Virtual voice to real sound byte. Some of the anger and angst emanating from Bollywood that has swamped the blogosphere in recent days found an echo in the city’s lush-osphere on Thursday afternoon as we got actor Gul Panag chatting about 26/11 and beyond.

In town, fresh from the memory of Mumbai’s darkest days, Gul articulated some of the concerns that she has already posted on her blog. “Read my blog, it says whatever I have to say on those three days of terror,” she said, sipping her Diet Coke.

But the labyrinth of emotions that sound bytes can convey cannot be captured entirely in blog bits. So, we press on for the what, where and what next.

“Oh, I was home that day but two people close to me were in the vicinity of the Taj and the Oberoi. Thankfully, they got back safe,” she said, with a distinct undertone 
of relief.

The nation, including B-town, is overwhelmed and outraged today. Is it the enormity of the tragedy that has shaken people so much or the change in the profile of the targets and the fact that the citadels of the rich and famous were struck?

Gul agreed absolutely with the latter bit, “The ‘nation’, that is the common man, has already been bearing the brunt of violence,

Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Delhi being some of the recent cases. It’s just that now the

terrorists hit out at high-profile places and people.”

Bollywood, too, has pulled out all stops this time to vent its anger not only at the massacre but also the system and its political custodians. Neta-bashing being one common thread running through most celebrity blogs on 26/11, can this deluge of outrage translate into any meaningful action for the man on the street?

“Yes, why not, celebrities can use their star status to bear upon the politicians and other decision-makers. They can help by being the voice of the common man,” added the dimpled face of the new Tata Sky advertisement.

And what role can the common man play? Do all those candlelight vigils and marches elicit any concrete action? “Certainly, candlelight vigils are a symbol of the resolve of the masses to get themselves heard. These denote the purposefulness of the public,” was her view.

What next?

“Politicians need to be reminded that they’re accountable to the public even after they get elected. We need to make our leaders answerable and the system responsive to us,” she felt.

Netas and napping? Well, that could be food for more blog bytes, but for now, she signed off to get some actual food bites.

chetnabanerjee@tribunemail.com

Yes, there are rich who also get involved. The percentage is small. The machinery in place that goes about recruiting these people is very advanced and unscrupulous. They are highly motivated by people whose full time job is to mislead these people. Their modus operandi is to show videos of Muslims being tortured /killed/women being raped, and other forms of propaganda. In Punjab (I am a Sikh from a village in Punjab called Mahadian, Distt Fategarh Sahib), many youngsters from well to do families after seeing their relatives/ kin burnt alive by mobs, tortured and raped by the forces were badly shaken up. Psychologically numb. And were ready when extremists came knocking on their doors to garner support. 

We are not the United States where we can single mindedly pursue security. But having said that, it’s important to understand, that not even the best trained force in the world can be prepared for someone who is ready to kill himself. The terrorist wins by not losing/dying (for whatever short period he wreaks havoc) and the forces “lose” by not winning immediately (ultimately they do in a Mumbai like scenario, but not in J&K, Iraq). 

Prolific writer-director-lyricist Gulzar, who has made two films on the issue of terrorism, blames laxity on the part of the Maharashtra government for the Mumbai terror strikes and says politicians are trying to gain political mileage out of the attacks.

"Why are politicians trying to gain mileage out of this gruesome incident? Our home is burning, we don't have ample security to protect ourselves," Gulzar said.

"I believe the Maharashtra government had information as late as 24 hours before it happened. If no one wants to act in spite of loud warnings, what do we do? An individual can't pull the administrators physically out of their homes," he remarked in anger.

"I don't see politicians talking to the victims of terrorism, giving them courage. To divert attention, they start talking about Pakistan," said Gulzar, who has made films on terrorism like Maachis and Hu Tu Tu. He was also against comparisons between the attacks in Mumbai and the 9/11 terror strike in the US.

"9/11! Why are you comparing our situation to that? Don't we have enough reference points of our own? It's like calling our film industry 'Bollywood' just because they've their 'Hollywood'. What about the storming of parliament? Is that a smaller reference point than 9/11 for 26/11? Stop resorting to clichés," he said.—Subhash K. Jha 

Bollywood actor Ashish Chaudhary, who lost his sister and brother-in-law in the Mumbai terror attacks, says he has not come to terms with the loss but wants to thank all those who stood by him in his hour of grief.

"I am not yet in the frame of mind to talk or deal or replay the destruction of my family and their souls, but I would still thank all those who stood by, called, sent messages and comforted me at a time when my whole world collapsed," Ashish wrote in an open letter to media.

The actor's sister Monica Chhabaria and her husband Ajit had gone to the Tiffin restaurant of the Oberoi Trident Hotel, which was among the 10 places the terrorists attacked in Mumbai November 26, killing 183 people.

Ashish is not only traumatised because of his inconsolable loss, but angry too.

"I'm angry, really angry. I stood there helpless while a few strangers came and snatched away pieces of my hearts. I could do nothing and asked just one question, why? The answer was a cruel silence that numbed me." "There is no solace, there is no way on earth anybody can tell any of us to console ourselves. This hurt will stay forever. The gaping wound will never heal and the anger will only stay hidden," he said.

Monica was the actor's only sister and he says that he is able to keep his emotions under control because of the couple's daughters - Kanishq and Ananaya aged 12 and seven. "If there is anything that can hold me together now and not let me crumble fully, are the two small innocents who in a matter of seconds lost their parents," he said. "The children waited, not understanding why their parents haven't returned from dinner yet,”said Ashish.

The horrifying attacks robbed children of the care and love of their parents, but the actor is firm that the kids will not be deprived of anything even after the death of their parents. "The one thing that I really want Monica and Jiju (brother-in-law) to know is that their children will always have a second set of parents in Samita (Ashish's wife) and me. We will be there in every way we can to look after them," said a grief-stricken Ashish.

The actor says he can relate to all those who have suffered along with him but believes that everyone should try and get a hold of themselves and move ahead with conviction.

What I would really like to see emerge from all this is the youth of this country starting a political party. A group that stands for strong, clean, honest and fresh leadership. A group that we can all support, Aamir said in his blog yesterday. Warning them to desist from taking the country towards a feeling of hate following the dastardly attack, he said, ''If we really want to make sure that terrorists fail in achieving their end, then these terror attacks should not take us towards hate but instead towards love. If we react with hate we are succumbing to these terror attacks, and if we react with increasing love and peace in our hearts then we squarely defeat the terrorists.

Allowing love, peace and trust to grow within us is not a sign of weakness but a sign of immense strength.'' Holding the political parties in the country for failing to tackle terrorism, Aamir Khan said the geatest lesson to be learnt from the terrorist incidents in the past years is that the Governments must not listen to and negotiate with terrorists.

''I think the first lesson to learn from this is that the Governments must not listen to and negotiate with terrorists. All potential terrorists must get a very clear message that India does not negotiate with terrorists,” Aamir said.

Blaming the political parties for lack of efforts to tackle terrorist attacks, Aamir said,''Quite clearly both the major political parties have failed to tackle terrorism. There have been repeated attacks on us during both their reigns, which neither has been able to either anticipate or deal with well.

While what happened in Mumbai recently clearly exposes the incompetence of the Congress, the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight 814 during the BJP rule shows them in even worse light. They actually negotiated with the terrorists and released three dreaded terrorists from Indian jails. All the five hijackers and the three terrorists released from India by the then BJP government were allowed to escape to attack us another day.''

And please remember that the definition of terrorism is not restricted to AK 47 toting maniacs. It includes the spread of terror by other means like stone throwing, beating up of innocent people on the roads, and rioting, etc. Any means, in fact, to spread terror in the hearts of ordinary citisens,'' Aamir said.

At the same time he said the blame also lay with the people for not exercising their right to vote or making injudicious choices.

''To all the various people going around arbitrarily throwing accusations at the politician, I want to say that these politicians are not from Jupiter or Mars, they are one of us, from our very own society, selected by us through a democratic process. So now think for a moment, who really is to blame? We can only blame ourselves guys. Half of us don't go to vote. The half that does vote has selected these guys. In my opinion, you really want to change things? Change yourself. —PTI, IANS, UNI 

Like any other common citizen I also feel deeply hurt by the terrorists audacious attack on Mumbai...the people's outburst on the incident is natural...but it is wrong to single out politicians for the incident, the actor-turned politician and former union minister said.

"Why point fingers only at politicians, what about bureaucrats, police and others who do not perform their duties sincerely," Sinha added.

Sinha said there might be some "black sheep", but "painting every politician with the same brush is not correct".

"If politicians are so bad why do people respect Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Charan Singh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani for taking the country forward," he said.

Sinha, who was cabinet minister in Vajpayee cabinet, said resignation by Shivraj Patil as Union Home Minister is not enough.

"Top officials of Home ministry and intelligence wings should also be taken to task for the attack," he said.

On people and Bollywood personalities venting anger on the Mumbai attack, Sinha said it's good to see them coming out in open against wrongs.

He, however, said it would have been better "if the same personalities should have come out openly when people from north India were targeted by some misguided elements in Mumbai and elsewhere in Maharashtra recently". 

When art and charity come together, it shows. Just as in the case of Kasum Cana, an artist and a writer from Croatia, who is here with his paintings, Gypsy World, which he intends to donate. The name itself, effortlessly evokes curiosity, questions and queries. We set the ball rolling.

Why the name gypsy? Answers Kasum, "With these paintings, among other things, I'd like to tell everyone that gypsies are not poor and they are not a nuisance. They have a language and culture of their own." Perhaps, he doesn't know, all of us at some point of time have harbored a secret desire to be one. He adds, "I have used a lot of green, blue and red and these are the colours of gypsies."

Having been to Agra last year, the man is in Chandigarh for the first time to display his works. All of 10 paintings are based on themes like seasons (spring, autumn, winter) and desire. So, the desire for love is depicted through triangles and the sun through a glowing, merging circle of yellow. He says, "The desire is for things that my people need, I need and circles and squares depict my mind. Like a chakra, gypsies are always moving." His frames come devoid of figures. "I paint only abstracts, I am not a figurative artist. This art is neither of Indian, American or European origin." That's not it. Having written a book on poems, he's currently working on a Roman dictionary and one spanning three languages - Hindi, Romani and English.

The man is as much a philanthropist as a painter. This year itself, he donated several of his paintings to mark International Woman's Day in March. No wonder, the Ministry of Culture, Republic of Croatia, has sponsored his exhibition in India. He says, "It's always good to help somebody. These, I am going to donate to some school." Wish there were more souls like him.

On till December 9 at Gallery Jodh, Sector-11

Ode to India Born in the Republic of Kosovo, lived and worked in the Republic of Croatia, but the man truly qualifies for the 'Republic of Globe' title. Like the way he feels about India. As Kasum says, "I feel I am originally from this place. I am just like you. Around 100 years ago my grandfather left for Europe from this place." He adds, "When I was 17, I saw this movie Geet and my family loved Bobby and Bidai." To prove his point, the man even croons a number from Geet and quite melodiously. Wait till you hear this, "I even tried dancing to the number from Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye."

The annual affair of Bama Academy of Fine Art always has one thing similar - that of varied profile of its artists. Yes, here you have a housewife sharing space with professionals and works of a five-year-old displayed right besides the paintings by someone 55. No discrimination. Complete democracy.

Naturally, the 10th annual art exhibition of the academy is as abundant as assorted. As Bharati Sharma, member and teacher, says, "Generally it is difficult for artists to organise an exhibition on their own. We do it for them." The only condition being, one has to be a student to qualify.

Around 57 artists from Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Chandimandir and its surrounding areas have displayed their works, some for the tenth time and some for the first. So you have a painting that is open to interpretation, like the depiction of a flight of stairs, come up or come down. The next has figures signifying people against the backdrop of maples. Some depict hope while others despair. A girl holding a bunch amidst the field of sunflowers. Then a man with his head in hands in the middle of greenery. Commenting on the techniques, Ram Kumar Sharma, in charge, says, "They've used water colours, oil, pastels and even mixed media." He elaborates, "In mixed media we try to create a three-dimensional effect by using things like zinc oxide and adhesives." The 3-d effect is apparent to the touch if not clearly perceptible to the eye.

Moving on, there are displays by children as well. And considering their first brushes with the brush, pleasantly surprising. As Ram Kumar says, "Our main aim is to bring the latent or hidden talent into limelight." —TNS

On till December 7 at the Govt Museum and Art Gallery-10

Nigella Lawson's mantra is that cooking should be fun; if it becomes stressful then you're not doing it right. She believes that Christmas is a great excuse to potter about in the kitchen, to slow down, take cover from the frenzy of the holiday season and realise how comforting it can be to cook. For Kitchen Goddess Nigella Lawson, Christmas represents everything that she loves — food, entertaining, home and family.

Ginger-glazed ham

Ingredients: -

5.4 Kg Joint ham

7 lts Dry ginger ale

350gms Chunky ginger preserve

2 Tbsp English mustard

100gms Brown sugar

½ tsp Ground clove

Method:-

Place the joint in a large pan over the hob and the dry ginger ale, top up with some water if the ham is not just about covered with liquid. Bring the pan to the boil then lower the heat slightly so that it keeps bubbling gently for four and half hours. Towards the end of the four and a half hours, pre-heat the oven to 220C/425F and begin glaze.

In a bowl, add the chunky ginger preserve. Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot English mustard. Add the soft, dark brown sugar and sprinkle in the ground cloves and stir to mix.

After it's had its four and a half hours, gently lift the ham out of the pan and place on a foil-lined baking tray. Carefully cut away the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat. There is no need to score the surface, simply slap on the glaze and place the tray with the ham into the hot oven for 20 minutes. Serve hot or cold.

Christmas cupcakes

Ingredients:-

150 gms Plain flour

1 pack Green icing

125 ml Boiling water

100 gms Unsalted butter

1 tsp Baking powder

160 gms Brown sugar

75 gms Dark chocolate

Eggs 2

½ tsp Bicarbonate soda

3 tbsp Sour cream

1 tsp Instant coffee

30 cranberries

1 tsp Ground mixed spice

12 Muffin tins

250 gms Instant royal icing

½ tsp salt

Method:-

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, bicarb, mixed spice and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then beat in a third of the flour mixture followed by a tablespoon of the sour cream, repeating till each is used up. Put the water, chocolate and instant coffee in a pan and heat gently, just until the chocolate has melted. Fold this into the cake batter, but don't over beat. The mixture will be very thin, but don't worry about that: just pour carefully into the waiting muffin cases and put in the oven for about 20 minutes, until each little cake is cooked through but still dense and damp. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then slip out the cakes in their papers and sit on a wire rack until completely cooked.

Decorate the cupcakes with instant royal icing and berries. —TNS

Nigella's Christmas Kitchen will be on air on Discovery Travel & Living every Friday from December 5 to 19