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Bhangra beats, folk soars
Ever thought cutting an album could be as simple as ordering a pizza? We don't have an iota of doubt. Every second gabru of Punjab has worked out the cost of selling his piece of land, and is ready or has already cut an album with that money. This doesn't come as a revelation for us, or Malkit Singh, the Punjabi singer who has been there, done that.
All the same, what surprises the singer, who took a trip down memory lane as he sang the first song of his life gud naal ishq mitha at Khalsa College in Jalandhar, is the change in the world of Punjabi music. But first, he wants to share some good old memories, as he gets ready to perform at Jalsa Youth Festival 2010 on Saturday. "I performed at Khalsa College on Saturday and I must say my heart is flooded with emotions. College life was fun as it gave me a chance to hone my music skills," shares Malkit. "I was and still am a fan of Punjabi folk music. I used to listen to Kuldeep Manak, Surinder Shinda and Amar Singh Shonki at that time. They were a class apart and the music they gave us is still remembered and sung with similar enthusiasm." Times have changed for Punjabi music since then, which Malkit Singh has been a witness to. "There is no harm in recoding and cutting an album. The youngsters should pursue their passion for music, but if they train themselves well it would be so much better." Adds the singer, riding high on the success of his latest album Billo Rani, "Recording an album has become a pretty easy task, however, visibility and success does not come from this. How long can a singer survive on a single hit song? Look at singers like Yamla Jatt and Surinder Kaur, their songs are still counted among the favourite ones. Anyone can cut an album, but sustenance is what matters." Does this explain the mushrooming of Punjabi singers? Laughs Malkit Singh. "It is some kind of a trend, which will fade if the so-called newer lot does not find appreciation from the audience. I would want youngsters to promote folk music. At the same time, they should have an understanding of it too." As for Punjabi singers taking a detour for Bollywood, Malkit finds nothing new in the phenomenon. "My songs like Jind Mahi have found a place in Hollywood. It is a nice thing that Punjabi music is gaining popularity in Bollywood as well. In fact, many Hindi films have entire song and dance sequences in Punjabi style," he signs off. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Wisdom of yore
Was the saying "A friend in need is a friend indeed" coined during the British rule in
India or did it find a mention around 450 years back when Tulsidas wrote
Ramcharit manas? For Dr RK Sharma, assistant professor, PGI, who has
pulled out many such teachings from Ramcharitmanas and compiled them into a book
titled Gyan Ke Shreshth Moti, the latter holds true. "In the holy book, it is written that it's a sin to have a friend who doesn't empathise with you when in pain. The teaching is relevant till date and will be forever," he says. "Through my book I wanted to make the teachings of Tulsidas more accessible, comprehensive, practically applicable and relevant," informs Sharma. He has worked on some 1,000 pages, which has several choppians and dohas. Some of the teachings mentioned in the book include how to differentiate between good and bad; man's duties towards himself and his family; effects of bad company, et al. And what made him take up the project? "I was 15 when I began reading the book. The content is so fascinating that I make sure to go through some section each day." But Sharma also made sure that he did enough groundwork before simplifying the text, which was originally written in Avadhi. "Any wrong or inappropriate use of words could hurt the religious sentiments of people. Every difficult word was replaced by a simpler one, which was easy to comprehend. I took the help of Hanuman Prasad, a renowned poet, for the same," he informs. "Youngsters can't be expected to check the meaning of every difficult word they come across. The simpler version of the book will definitely arouse their interest in spirituality," he signs off. ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Goal!
Students taking part in Jalsa Youth Festival 2010 couldn't have asked for more. Day three of the event saw a host of activities, which had them raking their brain and putting their acting, dancing and singing skills into action. But it was the small space designed in the form of a hockey ground that stole the show. Students tried their hands at hockey sticks and you bet most girls managed to strike goals, one after the other. Who says, we don't have good hockey players in the country!
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Right chords amiss
Johnson Thomas Chandan Arora's third film, after Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon and Main Meri Patni aur Woh, comes as a disappointment. Set mostly in Malvani, a distant suburb in Mumbai, this film is about Surya (Siddharth) who grows up as a skilled carrom player, gets entangled with the bad guys and is literally forced to fight his way out of that.
Striker is undoubtedly Chandan Arora's most ambitious venture yet and is no less important to Siddharth who seems to want to make it big in Bollywood. But the story is unyielding. The plot straddles a period that begins around the 1992-93 upheaval, post the Babri demolition and goes back and forth in time to present day Malvani where Jaleel (Panscholi), once a hoodlum exclusive to Malvani and now a wannabe terrorist, is planning a set-up that could divide the resident population on communal lines and foster havoc, which could spread to the neighboring regions - even rest of the city. The portrayal of ghetto life, the gambling addas and liquor dens of Malvani are authentic enough. The cinematography captures the dark nether regions with captivating effect; the earthy tones accentuating believability in the setting and lending viable credence to the narrative. The problem areas though are the story and the narrative structure that Chandan employs. When Surya becomes an adult he is already angry but we can never understand the reason? His father is dead and elder brother is married. Surya wants the responsibility of getting his sister Devi (Vidya) married and providing for his mother (Seema Biswas), but his attempt to go to Dubai and earn the big bucks comes a cropper. Then his friend Zaid gets him an inside ticket to the illegal carrom game-betting arena. The entire sequence of events is narrated in an unbecoming non-linear fashion. The tone is also quite listless and unappealing. The featured carrom matches lack the pulsating thrills of a sporting encounter. Instead of building tension and bucking-up the speed, Chandan prefers to dawdle with the faces of his principal characters. The performances are also not altogether convincing. The principal character Surya does not have a credible graph. His perennial anger and belligerence doesn't seem to have any clear-cut motivations. Siddharth's performance is also quite unconvincing. He overplays the part to an extent that Surya's entire persona appears unbelievable. Zaid (beautifully enacted by Ankur Vikal), Farooqque (Anupam Kher), Devi (Vidya Nalavade) and Aai (Seema Biswas) have a more realistic graph and are therefore quite credible. Even the character of Jaleel, who represents evil in this good versus evil war, loses steam towards the climax. His sudden donning of the terrorist's garb befuddles the audience. Aditya Panscholi doesn't have the right energy to play this role with unquestionable conviction. He looks the part with facial scar et al, but his performance lacks the fire that could have made this entire film far more believable and absorbing. It's a case of missed opportunities really. If only Chandan had exercised a little bit more control over the narrative, tightened up the loose ends and kept his actors on a tighter leash, this cinematic experience would have been far greater than it currently is.
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Soul curry
MY NAME IS KHAN (Sony Music): Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Karan Johar, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy together combination spells success. Particularly because music has all along been the mainstay of Karan Johar films. They weave magic whenever they come together. However, this time they have gone in more for quality than popularity in this Muslim-centric movie. It seems unlikely that the songs will prove to be chartbusters, considering that most of them have classical and sufiana undertones.
There are only five songs, plus one Khan theme, all of which are suffused in typically religious kind of music. The rest of the album is filled with tracks from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Then there is also a video trailer of My Name is Khan. The album opens with Sajda. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is going from strength to strength and he has found perfect counterfoils in Shankar Mahadevan and Richa Sharma. Notice the excellent use of the tabla and the dholak in the song. The same religious fervour is noticeable in Noor e Khuda (Adnan Sami, Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal) and Allah hi Reham by Rashid Khan, which is almost a prayer. When it comes to romantic songs, there is an exceptionally impressive and melodious Tere naina by Shafqat Amanat Ali. Midway through, it shifts to the quawwali mode. Rang de by Shankar Mahadevan and Suraj Jaggan has foot-tapping qualities. It brings rock into the album for the first time and talks of love, peace, joy. The My Name is Khan theme song is by Pakistani band Strings. Devotional charm
LIVING WITH SAI (Times Music): Shirdi Ke Sai Baba is held in highest esteem by all sections of society. Here, some of the best singers of Hindi film industry have come together to sing bhajans in his honour. These include Sadhna Sargam, Suresh Wadekar, Shankar Mahadevan, Shilpa Rao and Sukhwinder Singh. These have been written and composed by Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, a retired senior bureaucrat from Baripada, Orissa, who is an ardent Sai devotee. The eight tracks may not boast of very sophisticated words but are overflowing with devotion and ecstasy of a true seeker. Coincidentally, the names of all the singers and the composer begin with S, as does that of Sai Baba. — ASC |
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Creating cartoons
As many as 40 students in the age group of 6 to 14 years attended a two-day workshop on animation by KS Govindrajan and Subhashish Neogi held at Dikshant Global School, Sector-12,
Panchkula. The students learnt the basics of animation creating simple characters such as birds, animals and other cartoon characters in a sequential manner with different movements of the body parts.
They created flipbooks to view the movement of characters. Using the same characters, they created animations on laptops. They also learnt how to make animation by using figures using stick animator. According to Mitul Dikshit, director of the school, "We must help children achieve their full creative potential, our education must focus on nurturing every child's creativity. The critical role of imagination, discovery and creativity in a child's education is only beginning to come to light, and even within the educational community, many still do not appreciate or realise its vital importance. The workshop on animation was held to stimulate creativity in students that would enable them to do even the most mundane tasks in a mindful and spirited way, opening up the possibilities for innovation and self-fulfillment." —
TNS |
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Weaving magic
Indian Weaves is here with the total summer solution for your wardrobe. Suits, saris, stoles - name it and you have it from all across India. Check out printed fabric in saganeri, bagru, dabu, gamthi, gujari, bagh, kalamkari, batik, weaved fabric like Bhagalpuri, Banarsi, Baluchari, Pochampally, ikkat and embroidered fabric chikan, kantha and phulkari and applique in both cotton and silk in about 51 stalls at Lajpat Rai Bhawan-15.
The exhibition also offers matching jewellery in silver, semi-precious stones, jute bags, kalamkari rugs, colourful wall hanging tablecloths, bed covers and curtains. Colourful wall hanging in appliqué work and tablecloths with weaved in zari and beaded work are the main attractions here. On till February 15 — TNS |
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Tress it up
Thought of a designer haircut? Well, if not 'Tressed Up' yet, a new hair-clinic-cum-salon offers that. "A great hairstyle makes a statement. We are here to give individual attention and style according to one's face cut and hair type," says Ahmed Khan, expert with 15 years of experience in the field.
"I advice my clients to be bold and experiment with styles and colours rather than follow popular trends," says Ahmed. The salon offers free counselling for hair problems as well as complete solutions for limp or unmanageable hair. "I help my clients by repair cut and easy-to-do home solutions. Also, when styling hair we make sure we use products that would not compromise with hair health," he adds. The opening of the salon saw city models display latest hairstyles and colours. Tressed Up also offers skincare solutions. —
TNS |
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What’s in the name
They're impersonators, accidental! Sharing initials is one thing, having Elvis Presley for a name somewhat another. Life sure wouldn't be easy for some carpet weaver by the name of Shahrukh Khan, if ever there be any!
Likewise, it just wouldn't be “a simple life” for someone called Paris married into a Hilton family. Beyond two days, there wouldn't be anything much exciting about being namesakes with George Bush! So what ensues? Comparisons, identity crisis or comedy of errors? And what does Sonia Gandhi, senior nutritionist, Fortis Hospital, have to say? "Sometimes, it does feel proud to be sharing your name with UPA chairperson, especially when she does something good for the country. Of course, you can't copy the person but generally there's an effort to imbibe some of the values. But that's it, personalities can never be similar." Apart from one overt similarity! "Yes, like her I too had the first name Sonia and got married into a Gandhi family," she adds. Whatever the tale, the "not on purpose" disclaimer remains, even if the profession is the same. How does it feel to 'literally' get confused with the ninety plus icon, the novelist, the journalist, the Malice Towards One and All Khushwant Singh? Exclaims Khushwant Singh, author, Sikhs Unlimited, "Of all the things my name has been the most controversial. My grandfather actually named me after him. His brother-in-law and my grandfather were very close friends. And at that point of time nobody knew I'd enter the same profession." Spell comparisons, he laughs, "I'm one-third his age and life's given me my own journey although I'm honoured to be sharing my name with him. When I met him in 2004, he inspired me to write my book. He triggered the idea by suggesting that I do something for the
diaspora." And if not legal tangles, leg-pulling is certainly part of the package. More so if someone shares the name with renaissance painter, the best-documented artist of the 16th century, the historical sculptor, Michelangelo. Shares Michaelangelo Francis, art and photography teacher, "Oh yeah, throughout my childhood I had almost everyone asking me, 'Do you know your name is Michelangelo? Do you know who he was? Do you know his works? It's just like naming a child Sachin Tendulkar." He adds, "Although for artists he is like God and I'm greatly inspired by him, but it's not because of him that I was drawn towards art. I had an inherent inclination towards it." Moving on, the "tales of two citizens" galore! Laughs Khushwant Singh, "The only time my name was not confused was when I was riding." Recalls Dr Sonia Gandhi, "Once when my director was talking to me over the phone, he took my name and people sitting next to him go like 'oh he's talking to her'!" The list is by no means exhaustive. The city recently had an artist from northeast, Raphael, who camped here for seven days. Needless to say, it must be a 24/7 comparison with the red mask wearing, intense fighter from the Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Middle name, first name, surname…whatever, as long as it's similar! Adds Michaelangelo, "Literally, it means God's first angel and so far I'm yet to come across a person who couldn't recall my name." Not the Bard of Avon, but ask a commoner called Shakespeare; he'll tell you 'What's in the name?' Khushwant Singh sums up, "Well, that's my name and I can't do anything about it!" manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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On a song
With Punjabi cinema and music going places, many talented youngsters have started viewing it as a ticket to stardom. Bawa Verma is no exception then; he too loves the lights, camera and action!
Born in Machiwara village in Ludhiana, Bawa is pursuing his master degree in journalism and mass communication from Punjabi University,
Patiala. Along with this, Bawa has done ramp shows with some big brands and has now shot for his first music video Pag Diyan Punian Karaya Karengi for famous Punjabi singer Sukhwinder Sukhi's album Parakh. Directed by Parmod Sharma Rana, the song has been shot at beautiful locations in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh. The song is a true epitome of the richness of Punjabi culture. Bawa, who was Mr Patiala — 2008, is excited about his debut appearance on screen. He feels that this could be his first step towards success because of the reach and grandeur that is attached to the video. Talking about his family, Bawa says being the youngest among the siblings he is always a favourite. Belonging to a business family,
Bawa had never thought of a career in the entertainment industry and always wanted to be a journalist. "While I was growing up, my friends often asked me to opt for modelling as a career because of my looks and height, but I never took the suggestion seriously. After completing Class XII from Ludhiana, I shifted to Chandigarh. While pursuing graduation from SD College, I decided to take up journalism as a career because I loved the status and power attached to the profession," he says. And how did he land up shooting for this music video? When Mr Patiala contest took place in 2008, his friends sent Bawa's entry. "Once the entry was gone, I decided to take part and started taking it a little seriously. I was lucky enough to win the contest and received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. Then I got opportunities to walk the ramp. But as I was equally inclined towards journalism, I decided to complete my degree first," he shares. And what's in store for the future? "I have various offers but I am currently focusing on my studies. I am just waiting for the right time to take proper decisions," he signs off. |
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Get real!
Much has been said about the melodrama, fake voting process and exaggerated TRPs of talent-based reality shows. However, each time you meet someone who's been on a reality show, there emerges a separate side to it all together. We share notes with Hemachandra, a member of Mohit Chauhan's team in Star Plus' Music Ka Maha Muqqabla. In city for a private event, Hemachandra, 21, is ready to take on the professional podium. As many as 86 playback songs and music direction for two south Indian movies; the young enthusiast is clear about what he wants. "People often criticise reality shows, but for me they are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with stalwarts of music," says Hemachandra, who was the first runners-up for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2005. "Because of the show, today I can meet Mohit Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Goshal, which wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Tell me, how many people get to meet and learn from them?" Hemachandra doesn't want to get into a debate on what happens to contestants after the reality shows. "As I told you before, the reality show was a platform for me. I don't want to make money through this. At least, I get to meet celebrities and learn so much. Mostly contestants look at reality shows as a shortcut to success and easy recognition. But they aren't meant for these goals." And what about the element of melodrama? Hemachandra shares that everything that happens on the show is real. "Nothing is scripted. It is a free flow of emotions, which can happen anytime on the show." On his camaraderie with the captain Mohit Chauhan, the young singer is gung ho on his sincerity, dedication and passion for music. "He gels with the team beautifully. We are having a great time with him." |
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Right mix
Needless to say, musicians have a language of their own. In a world hijacked by all kinds of noise, musicians have a subtle way of interacting - through the instruments.
Dj Sameer and Rohit (Chakra:Vu) jam‘n’ with tabla player Sahil Khan at Zinc Lounge on Saturday to create a mixture of sounds that tears through the noise and leaves a residue of trans!
More than anything else, it is the tech noise of progressive drums and drub step fused with the tabla that enchants. Says Sameer, "Tabla and sitar are two of my favourite instruments and I like to use them whenever I make music." He adds, "Kailash Kher records a lot of instruments and uses them in his tracks. Indian instruments, especially tabla and sitar, are pretty popular in the west." When it comes to jugalbandi, Sameer shares how the whole gig can fall flat if there is no coordination. "The two musicians need to be in sync with each other. If I jam with a tabla player, I should know where he would stop and where to pick up my notes on the console again," shares Sameer. —
Jasmine Singh |
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Instant hit
For a fast paced lifestyle where tastes are changing and cooking ought to be convenient, Godrej appliances comes up with a solution in the form of new range of microwave ovens - 'The InstaCook Range of Microwave Ovens' This new range of microwave ovens offers the consumer 40 InstaCook Menus at the touch of a button.
Available in four specialised models of microwave ovens under the InstaCook Range - Two models in the 25 litres convection segment, one model each in the 20 litres convection and 20 litres grill segment, offering the highest number of menus in the microwave category at the touch of a single button. According Ramandeep Singh Trehan, general manager, Godrej appliances, "As per our research, the Indian audience is constantly looking out for convenient products to match up to their fast-paced lifestyle. Taking this convenience factor in mind, we have developed a trendy range of InstaCook Microwave Ovens designed to adapt to all kinds of Indian cooking while retaining its freshness and taste. This range is differentiated on account of the unique benefit that - it offers 40 InstaCook menus at the touch of a button". The InstaCook range of microwave ovens is available with accessories like a crispy trey, vertical rotisserie, steam clean bowl, starter kit and a cookbook. This range of the InstaCook microwave ovens is priced between Rs 6,490- to Rs 10,290. —
TNS |
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TAROT TALK
ARIES: The temperance inspires you to climb new heights and actualise creative ideas. Help from known unknown quarters come to you. A younger member of your family may show excellent talent in sports. Tip of the week: Be articulate to prevent people from reaching their own conclusions. Lucky color: Creamy white.
TAURUS: The moon reveals you are particularly sensitive to its travels. Optimism and faith will work wonder. Biz folk avoid money transactions. Real estate transactions are favored on Thursday. Your boss may be co-operative. Children need attention and careful handling. Tip: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky color: Bottle green. GEMINI: Five of cups take you through a difficult speculative situation. You will be in a mood for holiday. Professionals will get many opportunities of fresh work. Love life is in its full bloom. Health needs care. You may need more rest on Friday. Tip. Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky color: golden yellow. CANCER: The three of pentacles reveals family pressure and responsibilities. Students should spend more time in planning career. Relatives may not understand your feelings. Expect a small get together at home this weekend. Tip: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky color: Blue. LEO: The empress takes you towards the fast and protective lane. Businessmen expect a great deal on Monday and Friday. Health stars favours for persons whose name starts with alphabet J or R. Be careful while walking on slippery floor. Tip: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky color: Sea Green. VIRGO: The knight of discs supports you through a busy and turning week with healing and earthy energy. Artists may meet someone who guides them in a proper manner. Women: avoid kitty parties on Saturday. Tip: Do not trivial problems haunt you. Lucky color: Baby Pink. LIBRA: The ace of wands strengthens and you may feel elated to see roses all the way Try to take a brief holiday with your beloved. Avoid official meetings on Tuesday. Housewives will get an opportunity to join a health club. A person may be helpful whose name starts with alphabet A or P. Tip: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky color: Maroon. SCORPIO: Nine golden cups promises monetary benefits. Success in every venture started now is assured. Health will not pose problem for you. Family life is perfect. Friday is good for outing for lovers. Executives / professionals drink moderately on Sunday. Tip: Where there is a will, there is a way is an old saying that holds true in your case this week. Lucky color: Emerald. SAGITTARIUS: The karmic wheel of fortune turns in your favour. For biz folk all big sales transaction should be withheld temporarily. An excellent period for property dealing. Friends may be extremely helpful. Factory owners may get sudden profits on Thursday. Tip: Be cautions in your action and speech. Lucky color: Olive. CAPRICORN: The queen of cups infuses trust and friendship. Expectant mothers get doctor's advice. Students: a week of fun and frolic. Employees may face problems. A misunderstanding is cleared. Lovers are full of beans. Tip: Keep your eyes on the future as you always do. Lucky color: Peacock green. AQUARIUS: The hanged man shows some decisive moments. Defer signing of a new deal on Saturday. There is a danger of arguments erupting at home. Tip: Don't reveal your plans to anyone as people may try to beat you to your targets. Lucky Color: Orange. PISCES: The king of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities. Family members may need your attention. Legal matters take a turn for better. Tip: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky color: Peach
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