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Kala salaam
How would art qualify for art, if it has no appreciators? How would art stand true to its claim of being universal, if the immediate vicinity has no access to it? Or how would art be described as a creative perception of the artist if it failed to provide even a visual treat (the basic aim of art) to the public? Art has to bring out a reaction in people. It has to please or annoy them. Probably artists from Kashmir were aware of all these parameters that acknowledges any form of creativity as art because if they weren't, their craft medium of paper mache and woodcarving wouldn't have survived 800 years.
The present generation of Kashmiri artists' fare better than the prior generation just on one factor, "We know the marketing part as well. Instead of waiting for the world to come to us, we reach out to people by participating in as many exhibitions as possible. Rest, the quality of art is intact and wouldn't change ever." It is the creative excellence of these artists that makes their creation find a place in the National museum of England. The Kashmiri embroidery on suits or soft furnishings that we usually pass as designs is Chain Stitch, another form of traditional art that supports livelihood of weavers. Clay craft If not from as many years as Kashmiri artists have, Dharambir Prajapati took to pottery twenty-five years back. Taught by his father, he has two state awards to his credit. "Now any piece doesn't take more than four days to make." As against what people generally perceive, he says one shouldn't decide as to what shape has to be given to clay, "That restricts creativity.
Let the final product be the outcome of your instant thoughts and let the clay take whatever shape. The only concern for an artist should be the clay should have some dimension." And his expertise at his work becomes evident when we see people thronging at his stall. His terracotta figurines in different colours is a must buy at the fair. Gastronomic delight
Please consider; cooking food is also an art. Incase you want to know a little more about Kashmir cuisine, do taste food at the Kashmiri Food stall serving traditional Kashmiri dishes like Wahzawan, Zafrani Pulao and Kahwa. But if you wish to stick to the Punjabi cuisine, there's enough on the platter. Citco Da Vehra, Chandigarh Beacons, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, Haryana Tourism food stalls have a lot to offer at the Crafts Mela. |
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Taal se taal mila…
A doyen of the Gwalior gharana Pt Vidyadhar Vyas, who holds allegiance to the illustrious lineage of Pt Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, has emerged as a stalwart in khayal, tarana and bhajan gayaki. He proved his mettle at the Indian Music Conference in Mauritius in 2003, Netherlands 1995, USA in 1992 and many national and international venues. Holding a Master's degree in Sociology and Ph. D in music, Mumbai-based sangeetacharya Vidyadhar, while holding prestigious posts has made a significant contribution to Indian classical music as a musicologist and performer. In the city for a performance at the 32nd annual INT Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan, he shared his views on music. What are the merits and demerits of being a progeny of Gyanacharya Pandit Narayanrao Vyas and legacy of all time great Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar? I am certainly blessed to be a part of the lineage of sangeet rishis, but it helped me less by providing better opportunities than burdening me with the responsibility of preserving and enhancing its glorious tradition. Still I am no match to brilliance of their vision and wisdom. Though the connoisseurs feel that I have justified my role, but I am still not complacent and striving hard to ensure that Indian classical music and my gharana maintains its invincible glory. What do you have to say about the depraving popularity of classical music? I do not agree to it, rather it is flourishing but in new avatars. The constant thing is only the change, the centuries old format of classical music has been subjected to subsequent changes to accommodate the alien influences obviously to cater to the taste and milieu from time to time. In modern India classical music remains as a progressive and dynamic art. Its aesthetic appeal and beauty have attracted all in the world. During my extensive musical performance and interaction abroad I observed that foreigners are more inquisitive to know about the complexities of our music while here people just take a passing interest. Showmanship has entered the classical music world also. Is it loosing its pristine purity too? Musical arts are for displaying the talent and art but the performer should not cross limitations of stage discipline. Shudh mudra, shudh baani and maintaining melody to seek param anand must be the goal. Melody and raagdari is the sole feature of music and you see many old film songs are still a treat to the ears and rejuvenate you. Credited with music direction of over fifty films my uncle Pandit Shankar Rao Vyas was the pioneer in introducing classical music into films. Are you satisfied with the patronage to classical arts? After Government agencies most of the corporate groups sponsor programmes or artists but it is ITC, which is grooming the talented artists at their SRA academy, which I headed for long. The TV channels are a great medium and through the reality shows they should involve masses in classical music. This will help preserve and promote the rich cultural values and heritage.
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Picks & piques The week after Diwali has brought on some truly thanda fare. Bal Ganesh 2, the animated mythological from the Shemaroo stable is quite inept and uninteresting, as was the first edition. Fruit & Nut, TV presenter and Theatre personality Kunal Vijayakar’s attempt at satire is a damp squib and Love Ka Tadka, Rajan Waghdare’s debut attempt is equally dismal. All three films are supposed to be full-out entertainers. Bal Ganesh 2 is targeted at the kids and is replete with the juvenile antics of the baby God. Effortless effort: Bal Ganesh 2 directed by Pankaj Sharma, is a simplistic effort at animation and is dismally low on budget, skills and story-telling technique. The stories are about the baby God, Bal Ganesh. The film begins with an update of the previous edition and then goes on to relay three short stories that kids will find easy to relate to. The first story pertains to a cat and a prank that Bal Ganesh plays on it. The second story pertains to Sage Vyasa. Lord Ganesha writes the entire Mahabharatha. While Vyasa recites it. The third story pertains to Lord Ganesha fighting it out with a powerful demon, Gajmukhasur who eventually becomes his carrier Mooshak. But there is very little warmth in the telling of it and the animation is terribly clunky and unexciting. The voice-overs are pretty amateurish. Tedium begins to set in much before halftime. And it’s really because the rendering and the characterisation leave a lot to be desired. The half-time song De taali, De taali, Bolo Gnpati Bappa Morya appears to be the only relief, with its heavy beat and peppy uplifting music in otherwise extremely disappointing, unbecoming fare. When you are exposed to the kind of magic that Pixar and Disney unleash why would you want to spend your hard-earned money and time on something so pedestrian. Comic showdown: Fruit & Nut is repetitive and totally unfunny. The experience is more bitter and sad than the sweet that the innocuous title would have you believe. There is absolutely no script (credited to Sharat Kataria) evident and the narrative appears to be a cobbled together series of scenes from the Didi’s comedy show, Mr Bean, Chaplin and several other comedy sitcoms we’ve seen on TV. Cyrus Broacha plays a bumbling idiot, Jolly Maker who wins the beauty Monica Gokhale (Dia Mirza) on the strength of his being at the right place at the wrong time and becoming an accidental hero. Cyrus plays him like he himself does not believe in the part. Boman Irani who plays Harry Holkar, claiming to be the Maharaja of Bomaby, is the nit wit who keeps repeating himself muttering an inane ‘ Break fast’ every few minutes and Mahesh Manjrekar nee Khandar Jhala, seems to have taken up the space left by the Shakti Kapoor-Anupam Kher duo of David Dhawan’s films. He is the comic villain with more ticks than tricks. The narrative is jumbled and incoherent-extremely un-cinematic, there isn’t a credible tone, and the performances are totally clueless. Every character is reduced to a caricature and even that cannot bring on the laughs. One wonders how such talented actors agreed to be a part of this inane exercise! Watch me not: Love Ka Tadka is based on the premise that vegetarians and non-vegetarians do not get along and so arises conflict. Starring Sameer Dattani, Nauheed Cyrusi, Rakesh Bedi, Bakhtyar Irani and Satish Kaushik, this film is badly written and the plotting goes haywire right from the start. In fact the film begins with an item dance which is a dream sequence experienced by the protagonist Aditya (Sameer) and is basically the reason for him getting late to the office. Aditya meets Sheetal (Cyrusi), they fall in love, move into an apartment complex where non-veggies are not allowed and then find themselves on the verge of being thrown out. It’s really a silly story and the comedy is non-existent. The situations appear uninteresting and the attempted humour is more exasperating than funny. None of the actors really measure up! This is the kind of c-grade film that should have gone straight to video! With such mirthless contenders, the Box-office is like to go to sleep this weekend.
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He turns a new leaf right with Tum mile which has Neeraj Shridhar casting quite a spell. Neeraj's singing is a far cry from his earlier Hare Krishna Hare Ram, Aahun Aahun and Chor Bazari. Even its second version, in the voice of Javed Ali (called love reprise) is equally impressive. This is then done in the rock form by Shafqat Amanat Ali from Pakistan who had earlier sung Mitwa in the film Kabhi Alvidaa Naa Kehna. Lyrics by Kumaar are touching. Music moves in a wave form in Dil ibaadat kar raha hai, which too has a ballad-like quality to it. KK is improving with every outing and is the singer to watch. He also sings its rock version, where the music is faster, but overall there is hardly any difference between these two. Sayeed Quadri has come up with the kind of lyrics which take one back to the romance era. Things only get better with Tu hi haqeeqat, darya tu hi pyaas tu, which has been rendered by Javed Ali with Irfan Ashraf and Shadab, which has almost sufi-like lilt to it. Is jahaan mein has a western composition but the underlying sentiments are pucca oriental. Mohit Chauhan's voice is ideally suited for this kind of song. The instrumental Soul of Tum Mile wraps up the proceedings in a grand style. The four-minute piece has several dramatic moments. It is the first album that I can think of which has only male singers and no female one at all.
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Hello Tunez ALL THE BEST (T SERIES): This one too is a Pritam's creation but is a different cup of tea altogether. It is loud, noisy and pure rock. Whether it is music or the style of singing, the attempt seems to be one up on Farhan Akhtar and his Rock On.
As far as music is concerned, Haan main jitni martaba is first rate. But KK and Yashita's singing could have been better. The remix version proceeds better. Rana, Soham and Antara aim to set the stage on fire in All the Best through its high-decibel pounding music. Sobriety returns with Kyon hai ye khamoshi in which Clinton Cerejo and the guitar gel so very well. But the song which brings the house down is You are my love in which Kunal Ganjawala, Neeraj Sridhar, Rajesh, Alisha Chinoy and Megha seem intent to outdo each other. — ASC
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Unchained melody
With the growing popularity of Punjabi music in India and abroad, many talented youngsters, who earlier saw it just as a passion, have seriously started considering it as a good carrier option. Kulwinder Billa is one such talent who shot to fame with his Kale Rang the Yaar, which is a big hit among Punjabis in India and other countries. Born in a sleepy Dhaipee village of Mansa, Billa holds an MPhil degree in music from Punjabi University, Patiala and is currently busy with his first album that would be released soon by Music Waves Company. Jais Makkar has given the music of the album. Talking about music, Billa says he doesn’t even know how it became his first love. “As long as I can remember, I have always been singing. But my talent was recognised when I was just six years old. I accompanied my sister to her farewell party and the students kept asking me to sing and when I did- they were spellbound because I was merely a kid. They just wouldn’t let me stop. That’s when my sister encouraged me to continue singing,” he adds. Being the youngest of the siblings he was always a favourite with his family. His father Maggar Singh, who is an SDC with the PWD department and mom Gurdeep Kaur, on noticing his interest in music decided to arrange a trainer and that’s how he began his first official training under Ravinandan at the age of 13 and then trained with Zakir Hussain (Sammi) from Samana from Class With his love for music and his potent voice it was only a matter of time before he started to sing in the youth festivals and won gold medal in zonal youth festivals and various international meets, not only in different singing categories but also in bhangra, jhumar, Punjabi orchestra etc. His chiseled looks and simplicity soon fetched him the love and affection of thousands of people. Influenced by singers like Gurdas Maan, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kuldip Manak and Sardool Sikander, he says a singer has to feel a song and that’s what makes these singers unique. Throwing light on his interest areas, he says, “Sad songs are my personal favourites because the emotions are non-comparable but you know audiences are the supreme beings. One has to respect their choice and that’s the reason I am focusing on commercial songs as well.” Billa is currently training the teams of various colleges and universities and is also planning to pursue his doctorate as well. When asked whether he writes as well, he coyly smiles and admits that he had written quite a few things but he would use them when the right time comes. On being asked about his hit number Kale Rang the Yaar, he says he would like to thank lyricist Gurchet Fattehwalia and music composer Danny who had helped him selflessly to reach the
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Call of the cold
A pure pashmina shawl is very thin in texture, soft and yet very warm. It takes around four months to weave one and wouldn’t cost less than ten thousand. In case you wish to have one in your wardrobe or add another one to your collection, Himachal Pradesh Exhibtion cum sale at Lajpat Rai Bhavan is the place to be. “The range of pashmina shawls with us begins from Rs 5000 and goes upto Rs 15,000 depending on the purity of the pashmina,” says Raj Kumar of Manu Weavers cooperative. Also available here are leather jackets from Kashmir “The jackets are made from sheep’s skin, which makes them very warm for winters.” The woolen garments for sale are made of sheep, rabbit, and yak wool. “People now prefer rabbit wool to sheep’s for it is warn and very soft,” informs, Azad Ahmed, a trader. The traditional kullu caps are another attraction. Kashmiri embroidery on suits and shawls is also a hot pick. However, there is change in the colour pattern of Kashmiri suits and pashmina shawls, “The cloth is now dyed with vegetable colours as against the use of synthetic dyes. Vegetable dyes leave a subtle shade on the cloth, which also makes them skin friendly.” With ten stalls at the exhibitions, another interesting thing to pick from the exhibition is metal utensils. So, take your pick.
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Fair deal
Over a hundred stalls. Eighty publishers. Four languages. One platform. Infinite lovers and 34th National Book Fair. Statistically speaking, the bookish extravaganza by National Book Trust had everything to book us, hook, line and sinker. Of course, there were books and lot many books and few more books. Flip through the pages, stroll through the stalls and there’s literature, stories, tales, history…quite a lot. Book fair right? So what’s beyond the city’s bookstores, above the local libraries, what’s the deal, ten per cent discount notwithstanding? A stall caters specifically to Osho, one to progressive literature, the other one Sangeet Karyalaya Hathras is completely dedicated to dance and music. Yet another houses Urdu legends. Opines Shahzad Ali, “We house many popular writers apart from Ghalib, many of the works translated in Hindi as well. There isn’t as much of demand for books in this language.” Urdu doesn’t just mean, Mirza Ghalib, apart from him, there’s Faizem and there’s Hali and maybe many more. While yet another proves assortment at its best. The World Bank, New Delhi’s housing almost every possible literature on the World Bank projects in India. “Our purpose is to highlight what World Bank has been doing in India. They are not for sale, only for generating knowledge and if somebody wants to access them can visit our website.” Interspersing string of stalls, publishers, booksellers, distributors, is one Haryana Police. “We’re displaying public awareness books, on issues like human trafficking, women empowerment, for example this one talks about First Information Report (FIR), majority of the people don’t even know the basics of it,” says Shivani Bhalla, constable. For those associating books with best sellers, a stall promises three bestsellers for just Rs 200. An Oxford University Press cabin takes the image of publisher’s way beyond the makers of maps and dictionaries to wildlife, economic surveys; even popular literature. Meanwhile people are pouring, students from Shivalik Public School are all about the place, there’s a man who’s enquiring about a particular book at every possible stall, it’s time to make an exit. Come alone and leave with an author! —Manpriya Khurana On till Nov 1 at circus ground Sector 17
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Winds of change
Hope is like a cloud, some pass by others bring rain. And now is the time to keep all the researched and gathered data one side, and ‘INVEST HOPE’ in nature- in the clear winds, bright sun and the gushing waters. Everyone, it’s time to relocate our faith on the renewable sources of energy, lest we don’t want to be added in the list of ‘the most endangered species.’ On October 24, the International Day of Climate Action, people in 181 countries are coming together to call for strong action and bold leadership in climate crisis. On Saturday, in the city too, 350.org, a global grassroots campaign to stop the climate crisis in collaboration with the Government Museum and Art Gallery’s outreach activity centre made a 350 degree formation with the students from various schools in Chandigarh. The endeavour was wise and idea pretty simple, ‘bring down the level of carbon dioxide in the air’. Scientists say that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity, while we have already touched 387! Alarming. Indeed. So, what are we doing about it? Offers Nistara Randhawa, member, Indian youth climate network, “Most of the times we don’t care about the whole hullabaloo about global warming. Nevertheless, I feel even if 10 per cent people realise its importance and take up some remedial steps, all the campaigns, debates and discussions are worth it.” Explaining what 350 number stands for, Nistara explains. “350 is the number according to the leading scientists that is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide- measured in ‘parts per million’ in our atmosphere.” As per P.C Sharma, office incharge Govt Museum & Art Gallery and Arun D Ahluwalia, earth and environment activist, global warming is caused my releasing greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gas is CO2. The planet is the danger zone due to increase level of CO2.” As remedial measure, turn to renewable sources of energy like sun, wind and water. Use energy efficient appliances, say no to plastic. A little change in our daily lives can make a difference. Hope floats. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Matka chowk
Kapil Sibal has been kicking up quite a few storms lately. To be honest, I am quite in favour of changing the archaic education system that has all our schools in it’s vice grip. So many vibrant changes have engulfed India. Why not re-haul the system that is the foundation of every nation? How are we going to empower and nurture the future Indians if we don’t give them growing space in a fluid world?
Our syllabus seems to be etched in stone. I don’t know when and how would you implement the painfully learnt dates of Akbar’s coronation or Ibrahim Lodhi’s defeat! Don’t get me wrong, I love history, but why not make history an umbrella to give us perspective and hindsight? Why not make it a world of events from which we can draw a feel about where we came from rather than a congested storehouse? Why not trim as appropriate? Why not add things like the rise of new socio-economic phenomena – such as being “Bangalored?” The new initiative by Sibal has brought under spotlight some interesting things. The CBSE board in its effort to rejuvenate the old grading system would now take into account – in addition to academics and extra-curricular activities, students’ attitude towards teachers, classmates, school programmes and the environment and life skills. Some may argue that these are all gray areas and not quantifiable as tangible grade points. But, wasn’t going to school a part of building your character as well as social and cognitive skills? Why not make an attempt to turn the students’ attention from merely rote work and regurgitating? Why not make them feel that being a good citizen is also important? Getting along with others, co-existing in hostile groups, accommodating and sharing, taking turns, making way for the smaller and frailer – all of these are things to imbibe and practice. We on the whole as people – seem to be moving away from all of these rapidly. It is terrible to see the way people play car-wrestling outside the school gates. Forming a queue and dropping children off in an ordered manner (something that is a norm in any civilized country) seems to be an anathema. Pushing people out of your way is another pronounced trait in our city. Saying sorry when you push people, even inadvertently, is also fast becoming a dinosaur. I see school children throwing trash on the school fields with impunity. Their life-skills seem to centre on survival and self-aggrandizement. That is important in this tough world. But, isn’t the world getting tougher because we are concentrating too much on ourselves and forgetting to become good humans and complementary social animals? Children are brilliant learners and their slate is clean. Why not reorient their thinking? Maybe, Mr. Sibal’s new system would. matkachowk@gmail.com |
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Tarot Talk
ARIES: The Hermit inspires you to climb new heights and creative ideas. Those around you seek your opinions. A good time to undertake new projects. Finance will rise though expenditure too will increase. Tip of the week: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. Lucky colour: Red.
TAURUS: Four of Wands advice you not to have any clash with a Gemini or Piscean. A shopping spree can set your budget a flutter on Tuesday, be aware. Children may discuss important situations to gain advice and counsel. A business opportunity, which you had been eyeing for a long time is likely to fall in your lap by Thursday. Tip : Restore ties with business people you have been out of touch for so long. Lucky colour: Burgundy GEMINI: The Ace of Swords invokes mental power to achieve professional goals. Keep an eye open for a financial disagreement on Monday. Your motivation to work for the benefit of all concerned could result in major financial gain. A Libra person influences your decision and moves in a progressive direction. Tip : You have well-wishers to give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Pink. CANCER: The Emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. Your mind will be very alert, clear and quick, enabling you to find immediate solutions to the problems that may arise. Keep other people’s secret well guarded with you. Triangular business partnerships are lucrative while personal triangles can be problematic. Tip: Clients cause a breakthrough in a relationship; not a break-up. Lucky colour: Sea green. LEO: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work place. You make progressive professional and personal commitments with sincerity and honour. This is an auspicious time for important events or to tackle difficult tasks. Venus is excellent so love stars twinkle. Tip : Do not let opposition faze you Lucky colour: Peach. VIRGO: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. There will be hectic activity at work on Monday. A residence or office is redecorated to infuse fresh energy. Be gentle and caring when expressing hard truths of life. Tip: Extend your circle of friends as people are your best bet against a hostile situation at work. Lucky colour: Crimson. LIBRA: Your card Judgment is reversed so be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be very effective in presentations or group situations. Work could be hectic and stressful. A shopping excursion can set your budget ablaze. A Taurean person proves to be a friend indeed. Tip : Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. SCORPIO: The Lovers inspires you to climb new heights and actualise creative ideas. Your sunny spirits are back. You will motivate and encourage loved ones into better humour. New projects will start slowly on Tuesday. Do not get tangled with an idle and superficially attractive person. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Brown. SAGGITARIUS: The Empress takes you towards the fast and protective lane. Love and romance lead to promise and commitment on Monday and Tuesday. Be careful not to burn the candle at both ends, or there'll be heavy consequences to be paid. Independent entrepreneurs will be working hard at new project that they are due to launch soon. Tip: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Maroon CAPRICORN: The King of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities inside and outside. You have worked hard, grown spiritually in the past and built a sound foundation, which leads to success and good fortune in the world outside. A protective aura and light surrounds you as you move through different aspects of life and a variety of experiences. Tip: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Orange. AQUARIUS: The Ace of Wands reveals that you make PISCES: The Fool infuses you with courage. You find ways to express your creativity and emotion. Your personal interest is likely to be stagnant. Luck in speculation is indicated and you could also make some investments in shares and stocks. Those seeking a career in television media will come across an opportunity to join a well-known group. Tip: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: Silver grey. |
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The Chandigarh National Crafts Mela saw participation from young Kashmiri artists, who through their art please people. "Every piece of walnut wood we carve, we make sure to make it to perfection," asserts Shahnawaz Ashraf. And we got a fair idea of what he meant when we compared the intricately carved two feet long lamp or a two-inch candle stand. 
Fruit & Nut has talents like Boman Irani, Cyrus Broacha, Rajit Kapoor acting weird and whacky, making complete fools of themselves, hoping to garner a few laughs while Love Ka Tadka has the vegetarian – non-vegetarian war of the foodies with a love angle thrown in, as it’s central conceit, but they all fail in their endeavor to rouse the audience.
TUM MILE (SONY MUSIC): After a long long time, here comes an album which does not have even one of those shouting, shrieking songs which pass off as music these days. At times it is hard to believe it that all these soulful numbers have come from Pritam.
Dil kare by Suraj Jagan and Roopam is almost an exact copy of the kind of the songs made famous by Jr Akhtar. Notice the seductive use of drums. But Kumaar's lyrics are surely not in the same league as those of Javed Akhtar. It has also been remixed by DJ A-myth.