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Neha Walia and Manpriya Khurana give you a 360-degree round up on how Chandigarh scores on the party-meter
Chandigarh is riding high as a cosmopolitan society. Neck deep in luxuries, lavish lifestyle, growing corporate status, high spirits and a generation that believes in working hard and partying hard. The young love letting down their hair till the wee hours and the nightlife in the city is actually gearing up now. No more a city of tired and retired, Chandigarh has come of age with discs, pubs, lounges and bars jazzing up nocturnal activity. While it’s still no Bangalore or Pune, every time a question is raised on the ‘seriousness’ of party culture in the city, we end up pondering rather than answering. Where would the curators of club culture, club Chandigarh? Let’s try finding out… The party quotient
Surprisingly, the basic problem here is of basics. The exclusivity tag not displayed on our bars, pubs, lounges and nightclubs, in the city, all three merge— thanks to our high party spirits (FYI, nightclub is a place to drink and dance, and you couldn’t have a conversation with anyone if your life depended on it. A bar is where Homer Simpson goes and a lounge is a place to relax, have a casual conversation and of course drink). “Most of the A-listers know their basics. Unlike Delhi and Mumbai where people are active and educated in party culture, Chandigarh lacks in the effort to know its party culture,” says Ankush Arora, a regular party hopper. People still suffer from the what-to-wear, when-to-wear syndrome, “On one side you have people wearing chappals being chucked out and then you do see some kurta-pyjama dude stand out on the dance floor,” adds Ankush. Sure, just add booze to the menu and we don’t care if it’s a lounge, a bar or a bus stand. But for starters, here’s some important information. You go to find a ‘date’ in a nightclub, you go to cry about losing a ‘date’ in a lounge and you go to get hammered in a bar. What say? Open today, closed tomorrow
Pay attention, people, it’s not shut, open, shut open, shut…The Chandigarh story goes shut, shut, shut, shut, and may be open! In the past few years the city’s seen more clubs close down than commence. Jailhouse rock, Blues, Las Vegas, Copper Club, Athena, Silk Lounge, Aerizzona, or even English Garden for that matter. They came, they saw, they surrendered. Does anybody even remember Cloud 9, Cyanide, Gizer or Boon docks? Atul Grover, MD, Rock in Rio-43, opines, “Of course we were apprehensive, prior to entering the market a few months ago. But a few of the discs above closed due to problems with the administration rather than market demand forces.” And some, as DJ Surya from Score-8, says, “Were not even clubs in the real sense of the word. They were more of banquet halls.” While we’re on similar lines, exactly what Ankush opines, “Any new place definitely does well? It’s like a can of cola, you open there’s a lot of fizz, after a while it fades away.” Munish Arora from Black Magic, opened this year, says, “We are not a club, we’re a resto-bar and at a place where we’re surrounded by 17,000 people around us. At this point of time, we’re the only place to be doing exceptionally well, especially at lunches.” Meanwhile there are rumours of Aerizzona being reopened. Fingers crossed! Rights of admission reserved
For those still on the rolls too appear constantly on their toes. Black Magic recently roped in from Bohemia, the Punjabi rapper to Latrama, one of the top twenty DJ’s of the world and Tatva Kundalini, India’s premier electronica outfit. Guest DJ’s grouped with resident DJs at weekend parties are a given. Though Munish clarifies, “We are only interested in bringing artists of International repute and for the above events, because they were friends we did not even pay to them.” Rock in Rio, in between organised Abba night, Yanni night and Video on demand. Monday’s it’s music on demand, while each other day dedicated to something else. Adds Grover, “Chandigarh audience can a bit tricky and rock lovers as it is, is a peculiar breed.” Capital comparison
That’s isn’t where it ends. He adds, “Delhi’s big and it has some good clubs. There you have an audience for every imaginable genre, so if it were a hip-hop night, no retro, house tracks or anything else would be played. Here no matter what night you have, the audience will have you playing Punjabi tracks and the like at the ends.” Did he stop short of saying? “North Indians are a little obstinate in music tastes and I feel the old school crowd in the city was a lot better but let’s hope Chandigarh gets better in future.” Yeah…let’s. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
I don’t wanna rock DJ!
Playing something that is not Bollywood or Punjabi and you might end up risking your life here,” DJ Sameer from the band Chakra:Vu presents the party picture to us.
Playing the same thing over and over again is boring,” he adds. Now, that’s something Punjabis can’t relate to. So, how do we make things interesting? “I’ll tell,” DJ Rohit volunteers. “Just try playing some electronica, trance or progressive music and you will have one of the guys coming over, putting a gun on your head, demanding you to switch to a particular type of music.” Well, sorry for that, but isn’t that the way we are! Though they believe the scene is changing, but nothing to feel happy about. “Why would the someone like to party when you don’t have good music, good crowd and ugly brawls to play the spoil sport,” he asks. Well, it a question even we are still pondering upon? |
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Geet gata chal…
With a delicacy of phrase, emotional depth, immaculate tallafuz, adaygi, the ghazal is undoubtedly ultimate in lyrical expression and it's the soothing musical treatment that transforms it into a soulful classic melodic composition," says the Mumbai based young ghazal maestro, Jaswinder Singh. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Jaswinder the disciple son of eminent Bollywood music director Kuldip Singh was at the Chandigarh Press Club-27 for the promotion of his third ghazal album Ishq Nahin Asaan. In a tête-à-tête we talked to the young singer about melody and music. Having done masters in Philosophy from Mumbai University, we ask what made him take music as a profession? The academic degree happened much later than my education in music, which started before I learnt to speak. I was indeed blessed to inherit the musical genes from my father, guru, a musical genius, Kuldip Singh (Bollywood music director known for his diverse classics creations like Tumko dekha toh khyal ayaa, Itni Shakti hamein dena data and many more). Why didn't you opt for playback singing in films? Frankly speaking, to be a star playback singer is not that easy despite the proven musical potential and ability. But, since childhood ghazal gayaki charmed me, and this was the probable reason that eluded me from taking playback singing. Hailed as the young ghazal maestro, you are credited with just three albums how do you justify your claim? I am too naïve as compared to the invincible ghazal king Jagjit Singh, since he remains my mentor and I have been learning from him. Music, you know is like a vast ocean and none can claim to posses all the gems, but with the blessings of almighty, my guru and my fans in India and abroad, I have won laurels among contemporary young ghazal maestros. Being a learner in music my aim is to promote ghazal as a genre. As a young ghazal maestro you sing normally the lyrics of old masters, any specific reason? Poetry is the essence of ghazal and the decorative ingredients like music, voice and throw of phrases are secondary. Without any prejudice to contemporary lyricists my idea is to introduce the old masters like Mirza Ghalib, Jigar Moradabadi, Faiz Ahamed Faiz and alike, which you will find in my album Ishq Nahin Asaan.
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Picks & piques
The title may appear amusing but the film comes nowhere close. It's supposed to be a situational comedy about a newly minted cop losing his revolver and a hard-core poet-terrorist losing his heart. But the audience is unlikely to care, for sure… Inspector Dinkar Waghmare(Shreyas Talpade) is hunting for his stolen revolver and every time he comes close to getting it, he loses it again. The only thing he manages to do instead is play the hero and get hailed as supercop. The terrorsit(Kay Kay), on the other hand is in the country to carry out a series of blasts, Jung-e-azaadi he calls it, but is side-swiped by a beautiful maiden (Shenaz), a bar singer who he is head over heels in love with. So the villain now becomes a sort of hero while romancing the bar singer and giving up on his nefarious plans. Director Indrajit Nattoji uses the gun as a tool to take the story forward, the gun keeps turning up in the midst of volatile situations and Dinkar is the one chosen to save the day, so to speak! A TV channel news reporter(Mahie Gill) keeps plopping up at the scene of crime, as does the failed actor (Shiv Pandit) who happens to be in love with the commissioner's daughter (Shruti Seth). It was meant to be a madcap comedy but the treatment is not as light as it should have been. The script is also uninspiring, the plotting too ham-handed to provide any humor of note. Indrajit Nattoji's helming is also far too labored and uninteresting. Of course the sloppy plot lines, forcefully connected story elements and unfunny dialogues don't really help either. One could even see extras playing dual roles- a sure sign that credit seems to have run out mid-way on this one. Most of the performances appear unsuited to this genre of film. Shreyas Talpade and Bharathi Achrekar, as Dinkar's overzealously commanding Mother, are the only ones who manage to appear goofy, the rest take their roles far too seriously to generate any humor. Vijay Maurya takes the cake though. His accent and performance is so off-putting and artificial that it grates unbearably!
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Write note
Qaasid ke aate- aate, khat ek aur likh rakhun/ Mein jaanta hoon, Jo voh likhenge jawaab mein…" the couplet by Mirza Ghalib is a veritable reflection of a process of unchained exchange of love letters between the legendary litterateur Amrita Pritam and painting maestro Imroze, setting off a chain reaction of immortal love. Far from the madding crowd of worldly pursuits and dedicated to the true affection and literary love both Amrita and Imroze refused to accept the shackles of taboos and traditions. While the pair has been adored by all lovers of Punjabi literature the world over, local academician and poetess Arwinder has brought alive the psyche of these legends in an English translation of their letters in her book—Amrita Imroze, In the times of Love and Longing. The book launch ceremony organised by Hamshira events at the Chandigarh Press Club, saw the literary luminaries converged to relish the book reading by eminent novelist Neelkamal Puri and Khuswant Singh. An avid reader of Punjabi and English literature Arwinder was deeply inspired by Amrita ji who lived life on her own terms. As she happened to find a book of Amrita- Imroze letters she contacted Imroze for her endeavour so that it reaches to mass readership. Arwinder had earlier published a poetry book Kujh Ku Kusiale Sapne and a translation work Memory Improving Methods.
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Matka chowk
On the eve of Panjab University elections, some of the city colleges turned into a battleground. Students went on a rampage, damaging college property and building, staging a pitched battle armed with soda bottles and glasses. We as a nation vent our anger and frustration at public property. Buses are set on fire when someone gets run over. Windows are broken when disgruntled employees stage protest. Hospital labs are ransacked when there is a mishap with a patient.
We only hurt ourselves when we destroy public facilities. After all, some of our tax money is at work when the bus rolls and as a city we are already feeling the pinch of overstretched infrastructure. I am sure no one thinks through these when they are in the throes of election fury or anger generating from a terrible loss. However, why not indulge in a little more sense of ownership of all that belongs to the city and consequently to us? Chandigarh is one of the richest cities in the country. Yet, in well-known schools, you cannot get your new tiffin box or water bottle back from the field where you might have left it. Why cannot the Lost and Found work effectively here? The government schools which are shining examples of city’s endeavour to help all who live here, have bathroom doors and walls defaced with graffiti, that too of a most vulgar nature. We seem to take relish in throwing our trash right next to the trash bin – so ardous seems the task of an aimed throw. We let children cycle over freshly planted saplings in public gardens. Municipal walls crumble and the bricks disappear and end up on kearis and cricket fields as stumps. I have to admit that things are much better here than in some of the metro cities. We still have our gardens and those have not turned into make shift homes for squatters, the refugees or the evicted. For a young city, we have a whole lot of heritage buildings and architectural gems that need to be preserved and maintained. It is sad to see the state of some of our grand tombs and monuments, like the Red Fort. The European nations have been very zealous about preserving their palaces and buildings and earning a great deal of foreign revenue from the tourists. The first time I saw the much-celebrated Alamo – where the great battle for an Independent Texas was fought in 1836 – I was utterly dismayed for it seemed like an aged and very ordinary façade to me. My American friend was shocked at my reaction. But, then he has not seen the Taj Mahal or the Qutb Minar! Public property – big or small is ours. Why hurt what is our own? matkachowk@gmail.com |
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Exotic spread— Café 17 offered an exotic Brunch spread showcasing The World Cuisine spiced up with a live band. Dil apna Punjabi — Dera the Punjabi restaurant shall serve Table d ‘ hôte menu from master chef Krishna Mohan’s kitchen. Chinese cuisine — Black Lotus shall delight its guest with exotic Chinese cuisines whipped up by the master chef Shee in the form of Table d ‘ hôte.
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Tarot TALK
TAURUS: The card "Magician" reveals you may have quite a lot of free time in your hands. Some of you may receive praises from an unexpected source. Libran women may get help from friends and family. Lucky colour: Green. Tip: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. GEMINI: "The Magician" reveals this would be a hectic, active week. Some of you may receive money or good news from overseas. Socially, you may have to spend some time on your own. Lucky colour: Purple. Tip: Try and relax over the weekend. CANCER: "The Star" card says many of you would feel the need to be more responsible either at work or at home. This would be a good time to interact with others and find out their perspective on issues that are close to your heart. Lucky colour: Brick red. Tip: Fitness routine and a healthy diet is prescribed for your well being. LEO: The card "Hermit" reveals your creativity and imagination would be most fertile this week. At work, be as self-sufficient. Financially, you may need to rework your expenditure without compromising on lifestyle. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: You must learn to practice patience VIRGO: Your card "The Sword" says you are fiercely independent and keenly intelligent. At home, there may be get-togethers and gatherings that would bring you closer to your family and relatives. The weekend would be favorable for traveling and communication. Lucky colour: Cherry. Tip: Keep in mind that perseverance is key to success. LIBRA: "The Princes of Cups" reveals this would be a favorable week to learn new skills. Some of you may make some mistakes and face several challenges at work or in business. There may be some misunderstandings with your loved ones and you would have to be extra patient and adjusting. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Tip: Be careful when driving. SCORPIO: "Strength" card says at work you may receive a long-awaited approval for a project. It is essential to form a budget and follow it, so as to increase savings and manage your money. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Tip: Do not ignore any health problems, since they could worsen with time. SAGITTARIUS: 'The Three of Cups ' says profits and windfalls are on the cards Business men may get the chance to expand or diversify their interests. Review your savings with an expert. Weekend would be a good time for social gatherings and short trips. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Tip: Don't be reckless with your words. CAPRICORN: "The Lovers" reveals teamwork would be the best option at work and would help you to achieve much more. In personal relationships, many of you may decide to commit to marriage and those of you who are married would feel love and warmth towards your partner. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Tip: Take one step at a time to climb the ladder of success AQUARIUS: "Ten of pentacles" says, being irritable would only make matters worse. Students would enjoy a period of success and relaxation. Relationships, both at work and at home would demand time and effort. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: Its best not to have great expectations in any aspect or you could be disappointed. PISCES: "Seven Golden Cups" predict this would be a week in which you would need to be most decisive and active. Your confidence and enthusiasm would be inspiring; a friend may need some support and encouragement. Lucky colour: Green. Tip: Be thorough, patient and sensible when making choices. |
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So, we have the money, the attitude and the inclination, but do we have the brain for partying? Now, we know freaking out doesn’t exactly need brain, but while you party hard, certain rules and definitions straight from the Nightlife Guide for Dummies come in handy. 
Comparisons with the capital? Are they’re any? Haven’t we always been the countryside poor cousin? Where people come to rewind rather than unwind. Vishal Karwal, Splitsvilla, Roadies fame, recently admitted, “The scene in Chandigarh is a little sad. Honestly I don’t think the city is a good option to party, the problem being it’s the same limited rotating bunch of partygoers.” No wonder a new place does well for two-three months post, which the sizzle fizzes out. DJ Surya, dissects the scene for us, “On any given Saturday in Chandigarh there are maximum five to six hundred people that venture out and all the clubs and organisers have to make do with and share them.” 
Well, its not like we are in the middle of a gun battle here, but for DJs playing in city, if it isn’t Punjabi it ain’t happening. “One of the reasons that we have people going to Delhi or Mumbai to party is that we are not open to music as these places are.
UTV's Spotboy seems to have reached a dead-end with this film. After giving us some really wonderful films (Dev D, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye), they bring to us this disappointing, completely inept and unentertaining parody called Aagey Se Right.
As per its tradition, Taj-17 offered 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages to all the teachers visiting its restaurants on Teacher’s Day.
ARIES: You draw "Knight of Pentacles" positive thinking and an optimistic attitude would hold the key to everything this week. People would be motivated by your confidence and extrovert nature. Socially, many of you would meet accomplished people and be inspired by them. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Tip: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life.