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Woh mile
Friday the thirteenth brought none else but the cast of Tum Mile - Emraan Hashmi, Soha Ali Khan and its director Kunal Deshmukh to the city. Claimed to be Bollywood's first natural disaster film, it uses the flood fury of July 25 as the backdrop for a love story. Director's cut
Ten days, 10 cities. Young Kunal is busy promoting his film. With successful Jannat to his credit, Kunal is comfortable in his own genre. "My films address today's youth and their priorities." Any plans of making the typical Bollywood masala movies? "Well, films like that will always work. But as a young director, only two-film-old, I would rather work in my comfort zone initially." "Tum Mile was a dream for me. When I first approached with the idea, I was turned down and guess only for better as Jannat gave me the field experience needed to take on a project as this," shares Kunal. Without the budget like that of Titanic, the director feels they have done a good job, "We did not have a huge budget but then, there were no constraints either. I got what I asked for." One thing that Kunal cannot stop raving about is his stars Emraan and Soha's dedication to work. "Things were not easy. We had to shoot for around 40 days in water for long hours. Both Emraan and Soha were good support. Completely drenched in water, they gave one take after another," he says. On his being here on the day of his release Kunal says, "Seeing audience reaction first hand is a kind of silent learning for a director. That's what brings me here." Pretty good
Pretty and petite Soha Ali Khan is quite positive about her latest release Tum Mile. "It's a love story that begins where most movies end. I play Sanjana, who is ready to bend a little when it comes to maintaining a relationship but demands space of her own too. I guess most girls will be able to relate to my character in the movie," she says. "Bollywood is my third career option after development and banking," she shares. "I am totally into acting now. Bollywood is seductive and I plan to stay here," he adds. Though not expressive in real life, Soha says, "We were taught to be calm and composed in public life. And, cinema is exact opposite where one needs to express in full view of public. So, I am unlearning and learning at same time." Talking about her other projects, she shares, "Life Goes On is a British film in which I have acted with my mother. Tera Kya Hoga Johnny is a film directed by Sudhir Mishra and Accident is a horror film." Having acted in different regions, Soha is open to work in Begali films again, "I like am open to work in regional films for their cultural richness." Kiss and tell
The serial kisser is back again and this time with a couple of kisses in Tum Mile. What else, just like in Raaz, here too he plays a painter. "Yet, I am as bad a painter as I was before," shares Imraan. "On July 25, I was caught in the flood fury with Kunal Deshmukh for about 20 hours in Haji Ali. It was then we thought that we will make a movie on the subject if get out alive out of here," he says. The movie's strength lies in the intense portrayal of human relationships that Kunal is so deft in portraying, claims Imraan. Talking of relationships, Emraan believes marriage is what distinguishes a boy from a man. "To have a companion to share your life with is beautiful," he says. In real life Imraan is blessed to have a wife, who is truly understanding. "Not many women marry a man who is labeled 'a serial kisser'. Though she would get upset about it initially she is getting used to the idea now," he says. His next projects are Ekta Kapoor's Once upon Time in Mumbai and another movie with Mohit Suri based on racism set in Australia. mona@tribunemail.com |
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A big fat Asian wedding
An extravagant display of everything—right from invitation cards, wedding location, trousseau, jewellery, bags, footwear, and the doli (read a brand new sparkling SUV
When Mona
meets Pali
Innovation and technology go well with each other. Now, how about fashion and innovation? The end product 'creativity' is showcased in abundance at Monapali counter, shared by two designers Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdev from Kolkatta. Founder members of the Fashion Design Council of India, the two designers are a permanent feature of the Indian Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week, Wills India Lifestyle and other international festivals. Their style - a fine blend of traditional and contemporary. Mona in fact defines her creations as deep-rooted. "Everything from styling and cuts, a lot of inspiration comes from India." Mona adds that when she ventured into the designing profession, designers were doing only one kind of the work. "I started texturising fabric and then blending it in different art forms. I began mixing print and embroidery, hand painting and different painting techniques. The whole look of Kolkata is what Monapali is all about, says the designer, who has designs clothes for Bollywood beauties. She puts in modestly, "All my clients are special. However, when I am designing for a special client I have to take into account their age, height, figure into consideration." Ethnic muse
This wedding season, designers bring in a traditional angle into every contemporary design with a lavish use of bright colours. Amadi by Khalid and Shereen from Delhi is about elegant styling. Says Khalid, specialising in wedding gowns, suits, sarees and heavily embroidered trousseau collection, "India is about rich and vibrant colours. This season you will see a lot of unusual colour combinations like brown with purple." On taking inspiration from international trends, the designer zeroes in on India and its rich cultural diversity for inspiration. "I do design modern outfits. However, these too have an Indian touch, wherein I use different innovative techniques." Pooja Taneja of Aarav Designs showcases 'panel' suits and lehengas. "A wedding lehenga is the most memorable garment for any bride. I have designed the lehengas in such a way that the girls can cherish the moments by wearing it for other occasions as well. I have used different strips and joint them beautifully to create patterns." Bridal tunics from Navneet Hitkari's Catu's, Banarasi, Chanderi, brocade sarees of course occupy a fat space at Bridal Asia 09. Bejewelled
With gold price touching an all-time high, buyers are falling back on the shinny shimmery option- diamonds. And who doesn't know, they are your friends forever. (In this high-priced scenario sure they are). "There is scope for creativity in diamonds and coloured stones," offers Suresh Kohli of Bhagat Raj S Jewellers from Delhi. "The ultra-modern designs are out, contemporary makes a style statement." However, traditional still rules the roost in kundan, polki, and jadau jewellery. Nitty-gritty
Designer bags from Fidaa and Arban Designs, party -wear footwear, gift items, Cesta Chocolates in umpteen flavours, choice of honeymoon destinations are some of the other must check outs at the event. On till November 15. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Art of rumbling
The key to any literary success is that you cannot be ahead of the readers and cannot lag behind them as well. But with graphic literature, one must first create an audience.” That’s Woodrow Phoenix, a writer, artist and graphic designer based in London, intentions as well as advice to all the artists of this growing genre. In city to deliver a lecture and hold workshop on Text/Image Relationship: On Writing a Graphic Novel organised by the British Library, Phoenix described this visual side of culture as an art that needs to break out of its own limitations. “Graphic art deserves its due respect. It’s not just decorative or entertainment, but literary too. Its is not a genre but a sophisticated art medium to bring across the rich visual appeal of story telling,” he says.
In the profession of writing and drawing comic strips since 1986, his illustrations and comic strips have been published in The Guardian and The Independent. His children’s books include Baz the Biz and Is that Your Dog?” with writer Steve May and Count Milkula with writer Robin Price. One of his works, SugarBuzz, an anthology comic as optioned for television by both Walt Disney and Cartoon Network. Graphic novels catching the fancy of a global audience and artists equally, he believes in that the first step still needs to be taken. “You don’t need huge resources or consensus to create a graphic literature. It can be a one man show, but one has to work on the diversity of subject and demystification of the form.” Which means, “Along with the artwork, the elements on page, the panels, everything needs to push the art form to its best,” he explains. And with that we move on to the other topic of discussion, his latest book, Rumble Strip. Exploring the complicate relationship between people and their cars, the book comes with an interesting tagline – If you want to get away with a murder, buy a car. “Well, it deals with the most important and critical issue the US and the UK is facing, road accidents. Deaths occurring due to careless driving are being treated like course of day things when they should be taken a lot more seriously. An increasing number of parents want their child to drive a car coz walking has become really dangerous. Its thoughtless behaviour and shear disregard to others,” he says. We can only guess what he has to say about Indian driving sense. “Its shocking. Very combative.” Bull’s eye with the guess! nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Win(e)some
Four Seasons Wines Limited, (part of the UB Group) spoils you for choice with a wide range of the finest wines that India has to offer and even a select range of wines from around the world. Available in seven varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot (Red wines); Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier (White wines); and, Blush (Rosé Wine) are styled keeping in mind the tastes of the Indian consumer and the diversity of Indian cuisine. Hence, one will find the wines fairly fruit forward, with a good balance. Also available from the same stable is the ever so popular, Zinzi - an easy drinking wine, targeted at younger and new wine drinkers. With unconventional and vibrant packaging, Zinzi Red and White wines are also available nationally. |
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Flashback fun
A childhood is what anyone wants to remember of it. It leaves behind no fossils, except perhaps in fiction.— Carol Shields It was a time when we believed in tooth fairies and dreaded the green goblin. But it was also the time when we had careless fun while chasing the butterflies. The unceasing joy, the unending energy and the unwavering fascination for fantasy, childhood holds a very special place in our lives. The fun-filled days remain etched on our memory forever. This Children’s Day, we peep into the past of some city celebs who tells us about their fondest memory as a kid. Gaming fun
As a kid, I was no less than a sport star. Cricket at school, where I shattered practically every pane and soccer at home, which is testimony to my smashing skills, were my favourite sports. Fantasy island: I hated doing homework. But it was a precondition to my going out. So, I dreamt of a genie, who could wind up my school work. Ex-Roadie
Varun Saini,
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Painting a happy picture
There probably can’t be a better opportunity than this for underprivileged children to discover their talent. Hold on! This one’s not claiming to bring a sea change in their lives but aims at making a sincere attempt to make life better. Some 1,500 children from slum areas in the city, six hours of activity that includes a painting workshop, skit by special children, seminar on personal hygiene and much more will happen as part of Balakalakar, an event to be held on Sunday, organised by AIESEC-Chandigrah.
The first of its kind and magnitude, the event aims at providing slum children a platform to realise their creative potential. Gautam Munjal, vice-president, AIESEC-Chandigarh, shares some more informations, “Balakalakar has an exhaustive programme that will give exposure to the slum children in the city.” Another major attraction of the event will be Global Village, an interactive session between children from the slum areas and students from six countries. “Global Village in its own small way will facilitate cultural exchange. The participants will get to know about a country’s culture, traditions, education format…”, says Karan Chhabra, VP, organising committee, about the significance of Global Village. For the event, AIESEC-Chandigarh has tied up with several other city-based NGOs, which include Ashiana, CARE and YTTS. One such organisation is DIR, which will help conduct the seminar on personal hygiene and swine flu. Fredrick Shaw, founder of the NGO, views seminar as a useful medium to educate children on the importance of personal hygiene, “Children of slum areas are at the higher risk of getting infected with waterborne diseases. Such regular seminars will help improve the sanitation conditions around them.” However, out of all, he feels malnutrition is the issue that needs to be urgently addressed. “Even if children in slum areas get to eat, the food hardly has any nutritional value, the reason for their malnutrition.” He offers solution, “These children should be provided with the basic diet that has nutritional value ,” Next on the cards is Project Detox that will target school students. Ankush Khurana, president, organising committee, says, “Through the project, we intend to educate children about the hazards of smoking, drinking and taking drugs.” —Ashima Sehajpal |
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Balle, balle in Moscow
Punjab-the Land of Five Rivers where the Indus Valley civilization flourished once as the centre of spiritual, philosophical, cultural and educational prominence, is nestled in the North West India. The traits of various races and nation have intermixed to shape the present culture of Punjab with City Beautiful as its capital. I am honored to introduce the accomplished dancers from the Heritage at this Moscow Roza Vetrov- 2009, the confluence of world dance culture" - this is how Prof Rajpal Singh, director, Heritage, introduced his ensemble of five dazzling dancers, Vandna, Sujata Goyal, Swati Awal, Priyanka Sharma, Pushpinder Kaur and choreographer Jaswinder Kaur, all from the Government College for Girls -11.
A lecturer at the Department of Dance at GCG-11, Jaswinder said she had choreographed a special repertoire of classical and folk dances for the participation in this prestigious international fest under the aegis of Heritage. Jaswinder informed that despite the language barrier, the large audience lauded their presentations, especially the Trivat-a classical dance composition based on fusion of three popular styles of vocal music of tarana, sargam and thumri. Another captivating courtesan dance in Lucknavi andaz too found flavour while the boisterous Punjabi folk dances really enthralled the audience. The festival was held in Moscow from November 1 to 6. Supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture, the festival showcased various art forms like dance (classical, folk, modern ), instrumental music, vocal music, painting, craft and other innovative art forms. This was 15th year of this festival. This year performing groups from France, Britain, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Uzbekistan, North Korea, China, Nepal, Meccadonia, Italy and India were invited to present their culture to the Russian audience. "Our troupe and another from China were awarded a diploma of excellence for presenting their rich culture this year," said Rajpal. Later, on special demand our Heritage artistes from also presented a programme in Ramenskey. |
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Season's style
Samskaara, an exquisite collection of colours and fabrics in stitched, semi-stitched and unstitched traditional suits thoughtfully selected keeping in mind the tastes and preference of the fashonistas of this region. The outfits will be displayed at Exhibition Hall No 104, Aroma Hotel, Sector 22, Chandigarh on November 14 and 15.
Explaining the rationale behind Samskaara, the designers state, "Samskaara to us means anything that speaks for your style and persona, be it your wardrobe collection, artefacts or interiors. At Samskaara, our core value will always be on how to connect all these to our culture and tradition. We would like Samskaara to be an integral part of the cultural DNA of the tri-city." "India in the true sense has transitioned from seasonal dressing to a fashion calendar that really is not bound into the mould of time. With so many new and old fashion accessories getting added to a discerning woman's collection, winter holds promise of the onset of a new shopping season. This, combined with a busy wedding season over the next two months, has really been the motive behind this exhibition at this point of time," they added. On till November 15 |
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or MUV), Indian weddings are all about flamboyance. The grander the better. Wedding Asia 09 at Taj on Friday takes after this lavishness and luxury. And, if you find yourself amidst too much bling and shimmer, just remember shimmer is a 'must have' for any wedding. So, we move on, from one stall to the other, from one designer collection to another, from one jewellery brand to the other, crossing many enthusiastic buyers, hoping to strike best deals. However, we head for the showstopper of the day, Monapali, the first few designers to hit the International fashion scene.
Bring on the plum puddings, the sparkling decorations and the mouth-watering treats, as the festive season is here! However, amidst all of this festivity there is always the onerous task of deciding what to take along for your host at the Christmas lunch, or what gift to send out to your business associates and well wishers, or even what to serve to guests who drop by for a slice of your home-made plum-cake.
We stayed in Amritsar. There was a mango groove near our house. I vividly remember that after plucking mangoes, I used to hide them under my frock and take them to my room for a grand treat. Apart from that, I am an animal lover since I was a kid. My favourite pastime was to adopt stray dogs and had an entire battalion of them at my house. 
I grew up in Delhi but my fondest memories are associated with my Maternal grandmother’s house in Ropar where we used to spend our summer vacations. It was a small village and we always got a grand welcome reaching there. Spending the entire day outside, taking buffalo to the canal for a bath and then collecting bagful of pebbles that were later shipped to Delhi, it was a time of pure bliss. 
On a school trip to Agra, we were accompanied by this very strict master. Following his orders, we were all neatly queued up, awaiting our turn to see the majestic Taj. Despite all the caution, a student fell into the water fountain and we burst into a rapturous laughter. Immediately, we all were made to hold our ears in front of everyone. That’s something that has stayed on with me still. 
I still miss my school picnics. The so-called educational outings meant lots of masti with friends. The fun included sticking a gum on somebody’s hair or pulling the chair just while they were about to sit on it. The trips to The Mall, Shimla and Bhakhra Nangal dam are closest to my heart. 
According to Mansi and Harpreet, the moving force behind the collection, "Samskaara is a unique selection ranging from the latest and contemporary designs and prints to the evergreen traditional embroidery. From aari handwork, threadwork, sequence, zardosi and fabrics ranging from pure silk, chanderi, jacquard, brocade, chiffon and velvet, there is a delicately balanced range to enhance your wardrobe."