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Friends of Punjab In the city for a promotional event, we catch up the star cast of Kisaan While visiting your relatives or friends in Punjab, how many times have you looked out of the car window and admired the lush green fields that sway in bliss. How many times did you think about the hands, which have relentlessly worked under the sweltering sun, in the foggy mornings? How often? But, a modest looking actor from Bollywood did. So fascinated and curious was he that he sat down on the Internet for an advanced study on farmers and their problems in North India. After a dedicated research and shooting on the topic, he is ready to showcase the final product, Kisaan-a Sohail Khan production is a story of the farmer. At Kriti Diamonds-exclusive Nakshatra Universe branded jewellery boutique in sector-35, we talk to the star cast of the movie. Present were Sohail Khan, Nauheed Cyrusi, Romeo, Diya Mirza, Punnet Sira to facilitate Akanksha, student from the city who has bagged a trip to Switzerland. Over to the stars, especially the farmer Jigar played by Sohail Khan, who has placed the love for his land above everything else. "The idea for Kisaan came when I came to Chandigarh for shooting of Heroes," says Sohail. "I saw the cultural difference in the city and one had to travel just about 5 kms outside the city. It was an urban and rural divide that caught my attention. But, mostly it was the problem of farmers that made me sit up, notice, read and make a movie on it." Adds Sohail, who is leaving for Delhi on Wednesday for the promotion of the movie, "I heard about the land grabbing problem, and how corporates were taking over land to make malls. Also, while talking to the people here, I felt that the love and attachment for the land is different amongst the younger and the older generation. This is whole idea of the kissan." A turban or lets get authentic parna wearing Sohail does look pretty close to the character. However, off late we heard of many stars playing Punjabi characters, and dressing up like a real sardar. A marketing strategy? "Kisaan the story of a farmer, his sons, and how they hold two different point of views about their land," puts in the pretty at ease Sohail. "The theme of the film revolved around the farmers of North India, for which we had to gear up authentically. The movie wouldn't have turned out this way had we shot it in Maharashtra." This looks like no frivolous stuff. The passion looms large in Sohail's eyes. "Nevertheless, we wanted to send the message without being preachy. So, there is fair amount of entertainment as well." Before, the bouncers whisked him away; we had one last question to throw. Projects in pipeline? "Mr and Mrs Khanna, not before Sohail adds that he just saw the problem and made a movie on it. And now it is for the audiences to find it light or heavy. We see time for more questions? Three Khan bhai's in one frame. "Yes. Wait for the release of Amar Akbar Anthony." What about the much talked about recession? Offers Sohail, with a warm smile, "Good work never gets affected by recession." Sure it doesn't. Girl next door
We see the pretty girl, standing next to Sohail, Nauheed Cyrusi nod in approval. She wants to add. "There is no substitute for hard work and modest attitude," she smiles. Dressed in white churidaar, the Lakeer girl catches our interest. And you bet she is so approachable. "Look at Sohail he is so grounded. Contrary to what people think that star stature is determined by their inapproachability, I feel a super star should always be accessible." Here is a star!! "Hey, I am learning my lessons, she says. "I have made mistakes, all the same I have learnt from them as well. In my career so far, I never bothered about the roles I was doing. But, now I know, banners and packaging makes a good difference for the actor." Nauheed who plays Titali in the movie loved the experience of shooting in Chandigarh. "It feels liberated to be in the city. I start to glow and shine, such is the feeling of being in Chandigarh." Romeo naam mera
Romeo, who plays the bad guy in the movie, makes his debut with Kisaan. A deejay by profession, Romeo is all praise for Sohail Khan and Puneet Sira for giving him the opportunity. "I don't mind starting my career with a villainous character. It is the role that matters, and mine is so well crafted that I couldn't turn it down."
jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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High on fashion Indian fashion is a rare combination of creativity and commercial viability; say designer Anuj Sharma and Rahul Mishra. In the city, they offer a variety of designer deals Rebellion. The word redefined. It doesn't necessarily encompass accomplishing the most difficult or complicated tasks; just as the present implication is an absolute paradox to many preconceived notions. "The challenge today is to come up with simpler concepts, banal ideas that has the potential to be accepted worldwide," comes the newfound definition from fashion designers, Anuj Sharma and Rahul Mishra. Their recent collection showcased at the Lakme India Fashion Week explains the zest for simplicity. Anuj's ensemble, Knots for You, as the name suggests isn't stitched or has no kind of needlework, rather the shape is rendered through knots. Similarly Rahul hasn't done any form of embroidery on his collection. His collection, 'Reversible' is best suited for the recession times as the clothes can be worn inside out. "Ours are the eco-friendly collections. That includes the entire environment, our surroundings and people who are part of it," says Anuj while Rahul chips in to explain, "The fabric Anuj has used costs just Rs 30 a meter and takes maximum an hour for a tailor to make it. Also one piece can be worn in 25 different ways, saving so much of money. The material, I have used is made by the weavers of Kerala, Benaras and Maheshwar who were rendered jobless after machines were brought into use. Thus we in some form contributed to the society." To serve the cause further, the designers don't mind if their designs are copied. "In fact the intention is every tailor should reproduce it. If that boosts his income, I am through with my part of community service" says Anuj. In the city to review the passing out collection of student designers at INIFD, sector 8, they imparted lessons on the same lines. As comes next from Rahul, "Do not forgo Indian part of your designing. Look abroad, Christian Dior is 'the brand' despite the fact that her designs showcase her French background, Armani went global, with his Italian basics." Anuj takes over the charge, "But Indian designers in a bid to be acknowledged as 'International' skip their Indianness. Probably the reason, we still don't have somebody as popular as an Armani or a Dior. Make efforts to transform Indian designs into global." Winner of the International Designer of the year award, Rahul also showcased his collection at the Australia Fashion week. Hailing from a village near Kanpur, Rahul's parents wanted him to become a doctor or engineer. Drawing an allusion from former President of India, A.P.J Abdul Kalam's, Wings of Fire, he says, "Just as is written in the book, 'The first seed of success is dreaming', I too dreamt of becoming a designer and later put my efforts to realise it." On the similar lines, success for Anuj, who won award for his collection, success is making the one tailor, one fabric formula work. Working as a faculty at the NID, Ahmedabad, helps him instill the same ideas in the future designers too, "It is imperative for aspiring designers to understand that low necklines and high hemlines doesn't help much. Heavy embroidery is not the benchmark of creativity. The gains from it are limited to glamourous fashion designers and don't percolate to embroiders or weavers. Even Roberto Cavalli draws inspiration from Indian designs now. So, why not present India as it is- simple, without any exaggeration," say Rahul and Anuj with some wise words. And that's what we call fashion aesthetics! ashima@tribunemail.com
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From the heart of Haryana
Art doesn’t know boundaries, it has no end,” believes Harvinder Malik, a man who practices what he preaches, a painter, a producer-director and an underlying cultural activist. Malik, a passout from Indian theatre department, PU, comes with a complete package and profile. A rather successful stint in Bollywood, working with Mahesh Bhatt as an assistant director on films like Junoon, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Ayi and Sir, his struggle stared where other’s ended. “I feel fortunate to have worked with him, thanks to our spontaneous and instant chemistry. Within ten days of my moving to Mumbai, I met Bhatt saab and the next day I was working with him,’ he says. But as he believes, art has no boundaries, so his next move, producing shows for television and making music videos. Over 2000 episodes for television in series like Thriller at 10, Rishtey, Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan and many more, Harvinder Malik had his hands full. “I was one of the first few faces on Satellite TV in India along with Kunal Kohli and Gajendra Singh. The television has changed a lot since then, though nobody is making Schindler’s list on Television, but he change seems for good,” he says. As a painter too, his works have found place amongst the best of best. Despite his success, the true blooded Harayanvi in him never got sidelined. Infact, he used his talent and energy in reflecting the cultural sensibilities of Haryana. “I noticed that the sense of pride was missing in a Haryanvi. Through my efforts I wanted to bring that pride back by, marketing the image of Haryanvi culture and people,’ he clears. And he did exactly that. His Hrayanvi movie, Laado won a national award and he as the first one to present Haryanvi folk as pop music, with hi first album Gitpit-Gitpit becoming the only hit to be played on MTV. “When I see my paintings depicting rural life of Hrayana adorning the walls of a building in Manhattan or London, Haryanvi pop songs being played on Shanghai Radio, I feel motivated and content,” he says. His current passion includes making documentaries and campigns for government. “My No 1 Haryana campaign was an eyeopener. The sense of pride that was lacking was effectively felt, and now I am planning more such campaigns for th the up coming vidha sabha elections.” Till then, this Haryanvi is happy shooting with a bhains one day and a svelte spanish model the other.
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Tryst with melody Classical vocal maestro Bholanath Mishra, talks about reality shows and classical music in today’s time
Coming from a musical family of Harihar Pur near Azamgarh (UP) and holding allegiance to Benaras gharana, the youthful dynamic maestro, Bholanath Mishra has all the credentials for being popular among the proponents of pristine purity in music, light classical genres and semi like Thumri, Kajri and Chaiti. Now settled in Delhi and working with AIR as a senior staff artist since 1993 Bholanath Mishra, was in the city on the invitation of his foremost disciple, Piyusha Mitra. On his way back from Shimla after a concert, he shares his views with the Lifestyle on certain issues. The district of Azamgarh, where you spent the best of your life, is better known for sneering reasons. How come it beckoned the emergence of a musical genius par excellence? My tryst with melody came in my very childhood through the lilting lullabies by my classical vocalist mother and first which bore the impress of affection and melody. Since my father guru Pandit Rakhal Mishra and elder brother Pandit Dinanath Mishra were performing maestros I devoted myself to Sangeet sadhna alone and never bothered what happens next door. At the age of 15 my very first participation in the UP state talent contest and scoring the top position won me recognition. My rendition of a thumri Baju bandh khul khul jaye was lauded and I had to repeat it on public demand. Later teaming up with my brother Pandit Dinanath Mishra I performed extensively in India on top music venues and in Austria, UK, Spain, Germany and others under ICCR programme. Times Music, Music Guild and other companies have released my albums. What is the future of Indian classical music in India? Is there any patronage from Government or other institutions to propagate Indian classical music? Music remains a progressive and dynamic art. Its aesthetic beauty and appeal attracts all, the naïve or connoisseurs and despite odds there is a substantial increase in music lovers especially in the younger generation. Besides the National Sangeet Natak academy and Spic-Macay promoting art in urban areas there is the India International Rural Culture Centre propagating the rich classical music heritage only in rural areas. The epic age Guru-Shishya tradition is getting diluted. What do you have to say? Yes, so far the pattern of imparting education in colleges or institutes has lost its sanctity, but not with gharanas or individual teaching gurus. Since a guru has to awaken the dormant abilities of a disciple it is imperative to establish a bond of family relationship. It’s because of a strong bond that today you see my family meeting Piyusha at her Panchkula house. I treat my daughter Shilpa, Deepa and son Shivam as my disciples. Like wise my performing disciples like Antanio from Spain, Shovana Rao, Sharbari Bannerji, Ananad Chauhan or Vinod Gandharav visit me on reciprocal basis. What about reality shows, do you think SMS is the right way to decide the fate of contestants? And what about the future of these contestants? It’s a sheer mockery indeed. And for the contestants, one must learn the Indian classical music first and then sing. For a consistent and prolonged life in music carrier this is a must have.
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Ladies first Playing judge to an all women comedy show, yesteryear actor Tabbassum gets candid Manipulative home wreckers with heavy makeup and garish contact lenses, sobbing or weeping damsels, battling saas-bahus and husband snatchers. The best the small screen has done to womenhood is to slap it with villany or call them ‘virtues’. Women have ruled the entertainment business for quite some time now, and taking forward the domination is a new show with women in a never-seen-before avtar. Stand up comics. Tickling our funny bones and taking potshots at anything that comes their way seems to be the only agenda of participants of Hasne Hasane ka Tonic- Ladies Special, a new reality show on Zee. And leading from the front will be none other than Tabbassum, India’s very own godmother of comedy. “Thanks to these saas-bahu soaps, Indian women have always been shown gossiping, fighting and masters in manthragiri. But Ladies Special will prove that women can be funny, entertaining and create a laugh riot with their comic talent,” says this still-animated-as-ever star. The evergreen comedienne who has spent 50 years on television and was amongst the first faces on Indain television returns as a jugde along with Baba Sehgal, who she says is a musical comedian himself. “Baba will add musical flavour to comedy, just like an achaar with a meal. I think ours will be the first show where jugdes would not fight for TRPs,” she says. The show will have twelve contestants battling it out to find India’s funniest female stand-up comedian. “Comedy has always been associated with men. But here we have talented women-next-door who probably never got a platform like this before. The youngest contestant is 16 and the oldest 60” says Tabbassum. She believes comedy is the real tonic of life and that’s the USP of the show. “The matter is fresh, the participants confident. Most important, its comedy and not vulgarity. Indian women are known for their sharm and haya. So in my show, their will be sharm and not besharmi,” she says in her typical andaaz. And the queen bee of comedy also has an award in waiting for the winner, “It will be called Tabbassum ka Belan, symbolic of Indian women and probably her best weapon.” lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Phone for thought! Who says mobile phone is a piece of technology, which is used for limited purpose—making and receiving calls, clicking pictures at the hostel canteen or sending long and short messages. At present the market is flooded with different brands of hi-end phones, and companies rolling out many more. Mobile phones are no longer a utilitarian thing, they are an experience. And with the Launch of Nokia N86 8MP, the experience has raised one step higher. At least, this is what the new brand promises. Combined with an eight-mega pixel camera and a wide angle Carl Zeiss Tessar optics, N86 ensures that impromptu photo opportunities are never missed. As per Jasmeet Gandhi, head, devices OPM & services, Nokia India, “Chandigarh is a growing market for hi-end phones. Almost every second cell phone has a camera. The N86 will change photo-clicking experience. The phone has features, which will help people take pictures in dark light as well. You can also find brilliant clarity in the pictures, which can further be shared with friends.” The device comes with a dual slide design with 8GB of internal memory that can hold up to 4,000 images as well, an easy photo management software to organise photo’s by albums and tags. Does it sound Greek to the users who are mostly unaware of the features? Adds Jasmeet, “The user these days are aware of what kind of phone they want and with what features. So, phones are much more than swanky looking pieces.” Available across the country in two colours— Indigo black and white, the phone is priced at Rs 27,359. N 86 also comes with dedicated gaming keys and at least 17 pre-loaded try-and-buy N-Gage titles out of which consumers can choose one licensed game for free. Lastly, it is not just about clicking pictures, N 86 also boasts of enhancing the sharing of pictures. The device supports hi-connectivity features that ensure easy and convenient sharing of pictures and videos.
jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Just do it!
Three letter word with F…
Fun…what did you think? Anyways, having fun is your 'birth right' on the campus grounds. No parent, counselor, teacher will enlighten you on this. And did any senior ever tell the tricks of the trade? We are your best friends forever. So while on campus; while away time, in the canteen, at the Stu-C, on the grounds; loiter, stroll, indulge; in mimicking, leg pulling, befooling…you get the picture. There was almost a stampede of students trying to tell us how they did 'nothing' all year around. Vivas, practicals, sessionals, dissertations, never make for memories unless you completed them in the eleventh hour. Library, canteen, action…
Explore. Each and every nook and corner of the varsity. Several hundred acres, countless halls, auditoriums, fifty plus departments, the sooner you begin, the better. Flipside, that would include the AC Joshi library as well, now, nobody's asking you to read the over 6.9 lac volumes! Grab your group along, what good is it for? Ankush Anand, pass out from department of laws, laughs, "I'm gonna miss the canteen most, balance studies with fun and yes, don't forget to hang out at Students Center and Law canteen." Route to roots
Carry on the traditions; geri route, election fever, unending fests, protests, rallies, freshers, farewells, strikes, Lohri celebrations, trips, see it all, at least once. Guys, it's you who's to shoulder the lamp of knowledge and be the torchbearers for future generations! Says Sakhi Sidana, ex-hosteller Kasturba; "Strongly recommended is one complete girls night out in the hostel. We've had many though and had a blast, you know what I mean." Yeah, we do. All the actions and events listed in the advisory above were precision engineered and carefully rehearsed by experienced professionals. Under no circumstances should they be attempted except under the guidance of appropriate 'supervisors'. Anybody caught (for instance, bunking) would be purely co-incidental. All the best! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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The AIESEC June National conference would play host to 400 delegates from across the country It's not 'just another student initiative.' Don't bracket it either as 'only local' or 'truly international.' It's both and more. We're talking of AIESEC and for the uninitiated the student organisation already boasts of reach of 100 plus Countries and 1100 universities. And at first glimpse, their six day June National Conference, which started on June 22 in Shimla might not have a city connect, till Vikram Jain, local committee president, throws statistics one after the other and gets us started, before leaving for Shimla for the event. "It's going to be attended by 400 delegates from different cities of India and fifteen chapters including AIESEC Chandigarh." So what's happening there? "There'll be a review of everyone and what all we've done till now. Then external sessions from our partners like Google, on skill building like selling, marketing etc." Apart from the National conference organised by AIESEC in Chandigarh. Chips in Gautam Munjal, vice president, AIESEC Chandigarh, "Currently we have ninety active members under the Chandigarh chapter and every year we send around thirty five students on international internships and vice-versa receive forty to fifty interns here." Meanwhile the conversation steers to the rest of the year and jam-packed schedule. "Our event Red Ribbon Freedom in mid August this year will be about spreading awareness this year. And the causes would be educating school students and plethora of related activities," elaborates Gautam. The other initiatives of the organisation are- bordering child rights, education and rural development issues. Back to the event list and there's recruitment drive happening in July, to widen their reach and not just in quantity. "We'll be going to colleges, anyone who wishes to be a part of AIESEC can be so, there's screening involving group discussion, personal interview," says Gautam. You game? As of now, they're already eventful at Shimla. — Manpriya Khurana
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Incredible
India
"It's been a week since I've been in India now and I'm quite kicked up about it, tomorrow I'll be leaving for Hoshiarpur," Florence begins for the volley of queries. On an exchange programme, under an International student body, the girl schedules to stay for good two-three months. Why from the whole colorful atlas only India? "A lot of my friends when they went back, told me good things about India and had so much to say, it's different culturally and there's just so much of diversity." Along with the usual pep talk, some straight words. "The image I had of India was that it's very big and I feel, in some things, it's a little disorganized, but the people are welcoming." So, any idea about Hoshiarpur? What will she do there? "Well, the NGO Educare, for which I'll be working, is for environment. I'll be working on environment issues, bordering waste management, government policies, will be apprising students about it." Talk Bollywood and she clearly spells Jodhaa Akbar accompanied by a shrug. What about Indian food? One week into India, right? "Well, I've tasted chapatti, dal, spices, chicken, it's all very spicy. And one green vegetable whose name I cannot recall right now." Of course, she'd heard of Golden Temple and Taj Mahal, apart from many other places that the girl rattles, "I plan to be traveling and seeing so many places I've known about since I came here and before that. Going to go to Amritsar, see Golden Temple there, then mountains in the East, and then Rajasthan." Hey, that's already enough for a travelogue. Happy exploring! — Manpriya Khurana |
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Chetan Bhagat's Five Point Someone did more to IIT's than even the engineers themselves! Result? It might be a dreadfully difficult to get in one, but we're interested. The life of an IIT, the hostels, the festivals. Talking of which, Techniche 2009, the annual techno management fest of IIT Guwahati, having completed ten years, rolls out this year starting 3rd September. Some of their popular events include Robotics; that in turn has many events under this banner. Termed as the huge crowd puller, the name itself lends to curiosity. Moving there is a spurt of online events. Last year, there was one like the forensics-based Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). That's not it. They claim to be the only IIT who conduct an event of huge magnitude for school students of grade 9-12, called Technothlon. The event aims to serve an able platform to expose the innovation and creativity of a student in all its rawness. Those interested, have an option. The registrations are on for the event, for further details schools and colleges can visit www.techniche.in. —TNS
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Not another
teen tale!
A teenage girl who alleged she fell asleep while getting her face tattooed has confessed she lied and was up the whole time. Kimberley Vlaminck had claimed she asked for only three stars to be tattooed near her left eye but was shocked to find 56 stars on her face after she woke up. According to a publication, the 18-year-old and her livid father had gone to the police and had been seeking 9,000 pounds in damages to fit the bill for laser surgery to remove the tattoos. But the Belgian teen, who accused the Flemish-speaking tattooist for not understanding her French and English instructions, admitted she lied about falling asleep because her father was "furious". The publication reported Vlaminck owned up she wanted all the stars and was "fully aware" during the time she was getting tattooed. "I asked for 56 stars and initially adored them. But when my father saw them, he was furious. So I said I fell asleep and that the tattooist had made a mistake," News.com.au quoted Vlaminck as telling a Dutch TV crew. — ANI |
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Mixed singles
Finally, some cheer on the sporting circuit. Saina Nehwal, lifts not just the Indonesian Open 2009 but the nations spirit. Will she do to badminton, what Sania Mirza did to tennis? Sport the cause
As far as the government goes, it should provide required infrastructure and facilities. Aditya Verma,
DAV College student High, higher, highest
Ranjana Rawat,
Fashion designing student.
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Make sentences with the following words; can, should, must. You can be dot on time for the nine o' clock lecture. A student should take notes and be regular all year around. As for must? Well, you must bunk! Not that you needed encouragement, but this transportation back to the Wren and Martin grammar classes was to help set your 'priorities' right. Bringing you all the 'have to do' things while you're a student on campus. Read further at your own risk.
Montreal to Hoshiarpur! Post the exclamations, the explanations…Florence Jumeaux, business administration student from Canada will be undertaking the atypical journey…Lifestyle catches her at Mountview and she makes it a point to mention her excitement before anything else.
Definitely it'll make a difference and attract more youngsters into the profession. It'll put not just the spotlight back on the sport but also boost the moral support of many. 
Undoubtedly it's going to up the level of sports. Ideally government should provide sports infrastructure, but in this country only cricket is given priority while rest are given step motherly treatment. But yes, like Sania Mirza sent everyone playing tennis, Saina has the caliber to make the whole country go shuttling.