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No child's play this!
Who says fashion is for grown ups only? A visit to any kids’ store can leave you awestruck, mainly when it comes to variety. From retro-inspired to the modern, the range of kids’ wear include flannel, cotton, denim to corduroy in classic, slightly nostalgic styles with a roomy cut to encourage freedom of movement (well, who can stop the lil’ ones from playing). In fact going by what’s on display, the children’s collection has almost all the styles that we see in adult section.
Teamed up with basics like tights, polo tops, smart jackets, coats and even the layering of garments, have your pick to brighten up your kiddy’s winter wardrobe. Jatin, business head of Kapsons, says, “There’s an amazing range of clothes for children these days, and it can very well termed as casual wear.” Spelling style, he says, “Kids’ collection is more stylised these days. From denim jackets to sleeveless sweaters, it’s the elite but casual look in this winter.” While branded stuff is what parents like to pick, he adds, “Formals have a very slow movement. And, these days we’ve seen children’s going for only those dresses that resemble their parents’ clothes. In fact there’s little difference in fashion for children and elders these days.” Don’t we know it! Though the range of apparels for boys remains more or less the same, what’s on offer are long-sleeve shirts, cargo, lounge pants, hooded tops, coats and kaftan style tops. For the print, themes it can be old nautical with boats, anchors, fish, stripes, checks in navy, cream, and greens; motorbikes, planes, cars in shades of khaki, browns or blacks. “The winter wardrobe tends to be dull and grey, but when it comes to kids’ wear there’s should be colour to add fun to the colder months. Our brand makes sure that we use a broad spectrum of colours for both boys and girls so that they’re not shoehorned into just pink or blue, ” says an employee at Lilliput. While girls always have more to choose from, the market has dresses, coats, tops, skirts, tights and jeans for the little ladies. In varied designs and patterns, the prints include Asian florals, spots in melange of greens, blues, lilacs and pinks, cardigans in stripes and checks, cable knits and much more. But the numero uno in winter clothing item is the winter coat and a jacket. Making a statement in this segment too, fashion designers have incorporated khaki, leather and tweed into their fabulous collections. To see your little one warm and cozy through the winter, there are short and long dresses in bright hues that is sure to heat up wintry days. Tweed is making a splash in the kids’ apparels. Generally associated with the countryside fashion, this one is taking the urbane population into its folds this winter. To complement the look there are tweed jackets and coats. Says Munish Jain from Meena Bazaar, “The major change that we see this winter is, there’s hardly any difference in a teenage and kid’s line. Whatever we have for a grownups fashion line is being replicated in kids wear. Tweed is one fine example of what we see in kids wear this season. From long coats for girls to smart coats for boys tweed is the fashion statement for kids too.” Well, if you are hunting for something casual and trendy, check out Numero Uno Junior-17. Here you can pick quilted jackets in red and pink and chic sweatshirts to go with the look. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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With two Punjabi music albums already to his credit, Thursday saw singer Jeet Jagjit releasing his third one—Jaan Meri at Hotel Mountview-10. Directed by Jaidev Kumar the album was released under the banner of T-series. A medley of different genres this album has eight songs that has a mix of romantic, peppy and hip-hop beats. About his latest album, Jeet says, “This is my third album and in this I have tried to add spice with varied beats and experimented with various genres.” Ask him with so many Punjabi singers what’s his USP? “I have my own style of singing, like others have there’s. One cannot compare different singers as everyone has there fan-following.” Interestingly, the launch also marked the launch of GN Info-media Pvt Ltd, which is committed to provide a platform to new talent besides preserving the rich heritage of Punjabi culture.—TNS
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Art of sharing
It was a back to school experience for teachers. A brush dipped in yellow colour, then in red and then a stroke of it on the paper. Three such strokes to paint a flower. Another four such strokes to paint a sparrow and six strokes to paint a face. Art is made easier to learn and convenient to understand at the 21-day-art workshop being held at Kendriya Vidyalaya-31.
The focus wasn’t on learning the complex forms of art, rather, how to simplify it. As Ravinder Sharma, a city- based artist, who conducted the workshop on Wednesday says, “Unlike other subjects, you can’t dictate art or draw it on the blackboard to make students copy it or understand it. An art teacher has to personally teach every student, which again isn’t easy if the art form is complex.” The reason we saw him invent a simpler art form using just fevicol. “All you have to do in put some oil colours on the paper and spread fevicol over it. Make any shape on it and take print of the same with another paper sheet. It would look it a modern art form. Thirty-two art teachers from all over India participating in this workshop are teaching each other forms of art they are expert at. “Sculptures, wood cut, glass etching and many other techniques were part of the workshop. The idea is not just to limit art to drawing, the usual activity done in the art periods in the schools. We also want craft to be taught to children by teachers,” adds N.R.Murli, director, ZIET. Almost a role reversal, teachers are also learning new art forms like graphics and photoshop on the computers. Naresh Bagga, an arts teacher, who’s also attending the workshop, says, “Art keeps on evolving and a workshop like this helps us stay updated. Also, workshops help us interact with teachers from various states who share with us their knowledge of traditional art of that state.” As fine arts is not a full-fledged subject in schools, a workshop for teachers like this will also help them generate interest for arts in students. “Learning modern art might make students take up art as a profession and help them get admission in prestigious art colleges,” says Ramesh Chatri, who’s teaching wash technique to teachers. — Ashima Sehajpal |
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Yo China
A rare, classical scroll by a Ming dynasty artist fetched $24.8 million at a Beijing sale, the highest price ever paid for a Chinese painting at auction, in a positive sign for the downturn-stricken Chinese art market. The painting, Eighteen Arhats by 16th century Ming dynasty painter Wu Bin, was sold to Shanghai private collector Liu Yiqian for 169.1 million yuan including commissions, almost eight times its pre-sale estimate of 20 million yuan, said auctioneers Poly International.
The Chinese art market which was hit hard by the financial crisis, particularly Chinese contemporary art, has been showing signs of recovery, with exceptional objects and more traditional collecting categories commanding stratospheric prices again. The scroll was one of three blockbuster works that exceeded or hovered near the 100 million yuan mark during the autumn sales season in Beijing by Poly International, in a strong year-end showing for the Chinese art market. “The (classical) Chinese art market has now reached the 100 million yuan level, and given China’s economic strength I find this to be a natural development,” Li Da, the general manager of Poly International, said. The result was over double the previous world record for a Chinese painting, Red Cliff Handscroll, a Ming dynasty masterpiece by Qiu Ying that was hammered off for $10.7 million in 2008 before the financial crisis hit. Before that, Put Down Your Whip by Xu Beihong had sold for a then-record $8.2 million. Eighteen Arhats, a meticulous rendering of a journey by eighteen monks through a mountainous landscape, accompanied by mythical animal consorts, was once owned by the Qianlong emperor whose own calligraphy adorns the scroll. “Only the Chinese can truly appreciate the spirit, the philosophy and historical importance of such classical Chinese paintings,” said Li. “I feel classic Chinese art is still undervalued compared with the prices paid for Western Impressionist and contemporary paintings by artists like Picasso or Renoir,” she added. Another classic work, a “letter leaf” of calligraphy by Song dynasty scholar Zeng Gong fetched 108.6 million yuan ($15.91 million), a new auction record for Chinese calligraphy. Both the scroll and letter leaf had come from the collection of European collector Guy Ullens and his wife Myriam. Another highlight was a “flowers and insects album leaf” by Chinese artist Qi Baishi that went for 95.2 million yuan, which the auction house said was a record for — Reuters |
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Genetically yours
Anupama and Aman Samrat are carrying forward their family tradition in classical music SD Sharma It was indeed a joyous and thrilling moment for noted musician Anil Sharma when his prodigious daughter Anupama (15) and son Samrat (11) walked up to the stage to receive the first prize in the All-India Music Competition, Organised by the Sangeet Kala Kendra, Agra for their performance in sitar and tabla this year. Earlier too, both had won laurels securing top honours during the 51st All-India music competition organised by the Paryag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. Anupama and Aman Samrat, studying in tenth and eighth standard, respectively, at Stepping Stone School-37 are too good in studies as well. Meet the masters in the making. Master of rhythm
Credited with performances and participation in 37 Indian classical music programmes and competitions for youngsters, the promising tabla maestro, Samrat, has been a winner all the way. And winning the both national level events in Agra and Allahabad, in which over 250 participants vie for laurels, have given him both recognition and confidence. He expresses through the complex rhythmic patterns of tabla executed in electrifying speed. When he was in his fifth class, the whiz kid mesmerised the audience with his solo performance at the closing ceremony of HP University’s youth festival and the elated chief guest Ram Lal Thakur, the then HP cabinet minister. Later Aman won the National Talent Search Scholarship in 2007, which entitles him to an amount of Rs 7,200 per year till he becomes 20. The most-admired student, Aman holds the golden card status in studies and with his expertise in music brings honours to his institute. Serious notes
The sober and suave Anupama is an accomplished sitarist. Equally good at vocals and tabla, Anupama chose sitar as her first love which is her true calling. She had won a gold medal at the seventh national Cyber Olympiad in 2007. After imbibing the rudiments of sitar, Anupama has been learning from her guru Meena Raman from Senia Gharana. She had over 20 solo performances to her credit, including the two national-level events at Allahabad (2008) and Agra ( 2009). “With the blessings of God and my guru, I won both the prestigious competitions. In fact, my upbringing in the musical environment has shaped my sensibilities for the art realm only. I grew up listening to the drones of taanpuras and rhythms of tabla as my family in Chandigarh as my extended family in the UP are into music,” says Anupama. “There could be no escape even if you wish to. My dadaji and my father Anil Sharma being noted musicians, people always expected the same out of us. In fact vocal music is the basis for all instrumental music and Aman and I have learnt vocal music side by side besides harmonium and keyboard, which help us communicate better through compositions. But the credit goes to my father, well known tabla maestro working in the Department of Music in Panjab University, who awakened our dormant abilities, sharpened our musical skills besides putting us into a strenuous riyaz,” she adds. |
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A whiff of Mediterranean
What can’t be described, must be experienced! And, that’s how we can describe the 17-day-Mediterranean Food Festival at Zinc-26. A festival showcasing the best cuisines from the coast of Mediterranean (read Egypt, Lebanon, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Greece), it’s a gastronomic journey entire, a range of food waiting to be explored.
Starting with soups, here you can try the Galician broth, a vegetarian delight. This soup is made of potato and beans and is flavoured with paprika. For the non-vegetarians Moroccan Harira is a must try. A traditional lamb soup, this one is tangy and flavoured with cinnamon and garnished with spaghetti and lemon slices. Here, we must mention that this soup comes with chic peas and is somewhat Indianised in taste (courtesy the channa and the flavour of cinnamon we guess). Well, when we have touched the topic of similarity, the ingredients they use are quite similar to those we do in India. Monica Gupta, from Zinc, says, “We have a lot of similarities between the food of both countries, especially the ingredients like saffron, garlic, cinnamon, coriander etc.” So, have we customised the Mediterranean flavours to suit the Indian palate? “It’s already similar to what we have, so there was no need to customise and above all we are here talking about the authentic cuisine.” Back to food, for those health freaks, Mediterranean diet is good news since the food is low on calorie and cooked in olive oil. And, at the food festival you can start with salads like bocconcini cheese salad or grilled chicken salad. For starters in veg, try the mezze platter—these are different flavours of dips that are served with pita bread, fillo wrap with bell, Spanish garlic mushrooms and if you want to indulge in a sinful delicacy than sweet and spicy nuts are a must-have. Fried peanuts and cashewnuts, these come in a sweet chilly flavour. For non-veg variety, try the zinc shish kebab platter, a Mediterranean fish kebab, lamb kebab and chicken kebab served with an assortment of sauces, steamed prawns, paprika chicken skewers or the grilled chicken oliva. This one is grilled chicken stuffed with olive and teta cheese in lemon and oregano sauce. Scrumptious, here you can also try the Paellas. A saffron flavoured Spanish dish made with varying combinations of rice, vegetables, meat, chicken and seafood. Yes, a kind of biryani that is cooked in slow fire. Coming to the main course, the choice is ample. From cottage cheese araaya with cucumber kishk to mushroom ragout, you can try prawns feta casserole to gallina en pepitoria (pan grilled chicken breast served with white wine flavoured brown sauce that is garnished with toasted almonds.) To finish off the healthy meal, let’s indulge in some sinful delicacy. Yes, the dessert. Here you can pick from baklava (traditional Arabic sweet) to choclate lasagne to rich plum cake and steam chocolate walnut pudding. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Back with a bang
The first thing that strikes about Priyadarshan is his confidence. It spills out his eyes, his body speaks it and his voice asserts it. Here is this man from Thiruvanthapuram who knows what the audience want. After delivering comedies like Hera Pheri (2000), Hungama (2003), Hulchul (2004), Garam Masala (2005) Chup Chup Ke (2006), Bhool Bhulaiya (2007) and Billu, he has teamed up once again with Akshay Kumar, Suneil Shetty and Paresh Rawal in De Dana Dan, produced by Ratan Jain, Ganesh Jain and Grish Jain. Shot mostly in Singapore, the film opens all over on November 27. A confident Priyadarshan talks to Lifestyle about his fun-filled, roller-coaster ride in “De Dana Dan”. What makes De Dana Dan different? It is far more entertaining that any Akshay-Priyadarshan films made in the past. It is totally different and has beautiful locations of Singapore. How confident are you about the subject film? I am very confident about the film. I feel it is going to be the best comedy of 2009. It has an exciting storyline, which stars Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia. Why did you choose Katrina for the lead? Katrina is the lucky mascot. She is the perfect director’s actor. She is professional and punctual. The expectations are really high. Do you think it will live up to the expectations? I think so it will. Give it a chance and I guarantee that no one will leave disappointed. What about this Akshay, Suneil and Paresh Rawal trio? The best I have worked with so far. You can see how well prepared the three stars and how well constructed the film is. — Dharam Pal
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Play on!
Students of Dikshant International School, Zirakpur, will perform The Blue Bird-a musical classic written by Maurice Maetelinck, designed and directed by Prof Harish Bhatia on November 28 at Indradhanush Auditorium, Panchkula. The Blue Bird is the story of two small children, Mytyl and Tytyl, who after being visited by a fairy, embark on a journey to find and bring back to this world the blue bird of happiness. They learn about loss, friendship, truthfulness and fear as their adventures take them through many magical places including the land of memory, the place of happiness and the kingdom of the future. After their long search and many incredible encounters, the two children return to their home without the Blue Bird. Only to find it waiting for them where they least expected it. In the end the children learn that real happiness is not found in the tangible world of things and is attainable only to those willing to give up what they appear most to desire. Bhatia is a civil engineer by profession and is passionate about theatre, art and music, and has directed and acted in a number of plays like ‘Ala Afsar’ at the National Festival of Hindi Plays at Bhopal in 1980. The Sangeet Natak Akademi invited his two plays ‘Hayavadan’ and ‘Mitti Da Gadhira’ in 1985. He directed and acted in Edward Albee’s Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf in 2005, Arthur Miller’s The Price in 2006, which was sponsored by the American Centre, US embassy, New Delhi. His other plays include “Middi ki Gaadi”, Mudrarakshas, Adhure Adhure”, “Waiting for Godot”, Garbo and Agni or Burkha as a director.
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Wordsworth
This exhibition is for the ones in love with words. If one told you that an entire range of Black classic series, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes series, Harry Potter series and a world of books is up for grabs, it may sound like an opportunity. Bringing to you the best of Penguin publications is an exhibition that has over 5000 books on sale at the Capital Book store-17. “We have the concept of an annual book sale week. So this time we focused on not just the sale part, but also bringing in the entire range of Penguin, with over ten imprints included. The list reads deep and we have some of the best sellers sharing space with some lesser-known works as well,” says Ajay Arora, manager of the store. Apart from the classic, which is the oldest series of Penguin and enjoys most of the readership, there are books on Indian history and culture, alternative history o Hindus and books on 1984 riots. But of course, the other popular section is the college fiction genre, “Though not all books in this genre are from penguin, but since the entire store is on sale, the response has been tremendous,” adds Ajay. The price range of the books on display vary between Rs 700 to Rs 1000, but you can avail the special offers and discounts. On till December 5
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Fighting obesity
Taking forward their effort to fight the silent killer and marking their presence in the beauty and fitness industry by observing November 26 as the Anti Obesity Day from past nine years, VLCC organized a discussion and a year long national anti obesity drive with an objective of creating awareness about healthy living an encourage people towards fitness and healthy lifestyle.
The panel discussion had well known medical practitioners like Dr Amarpreet, general surgeon, PGI, Dr Nidhi Goel, a city based gynecologist and others talking about obesity and its related problems. In addition, an anti obesity pledge board was also unveiled and Kandla Nijhowne, a columnist and culinary expert judged a low-cal competition hosted by the centre itself. VLCC awarded two of its successful clients with the ‘biggest loser award‘ who started a healthy life by losing maximum kilos. Speaking on the occasion, Surabhi Singh, operations head, Chandigarh and Lucknow, VLCC, said, “VLCC’s drive will create awareness about the importance of healthy living. Given the hectic schedule, pressing concerns at work, family and social front, they take it lightly. VLCC’s initiative tries to focus on the solutions and importance of healthy lifestyle.”
— TNS |
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Lanes Extraordinary! Joyshri Lobo Sometimes institutions make people. We meet Indrani Nyooi lauding her alma mater or Manmohan Singh speaking nostalgically about Panjab University, an institution that moulded his early thinking. Very often, many of us pass through the portals of great schools, colleges and universities, to fade away into ordinary lives and oblivion. We surface for annual gatherings, centenaries and memorials. We recall, recount and leave, satisfied that we did once belong to a famous fraternity. However, the imprint of our institution is found in our mannerisms, language and relationships. Our daily actions and reactions make us stand out. We do not make it to Page 3 or the vapid, daily party circuit, peopled by individuals who rise and shine for a nano second, to be forgotten within the following moment. On the other hand, amongst us there are ordinary individuals who become institutions. Every one remembers Big Ma’am of Vivek Nursery and Preparatory. Harish Dhillon is revered for being what he is, no matter which school he heads. Harold Carver, of the deep baritone and charismatic presence, is the spirit of St. Stephens. Dr Frederick Shaw is the NGO he created — DIR, India (Developing Indigenous Resources). Jean and Sunieth Roderigues see themselves mirrored in a disciplined, clean, graceful Chandigarh, prodded into shape over the past five years. Sangeeta Vardhan is associated with teaching and nurturing street children inspite of hurdles created by civil authorities and the parents of her charges. Liza Tandon of Choti Si Asha, brought the shoe-shine boys and beggars from Sector 17, and taught them simple trades. Their creations find a way into selected parts of the globe, while giving them the independence accrued from daily wages. Anuradha Sharma is the vibrant, enthusiastic face of “Hamari Kaksha”, which held its first class in her home. These are some of the heroes and heroines of Chandigarh. There are many, many more. They keep hope alive and exude a dedication that is infectious and inspiring. Nestled in the Morni Hills, amidst peacocks, sambar and cascading bouganvillias, is a school called Holy Child. The location reminds me of the Gurukuls of ancient times. Just 10 minutes out of Panchkula, it is an ideal institution for parents who want their children to breathe unpolluted air and live in natural surroundings. Neena Trehan is the calm, beautiful, sophisticated guru of this school. The ideals and aims set by her and the late Wg Cdr C.M. Trehan are finally bearing fruit. A casual visitor finds an air of discipline conjoined with freedom and a joy of learning. The last point is refreshing after the pin drop silence and rigidity of most well known halls of learning. As I drive through the kikar and aliyar bushes dotting low hills, I am reminded of my beloved Chelsea in Shimla. Idyllic surroundings create imaginative, free-thinking minds. Holy Child is offering day care and hostels in the future. I see it as one of the better, fledgling schools of the Tricity. By setting clear goals and high standards, Neena is fast becoming the true face of this institution.
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