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Five Rivers and a Sand Dune
We have ‘good’ news and we have ‘better’ news. The good news is that for the first time the Five Rivers of Punjab are to meet the sands of Rajasthan in a presentation of the literature and ethos of Punjab for the Jaipur Literature Festival. The ‘better’ news is that leading the team will be Navdeep Suri, Consul General of India in Johannesburg. An impressive enough designation, but what impresses us the most is that this grandson of Nanak Singh, the pioneering Punjabi novelist, has just translated Pavitar Paapi into English, The Watchmaker.
“A Penguin India publication, the book was out only a couple of days back,” says Navdeep over a telephonic interview. He is happy to finally fulfill the wish of his mother Attarjit Kaur, also a renowned name in Punjabi literature. “I was coaxed by my mother to translate Pavitar Paapi into English and I enjoyed every moment of it,” he says. What about challenges that translation work entails? And heart-felt words which we get for our answer tells us enough that this first timer has all it takes to be a good translator, “The novel was written during the 30s and has gone through 29th re-print, enough to establish as a classic. Since the plot was set in the backdrop of the pre-Partition era, it was a difficult task for me to recreate the same setting and retain the original flavour, that too in a different language.” And we get a fair understanding of his difficulties as he gives example of character of a moneylender who uses typical Punjabi idiomatic expressions. “The dilemma I faced whether I should give explanations for such expressions or even explain words like dupatta to my readers. If I do, the essence is lost. So I had to strike a balance to avoid it looking a laboured effort,” Navdeep explains. Now that his labour of love has borne fruit, what is the message he is going to give to masses through Jaipur festival? “Well, I will speak on the importance of translation work. We have a rich legacy of regional stories and so let’s churn out classics from those and make them accessible to the rest of the nation and world,” he says. And true to his word, Navdeep is already into another translation work, another of his grandfather’s creation, Adh Khiria Phull. Now to get back to the participation in the Jaipur festival, the Punjabi session has been conceived by famous writer and journalist Nirupama Dutt. Giving information on the session, she says, “It will begin with a rendering of Bulle Shah by Ustad Nile Khan, followed by a presentation on the world of Punjabi literature and then a conversation with Suri. It will be followed by a brief open session. Nile Khan of Derabassi is one of the remaining faithfuls of Patiala Gharana and a true loyalist to Sufi music. “It is an honour to represent Punjab in such a prestigious festival. “Sufi music has been adultrated in the name of commercialisation. So, I want to present the true form of Sufi music, which flows through compositions of Bulle Shah, Ghulam Farid and also geets by Shiv Kumar Batalvi. Let our music speak for us,” he says. Inshaallah! parbina@tribunemail.com
Brush with Bollywood
A freedom fighter, Nanak Singh wrote novels while in jail. A prolific writer, his Pavitar Paapi became immensely popular and won him literary acclaim. It was translated into Hindi and several Indian languages. It was made into a Bollywood film in 1970 starring Balraj Sahni and Tanuja. The lyrics written by Gulshan Bawra: Allah hi Allah kar pyare, Teri duniya se ho ke majboor chala and Lai de sanyian odhni Punjabi tilledar became very popular.
Numero uno
The Jaipur Literature Festival, with William Darrymple and Namita Gokhale as creative directors, has acquired the reputation of being one of the foremost literary festivals in the past few years. It is the initiative of the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, an NGO that works with Rajasthan’s musicians and craftspeople. The festival will open on January 21 and conclude on January 25. |
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Desi Delight
With great power comes great responsibility, this is my gift and my curse. Who am I? I am Spiderman. That was Toby Maguire in the climax of the cult-hit Spiderman. Cut. Now, airlift this entire setting to a Punjabi hinterland. As Toby turns Tobby or perhaps Murli, ever wondered how he would go about his dialogue responsibility. Sample this: Menu jo takat mili hai meri bahut bari jimmevari hai jinhon main dukhi insananan di khidmad karke nibhavangan. Kyunki maineu yakin ho gaya hai ki main Spiderman haan.
“We have regular demand for Punjabi dubbed movies. Every week we sell around seven to eight DVDs. People prefer them because not all can understand English. Still they want to keep up with what’s latest happening in Hollywood,”says Rajesh, from a video store in Sector 23. “Earlier, we would get only Hindi dubbed Hollywood movies but now Punjabi dubbed films are also getting popular. I have started keeping them ever since customers started asking for them. The action and comedy genres rule the roost in this category,” quips Rahul, who sells DVDs in Sector 34. So, what’s their USP? “Well, we all have seen the Hollywood versions of these flicks but watching them in Punjabi is simply ‘howlarious’. Just imagine Johnny Depp talking in Punjabi in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Mindblowing stuff,” says Yogesh Negi, an avid fan of dubbed films. The very names of the movies are pretty amusing—Baby’s Day Out becomes Kakay Da Kharak, Johnny English is Pappu Vilayati and WrongfullyAccused goes Bagga Mirasi. Interestingly, these flicks give you unadulterated fun. So, the names of characters are kept true to the desi spirit. While in Spiderman, the shy, reserved Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) is Murli, his lady love Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) is named Mina. The badman Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) is aptly called Chacha Kareech. You can also see these characters humming Hindi and Punjabi songs. Check out Chacha Kareech flying over the Queensboro Bridge in New York City singing Buhe variyan kandha tapke aawan gi hawa banke. Or, perhaps try Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator) who says in heavily accented Punjabi — Mainu tera suit, boot te motorcycle chahdi hai. According to trade insiders, most of the movies are pirated ones. “The dubbing is completed in Pakistan, at times, just one artiste dubs for all ,” says an insider. For those, who are not game for pirated versions can watch clips of such flicks on portals like Mecca youtube. mona@tribunemail.com
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Pout perfect
The two had hit it off when the Beckhams moved to LA and Katie's designer friend had allegedly poured some influence on her, reports the Sun. Tom Cruise's better half also had full support from the ex-singer, while she made her Broadway debut with All My Sons in September last year. — ANI |
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Spiderman snubbed
"Sony asked me to come over and read the script for Spider-Man. It was going to be a really cool tent pole movie," a website quoted Alexander, as telling. "But as soon as I said Spider-Man Heath said, 'It's not for me. I would be taking someone else's dream away," Alexander, added. Ledger recently won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of The Joker in Dark Knight, and is also being tipped to win an Academy award. — ANI |
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Tourism's boon
Amy Winehouse, who has reportedly been wreaking havoc ever since she arrived at a St. Lucia hotel, has received gratitude from tourism bosses for boosting the island's image. The Rehab hit maker, who has apparently been infuriating staff and other guests at the posh Le Sport hotel with her drunken cavorting and crazy antics, received lavish presents for drawing the attention as she holidayed in the Caribbean.
However, her fellow guests seem to think otherwise and dubbed the singer's circus acts as a guest from hell, reports a magazine. Amy, along with her 'budding-actor-beau' Josh Bowman, and friends were said to have smashed a bed and lamp in her room during a pillow fight that went out of control. The pop star, who vowed to make a fresh start in 2009, including getting rid off her drug and alcohol addiction, purportedly also irked others by screaming and swearing during the Manchester United vs Chelsea game on TV in the hotel bar. She had recently almost got herself charged with assault after she threw a glass of water at a woman tourist, while having dinner at the plush resort. But Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet insisted that the entertainer had been the bearer of "good news" for St Lucia and that there were "very positive" snaps of her with the locals. — ANI |
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We shall overcome
American actor Robert Redford, who was at the opening of the 25th annual Sundance Film Festival, laid stress on the fact that people should be optimistic even during the ongoing economic crisis. Referring to the upcoming US presidential inauguration, he told the audience that they needed to be optimistic about the future no matter what came next.
"All right. Nerves. Angst. Worries. Pain. Panic. Fear. I'm not talking about the festival, although you might think I was. I'm talking about what's going to be exiting the national stage on Tuesday," he was quoted as saying. "Change is in the air. Change is, of course, inevitable. It could bring good times. It could bring bad times. There's no reason to think the times coming have to be so filled with dread that we can't look for some sport of optimism and hope. There's always some space for opportunity. I'm thinking this could be a very inspiring time for artistes," he added. — ANI
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Solace in cyber world
Leisure. The word itself adds life to our very existence. How nice would it be if we had some time for ourselves, time to do things that we like, apart from the chores that we do out of compulsion or to earn our bread. But, we wonder how many people these days have time for themselves or for that matter free time and a question bigger than this is what do they do in free time - chat, mail, blog or check Orkut account.
Well, a survey has shown that more than 27,000 web users in 16 countries spend the largest share of their leisure time online. The average respondent in China spends 44 per cent of their leisure time online, UK housewives spend even more than others average - 47percent. Germans are most likely to meet someone in real life that they first met online; more than three quarters have done so. In America, domestic goddesses spend just 38 per cent of their leisure time at the computer. Wondering what do our city folks do in their leisure time. Read on. For Preeti Grewal, resident of phase VII Mohali, there is no thing as 'free time' these days. "I am a business woman, I handle portfolios of people who invest in share markets. Though I operate from my house and on a small scale, my free time goes on the Net, searching for studies and what's happening in the share market." She adds, " Life is on a fast track these days, when we say free time it means time to do things that are pending from long, nothing of your heartfelt desires. And yes, I would agree that most of the free time is spent on the Internet." "I would say its quite right, people definitely spend a lot of time on net. And why not, there is a flood of information on net," says J.D Ghai, CEO, Santa Banta.com. He adds, "Anyone who has to do some research or communicate net is the medium. In fact broadband has become a world in itself and even people from the older generation are lapping up the net fast either to communicate with their kids or to spend time." Ask him what does he do in his free time and tap comes the reply, "I am online 24/7." For the young brigade (with no doubt) we can say they are sure game for the internet. "Net has become a way of life and Google a part of being. From study material to connecting with friends net has given us even the freedom to write, (read blogs)" says Abhishek Sharma, an engineering student of UIET, Panjab University." On why not nurture any other great hobby to spend free time and he adds, "If we talk of reading a book, playing games or for that matter collection of artifacts, net gives you all. You can read a book online, learn about anything in the world on net and even play games." Point taken. Going back to the survey it's the Danish who spend the least amount of spare time on the web, almost 15 per cent, which is half the global average of 30 per cent. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Semi success
Sanjana Bamrara is all of eight, studies in third standard in a city school and dreams of being Miss Universe one day. Not only is she dreaming but also trying her level best to achieve her goal. Right now she is in Mumbai competing in Boogie Woogie, semi finals. How are you, we ask and a childish voice answers the call, "I am very well, enjoying myself here."
Her parents are proud of their little one's achievement. "She started performing on stage as early as when she was two-and-half and we have encouraged her in every possible way," shares Pradeep Bamrara, beaming with joy. "We think she has innate talent and we want her to reach her potential," he adds. Sanjana has been learning classical dance for the past two years and is also learning Western dance since one year. So focused is she that even Mumbai blasts failed to stop her from going there. She was on her way that time and called up confidently telling her parents I am not stopping. Well, good luck to the little girl who is having all the fun and enjoying being on sets with the judges Javed Jafri, Naved Jafri and Ravi Bahal. |
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Launch Pad
The packaging is also international with an Indian touch to suit the taste and preferences of the Indian consumers of today. The range has been developed with inputs from Germany and Korea and extensive interface across the world. These Color cosmetics are made by understanding the Indian skin type and stay longer hours on lips. Priced at Rs 95-Rs 750, Color Essence Party ware lipsticks are available all over India in premium stores of the country and similarly at other stores Big Bazaar, Big aaple and ebony chain of stores in Chandigarh and Punjab. —TNS |
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Direct Dil se
The contents of this article can have delirious affects on the reader. But first, the numerous possibilities that can take over a balanced mind and leave you awestruck for times to come. PS: please do not underestimate the strength of the following messages. Every word comes direct dil se and have been written by people in real and flesh and blood, who have an exceptional know how of English. You might need a dictionary. So, keep one near. You might have to jump any minute to look and search for some real hard words.
Okay, so here they are…profiles taken from a matrimony site and we assure you these are out of the world, out of the planet profiles. Now, we take you through the unedited version of such unimaginable works… i am simple girl. I have lot of problem in my life because of my lucknow i am looking one boy he care me and love me lot lot lot People, if you are trying to make sense, forget it. No point. Because this is the beginning. The next one, is an honest request to all the men, and the girl has just one wish. i want a boy with no drinks if he wants he can wear jeans in house but while steping out of house he should give recpect to our cast Hang on; we have few more to go Hye I am a good looking girl, who has the capability to make any body to lough lough. i belive in god and according to me friends are the real messengers of god. the 3 things i am looking from a boy. they are they must believe in god.they have to like my profession. They should not get bored with me when i try to make them lough. whatever he may be but he should feel that he is going to be someone groom and he must think of the future life if he is toolike this he would be called the man of the lamp iam pranati my family histoy my two brother two sister and father & mother sister completely married Howzzat!! And you thought no one could do any straight talk. Now you know how simple can be and how simple their feelings could be. In matters of heart you don't have to perfect. Who is looking for perfect English anyways. Are you… Says Sunpreet Wahi, who has toppled over umpteen such profiles that she couldn't stop laughing on for days together. "At first I would wonder what the fellow is trying to say. After going through it properly, I would know it is not made funny, it is funny. People have no idea about what they are writing. And you bet some profiles are extremely hilarious." Sunpreet shares one such profile she read on a matrimony site. I am a simple, Punjabi boy, who looks Punjabi from all angles. You can test. If you still cannot belive me, look at me. I am studying in bangalore, the city of babies….. "I could not stop laughing after I read this," laughs Sunpreet. The good part about such messages is that I so want to meet such people. Some sense of humour, man" Agrees Sandeep Singh, who has virtually downloaded such profiles. "You wouldn't believe. Almost every second matrimonial site has such 'amazing walley' profiles. I wish I could share all with you. But this one is the best. I wonder how, what this girl looks like and how on earth can somebody write such dhaasu angrezi. Here it is… I am Rina Dhaka, not from Dhaka, not designer Dhaka. I am my mothers Dhaka. I like to make clothes, not for outside people. Family wise people.i like cooking, again from ghar key masaley. You know know I am family wise, very verrrrry homely. I don't drink, smoke, eat (you know na) and I look simple wise…. Creativity personified. And you thought only Raju Srivastava could make you laugh. “These profiles are not created to make you laugh,” says Harkiran Mattu, who went bonkers when she read ‘such stuff’ on the site. “These profiles belong to real people, who exist on earth,” she throws her head in laughter. “I can’t believe that people write such profiles, and expect us to answer back.” What surprises Harkiran the most is that these profiles have the maximum number of sign ins. “I think that’s for fun. Who would want to chat with a person who can’t write. Forget about good English, I mean just write.” jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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For a million dollar smile
What are the main causes? Carbonated drinks (including the diet variety and sparkling water) can cause your teeth to look older than they really are. These drinks are so highly acidic that they can actually dissolve the upper layers of the tooth. They contain high amounts of phosphorus — a mineral that can leach calcium from your bones if you consume too much. Major stain food items will take their toll on your smile sooner of later, so steer clear of tea, coffee, red wine, and pigmented foods such as cherries. Smoking causes staining of the teeth and increases the risk of oral cancer and gum disease. Smoking one pack a day for 10 years can cause a 10 per cent loss of bone mass. Long term studies reveal that most tooth loss in 19 to 40 year olds is associated with smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day. Habits such as chewing nails, opening beer bottles, will wear you down. Often the middle part dissolves quicker than the outside and the brittle enamel is very prone to chipping, making the teeth look uneven and unattractive. If you feel that your smile is in any way unaesthetic because of any other reason, you should probably consider a smile design or a smile enhancement consultation. With the recent advances in dental sciences, it is possible for most people to achieve brilliant looking natural smile. A typical smile design procedure can be completed from anywhere between a single day to 3 weeks. How to whiten the teeth? Discolouration of teeth is a normal ageing process. In smokers, tobacco chewers and people who consume excess tea or foods with excess colour, the discolourations and stains are even more prominent. In fact, rarely would you find natural teeth with a brilliant white shade. Whitening of teeth is possible and requires a single visit. A number of home whitening options are available as well but show milder and gradual whitening effect compared to the chair side procedure performed by the dentist. Tooth whitening is the most common and one of the quickest dental cosmetic procedures. Are there any side-effects? Tooth whitening is a very safe procedure if the correct technique is used. A common reversible side-effect or an 'after-effect' of whitening is tooth sensitivity which can last for 24-48 hours after the whitening procedure. Therefore, a thorough clinical examination is performed prior to advising the whitening procedure to any person. If anyone wants a beautiful smile like the celebrities, is it possible? For most people, yes, it is possible with a simple smile makeover. What is a smile makeover? It involves correcting the smile defects, if any, like gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, teeth sticking out, too large or too small teeth, stained teeth, chipped teeth, missing teeth, gummy smiles and further enhancing the overall appearance of the smile by the skillful combination of various procedures like veneers, bonding, crowns, gum contouring, tooth contouring, dental implants and tooth whitening. Will it look natural? The ceramics that are placed on the teeth in the form of veneers or crowns are manufactured to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Therefore, it is impossible for anyone to distinguish a designed smile from a natural one except to notice its beauty. |
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Grey matter(s)
Sachin Kalra For years many exercise enthusiasts have believed that exercise not just positively affects the body, also brain. But all this while there was no scientific evidence to prove that an active lifestyle helps the brain. But now, a new research suggests that working out does benefit the brain. Physical exercise encourages a normal brain to function at its optimum level. The brain is a part of the human body made up of cells that are nourished by blood vessels and its health is closely related to the overall health of your heart and circulatory system. So, therefore cardiovascular fitness is important for optimum functioning. It can help prevent disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and depression and can even increase your chances of recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. A memory stimulus
The research suggests that physical activity turns on hormonal support systems in your brain. The activation of these systems not only strengthens brain circuits that you already have but also helps you develop new ones. Only a couple of regions can produce new neurons and exercise increases the amount and rate of neuron production. Also the increased blood supply improves nutrient delivery and waste removal from critical regions. Mentally fit
Exercise has been found to trigger elevated mood states and an overall improved sense of well-being and helps to combat stress, anxiety and depression. Stress can be very harmful to both brain and body. Cortisol is a brain-toxic stress hormone produced naturally by the body. It reduces the blood-glucose energy supply to the brain, causing confusion and short-term memory problems. Chronic stress can keep cortisol levels high for long enough to kill brain cells, and may even play a role in the development of Alzheimer's. Physical exercise, help to lower cortisol levels and thereby reduce stress. Exercise also boosts self-esteem and confidence by yielding positive feelings of accomplishment. Better focus
Scientific evidence claims that exercise can improve a person's ability to think clearly and have a sharper focus. Steady-paced aerobic exercise improves the brain's ability to solve problems and make decisions fast. They are better able to block information that is irrelevant to the task at hand and responded much faster to information relevant to the task. Researchers believe acute bouts of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise work in a manner similar to that of a psycho-stimulant drug by triggering the release of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline. But Physical exercise does not have to be strenuous or even require a major time commitment. It is most effective when done regularly. Healthy brain
Studies also show that exercise protects the brain from aging and injury. And helps in the regeneration of damaged brain circuits. Those who regularly exercise perform better and have lower rates of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Adults who exercise have more grey matter, representing more brain cells than adults who don't exercise. Tips for brawn brain
Eat wisely. Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is advisable. A diet rich in vitamins E, C and B- 2, foliate; and omega-3 fatty acids, and dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants can help protect brain cells. Don't smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use street drugs. Stay mentally active. Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles to strengthen brain cells. Also remain socially involved and protect your brain. Use your car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls and wear a helmet when cycling.
kalrasachin@hotmail.com |
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If the video-parlour owners in the city are to be believed, the latest to make waves in the Indian dubbing bazaar in this part of the region, are Hollywood flicks with Punjabi voiceovers.
Katie Holmes managed to strike an almost exact pout made famous by her pal Victoria Beckham as she posed for fashion giant Miu Miu. The actress was said to have picked up style advice from the former Spice Girl while she featured in the line's Spring/Summer 2009 campaign.
Late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger was the first choice for Spiderman role, according to the star's longtime agent. In a US magazine tribute to mark the first death anniversary of Ledger, CAA agent Steve Alexander reveals Ledger was among those considered for the blockbuster role before Tobey Maguire stepped up to play the comic book web slinger.
Color Essence offers a new range of party wear lipsticks. The company has also introduced this range in 20 other countries, which includes 9 Gulf countries. According to R.K. Nanda, managing director of parent company Natures's Essence, "the range is available in different shades and colours and can go easily with any skin type. These lipsticks are enriched with almond oil and honey wax."
The perfect smile is the secret behind a vibrant and a youthful personality. Even minor flaws in a persons smile such as crooked, chipped, stained, spaced or flaring teeth are almost always noticed and can negatively effect one's self-confidence and personality. We ask Dr Sanjay Kalra who how to get an enchanting smile.