He reads almost everything that’s written about him. And while roving his eyes through the newspaper, his eyes stop wherever he sees the any word that bears similarity with his name, or even if it starts with ‘J’. “I stop to look whether there’s anything on me,” says Jasbir Jassi, in the city to perform the Punjab Gold Cup at Hockey Stadium-42 on Wednesday.

Scared of being out of mind… “Not at all. Never. I just like to read anything that’s written on me and what’s bad about it?” he puts in casually. And before we get down to a formal interview format, we notice the stillness in his otherwise ‘groovy’ style. You’ve mellowed down? Smiles. “I guess I have matured. With Dil lai gayi kudi Gujrat di I had set up a dancing-singing style statement. With passage of time, I have gone on to sing Baba Bulley Shah, Heer, Amir Khusro, Jugni, which probably has left some ‘sufi’ impact on me,” offers Jassi. So, no more grooving, shaking, and rocking music now. “I don’t have any signature style. I was busy working on my next album Bang, which is an amalgamation of traditional, folk, Sufi, classical and pop singing. Have I answered your question,” he asks us with the same politeness. “I don’t believe in cutting albums on an average scale. I believe in quality work, which is my priority. Rest, I am happy performing live at shows,” says Jassi, excited to be in the city after a long time.

Now, that every single Punjabi singer is looking at Bollywood to showcase their talent and extend their repertoire, what does Jassi plan? “No Bollywood right now. I would probably do that when the time is right or anything really good comes my way,” offers Jassi. Or, waiting for a godfather like Rehman! “A guide instead,” pat comes the reply. “In addition to this, if you are a dedicated singer, willing to learn till the last breathe, no one can stop you,” feels Jassi, who hails from Gurdaspur. “It is similar to any sport. For instance, if you are not a good hockey player then you cannot take your team towards success. Ditto for the singers. If one is not willing to learn, one cannot survive long in this profession.” We see him eager to talk about hockey. “This is the only sport, which I have loved ever since I was a child. We use to play hockey at our village and I am ‘reaaally’ excited and emotional to be here. I am touched to see the youngsters cheering for hockey players. The game still holds relevance for a lot of people.” And what is it that holds significance in his life? “My connection with god is the most important thing for me,” says Jassi. I wouldn’t be able to able to elaborate, as it is not possible for me. It’s an experience, which can’t be described in words.” He calls out to Harisharan, the organiser of the match, “Kina score hoya. I can’t wait to join the fans at the stands. Chak dey hockey!!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

For this French man, the city is like a beautiful woman who has retained her charm

I am a builder
Of houses and of places
I live among men
Amid their tangled web
Of being…

Le Corbusier penned these lines probably in an effort to put words to his passion for building. And, for those who fell in love with his masterpiece called Chandigarh, any reason would stand out. The city has become an iconic entity as well as a living laboratory that attracts a number of architects and conservationists. One such admirer is Prelorenzo Claude, secretary-general, Le Corbusier Foundation in Paris. “This city is beautiful in all respects, it has a soul of its own and you cannot escape from its charms,” he describes the city as a maiden. On his second visit, after a gap of 10 long years, he still feels the city is the same and remains untouched by frivolous changes. “It is still quiet, the trees are still green and growing tall, and the streets are still the same,” he says. His purpose for the visit is not personal but promotional. “We, at Le Corbusier Foundation, want to build a permanent relation with Chandigarh and are undertaking many projects in the city to develop its character,” he says. This includes building a palace of knowledge and conservation of the buildings.

Since the city joined the elite list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Cities, a lot is being done to bring out its original form. “Ancient cities in the world like Brasilia or Paris have maintained their form and structure despite new advancements. With Chandigarh too, we have to reflect very deeply and make sure that its form is protected. This is not just the city of service but also soul,” he says. Putting forth this example, the foundation is also planning to hold a Congress on Modernity in India in Twentieth Century in 2010. “The idea has taken a direction through City Beautiful and will Ahmedabad and Delhi too, both famous for their historical and diverse architecture,” he adds.

But one itch that refuses to go is the sandwiched status of city, whether it should walk towards becoming a semi-metro or stick to its heritage claim. “It is important to reflect both the aspects. Heritage and modernity are not in contradictions but we need to find areas that respect city’s true form,” says Prelorenzo. According to him, the biggest area that needs to be worked on is the problem of concrete. “A city is not a museum, it is lively, it cannot survive without people. And people mean growth. The complexities of its conservation and restoration must be looked upon with great concern. Even cities like Boston and Marsielles have been facing restoration issues and economy involved makes it much more complex,” he says. But he also cites a solution, “Regional planning will come as good help. The peripheries should be defined and made accessible by developing public transport.” About the Le Corbusier Centre here, he says, “It is the biggest permanent exhibition about Corbusier in the world.”

With eight years in tinsel town and a mixed bag of performances, Abhishek Bachchan, who turned 33 on Thursday, says his acting style is more like his mother Jaya's rather than of his iconic father Amitabh Bachchan.

"Dad is an inspiration to the whole world. His creativity, dedication are legendary. He is a great source of inspiration. However, my acting style is more like my mother.

I would like to believe that I have the best of both," the junior Bachchan said in an interview.

Abhishek, who suffered a setback at the box-office with Drona last year, hopes for a turn around with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's ambitious film about Delhi Dilli 6.

The actor considers himself fortunate to get an opportunity to work with some of the veterans in Mehra's film like Waheeda Rehman, Rishi Kapoor and Om Puri.

"The script was novel and had a great narrative but the clinching factor was the cast. When Rakeysh discussed with me the cast of the film, I just knew that I had to be a part of this film.

"Where can a actor get the opportunity to stand in the same frame as all these great actors we had in this film. It was an awesome experience," Abhishek said.

The story of Dilli 6 is set in the backdrop of the walled city with Abhishek and Sonam Kapoor in the lead. When asked about his character in the movie, Abhishek said, "I am playing the character of Roshan Mehra who is born and brought up in New York.

"Roshan has never been to India but the course of the film brings him to his ancestral home for the first time. The challenge of the character was to blend into the surroundings," he said. — PTI

Miss India Finalist 2008 Alisha Pekha, in the tricity for a show, talks of the need of better grooming facilities for Indians taking part in global beauty pageants

Anybody from the fraternity of fashion, films, and floss and what do you expect? Perfect smile, photo op, politically correct answers, blah blah…Well, not every time and this once is included. Meet Alisha Pekha, Miss India Finalist 2008, in the city for a show. Not surprisingly, the dull, drowsy questions like ‘How was the experience of being a finalist?’ or ‘How sad was what happened at Mumbai on 26/11?’ replace some blunt bare talking.

After a long, long gap, India found some recognition at International platform this year. She says, “There was a time when India won so many crowns in a row. Then a lull. And this time, yes, Parvathy was a very smart contestant. And now, the next time whosoever goes on to the international platform, will be looked upon, paid attention to.” However, she adds, “Grooming is what we lack. After the Miss India contest and before the Miss World, or Miss Universe pageants, there are about just two months. International beauty queens are so well trained and groomed, are experienced unlike here, where majority are still freshers with even less time available.” Points noted.

She’ not mincing words and we’re not wasting time. The Miss India contest and every year about two-dozen dreams enter the showbiz. If you’re final three, well and good; but if not, then it’s not really a smooth ride? Isn’t it? She answers, “I was not in the final three but I am still getting just as great offers, am busy with my shows, getting to work with top designers, I don’t even miss not being in the top three.” Hey, did you expect? ‘Everybody’s a winner, it’s the experience that matters!’

Currently, a student of MBA human resource, the girl’s been in town before as well for the Blender’s fashion event. And yes, the city finds favour with her. As she says, “I like the place, in a lot of ways it’s so better than even Delhi.” Finally, does the decades’ old practice of ‘Bollywood via Miss India’ apply to her as well? She says, “There are no offers. Nor do I want to go ahead with them.” Refreshing!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Notwithstanding physical disabilities, this artist is gearing up for national competition

For the one who wants to communicate, mouth is not the only means. Simranjeet Singh, like all others is free to ‘speak’ his mind out, his ideas and inspirations are loud enough for everybody to see. Yeah, see not hear, for the fact that he cannot speak and hear. But that is not an issue of concern for this young, aspiring painter. He doesn’t exactly know when and how he got into the world of colours and canvas but he knows that this is something he considers a god’s gift and wants to take his passion for painting to great heights.

And his journey has already started, he won a silver medal at the recently held Regional Ebilympics in New Delhi. The event had over 400 participants from eight states competing in the field of painting, photography and other activities. But it was Simranjeet’s determined talent that got noticed. “It wasn’t a smooth sailing for me, but a focused mind and with support of my family, my hobby took a valuable shape,” his brother, Devinder Singh, helps him convey his message.

Painting happened at a very young age for him and he graduated from watercolours to oil colours. An ardent admirer of Sir Sobha Singh, Simranjeet’s paintings are simple yet assertive, just like him. He practices his paintings at home. Though he works as a clerk with Punjab Homeguards, he has not lost the artist in him. Once hooked to the canvas, he trained under Ravinder Sharma, a lecturer in Govt. Art College-10 and then his skills were honed by S. Mehar Singh, renowned city-based painter. His paintings have never been displayed in an exhibition, but they do find space in the Art Museum. His talent is not ruled by monetary aspirations but by an honest sense of achievement and helping others like him to break the odds and set goals. Apart from painting, his areas of interests include sports and he was once captain of Chandigarh’s cricket team for the deaf. So, after a perfect balancing act with his life, despite his physical disability, what’s next on his agenda? “I am preparing myself for the National Ebilympics going to be held this year. And have my eyes set on the gold.” his actions speak louder than anybody’s words.

lifestyle@tribunemail.com

Lotus Herbals Ltd, India’s leading natural beauty care brand, has entered the Men’s skin care segment with “Safe Sun Men Advanced Daily UV Shield, PA+++, SPF30.

Especially formulated for male skin, the daily UV Shield also doubles up as a soothing post shave moisturizer with anti-septic properties. This sunblock for men is oil-free and provides skin moisturisation in a non-sticky manner.

Lotus Herbals, “Men Advanced Daily UV Shield”, provides a healthy shield against skin tan and damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.

This unique sun block contains smart ingredients with extracts of Fenugreek that protects from UV damage, Marjoram that effectively combats environmental damage, soothing and calming Balm Mint, and the stimulant, Anise. This innovative Sunblock has a pleasing nice masculine fragrance and is targeted at working executives and men with active outdoor lifestyles.

Friends of ours recently made a trip to Kashmir, where they stayed on a houseboat. Except for the visible presence of the security forces, Srinagar has returned to its previous ranking as a tourist attraction. Brinda and Biri did all the things we used to do in ’65. They were taken in the houseboat’s shikaara across the lake to see the old Mughal gardens, lighted up now for night viewing. They bought flowers and fruit from boats that did door to door sales. Brinda bought a small sack of dry apricots for Pushpa at half the rate at which they were available at stores at home. Biri bought a similar sack of green almonds for Deepak. Brinda smelled saffron and settled for a minute quantity of the kind that made her sneeze, for that is the acid test of purity.

Karim Bhai, their guide, took them through narrow lanes, to visit a carpet factory. Rahim, the owner showed them ancient Persian pieces, hanging from the walls. They had the feel of velvet but the tiny knots, counted from the reverse, dictated their value. Rahim gingerly lifted an arm on which was draped a gold and blue masterpiece, now falling to bits. “We only copy the design from this one. We cannot reproduce these knots. They are too fine and a carpet like this would take years in the making. No one would give the price we’d ask for.”

He pointed out the different flowers of Kashmir, woven into the design. A poppy here, a rose there and a saffron lily in the corner. Even stylised peacocks, pheasants, woodpeckers and parrots made their appearance on the rugs and thick embroidered curtains. Biri, who had never paid much attention to the carpets at home, realised that each design had its own tale to tell.

They visited a quaint shop set in a houseboat. There they saw exquisite pashmina shawls with typical Kashmiri, chain-stitch embroidery. Biri was asked to take off her wedding band and a shatoosh shawl of gossamer threads, was pulled through to prove its authenticity. She was fascinated but could not afford the price. These shawls are banned in India as too many deer have to be slaughtered to get the soft chest fur to make a single piece. Owners have to declare them if they do not want to be prosecuted. In Srinagar, every shopkeeper worth his salt, can produce a couple, stored in the family vaults from days before the ban came into effect. Biri draped the shawl across her shoulders. It felt as soft as a newborn baby’s fuzz, was light as a feather and comfortably warm. She settled for a white cotswool coat, embroidered all over with different coloured chinar leaves.

I felt good on hearing that Kashmir is back to normal. I plan to visit again some day.

The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi is organizing ‘Aai Basant Bahar,’ a programme of classical vocal music, on February 6.

It will feature a performance by Pt Laxman Krishnarao Pandit, doyen of the Gwalior Gharana, at Punjab Kala Bhavan-16 at 6.30 pm.

Interestingly, guests have been requested to follow a dress code: yellow, obviously! Even the invitations are a statement in this Basanti rang. — TNS