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Numero Uno
Shifu Aggarwal, a PU student puts the key in the ignition, turns it, hears the engine rev up. He then inhales a deep puff of pride, swallows it with bits and pieces of ego swirling in his stomach already. "I have never had anything so divine, so rich and classy," he says. "It's everything I dreamt of." Shifu slides his hand slowly, caressing the beauty, stopping at a point, where his pride and ego takes up the shape of black-highlighted digits- CH 03J 0097. This is it - the insignia of his dream, his passion, his love and pride….
We take a closer look at the number plate. 'Interesting,' is all we could think of. 'No, this is my darling Laura, and this is her fancy VIP number 97. She is different and she wears a different number," he smiles without taking his eyes off his
Skoda. This is where it all starts, or ends maybe - fancy/VIP car numbers. What used to be a sign of VIPs, bureaucrats and politicians, has now become a fascination with all car owners, young and old alike. And, they are ready to shell out a bomb for it too. Why not, there is nothing like getting behind the wheel of your car with a VIP number. According to a source from the Registration And Licensing Authority (RLA), "The craze for VIP, fancy or preferential numbers like 1313, 2020, 3636, 9000, 0999 has been evident from the time auctioning of the registration numbers started in the city. People have the money to blow up on the numbers, which they prefer due to numerological or astrological reasons. So much so, people sometimes wait for the new series to get their car registration numbers." Pankaj Gupta, a city-based businessman from Sector 38, chips in, "My car is nothing less than a hi-end fashion accessory and I want it to look the best. A fancy number is one way of enhancing its class." Pankaj's car bears the number 19. "A small car number is easier to remember, and it gets noticed immediately. Besides, a fancy/VIP number just adds that extra pizzazz." Balkaram Singh, a BBA student from DAV College and Gurjot Singh Dhindsa, Mohali-based businessman, second Pankaj's views. Both paid a hefty amount at the auction to secure the car numbers 83 and 8, respectively. "It has nothing to do with numerology or astrology," says Gurjot adding, "I like single or double digit numbers. They look different." Ditto for Balkaram, who thinks that people tend to notice a car with some kind of fancy/VIP number. "People tend to go for numbers which would be either similar to their house number or date of birth. However, it all depends on how many people reserve the same number and till how much the bidding of the number goers. It goes up to Lakhs, do you know," he puts in with a puckish grin. The boy is so right. An industrialist bought number 1 (CH 01 AA-0001) for Rs 2.60 Lakh this year, whereas number 0011 went for Rs 1.16 lakh. And, you thought a car is only chalti ka naam gaddi. Here are people who are ready to shell out crisp currency for unique fancy/VIP numbers. Shares Jaideep Sidhu, a project associate, who drives his Swift (Punjab number) with a 0001 number with élan. "A good single or double digit number on a car gets noticed easily, which is nice in a way. In fact, all our cars have a single digit on them." Shifu on the other hand had tried to get No13 for his car, but had to settle for 15 because 13 was already taken. "Earlier, only politicians or bureaucrats could get VIP numbers. Now, with the auctioning of such numbers, an ordinary man can also boast of a VIP status. If not much, at least through my car I too get a second look," he laughs. If cars symbolise power, a VIP number goes like the icing on the
cake. jasmine@tribunemail.com Official note
According to Vandana Disodia, secretary, state transport authority, "On an average, there has been an increase in the number of people getting fancy/VIP numbers for their cars. It could be because of either numerology or astrology. Some like single digits while other go for combinations like 2525, 5050." As per the procedure, every time a new series open people book the numbers on a reserve price, which then goes for an auction. But if there is no contender for any number, then the one who has booked it gets it for the reserve price only. |
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Art-i-fact
Theatre must tell a story. Indeed, what is theatre sans drama, a plot—a structured start and finish? So, what does one make of Theatre of Absurd that is plot-less, conflict-less and is either without logic or subverts logic. The dictionary meaning of it is: a form of drama that emphasises the absurdity of human existence by employing disjointed, repetitious and meaningless dialogue, purposeless and confusing situations, and plots that lack realistic or logical development. In short, irrationality is it defining moment as well as the overall tenor. Born as a reaction to World War II, it were playwrights like Samuel Beckett, Iugene Ionesco and Jean Genet, et al who gave meaning to this ‘meaningless’ theatre. In the annals of theatre, Beckett’s name stands etched forever with two of his plays Waiting for Godot and The Endgame hailed as all time classics. Waiting for Godot, voted the best modern play in English of the 20th century, has captivated the interest of many a theatre directors in India with Bhopal-based theatre director Alakhnandan having done it in Chhattisgarhi style too. Its Hindi translation Godot Ke Intezaar Mein by Krishna Baldev Vaid was directed by city-based well-known theatre person Harish Bhatia in 1993. Dubbing the play as “sheer poetry”, Bhatia recalls how the play scored high on the parameter of critical appreciation and went down well with intellectuals among audiences. However, he asserts that there is no need to intellectualise Beckett but to make him communicate.
Of course, often the standard response to this kind of theatre is often lack of understanding, even rejection and condescension. Says Kamal Arora, vice- chairman, Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, ‘‘If life is absurd, theatre can’t be any different. In a way, it is akin to abstract painting where you have to find meaning. Yet making it relevant to audience requires director’s acumen, actors’ histrionic abilities and perhaps even select viewers.” In the Indian contest, where philosophy is inextricably complex and time is cyclical, feels Bhatia that plays like Waiting for Godot, which ends as it begins, can really click. So, why do Indian playwrights shy away from this genre? Mahesh Dattani, the original Indian playwright of Indian English plays, is no great admirer of theatre of the absurd. Bhatia reminds that back in time Bhuvaneshwar wrote remarkable plays such as Taambe ke Keede that fall in this genre. For that matter he even puts Mahesh Elkunchwar’s Yuganta, Badal Sircar’s Jaloos, Vipin Agarwal’s Teen Apahij and Lotan in the same category. Then often the lines are fused and plays abound with elements of absurdity. While Indian playwrights have adroitly used Indian folklore and mythology to create the mystery of theatre, US playwright Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf has distinguishable surreal elements. Then many see his Seascape as absurdist. As for the relevance of Theatre of Absurd today, eminent theatre director Bhanu Bharti who began his theatre journey with Ionesco’s The Lesson, doubts it for ‘it deals only with half truth’. Hmm… but then who knows the complete truth? Anyway, what could be more profound than Beckett’s wisdom etched in the famed dialogue: “Nothing happens. Nobody comes. Nobody goes .. It is awful.” Besides, reminds Bhatia, “Here was a minimalist who chose to write in French for being an Irishman that would restrain his use of language and cut out the superfluous.’’ Indeed, Beckett himself said “I am an analyser trying to leave out as much as I can.” Thus part truth “Nothing is funnier than unhappiness… it is the most comical thing in the world” or absolute truth “Birth was the death of him”, both absurdity and multi-layered significance of it all will continue to challenge theatre directors. Many of who may manage to excite the imagination of audiences, too. In fact, Bhatia an avowed admirer of Beckett, who feels greats can be rediscovered anytime, anywhere, is already contemplating staging Waiting for Godot again. Clearly, the endgame of theatre of absurd is nowhere in sight.
Absurd truth
‘Theatre of the Absurd” is a term coined by Hungarian-born critic Martin Esslin. It refers to a particular type of play which first became popular during the 1950s and 1960s and which presented on stage the philosophy articulated by French philosopher Albert Camus in his 1942 essay, The Myth of Sisyphus. The playwrights loosely grouped under the label of the absurd attempt to convey their sense of bewilderment, anxiety, and wonder in the face of an inexplicable universe. According to Esslin, the five defining playwrights of the movement are Eugène Ionesco, Samuel Beckett, Jean Genet, Arthur Adamov, and Harold Pinter, although these writers were not always comfortable with the label and preferred terms such as “Anti-Theatre” or “New Theatre”.
Courtesy: Internet |
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Theatre treat
After the oldest theatre ensemble “Abhinet” the Theatre for Theatre (TFT) has not only emerged as the leading theatre group in performance but is also leading in the proliferation of theatrical arts in the tricity. Credited with many firsts like staging of the play Court Martial 370 times, they are now organising a weeklong TFT winter national festival for five days. Established in 1999 with the initiation of founder director Sudesh Sharma the group had elite city actors like Parvesh Sethi, KK Doda (a retired judge), G.S Dardi, Ravinder Happy and others.
“We have always been duly supported by the NGO’s, Haryana and UT administration and the audience at large,” says Sudesh Sharma. Even the instant festival is fully sponsored by Chandigarh administration and organised with our collaboration, added Sudesh during a press conference addressed by R.S Verma, director cultural affairs UT at the Tagore Theatre. R.S Verma disclosed that another cultural treat is in offing for the residents of Chandigarh as the 5th TFT Winter National Theatre Festival 2009 will be held from December 7 to December 13, at Tagore Theatre and will present seven quality plays to the audience. Renowned Bollywood artists like Satish Kaushik and Seema Biswas would be displaying their theatrical skills during the festival.
Festive time
December 7: The festival opens with Shanker Shesh’s classic Hindi play titled Chehray, directed by Sudesh Sharma. The play is a rib tickling yet stinging satire. An expose of society and its big wigs.
December 8: A popular play Salesman Ramlal an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman by Imteyaz Hussien and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan will be the most prestigious star studded show under the aegis of Platform Mumbai. Bollywood actor director Satish Kaushik and noted actress Seema Biswas in the lead role will be the star attraction in this play. December 9: The Nirman Kala manch Patna will present their play Harshingaar, written by Srikant Kishore and directed by Sanjay Updhyay. December 10: Ayodhya Babu Sanai Gaye a play directed by D. R. Ankur based on a story by Umashankar Choudhary will be showcased by Sambhav group Delhi. December 11: The Off Stage Theatre to stage a Punjabi play Pyaasa Kaan. Written and directed by Prof Pali Bhupinder, the play will deal with contemporary issues in the field of education, society and politics contextual to the Independence and after. December 12: Based on Bertolt Brecht’s Exception and the Rule and adapted as Saudagar by Shrikant Kishore the play has been directed and designed by Bansi Kaul for the Rang Vidushak, Bhopal. December 13: The festival will conclude with the staging of a popular play titled Sri Ganesh Mahima by Rangkarmi group Kolkatta. Based on novel of Mahashewta Devi, the play is conceptualised by Usha Ganguly and directed by Partho Bondoyopdhyay. It is a vivid portrayal of the oppression and exploitation of the poor masses belonging to low castes by the affluent lords. |
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Emotional anchor
From anchoring to acting to playing cricket and hosting cookery show, Angad Singh Bedi has done it all. Getting into acting, he first tried his hand at modelling and then made his debut in Kaya Taran, a television adaptation of a Malayalam short story by N. S. Madhavan, When Big Tree Falls, The Earth Is Bound To Shake. Now, all set to anchor the show Emotional Atyachaar, that would see the fidelity inspector aka Angad give you a chance to check out whether he or she is really into you, he says, “Acting has always been a passion for me and this show is one of the first big shows that I would be hosting.”
Ask him about the transition from cricketing to anchoring and he says, “This is going to be a great show that everyone will watch. Apart from that, it gives me a platform to interact with real people, their emotions, doubts and Talking about the show, he says, “It involves couples in their first relationship to people engaged to be married, from gay couples to mismatched pairs, suspicion creeps in and often erodes the very fabric of the relationship. The show gives real couples a chance to make sure they are making the right choice.” So, do people open up in the first meeting itself? “My job as an anchor is to make them feel comfortable. Though they take time to open-up and reveal their secrets but, I try to make them relax and talk. I go out of way to make them feel comfortable, chit chat with them, talk about myself and in the process they confine in me. It’s an amazing show that talks about the compexities of life, doubts and experiences in life.” That was for television, what about 70 mm? “I am shooting for this film Tere Mere Sapne. This is a Popcorn and Balaji production where I play the lead.” What about cricket, does he still play? “Yes, we have an academy called Bishan Singh Bedi Cricket Coaching Class, where we organise tours and hunt for new talent. I am fully involved with the club.” Last we ask, given a choice what would he choose cricket or acting and pat comes the reply, “Acting. It’s my passion and I am working hard to achieve it.” jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Get, set, go
Consisting of 12 students (Apoorav Mahajan, Arjun Wadwalkar, Arnab Chanda, Digvijay Singh, Gagandeep Singh Batia, Kapileshwar Singh, Mukul Aggarwal, Navdeep, Rajat Bhardwaj, Vaibhav Nangia, Vidur Gupta and Angad Singh the team leader), from third year, ten studnets are from mechanical engineering department and two from electronics department. Built over a period of nine months, due to a 20mm restrictor on the air intake the car can run at a maximum speed of 200km/hr. Without the restrictor it can run much faster. The car has a Suzuki 400 VC engine that is used in a superbike. With a self-designed and self-manufactured knuckle the car has custom made rims, which were designed and manufactured especially for PEC FSAE team by Kiezer wheels and imported from USA. Hoosier tyres were specially imported from the USA. “We received sponsorship worth approximately 25 lakhs for this project. The main sponsors are Trident India, Mount Shiwalik Breweries, UT Administration, Dattarwal Construction, Gawar Construction, and Neeraj Builderrs,” says the PEC FSAE team. Going to compete in an international competition in Australia from December 10 to December 13, the competition is conducted by Society for Automotive Engineering. It is an international society that encourages upcoming automobile engineers. Padmashree Chandermohan, Chairman Board of Governors, PEC University of Technology launched the car. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Koffee break
Supporting a look designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, here’s what Vidya says about her role in the movie. What is your role in Paa? I play a gynaecologist and a mature wife who is distressed by her son’s condition. It is one of the most wonderful roles of my career. What made you agree to do Paa? Director R. Balki narrated the storyline to me. I was convinced about he story of a child suffereing from Progeria and my character. I had this innate faith in Balki that he would make a great film. How was it working with Big B and Junior Bachchan? One of the reasons I agreed to do Paa was that I was getting an opportunity to work with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan. Both are wonderful persons. What about R. Balki? He is a great director with different ideas and is easy to work with. He takes utmost care of the actors he works with. Tell us about your character in Paa? My character is interesting and has a great scope. When viewers watch it they will know about my character. What are your upcoming projects? Vibhu Puri’s Chenab Gandhi, Nikhil Advani’s Chand Bhai and Vishal Bhardwaj’s Isskiya are my upcoming projects. — Dharam Pal
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Side Lanes
It was a great party. The boss invited the office crowd to his home for a Diwali bash. The wife, a short, dowdy woman and the perfect homemaker, cooked a lavish meal. Her guests relished the food. The men and women were smart, intelligent and articulate. An assistant manager was particularly petite and well turned out in a simple but well cut grey suit enhanced by a pink, ruffled blouse.
As she walked out of the door, the boss, who was seeing everyone out, asked her for a cup of coffee at Barista the following morning. The assistant manager suffered an insomniac’s night. The following day she put in her papers and then drove to the boss’ house to sob out her story to the unsuspecting wife. Girls! Girls! Girls! When are you going to accept the fact that men and women are created from different clay? God used solid stuff for women and added more sand to the men. The boss was trying to add some zip to a very flat life. The AM could have thanked the boss gracefully and then declined the invitation, but instead she felt honour bound to inform his wife. The boss crashed from his family pedestal. His wife wept a lot and the children sulked. A family had fallen prey to the peccadilloes of an office. During her daily walk, a friend often met an elderly couple and chatted with them. One morning, the man was alone as his wife was down with the ‘flu. He told the young walker that he found her lovely, admired her and enjoyed chatting with her. She blushed, was speechless and spent a few sleepless nights. Though she wanted to tell her friends and husband about the “dirty old man,” she refrained and a month later could recount the incident with a humorous twist. Girls, never confess anything to the husband. You will only hurt him and earn his mistrust for no fault of yours. With equal education, job opportunities, salary and benefits, it is time we women came out of our mind set that we ought to be protected and coddled by men but not paid any extra attention. It is also time we learned how to deal with our male colleagues. If they pay a compliment, revel in it for it is a reaffirmation of your attractiveness. Learn to handle men with grace and firmness. No colleague in his right mind is going to cross the line as his job is far more important than any office hour fling. In any case, the laws on sexual harrassment are draconian enough to frighten the day lights out of any man. Remember that all men who say nice things do not have malafide intentions. All old men who talk to young women are not dirty. All men do not have to be brothers, fathers, unclejis or family friends. We women do not have to feel guilty, disloyal or hurt if a man tries to be friendly. Decide how far you are going to loosen the leash. The choice is yours. Learn how to deal with male colleagues. Do not be a passive listener and then suddenly cry “wolf.” God has given us strong instincts that warn us of impending danger. Use this gift and handle situations with intelligence and logic. Learn the martial arts. A good karate swipe can cool unwelcome ardour. Your life will be more complete and less stressed if you do not read too much into small incidents. |
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Creations 2010 brings to you an alternative to sky-high gold prices. Designer jewellery collection in silver, plated in 22k gold, it liberally uses amethysts, peridots, golden topaz, turquoise, pearls and kundan. “Our jewellery is not only affordable but also value for money as we provide lifelong maintenance,” says Nirmal Maheshchand, who is into jewellery business for last 20 years. “Last year I launched my own line along with my daughter Radhika and the response is better than expected for there is not much of overhead costs in my jewellery,” she says. The collection has chandelier earrings, bold pendants, cocktail rings, pajebs and bridal accessories. The pieces start from Rs 1000. Also, on display is antique furniture, chests, chairs, wall mirrors, sideboards—some real pieces and some copies in the combination of wood and marble. The exhibition is on till December 8, at Kidar Gallery-7. —Mona
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Students of PEC University of Technology (formerly Punjab Engineering College (Deemed University) launched their FSAE car. A formula racing car, the name of the team who created this wonder is PEC FSAE Team.
Vidya Balan made her debut with Parineeta (2005) for which she got Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. After her different avtaars in Eklavya, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Guru, Salaam-e-Ishq, Heyy Bebyy, Bhool Bhulaiya and Aziz Mirza’s Kismat Konnection, she is ready to hit the big screen with an extremely emotional story of a couple who has a child suffering from progeria, Paa this Friday.