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All that jazz Music wizards, Louis Banks and Sivamani on bhangra beats, Indian classical and their kind of music
If only we had no deadlines! There wouldn’t have been any interval. In fact, there is no scope for any, when Louis Banks starts playing a piano and Sivamani takes his position at the drums. But, if only we had no deadlines! Our apologies to the audience. They stopped, obliged us with the interview and then went on to love music, er...play music. Let’s begin with the preview. Music began with the unexpected bhangra beats. Beware dholwallas! No conscious effort was made. Any genre of Indian music comes naturally to Louis and Sivamani, though they are more popular as the international Jazz pianist and the percussionist, "The impact of Indian classical music is everlasting, you just can’t get over it. Whatever music we invent, it descends to the Indian music," asserts Louis before Sivamani chips in, "One needs to master Indian music before experimenting and diversifying it."
Just as the name of the band, the music always had Indian elements, which made them a cult in themselves and an integrating factor between the Indian and western music forms, "That’s what we aim at, to bring in freedom of fusion and in real terms, make music a universal language." And Louis gets the sense of freedom even better with Jazz music. As he says next, "Jazz gives me the liberty to blend any form of music," the use of which was evident in his album Miles From India that won the nomination for a Grammy. Helping in their cause of making universal music, they believe, are easily available quality instruments and reality shows. Louis explains the rest, "When we began to learn music, instruments had to be imported, unlike the present scenario. The musicians are being discovered by reality shows, who otherwise wouldn’t have got an opportunity." However, for any musician who aspires to be like them, the competition comes not from fellow musicians or even from Louis and Sivamani, rather from Bollywood. Sivamani is honest while making a confession, "It’s unfortunate that while the world rejoices our music, people in India continue to plug into Bollywood." Louis has the reason, "Because, Bollywood music is easy to understand. You needn’t have to be attentive to appreciate it as it conditions you. On the other hand, our music requires some hard work from the audience as well to comprehend it." Sivamani is not all that dejected, "Indians are opening up to new genres of music. They are looking out for more options." We guessed that was enough. The jugalbandi was raring to happen again. And this time there were no stops. No strings attached, actually! Literally! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Partition prose In the city, Neena Kahlon’s book on Partition is about love and learning
Flash back from the USA to India to Amritsar to Partition. It’s a journey in rewind mode all the way. And all the stories are true, but the characters not. The inspiration is love and the narrative straight from the heart. Precisely how Neena Kahlon’s first book Remembering the Juice Mango can be put. The author gets candid about her work, her growing up years and more over limejuice at her nephew’s house, just before the book launch. Even minus hint, cursory glance, casual flip of pages, Remembering the Juice Mango, sounds all about nostalgia. “During our growing up years, we had huge farms where we, along with our cousins, used to sit along the tube wells, dip feet into the water and suck those special juice mangoes, and inevitably one of the five mangoes would be wormy, reminding of toxic human beings,” she transports us back to her Amritsar days and Sacred Heart convent schooling. And she adds, “The whole thing is just a metaphor for love, how love heals.” It’s human struggle against the mayhem of violence, love transcending generations and boundaries. The work revolves around Partition as much as around love. She says, “In fact, the first scene is on Partition. When I was penning down the book, the wounds of wars, the pain and everything felt so real, I almost cried while writing for around three days and few nights. Many of the people who’ve read said they could feel it.” Needless to say, it’s a fictionalized piece of life. “All the stories are true, straight from the heart, the characters to whom they all are happening might be created. But they are of my observances, things that happened to my family, friends, or people who came and told me it happened to them,” adds the Master’s in Literature from PU who literally grew up on classics. Read Charles Dickens, Jane Austen. The literary work isn’t just about love but a labour of love, competed in about eight years. “It wasn’t of course written in eight years. I began working on the book around ’99 and 2000, but by 2005 and 2006 I was done with it. But because I was a first-time writer, I sent it to a lot many awards.” Okhlahama Writer’s conference being among the ones she bagged. Currently based in the USA, after Chandigarh, it’s back to hometown Amritsar, for her for yet another book launch. Till, of course, the next cover comes out. “For my second book, I’ve just finished the draft and it should go faster.” This one’s going to be about eastern women and how they build boundaries around them. “There was a time when a girl could not get married to a guy of her parents’ choice, how there were so many restrictions. It’s going to be a story of two friends based in geographical distances.” And expect her wide travel experiences, including the shifting back and forth from East Coast to West Coast to shine through this one. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Fireworks &
feathered friends Apart from some regular bird-shooing by certain people, the avians face a tough time in Divali season, with cracker bursting all around. Here’s how to care for the city’s bird population
When was the last time you saw a flock of sparrows chirping on your window? When did you last hear a koel cuckooing in the neighborhood? And when was the last time, you saw parrots on a banyan tree? Leave aside seeing a bird, how many of you remember how birds look like? The day isn’t far when only a mobile ring tone would remind you of the twitter of birds. Is this a revelation and has it worried you? Well, then there are things you could do if you want to see more avians around. But before this, here is what you shouldn’t do. According to Ishwar Singh, chief wildlife warden and director environment, UT Administration, “A public notice was issued almost 20 days back that birds should not be disturbed by throwing stones, and people shouldn’t scare them unnecessarily by burning crackers.”
“Don’t kill birds just for the fun of it,” says Manish Bagga, a customer service professional and also a pet lover who takes care of stray dogs, “I hear people saying that they enjoy eating tittar. Something, I am totally against.” Now, what should be done to save birds? Adds Manish, “Trees are a natural abode of birds. So, plant more trees if you want to see birds around. Also, if you have caged birds, take care of them, feed them properly, breed them and let them fly.”
Also hear it from Lalit Azad, managing director, Azad Offset Printers, who has been religiously putting daana to the birds for almost 30 years now. “I am sure each one of us realises that the population of sparrows have come down. The reassurance comes from the fact that only we can do something about it.” Azad suggests, “If each household makes a practice of feeding birds and keeping water in some earthen pot then birds will naturally come to have them. We offer wild bird feeders wherein you can keep daana for them and it wouldn’t get wasted too.” As far as feeding birds is concerned, most people in Chandigarh still do it. But when it comes to sensitivity towards the birds, how many actually would allow birds to perch on their marble terraces? Ashima Kapoor, city-based social worker, who works for rag pickers of Mohali, puts across her point. “We raise such a hue and cry about birds getting extinct, but if a pigeon comes and builds a nest in any corner of our posh house, don’t we shoo it away? How ironical.” She adds, “The festive season is around the corner, which means a hard time for the ‘left’ birds. The air pollution will do the needful for the remaining ones. It’s time that we did something concrete rather than discussing and debating.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Women outshine male members on Bigg Boss
On the other hand, the male bastion includes names such as Dara Singh's son Vindu, fashion designer Rohit Verma, comedian Raju Srivastav and director-actor Kamal R Khan of Desh Drohi fame. The only major name in the male team is that of music composer Ismail Darbar, who has films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam to his credit. Actor Shamita Shetty did make her grand entry into the Bigg Boss house with her sister Shilpa Shetty's tips as a weapon to use in handling life in confinement for 84 days. Shamita had made her debut with Yashraj banner's Mohabbatein in 2000, but failed to make any mark in Bollywood. The starlet was last seen in Cash alongside Ajay Devgan in 2007. — PTI
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"I have to mention I enjoyed watching Amit-ji on TV again. I had missed him, and as usual he's doing a great job. His panache is unmatched," Shilpa posted on her blog www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/. "Looking forward to every episode with bated breath -- obviously I have a bias, to see this mix of people will be interesting (and entertaining) to watch," added Shilpa, who hosted the second season of the show in 2008. Now Shilpa's sister Shamita has participated in the show and be locked inside the Bigg Boss house for 84 days with 12 strangers. Shilpa says she misses her times on the show, especially saying her signature closing line -- Chakkar pe chakkar, Pange pe panga, Dekhte rahiye Bigg Boss, kyunki yeh hai sabse changa! "Will miss being part of this season but am sure that one Shetty in the house will more than make up for me...hoping Shamita braves the storm," she said. The actor, who had won Big Brother, the international version of the show in 2007, says it gave her a lot in life. "It has given me so much - friendship, love (that's how I met Raj, long story another time), confidence, success and much more," added Shilpa. — IANS
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Hum to mimic
karega... I will imitate Big B in Bigg Boss, says Raju Srivastav
"Bigg Boss gives me the best opportunity to mimic Big B. Whatever he will do outside the Bigg Boss house, I will repeat it inside," Srivastav, whose most popular act is a spoof of Big B's superhit film Sholay, said. "Years ago, I started my career as an Amitabh mimic. I have a lot of love and respect for Bachchan sahab. He is such a personality that neither I will get bored nor the public will be bored of watching me impersonate him," said Srivastav. The third season of the reality show grabbed headlines long before it hit the screens by roping in none other than the 'Shahanshah of Bollywood' to play 'Pop Philosopher' who decodes the emotions and motives of the contestants. — PTI
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It’s show time
Around 100 works, three categories, countless artists. The exhibition begins with the very touching, very topical Eye on Swine Flu by photojournalist Vinay Malik under the professional category. What’s more? It’s a true-blue piece of art and art for a cause. He says, “Whatever the work sells for is going to be donated to a patient of swine flu. I saw a lot of people living in fear of the flu, whenever anybody had a simple fever would fear the disease.” That explains the one red eye of the human face of the multi-media portrait.
Like a string of scissors Back Biting by Ajita Sharma, a photograph of a woman lying against the backdrop of the Golden Temple. The Real Chef by Anil Kumar, depiction of a woman bending over to see if the fire’s burning. Diwan Manna, chairman, Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, lets us know of the selection criteria, “We invited very renowned artist Paramjit Singh to select among the entries for us. Since he is Delhi-based, we could trust his judgment to be objective. Very senior artists were rejected and he withheld two awards.” You read it right! It wasn’t easy getting invited too. He says, “Viren Tanwar and Malkit Singh were asked to invite 35 artists truly representative of the city.” As of now, we’re standing in front of Diwan’s stark black and white work, Kitchen in Bali, Indonesia, an abandoned kitchen, with strange haunting silent resonance. He says, “Well, it’s got to be. It was an abandoned kitchen along the beachside in Bali.” Abandoned couldn’t get more fascinating. On till October 11 at Punjab Kala Bhavan-16.
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Art is on the move, literally! Aayush Goel’s photographic exhibition couldn’t get more mobile and with a bus to take it around the city for another five days, couldn’t get more widespread. His 52 photographs are neatly hung around the walls of a tourist bus. Take a ride, take a look, all at the same time. He says, “The basic idea behind the concept was to take art to the people’s door step, since they don’t come to see it.” So, the bus is going on a city tour of Sukhna Lake, schools, colleges, Golf Club, Kalagram etc. He adds, “Not very many people have an affinity for arts, I myself come from doctor family but now they’re supporting me in my passion.” Post the ‘venue’, it’s the photographs. Largely travelogues, capturing scenic beauties, days of the year, times of the day, mountains and oceans. Morning Blues captures the morning glory as does the Petite Hub, the picture of people living in Kiber, Kaza district. Life after Death is actually soul scaring photograph of dogs in water with a dead carcass. He says, “I’ve actually clicked hundreds of photographs and the ones depicted here talk of various moods.” In the past one year, as P.C. Sharma, officer in charge, said, “It’s the 22nd mobile exhibition.” Art is on the move, literally! — Manpriya Khurana
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Bond with the rest It’s time to clean up the house, go shopping with family and of course, share the latest gossip with friends
"The festive season gives you time to make plans and put them to use as well. We have a big extended family, so this is one time of the year to catch up with all. It’s much awaited because every year a new member is being added. It’s like a big family re-union for us and Diwali adds to it," says Shobha Kausar, an architect from Panchkula.
And what about her extended family? "Well, I am going to organise a small get-together for underprivileged kids where they will be shown a short film spreading the message of Green Diwali and eco-friendly things will be distributed among them to concentrate on the issue," she adds. Well, some healthy celebrations. But with all the shopping, gift hunting and planning happening, where is the time to relax and enjoy the holiday feel? "That’s part of enjoyment as well," says Anjali Sharma, working with Dell. "Normally, you don’t get time to spend the entire day shopping with your family, gossiping, sharing opinions and catching up with each other," she says. Sure, but her bonding is best over a broomstick. "It’s like, with so many holidays, one of these days you have to oil your hair, wear your faded best and go on cleaning the entire house, all in the name of Diwali," she shares. And, if it’s work we are talking about, then Pinki Madaan, director, the Butterfly club, has quite a lot to share. "For me, festival still means work. If I am not running around to complete my project files, annual reports, renewals and other stuff, then I have to buy gifts, clean the home, catch up with family in the left over time," she says. Wow, holiday with the laptop? "Yeah. And then I have a two-year-old-son to take care of. So, I enjoy my chutti with my hands full." Well, as log as you enjoy! nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Friends vs family
This festive season, if you had to make a choice whom would you like to spend your Diwali with, friends or family? Family, of course
Of course, family is my choice when it comes to holidays. Family makes festivals fun and since I live away from home, Diwali is one time in the year to return and soak in the festive feeling. The rituals and all the buzz makes it more fun. So, you have quality time with your family and don’t miss out on the luxurious food and gifts too. Gaurav Sharma Balancing act
I try to balance between friends and family. This month has lots of holidays, so that means you can enjoy a movie, catch up with friends over a cup of coffee and then go for shopping, cleaning the house and buying gifts with family too. The long weekends give you plenty of time for yourself as well. So, as long as they last, I try to enjoy every bit of the season. Manisha Nagi Lifestyle invites responses from readers on the following issue:
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Telepathy is no longer a myth, for researchers from the University of Southampton have shown that people can communication with each other through the power of thought alone. Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI) can be used for capturing brain signals and translating them into commands that allow humans to control devices like computers, robots, rehabilitation technology, and virtual reality environments just by thinking about various actions. "Whilst BCI is no longer a new thing and person to person communication via the nervous system was shown, for the first time, true brain to brain interfacing. We have yet to grasp the full implications of this but there are various scenarios where B2B could be of benefit such as helping people with severe debilitating muscle wasting diseases, or with the so-called 'locked-in' syndrome, to communicate and it also has applications for gaming," said James. — ANI
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Family circle
People for Animals, Chandigarh have the following animals for adoption. All they need is a caring and loving family.
Lost & Found
Found a lost male Pomeranian dog, 3-4 years old, near Sector - 20 A Chandigarh on 4th October 2009, morning. For any information contact at PFA Office For any information,
contact: PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Saturday or visit us at # 1522, sector 11-D, Chandigarh. |
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Of course, they took formal
training, but their interest in music made all the difference, "I
took my first lessons in music at the funerals, when I played soft music
on different instruments," shares Sivamani. Gradually various
milestones were achieved. "The major one came 25 years back, forming
a band together, Shanti, and giving first international performance in
Russia."
“The whole idea is to educate and make the general public aware of the depleting numbers of birds so that they can develop tolerance towards the birds and animals in general,” he adds. Lastly, if someone is caught committing a crime like poaching, action will be taken to task as per law.
“Look after nature and it will look after you,” opines Parminder Sukhdev, city-based environmentalist, and an active member of PFA. “It is our duty to plant trees. Deforestation destroys the natural shelter of the birds. Where would birds then go?” She adds, “How can humans live on earth without making peace with nature?” As for her bit, Parminder has planted trees in her house, feeds them on bajra. “I have guests over everyday: koels, woodpeckers etc,” she smiles. 
Its women-power all the way
in the third season of Bigg Boss, with stars like Shamita Shetty
and Sherlyn Chopra outshining the lesser-known male housemates. The
reality show is going to be high on glamour with women outnumbering their
male counterparts.
Apart from Shamita and
Chopra, the other women contestants include yesteryear's Bollywood actor
Poonam Dhillon, doctor-turned-model Aditi Govitrikar and most
surprisingly, 'drama queen' Rakhi Sawant's equally dramatic mother Jaya
Sawant.
Bollywood actress and former
Bigg Boss host Shilpa Shetty is thoroughly enjoying watching
megastar Amitabh Bachchan host the third season of the popular reality
show.
Stand-up comedian Raju Srivastav who is a
housemate on Bigg Boss 3, is planning to entertain his viewers by
imitating none other than the show's host, Bollywood superstar Amitabh
Bachchan.
Last minute touches, the backstage polishing, organising blues, that co-ordination chaos, in the corner a couple of students are busy wrapping things, others just making sure, nothing goes wrong. From super seniors to the very beginners, anybody who’s somebody was there. Just a few hours and it’s going to be curtains up on the Annual Art Exhibition 09’. The difference? They’re breathless with work, we with wonder. 
What stands out, when each stands out? There’s acrylic on canvas, Journey by Madan Lal, a complicated, yet clear depiction of the universality of energy as also its journey through women, bull, apple, etc. A very amoeba-inspired creation catches both the eye and the fancy. It’s invited artist Ravinder Sharma’s acrylic on canvas, Metamorphosis. He says, “Human beings keep changing and transforming from one character to another. The rocks within the structure display how the animal is taking over us.” Bheem Malhotra’s Rickshaw In the Spring just makes you want to take a ride on a rickshaw. He laughs, “I painted one rickshaw in Patiala bazaar, it is so characteristic of India and is full of that touch.” Except for a few repetitions by some in the students’ categories, majority were promising. 
The festivities has
brought in some respite, not for the ones involved in the celebrations but
for ones who choose to enjoy these extended weekends. It’s time to
detoxify ourselves from workaholism, look for spending some quality time
that is usually defined to a few hours on a Sunday. String of holidays,
festive mood and our own excited sentiments towards the most happening
month of the year makes it a perfect holiday to relax and refresh your
bonhomie, catch up with friends and set an agenda, to have some fun.
With family, comes
friends and an extended family too. "Shopping, gift hunting,
maddening crowd just doesn’t works for me. It’s a holiday and I like
to enjoy it by throwing a small party and get-together for close family
and friends," says Aroma Dhawan, a teacher at GMSSS-34.
