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First & furious
One word that is bound to appear or better still, stare you in your face (which we had been conveniently ignoring) in all Rahul Gandhi's print and electronic interviews is 'youth'. Youth it is. Ones, who don't see politics as a hierarchical tool, who travel miles to their constituencies instead of holding endless meetings at swanky offices. And youth, which does not borrow tailor-made speeches but believe in thorough R&D, before stepping on the dais. And youth, which is bestowed with the task of changing India for the better. Here they are, the vibrant leaders of Rahul Gandhi's brigade, focused, far-sighted and target oriented, who carry everything with a touch of élan. Manish Tewari
Run for health: A 5 km run every morning almost 365 days, no matter where in the world I am. I maintained the routine even during the campaigning. Running is like a stress buster and also a spiritual experience in itself. A 28-29 minutes run help to structure my priorities and gives me a new high to slip easily into the schedule. Diet care: I am fairly careful about my diet. There are many things on the negative list of diet. Otherwise, I stick to a normal healthy home-made diet of vegetables, chappati, rice, chicken and fish. Dressed to perfection: I dress up professionally when I am in the arena of public affairs, but left to myself, I would get into my old pair of jeans and tee. Time for nothing: I make time to do nothing. I like to spend quality time with myself. I find time for books and music too. Read on: I find it interesting to read two-three books at the same time. I am going through The Inheritance by David E Sanger, Interface between the Islamic Faith and Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger. Ravneet Singh Bittu
Morning raga: My day begins early with reading all the newspapers dedicatedly. Earlier, I used to go for a 10-12 km run at the lake, which I still do, but the frequency has decreased and so has the mileage. Thereafter, I get ready, do my paath and meet people. Designer's den: My mother loves to see me dressed properly. In fact, she lends her suggestions once in a while along with my wife. I mostly wear kurta pajama, which I get stitched from Nizam tailors in Chandigarh and Sadiq Talior in Delhi. This is the same tailor who made clothes for Rajiv Gandhi, and now for Farooq Abdullah. I am also fascinated by dark turbans, and I match the colour with my vasket. Car freak: Earlier, I used to test drive any car, which would hit the city. Esteem is a good car, but there is nothing like an Innova. At the same time, Pajero is best suited for the hills of Anandpur Sahib. Diet plan: I end up taking 25 cups of tea and 25 glasses of coke almost daily. Movie buff: I haven't seen any good movie for a long time. I like to listen to Gurdas Maan. Ashok Tanwar
Health is wealth: During my student life, I didn't bother about maintaining health because roaming around the campus did the needful. For the past 4-5 years I have become conscious about my health and try to keep fit. I have reduced the intake of sugar; otherwise I am not a fussy eater. Style check: (Laughs) I wear whatever my wife gives me to wear. I feel I should sport a lifestyle that people can relate to, and something that will keep me rooted to my culture. What's on my playlist: I can only have the privilege of listening to old Hindi numbers when I am travelling. On wheels: I have an Ambassador, which I still like to drive. At other times, when I visiting my constituency my friends lend their cars. Shruti Choudhry
Fountainhead of energy: I derive my energy largely from my work and people, who give me a tremendous sense of purpose. The idea that I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives keeps me going. It also comes from my faith in God. Style check: Like any other youngster, I am also conscious about what to wear. At work it is the traditional clothes, and once I am off work, I slip into casuals, mainly jeans and t-shirts. It might sound funny, but I get my clothes stitched from a tailor. Accessory line: I am not too much into bling. I like sunglasses and bags. I like to keep everything simple; this helps me in my work. Gadget guru: I have a Blackberry phone and I am connected with the outside world through Internet. Read on: Books on philosophy and history. My passion: I am trained in Hindustani music, but now I am more of a listener. However, whenever I have time I return to my passion. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Language of art
Done away with the misconceptions. Replaced them with truth, facts, details and data that are authentic. The substitution process involved challenges, complexities and confrontations. Yet the change came, “Because it was bound to. It was imperative for art lovers to know that most of the art we term as Western in India is an extension of Indian art.
I am happy, my book became the medium,” Pratima Sheth sums up the aim of her
book, Dictionary of Indian Art and Artists as she flips its pages, which has
information about the prominent Indian artists, art form and genres they have
been a part of, their style of creating art, time periods when certain art forms
existed and the established arts institutions of India.
For,
Pratima, Mumbai- based India’s first lexicographer, writing dictionary became the obvious decision, once she realised how misinformed people are. “Even at my college, we were taught that all art except miniature paintings and that inspired from mythology, is western art. The dictionary proves against the believes quite convincingly.” it took her a decade and some moments of frustrationto complete the task. There is a mention of 650 Indian artists and that involved a lot of homework. “I used to spend hours in libraries daily, studying works of Indian artists, collected their news paper cuttings to authenticate my findings, travelled extensively across India to decide upon the best of Indian artists of all times.” However, among all, she found the best Indian artist in Raja Ravi Verma, “Even when he painted using the western form of art, his subjects were very Indian mythological characters. There was always a spirit of nationality in his creations.” Even as she has covered most of the eminent faces of art, she relents on having missed some as she couldn’t get information about them then, “Now, I have acquired some facts about them, the reason why I am going to begin with the second edition of Dictionary.” The same cause brought her to the city on Friday. Here to meet the established artists, she hopes to mention some in her next, “I’ll cover artworks of artists born in the Raja Ravi Verma era to those of present times.” She considers writing dictionaries as her job and the defines achievement as, “I ask art students how do they learn about the Indian artists and art forms, and the answer is- an Indian art dictionary. Rest, I understand. That gives me a sense of achievement and more importantly, contentment,” she smiles.
ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Ramp-age
As the students of International Institute of Fashion Technology get ready to showcase their year’s hardwork, we check out their stuff. A total of 80 collections include Fall Winter, Tropical Explore, Victoria Splendour, Swayamber, blend to Punjab and the rule is ‘no rule’. “We have tried to make a colour, fashion and design forecast through our ensemble this time. The variety ranges from the very trendy fall winter to the very traditional bridal wear,” informs Sonia, a student of final year. Beside clothes, the students have also designed jewellery and other accessories. “We wanted to render a complete look to the clothes and thought accessories would serve the cause,” says Manpreet, a final year student. Yeh dil mange more
“The city is a fashion hub. People here are aware of the latest trends so why not have more fashion shows here, than just having a couple of institute initiated shows,” suggests Shipra Malik, Miss Congeniality, 2007 and a leading model, who now wants to be a part of Bollywood. “I will soon be joining the Anupam Kher’s acting school in Mumbai and then look forward to get a good break in movies.” She aims to enter the cine world fully prepared and hopes acting school would help, “It is a very professional industry and nobody has time to teach you acting on the job.” No silver screen
When fashion industry’s one of the most successful models, Nayonika Chatterjee is backing you, confidence comes naturally. And that’s why Bharti Hazarika considers herself so lucky; “I participated in a local modeling competition, where Nayonika spotted me. She came up to me and said you should look forward to become a mainstream model”. The girl followed instructions and set her base in Delhi. Having walked the ramp for all the major designers, she finds herself addicted to the glam world, “I am very sure about my future as a model and would never like to enter Bollywood or television.” However, she aspires to walk the ramp for Roberto Cavalli.
— Ashima Sehajpal |
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Folksy & filmy
With the passage of time music scenario is bound to change but the declining trends in the purity of Indian classical music and unethical approach of commercialisation in the popular regional or filmy music is a matter of concern for all, the listener and performer,” observed prominent Punjabi singer Dolly Guleria.
Sharing her views at a Press conference at the Pracheen Kala Kendra, she rued the emergence of half-baked singers, courtesy the realty shows and back up of affluent persons. A strong proponent of the pristine folk tradition, she is a custodian of the rich musical legacy of her mentor and mother, Surinder Kaur, the nightingale of Punjabi folklore. Not averse to remix or fusion, Dolly maintains that such ventures are welcomed, provided the sanctity of original Indian classical or folk music is retained with full flavour. Dolly even plans to record a few chosen hits of legendary Surinder Kaur in a remix pattern using the latest advanced technology. Recipient of many awards, Dolly, who is a lyricist too, has given playback for Punjabi films and produced over 24 popular albums of folk music. The maestro is, however, is hopeful of the revival of the melody in music. “Certain songs which the star playback and sufi singer Kailash Kher has sung with ek tara as the lead instrument, really touches your soul,” she says. Dolly will perform at the Randhawa auditorium on Saturday at function organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra to commemorate the 79th birth anniversary of Guru Madan Lal Koser. |
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French connection
The six-member group on its second tour to India; have already performed in Bangalore, Mysore, Ahemdabad, Mumbai and Goa. “The whole experience was great. Though the welcome was not as warm in Mumbai, but in Goa and Bangalore we performed at colleges, that too at 11 in the morning. The crowd was with us all the time and the energy sharing was amazing,” shares Julien. Their Indian experience has always left them asking for more, “Though its hot here, but moving from one place to another in India is like moving from one country to another,” he adds. Returning to music again, Kwak doesn’t believe in ticking to traditions but their music is global. “We have a lot of influences like reggae, Hip hop, jazz. Our compositions reflect innovations and sounds from the globe,” says Julien. Ask him about his Indian inspiration and he replies, “Indian classical music is by far the most inspirational and most difficult to learn. We don’t have any clue about the Indian instruments, but in our recent album, Malice n le demeure, we have used a lot of Indian compositions with tabla and sitar.” Rocking audiences world over with their music and gigs at various music festivals, Kwak is full of music, energy and a lot more. lifestyle@tribunemail.com |
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Music is the voice of human soul, which is spontaneously expressed the through the language of the heart with the medium of sound " says Dr Pardeep Bhardwaj, a noted skin specialist and equally known light classical vocalist from Panchkula. The Sur Sangam, the annual musical extravaganza of light filmy music. The programme features mostly amateur doctor singers. The programme, now in the 12th year, is perceived to salute the legends of the music world. The performers for the final event to be held on July 11 at the Inderdhansh auditorium at Panchkula will be finalised after series of rounds of auditions. The first audition will be held at the Indian Medical Association ( IMA ) hall at Sector 15 on June 21 — TNS
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Kent RO Systems Ltd., is all set to herald a new era in water purification industry with its latest innovation Kent Gold. Kent Gold UF Storage Water Purifier makes water pure without using any chemicals like Chlorine, Bromine or Iodine. Its UF Membrane and Nano silver coated Carbon which provides better purification. The new Kent Gold has especially been launched keeping in mind the quality of drinking water available to an average household. Kent Gold can be used as a general-purpose storage device for and dispensing of purified water, in kitchen, drawing-rooms, offices, shops etc. It is a portable device with a modern and elegant look. — TNS
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If you think he contemplates before speaking, yes he does. But, you can't blame him. For, he makes sense all the time. Pragmatic, intelligent and far-sighted, the National spokesperson for Indian National Congress answers your 'in the light vein' queries, even when he is so used to talking politics.
Alright. This young MP from Anandpur Sahib has a political lineage. But Ravneet Bittu does not believe in sitting on the hereditary laurels. He wants to prove himself following his grandfather late Beant Singh's footsteps. For this god fearing, stylish leader, hard work never goes unnoticed. 
He turns up for meetings in a traditional kurta pajama with a confident smile, which comes through his relentless work and the will to change things. At the end of the day he is an average guy who would tune into old Hindi numbers when he has time.
This first time MP from Bhiwani, Mahendragarh is the ideal focused, enterprising and energetic youngster, who has made it to Parliament, which others of her age can only dream of. Following the drill of meetings and traveling, Shruti is never far away from her Hindustani music.
Music is an art, music is a gift; music is truth.” Defining music is as difficult a task as life itself. But musician Damien Tartamella’s spontaneous reply to the question was a thoughtful introduction of Kwak, a French rock band invited by the Alliance Francaise to perform in city, a celebration tour to mark the world music day. They call their music French Rock; “It is a mix of traditional French folk Chanson with modern rock. Its thoughtful, with clever, poetic lyrics and full of energy,” says Julien, the guitarist of the band. Clever and poetic, sounds intriguing. He explains, “Singing in French can be difficult when the emphasis is on lyrics. ‘I love you baby’ may sound pleasant in English but when you sing the same thing in French, it may not have the same effect. So you really have to think while penning down your emotions.” Well, who knows passion better than the French.