Art of the matter
Parbina Rashid

The small pond near the entrance is once again filled with blooming lotuses. So also the sound of chisel and hammer, and whispers and giggles of the students, declaring that the college is back to life after almost two-month-long slumber. Now, with a new batch adding on, aspirations seem to be at an all-time high and the enthusiasm is almost palpable.

One can catch the excitement in Aanchal Raisahib, Navjot Kaur, Supreet Kaur, Tania and many others who cannot thank their lucky stars enough for bagging them a seat in their chosen college. "I have chosen graphics because I want to be a designer and graphics covers everything: painting, photography and what not. The campus is beautiful, classmates are marvellous," Aanchal cannot stop raving about her three-day experience at the college.

Same is the sentiment of Navjot Kaur, who has come from Sangrur to follow her dream. "I have taken up applied art as it provides career opportunities," says Navjot, who is visibly overwhelmed by the campus and the reputation of the college.

There are others —Tania, Supriya, Supreet Kaur and many others who have defied parents' wishes or other obstacles to be part of the art world.

After all, they are rich in their belief that the Government College of Art, an offshoot of Lahore's Mayo School of Art, is itself a name to reckon with, enough to land credibility to their resumes. So, when one gets to learn that this year the college recorded less number of applicants, it rang an alarm bell, enough for us to be a little inquisitive and go snooping around.

Statistics have it that a total number of 250 entries came for the general pool and only 60 from the UT pool which is quite less than the number of total applicants in the previous years.

"There are various reasons for this shortfall this year," says Manohar Lal, acting principal of the college. And one of the reasons turns out to be competitions from new-age professions like airhostess or hotel management, which take relatively shorter time for success. The other reason, according to the principal, is that the college in recent times has been in the news for wrong reasons. "The media has been unduly critical about the college," says Lal.

But the faculty, which considers this to be a temporary phase, is hopeful that the situation would improve soon. And the first sign of it is the fact that the Fashion and Television Institute of India, Pune, has selected the college as the venue for their entrance test this year. "Many other things have been lined up for the betterment of the college in the coming session," says the principal. And we say amen, for the sake of the Tanias and Aanchals whose dreams are being associated with the institute.

Legend lives on
S.D. Sharma

Some legends are born to lead in their chosen realm of art but the doyen of classical music Gangubai Hangal was blessed to shape the history of classical music with over eight decades of unique contribution. The doyen of Kirana Gharana, Gangubai Hangal was born into the family of musicians on March 5, 1913 at Dharwad. Her mother Ambabai was a renowned Carnatic singer and father Chikkurao Nadiger of Ranebennur was an agriculturist.

Gangubai was initiated into music by her mother. She learnt music under the guidance of Krishnamacharya Hulgur and later, under Sawai Gandharv, alias Rambhau Kundgolkar, a disciple of late Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the main architect of Kirana Gharana.

"Rightfully decorated with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and four honorary doctorate degrees, the humble and down-to-earth maestro Gangubai valued the love of her audience more," remembers artiste Kamal Tewari.

Recalling the affectionate welcome he was given on his visit to Gangubai's house at Dharwad in 1988, he says she was the epitome of humility and uprightness, a sakshaat Sarswati, will rather be more appropriate," reiterates Tewari. "We relished her absorbing riyaz sessions with her daughter and daughter-in-law and many of her memorable concerts later. The loss of the legend is really irreparable," he adds.

"She enriched the Kirana Gharana and Hindustani music with her innovative styles of rendering khayal or a bandish, embellishing it with the utmost precision of sur lagav and laykari," says Pandit Yashpaul, the foremost guru of Agra Gharana.

"A lot of her music creations in different genres bear the stamp of her in-depth knowledge and versatility," lauds veteran vocalist M.R. Chandla, station director, All-India Radio, Chandigarh. "At 96, she retained the melody of her enviable voice," adds Chandla.

It was in 1967 that the young exuberant Gangubai regaled the city audience during a Sangeet Sammelan at Tagore Theatre, recalls Shobha Koser, director, Pracheen Kala Kendra.

Arvind Sharma from the music department, Panjab University, lauds her majestic stage presence. She might have had some favourite ragas but unlike many performers ,she could sing any raga on demand at the sammelans.

Principal Rita Gangahar and music director Kanwar Iqbal Singh admired the robust masculine quality of her voice with her unique style of taankari badhat in alaap and raga treatment. "The loss is irreparable but her treasure trove of rare musical repertoire will continue to inspire the music fraternity for centuries," they add.

lifestyle@tribunemail.com

Past perfect

A passout from the college, Shiven Tanwar, who is doing his Master's in Fine Arts from MS University-Baroda talks about the two institutions-"Baroda as a city has a rich art history that encourages students to be more professional in their approach, which is missing in City Beautiful. Regular interactions with renowned artists, connoisseurs from prestigious art galleries all over the world, including Christie's, who come to Baroda to look at the exhibits by students, makes it all highly motivating.

As far as the difference in teaching methods goes, at MS University, they give importance to conceptuality, while in the Government College of Art, the emphasis is on skill development.

Exposure will help

Avneet Chopra, another former students of the GCA, who is teaching fine arts at Lawrence School, Sanawar, would like to see students and also faculty getting more exposure. "The college gives you the foundation and exposure outside the college would help students to groom in their chosen field," she says.

Look beyond

Vinay Ahuja, who after completing BFA from the GCA went to IIT-Mumbai to do a course in Interacting Design, refuses to draw any comparison between the two as 'both offered the best in their own unique way." But as an ex-student, he would like to see some more sincerity among students. "They need to have more exposure too in terms of scope. Like, not many students are aware that institutes like IITs too offer art-related courses," he says.

Perfectionist 2
Perfection runs in the family, says Imran Khan
Radhika Bhirani

Confessions of an actor
Radhika Bhirani

Comic chemistry
Ritika Kumar

Forget the sizzling chemistry between Bipasha-John or Kareena-Saif as the new pair on the block, Anupam Kher-Boman Irani is set to cast magic with their rib-tickling camaraderie in upcoming film Perfect Mismatch.

"The chemistry definitely works. It is actually the war of egos between the two characters. While I am playing a traditional Gujarati Mr Patel, Kher is playing over the top ‘Mr Bhalla' whom I find obnoxious," Irani said in an telephonic interview from Mumbai.

The movie stars actor Nandana Sen and marks the debut of actor Anubhav Anand, but it is the camaraderie between the celebrated actors Irani and Kher, who are back on screen after their last laugh riot 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', to look out for.

Perfect Mismatch revolves around Aman (Anubhav Anand) and Neha (Nandana Sen) who fall in love. Everything is going in their favour until it is the time for families to meet.

All hell breaks loose when hyper-active Mr Bhalla (Aman's uncle) meets the rigidly-conventional Mr Patel (Nandana's father). Naturally they lock horns and vehemently oppose this match which leads to a series of comic events.

"The best part about the chemistry between the two characters is that one is incomplete without another. You would not be able to enjoy one without the other," Irani said.

— PTI

Wishing well
Big B wishes Gayatri Devi a speedy recovery

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan is praying for the speedy recovery of Rajmata Gayatri Devi who has been admitted to a hospital in Jaipur.

The 90-year-old royal whom Bachchan called "one of the most beautiful women in the world" was admitted to the hospital following a gastric complication on Friday.

"The day ends with some concern for Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. She is quite unwell and has been admitted to hospital. One of the most beautiful woman in the world, a friend, a gentle and generous host to me on several of my trips to her beautiful palaces, now caught up with age. My prayers for a speedy recovery," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

Big B, who is currently in Singapore attending to his friend, politician Amar Singh, is spending his time watching soaps.

The 66-year-old actor has taken a liking to the popular US series Grey's Anatomy which he calls a "truly remarkable".

"During the last few days a new TV series is on play in the room Grey's Anatomy a compelling drama inside a hospital in Seattle. The quality of the screen play, the performances by the actors, everything just so so attractive, despite the fact that the subject matter is mostly grim, is truly remarkable," wrote Bachchan.

— PTI

Awards & accolades
Shahid Kapoor to receive Rajiv Gandhi Award

After eminent personalities like Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Ambani, Sunita Williams and Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor becomes the latest recipient of the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Award.

The 28-year-old is going to be presented with the 12th Rajiv Gandhi Award in the best actor category. The award function will be held in the second week of August.

"I was pleasantly surprised to get the news about my being chosen for the prestigious award. I am only 28 years old and it's really early in my career. I feel humbled and honoured to be chosen by the jury," said Shahid.

This year, Shahid will be seen in three films, Vishal Bharadwaj's Kaminey opposite Priyanka Chopra, Aditya Chopra's Dil Bole Hadippa opposite Rani Mukherjee and Ken Ghosh’s movie opposite Genelia D'Souza.

— IANS

(A)broadly speaking
Manpriya Khurana

Moving out for further studies? Don't... do...and...keep in mind...remember... also... dare... plus... a piece of advice on the house! And from everyone... from parents to siblings, neighborhood aunt, second-third cousins, far-flung acquaintance. The ones moving out too don't seem to mind either. Here's a piece dedicated to those vital commandments and what all they entail.

Liberty Singh has been traveling in and out of London, all her life. The girl's got tips to share. "Be very careful as far as academics are concerned. Be very careful in cyber cafes and all such places. And yes, move freely, travel, mix around a lot with other cultures and communities as well. Because the whole idea is of going out is to broaden your horizons and grow." She continues, "Indian students studying abroad usually have the tendency to stick to each other and not open up." By her own admittance, it's nothing similar to the loads of information and advice she was bestowed with!

Adds Amit Chaturvedi, head, education, North India, "I find Indian students going abroad most apprehensive about cultural shock, that's something weighing heavy on their minds. But if you ask me what is the most asked question, then that would be about employment," he says, as he's just finished taking audiovisual presentation at a recently held pre-departure orientation at British Library.

Just a while ago, the slide went, 'As you arrive'. Then there are rules, accommodation charges, cost of book, visa queries. Endless! He continues, "Maximum questions pertain to employment because when a person is investing Rs 10 to 15 lakh on a course, he'll obviously expect returns." His advice? "Especially where the UK is concerned, it's a very cosmopolitan place, make the best of your stay there, travel and see as much of Europe as possible."

Dixit Sharma, SDDIET, Barwala, has applied to Luton Bedfordshire University. "It's the same university that showered a doctorate on Shah Rukh Khan recently," he doesn't forget to mention. So, is he worried, nervous? "I'm a little indecisive about should I just stick to Indians or mingle around feely and maybe take up a part time job." There's an echo.

Says Pranjal Prakash Gupta, "I wouldn't say I have apprehensions but it's like, 'after study will I get a job or not. After all, otherwise the whole purpose is defeated." Given the unfortunate times, hard not to spell foreign shores and racial attacks together. Shares Liberty, "I never experienced any such thing. But yeah`85what happened in Australia was very unfortunate. To some extent I must say, they are also self-created. You behave normally, be street smart, confident, alert and chances are nobody will notice you."

Don't forget to get acquainted with the rules, a few emergency contacts and bit of a culture to begin with. Do grasp whatever knowledge immigration officials and your consultancy company tenders. Meanwhile, we guess all the mummys will continue with 'don't talk to strangers, eat your food on time, sleep properly.... By the way, keep your passport very carefully... and... advice... it'll never end. Bon Voyage!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Teen power
Manpriya Khurana

A group of teens loitering about, whiling away, strolling, meandering, wandering, passing time in the neighbourhood market, over sandwiches and samosas. Very normal? Till one of the youngsters carelessly throws a rapper in the middle of the road. Unfortunately again, very normal! "We were a group of seven and the moment one of us does that, an aunty walking by remarks, 'Beta you are the youth. At least you should not do this.' And that's what changed our minds," Jitesh Wadhawan, working president, does a rewind of the circumstances that led to Teen Voice, the welfare trust comprising solely youngsters, teenagers to be specific.

He continues, "That one statement struck a chord with us, made us realise how much power the youth has." Four months since its inception and Teen Voice boasts of 30 members, four events, and registration. "We took the help of my father, who's a lawyer," adds the Class XI student from Hansraj Public School, Panchkula. So what of the events?

"Our first event was on petrol conservation, where we printed 1,000 to 2,000 pamphlets and distributed at traffic lights, asking people to switch off engines and the like." So, what was the response like? "From encouraging to negative to mixed," he shrugs. Just as random as the crowd on the roads. A campaign for voting, a blood donation camp, which he refuses to count as significant, cleanliness promotion drive falling in between the span of quarter of an year.

There must be some share of problems? Says Jitesh, "We have tuitions to juggle, and everybody else has non-medical exams, but we do manage a fair amount of congregation and participation for every event." Hard to imagine, a bevy of teenyboppers managing money for more than popcorn and denims, with they themselves thriving off pocket money. He says, "Yeah`85funds are a problem. But we have kept a registration fee of Rs 200. Whosoever wants to join us, can. All we expect him is to follow the rules like not waste petrol or water and believe in cleanliness. For the two hundred rupees, we give them an identity card and the rest goes towards trust."

Among scheme of things, their future plans deserve a mention too. "We've noticed that a lot of people don't know about our national song though they are aware of the national anthem. But not about the song, which is a shame. We plan to get into group of five or six and hold workshops in schools to educate children about it, request principals to include it in the assembly." Hopefully, people will be able to spell out its writer and lyrics. As for us, we just hope that 'aunty', behind all this ripple effect, somewhere is reading this.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Gem of an idea
Bare but bold
Ritu Malik

i tone
Ragtag

The authorities seem to mean business this time. Ragging is a crime, a felony and a big no. What's more? They're even including parents this time. Will parents’ involvement make all the difference?

Bring the menace to a screeching halt?

Parents welcome

I think to curb ragging very effectively, instant action should be taken. Because this crime, has a lot of mental repercussions. And yes, it's a good thing to be taking parents undertaking and all that. Any move intended to curb the menace is welcome, the more the merrier. It's going to be effective someway, to some extent or the other.

Surleen Kaur, BFA student.

Nervous breakdown

I personally have very strong views and opinions against ragging. I mean poor kids are already nervous, add to it this nuisance. As far this recent decision is concerned, I don't think it's going to make much of a difference. Because anyways, students once on the campus, don't bother much about parents or what they forbid.

Kanika Bedi, Fine arts student.

Desired step

It's a healthy move. Anything aimed at curbing ragging is welcomed with open arms.

 Involving parents too is a good, might be effective. But when it comes to hostels and curbing raging there, I don't know. I'm not sure.

Umang, BFA student.

Photos by Vinay Malik

Stitch craft

INIFD Designer Medley’09, the annual passing out Fashion Show of Inter National Institute of Fashion (INIFD) Chandigarh, saw the dominance of creativity on the ramp, which was a visual delight for the audience. The show was a bouquet of 17 collections dreamt and executed by 62 designer students as their passing out project for B.Sc Degree and Diploma Program in Fashion Design. The show also featured creative props specially designed by the INIFD Interior Designers on the theme of the fashion collections.

Judged by designer Ashley Rebello and IMB Faculty and designer from Milan-Italy, Stefania Gulina the INIFD Designer Medley’09, displayed a collection of unique and inimitable traditional and western outfits. Inspired by various themes the show highlighted the traditional designs that merged into global concepts.

The fashion show that saw a m`E9lange of fabrics and designs was divided into various rounds. The round—A Raga of colours—the exotic hues; saw a riot of colours. Inspired by Rajasthani hues and Newton’s theory of the disc, the collection saw lehenga, cholis and zari leheriya dupattas in rich brocades and georgette in brilliant contrasts with huge borders splashed in dashes of colours and decorated with embroidery and gota patti work.

Red Chillies—Ladies in red, was a collection that showcased the ultra-chic manifestation of bright, cheerful and spicy red in combination with translucent and metallic tones. Strict cuts, straight lines and a minimalist colour palette depicted the profound thoughts and expressions, bringing out a sizzling collection.

Lavanya— the woman beautiful, saw graceful saris on ramp that were embroidered with floral motifs, zari work and cut work inspired from the jali work of Mughal architecture. Embellished with cut dana, sequins, crystals and stones in an array of fabrics like tissue, georgettes, brocades and brasso it was colours like azure, purple, green, crimson, gold and black that made an impact.

Mirror mirage— a maze of reflections; was a collection inspired by the tribal art. The designers of this collection drew inspiration from history, mystery and folklore. Enigmatic red, greens, blues, orange, magenta and black came embellished in traditional Indian embroideries and intricate thread work, shells, sequins and mirrors. The collection was a confluence of ghagharas, skirts, harems and dresses.

Fascinating folds— Origami reinvented; designers for this collection indulged in bending, folding, twisting and manipulating the fabric in even bolder ways. Origami, the exclusive Japanese art of paper saw folding techniques like squash fold, blintz fold, sink fold, valley fold and mountain fold used to create forms like lily flowers, crane, heart flower, fan folds, button flowers, catshire cat.

Poetry in wood—a tribute to wood carving, saw the versatile craft of wood work and intricate jali work to create an assortment of Indian silhouettes like the sari, lehengas, dresses and suits. Pinching natural hues the fabric came embellished with cutwork, thread work, ari work, stonework using intricate motifs and strokes picked from wood carving. —TNS

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Eclipses & dimwits

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