Stage is set
In town, playwright Mahesh Dattani set the ball rolling for an event on authors
Neha Walia

Actor Farooque Shaikh too descended on the city on thursday, but he refused to give sound bytes.

Indian traditions are a lot like Victorian ones. The West also has traditions and a lot like the ones we have." That's how Mahesh Dattani explains his efforts in bringing out the conflict and the harmony that globalisation has brought with itself. "Every writer works on recurring themes and patterns. With me, it's the idea of Indian culture coping with the growing western influence," he adds. The noted English playwright, who is also known for his offbeat attempts like Dance Like a Man, Mango Souffle and Morning Raga, is in the city on the invitation of the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi to participate in a seminar on 'Writers in search of an audience'. He will be joined by eminent personalities from the theatre and film world like Farooque Shaikh, who was spotted at Taj-17.

For somebody who is known to highlight the constant struggle of survival of the Great Indian Value System through his plays and movies, the neither-here-nor there funda seem like a positive sign. "If you talk on a global scale, Indian culture is really popular. Indian music, Indian food, and arts are catching people's fascination. But in India, anything western defines modernization.

I guess, like everything else, the love for our local culture too needs to be borrowed from the West," he says. Well, a good import that would be! Indian theatre though, he feels, needs time to get recognition abroad, "We haven't made inroads like the Japanese theatre, but no need to fret."

A man of inspiration, he seems optimistic about the changing trends in the Indian theatre scene. The latest being the bridging of the gap between the stage and silver screen. "Just like a multifunctional society, we borrow freely a good deal of drama from movies and add artistic expression to 70mm.

Gone are the times when filmmakers like Shyam Benegal had to suffice with morning shows of their movies, with a handful of audience. With changing audience mindsets, you can make money without compromising on the content," he says.

Critical acclaim and commercial success weaved into one? "Why not? Going by the positive signs, theatre no longer has to survive on subsidies. The regional theatre scene is also witnessing an improvement.

Marathi theatre has a loyal audience, with over 1000 shows running and actually having theatre stars, " he says. Busy with directing an adaptation of Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist and a play with Lilette Dubey called Brief Candle, he took time out to watch Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey. "I felt disappointed that after a Maqbool and Omkara, he chose something with a thin plot.”

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Tu baby badi fit fit…
In the city for a fashion show, Punjabi kudi, actor Minissha Lamba, is set to play a south Indian now
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Dil apna Punjabi

A hardcore Punjaban, Minissha is always happy to be in the North. "I am always excited to come to Punjab, as my heart longs for this land and connects to almost everyone here." And for the city, "Chandigarh has always been a favourite and what I like here is the accent of the people and the flavour of the food, that you don't get anywhere else on earth."

Yahaan to Well Done Abba

"Bollywood has been very warm to me. In fact, the industry is changing and accepting a lot of newcomers and above all, the industry is expanding and letting in a lot of beginners," says Minissha. Ask was acting a conscious decision and she says, "I did a commercial film with director Shoojit Sircar and he was the one who cast me in Yahaan, and hence started my filmy career.

Nothing was pre-planned." Having played diverse characters in films like Honeymoon Travels Ltd, Shaurya, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Kidnap, now the actor is playing a South Indian girl in Shyam Benegal's Well done Abba. So, how did she bag the role? "It was surprising for me also when I got a call from Shyam Benegal, in fact, I couldn't believe my ears, but then I am doing the film." What about her character and the role, "This movie is a political satire and I play a village girl, who has not seen anything beyond her parish. The movie is set in Andhra Pradesh," says the actor. Any other movies that she is doing, "That's all for now."

Fashion ka hai jalwa

Here for the fashion event, we ask how did she decide upon the show and she says, "The show is about work hard and party harder and I believe in the same, and this was my reason for choosing the show." So, what is she wearing, "I would be wearing designs by both Mandira Virk and Vikram Phadnis." Decode fashion, "I am not a fashion victim, so I can do without a lot of fashionable things, but then fashion too means an extension of the self."

Fit for the role

From a cute-looking girl to a sexy siren, Minissha's journey to fitness has not been easy. She says, " I did a lot of hard work, and I did it for no one else but myself and today, I feel good that I pushed myself to the limit." Her fitness mantra, "I am a foodie, I love eating, so I can't deny myself food. Gymming is my way to fitness and I eat everything but in a moderate quantity."

So far, so good the actor is happy doing what she is doing and is now awaiting the release of her upcoming movie Well Done Abba.

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

With love from Pak
Beyond boundaries. Pakstani ghazal singer Tina Sani uses melody as a meeting ground for the two countries
S.D. Sharma

Music is a celestial art, essentially contemplative and sophisticated, blessed to enrapture inquisitive souls beyond territorial boundaries and it can serve to maintain harmony and mutual brotherhood among all denizens irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or political affiliations,” says acclaimed ghazal maestro from Pakistan, Tina Sani. Trained under Ustad Nizamuddin Khan Saheb and Ustad Chand Amrohvi she is eulogised as the most accomplished performer following the footsteps of legends to the like of Mehdi Hasan and Begum Akhtar. This Karachi-based singer has been shining as a star performer on the horizons of ghazal and semi-classical music world since 1979. On the invitation of the ICCR and Routes to Root Society, Tina will perform in the city on Friday evening. An excerpt follows from an interaction:

Your name ‘Tina’ seems to be somewhat ‘betala’ or not in sync with your image of a devout classical maestro?

(Laughs) Yes, of course. Very few people in Pakistan know that I am in fact Rukhsana but I was affectionately called Tina by my music devout Abbujan. Even during my first TV performance, I preferred to be introduced as Tina, prompted by an adolescent’s desire, so as to impress my friends and admirers knowing me by this name only.

What matters the most in ghazal — poetry, melody or the singer?

It is text-oriented as poetry lies at the heart of the ghazal composition with diverse emotions — longing, unrequited love and frustration. Lyricist remains supreme and their creation immortal since singers or composers come and go.

You claim that classical music and ghazal found propagation under the royal patronage. But now are there any music companies or market to promote it ?

Classical music and ghazal need to be publicised and not popularised. These genres are meant for the intellectual music lovers who had cultivated a certain level of appreciation. Today many promoter companies are venturing to produce a chaalu type lyrical and musical stuff, which is guided by commercial considerations and not ethical and literary aspects.

Do you have reality shows in Pakistan and how it helps young artistes?

Much earlier than India, from 1981and I judged participants in 1983. Like India, we do not have a big film industry and the winning artistes find performance opportunities. Unlike India, all shows, big or small, are paid and no free khata. Half-baked artistes, as here, do not run for cutting albums. See, during my three decades of music career I have made just five albums but all are hit classics.

Have you attempted fusion like many younger singers in Pakistan?

Yes, basically I had a love for rap and pop but being a purist I settled for classical and ghazal after realising its melodic richness and tranquil character. However, I too was struggling to evolve my signature style with the likes of artistes and ensembles like Rohail Hayat, Vital Sign, Janoon. However, a new crop of younger artistes is opting for Sufina music and qawwalis indicating the revival of olden and golden era of pristine music.

Any memorable moment relating to music?

Opening the ghazal concert at Karachi and interviewing the marvel ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh two years back. While his rendition of ghazals virtually stilled the flow of time his benevolence and generosity to meet and help Ustad Mehdi Hasan won him laudation as a symbol of humanism. Interviewing him was a cherishing experience, signs off Tina Sani.

Candid with Candice
Models Candice Pinto and Kawaldeep Singh on fashion, films and more... 
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

“In fact, I was the first Indian to participate and win it,” says Candice, who is in the city for the Blenders… fashion show. Her take on fashion, “It’s wearable these days. Clothes are being designed keeping in mind the people and not only the ramp.” Does she believe modelling is short- lived? “Yes, but one has to play the cards well,” she says. Is she game for Bollywood? “It’s a difficult choice, I am still deciding.” What about reality shows? “I was supposed to be in Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, but then things didn’t work out as my visa didn’t come. Maybe, I will be there in the next season.”

Munda Punjabi

Walking the ramp for Vikram and Mandira Wirk, this hunk from Amritsar has made his place in the fashion world by hard work and good luck. “I come from Amritsar, my family still resides there. It’s only me who has moved for work,” says Kanwaldeep Singh. Did he always want to become a model? “No, I was doing my course in Mass Communication and Video Recording from DAV, Amritsar, when a close friend suggested that I go for modelling. There were auditions going for the Wills India Fashion Week, and I went for the auditions and was chosen. There has been no looking back since,” he says.

Fashion and fitness? “They go hand-in-hand. One cannot eat like a normal person; you have to be very particular about what you eat and what not to eat. There’s a strict regime to be followed to keep yourself fit for the business of fashion.”

Punjabis on the ramp, “People from Punjab and Haryana are blessed with fair skin and good height. They are genetically good looking and this surely helps making their presence felt on the ramp.” Bollywood calling, “I am open to Bollywood, but not to television.”

Jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

A cut above the rest
Designer Vikram Phadnis and Mandira Wirk rate the city as ‘open and experimental’ when it comes to fashion 
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

As our city is witnessing an upsurge of fashion shows, this one comes as no big surprise. But what is interesting here are the designers—Vikram Phadnis and Mandira Wirk, who are names to reckon. In the city for the Blenders Pride Magical Nights Fashion Show, the designer duo talks about nothing but fashion.

Lilac lady

Mandira Wirk

Fusion is her mainstay and her clothes exude class and wearability. She is Mandira Wirk, apni Punjaban from Jallandhar. “I was born in Jallandhar and I have my in-laws and relatives in Chandigarh. So, the city is not new to me,” she says. On fashion and the city she adds, “People of the city are experimental and open to new trends. They love trying new silhouettes, cuts and colours. So, it’s always a pleasure to design for the people of the region. In fact I have a lot of clients from the region.”

What’s in store for the show? “My collection is feminine and wearable. From ivory to mushroom, I have used lilac and fuschia for my collection and the fabrics include silk and jersey.” What about Bollywood? “I have done designing for reality shows. I dressed Lara Dutta and Deepika Padukone for the Knight Riders and some Bollywood 
projects are in the pipeline.”

Last, what’s keeping her occupied these days? “After this show I have the Kolkata Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week and Spring Summer-2010 collection,” she signs off.

Steps & stitch

With no formal training in designing, Vikram started his career as a choreographer and then grew in the world of fashion. He came here some three years back. He recalls, “I first came to Chandigarh for the shooting of Namastey London and I must say the city has a distinct flavour in fashion.” Ask him how does he rate the city on fashion-o-meter and he says, “Every city has its own style of dressing and it’s very difficult to rate. But yes, when it comes to Chandigarh, we can say its not very high on flamboyance but has a style of its own. In fact for the movie Namastey London, I created quite a few designs for Katrina after watching the ladies here.”

What is he showcasing at the show? “It’s club wear, so it has to have a lot of bling. My garments are Bollywood-inspired and have a lot of embellishments.”

A veteran in the fashion circuit, his career spans over 17 years. Ask him what’s next, and he replies, “I’m writing a script for my film. Though nothing in my career had been pre-planned, but direction has always been a conscious step.”

On fashion front, “After this, I have Lakme Fashion Week and for the LFW I will present a bridal wear collection for the first time.” He spells bridal trends for the season, “My collection is going to be different. I am presenting earthy but fiery hues. It’s going to be a royal old-world charm.”

When it comes dressing the stars, who’s his favourite? “ Salman and only Salman. There is no one as stylish as him. Give him a blue jeans and white shirt and he will turn it into a fashion statement.” Talking trends, he says, “For me, there is nothing called trends. I am a mood-based designer and comfort comes first to me; colours and cuts are very personal, they differ from person to person.”

Side Lanes
Once upon a time
Joyshri Lobo

Recently a friend reminisced about Kapurthala, Jullundur and Patiala. As this is the region where my ancestors set roots, memories flood over. My great, great grandfather, Golaknath Chatterji, trekked from Shibpur in Bengal, and settled down in Jullundur. The Golaknath Memorial Church was his humble creation. The Christian community gathered for the annual picnic, which was often held along the banks of the Bein.

On one such occasion the tall grass surrounding Kapurthala Palace caught fire. Did anyone do it as a dare? For the life of me, I cannot remember! The Raja was not in residence but his sevadars were not amused. Water was ferried in degchis, buckets and bottles to stop the conflagration. However, before we headed home, I had dupattaed a tiny fingerling.

It survived for a month and was affectionately christened "Valiant Vincent." Binny took home a bag full of water hyacinths and rooted them in clay matkas of drinking water lining the dining room. There were no polluting refrigerators. My grandmother was furious and unceremoniously threw everything out.

Water was drinkable at the time. Our well had frogs floating and croaking inside, but we never got sick. In fact it was believed that all those who drank from Dutt Sahib's well, lived forever — almost! Probably they gained life-long immunity. Even when Ram Piari, the blind masseur, met a watery death, no one dreamed of dis-infecting the well, the frogs had done it already. There was no bottled water and we did not have to resort to Aqua Guards, UV-filters or Chlorine tablets.

I raised Liz the lizard from an egg. She flourished on a diet of mosquitoes and flies, assidously gathered from the rooms every day. The moment she looked too large for her bottle, I set her free on the bedroom wall to collect her own gourmet meals and reduce the insect population.

If the Bein was good for fish and hyacinths, it was also fit for human consumption. We knew how to look after the environment and community without having to learn about it at school.

Currently, the sorry state of the environment and community has come into sharp focus and is discussed annually at Davos. Yet, in modern India, the water is unfit to drink; the rivers stink of chemicals, decimating the fish and the poorest of poor. Environmental Studies is a compulsory subject in schools.

Going places ...