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Polished act
This Chandigarh boy’s story is that of Sangharsh, literally. From the campuses of Govt Senior Secondary School-19 and Khalsa College-26 to the studios of Bollywood, Rabinder Prasher has worked hard to make it to his dream destination.
Starting out as assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt for films like Dushman and Sangharsh to turning a director himself, it’s been quite a journey for him. With his debut film, Yeh Sunday Kyon Aata Hai, made under the banner of Kumar Sanu Communication and BGIL Films and slated for a March release, we got Prasher chatting about his pet project during a recent visit to the city. Excerpts from an interview:
What was the inspiration behind this movie? One Sunday in 2006, I was waiting for a train at Bandra station when a boot-polish boy offered to shine up my shoes. As he got talking, he made a remark that stuck in my mind: “Sahib, yeh Sunday kyon aata hai!’ What he meant was that they didn’t look forward to Sundays, for their earning dwindled on weekends and whatever paltry sum they earned was taken away by the ‘agents.’ That’s how decided on this film on the lives of the shoe polish boys. With Slumdog millionaire bagging accolades abroad, does he expect his film on street children to ride on its success? Yes, in a way, Danny Boyle has opened a way for our kind of film. I do hope my film will also be well accepted. It was screened at the IFFI in Goa recently. Slumdog’s…been criticised by some for glamourising the Indian underbelly? These are real situations that these children live in and we’ve not just highlighted their plight but also tried to offer solutions in the film. In fact, unlike some other films based on street children, like Traffic Signal, I have featured real artistes. The four shoe polish boys in Yeh Sunday… are actually from kholis of Goregaon. Yes, but here, I’d like to mention that these kids did not relish the term Slumdog…, they felt ‘Slum boy…’ would’ve sounded better. Tell us about your journey into Bollywood. It was my Hindi teacher in school, Madam Usha, who was the one to sow the seed of my dream to make it to Bollywood. She’d say: Tumhe to Mumbai mein hona chahiye.” So, in 1992, I landed in tinsel town. After some struggle, I got work as an assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt and worked with him on films like Dushman and Zakhm. Bhatt made me into a screenplay writer with Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, which was followed by Sangharsh. What is the most important thing you’ve learnt from him? He taught me how even a small incident could be made into a full-fledged screenplay. chetnabanerjee@tribunemail.com |
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Funjabi Beats
Who comes to your mind when we say Punjabi hip-hop? The god of dance floor anthems, master of fusion? If all this is a little too twisted for you, then let us help. Remember the smash hit Mundian To Bach ke that almost became a craze or the very desi Dhol Jageero da? Of course we do and now we know the man, Panjabi MC, the one credited with starting a music industry of his own- the Punjabi remix.
The man, who led the way in associating global artists with the Punjabi music industry, is out with his second offering, Indian Timing. “After Bach ke I got busy with my world tour. I thought people were waiting for the big following. Just like the name suggests, the time was right to launch it,” says MC. And why? “Punjab seems the flavour of the Indian entertainment industry now, from songs to characters to the lifestyles. It like Punjabi has become the mother tongue of India,” he jokes. The album features international artists like Jay Z and Ofra Haza to Bappi Lahiri and Shinda. He made sure that he is not just another crossover artist,and is a cool blend of the likes of Kuldeep Manaks and Bob Marleys. “I grew up under influences from Punjabi music and Hip Hop. Both have an infectious nature and are a good medium to rock the dance floor.” His music is no more a pop music but a global appeal. “The hottest soundtracks in India and even in Europe are Punjabi, from making a feasible music to being the chart busters around the globe with elements of desi sounds, using tumbis and vaajas,” he says. And the latest includes been, for his song snake charmer. His music has found fans in some of the biggest names in the international music. And the list includes Jay Z, Pussycat Dolls and the Great Khali. “The WWE requested me to make a video for Khali as he represents India and Punjab” he says. Meanwhile, his label PMC has its agenda of its own. “We sign new artists and give them the infrastructure to grow, making music for the world. In my latest album brings together Jelly Manjit Puri, a totally undiscovered singer from Punjab and an underground rapper from New York,” MC elaborates. And movies? “Possible, if an opportunity comes.” lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan received a rousing reception by fans and the global media at the ongoing 49th Berlin International Film Festival ‘Berlinale’ here, where her latest Hollywood flick Pink Panther 2 was screened.Clad in a long pink dress, the Indian beauty was cheered by hundreds of film enthusiasts yesterday as she arrived at the Berlinale Palast, the main festival venue, for the screening of the film, in which she plays a supporting role and walked along the red carpet.The actor showed no signs of discomfort in the sub-zero temperature in Berlin and spent about 15 minutes signing autographs, posing for photographs and giving interviews to various TV networks covering the festival.She was joined by Hollywood’s comedian Steve Martin and French superstar Jean Reno, who play the leading role in the film, as well as its director Harald Swat for the glamorous prelude to the film screening.Answering questions from international media, the Indian beauty said in spite of her small role, she was quite delighted to be a part of the sequel to the 2006 worldwide hit and felt honoured to work with celebrities like Steve Martin, Jean Reno, John Cleese, Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina and Emily Mortimer. — PTI
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A barber cue
Priyan’s penchant for remakes is nationally recognised. So, not surprisingly, the prolific director’s latest outing, Billu (minus barber), draws heavy inspiration from Malyalam smash hit Katha Parayumbol and Rajnikanth starrer Kulesa . Billu (Irrfan Khan), a hajam in nondescript hamlet Budbuda, is coping with a cashless existence as his business is going downhill. Chased by moneylenders and pestered by peers — even his kids don’t leave a chance to take a dig at him — the barber finds some solace in wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta) arms. But it’s short-lived as daily drudgery keeps the duo busy. Then, one fine day, a film unit lands in the village along with the reigning heart-throb Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan). Soon, word spreads that the superstar and the salon man are childhood chums. Billu now becomes the object of attention and affection of all and sundry who are coaxing and cajoling him for a closer look of Khan. He’s even promised free education for his kids, sumptuous meals and renovation of his shop. But now begins the real dilemma for Billu who is hesitant to approach his star friend because of the glaring gap between their worlds. He, though, makes some half-hearted tries to meet Khan, but soon gives up and has to bear the wrath of restless villagers who label him a con. However, in an emotional climax, Krishna not only meets Sudama but also recounts, to the minutest detail, his friend’s invaluable contribution in shaping his life. The storyline is very predictable and fails to generate interest, thanks to the scriptwriters (Priyadarshan and Mustaq Sheikh), who haven’t deviated an inch from the original plot. The film, though, has its moments with Priyadarshan sprinkling his usual dose of situational comedy. The scene where the hotel manger tries his hands at acting is simply hilarious. Om Puri as a miser moneylender and Rajpal Yadav as a struggling Bollywood poet also add to the comic relief. Billu is out-and-out Irrfan film. He has put up a remarkably restraint act. The man fascinates (note his eyes and body language) in his portrayal of a struggling family head and a friend in quandary. SRK doesn’t get much screen space though he takes good care of the song and dance department with hotties Dipika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor dolling up the proceedings. Lara, surprisingly, looks convincing in her de-glamourised avtar. Pritam’s music is okay. The editor could have used his scissors generously for better results. mona@tribunemail.com
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In a man’s mind
Man’s love is a part of his life; it is woman’s whole existence, they say. He’s Just Not That Into You brings forth this maxim and many more, helping women understand what men mean. Another chick flick dished out by Sex and the City writers Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, He’s Just.. has a set of as many as nine characters who are trying to work their way in the relationships from ‘first dates’ to ‘living in’ to ‘planning a baby’. Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) is an overenthusiastic single trying to fathom all the signs that lead her to Mr Right. Alex (Justin Long) is a bar manager helping her with the men’s side to the story. Neil (Ben Affleck) and Beth (Jennifer Aniston) are a couple very much in love living together for last seven years but with no signs of wedding yet. Janine (Jennifer Connelly) and Ben (Bradley Cooper) are married and Ben is exploring love out of marriage with Anna (Scarlett Johansson), a yoga instructor. Anna can’t decide between already married Ben and no-frills realtor Conor (Kevin Connolly). The last one to complete the list is Mary (Drew Barrymore), looking for one straight man only to be rejected by seven different technologies. Trying to read, interpret and understand the ‘signals’ this impressive caste makes through to their happy ending which promises some tears of happiness (for the ultimate wedding) and some moving on as relationships fail. While Ken Kwapis’ direction is smooth and performances by the crew notable, the horde of too many characters does not let them develop individually. The screenplay by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein brings forth how the load of available technologies is no help in making men and women understand each other better. And why the women’s very simple rule of ‘first love, led to marriage followed by kids’ is so hard to accomplish. The movie promises moments of thrill and laughter to all those die-hard romantics who can’t have enough of ‘signals’. mona@tribunemail.com
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Kodak moment
He has been in the international music circuit for quite a while, but it is only with his Golden Globe award for his score in Slumdog Millionaire that Indian music maestro A.R. Rahman was catapulted into the big league in the West. He has since been hounded for solo photos - for the first time in his life.“In that one week, I received three awards in the US. The first was the Critics’ Awards. When I got that the American media wasn’t interested in me. They didn’t want my solo photographs. ‘Can you please stand next to Danny Boyle?’ they’d say. I think it was a glamour thing. By the time I came to the third award, the Golden Globe, they said, ‘Can we have your solo pics, please,” Rahman said in an interview. The composer is India’s hope at the Oscars with three nominations - he has been nominated for Best Original Score and two for the Best Original Song for a motion picture with his songs Jai Ho and O Saaya in Slumdog Millionaire.—IANS
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Varsity on Valentine’s
Sorry for being bare and blunt, but there's something inextricably intertwined about campus and Valentine's. Those not in the pink of youth need not be competitive, envious. For on Saturday the state of affairs was as humdrum, unexciting as the situation 'mid life crisis'. If not moral policing, then the presence of our very own men in khaki was enough to scare away even the genuine worshippers of Saint Valentine's. Security's flipside! Where were we? Yeah…there was nothing on campus that suggested it was Valentine's Day, apart from the calendar! Nevertheless, we don't fail to catch the action on varsity, do a recce and come back with lots of constructive criticism and some appreciation and li'l bit of hope. Ring-a-ring-a-roses
PU's first! Like with all things first it can never be criticised, bias forgiven. The effort, the initiative, the enterprise, the courage (given the bull dog grip of much famous and comparatively a veteran, Rose festival of Chandigarh just a kilometer away) need to be acknowledged and recognised. The columbus, the giant wheel, camel ride, balloon shooting, had everything to take one back to good old school fete. Add to the entertaining chaos, the string of competitions; quiz, photography, collage making, clay modeling, rangoli, best comedian, et al. Only the maddening crowd reflexively associated with carnivals missing. Said Meena Arora, student of Department of English, "During evenings it's jam packed. Today because it's Saturday and Valentine's day, a lot of outsider's are thinking they won't be let in." The mood picked up some tempo around let afternoon. Bottomline: A bit of innovation in deciding the events would have gone a long way in giving it the much needed unique identity from the older Rose festival of Chandigarh. SAUFEST
Again first! Day three of Panjab University's ongoing South Asian Universities Youth Festival had Visit to Rock Garden and Lake followed by the staple of every evening of the fest; the cultural programme. Too many ongoing fests simultaneously; did the authorities fear cannibalisation of its own audience and participants? Said, Dr. Surinder Sharma, advisor to V.C (Cultural and academic affairs), "It was a very wise idea and makes complete sense to be holding two events at the same time. This way we not only save time also the events of two fests are so designed that one doesn't clash with the other, nor interferes." Hmm..convinced. Look forward to today's kite-flying! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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chowk Soulless in City Sreedhara Bhasin Chandigarh seems to be on steroids. Everything is getting 'more and better.' More restaurants, more hotels, more shopping malls and of course, more people. The success story of this city-is a prototype of urban Indian growth. I admit to being a reader of the TOI Speaking Tree. When the day seems to be whizzing by so fast that I feel dizzy, some of the things in the column seem to hold sway over my usually overwhelmed mind. Then I make an effort to observe things in Chandigarh that otherwise alludes me. For example, I realised that I hardly ever pause to look at the trees these days. I have always thought of Janpath (the road that leads to the Sukhna lake via Matka Chowk) as one of the most beautiful roads in India. How many of you have lately paused to admire the rows of trees leaning towards the sun along that road? The change of season is another phenomenon that we feel in Chandigarh. In most cities, the advent of another season is merely a notation in temperature. Here, winter is inaugurated by fuscia coloured Bahunias and its end by the blood red Shimuls. As spring approaches the mangos arch out blooms and the koel can be heard in many neighbourhoods while folk's watch Indian Idol re-runs. When you turn on the fan at the end of this winter, look around and feel the change-a wonderful manifestation of our cosmos-right here in our city. I have met many longtime residents of Chandigarh - they seem to represent the core of the original Chandigarh - constituting the epicenter of what Chandigarh grew around - educational and medical institutes, colleges and museums of art and creative pursuits, dazzling landscaping and horticultural brilliance, a penchant for philanthropy and thirst for knowledge, for knowledge's sake and of course, a love for sports, open wide spaces and gardens. I agree that the new generation of Chandigarh people is far too busy with necessities that have become a part of the new India. Many like me lack the talent and the time. Many seem to be too busy to bother about the ludicrous prospect of thinking about the heart and soul of a city. We dodge what is irksome and watch TV after a long day somnolently. Are we getting soulless in Chandigarh? The announcement of the Rose Festival is reassuring. A city that can host a mega event every year for the sake of a flower is definitely in an extraordinary league! matkachowk@gmail.com
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Hand crafted Jewellery exhibition11am Fabindia -9 Panchkula SAUFEST Kite Flying 11am to 12.30pm Panjab University
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TAROT TALK ARIES: Ace of Cups brings emotional fulfillment. You will meet new people while widening your social circle on Monday. Your hectic schedule may leave you feeling tired, make it a priority to relax. A Gemini person brings sunshine and laughter on Wednesday or Thursday. Lucky colour: Blue. Tip of the week: It is no longer necessary to take risks. Concentrate on projects with reliable outcome. TAURUS: Professional and business projects are completed by Tuesday. Beware of taking a wrong decision due to over anxiety. Its time to be free and open to whatever life brings rather than be afraid of changes. Children provide joy during mid-week. Meditation and awareness within is recommended. Lucky colour: White. Tip: Extend your circle of friends, as people are your best bet against a hostile situation at work. GEMINI: You dominate professional undertakings with your rank and power. Spending time with loved ones will be a priority. Issues about money matters may be on your mind on Tuesday. A Taurean offers you valuable assistance. Centre within and taste your inner bliss on Saturday. Lucky Colour: Citric blue. Tip: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. CANCER: The past needs to be dropped so you can make fresh beginnings. Meditation takes you to higher levels of consciousness. Delegating responsibility and sharing your burdens with others is a therapeutic consideration. Focus on health and meditation. If your name starts with alphabet A or M, you will achieve success in money matters. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: Take new challenges in your strides and deal with them sensibly. LEO: You have an opportunity to participate in grand business plans. You are open and receptive in personal relationships bringing change and harmony all round. Celebrate weekend with friends to rejuvenate your energy. A short trip is on the cards. Beware of third person interfering in your personal life. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Tip: No time to rest action is needed. VIRGO: You are blessed with good health, vigor and energy. You are able to meditate and focus on higher levels of consciousness and grow from a deep spiritual experience. Women play significant role in your life. Beware of dissipation and idleness at the workplace and at home as you tend to be laid back. Lucky Colour: Black. Tip: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. LIBRA: A time of beginnings and endings can be exciting and rejuvenating. You are bound to make a lasting impact in personal and professional encounters. You can achieve professional goals and targets with a dynamic approach. Beware of over reactions and over indulgence in all areas. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. Tip: You will need to learn how to cope better with success, its demands and limitations. SCORPIO: Hectic work schedule would require you to be on your toes most of the time. You might find that you have the ability to accomplish things with greater ease than usual. Meditate to balance yin and yang energies. Don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand to others. A Scorpio person influences your decision and moves in a progressive direction. Lucky colour: White. Tip: You have to realise that even way out ideas can be put into practice if you have sufficient common sense. SAGITTARIUS: You have drawn the Hierophant card. This card represents an agent through which the divine will is interpreted. You have high regard for ethics and the social code. You often question the mysteries of life, and are eager to seek the right answers. This wisdom can give you a sense of pride and authority on Wednesday. Do not allow emotions to come in your profession. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Learn to rely on your mind. CAPRICORN: You have drawn the Hermit card. It is time for you to introspect. You are in the midst of a quest. This will lead you on a journey of self-discovery. Many a brilliant idea or a person can confuse you on Monday. A light and playful attitude is best adopted in heavy situation. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Tip: Do what is right and watch your best interests. AQUARIUS: You have drawn the Magician card. It’s time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens on Sunday. You may be in a laidback mood on Monday and would prefer to spend time daydreaming. Romantic relationships will bring happiness. Social commitments will keep you busy. Meditate in silence to be in touch with divinity. Lucky colour: Rose pink. Tip: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. PISCES: All that hard work is finally going to pay off. You make even boring tasks a pleasure. Go to movie with a friend. Turn your communication talents toward your love life. It’s pretty amazing to overcome a difficult situation on Tuesday. Lucky colour: Sea green. Tip: Play your cards close to your chest.
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