|
|
|
|
|
Mud-wrap
Green building is a new trend sweeping the globe, as more and more people are realising the importance of creating eco-friendly homes. And along with energy-efficiency, the spotlight is on cost-effective dwellings too, with our country being no exception. The style of Laurie Baker - an award winning, celebrity architect, known for designing low cost, beautiful homes, blending in the natural settings - is already a rage down South. Though Chandigarh has a lot of catching up to do in this department, some city residents have already set the ball rolling.
One such front-runner is Monita Gautam, an interior designer, whose one kanal house in Sukhna Enclave on Kaimbwala road has a distinct earthy feel. "With this little space I wanted to do something different. The childhood memory of an open courtyard with tulsi in the middle was something I wanted to recreate. So I opted for the ancestral look," she says. The house stands out in middle of concrete structures. The two open courtyards enhance natural lighting and ventilation. The brick flooring and exquisitely designed jharokhas on the first floor only enhance the 'natural grandeur'. "The house is so airy that I have never used ACs," quips the designer. What's more, the unique look of her house is easy on wallet too. The very use bricks and even old-look black switches saves a fortune, adds Monita. The very similar desire to reconstruct the village scenario tempted Gick Grewal, a theatre personality, to experiment with her lawn of her house in Sector 21. "I had renovated the house twice and was still yearning for a personal space, something connecting me to the nature. So I hit upon the idea of giving a mud look to my boundary walls. Some mirror embedded work, motifs from rural Punjab - women fetching water, flowers, peacocks - and a well in the corner completed my dream setting," she says. Gick also owes her gratitude to N.K. Sathi, the man behind revamping of Baithak, Kalagram, for overseeing the project. "Sitting here, I forget that I am in fact living in a city and not really a village," she proudly exclaims.
Architects in the city feel that eco-awareness, especially when it comes to construction and design of the buildings, is on a nascent stage here. "We are mindlessly aping Western constructions because we like their look. But what matters is erecting houses which are climatically suitable," says Ajai Johl, an architect who specialises in low-cost construction. "It's easy to construct for the affluent, what I find challenging is to create the magic in an affordable price," adds Johl. Aradhana Gakhar, another architect, feels the need for experimenting and improvising more. "Today, lots of options are available. There are non- toxic glass, plies, boards and even substitutes for wood. We need buildings which can come up without adversely affecting our natural resources and environment," she opines. Surya Kant, an architect who is into township planning, says builders, these days, are being made aware of advantages of eco-friendly structures. "Rain water harvesting is in. Also, the focus is on water and energy conservation," he adds. mona@tribunemail.com
|
|
Transcending economics
"I shop because I have to. Sales are just an excuse. Had there been none, even then I would have continued with my buying spree," says Deepa Ahuja, a management student. Her opinion's echoed by Deepak, store manager, Van Heusen-17, "There's actually a psychological edge associated with sales. We have people that in fact end up spending much more than they would have otherwise." It's not the discount but the sheer idea of them that works. The oldest trick in the marketing book also assumes significance for various other correlated factors. Manisha Nagi, P.U. student, says, "During the discount season one actually finds a lot more variety. If you've missed something from one or two previous seasons, there's a chance you'll catch it." Quantity in just the wearable but also the wearer that contributes. As Jatin Bedi, business head, Kapsons, feels, "Though the traditional attractions of discount and sale still rule, the season actually brings in more and newer variety of people who otherwise would not have experiment with either the brand or the styling." Shove the logics in the farthest corner of wardrobe just like that brown tee from three summers ago. Listen to this one. Rattika Sarao, banking professional laughs, "It's fun. I actually like the hysteria, the never ending queues outside try rooms, the carnival like feeling prevalent during the season and one with an eye for good things will pick up the best pieces from the whole lot." So much for the psychology, physiology too is a big enough reason for sales going great guns. Says Anupreet Sood, a regular shopper, "I have a huge issue with the fit. Being an xxl I usually don't find my kind of clothes at other times. Either they are immediately taken or never available." She adds, "But given the bulk and quantity during sale period I generally find my numbers." The extreme ones on either side of the scales, kindly note. Did anybody just scream 'we agree'? manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
He shares his favorites and he tells us interesting anecdotes about his shows MJHT… What is special about Mayank? It is about a cool dude of college, intelligent and mature guy who makes friends easily. He believes in hard work and realises the need for love and affection in life when he meets charming Nupur. How is your experience with both serials? A lot of struggle, but a vibrant experience as both serials are youth oriented. Did you learn anything from Mayank? Of course! The whole college setup and each and every thing that happens on the sets take you back to those college days. Why you walked out Mohe Rang De on Colors? As I have already said that I would prefer doing youth oriented shows. I'm also not in favor of doing simultaneously two shows. That's why after working for two months I left Mohe Rang De. Which one made you more famous? As I have already gained fame from LRL, I don't think popularity is required from this show What is your preference in food and sports? I love to eat delicious and healthy vegetarian food also prefer non-veg. I like to play snooker and pool. Football is one of my favorite outdoor games. Future projects? I'm getting calls for shows. I would like to do some love story now.
|
|
Matka chowk The Chandigarh railway station has been undergoing a facelift for quite sometime now. We are expecting the new age station to emerge, exuding modern glint, hi-tech facilities and multiplex like aura. I had a reason to go to the station in the recent past. It was approaching dusk and it looked like the station was jam packed with people. So many for the Shatabdi, I wondered? We crossed the newly widened entrance, now zealously guarded by the police. I liked the fact that the queue of cars dropping off passengers at curbside seemed organised and in single file. Inside the station even amidst the swarming humanity, we detected some makeover. A brand new aquarium with healthy looking fish has found it way into a showroom. Much of the space around is dotted with banners of many commercial sponsors. The tracks looked clean and washed. Then a Howrah bound train arrived at platform two on the other side. Hordes of people started leaping down onto the tracks in order to make it to the other side. Going via the overbridge was simply not an option. Some rushed madly towards the train, which hadn't come to a halt yet. A young couple seemed frantic. The young and slim bride in a bright red saree jumped up and almost lost her footing. Her bangle- clad hand was hastily grabbed by many outstretched hands (of people who were already inside) and she was practically lifted off her feet and deposited inside the compartment. Her young husband in a yellow sweater and side bag sped on and at last made an accurate dive into the box. I watched in sheer horror while many others followed suit in this exercise in madness. The Shatabdi passengers on the front side seemed quite oblivious of this rail drama. They were getting edgy since their train seemed late. There was no way anyone could hear any announcements since above all (literally and figuratively) and drowning all din rose the noise of the resident birds who were returning home. Their home is the underbelly of the long expanse of peaked tin roof providing shade to the platform. The teeming millions emitted a cacophony that was indescribably deafening. I smiled since their old home seems to have been refurbished with brand new posters of !dea . I thought of the Abhishek Bacchhan advertisement in which he folds his hands in salutation to the omnipotent and marvels - "Kya Idea Hain!" It is amazing how every new idea finds a way to fill the needs of the old hands. You can change the station. You cannot change the ways of those who roam the station.
|
|
Dimsum Delicacy
Essentially there is no difference between dim sums and momos except for the name, and we believe the hi-end restaurants call it dimsum cause they sound and spell sophistication. Predominantly found in the South China region, in China they are considered to be street food and well, for tricity we can say they are surely coming up as a great street food. Walk past any market and you are sure to find one or two momowallas selling this Tibetian or Chinese delicacy. The tricity has a variety of them these days, be it then in shape or size; even the flavour differs from vendor to vendor and restaurant to restaurant, the only prime factor that remains same is the ajinomoto flavour and the good old onion. Well, wondering where did these guys spring out from, we ask a momo vendor- Arjun, who has a stall in Phase VII, Mohali market and he says, "Most of us our from Nepal and work as day time labourers and in the evening we make a quick bug by selling momos." Easy to make the only thing that you need to cook these dumplings is a momo maker or a steamer apart from veggies and maida that you sure have in your kitchen. Having undergone many innovations with regard to the fillings resulting in about varied different varieties of momos being created, they are available in three varieties mainly deep fried, pan fried or steamed with a variety of fillings ranging from prawn, lamb, pork, chicken and any variety of seafood. There are also vegetarian dim sums, which have broccoli, radish, turnip, cheese, cabbage, onion and even pineapple fillings. Though the authentic style of eating momos or dimsums is without any sauce, but since we Indians cannot do without a sauce they are served with a chilly-garlic sauce or even tomatoe sauce. So, go get your pick. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
|
|
Picks & piques
Must watch It delves into the underbelly of Indian poverty, and presents the seamier, deprived side in a gut-wrenching starkness. One view – that is held even by Amitabh Bachchan – is that it thrives on portraying what is the worst in the Indian system, be it the exploitation of children or all-pervasive crime. But then nobody can claim that what is shown in the film does not happen – a few cinematic licenses here and there notwithstanding. As its director Danny Boyle rightly says, it is not a documentary. What matters is that his perspective is not condemnatory, but sympathetic, almost friendly. It is the story of Jamal, an orphaned product of the slums, who is one question away from the top prize in Kaun Banega Crorepati. Naturally, everyone wonders how a restaurant boy could know answers to all the tough questions. The police – shown to be as heartless as ever – starts quizzing him. It is then that the strands of his impossibly harsh life tumble out. The viewer learns how he got to know all the right answers the harsh way. It is the juxtaposition of the past events which is masterly. The life of the protagonist becomes the symbol of the endless struggle of the underdog. Mind you, some of the scenes may haunt you for life, considering that they are raw and unvarnished. In the most ghoulish one, this boy, who is barely 10, is caught up in a hole-in-the-floor toilet, when he learns that the helicopter of Amitabh Bachchan is landing nearby. When all his attempts to break free fail, he actually jumps into the night soil and runs to take an autograph drenched from head to toe. That may not happen to many in the slums but the life in dirt and squalor is only slightly better than that. In another scene, a boy who had been blinded so that he could be initiated into the “business” of begging, is shown to be singing at a station. The sheer sense of acceptance that he shows towards his “fate” is nightmarish. The love angle is, of course, there, but the way it flowers right from childhood is touching. Music, of course, is the mainstay of the film. We always knew A.R. Rahman is a genius but here he has excelled himself. His background score changes by the minute in keeping with the film’s mood, which it magnifies at the same time. The film is at its best in the acting department, with non-actor slum children being the best of the lot. The most endearing is Ayush Khedekar who plays little Jamal, who witnesses the murder of his mother in a communal riot. The other two musketeers are played by Rubiana Ali (Latika in the film) and Azharuddin Ismail (Salim). Tanay Chheda and Asutosh Gajiwala play the adolescent Jamal and Salim, while Tanvi Lonkar takes over the role of the adolescent Latika. But it is Dev Patel’s adult Jamal who is the kingpin. The range of emotions he displays while seated face to face with the TV show host Anil Kapoor is a sterling performance indeed. The characters of Freida Pinto as Latika, the child prostitute who grows into the plaything of a don, and Madhur Mittal as Salim, elder brother of Jamal who becomes a thief and a killer, are very well
etched. One does not understand the logic behind Anil Kapoor’s stubble look, considering that it makes him look unkempt instead of macho and suave. Irrfan Khan and Saurabh Shukla as policemen and Mahesh Manjerekar as the local don fill the roles admirably. It is Ankur Vikal as Maman who gives you the creeps. At times, “Slumdog Millionaire” moves like a typical Bollywood masala film, with destiny bringing Jamal and Latika together after many years, as we have seen in countless films. Equally far-fetched is the coincidence involved in the answers that he has to the contest questions from his personal life. All this is at times hard to digest but the treatment given to the narrative is so powerful that one is too willing to overlook these slip-ups. Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty) has done justice to Q & A, the Vikas Swarup novel on which the film is based. Now that the Oscar nominations have whetted the country’s appetite, it will be quite a comedown if not many come its way, because this film is in a class by itself, and not only because it is set in India. |
|
SCREAMMMMM!!
Watchable Nandita (Kangana) is a self-obsessed budding model in love with an ambitious documentary maker Yash (Adhayayan Suman). Things are okay till the couple moves into their new house, where weird stuff starts happening to Nandita. Enter Prithvi (Emraan Hashmi), a sullen artist, who has strange premonitions about Nandita whom he has never met. She dismisses his warnings initially but soon starts facing horrific situations herself. With her boyfriend showing little interest in her whacky state, Nandita has no option but to tag along with the uncanny artist to unravel the mystery that takes them to a remote village in Himachal. The film has a great build up and raises some serious goose bumps. Note how Suri strengthens the ominous mood with the use of flickering lights. Add to it, the superbly created feeling of unstoppable, oppressive forces closing in, though the director doesn’t mind a bit of inspiration from cult hits like Exorcist and The Ring. Watch Kangana in the bathtub, she looking at the mirror and Adhayayan’s ATM encounter and you will definitely break into cold sweat. Shagufta Rafique’s writing looks taut in the beginning but starts wandering in the later half. The climax is particularly ham-fisted with the revenge motive turning out to be somewhat weak with environmental concerns and moral preaching replete with a bhajan coming in. Also, the film could have been crisper by 20 minutes. However, startling performances by the principal cast wipe off major blemishes. Kangana is fantabulous as a possessed girl. She now seems to have specialised in psychedelic roles. Watch her grunt, twist and scowl as she battles the demonic spirit within. Truly exhilarating! Emraan’s eyes do most of the talking as he dons the mantle of a dreary painter. He’s certainly coming of age. Newcomer Adhayayan oozes confidence, though he definitely requires a hair-cut. Camera work by Ravi Walia is top-notch, with the background score ups the chill quotient. Watch it for some good otherworldly jolts. mona@tribunemail.com
|
|
Mock
tales Another breaking news—This week, it was Slumdog..., Sanjay and Obama that kept news channels on their toes. Neha Walia Okay, so with Slumdog Millionaire Indians have finally tasted success at western shores. After Golden Globes, its eyes are strongly focused on Oscars now, and so the Indian media has found a selling point. By this, we are not undermining the honest and well-deserved praise that this movie got, but only bringing out the fact that this movie has made our media go into frenzy all over again, for their share of ‘exclusives’. As if there was any dearth of that before. Last week was a tough one, as all those who were glued to their TV sets for that breaking news dose had to choose between Slumdog Millionaire, Barack Hussein Obama and our actor turned politician Sanjay Dutt. If it was Shahrukh ki char galtian that cost him his Slumdog…glory, then it was kahani Dutt ghar ki— the spat between Munnabhai, his behen Priya Dutt and wife Manyata. And of course, the bigger question than Satyam scam was, what would Michelle Obama wear at the Inaugural ball. It was nothing less than entertainment 24/7, on channels that promise news 24/7! News, yes, with titles like Munnabhai nahi ban saka apni behen ka bhai or char badi galtian Shahrukh ki, presented by NSD-inspired anchors, delivering dialogues instead of giving news. This is not the first time one is reminded of the sansanikhez culture of media. It started when a man called Rajat Sharma decided to turn the conventional news into infotainment. That was the beginning of the battle for eyeballs as naag, nagin, bhoot-preyt started surfacing on news channels. Films and fashion, pulp and sensationalisation became the obvious the buzzwords. So, when Vir Sanghvi said that media needs to be accountable, we nodded our heads in agreement (he once suggested in his write up that the word news be changed to infotainment). The coverage of Mumbai blasts came under scanner, and later Kasab story was dramatised to the extent of a bollywood thriller. And the true creativity of these channel walas blinkers in headlines and the background music played ( don’t confuse, we are still talking about the news channels). Everybody is aware of the tabloidisation but nobody wants to sacrifice on the 550 crore market. Looks like we are over the aapko kaisa lag raha hai phase and entering into the news with special effects phase. Till then look out for more on kya hoga aapka bhavishya and ek Khuafnak Khulasa! lifestyle@tribunemail.com
|
|
Tarot talk
TAURUS: You are blessed with spiritual insight and clarity of vision as you move into a new current for the future. Be firm about making a positive change. Lucky number: 12, Lucky colour: Sea green. Tip: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.
Tip: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. CANCER: Are you feeling tired and need a holiday? Party and fun times are here and it’s good to catch up with old friends and family. Lucky number: 21, Lucky colour: Electric blue. Tip: Don’t try to end all the deadlocks at one go. LEO: Peace and compromise after crossing swords with a loved one are on the cards today! Avoid impulsive Sagittarius, as they may not understand you. Lucky number: 2, Lucky colour: Orange. Tip: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. VIRGO: Financially you may expect a windfall; but it is not a matter of luck it’s a question of taking the right decision. Friends may take offense, so be prudent. Lucky number: 2, Lucky colour: Creamy white Tip: .Don‘t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. LIBRA: Love and happiness in personal relationships make this day memorable for you. Balance of energies is regained as women get in touch with yang and men with yin. Lucky number: 9, Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Keep your eyes on the time to come as you always do. SCORPIO: You stand up for fair play and justice at work. You are gentle in the family relationships and much in demand at home and at work. Taurus will give you optimistic advice. Lucky number: 4: Lucky colour: Red. Tip: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. SAGITTARIUS: Health and relationships should not be taken for granted. Meditate on your receptive and dynamic energies to maintain your balance. Avoid self seeking Leo. Lucky number: 3, Lucky colour: Rose. Tip: Don’t reveal your plans anyone as people may try to beat you to your target. CAPRICORN: Interesting personal encounters and positive professional changes are on the cards today. There is everything to gain from integrity, honesty and sincerity. Lucky number: 8, Lucky colour: Pink. Tip : Be cautious in your action and speech. AQUARIUS: Your card The Princess of Cups manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations that could have thrown you off centre. Lucky number: 12, Lucky colour: Green. Tip: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. PISCES: The Ace of Pentacles leads to actualization of professional plans. Timely support and friendly visitors surprise you. You can wait & pick up the perfect moment. Lucky number:2 Lucky colour: Blue. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people from reaching their own conclusions.
|
|
|
| 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 | |
Even before the barter system began, when the word commerce was invented and slightly after man started producing more than he could consume. Lost? Clueless? No we are not talking of the totally historical 14th century BC or the anno domini. The very widespread and very ordinary sales are the point of discussion. Yet again! But ever wondered what makes them so popular? Got to be beyond economics. Sniffing, sensing, suspecting we talk to shoppers and come out with knowledge completely unapparent.
Arjun Bijlani, aka Alekh, of Left Right Left, has proved himself as a talented actor in television industry. We chat up with Arjun, aka Mayank, of Mile Jab Hum Tum.
Momos or dimsums (call it what you like as there is no specific difference between the two apart from there names)- Don't we all love binging on it? Yes, we do. Almost a rage these days, be it then the Punjabis, Biharis, Himachalis or South Indians, every one seems to have developed a taste for these little dumplings, filled with veggies, cheese, chicken or meat. Available almost everywhere, this dish with Chinese origin has found love for itself in our very own tricity restaurants and with street vendors . Prepared from wheat flour or maida these little bundles of gastronomic delight date back to hundreds of years, which originally began as an accompaniment with tea. Since they were created in the South of China and are thus considered as Cantonese cuisine.
ARIES:
The hanged Man’s manifests the spirit of the mighty waters as several
changes flow in, and the past is left behind. You need to let go old
relationships. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: Black. Tip
of the week: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matter.
GEMINI:
You can expect visitors and communications from overseas to be positive
and helpful. You are good at working with groups and supporting
institutions. Lucky colour: Golden yellow, Lucky number: 5.