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Fostering love
When we say festival, family is synonymous with it. And when it comes to our country, there are festivities galore and occasions unlimited to share the joy and cheer of an event. But have you ever thought what celebrations would mean without a family - without that someone special to share the joy? Well, on this Rakhshabandhan, we take a look at how the children in orphanages celebrate this eternal bond of love. Says Vibha, joint general secretary, Ashiana, Sector 16, Panchkula, "Children at the orphanage are a family and when it comes to any festival, they celebrate it amongst themselves." Talk Rakhi and she says, "Children have their own way to celebrate it. Starting with crafting their own rakhis, on this day, they get up early in the morning and get ready for the occasion. Then like any other brother and sister they tie the rakhi and eat sweets." Do they tie rakhis to all kids? She replies, "It's interesting to see them celebrate this festival, as they are quite choosy in this matter. They wouldn't tie a rakhi to everyone, but to the one who is actually close to their heart. And it's not only boys and girls who celebrate this day, sometimes girls tie rakhi to each other and the same goes for the boys." That is actually sweet. Proving it a day of love and concern, children from Blue Bird School celebrate Rakshabandhan with the inmates of the Old Age Home, Sector-15. Says Vijaylaxmi, secretary, Red Cross, Panchkula, "It was unusual to see children coming to celebrate the day with elderly people. A heart-warming moment as the kids tied rakhi to the old people; shared sweets and then presented a cultural programme." That's some great learning, beyond bags and books. Celebrating the day just like any other family, the children of Bal Niketan, Sector 2, Panchkula, have a gala time decorating their house and then fastening the bond of love. Says Meher Singh, superintendent, Bal Niketan, "This day is celebrated here the same way as we do in other homes. The only difference being that the children decorate and make the rakhis themselves." Ask him how do they go about the celebrations and he says, "We purchase the material and then give it to the kids, they then craft wonderful stuff out of it—small gifts, rakhis and decoration pieces. Making the occasion more than special, we all gather in the main hall and then the girls apply tilak to the boys, tie rakhi and eat sweetmeats." Do such occasions make the kids reflective about not having a family? He counteracts, "This is their home. They have been staying here together as a family. Why would they miss someone who's not even been in their life?" For kids from these special homes, they definitely cherish these special moments of festivities as it brings them closer. "We all are brothers and sisters here, and we celebrate the day like any other kid would do," says Reema, a girl from special home in Chandigarh. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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But hey, just think if there's a mix in the air waves, what a remix we'd have. Of airwaves as also wavelengths. Sounds from the Gramophone Gen vs podcasters' playlists. Badalte hue halaat ko dekhte hue, channels ke mix (read remix) ke liye khed hai, but stay tuned, we'll be back after the break (up)… Behna Aaj Kal »
Mere bhaiya, mere CREDIT CARD, »
FACEBOOK re, mere bhaiyya se kehna, o mere bhaiyya se kehna, behna CLICK kare »
Behna ne bhaai ki kalaai se pyaar baandha hai, pyaar ke do taar se UDHAAR baandha hai »
Bhaiyya mere, Raakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana bhaiyya mere, chhote pendant ko na bhulana…. Bhai bole
toh! » ORKUT ka, TWITTER ka, sab ka kehna hai ek hazaron mein meri behna hai, sari umar hamein NETWORKED rehna
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Lifted Aaj Kal!
A Bollywood chartbuster that Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone dance to was originally performed by a Pakistani singer who is at the centre of a controversy over her 'vulgar songs'.
The foot-tapping Auhun Auhun in Love Aaj Kal was sung some years ago by Lahore-based Naseebo Lal as Kadi Te Has Bol Ve. Naseebo recently sought anticipatory bail after a case was registered against her for singing vulgar songs. Love Aaj Kal's music director Pritam has acknowledged that the song has been 'inspired' and has duly remixed it to suit Bollywood. The movie's music has been well received and so has Auhun Auhun. No reviewer has found the song vulgar. But Naseebo Lal had to seek anticipatory bail from Lahore High Court last week after a case was registered against her. She told the court she was forced to sing these songs by her producer. Asif Mehmood Khan, a lawyer who filed a petition against Naseebo Lal, said the singer and her sister Nooran Lal were "violating the law and the constitution by spoiling the integrity, sanctity and morality of society". He also accused her of singing "indecent and immoral songs". The controversy has erupted at a time when the Taliban, who want to impose their moral code on society, have banned music and executed dancers and singers in Pakistan's northwest.
— PTI |
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My friend Ganesha
Twenty-two-year-old German actor-supermodel-singer Claudia Ciesla reportedly always carries an idol of Hindu Lord Ganesha presented by her Vedic astrologer, which she claimed brought her good luck. She is reported to have said, "I love Hinduism`s tolerance and peaceful thinking. I have visited many temples and prayed, which is helping me by way of hope and new energy." Applauding her interest in Hinduism, Indian American leader Rajan Zed has urged Ciesla to seriously further explore Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, which is rich in philosophical thought.
Zed said if she needed any help in her Hinduism study, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly provide. Ciesla plays Linda in the recent movie Karma (M.R.Shahjahan), a crime thriller based on reincarnation. She has also acted in Italian television sitcom Outsiders in Palermo. She has played lead in a Punjabi film titled Ki Jana Pardes and she is a German journalist Serin in 10:10 (Arin Paul) in addition to delivering its title song. Besides Bollywood, she is claimed to be getting offers from regional Indian cinema like Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi. She is reportedly Catholic. Ciesla has reportedly said she liked Hinduism very much and had discussed about Hindu topics such as reincarnation. She has been quoted as saying: "I think I am very close in my way of thinking and my living philosophy to be a Hindu... and I am sure I would like to be a Hindu when I have all the knowledge about it." |
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Not here to stay
Bollywood's original disco dancer Mithun Chakraborty thinks that the current style of bollywood dancing is too westernised and will not be here for long, as it does not have an appeal with the larger mass. "Nowadays dance in Bollywood has become more westernised, but this trend will fade away," says Mithun, whose favourite dancer from the current crop is Hrithik Roshan. Chakraborty had debuted with Mrinal Sen's Mrigaya, and went on to make a mark on the canvas of Bollywood with his unique style of dancing in films like Disco Dancer and Dance Dance. "India is not restricted to four cities, rather India lies beyond the four metropolises where people don't identify with this style of dancing," says the veteran actor, who was in the capital to promote his upcoming film Chal Chalein. The film, directed by Ujjwal Singh, is about a group of kids fighting against excessive parental pressure to excel in their careers. It was screened at the Cannes Film festival earlier this year. "Every year, once the board exam results are out, you see news about some child committing suicide out of disappointment and fear of their parents. Chal Chalein is centered around a similar case," he said. — PTI
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Director Vinod Pande, known for making films with sensual overtones like Sins and Red Swastik, is now trying his hand at comedy for the first time with Chaloo Movie. And he dismisses rumours that his film has been inspired by the hit Munnabhai series. "Chaloo Movie draws no inspirations from the Munnabhai series except that it expects the same level of success. In fact, if people are saying that my movie is like the hit series, I'd take it as a compliment," Pande said in an interview. Set in Mumbai, the story of Chaloo Movie revolves around a spotboy (Rajpal Yadav) who accidentally ends up being a director, resulting in complete comic mayhem. "It's not mindless slapstick comedy but it is more like British humour with a fresher appeal that will have an introspective look into society despite being a comedy. "Chaloo Movie is a hundred per cent commercial film with the potential of even going to festivals. It's a full-blast comedy and will have something to say in each of its installments," he said. In his nearly three-decade-long career, Pande has mostly concentrated on man-woman relationships in movies like Red Swastik (2007), Sins (2005), Sach (1989), Ek Naya Rishta (1988), Star (1982), Yeh Nazdeekiyan (1982) and Ek Baar Phir (1980). Asked if Chaloo Movie was an attempt to move away from his identity, he said: "I'm not trying to change any image. Even (Satyajit) Ray and (Shyam) Benegal have made not just serious cinema... they delved into the genre of comedy and that too with great success. It's just a filmmaker's choice to play with any genre." "And it was my desire to make this movie since my first film Ek Baar Phir. Since all my films have been on man-woman relationships, somehow this movie was never made," he said. Produced by Big Pictures, the film stars Shekhar Suman, Rajpal Yadav, Sayali Bhagat and troubled-actor Shiney Ahuja in a special appearance. Pande also claimed the movie would be a mirror of the prevalent hypocrisy in society. "The situations might be humorous, but it won't have a heavy dose of slapstick and it won't lack it either. There will be some very interesting instances in the film and it will say something to chew upon," added Pande, who is also president of the Indian Television and Film Directors' Association. The director plans to churn out a series of films on the same topic with different settings. "Chaloo Movie is basically a concept that reflects the chalooness (cleverness) of Indian society in general. We are looking here at a series of films with the same ensemble cast reflecting the chalta hai attitude of Indian society," he added. "While the first film has a backdrop of the Indian film industry, other installments will be on different segments of society like politics, sports, law, hospitality industry and medicine." Pande's future projects include suspense-drama Din Ke Andhere Mein and he is also writing a book called Beyond Frontiers. — IANS
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No bhai, no cry
Excerpts from a sister’s diary, “When I was a little girl, he’s the one who taught me how to have a softy without leaving any evidences of it on my dress. As I grew up, I knew exactly who to turn to for bucks for the weekend movie at the end of the month. His steely stare would drill a hole on any guy who eyed me.” Sweet, silent and strong is the bond between brothers and sisters. But what about brother and brother or sister and sister? Or ‘it’s just me’ no bro, no sis?
Do they empty the tissue box, this day every year or it’s ‘so what’ with substitute siblings abound? “No, we don’t miss it. Not at all,” is how Gauri Mahajan, a GCG-11 graduate, sums up not having a brother. She adds, “I so love my younger sister, it’s like you don’t need a best friend.” So, no sorry story over missing a sibling, endless sobs, blah blah? Karan Singh Sekhon, currently an arts student in U.K, laughs, “We are a bunch of three brothers. I don’t think any of us miss not having a sister. As kids, we would tie rakhi to one another.” He adds, “It’s better in a lot of ways to have the same gender sibling.” Likewise for Aditya Arora, a DAV-10 student, “My brother and I don’t really miss not having a sister in our lives. We have cousin sisters and moreover, my brother is overprotective and caring and more than made up for anyone’s absence.” Then what do they do on this day? “It’s just like any other day,” says Suparva Gautam, a DAV-10 student, who misses the security part of not having a bro around. She laughs, “As a kid, I would ask my mother to get me a brother.” Ironically, given a choice, the girl would have a sister again. “That’s because you can share everything under the sun with your sister.” For Gauri, it isn’t just the next date on calendar. “Oh my sister and I go to our cousin’s place, tie them rakhi, do all the rituals, it’s fun.” Adds Aditya, “Yeah, my cousins come or we go and they tie the rakhi. So, no missing the rituals of the day.” It’s like the best of both world’s. As Priya Arora, a home science student, winks, “Isn’t it better, this way literally all our cousins are brothers and even the helpful classmates. Just imagine the positives.” Better belong to the no-bro, no-cry brigade than be one of those babes that acquire appendages of the brotherly kind for reasons mercenary. Recalls Parul Khullar, an HR professional, “This hosteller used to post a rakhi to my brother Varun with a clearly spelt out footnote: Bhaiya, paise MO ya draft se bhej dena!’” So, unlike Upasna, a plus two student, who has a Rakhi bhai, not out of fad but fondness. “I don’t even mind if he doesn’t give me a return gift.” Himani Bahuguna, a first year student, School of Communication Studies, differs, “I would be lying if I said I don’t miss having any sibling. Cousins are cousins, I miss not having a bro 24/7, no one to fight with and if I fight with someone, no one to settle the scores.” Post the complaints list, she pouts, “Hey, it’s so bad, we don’t have a holiday for Rakhi. Some students were planning a mass bunk, let’s see.” See! Never mind, as long as the excitement for the day’s intact! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Leisure alley
It’s essentially GCG! No one’s familiar with Government College for Girls, Sector 11, specifications notwithstanding. Spell the short term and even trees lining the roads will play host, reflexively point in one direction. Step beyond the milestones and throw open the iron gates, there’s much to spot, more to see, much more to speak. College speak
It’s quite a walk from gateway to the Principal’s room. If you’re lucky enough to wade your way through countless excited girls, then Dr. Promila Kaushal will tell you what makes GCG what it is. “It would be the infrastructure that we provide. The best of academics at very nominal rates as compared to other private colleges, as are depicted in results every year.” She adds, “We are a number one among government colleges when it comes to sports and games.” Guess she doesn’t count the huge lawns, open spaces, endless courts as something. Style file
For us, the gazing game had just begun. Gazing the gang girls what else? You’d fine every conceivable. From suits to skirts to sarong, it’s not record breaking to spot every conceivable piece of female garment here. Just as you enter, question any girl on the crowd quotient, “Of all the colleges we like this not because we’re studying here, but we are allowed to be ourselves, not too many restrictions unlike others. We just love it here,” exclaims a group of final year students. Beyond classrooms
Given the infrastructure, multi-purpose hall, auditorium, conference room are a given. There’s a biological garden plus imagine having a gym, beauty salon, two Photostat shops and a bank in the campus gardens. That’s right. “I’m a hosteller and if I wish to I need not move out at all for any facility,” shrugs Amrita Sidana, second year B.A student. Oh sure, there must be library with all the books in the world and stuff like that! We forgot. Canteen connect
Pardon the colloquial metaphor but if eating is an art, then girls here are curators! Sounds weird? There’s a Nescafe outside for the quick grub, a separate stall for paani puri, corner for nimbu pani, two juice shops, of course there’s a main canteen too. “Out of all these kulche chhole are the hot favourite amongst the crowd here,” says Bimmy, BCA student. Post class, canteen, lounging appears another favourite activity, trees, grass, and gardens style. Speak, shout, laze around, snooze, read, anything! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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The recent Government College of Art and UIET incidents, apart from raising the obvious questions, point to another possibility. Can the term ragging be misused? How to define it and who’ll do that? Juniors hardly are in a position to misuse the power. I don’t think that’s possible or is ever likely to happen. Poor souls as it, as they enter a new institution with bated breath. How can we expect them go to such extremes. Priyanka
Chauhan, Final year student
I think yes, there can be misuse of power, why not? The recent case in Kirorimal College too, in my opinion, pointed in the same direction. Bimmy Dadwal, Final year student
I’m a first year student myself. So, I would say no, we are very nice. As seniors these days are truly welcoming, why would a junior do that? Tarranum, First year student
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Restless on Rakhi
The girls love Rakhi; money, security, everything on the house. “The girls are all there, generally, guys shirk attendance,” says a sweet devil. Why? “I’ve been brought up in a co-ed school, I know what we go through. Being called a brother from a cute classmate feels like an abuse,” laughs one. eyeee…you…just shut up. Seems they won’t? “Imagine the ‘tragedy’ of being called a bhaiya by a pretty girl,” confesses one moist-eyed male after endless prodding. He adds, “It hurts man.” Aww…Poor boy. In paralysed fear, guys go like, will she tie? Will she not? Will she? Will she not? She won’t? Yippee! Parting on a happy happy note. Till then.
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Unmasked!
You don’t have to be born a super human being, loaded with all supersonic properties to make a difference. Ordinary people in life can achieve marvels as well. Just believe in the goodness around, and believe in yourself. The Golden Lion King, a musical play to be staged by students of St. Johns School-26 to mark their Golden Anniversary validates this through Walt Disney’s adaptation The Lion King. Around 200 students (out of which one third are from the weaker section of society and part of the schools mainstream) between Classes 3-10 will get into the skin of various animal characters. Other than this, all eyes will be on the five main characters that will get to wear the masks designed by artist Viney Vadhera. “The minute we told Viney about the idea, he volunteered to be a part of the endavour,” offers Kavita Das, the principal. “The Golden Lion King will be a grand production directed by J. Likhari. From the students, their parents and the staff, have given their best. No professional was hired for this because we wanted to represent the talent within the students and also give them an opportunity to develop their acting abilities,” she adds. As for the five main masks for five main characters Simba, Mufasa, Zazu, Timon, Pumbaa and Scarface, placed on the top of the head of the actors, there is a story behind each one, and of course a lot of hard work too. Says Viney, who took nearly two weeks to design one mask, “The whole process of studying the characters, designing and collecting material for the masks was a challenging one. I had to work within a limited budget and time.” Viney, who used paper mache technique, feels that major challenge lied in sticking to criterion lightweight. “The masks had to be light in weight, so I used paper mache for them. Initially, I made large -sized masks, which Kavita Das politely turned down. She wanted small and light ones. So, we had to take the moulds of the five main ‘heads’ and that’s how I managed to make the masks.” Viney would have ideally gone in for carbon fiber… “I searched Internet for masks made of carbon fiber. Using it meant stretching the budget, which I couldn’t.” Nevertheless, he is happy with the final product and so are the students, who will show the world that each one has the strength within us. We just got to wear it on our heads. The Golden King will be staged on August 7, 8 and 9 at Tagore Theatre for invitees and for on August 12 and 13 for the general public. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Here comes a rare treat. On Wednesday renowned artist Anjolie Ela Menon will share a slice of her creative journey with art students and connoisseurs at a lecture cum slide show, being organised by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi. Menon is among India's leading contemporary artists, and has created a name for herself in the domestic as well as the international art scenario. Her works are part of prestigious museums, private and corporate collections across the globe. Though Menon normally prefers to work with oil on masonite, she has also experimented with other media such as glass, acrylic, computers, ceramics and painted junk. Born in 1940 in West Bengal of mixed Bengali and American parentage, she after completing her studies at the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai and later a degree in English Literature from Delhi University, bagged a scholarship from the French Government to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris; where she studied Fresco. Menon utilised this time to travel extensively in Europe and West Asia studying Romanesque and Byzantine art before returning home. She has about 40 solo shows, two retrospectives and a seminal six-month solo exhibition at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. Her works are regularly sold at all global auctions, fetching last year, over Rs 1 crore for her painting at the Khushii auction in Mumbai. Honoured with the Padma Shree and Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Letters by the French Government, Menon, besides being a fine artist, is also a social activist who has been supporting the cause of disadvantaged children, mainly education. A book Anjolie Ela Menon: Paintings in Private Collections talks about her work and life. —TNS The talk will be held at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10 at 5.30 pm
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Well, well, that Big Brother (!) of Bandhans is here and dishing out syrupy sentimentality on Rakhi is that old guard of gaana-bajana, Vividh Bharati. And there're those new kids on the bantering (err…broadcasting) bloc, the FM frat.
Poor juniors!
Misuse possible
Nice & easy
