benefit from my donation wouldn't feel as good about life as I do." The wing has been named after his grandmother Ira Roshan. Right now, Hrithik is busy shooting for his next home production Kites.—IANS, Reuters
|
|
"Yes, Kareena has been invited to Pataudi. It'd have been earlier, but it was too hot. Winter is when our family reunions happen every year. And Kareena is now part of the family. My parents are extremely fond of Kareena," Saif, who worked with her in Tashan, said.
Saif is quite happy with their relationship and says he is looking forward to marrying her. "This relationship is 'IT' for me. Today I feel very settled and very happy. Though a bit lonely. And when I've bad days, I feel I'm being ungrateful. I'm now looking forward to settling down with Kareena. Our marriage will happen very shortly as soon as we both have a little less work on hand and we can give the marriage quality time. Also, her family has to be ready for our marriage," he said. The actor says he enjoys a good rapport with Kareena's parents - Babita and Randhir Kapoor. "We're very close. She has been really gracious in inviting me into her family. She's made sure I'm part of her family. I've also met Daboo uncle (Randhir) a few times, shared friendly drinks with him. As for Karisma, I think she's the sweetest girl ever in the world. I'm deeply fond of both Karisma and her husband Sanjay (Kapoor). They're truly wonderful people.
|
|
Hugh pips Pitt and Clooney for ‘sexiest’ title People magazine on Wednesday dubbed Australian actor Hugh Jackman the "sexiest man alive" in its annual issue that previously put George Clooney and Brad Pitt atop the list of Hollywood hunks. It was not only good looks and physical stature that earned the 40-year-old, 6-foot-2-inch (1.88 meters) Jackman his new title. "Hugh Jackman is the real package—humble, romantic, drop-dead gorgeous and a star of the moment. He is so much more than his movies that's sexy," said Elizabeth Sporkin, executive editor at People.
As the "sexiest man alive," he joins the ranks of Pitt, Clooney, Matthew McConaughey and Matt Damon, but People said Jackman is different from the others. "Brad is unattainably sexy, George is brainy-suave, Matt is boy-next-door sexy, and Hugh's sex appeal is the fact that he is gritty, has a great accent, and is physical," Sporkin said.
|
|
Gone are the days of the gunny-bag look for mothers-to-be. Go get stylish with smart silhouettes and bright hues Maternity and fashion are two terms that don’t gel with one another, since one is about an expanding waistline and the other about shrinking. But with fashion rising high on every ones mind gone are the days of floaty T-shirts and loose kurtas that announce ‘baby this way’, today one can find a wide variety of clothes for mothers-to-be. And why not, women have all the reason to look pretty in their very special nine months of pregnant life.
While there’s no dearth of maternity wear, these days many fashion houses and designers have taken inroads to designing clothes for mothers to be. “Times have changed and women do not want to look like a sack, when pregnant. Though pregnancy does not call for fancy clothing but garments have to be functional, breathable and non-transparent,” says Savita, Store Manager- Mums Mall-8. About the variety available at the store she says, “We have a complete range of maternity wear available at our store. Right from casual wear to night wear and lingerie, with us you can pick Kurtas, kangroo pants (that come with a pouch for tummy), day dresses and every little thing that a mom-to-be needs.” “Fashion trends these days more or less suit the pregnant woman. We have tights, tunics long sweaters in fashion and all of this goes well for expectant mothers,” says Payal Saboo, designer n stylist, Polka-8. While she has a range of maternity wear available at her store she says, “Besides tops and kurtis we have pants, skirts, tights and kurtis available for mothers-to-be.” Talk about the silhouettes and she says, “Maternity wear has to be very comfortable, flexible and the basic need is, it should cover the stomach. Keeping this in mind we have cotton pants and jeans with elastic band (adjustable these pants can be worn all through nine months as the elastic band expands as per your size), A-line kurtis, empire cut dresses and even skirts for expectant mothers.” What about the colour palette? “There are no specific colours, but as women in this period have a natural glow so they should go in for happy and bright colours.” For all those who are wondering what about our good old, all season salwar kurtas, well they are still a great option. And with fashion taking a twist everyday anything can pass of as a trendy maternity wear. To sum we would say, no matter what you wear during pregnancy, you’re likely to be the most beautiful woman amongst the lot. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
|
|
Launch PAD Inspired by the natural world's abundance of ingredients, and embracing its kaleidoscope of shades, The Body Shop pays homage to the miracles of nature, with a revolutionary new mineral make-up range. Nature's minerals make-up: Journey to the centre of the earth and discover a stunning range of loose powder shades for the face, cheeks and eyes. Pure mineral powders have been carefully selected to deliver adjustable coverage for a light, naturally radiant finish, offering you 'barely-there' make-up with a slightly pearlescent formulation for healthy-looking skin.
The Nature's minerals make-up range also includes a foundation brush, blusher brush and eyeshadow brush. Nature's minerals foundation: Made from minerals, it is oil-free, dermatologically-tested, noncomedogenic and free from potential irritants like preservatives and fragrances. The long-lasting powder foundation has an SPF of 25 to protect skin from sun damage, while it's the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Easy to blend and build, it also expertly reduces the appearance of redness, blemishes and visible pores. Rich in the earth's minerals, ingredients include: mediterranean clay and kaolin, which together ensure amazing staying power; sericite to promote lustre; mica based pearls for a healthy-looking bloom; and mica to help disguise fine lines. Red, yellow and black iron oxide provide colour while titanium dioxide helps provide sun protection. Nature's minerals cheek colour: Dermatologically-tested, free from preservatives and fragrances and offering a choice of four perfectly pearlescent shades, nature's minerals cheek colour delivers a sheer flush of shimmering colour to skilfully define and accentuate cheeks. The minerals chosen include sericite for lustre and radiance, absorbent Mediterranean clay to uphold durability, mica based pearls to add sparkle and sheen and mica, a light-diffusing mineral that helps disguise fine lines. Titanium dioxide and red, yellow and black iron oxide in selected shades, offer a natural-looking colour palette. Nature's minerals eye colour Giving you six of the very best up-to-the minute shades, this stunning, slightly shimmering array of nature-inspired hues is out of this world. Long-lasting, brilliantly blendable and cleverly crease-resistant, nature's minerals eye colour is a spectacular powder eye colour created from minerals. Nature's minerals outstanding eye colour is a careful blend of beneficial minerals: sericite to add lustre; mediterranean clay to help adhesion, ensuring long-lasting coverage; and mica based pearls to bring out the powder's vibrant colour, lustre and sheen. Iron oxide provides the colour palette and mica, present in some shades, offers a miraculous gleam, as well as light diffusing properties to disguise fine lines. — TNS
|
|
|
|
|
Side Lanes
The energy is palpable as we enter the gates of Aurovalley, Raiwala, Rishidwar, Uttrakhand. A very young brother and sister open wide the unlocked gates. No uniformed guards or clanging bells are visible or heard. No one is around. Our taxi driver looks surprised. Is this what the odd pair has driven to, away from the bustle of Chandigarh? Except for birdsong, there is complete silence. We place our bags near a wooden bench. A curly, mop haired, barely-out-of-his-teens Daniel appears. In halting English, he takes down our particulars. Done with mundane, monetary matters, he offers to walk us to our rooms. We leave the ashram office and meet a man in a white choga and sandals. Is this Swamiji? We are not introduced. The man has piercing eyes, a Grecian nose, clean, regular visage, grey hair and healthy physique. He exudes positivity and humour. Dorothy from Canada and I from a Westernised, often confused family, do not know how to react. We have never touched anyone's feet but always knelt in prayer. How should we greet the Swami? He speaks a few simple sentences to put us at ease and then Daniel takes us upstairs, through a wide verandah. A white brilliance is the first impression as I enter room 16. Small photographs of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother look down on me from above the door. I have not read any of their work. Will their spirits forgive me? The saffron sheets, pillows and bedspreads contrast with the white walls and floors. Yet both colours form a harmonious, energetic whole. We rest for an hour, letting peace, energy and the sounds of silence flow through our core. No one has suggested or forced any regimen upon us. The babel of city noises has filtered out. Everything is minimal, uncluttered. The dining hall is sparsely furnished, almost puritanical. It has huge windows overlooking a robust kitchen garden and a stand of healthy roses. Similarly the yoga hall towers over flowering mustard fields and mango groves. I am conscious of the living energy, which is mine to absorb and use. During the evening kirtan, the meditational half hour flies by as we sit on saffron cushions in a candle-lit hall, dominated by a green, crystal globe and huge pictures of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Their teachings are written on the floor with flat pebbles from Ma Ganga's shore. Slowly but unwaveringly, Swamiji's pure voice soars as he sings the different names of God. We follow suit. The old man on my left has gone to sleep but even his gentle snores add to the music. We are a score of people, of different faiths, ages, countries, languages, wounds and experiences. But as Swamiji leads us in song, we become one, seeking shanti, unity, wisdom and strength. Will the forces of greed, evil, envy, misdirected authority and governance allow this healing garden to exist? I wonder as I feel uneasy, restless, apprehensive about the future. |
|
Objet D’ART
Over the years, we have seen a premier immigration company in the tricity changing its logo thrice, starting with a ship placed on a globe heading towards Canada, which later changed to one with a dominating maple leaf and finally, to a globe with a few colourful latitudes and longitudes. The transformation was quite classy and it definitely aroused our curiosity to learn more about logo as an art form.
And in our quest, we meet quite a few experts who have been making logos for various institutes and brands and have earned name and fame in the process. In the Government College of Art, we meet Anjali S. Aggarwal and Anand C. Shende who has been designing for various institutions that come under Chandigarh Administration. When visualisation is the key word, understanding the institute is also another thing a logo artist should focus on, chip in Anjali and Anand. "What is a logo, it is nothing but the symbolic representation of the organisation in question," explains Anand. So, according to him, a logo should be simple enough so that one can easily relate to it.
For Prasana Rao of Different Strokes, an ad agency in Sector 8, simple is better and the full name of the company rendered in the logo form is not just in trend but effective too. "Because it sinks in fast and stays there for a long time." says Prasana. And for Prasana, logo making is not an art but a science because a logo reflects not only the idealogy but the state of the organisation too. Another graphic artist who has done the city proud by designing a logo for Clime and bagging a prestigious international award for it a couple of year back is Ritu Sharma, who is now settled in Delhi. So, what does it take one to be a good logo artist? "Well, one is a little restricted when it comes to designing a company logo, but for occasions like an award ceremony or others, one gets a free hand to experiment, keeping the client's needs in mind. However, the bottom line is unleash your creative talent," she says. So, after seeing their works, we come to the conclusion that when it comes to logo art, bold is not always beautiful and simple is not necessarily easy. parbina@tribunemail.com
|
|
|
| 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 | |
The answer to peace and prosperity does not lie in atheism. Without religion one cannot progress, believes Syed Aftab Ahmed Shah. He tells us, “I had a childhood friend and both of us would recurrently shuttle between a mosque and a
gurudwara, without feeling the difference. In fact, I would often pester him for the tasty kara
parshad.”
Mediums too vary as he puts in, “I use different midium for They are different for each one. Like in one, I’ve used a pencil whose colour never fades. Then others are oil paintings.” Twenty four to 25 paintings and each on top of the other, how long did it take him? Answers he, “The initial thinking itself takes a lot of time.” We got it. Time is too superficial a statistic to be attributed to passion. Still, for the information of the curious souls, it took him a year on the works displayed.
And, one name that bears a strong association with Gnat, and has seen the trails, the dangers, the misgivings and the triumph of air fighting, is Flt Lieut (retd) Sardar Sukhinder Singh. Memories are like an ATM card, you can easily slip one out of the wallet, whenever and wherever you want. What matters is how lavishly you can withdraw cash from it, and the flying officer of Gnat in 1967, did just the same. He generously and abundantly culls out the fond moments.
Singer Sonu Nigam is so impressed with Bollywood star Salman Khan's well-toned body that he urged the actor, who has often exposed his six-pack abs on screen, to flaunt his well-built legs too.
Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor seems set to take her relationship with beau Saif Ali Khan to another level. She'll soon be visiting his ancestral village Pataudi in
Haryana.
The magazine said he wields weapons with the best of Hollywood action heroes, and he sings romantic ballads to his wife of 12 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. Jackman also bakes pancakes for his children, Oscar and Ava, when he is not busy sweating it out at the gym, People said.
The actor has wooed audiences in a range of films from action-packed blockbusters like the X-Men to critically acclaimed The Prestige. He won a Tony award, Broadway's highest honour, for his role in The Boy from Oz. Jackman next appears in epic film drama Australia, which will debut in the United States next week.
While there is no perfect wardrobe for mothers to be but a little trimming, outline, colour choice and designs can make all the difference. “Though pregnant women are limited to few options when it comes to silhouettes but they can add colour and style to their wardrobe. They should emphasise on brighter hues and well styled clothes which will make them look elegant,” says Seema Sharma, fashion designer from Impressions-19. 
The range comprises a long-lasting foundation with SPF25, four fresh fabulous cheek colours and six sensational pearlescent eye shades, each contained in jars which include recycled content, with a mesh sifter for easy distribution. There is no compromise on colour as each shade is totally up-to-the minute, perfectly embracing and encapsulating the precious beauty of nature. 
Shahnaz Husain’s 24 Carat Gold Skin Radiance is a powerful age defying dual complex has been specially designed for age-control. It contains 24 Carat pure gold in leaf form and comprises of two formulations - a gold gel and a moisture enhancer. Gold has powerful anti-ageing properties, as it helps to reverse oxidation damage. The complex also stimulates lymphatic drainage, purifying, revitalising and rejuvenating the skin. It also speeds up cell regeneration and improves normal functions, making the skin firm and resilient, with a youthful golden glow.
—TNS
"Some come here saying they do not want to live. Others say they want to live but do not know how. If they show any interest in life, we see to it that hope is generated, souls revived and whole people go into the world again. And yet some of them return to imbibe more of our energy, till they are able to face the world they have left behind." - Swami Brahmdev.
Anajali agrees with him. "If you are designing one, feel the very character of the company and let your imagination take charge. And yes, the colour palette too plays a significant role," she says. Anand has created logos for Chandigarh Tourism, E-Sampark, Gram Sampark, Cyber Security Centre and Ciprox , while Anjali has done more of educational institutes like the Central Craft Institute, Industrial Training Institute and ICICI Leadership branch, Maharashtra. Both have the experience of working as graphic designers in ad firms before they joined the college as lecturers. 
But looking at companies changing their logos often, we wonder if there is a particular trend in logo art which they are following. "Though simple is in, it depends on the products one is dealing with. But while creating a logo one should keep in mind that as one cannot change logos frequently, it should be simple and have a fresh appeal, which means it should not look old with time," says Devika Ahluwalia of Scribbles, an ad firm in Sector 46.