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Shock, stock and quarrel
That practically every new reality show on television is a clone. That every new clone tries to outdo other 'copy right' acts with either more daring or baring. All that is old hat. Then, what's new, you may well ask. Nothing, actually, except that reality TV is pushing participants across new frontiers: physical, mental and now emotional endurance too. There's Sony's Iss Jungle Se MujheBachao (Lifted from I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, no apologies), the new clone on the daredevilry block, that takes dares further beyond boundaries, literally, into Malaysian wilderness. After Roadies emerged as the Big Daddy of Dare, the race now is to be the baap ka bhi baap. (But that's another story: Papa can't dance saala....) And just when you thought reality shows were getting stuck in wedding veils and wails (!!) with the Mother of Melodramas (read Rakhi ka Swayamvar), there comes a show that lifts the veil on the participants' past, Sach ka Saamna on Star Plus, fashioned on the western Moment of Truth. If talk shows like Rendezvous with Simi Garewal were the sophisticates, and Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Just Pooja or Koffee with Karan the good girls of the gang, Sach ka.....might be the brat of the pack. It may be to emotional challenges what Roadies was to mental and physical dares. Thus far, our channels were taking the cameras into participants' bedrooms (Courtesy Bigg Boss, Splitsvilla et al), now we have the bedrooms coming into the studios: shock, stock and quarrel! Ah, but wait, there's a difference: in place of the squabbling and squeaking judges who settle the scores (!) on most shows, we have a blinking 'n' beeping arbiter for the new experiments with truth: the polygraph. So, are such shows actually testing the threshold of courage or are they just crossing the limit? Are they going beyond the call of TRPs to really help people shed their burdens: the baggage of fear, of guilt, of double standards and what have you? "Definitely, our kind of shows require physical and mental strength," says the Panchkula-bred host of UTV's Dadagiri, Akash Beri, "Also, so many participants are able to overcome their phobias. Like, these two girls were terrified of lizards. But after over a dozen reptiles were let loose on them, their fear just vanished..." "Look, coming clean about your troubled past in front of the public does take courage," feels I.M. Soni, former chairperson, Department of Mass Communication, PU. "As for thinking of it as voyeurism, that's all middle class moralistic and hypocritical talk. Don't people watch porn, given a chance? Don't actresses expose physically on shows? So, if people bare their dark secrets, how is it different?" But Neelkamal Puri, city-based novelist, whose Patiala Quartet was in a sense also about coming to terms with the past, differs. "This public baring of the personal domain is driven by a morbid curiosity, by the voyeuristic instinct. How can people put their private space under the public glare?" Oops, skeletons spilling out of cupboards! Is that what scares people? Then, let's hear it from the man who's close to the hot seat and whose show's also facing the heat. Rajeev Khandelwal, host of Sach ka... rises in defence, "Well, there are demons within most of us that need to be tackled. Our participants come out in the open by choice, knowing exactly the kind of questions they'll be put and they can quit any time." On the one hand, the show has invited litigation, if not a celebrity line-up with the likes of Fiza and Amrita Singh refusing to join in, on the other hand, it has scores of callers dying to be on the show, many of them Haryanvis! So, all this makes the chat shows into shrinks? Clones spawned by the Oprah Winfrey show? Soni maintains, "Certainly, they can play the role of the confession box in a church, purge a person of any past guilt by bringing things out of the closet. The participant can then move beyond the dust and reconcile to the troubled past." Says Khandelwal, "Yes, it's a journey of emotional courage that the participants undertake on Sach ka... I join them on this trip, comforting and reassuring when the going gets tough. Sometimes, I get so involved, I have to remind myself not to." City psychologist Gurdip K. Dhir offers a different perspective. "Talking in public about your past can have a cathartic effect, as it helps shed the guilt or negativity you may have been carrying. But a public platform may not be the ideal setting. Traditionally, the Free Association Therapy devised by Sigmund Freud involved a private, living room set-up that was conducive to catharsis." What then calls for more courage: shows that test physical endurance or mental and emotional toughness? Says Akash, "I feel it's tougher being on shows that require mental and emotional tenacity than the ones that stretch physical stamina." Adds Dhir, "Such shows can throw up heroes sometimes. When participants openly talks of how they faced the odds, like an alcoholic husband or an unfaithful spouse, it makes a connect with members of the audience who're facing similar challenges." Does this boldness signal a maturing of the Indian audience? "No, this isn't about openness. Real boldness is in talking publicly about issues that impact the society at large," says Neelkamal. She feels that publicly revisiting the past doesn't necessarily heal. Instead it can complicate relationships when uncomfortable truths come tumbling out. Soni offers a divergent perspective: "Human relationships are not a matter of revelation or revolution, but of evolution. What's no longer secret is no more troublesome." As novelist and essayist Edgar Watson Howe would say, "The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep." chetnabanerjee@tribunemail.com
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Some of the smart set who don't want to be in the Sach Ka… hot seat. And why! Playing Saif. That's actor Amrita Singh, Saif Ali's ex-wife, who sums up her reason thus: "One crore is too less for me to reveal my life." Director Mahesh Bhatt is keeping away from fear of adding to the country's count of corpses: "My friends and enemies will die if I speak the truth." Our very own Fiza may be no babe in the woods, but she's been screaming Mujhe Iss Jungle Se Bachao of late. So that could’ve been her excuse to stay away (But the last we know, she's out of the wild). The others who're not out in the wilderness (though their careers may be) but don't quite want to get caught in the tricky maze of questions are Chunky Pandey, Vikram Bhatt etc. Last but not the least, would host Rajeev Khandelwal like to be in the hot seat himself? "No way, not while I'm in public life." No guest appearance, please!
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Bangalore bewitched
Bangalore’s first ever fashion week is underway where nine designers showcased their collection on the first day of the event on Thursday. A collection of feminine dresses that celebrated the essence of a woman formed part of the collection showcased by designer Zubin Vakil The designer made use of cages and feathers in the ensembles to denote the free spirit of the woman. “Everything that denotes happiness and joy, and wearability and celebration of womanhood. A woman is not meant to be suppressed and caged is what I wanted to show here,” said Vakil. A collection of modern contemporary dresses by designer duo, Abhi-Rahul, also stood out for its simplicity. Christened ‘Definitely Maybe’, the collection signified the moods where a person conceals something and reveals a little of the things. Fabrics like silk, organza and nets were used in the collection that was predominantly black and white. “The collection is all about presenting contemporary women and how they are. They are better than men. They are smarter,” said Abhi. The four-day event will have thirty designers, sixty models and 11 hours of fashion. It will conclude on July 26. The fashion week comes after the success of the Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata fashion weeks and the organisers hope to do good business during the event. — ANI
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Tattoos & textiles
In a bid to promote his film, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan launched a new range of designer apparel wear, inspired by his forthcoming film Love Aaj kal. With the date of release nearing, makers of Love Aaj Kal are leaving no stones unturned to promote their film amongst the masses.
The unveiling of apparels by Saif was an attempt to popularise this romantic flick amongst the masses. “It is my first production. We discussed with Anaika and Adil Jania (designers of the film) that the clothes should be like the clothes that people normally wear. They should not look like too dressy. It should be normal (faded jeans and faded T-shirts). I would like to share this collection with you and I hope you like it very much,” said Saif. Love Aaj kal is one of the much-awaited films of this year. Starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles, the film also marks Saif’s debut as a producer. The film pans across two eras, 1965 and 2009, to bring out the experience of love and complexity of relationships in different times. The film is slated to hit the theatres on July 31.
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Spactacular
Shilpa Shetty has roped in none other than evergreen diva Rekha to launch her first spa as she believes that the actress is the epitome of “timeless beauty and wellness”. Shetty is planning a grand launch for her Medispa ‘Iosis’ in Khar and is “ecstatic” that the “one and only” Rekha will be inaugurating her maiden venture. “I had to think of who was going to do the grand launch and couldn’t come up with a better name than the diva herself, someone who is synonymous with timeless beauty and wellness. “So I approached (the one and only) Rekhaji. I’ve always looked up to her as an actor, as a role model for constant reinvention,” the actress said about Rekha who is famed for being a recluse. The Bollywood beauty revealed that she has a special bond with the yesteryear’s superstar because of their common South-Indian origin. “We share a very special bond and have always been in touch with each other. I think it’s the South Indian connection. When I asked her to grace the occasion, she agreed and I was ecstatic,” Shetty said. — PTI
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Platter that preserves
Fruit cream imbued with the goodness of Nasik mangoes. Rose sherbet that owed its unique taste to ladyfinger seeds. Flambéed Banana Pancake that carried flavours from Orissa.
Lest this read like a multi-cuisine menu, let's tell you that these myriad flavours at a dinner hosted by CII-Young Indians on Saturday night were united not by the diversity of our gastronomic tradition but by a commonality of cultivation. All the raw materials for this one-of-its-kind dinner in the city had been organically produced. We know that organic food contains 50 per cent more nutrients, minerals and vitamins than produce that has been intensively farmed. But this isn't meant to be a health bulletin for the consumers of pesticide-laced produce. It's just an acknowledgement of the spirit of Young Indians who showed that they can bring their commitment to a cause to the table. Literally! Actually, it wasn't just a single cause, but one wrapped within another: double tossed cause fillet! The event was meant to not only promote organic food but also the cause of the girl child by raising funds for the CII's Nanhi Chhaan initiative, with a twin motto: betiyan aur jungle ; jeevan karein mangal. On the eco preservation part, Harshinder Kaur, consultant director, eco and agro resource management, says, "It was a challenge to source organic food for a large dinner. So, we went looking for non-toxic milk in sada Punjab, the bananas came from organic farms all the way from Orissa, aam from Nasik and …" The list was endless. But what's ladyfinger got to do with rose sherbet? Curiosity got the better of us. "Actually, it's to do with the sugar used in the drink. The sugarcane extracts are treated with the juice of ladyfinger seeds," she upgrades our botanical intelligence. Hard to digest, all this factual feed. Coming to the preparation part of it, the team of chefs did justice to the cause. "The pasta which is made using the organic wheat organic eggs and olive oil is a treat to eat as well as a chefs dream as it taste better than other pasta available in the market. It was first time that I have tried my hands on organic food on such a large scale," said Chef Sanjeev Verma from the Chitkara school of hospitality. Chef Parminder Dhillon, Assistant professor at the school , said "In my 16 years of experience with hotels like Taj and ITC we never did such an event like a whole organic menu. The taste of organic food got me hooked on to the concept." Indeed, it was an experience that preserves, both nutrition and our future nurturer (the girl child) chetnabanerjee@tribunemail.com |
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Style check
Fashion magazines could lead to distasteful revelations. You will either end up feeling ugly, skinny, overweight or disfigured? The same feeling slowly finds it way at the hot couture exhibitions. However, these could be 'pretty motivational'! They 'will' inspire you to rethink about changing your present job for it doesn't pay you enough to buy a diamond pendant for Rs 35,000 or you pull up your husband because you had to think twice before buying an embroidered dupatta for Rs 8000. Whatever. You benefit both ways, don't you? Well, Trendzun'ltd an exhibition on luxury fashion at Shivalik View-17, could be beneficial too. Designer kurti, exquisite jewellery and designer bags, you would walk out as a fashion diva. Alkesh Ramwani's collection of evening and cocktail dresses offers the same-style and comfort. "I have used a lot of shimmer, flowers and motifs for the coming autumn winter collection," says Alkesh who has designed stuff for the photo shoots of various actors like Priyanka Chopra and Chitragadha Singh. Now, jazz up the evening dress with designer jewellery. Chandelier earrings in pearls and semi precious stones starting Rs 2,000 by Rishi Zaveri, diamond pieces pendants, earrings starting Rs 35,000- 3 Lakh and other designer baubles. Complete the diva look with clutchers in pure silk and swarvoski from Anz Designs, Jaspreet Kaur's KD collections and more. Want to add a traditional touch to your style- Akshay Sethi's unstitched suit lengths, sari and kurtis with authentic Kashmiri embroidery (aari, tila and needle work) is a blend of traditional and contemporary. You can also go in for kurtis and anarkali suits designed by various designers from Delhi, Mohali, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkatta and Jaipur. Jyoti of Zyphre brings in banarasi, chanderi, maheshwari and kalamkaari in intricate works. Not to miss a lot of Love Aaj Kal kinda kurtis and suits. From a designer wardrobe to a designer home. Artifacts, vases, bowls, lamps, oil paintings by Vadehra Artefacts, wine boxes, trays, spice box from Sankalp Crafts Delhi, bed linen designed keeping the coming festive season in mind by Neeraj Gupta's Mind and Matter along with other items of home décor add to luxury and style quotient. In the end, it looks like mandatory to mention a line from Paulo Coelho’s The Winner Stands Alone, 'Fashion is merely a way of saying:- 'I belong to your world. I'm wearing the same uniform as your army, so don't shoot.' jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Return gift
Out of the woods. Or is she? Back from beyond after her elimination from the show Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, just in time for her birthday in the city on Saturday, Fiza Chand got candid : Your toughest moment on the show? Of course, the Maha Jungle Challenge. Especially as I had to perform the task despite my leg injury. Vaise toh sab kuchh hi show par tough thaa. Any behind-the-scenes challenge you faced? Yes, being the only vegetarian on the show, food was a big problem. We'd get this bland boiled food which was so bekaar? Any bonds with the other participants that you'll remember? As you know, I just couldn't mix up with the crowd. The hosts used to keep telling me that I should mingle. So, does this taste of reality TV have you hooked to such shows? Any other shows you'd want to be on? Pata nahin. Can't say at this stage. You know how my life is…. Is there a parallel between your real life and reality shows? Are they equally unpredictable? Aap ko pata hi hai. Main life mein kuchh chahti hoo, ho kuchh aur jata hai…. (As told to Chetna Keer Banerjee)
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chowk Walk no talk Sreedhara Bhasin I like the new advertisement of Idea Cellular– Walk while you talk. It is a cute ad. Maybe, we should all walk while we talk, preferably in open airy spaces. I feel assaulted by talk wherever I go. I especially hate cell phone talkers in movie theatres, who firstly take an inordinate time to fish out their cell phones and then carry on a conversation as if they were sitting in their own drawing rooms. My latest cinematic Harry Potter experience was marred by a couple of talkers who sat next to me. They talked loudly about their personal lives and then started giving their expert opinions about movie – of which they understood little. After gritting my teeth in darkness for over one hour when I finally lost it and requested them to be quiet – they started whispering (loudly) about my despicable rudeness. Is it so hard to keep quiet in a movie theatre? Chandigarh is a highly chatty city. People ask questions and think it is absurd if I didn’t like their questions. I have been asked about my age, the meaning of my name, my daily dairy intake, my inability to play golf – by complete strangers. I have also been regaled by stories of infidelity, legal nitty-gritty leading to eventual victory, trans-American relationships and what not by people marginally known to me, especially when they have had a little too much of a good thing. A very old lady who lived close-by hailed me on the road once. She wanted to return a shirt that had fallen into her courtyard from my verandah. I was very taken in by her gesture, her sweet disposition and rosy cheeks. Once inside, she started her rapid-fire rounds of questions, which included my personal life and everybody else’s who inhabited that area. She would be very useful as a human lie detector machine in some futuristic army experiment, I suppose. People don’t talk, they scream in the Shatabdi Express. They also announce to the whole world how much money each contract they sign, is bringing in. One lady on a treadmill once confided in me that the only reason she came to the gym was because she loved talking to the others on the treadmill around her. The swimming pools are full of talkers too. People even talk inside an ATM booth and come out as a delayed reaction. One lady started operating the ATM machine the other day and then paused to make a phone call to her husband. She needed to know how much money to withdraw and from which account. However, after she had obtained the necessary information she started giving him instructions about vegetables to be purchased from the mandi. At that, I charged into the ATM booth. Matkachowk@gmail.com
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TAROT TALK Aries: “The Priestess” infuses a gracious influence in your life. Entertainment will be on your mind. Financial gains seem likely, but be careful before entering into any new partnerships. Tip of the week: Caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Yellow. Taurus: “The Ace of Pentacles” leads to actualisation of personal and professional plans. Women working with any charitable trust, watch out for unreliable people. Tip: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Gemini: You draw “Ten of Pentacles” so a very depleting and confusing week. Major changes in professional and business aspects may look constructive. Tip: Be cautious in your action and speech. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Cancer: The card “The Hermit” brings change and mutation. You will come up with certain bright business ideas on Monday. Tip: Do not go in many directions Lucky colour: Deep Red. Leo: “Strength” gives you the taste of freedom and releases you from emotional restrictions. A celebration in the family keeps spirits flying high. Tip: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky Colour: Crimson. Virgo: “The Wheel of Fortune” blesses you with sensitivity and creativity in whatever you do. On Monday, it will be pleasant when the piece of a very old jig saw finally fall into place. Tip: Do not to alienate people. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Libra: Your card “The Moon” reveals you gain balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. Meditation, physical exercise or dancing can be therapeutic. Tip: Avoid loose talks at work. Lucky colour: Lemon. Scorpio: “Ace of Swords” pulls you in opposite direction when making a decision. A financial wish comes true with strategy. Your wallet will be full of easy money, but don’t overspend. Tip: You must share responsibility. Lucky colour: Cherry. Sagittarius: You draw “The Fool” and you feel free, unburdened and happy. By the middle of the week you may face some drudgery, but don’t let it drag you down. Tip: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver. Caprocorn: “The Chariot” brings you face to face with truths and priorities. Communications, conversations and taking care of routine tasks require mental clarity. Tip: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Green. Aquarius: “Queen of Cups” is in a combustible mood, so expect social plans to flare up. You may be attracted to a good cause rather than a dream lover. Tip: Be positive, you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brick red Pisces: You make an impact and shine like “The Star”. If you try to take charge, things may not go as you hoped, but if you allow them to take their course the chances are that things will work out for the best. Tip: Listen to your voice of wisdom. Lucky colour: White
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