The recent Fox-BR Films legal tussle has brought the focus back on Bollywood scourge: Copying

Has a recent Hindi flick left you with a strong sense of déjà vu? Most of us would answer in the affirmative. The desi idea of a perfect box-office recipe is rather simple — pilfer a Hollywood plot, pour some meldodrama into it and shake the two vigorously. PS: Don’t forget to sprinkle it with some sleazy song and dance number before serving.

Bollywood, the biggest film industry in the world, has never shied away from showing its maddening penchant for Hollywood. So, unabashed copying, wherein concepts are hijacked and frames airlifted, comes naturally to it. Recently, 20th Century Fox slapped a case on BR Films, alleging plagiarism and copyright violation. The Fox managers sought damages to the tune of Rs 7 crore from the Indian production house for having not taken permission for a Hindi remake (Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai) of their hit comedy My Cousin Vinny. BR Films, on the other hand, contended that their characters, treatment and backdrop were completely different.

The debate might go on, but one wonders have the original ideas disappeared from Bollywood and why are we banking so heavily on ‘phoren maal’.

“It’s all about convenience. The producers know that the idea has worked once, so, they believe that it will pay dividends again,” quips maverick screenplay writer-turned-director Anurag Kashyap. “People who look at cinema only as business and entertainment can copy, but they must pay for borrowing the idea,” asserts the filmmaker, who feels that stringent copyright laws can act as a deterrent, and that, in turn, can breed originality.

“An inspiration can come from anywhere. There’s nothing wrong in getting inspired. Remakes are hit because they fall into the scheme of things well. You have a storyline that you like, you can plan the budget, shooting schedule etc. What’s more, you are getting a product of your choice,” says producer Harry Baweja. “The fact that now one can go and buy reproduction rights of a creative work doesn’t leave anyone fuming,” he adds.

Jaspal Bhatti, actor-comedian known for generating original gags, refers to the phenomenon as rat race. “Copying Hollywood flicks is a trend that has entered the bloodstream of filmmakers. Now, even the television is aping it. First we saw a barrage of saas bahu serials, then came comedy shows and now the reigning flavor is the girl child. There are hardly any filmmakers who believe in originality. I admit openly that I have been approached for the cut and paste job, but I politely refused,” he says. It is sad, but there are no takers of original stuff, and it’s seriously hurting the fresh scriptwriters, adds the comedy king. Agrees Ajai Sinha, a scriptwriter and director, who has to his credit shows like Hasratein, Dollar Bahu, Gudgudee, Astitiva-Ek Prem Kahani and a feature film Stop. “The options are very limited. While filmmakers have faith in successful duplication of hit formulas, so do actors. When you approach an actor with an idea or a DVD with instruction that you are doing say a John Travolta’s role, he is more open to the project. Jo bikta hai vo bechengen is the industry’s thumb rule,” he says.

Punjabi actor and filmmaker Iqbal Singh Dhillon feels that the onus lies on the audience to stop the malpractice. “We should reject plagiarism. The day viewers refuse to take copied films, the trend will die its own death,” he says.

mona@tribunemail.com

It’s not just academics, school counsellors have to deal with serious stuff like adolescence troubles, family issues as well as peer and parental pressure

It was early in the morning around the same time last year when a phone call jostled Adarsh Kohli, a city-based psychologist. Replying to her sluggish “Hello” was a terrifying wail from a boy, “Suicide is the only option.” She gets back to her calm-self after some jitters and goes ahead recalling the instance, “I pleaded him not to take any hasty step and to give me his parents phone number, which thankfully he did. A word with his parents and some convincing saved their son’s life.” Any conclusions? “Counselling helps. It becomes rather imperative for students during and post exams for the extreme stress they undergo.” The student helpline near the results last year was flooded with umpteen queries. But academics and results are not the only problems students come with. Thousand odd cases and an equal number of problems for counsellors to solve range from grave family issues, peer and parent pressure to perform, adolescence issues and insecurities. With enough counsellors in the city, we talk to them on how significant is their job in current times and if the city’s younger lot is open to the idea of counselling.

“Earlier the perception was that students only with serious cognitive problems visit counsellors. But now we do see a lot of students taking career counselling. Also, we have a counsellor in most of the city schools that helps students to take immediate advice,” informs Adarsh. Having dealt with problems like low self-esteem in children, learning disorders, exams anxiety, she feels the pertinent of all is, “Peer and parent pressure to perform well in academics. We tell them their success yard should be to outdo their past performance.”

However, Deepika Sood, a counsellor at the Government Model School-29, feels the most complex issues for students to make sense out of are the adoloscence ones, “Generally students don’t know whom to discuss these issues with. They can’t be talking about their affairs or other distractions with their parents.” Although the questions sometimes surprise her too, “It, at times, stuns me when a Class V or VI student comes up with questions like how to fall in love or complexes pertaining looks.” The complex problems and questions pose a challenge to the counsellors as well. Counselling therefore is not just about ‘talking’ to students; it’s a complete case study, requiring a lot of homework. “If counselling was so easy, there wouldn’t have been any emotional hiccups with youngsters,” quips Puneeta Singh, counsellor, Carmel Convent School. Quite a lot of groundwork goes before advising, “We consider the repercussions of what we suggest. One wrong idea can make the subject suffer emotionally and add to problems.”

For the same reasons, Jayanti Banerji, counsellor, St. Johns School-26, feels there should be regular counselling sessions in every school. “These sessions helps us take students into confidence to voice out their problems. Through these, we can reach out to students and convince them that we are there to take care of their problems.” She adds, “If that happens, you would definitely see a positive change in their academic performance and overall behaviour.” ashima@tribunemail.com

Jugnu Bazaar provides a platform for voluntary organisations to become self-reliant

It's USP does not lie in 'cent per cent recycled, cotton fiber, non-toxic'. But in the fact that shoeshine boys were diverted to make it and its proceeds is going to help the whining stray dog outside. People For Animals, Chandigarh, hosted a two-day Jugnu Bazaar. Assortment of handmade paper, photographs, painting, antique tiles stacked together, it was quite a bazaar. And colorful one!

"The most important thing is that with Jugnu Bazaar, we've become a sourcing NGO and for the first time, several NGOs have come together under one platform provided by us," Payal Sodhi, founder member, PFA gets us started with a recee. Turn around the flaps of little knick-knacks dotting the shelves and 'Made by Good Beginning, marketed by PFA' would make clear what she means. Elaborates Payal, "We are working on the concept of self-sustaining NGOs, because who can survive on donations? Nobody can." With the plethora of electrifying interesting curios, lining the room, nor do they need to.

Picturise thank you card envelope, jewellery box, tree bark pencils, lampshades, jazzy stuff, dupatta ends, jute bags. "These thumbprint tags and bracelets have been made by street children," apprises Sangita Vardhan from Vatsal Chaya, a community development programme meant for street children. Chips in Payal, "These jute carry bags are from Chhoti Si Asha, an NGO that directs and channelises shoeshine boys into productive activities." She adds, "This time we have six NGOs with us, one from Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Our only selection criteria is the organisation should be doing genuine good work." And will the bazaar reassemble? "We plan to make it a regular feature. Every two months it will be a permanent and recurring affair."

Stepping out of the non-government organisations, onto individual efforts. Priya Gill, art photographer, was there for anything but animals. "This is my favourite charity and I've been photographer half my life, so I jumped at the idea of being able to do something." She adds, "I chose a selection of bright positive images since it's a positive cause." Souvenirs from Le Corbusier were the centre of attraction and not by virtue of being placed in the radial sphere. V.N. Singh, director, says, "This charity also gels with Le Corbusier's concept. He was a philosopher and artist." He adds, "Especially this 'I love Chandigarh' T-shirt is quite popular." So is the sentiment. — Manpriya Khurana

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali says his Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai starrer Guzaarish, which will be shot in Goa in July and August to capture the melody of the monsoons and the romance of the place, is actually a tribute to singing legend Lata Mangeshkar.

“I learnt direction from her voice. Guzaarish is my tribute to Lata-ji’s artistry,” Bhansali told.

As Bhansali returns to Goa after his directorial debut in Khamoshi: The Musical, he has formulated what can only be called the complete homage to the most flawless voice. Every nuance and curve in the intense love story is inspired by the songs of Lata.

The screenplay too is inspired by Lata’s passion for excellence.

Last week Bhansali met the singing legend to seek her blessings before plunging into Guzaarish.

“But it was like a whole eternity passing by for me. I had always been afraid of meeting her. I’d always pass by her home in Peddar Road and hope for a glimpse of my goddess on her balcony. But to actually come face to face with her was a scary thought. One doesn’t hobnob with one’s god. But before Guzaarish I had to meet her,” Bhansali said.

“I just wanted to sit and gaze at her. I realised in person she’s as magical as she is in her singing. There’s something other-worldly about her, a quality I haven’t encountered in anyone else in my life,” he added.

Hrithik and Aishwarya have been chosen to play the passionate lovers in Guzaarish because to Bhansali they epitomise the physical and spiritual beauty of Lata’s voice.

Lata too is a big fan of Bhansali’s films and says she is fortunate that she is the source of inspiration behind such a talented director’s film.

“Even I had heard that he makes his singers hear my songs over and over again before making them sing. I’ve always been a big fan of Sanjay’s films, specially Black. I remember watching the Filmfare Awards in the year of Black. Every time the nominations were announced I prayed for Black to win. And it did. If I’m a source of inspiration to him then I count myself fortunate,” said Lata. — IANS

Summer is here at last and the much-awaited summer vacations are on. Kids love the long break because of all fun things they can do. Sadly, most kids choose sedentary activities and end up sleeping in, sitting around the house watching TV or playing computer/electronic games.

Instead of making exercise seem like just another chore for the children, encourage fitness in your home by making physical activities that's fun. This year, why not help your kids enjoy an active summer break.

Fitness that begins in childhood is a lifelong investment. Studies have shown that children who participate in fitness activities continue to stay active throughout their lives. When you make exercise a priority in your home you not only keep your family in shape, you also help to establish lifelong appreciation for physical fitness.

Not all children are enthusiastic about organised or conventional sporting activities and most cringe at the thought of having to join a gym to stay active and physically fit during the summer months. But don't despair -- there are lots of ways to motivate your child to be active. Begin by picking activities in which each family member can participate.

Here are some tips to help you and your kids get up and moving this summer break:

• Offer a wide choice of summer activities during the summer beyond organised sports. For example, walking the dog, planting an herb garden, riding their bike or sweeping the garage.
• Play games with your children. Try a game of street cricket or play football with them at the park. Focus your children's attention on fun and their skills rather than the outcome.
• Limit the 'non-active' time your kids spend sitting in front of the television, playing video games, or surfing the Internet during summer break.
• Summer is a good time to enroll your kids in organised sporting activities. They get to learn life-long outdoor skills such as cricket, football, tennis, and cycling, as well as indoor skills like martial arts, badminton, etc.
• Plan family activities that involve walking -- a trip to the zoo, a hike, a visit to the local park or a day at the beach (walking on the sand is great exercise). Younger kids will enjoy running around the playground.
• Take advantage of the extra daylight during the summer and make after-dinner walks around the block part of your daily routine.
• Assign everyday active chores, such as making beds, washing the car, gardening or vacuuming.
• Turn on the sprinkler and let your kids run through the spray. You can join too. It's a good exercise and a great way to stay cool.
• If your family enjoys going to the mall, park far away from the entrance so you have to walk. Walking briskly in the mall is also good exercise.
• Burn some calories with your kids in a game of Frisbee, jump rope; ride bikes; or go swimming together.

Precautions need to be taken when children or teens are engaged in outdoor activities in hot temperatures. Encouraging fluid replacement, providing water breaks, and reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during extreme heat are a few ways to help reduce the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

kalrasachin@hotmail.com

Dr G.P. Thami, head of the Dermatology Department, talks about body odour and how to get rid of it

Look attractive and feel great but how do you smell? It's true that we sweat more than usual in hot weather, while exercising or when feeling anxious and sweating is the body's way of cooling down. During summer, we sweat more and dried sweat leads to the proliferation of bacteria on the skin, which leads to, well, those around you keeping a distance, which is more than just respectable!

Dipannita loves to eat, specially fish and sweets

Swang-Folk Theatre to showcase Haryanavi life

Folk music and dance is the true and natural reflection of the pastoral living of any region or community, their traditions, folklore and life style. Normally it is the oral tradition which preserves folk songs or ballads which are passed from one generation to the next by singing and memorising which always gives profound aesthetic satisfaction to the performer and listener both. But the folk musical theatre in Haryana, though kept alive by oral tradition has an added advantage that the Swang stalwarts and pioneers of folk music like Pandit Lakhmi Chand, Pandit Mange Ram and others had been embellishing the conventional Swang-Folk Theatre " from time to time.

But still these folk musical forms in content, treatment and presentation needs to be improved to catch up with the spectacular levels achieved by the neighbouring regions. However the Haryana Public Relations and Cultural Affairs department had been organising seminars and folk music programmes to propagate rich Harynavi musical culture through their folk festivals in and outside the state.

The Haryanvi folk theatre lovers will be treated to a grand feast of musical theatre of ten swangs from May 18 to May 27 here at the Tagore Theatre, disclosed K K Khandelwal, IAS. The seven day festival, held twice in a year, which were largely attended has now been further extended by three days more on the persistent demand of the public of the city beautiful, he added. It is our endeavor to disseminate the cultural heritage among young Haryanavi generation in towns and big cities and we have met with an encouraging response, claimed Khandelwal.

Oscar-award winning actor Ben Kingsley who propelled to fame for his depiction of Mahatma Gandhi in 1982 has returned to his Indian roots to star in a Bollywood movie, Teen Patti, with megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Kingsley, 65 was born in Yorkshire in 1943 as Krishna Bhanji to an Indian father and an English mother. His father, who came from Zanzibar, had his own family roots in Gujarat. The actor adopted his British name at drama school.

Besides Kingsley and Bachchan the film stars Ajay Devgan, Susmita Sen and other actors and will be produced by Ambika Hinduja, daughter of Ashok Hinduja, one of four billionaire businessmen Hinduja brothers.

Teen Patti which means ‘three cards’, is a thriller set against a backdrop of high-stakes gambling, is being directed by first-time director Leena Yadav and will have its world premiere in Mumbai in August.

Ambika, whose film company Srendipity made Teen Patti, said, “Indian film-making is not just about song and dance movies. We are now keen to make films - dramas and thrillers - which have a worldwide market.” “Making Gandhi meant an enormous amount to me,” said Kingsley of the eponymous epic, directed by Sir Richard Attenborough which won eight Oscars, including best actor for Kingsley. — PTI

Nicole Kidman’s Darling Point villa has been sold almost a year to the day since the actor listed it for sale with price hopes of around $ 20 million. Although deal information has been kept under wraps, the sale price is believed to be about $ 6 million less than its listing price.

Many offers were received by Kidman, 41, regarding the Yarranabbe Road property during the past two weeks, including an offer of about $ 12 million from Michael Hannan, former owner of the Wentworth Courier newspaper. Agent Bill Bridges, however, confirmed that Hannan is not the successful buyer of the house.

The Oscar-winning actress decided to sell the hillside property because it is not suitable for a small child. After Sunday Rose’s birth, Kidman’s daughter with country music singer husband Keith Urban, the pair splashed out millions for Bunya Hill, a 45-hectare rural estate at Sutton Forest in the Southern Highlands.

The American-based pair’s main residence in Nashville is on a farm. — ANI

Unleashing a cool wave this summer, Super star and Coca-Cola brand ambassador- Hrithik Roshan is all set to meet the winners of Hrithik Banega Apka Dost initiative in Chandigarh. Consumers just need to buy a bottle of Coca-Cola and collect three labels. The initiative is applicable on 500 ml and 600ml Coca-Cola PET bottles.

As part of a unique initiative, consumers just need to collect labels of Coca-Cola, fill in the registration form and drop them in the collection box at their nearest leading food outlets.

Additionally, consumers can also participate by buying a meal and drinking their favorite soft drink - Coca-Cola in any of the Mc Donald's or Domino's outlets. Lucky winners will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite star and Coca-Cola brand ambassador — Hrithik Roshan in Chandigarh. The initiative is organised in the select cities of Punjab — Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar till May 18.

In addition to leveraging mass media, integrated communication program supported by range of initiatives including out-of-home (OOH) media, on-the-ground activities, radio spots and point of sale merchandise.

According to Abhijeet Mukherjee, region general manager, franchise operations, Coca-Cola India, "Coca-Cola in India has always believed in adding excitement, refreshment and fun into the lives of its consumers. Hrithik Banega Apka Dost is yet another initiative in this regard, wherein consumers get an opportunity to meet Hrithik Roshan. I am confident that our consumers especially in Punjab would find the entire initiative extremely appealing." — TNS

Actor Cameron Diaz, who lost her father while shooting for film My Sister’s Keeper, believes that it made her stronger.

“I think, emotionally it definitely took its toll,” Diaz said.

“You know, that’s what the heart does. Things are given to us, and things are taken away. And I think the heart becomes stronger, more capable,” she said.

Though production briefly shut down, the 36-year-old actor being a professional returned to filming after taking a short break.

“It’s the human experience,” she says of having to deal with loss referring to her father Emilio’s death last April.The actress claimed that it strengthened her and pushed her to think outside the box.

“People who put labels on themselves limit themselves.

If you are a woman who’s been labeled as a sex symbol, for instance – I mean, I am not saying that’s the label people would apply to me. But if you see yourself that way, inevitably you get to a point when you are no longer a sex symbol,” Diaz said.

“And if you can’t move past that, you’re putting a limit on yourself; you’re arresting your development. And that’s where I think a lot of women get in trouble,” she added. — PTI

Actor Johnny Depp’s co-star Zoe Saldana believes that the actor has a split personality similar to iconic characters Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The actress, who worked with Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl said, “He is the shyest person I ever met. The moment the camera is turned on, these characters that are within him come out and take control. Then when the director yells, ‘Cut!’ he goes back to being quiet. Very Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Created by author Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr Jekyll was a fictional mild mannered physician until he took a potion which transforms him into the violent Mr Hyde. — PTI