The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Loansome living
The booster shot for our economy is meant to help things at home. But how are the desi students and professionals in the US coping with the current credit crisis and loan obligations? We check out…
Mona

With financial tsunami battering the US, living, studying and working in the 'dollar land' is no more a dream come true. The slowdown monster is on a rampage. A massive credit crunch, mounting lay-offs coupled with blanket freeze on hiring and steady wealth loss have brought Americans virtually to their knees, with most of the experts agreeing that the world's largest economy has entered its worst phase in decades.

Lifestyle finds out how grim is the mood and what are desi professionals and students there doing to tide over the testing times.

"Right now retaining your job is the biggest luxury here," says Naveen Katoch, a techie in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "During recession, it's the financial sector that takes the maximum hit. Professionals working in this field have lost jobs big time, as all the major names in the public and private sector have resorted to rightsizing to cut down on operational costs. The situation will get worse in the coming days," he quips.

Rahul Thathoo, working with Oracle, Redwood Shores, California, agrees. "The companies which were earlier considered safe have also started the pruning exercise. After the virtual collapse of the financial sector, the mood is of extreme caution. Everyone knows that the credit is going to dry up. So, pinkslips are being dished out to save money. The ordinary people are also going into the frugal mode. People are staying put in their jobs," he adds. However, the engineer feels the general sentiment in the Silicon Valley is much better than it was in 2000 bubble bust.

"For people in banking and investment management, things are pretty rough. At the technology front, the scenario is not that bad, "says Abhishek Sood, who has floated a new start up in Seattle. "Though every other big technology company - Microsoft and Google - have stopped hiring, as long as you are not on the service side, your are safe, " he informs.

The professionals may lie low with their little savings to tide over the blues, but the students, especially Indians, who have taken huge loans to study in American universities and B-schools, are in a real tight spot.

"The placement scene in my university is abysmal. Hardly anyone has got a decent job offer. Earlier, around 60 to 80 per cent final year students used to be absorbed during the peak hiring season, This year, the number is less than 25 per cent. The staggering economy has put a lot of big houses in a bind. Pink slips are being issued to hundreds and thousands. For students, this is, probably, the worst time to graduate. We are definitely worried about our future in this country. Add to it the huge debt in form of loans, which are giving us jitters," says Sujay Gupte, who is doing MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mahima Sukhdev an undergrad at Yale University tells, "International students planning to enter the job market in the US are definitely considering going home because of the downturn. Things are easier for green card holders, as they can stay in the country and search for new jobs even after being fired. Those on H1B have no option but to return."

The fluctuating dollar forex rate against the rupee will be a major problem for parents who are planning to fund higher education of their children, adds Naveen.

"With no jobs in sight, a majority of students are even contemplating return," says Ishan Gupta, who is doing MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, "A lot of companies have put a head-count freeze which means they will only hire people on need basis. Also, many of them are planning to re-hire their old associates. It leaves little scope for freshers. At present, the scenario is definitely much better in India. I don't mind coming back if I have a decent opportunity back home."

mona@tribunemail.com

A maddening experience
Twelve photographers from across the globe give us an insight into India
Neha Walia

Twenty-one days of apprehension and then admiration. That's how one can define Mad in India, an independent magazine put together by 12 photographers across the globe, which gives an insight into the contemporary India. And, sharing notes on this mad experience was Alain Willaume, the coordinator and director of the project.

Tendence Floue, or 'out of focus tendency' in English, as this group of unconventional photographers is called, was formed 15 years back and are based in France. "Their earlier works include Mad in China, for which they went to Beijing and for two weeks shot a chaotic vision of China before the Olympics. And watching the work of this incredible team and their originality (the book was released at a discotheque), I wondered if they would do the same in India," says Alain, who himself has been working for the past two years on contemporary photography in India and has published a book called India Now that features 15 Indian and 15 western photographers.

So, in April this year, they were invited by the French Embassy in India to work on the project. What followed was an exploration across Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkatta, Varanasi and many other Indian cities and catching some of the perfect and striking shots of one of the most photographed countries in the world. "The book is a rich mix of everything yet each entity stands out on its own. It reflects a strong perspective of 12 people, with huge amount of creative energy and brings out a complete portrait of the country," says Alain.

It comprises of twelve series of topics explored by each photographer, like the portraits out of frames, townscapes of cities rising out of nowhere, the life of MNCs, farmlands of Punjab, Dharavi slum of Mumbai, everyday life of New Delhi and wandering in the streets of Kolkatta or a visual conversation with Tagore. The various perspectives are displayed visually by using black and white to colour to montages. The book also provides a textual flow of ideas, contributed by some of the best writers in the country like Samit Basu, Indrajit Hazra, Devangshu Dutta and others.

And, just like an unconventional approach, they had an unconventional work place too. "It was a continuous party and hard work throughout the three weeks of the making of this book. We worked 24/7 at the terrace of a hotel in Pahadganj in Delhi," says Alain.

The most striking feature of this project observed by their Indian counterparts was their collective effort. "Every photo had an individual identity yet an integral part of a larger perspective," he adds. It also brings out the anti-globalisation philosophy that the group propagates through its works.

The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi in collaboration with Alliance Francaise de Chandigarh organised the first projection exhibition of this project at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10 with an elaborate soundtrack and excerpts from the book. Ask him to sum up Mad In India and he answers, "It's crazy and challenging but results in an interesting and unique experience."

lifestyle@tribunemail.com

Right number on stage
Playwright Prof Pali Bhupinder specialises in ‘theatre of tension’
S.D. SHARMA

Prof Pali Bhupinder Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Theatre has to be more vibrant, educative and innovative for its survival. Like many of the visual and performing arts, theatre cannot afford to compromise on its principles. The practitioners of theatre will have to review the norms of culture and aesthetics to relate theatre to the masses for its encouragement and nourishment," observed Prof Pali Bhupinder Singh, hailed as the leading proponent of fourth-generation Punjabi drama.

An academician, playwright and director of the Moga-based Off Stage theatre group, Prof Pali Bhupinder Singh, who has directed over 50 plays, is presently pursuing his research on the poetics of Punjabi Drama.

His literary voyage started while he was a student but it came to limelight when at 19 he made his maiden play "Iss Chowk ton shehar disda hai, " which made waves and was later translated and staged in Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit and more languages along with his other plays "Uss nu kahin and min sirf aurat hundi haan."

In city on the invitation of the director of the TFT festival for staging his latest production 'Wrong Number Pali' shared his views with Lifestyle.

He feels the life around is full of tensions for the people from every stratum of society and he has carefully dealt with this 'gift' of modern life through his theatrical classics. Besides, he loves to preach values in keeping with traditions and conventions. The thematic content of his plays has a universal appeal. It was evident when he won accolades in Pakistan for his play " Ikk Terrorist Di Premika " staged at the Ajoka theatre fest at Lahore in 2006. His plays like 'Raat Chan ni, Dukh de Kalire,' and 'Wrong Number' maintained the tradition of excellence when staged before a large audience in Vancouver, Toronto and other cities of Canada.

Pali feels that a play must belong to every spectator , sympathising with his tribulations, tensions, aspirations, dreams, anguish, sorrows and augment one's belief in life. His artist life partner, Sandeep, is also a companion in his theatrical pursuits and so are their progeny, Palvika and Shabaaz , artists in the making.

Bollywood gets taste of Thai scurry
Bangkok is now the hotspot for shooting action dramas given its history of crime, whereas European countries like Switzerland are good for romantic flicks
Subhash K. Jha

Bollywood's fascination with foreign locales is not new, but Indian filmmakers seem to have taken a fancy to shooting action movies in Thailand and say it works out cheaper as compared to Europe.

At least two dozen action-adventure films during the past two years have been shot in Thailand.

In fact, recently one couldn't take two steps in Bangkok without running into a Bollywood crew. Among them were the cast and crew of Nikhil Advani's Chandni Chowk To China, Anthony D'Souza's directorial debut Blue and Suniel Shetty's Loot.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, who has been shooting there for Freeze, said: "There was so much of Bollywood in Bangkok I was confused whether I was in Mumbai or Bangkok. We did a lot of heavy duty action scenes in Bangkok. I guess the atmosphere there is conducive to crackling and bone-cracking stunts." A producer has to reportedly shell out about $1,000 per week to shoot in Bangkok, which is much cheaper than in Europe. In terms of airfare too, Thailand is nearer and therefore cheaper.

Is this an indication of geographical aptness or plain practical common sense? Hansal Mehta thinks it's laziness and lack of imagination that propel all actioners to Bangkok.

Soham Shah, who shot his rugged adventure film Luck in South Africa, said: "I think thrillers are shot in places like Bangkok and Thailand because a crime action adventure film needs a dark dingy hectic atmosphere with shady bylanes and alleys.

"Bangkok gives a certain edge to a crime drama. Because it has a history of crime behind it whereas European countries like Switzerland with their green virgin locales lend themselves well to romance." Director Kunal Kohli, who shot his romantic films Hum Tum and Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic in Europe, thinks it's all about economics.

"Action films cost a lot of money. So they anyway need cheaper locations with good infrastructure. You get that in Southeast Asia." Echoing the same, Sanjay Gadhvi, who shot his actioner Kidnap in Mumbai but went to Bangkok for one crucial action scene, said: "Why Bangkok? I'll tell you. It's more economical. Shooting shifts for action films are far more expensive. So costs are cut through cheaper locations." Added producer Bunty Walia: "South Asian countries have the look, manpower and the expertise to execute complicated action scenes at a comparatively cheaper rate. As for love stories, filmmakers need virginal beauty spots, imposing architecture and super outdoors. Understandably they head for Europe and Australia." Walia is currently busy with his film Lamhaa, which is being directed by Rahul Dholakia and stars Bipasha Basu and Sanjay Dutt.

Milan Luthria of Kachche Dhaage fame attributes the exodus for action to Southeast Asia to these factors.

"There are so many props required in an action film. There are cars, bikes, chopper and boats to ply and wreck. Action crews are far cheaper in South Africa and Southeast Asia. And since an action film needs a much bigger crew to be transported, the airfare to these countries is relatively cheaper.

"Regarding romance, European and Australian locales are prettier for love and the quality of light in these countries is best for close-ups and other intimate moments," said Luthira.

Anurag Basu's Murder was said to be the first film to be shot entirely in Bangkok. Other Hindi movies shot there include Ek Ajnabee, Zinda, Family.

Pain before prize

Prior to his arrival in Malaysia to receive his Datukship, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had sustained an arm injury during a film shoot. The pain had aggravated so much that a local doctor was called to give him three jabs to reduce the pain.

"My shoulder hurts, but the show must go on," The Star Online quoted Khan, as saying during an exclusive interview in his luxurious hotel room at the Villa Istana.

Before receiving his Datukship at the Seri Negeri hall in Ayer Keroh, Khan had only one hour to put on his baju Melayu, samping (wrap-around waist cloth) and songkok (headgear), which was popularized by Tan Sri P. Ramlee in his classic Malay movies.

After receiving the award, the brilliant actor extended his hand to help the state in developing local film industry and scout for movie locations.

Khan said that a team from Mumbai would visit Malacca sometime next August or September to explore locations for movies.

"There is a film I am planning to shoot some time in August and September and I will send a team to look around Malacca," he said at a press conference after receiving his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) from Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob at a ceremony in Ayer Keroh on Saturday.

Pussycat nannies

Pop princess Britney Spears is a big favourite of the Pussycat Dolls, as its member Nicole Scherzinger has revealed that they would not mind baby-sitting the Toxic singer's boys during her tour. Scherzinger admitted that she just could not wait to tour with Spears next year, and that she was looking forward to seeing Sean Preston and Jayden James during the tour.

"We've just been working on it for a long time," she was quoted as saying on December 5 on Ryan Seacrest's radio show.

"It's going to be a huge tour -- we just had to get on it. We're so excited! "The Pussycat Dolls can baby-sit Britney Spears' kids!" she told Seacrest.

Seacrest joked that that's the kind of influence Spears' boys need right now.

"Ryan, I hear that sarcasm!" Scherzinger shot back.

Spears' world tour, which is her first in five years, will include 27 cities and kick off in her home state of Louisiana on March 3. —ANI, IANS

Print perfect
Off-set printing now has more of a human face as it leaps from the corporate sector and enters the households in the form of greeting cards
Ashima Sehajpal

Ever thought of getting party invitations printed with a specific message for each guest with his photograph on it? It may sound a little complicated initially but this is what we call innovation. It is possible today, thanks to the digital off-set printing technique. Of course, the concept of digital off-set printing is not new. It has been used extensively by the corporate sector for printing brochures, manuals and even advertisements. And now, it assures absolute customisation to individuals as well. Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Sameer Bindra, CEO of Buzz IMC, the brain behind the concept, tells us all about it, "The clientele will not be limited to just the corporate sector now. People can also get personal invitation cards for parties, wedding and birthdays printed." As for the customisation, he says, "It can personalise an invitation to any extent, from personal messages to even designs and colours one wants. The printing machine picks up information from the automated database unlike the earlier ones in which fixed slated were used."

This digital off-set printing offers excellent printing quality at a cheaper rate. "It can print even a microfont with unparallel legibility on any of the 100 different textures of papers available with us. A greeting card of normal size would cost something between Rs10-25," adds he. Other than invitation cards, one can print greeting cards, personalised calendars and even books in no time. "For any order we get, the maximum time we take for printing is between 24 to 48 hours. Also, one can get creative in terms of printing material as well." Printing through this mode promises exclusivity too. "Designs once used is designated as an individual's code and cannot be replicated. Thus, anything once printed becomes a person's brand." Orders for the personalised New Year greeting cards can be placed now.

After serving the corporate sector and individual, the firm is looking forward to get orders from political parties for printing of their posters.

Buzz IMC, the only enterprise in the region and the seventh in the country, has already catered to 200 individual customers. It has won many awards, including HP International Print Excellence awards held at Drupa, Germany.

Spade work
Root cause
Satish Narula

It's the fresh fragrance and the tenderness of the homegrown produce that makes people go in for kitchen gardening. Winter is the time when one can enjoy maximum varieties of vegetables. Of these, root crops form a major part and there are reasons for it too.

The root crops comprise of radish, turnip and carrot. They are rich sources of minerals, potassium, vitamin A and plenty of water that is good to flush the body of toxins. They are the easiest crops to grow in the kitchen garden and even an amateur or first timer can do it easily. Those living on the upper stories too can grow these in boxes. "When I read that round red radish contains comparatively less Potassium content, I preferred them and started growing them in boxes at home as my husband has high potassium content in the blood," says Usha Mehra of Panchkula.

Much has been done to make these crops almost all the year round, especially the radish, which is now available most of the seasons. However, it all depends upon what variety you grow. These crops come in varieties that are desi and European. Whereas the desi types are grown first, starting from August, the European types are grown late in winter, from November end. One of the reasons of failure of a crop is the growing them out of season. So, next time when you go shopping for seeds, insist on for the suitable type.

Pusa Chetki and Punjab Ageti are some of those varieties of radish that can brave the summer months and give tender roots. For winter months there are Pusa Himani and White Icicle and Japanese White. White Icicle, which is grown at this time, is so fast that it matures within four weeks of planting. You can sow them now. One of the best sources is the Punjab Agricultural University or its research stations that are spread throughout the state. In case of radish, one could go in for PC-34, Carrot No 29 and Selection 21. Similarly, for turnip varieties available are L-1, 4-White and Golden Ball.

Contrary to the general belief, these are grown better in light sandy loam soils, which we have in this region. Heavy and clay soils are not good for these crops. The need to water them is also minimum. In fact, excess watering leads to more of vegetative growth and less development of the roots. In winter, one should water them once in a fortnight. You can remember it like this, in total, five to six waters for radish and three to four from the date of sowing to harvesting. It is better to grow them on the raised platform of other beds so that they get water from seepage only. Giving water immediately after sowing is a must. Another mantra to successfully grow these crops is less of farmyard manure and that too should be well rotten. Heavy soils give distorted and forked mooli or gajar with lots of hair.

satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

Digital delight
Amitpal Singh Grewal

The High Definition Television or the HDTV has raised the bar of high quality viewing experience, which is easily noticeable if compared with normal TV. If you watch a movie on a regular TV set and then watch the same movie on an HDTV, you will notice a huge difference. You will notice things you've never seen before -colors are brighter, backgrounds are clearer and details are better defined. The HDTV is like looking out of an open window, whereas in comparison, standard TV is almost like looking through a glass of sparkling water. Because of the normal CRT TV technology, the HDTV offers precision sound, original film quality picture resolution, and a wider, detailed and well-defined fine view.

This is made possible by the use of true digital signal, which is transmitted and delivered via satellite or cable directly to a television. The experience is like watching a film on the big screen in a real theater.

The use of digital signal is what separates an HDTV from a common set. The reason why there is such a notable difference between the two is that conventional televisions operate on analog signal.

Digital signals are much faster, meaning images are refreshed more rapidly and as a result provides superb picture resolution. Analog signals are slower. As a result, the images produced by a television using this type of signal are of low resolution. Simply put, the picture is not as sharp.

The HDTV also provides the crystal clear sound. This is because it comes with the Dolby digital sound system. It can be further enhanced by installing a HD projector if you have the budget for it.

Along with better quality picture and sound, the HDTV can be quite easily attached with a computer. They are able to communicate directly with one another through the use of a type of data compression softwares such as MPEG-2.

Once this software is successfully installed, a whole new world of multimedia technology is at your fingertips because of CD-R applications can be transmitted to an HDTV, as well as HDTV programmes can be downloaded onto your computer. Either way, the picture resolution is top notch and the signal
is stable.

Before I finish, let me add that the HDTVs is quite affordable.There are many different ways to buy or finance an HDTV system. Some companies give money saving offers such as special deals or extra gift items like a free DVD player or a huge discount on home theater systems and good music system. So, keep looking, you might just get a deal you would like.

amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com