Can't say we were not 'warned' before we approached our subject. A well-meaning colleague had told us that he is one difficult man to handle. But still, as the subject himself pointed out that there is no absolute reality, we gathered our courage to initiate a heart-to-heart session after listening to his speech at the auditorium of Government Museum and Art Gallery-10 on Tuesday evening. Yes, we are talking about Jatin Das, the great artist whose fluidity of lines never fails to mesmerise us.

Taking a cue from his lecture, we try to initiate the conversation with what we thought was relevant, Is he working on any particular theme for his next exhibition which is scheduled for May this year? "One does not work for an exhibition. It is the opposite. First you work and then decide to exhibit." Wrong footing! And we have only ourselves to blame, for we had heard him speaking against the trend of students exhibiting their works even before they complete their degree. "I am not a bad artist myself but I exhibited my paintings in Kolkata after 20 years, in Mumbai after 11 years and will now put up a show after nine years." To make his point, Das brought in the popularity of acrylic as a medium of expression among young artists. "Acrylic is a medium which can be used to paint a frame at night, gets dried in the morning and is ready to be sold in the afternoon."

"Most of your works are figurative…," another of us tried, only to be cut off in mid- sentence, "Let's not talk about my work. Ask me about art and aesthetics and what's ailing the society. Discussing my work is not relevant because people who don't know my work will not be interested in learning about it anyway," he injects.

So, we let him talk from his heart and problems and their solutions come pouring in. "Even after 60 years of Independence, we still lack a clear vision when it comes to art and architecture. Indigenous architecture is giving way to ugly buildings. Despite the fact that we have thousands of weaves, we wear ugly clothes, import from the West. We are taught Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh while we ignore our master artists and craftsmen. We are aspiring for middleclass gains and losses," His anguish is visible on his face. But what about solutions?

"Let's start appreciating art and heritage we have in the family. Teach our children the rich heritage of art and culture we have in our country and please don't push them into competitions with the lure of rich prizes. Give them art materials as prizes when you hold such competitions," he shoots. You will write about it, he asks us back. "Sure," we chorus. "Will you show me what you have written?" "Sure, will email you," we reply. "No e-mail, post me a copy and here is my address," he hands out his visiting cards, with a stern voice but a soft look. Well, he cares. And despite the 'warning', we end up loving this 'difficult' but great man.

parbina@tribunemail.com

If you thought Yuvraj Singh's bindaas style and chauke-chhakke, Sreesanth's on-field drama or Sachin Tendulkar's hattrick can contribute to a jam-packed stadium, check out the Hockey Stadium at Sector-42, for the ongoing four nation Punjab Gold Cup. A crowded stadium at the third day of the match validates that hockey is famous not only onscreen, a la Chak De, but people love it offscreen as well. And here they are glued to the field cheering almost every team that plays. Ask them about their favourite hockey player or game, and they would shrug it off, saying they are here for the game, for the love of hockey. Lastly, if you think you will bump into an old crowd of retired people who have nothing to do in the evening, or kids who have bunked their tuition to freak out here, then you are in for a surprise. Pretty girls, straight from the parlour, young boys who have given Luck By Chance a miss, homemakers who have cancelled their kitty party and old men who have given their rum date a miss....all to watch hockey.

Take it from Navpreet Bakshi and Reema Singla, training to be airhostesses who are cheering at the stands for hockey. "I am here for the love of the game," says Navpreet, when we ask what brings her here. "I had other things to do, but we planned an evening especially for hockey." Not many girls like or need we say understand hockey. "But we do, they chorus together. We love it. Again, it has nothing to do with Chak De India or that we don't understand cricket. Hockey has its own charm and we love it simple.

As for a group of youngsters from Mohali, they haven't missed the last two matches. Puts in Tejbir Mann, a law student from PU, "I don't understand why do people think that only cricket can pull crowds. Hockey is equally brilliant to watch. It is equally exciting and stylish. I think we have undermined its popularity." Offers his friend, who does not want to leave in mid-time. "I want to see the whole game, smiles Aakash Arora. Every move of the players is so exciting. The good part is that there is a lot more action than cricket. The whole team is in action."

And you die to watch cricket. "Every game has its own fan following feels Narinder Sekhon, who has come from Ropar to watch Holland vs New Zealand. And now, I am waiting for the finals. I grew up following hockey. And this is the only game I can understand. He laughs, "If they ask me to play for the Indian team, i will grab the offer." Has Chak De done anything to bring hockey in the limelight? "Not really. Hockey fans watched hockey even before Chak De came and they do still. But yes, the song Chak de India does good to boast morale." Homemaker Anu Rani and Seema Punia, sitting next to him have their own reason to make it to the stadium. "I wanted to see Dhanraj Pillai, smiles Anu Rani. But he is not playing. She adds in the same tone, "But the other boys are equally good. What hockey they play." Missing the glamour of cricket. "Not at all," tells Seema. Hockey too has its own glamour. We are surprised to see pretty girls in the stands. Hockey cricket sey kam nahin."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Bollywood actor Preity Zinta is upset over the hue and cry that was created on news channels after the Mumbai police played spoilsport at her birthday bash.

"I had a party and the police came and put the music off. They also fined me and I paid it on the same night. I also have the receipt for the same. The music did not come up again as mentioned on some sensational channels," the actor, who turned 34 Saturday, said in a press statement.

Slum-dwellers near Preity's flat in Quantum Park building in Bandra here had complained of loud music early Sunday morning and the police ordered her to turn down the volume of the loudspeakers.

Preity was penalised as per the provisions for flouting noise pollution rules. But she is miffed with media for sensationalising the incident.

"Journalism is about investigation and reporting the facts. Things like 'I broke the law and no action was taken' on me plus a rich versus poor story on TV channels is upsetting," Preity said.

Newcomer Jackky Bhagnani, who is making his debut in the Bollywood with Kal Kissne Dekha, says the biggest battle of his life was to get in shape before starting his acting career.

Jackky has lost over 60 kgs and says weight loss has made him more confident about his capabilities.

"I was the underdog in my family with my 130 kgs no one expected me to become an actor. But I have proved everyone wrong. It has been the biggest battle of my life and I don't think anything can stop me now. I am here to stay whether my debut movie does well or not," the debutante, who is currently busy shooting the film in Pattaya said.

"People say cancer is the biggest disease but for me it was obesity. It robs you of your self-confidence. I have realised that," he added.

When asked whether he was planning to ride the current bandwagon of six-pack and eight-pack abs in Bollywood, Jackky said, "I have nothing against a fit body. Being actors at least we should look presentable on screen. Bollywood has such huge influence and it is a healthy trend." Jackky considers Hrithik Roshan as one of the biggest influences in his life.

Son of Bollywood producer Vasu Bhagnani, who is also producing his debut film, the newcomer does not believe that children with a filmy background have it easy in the industry.

"I studied acting at Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute (New York) and I have also tried to groom myself by attending some dance classes with Shiamak Davar to perfect my skill," said Jackky. — PTI 

She may have mesmerised hordes of her fans with her disarming smile and infectious charm in Tujhe Meri Kasam, Masti and Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa but up-and-coming actor Genelia D'Souza admits that she goes weak in the knees at the very sight of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan.

''Shahrukh Khan makes me go weak in the knees. I would love to share screen space with him in a film soon,'' Genelia said.

Genelia said after the success of Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Naa, she had her kitty brimming with new flicks, including David Dhawan's Hook Ya Crook, It's My Life and Life Partner.

Asked for her reaction on being the most sought-after actor after Katrina Kaif in the virtual space, the Aditi of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na said, ''It is like a dream come true...every actor has this deep running desire that he or she would be lapped up by people.''

The actor, who made her debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam opposite Riteish Deshmukh six years ago, said she would love to work with every director, adding that she has no favourites among them.

Genelia also appeared in Mere Baap Pehle Aap alongside Akshaye Khanna. Her next film It's My Life, which is again a remake of Bomarillu, with Harman Baweja is to be released this year. —UNI 

Bollywood's noted musician Bappi Lahiri has recorded two songs, Slum Stars and We Are one with children from Dharavi slums. He feels that after being the judge on Little Champs, this is one way to take that movement forward.

''Look at the kids and their energy! They are shining stars waiting to be discovered. And I feel that they should be given the platform. I am able to do that only for a few kids. But I wanted to make a beginning,'' the musician said.

''We have stars in India and they should be showcased on a global platform. I want to take the attention away from the tattered clothes and hutments, draw attention to the talent waiting to be discovered,'' the musician said.

The kids, who seemed nervous on their first visit to a recording studio, were soon at ease with Bappi Da, who is now in the process of recording five more songs for the album. In association with DJ Paul Devro, who will be remixing the tracks, the album will be receiving a world release with the international label Mad Decent in Los Angeles. — UNI 

Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi in collaboration with Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi is holding its Annual Art Exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhavan-16. The Exhibition 2009 is dedicated to Late Manjit Bawa, the famous figurative painter.

The exhibition showcases 70 works chosen out of 193 entries received including paintings, graphics, drawings and sculptures from artistes from Punjab. The five selected works — Anil Gupta’s Composition-1, Sukhwinder Singh’s Nature-8, Jasmine Kaur’s Words, Rajinder Singh Heer’s Inspiration by Grand in the Grandmother and Twins by Parminder Singh won cash awards of Rs. Five Thousand each.

The exhibition that is on till February 6th has garnered good response. Art lovers and students not only from city but also from colleges in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur have been coming for it.

Prem Singh, an artist and former principal of Govt College of Art who was present at the exhibition with his wife Navpreet Kaur is glad that Punjab Kala Bhavan is continuing with the activity. “Young talent being represented is the high point of the exhibition. However the prize money is too less,” he shared.

Patchwork-the name customarily lends itself to suggest carefree offering of a certain lackadaisical approach. Anything but patchwork! The recently held annual festival of the Department of English, Panjab University, certainly sports a misnomer for well-designed, carefully planned literary and cultural extravaganza put together by the students. For those who missed the action live, here's an attempt to make up the absence and present an in-depth 'slow-motion' replay of the three days.

Double Bill, the department's much awaited and very much attended theatrical treat, comprised two back-to-back plays, Medea and Swan Song. Written by Nebaneeta Dev Sen, Medea revolves around the notions of morality based on the misconstrued ideals and misconceptions concerning a woman's characteristics. The split between role-playing and individual existence from a woman's perspective forms the theme of Swan Song by Anton Chekhov. With both plays as women centric, and considering the current 'drawing room conversations' involving Mangalore incident, seems they got the timing just right.

Says, Amanjot Kaur, final year student of the department, "We talk of women's emancipation, but they are not supposed to go to 'certain' places. Actually feminism is a sensational and relevant topic even today."

Back to the fest, till the afternoons the fiesta consisted of quiz, poetry recitation, graffiti, poster making, skit and the like. So while extempore on second day saw students speaking on varied themes like 'Are Oscars the final determiners of the film world?' to ever relevant 'beauty pageant', evenings had audience rapt in attention to the plays.

Hey, did you note? Fashion shows, rock competition, jam session, star night did not find mention as part of the itinerary. In times, when every department aspires to make its presence felt on the campus with 'me too fests' comprising 'we too' cultural offerings, they did stand out. Was the choice conscious? Answers Rana Nayar, professor, department of English, "We wanted to project a certain image and not make it a run of the mill festival. Even the students agreed to maintain the literary and cultural character of the event." Truly, an effort accomplished! He adds, "It can be viewed as strength; it can be viewed as a weakness. The tradition of staging the annual production of the department has been going on for the past 15-20 years and last year it was converted to an event comprising lot many activities." Talking of concept change, we hope to see the extravaganza getting national and international with many more sponsors, recession notwithstanding!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

A new study says that youngsters who are exposed to nicotine early in life have high risks of depression. The study that was conducted using mouse model, found that nicotine given to adolescent rats induced a depression-like state characterized by a lack of pleasure and heightened sensitivity to stress in their adult lives.

They believe that the discovery has important implications for humans. "This study is unique because it is the first one to show that nicotine exposure early in life can have long-term neurobiological consequences evidenced in mood disorders," said lead researcher and Psychology Professor Carlos Bolanos from Florida State.

"In addition, the study indicates that even brief exposure to nicotine increases risk for mood disorders later in life," he added. Since the brain continue to develop throughout adolescence, the researchers theorise that nicotine may negatively influence these systems resulting in altered functionality later in life. —ANI