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Just like her
She's one of those who walks around with a restrained attitude and doesn't want to give it up, not even once. So, when surprisingly young and near slim-looking Tabu walks in the conference room of Hotel Mount View, all eyes inadvertently follow her to the dais.
Dressed in a churidaar, Tabu reminded of the sardarni of Maachis. Someone else noticed the same and there it came. 'You look like a sardarni. Would you want to do a role like the one you did in Maachis? The question finds compliance with Tabu (lucky journo). "I loved the movie, it was close to my heart. Definitely, I would love to do something like that if given a chance and role," says Tabu, in city for the promotion of Toh Baat Pakki. "Coincidentally, I am putting up in the same room where I stayed when I came for the shooting of Sarhad Paar almost seven years back," she shares. The self-imposed sabbatical breaks with this flick and Tabu hasn't got much to say on it. "The long period of absence from the silver screen was an extension of my selectiveness. I was waiting for something exciting to happen. Characters that inspire and make me sit up." Like her role in soon-to-be released Kedarh Shinde's Toh Baat Pakki, Namesake, Maqbool…?"I haven't played a strong character for quiet sometime now, but its okay," puts in Tabu. "Toh Baat Pakki is an entertaining genre, wherein I play the role of a boisterous elder sister looking for a suitable match for her sister. I haven't done anything like this before. I find my role in Toh Baat Pakki exciting and that's why I took it up." Extremely selective, this is the way Tabu has always been, and mind you she loves it this way. "My happiness and peace matters to me more than anything else. There is no right or wrong for me. I work if it makes me feel happy. There are no compromises to this self-set rule," shares Tabu. And we would certainly want to know what brings peace to her. "Traveling, watching movies, spending time with friends, scribbling, reading and meditating," she smiles. No rules for this actor, didn't she say! Not even when it comes to love? " Love is an intrinsic experience. It changes as we grow older. It means a whole lot of things and just one thing." Hmmm! This is confusing. Tabu, was never easy to understand. Do you agree? jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Here to stay
An idiot? Sure he isn't. Oblivious? Certainly not. Perturbed? not an inch. Intimidated? Who said that? Even as reviews and media critics declared 3 Idiots as a movie 'class apart', showering accolades on the 'two other' boys in addition to the Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi doesn't feel this is the turning point of his life.
We say he has arrived, but Sharman feels he has been here for a good 10 years now. "I can't treat one movie as the turning point of my life. I am enjoying my work for almost 10 years now.
I don't approach my work like 'I will make a difference with one flick'. People enjoyed and appreciated 3 Idiots, which is a good thing," says Sharman Joshi, in the city for the promotion of his upcoming movie Toh Baat Pakki. How about taking yourself seriously? Amitabh Bachchan too has made a special mention of Sharman's one particular scene in his blog. "He is like a godfather, anything coming from his side is a blessing," says Sharman. Did you know, blessings could come looking for you in the washroom of a multiplex? Sharman certainly has an interesting take on that, after all the very important meeting of his life took place in a washroom. He smiles, "I met Raju Hirani for the first time in the compound of the multiplex, where he had come to watch a movie, and I was whiling away my time. He called me, said that he and his wife liked my work and he had some kind of a role for me." Smile intact. "Successive three meetings took place in the washroom of a multiplex and the final one in his office," he shares. A destined thing, need we say? The way Sharman, a theatre actor, after working in movies like Rang De Basanti, Godfather, Life in a Metro, had to get an idiot tag to make a mark. "I was never random with my selection of roles. I only did work that excited me. There has to be something in the role to make me take it up." Does Toh Baat Pakki offer the same satisfactory role? "I play Rahul Saxena, a final-year engineering student who is seen by Tabu as a probable groom for her sister," shares Sharman, who is working on his next flick Allah Ke bandey. "I like the role and it was fun." With Tabu as a co-star, you can assure it can! But, she can be intimidating too. He flashes a polished, yet simple smile. "I was not intimated about working with Tabu. I was just concerned about how to break the ice. I was a little apprehensive, but everything was okay after some days of work. She is friendly, easy going. We got along well," he adds. Sharman, you sure have got along well with the industry-wallas. Only an idiot can do this! |
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All fire, little smoke
Johnson Thomas
The most talked about film (before release) in recent times, largely because of the raging controversy generated by King Khan's post-IPL auction remarks that a fringe political party took umbrage to, has been My Name is Khan.
Needless to say, despite the Chief Minister's assurances the film had no shows in most of Mumbai's theatres on the morning of it's expected release. By noon, better sense prevailed and with tight bandobast and promise of stern action from the government, the film was screened. But it wasn't that much of an easy ride for the audience who had booked their tickets in advance and had to wait in long serpentine queues just to enter the theatre. Funnily enough, the protectors of the law looked ludicrous staying behind barricades while the public who had gathered together for the show found themselves standing exposed to any potential untoward incident, without any protection. Luckily for us, everything - from the long wait to repeated frisking to the final entry into the theatre went-off smoothly. But the same cannot be said about the film. My Name is Khan has the Karan Johar-Shahrukh Khan- Kajol team after a long hiatus and was being looked forward to by the masses. Then rabid pre-release publicity tom-tommed the fact that it was different from the popcorn kitsch that KJ usually favoured. But alas, that was not to be! This film too continues in the usual KJ tradition. Family values are propounded gleefully and emotions are as usual at their screechiest! The premise is pretty vague and the consequent narrative is equally dysfunctional. Rizwan Khan (Shahrukh) suffers from aspergers syndrome that means he shows significant difficulties in social interaction alongwith restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Thanks to some concerted maternal caring (by Zarina Wahab) he grows into a strong independent individual, despite his debilitating condition. Following his mothers demise he goes to the USA and is employed by his brother (Jimmy Sher Gill) as a salesman in his firm Mehnaz Beauy Products. All this is quite believable. But now comes the sticky part. He meets Mandira (Kajol), a divorcee with a seven-year-old son, who works in a beauty parlour where Rizwan comes to sell his products. Soon enough he proposes to her and after a few token protests by her, they get married. Frankly it's difficult to understand why a woman who has no known physical deformities or medical condition would agree to marry a man with such a debilitating condition. It's also quite unbelievable that Mandira's son Samir would take to him as quickly as the narrative suggests. Then there is the problem of intimacy. While building up a case for Rizwan, KJ shows him to have a distinct problem with intimacy to the point that he barely is able to hug his own mother or brother. Then KJ expects you to believe that Rizwan goes beyond that point with Mandira without much effort. In fact that explains quite well KJ's choice of Kajol as heroine. The public is already in love with the pairing and as such may lap it up even if it seems quite improbable and opportunistic to the story. At this point you realise that fantasy has totally taken over and reality becomes a footnote; 9/11 happens and the American diaspora becomes divided. Muslims and anyone closely resembling them become the enemy. Samir gets victimised on a soccer field and Mandira blames her marriage to Khan for it. In her anger she shrieks, 'Go tell the President that you are not a terrorist. And till then do not come back' or thereabouts. Khan being who he is decides to begin his journey to meet the president of the US and enroute becomes a hero and a symbol for a vilified community. The entire sequence of events appears too fantastical, especially the sequence where he rushes to a flooded house in Wilhemina, South Carolina, to rescue his friends Mama Jones and her young son. In fact that particular sequence is so shabbily recreated that you will instantly guess that it is a set piece. From the 9/11 incident to the ravaging of the south and straight to the historic election of the first black American President - historical events are given short-shrift and time lines are blurred-out in the blatant and insensible effort to make Rizwan look heroic. In fact, that is the sad part. Kajol comes out looking extremely silly though she does her best in the sketchy role she plays. Shahrukh Khan hogs every frame. He gets most of the mechanics relating to his character right but the soul is still missing from the performance. You can never empathise or feel close to the character. I reckon that is mainly the problem of the narration. KJ uses Rizwan's diary to tell his story but the voiceover's script doesn't follow that bent faithfully enough. The point of view is shifty and unconvincing and the mood is never consistent. Ravi Chandran's camerawork is charismatic, but it fails to take us close enough into Rizwan's world. Deepa Bhatia's editing does not allow for concerted coherence and the atrocious background score by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy adds lots more fuel to the aloof experience. There is no doubt in anybody's mind that KJ had all the best intentions while making this film but it's also quite clear from the finished product that this is mere tokenism from a director who has made his big bucks and now wants to garner brownie points from an ill-conceived social conscience!
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Hello TUNEZ
KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK (T-Series): Of late, luck has not been smiling too widely at Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Shortcut, 13B and London Dreams have at best been modest hits. So, here they have tried to revitalize their music with the youth brigade firmly in the hair trigger.
They set the table with the very first rendering, Hey Ya! Clinton Cerejo joins Shankar Mahadevan and Loy Mendonsa in crooning the Hinglish lyrics. It is the turn of Alyssa Mendonsa to get into the groove in the next, Uff teri adaa. After a few repetitions, the refrain grows on you, KK goes against the current in Jaane ye kya hua, which is soft and lilting. It is only midstream that it rises to a crescendo on the wings of harmonica. Music plays on for over a minute before the voice of Kailash Kher is heard in Kasi hai ye udaasi. One has to wait for another three minutes to hear the voice of Sukanya Purayastha. This is the kind of tune one has been hearing right since 60s when the boat in a river/lake was the established setting for sad songs. It is only then that the title song comes on in the voice of Suraj Jaggan, Shankar Mahadevan, Caralisa Monteiro and Mailka Singh. It appears everybody is keen to do one's own piece and get on with life in this rather short situational number. Female voices are jarringly squeaky. Once the track has come in, it refuses to stop in terms of remixes. First there is an instrumental piece, Karthik-2 by Midival Pundits and Karsh Kale. Then comes the theme remix, again by Midival Pundits and Karsh Kale. That sets the stage for remixes of Hey Ya! By Digital Boyz and that of Uff Teri Adaa by Udyan Sagar. Lyrics are by Javed
Akhtar.
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Doings the rounds
It's the ultimate spin street, it's signature Chandigarh, one helluva culture, where drifting is a cult. It's the famous geri route and rights of admission reserved!
Place where cars that can cruise at the speed of Concorde cross each other at the pace of a snail. Where girl meets boy, eye meets eye, or never mind where one finds all things easy on the eye.
On Valentine's, here's taking you on a geri of the romance route all through these years as seen through the eyes of 'regulars.' Smiles Crystal Thakur, marketing professional, "I came from Himachal around four-five years ago and I had no idea what 'geri route' was all about. I even remember asking my friends about it. And they explained it to me like it's just a place where there are lots of cars doing the rounds at slow speed with loud music." Adds Crystal, "When I actually went there, it was so much fun." Needless to say, a couple of more spins, it was soon an addiction and there goes another fan. The Facebook, Orkut, Twitter communities, notwithstanding! Meanwhile, Wikitravel on the city recognises and mentions the high street of youngsters, the stretch starting from sector 8, traversing through mid-sector 9 road, crossing Hotel Mount View and then ending on the road in front of Sector 11. Recalls Vipul Jain, ex-student, Department of Laws, Panjab University, "I've been witnessing the geri route for almost eight-nine years. Around 2000-2001, it was like one big carnival. Those days there were few cars, so one car would actually have four-five friends in it. Moreover, the girls used to be on their kinetics or on foot, so the boys would get to see them." Adds Vipul, "Now, no one has that much of craze, parties have taken over." The list continues, "Also, now everyone has a car, you hardly see one or two people in it, most go up hills or are scattered." Guess that's the evolving revolving concept of love and its accessories! Not many know that the area became the hub of rash brash brigade due to scores of educational institutes in the vicinity, including the mecca of beautiful girls those days, the Government College for Girls-11. Adds Robin Mehta, former student, PEC, "Those days, the profile of the city was also very different. We hardly had any outsiders or paying guest population. So literally everyone knew everyone. But this is not to say it's extinct these days. Even now we do go but it's more out of nostalgia of old days." The geri itself is in revolution rotation mode; wait till the reinvention happens! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Filmy love
BIG 92.7 FM is celebrating love the filmy style this Valentine's Day. The station has made plans to shower an exotic and romantic Valentine's Day treat for its listeners this year. Beginning February 11 and running into Valentine's Day, BIG FM’s stations have queued up some great on-air and on-ground offerings as listeners savour the most exclusive, romantic and unforgettable Valentine's Day ever with their loved ones.
BIG FM Chandigarh is throwing Big Valentine's Bash for the love couples of the tricity. Around 60 Couples will watch a special screening of much awaited film My Name is Khan at DT Cinemas with RJ Anubhav, Abhimnayu, Anjali, Satya & RJ Sophie. To select the lucky winner couples, all the RJs were playing on air games with them and the selected 60 couples will now enjoy the special screening at 8:00pm on Valentine's Day! Making the Valentine's Day truly 'Filmy' this year, BIG FM has given a 'filmy' touch to all its offerings customising it for the lovers. The listeners are promised an aural treat with interesting segments like - Sharmana chchod daal, I love you bol daal wherein listeners will be requested to use corniest filmy dialogues to propose to their loved ones. RJs will share some of the funniest and wackiest love acts done by actors and actresses for their loved ones, in an all new segment - Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani. Another interesting offering is the Pyaar Ki Pathshala segment wherein RJs will interact with Bollywood celebrities and share their love tips with listeners. Needless to say the music and content will be slated to ensure a romantic offering through the day. As part of the on-ground plans, BIG FM will screen exclusive shows of various romantic Bollywood movies across its key stations. As a special gift, listeners stand to win romance kits to lucky couples, which will take romance to a new level including cakes, chocolates, wine and a radio set tuned to BIG 92.7 FM which will play the best romantic songs - that one can sing with & dance to all night. In allowing listeners to give special love messages out on air, a BIG Bus will go across the city recording Valentine's messages from people and then airing them for their loved ones. —
TNS |
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Love, emotions & much more
This one's literally a million-dollar question; what's Valentine's Day all about? Is it about expressing feelings, sneaking out of the house (in case parents aren't cool about it) and spending time together?
Or does the emotional aspect of the day end here and the financial takes over? Shopping, buying gifts, dining out, partying; add the bills and Valentine's Day sure becomes a million-dollar affair! Special discounts, offers, menus, the Valentine's Day 'industry' makes it really special! If Taj has come up with a special menu, Love Buffet, for the occasion, Softy Corner-17 has introduced a special Valentine's Day twin-flavour of rose and vanilla. "It's in fact a Valentine's week now, as preparations and celebrations begin much before February 14," shares Neeraj Chaudhry, food and beverage manager, Taj. For the day, at Taj, besides the Love Menu, there are cheese and chocolates flown in from abroad. Lava Bar here has its theme decided, Purple Light, "Also Pearl Martini will be served, pearls of which can be collected later," adds Neeraj. Taj's love for Valentine's is being aptly reciprocated by people. Half a dozen corporate parties will be held here, "It's no more a day for lovers alone. Everybody wants to be a part of the celebration, be it college students or corporate employees." And it's nothing else but 'pure love' for St. Valentine that jewellers and cloth merchandisers are offering heavy discounts. The day is being given prime importance by Sok Koh Creations- 26, which recently launched the Valentine's Day collection. "Approximately 40 pieces have been sold out," informs Aarshi Gupta, the owner. If you think the number is pretty less, the cost of designer wear would justify it, "The range of the collection falls between Rs 5,000-15,000. After New Year, this is the only occasion when people party with their friends and family, a genuine excuse to indulge in shopping." Bumper sale of greetings, stuffed toys and a hundred other gifts will help erase the last signs of recession! Going by the figure provided by Diwankar Sahuja, owner of Dewsons, one of the city's oldest gift galleries, the Valentine's Day market's annual growth is 30 per cent. "US brand Gund, which offers a wide range of Valentine's Day gifts has entered India this year. Even other major international brands, Fizzy Moon and Me To U, came only last year before the Valentine's Day, indicating the growing popularity of the day," he says. Online gift shopping is another option. But what's catching people's fancy this year is shopping through satellite TVs. Says Vikram Mehra, CEO of Tata Sky, "As the count of houses with TVs is much higher than those with Internet connections, shopping for Valentine's Day through TV is a viable option." Thus, there are ample gift options and ample buyers, "From a usual stuffed toy to jewellery costing lakhs, everything is selling on Valentine's Day. The sales are almost comparable to those at Diwali." Without any exception, all lounges, bars and discotheques of the city are holding a Valentine's Day bash. No party pass costs less than Rs 1,500 and what is more surprising is most of them are sold out! Mannika Singh, PR manager, Black Magic, candidly accepts, "Valentine's Day is an industry where everything sells. From a flower vendor to jewellery houses, everyone makes profit." Black Magic is holding Wolf's Night, 70 percent passes of which have already been sold out. If only St. Valentine had an idea what a profitable venture his birthday would become, he would sure have wanted to live to this day. Still, happy Valentine's Day! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Dreams unlimited
A burning desire to be a singer took Parleen Gill to Indian Idol, which proved to be the turning point of his life. One of the top 10 contestants in Indian Idol- 3, Parleen today is living his dream.
"Indian Idol got us love and recognition not only in the country but the world over. Today we have a band, F4, cut our own album, performed extensively and toured the world," shares Parleen, who was in the city to lead a promotion drive for Indian Idol-5. Parleen dreamed of having his picture on a music album cover and is thankful to Sony for making his dream come true. "Indian Idol gave us the platform to perform. The exposure that we got here changed our lives in no time. By god's grace we have made it early. Today we band-mates have a flat in Mumbai, own our car and are making our kind of music." An Army officer's son, Parleen sees his idol in Sonu Nigam. "I want to make it big in music industry and that's no child's play. It's Sonu Nigam and his success that inspires me." On a tour of various cities to promote Indian Idol, Parleen is happy with the response he got in Chandigarh, "People know Indian Idol here. Youngsters relate to me and look forward to the fact that if a 22-year-old graduate can make it, so can they." And his message to wannabe singers? "Confidence is the key. Share your plans with your family, be sincere and follow your dreams." mona@tribunemail.com |
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Open happiness
Gearing up for the summers ahead, Coca-Cola India unveiled the latest communication for Open Happiness campaign for brand Coca-Cola for 2010. The all-new communication features Bollywood sensation and the new Coca-Cola Brand Ambassador - Imran Khan. The latest communication is based on the spontaneous human connections between people, who are unlike each other. The latest campaign leverages the appeal of an Invisible Bottle of Coca-Cola. The latest communication is targeted at the youth and aims to build an emotional connect by bringing to life the silent yet unique interaction of two strangers connecting over a bottle of Coca-Cola — aptly explained by the tagline Coke Khule Toh Baat Chale (Coke Opens Up Possibilities). Also featuring in the new communication is Kalki Koechlin of the Dev D fame.
Commenting on his association Coca-Cola brand ambassador and Bollywood sensation, Imran Khan said, "As an adolescent, I was always fascinated by Coca-Cola and today it feels great to be a part of the brand that I have grown up with. This is actually the first and the only endorsement that I have signed in over a year and a half since I have joined the film industry. It was the only endorsement I wanted to sign, before they ever came to me. Aamir has been endorsing Coca-Cola for 10 years now and ever since I was a kid and I used to watch his ads. I have always considered Coca-Cola to be synonymous with refreshment and happiness. I am sure everyone will find the new Coca-Cola communication extremely engaging." According to Anand Singh, director, marketing- Colas, Coca-Cola India, "Coca-Cola has been growing successfully and has established a strong connect with the youth. We owe this to the consistent communication with the target audience over the years we have struck the right chord in India. The global communication initiative is all about inviting people to welcome small moments of joy and happiness into their lives. The idea really is to pause, enjoy a bottle of Coca-Cola and also enjoy life's simple pleasures. Through our latest Open Happiness Campaign, we aim to further create a strong emotional connect with today's youth and we are happy to bring Imran Khan on board as the new Coca-Cola brand ambassador. I am sure that the consumers will find the communication extremely appealing. |
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Unity we lack
Director Anurag Kashyap says the Hindi film industry lacks integrity and that if Bollywood had united, the ruckus created by the Shiv Sena over Shah Rukh Khan's My Name is Khan could have been avoided. "If it is considered to be an industry, people should have unity among themselves. At least once, they should unite and show that we are working, we are also professionals. They never do that so these people dare and take advantage of it," Kashyap said
The Shiv Sena had opposed the film's release after Shah Rukh Khan refused to apologise for saying that Pakistani cricketers should have been included in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Sena activists had vandalised several theatres in Mumbai that were to screen My Name Is Khan, which also stars Kajol. "Bigger the star you fight with, higher the media attention you draw. They make use of it too. Nothing...you need not to go to Australia or Pakistan and die in their hands, stay in Mumbai, Shiv Sena will kill you," said Kashyap, who has made films like Black Friday and Dev D. Asked if he was tagging the Shiv Sena as terrorist, he said: "What to say...people are scared of them, they are pelting stones on cinema halls, breaking glasses, incurring damages. What is their standpoint? "Shah Rukh Khan said that teams should be allowed to hire Pakistani players and they say that Pakistan had attacked us, how could Shah Rukh advocate their inclusion in the IPL teams? We are subjected to more attacks from insiders here. You need not go anywhere and have an unfortunate death, stay in Mumbai," Kashyap added. —
IANS |
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Happily busy
Kajol is happy to juggle among family, acting and social work From Baazigar to My Name is Khan, Kajol is one of the most sensitive and hard working actors in Bollywood. She was last seen in Ajay Devgan's home production U Me Aur Hum and in a song with Shahrukh Khan in Yash Raj Films Rabb Ne Bana Di Jodi. Now, she is back in what seems to be another award-winning performance My Name is Khan with her favourite actor Shahrukh Khan. Lifestyle talks to the actor. How confident are you about this film? We worked very hard for this film. I am confident that it is going to be the best film of 2010. It has an exciting story, a perfect climax and excellent performances by the lead stars. Describe your role? I play Mandira who is also a single mother living in San Francisco. Do you think it will live up to the expectations of the audiences? It is a moving story based on what had happened after the 9/11 attacks, brilliantly directed by Karan Johar. So, I guarantee you no one will be disappointed. You are paired opposite SRK. What do you say about him? What can I say about Shahrukh Khan except that he is a fantastic and a superb actor. This film will set a different standard and people will come out of it talking only about Mandira and Rizwan. How do you rate Karan Johar as a director? Karaj Johar is one of the best directors I have worked with so far. You can see it for yourself how the film is. What do you do when you are not working? Apart from my daughter Naysa and husband Ajay Devgan, social events take up all my free time. I am happily busy. What are your future films? Toonpur Ka Super Hero with Ajay and Dharma Production's Love You Maa. — Dharam Pal
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Sukhmani — hope of life
Produced by Gurdas Maan and Gurikk Maan, film Sukhmani-Hope for Life marks the debut of Manjeet Maan as a director. She has come up with an interesting story of a decorated Major Kuldeep Singh, played by Gurdas Maan. Manjeet shows immense promise as a director with her penchant for creating a fresh ambience with authentic way of telling a story straight with army background.
The technical values are also good and the music by Jaidev Kumar is well-used. A nice touch is the way the Punjabi songs penned by Gurdas Maan is employed. Sukhmani gets a lot of strength from the presence of Juhi Chawla, Gurdas Maan, Divya Dutta, Bhagwant Maan and Anup Soni are perfectly cast. What we carry back is the journey of a decorated Army officer who overcomes personal trauma and social indignity to uphold the morals of the army and the honour of a woman. —
Dharam Pal |
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Getting spooky
After offering a starkly realistic media drama in Rann, Bollywood director Ram Gopal Varma is venturing into the territory of 3D films, with his horror flick Warning.
"There are lots of things that need to be explored in India. The international market is doing great in 3D films and there seems to be a great demand for these kind of movies across the globe," Varma said.
Sensing huge opportunities in this genre, the filmmaker is currently working on perhaps the country's first 3D-horror movie Warning and says that the plot line and other things including the star cast are still in its initial stages and undecided. "It is too early to say about the film," he said. Varma has earlier tried his hands at horror with psychological and supernatural thrillers like Bhoot (2003), Phoonk (2008) and the episodic Darna (Darna Mana Hai and Darna Zaroori Hai) series. He is now ready with its second instalment of Phoonk, directed by Milind Gadagkar. Phoonk -2 is likely to be released in April this year. The writer-director-producer is also contemplating of making another movie on the underworld gang warfare. "It's been long time I haven't made a movie on underworld. I won't say I am very much fascinated towards it but I love to unearth facts and true stories," Varma said. The underworld movie line-up of RGV include Satya (1998) and Company (2002) followed by D (2005), which was produced by him. —
PTI |
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On the occasion of the forthcoming Valentine Day, a fan of Katrina sent her a gift she never imagined in her dreams, a gorgeous bouquet of the most spectacular purple lotus. The purple lotus has been one of Katrina's favourite bloom. Katrina is baffled as to how this fan unearthed this completely unknown fact about her. Anyways, she's not complaining and was last seen enjoying the company of these blooms.
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Finding the missing missive
It's the day of love. And when people around are using flowers, cards and gifts, why not profess your love through a heartfelt letter?
Although modern technology has made communication easier, some still prefer it the good old way! "A love letter means that the person really cares for you. An sms, a card, wall post or a scrap, is something you send to all you know, but a love letter is for the special someone," says Tarika, an arts student from the city. "Love letters hold value for they are so rare today," says Rohit Syal, an event manager. "If a person sits, takes a pen and paper and actually writes (that we seldom do today) it definitely means a lot," he adds. "There is hardly any better way to express your innermost feelings than a hand-written letter," says Ranjay Vardhan, a city sociologist. "The bond that a letter creates is truly special. In fact, sometimes counsellors actually suggest that partners should write to each other, as it strengthens the bond." "Today communication has become instant but it definitely lacks the depth of a letter," says Dr Birinder Kumr Pannu Parwaz, who loves to write poetry and dramas in her free time. Going back in time, she recalls, "My husband was in defence services. I could not always accompany him on his postings; it's the letters that kept us connected for 16 years that we spent away from each other. The long wait for the postman and then holding your husband's letter in the hands was such a charm," she smiles. Her husband Brigadier (retd) Pritam Singh Pannu adds, "In fact, I was more prompt in sending letters. It was my way of supporting my wife who handled the home front so well even in my absence." No wonder then, they treasure their letters even to this day! "Some credit must also be given to postal services that ferried these love notes across the length and breadth of the entire country," says software professional Ravinder Pal Singh. "When I was away to the US for a few days, I chose to write in my diary what I felt for my beloved rather than emailing," he adds. mona@tribunemail.com
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Valentine vandals
Sreedhara Bhasin The victory of the East India Company over Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah at the battle of Plassey is judged to be pivotal in leading to the eventual formation of the British Empire in today's South Asia. It enabled the merchants to acquire ruling power. The British were aided by greed, treachery amongst ranks and a curious belief system that validated the notion of subjugation to a foreign power. We are now losing an invisible and imperceptible battle against the West again - only this time, the victory belongs to the great American business enterprise - good old capitalism with a big C. This defeat is changing our society from within and cannot be undone by a Mahatma and his masses, for in this clever war they have won over the hearts and the pockets of the masses! Last year, I read with dismay the news of Valentine vandalism in our beloved Rose Garden. Apparently, Valentine aspirants robbed the garden of roses the night before Valentine's Day. This somehow distressed me a great deal. This was a blow against the core of Chandigarh - a city that is like a monument to a rich tradition of aesthetics, grace and flowers. I have always loved the utter bewilderment settling on the face of the visitors from other cities when they see the flowers and ask - "How come no one picks the flowers? This is unthinkable in our so and so city!" Yes, it is stupendously unthinkable for many Indians (especially those from metros) how eco-friendly Chandigarh is, how grand our parks and gardens are and how we have resisted advances of turning every scenic spot into a highpoint of commercial activity. I have nothing against Valentine's Day personally, but do understand that a big part of it is a wonderfully crafted and implemented business enterprise - red roses being an effective product marketed cleverly and to targeted audience. In the US, people spend hideous amounts for their yearly bout. The Chandigarh boys found a less expensive avenue! You can argue that this conquest is already raging. Doesn't Microsoft now rule the entire world? Can a non-technical person buy and use a PC without the Windows OS? Aren't we all aspiring for De Beers diamonds and Audis? It is a flat world and the barriers are crumbling. But why are we only choosing the pretty and the pleasing that is ostensibly Western? Why don't we follow traffic rules as they do in the West? Why don't we strive to install emergency medical aid so that road accident victims don't bleed to death on the spot? As I finish typing this up, I have a plea to all Valentine aspirants. This year, please leave the roses alone. Take your sweetheart for a stroll in the garden and tell her she is prettier than what hangs in the thorny branches! matkachowk@gmail.com
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Tarot TALK
ARIES: Knight of wands brings gracious and aesthetic influences in your life. A relative or long-term companion may now wish to re-establish an unhealthy emotional pattern from the past. Go slow and reaffirm your boundaries. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky color: Pink.
TAURUS: The karmic wheel of fortune turns in your favor. Visitors and news from overseas is heartening. Stay grounded and practical to escape the clutches of people who make empty promises. Tip: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky color: Brown. GEMINI: The ace of pentacles leads to actualization of personal and professional plans. At home you consider making the improvements necessary before any weather changes create havoc. Some delay in financial settlements is possible to conserve resources for now. Tip: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky color: Magenta. CANCER: The chariot brings you face to face with truths and priorities. Emotional matters may not be easy for you to handle. New friendships will develop through group events. Stick to your diet and work to improve your health. Tip: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky color: Crimson. LEO Queen of cups is in a combustible mood, so expect social plans to flare up. You may be attracted to a good cause rather than a dream lover. A sudden change of attitude may get you out of a rut and put you in a powerful position. Tip: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky color: White. VIRGO: The emperor gets you in touch with you leadership qualities. You are best to stick to yourself on Saturday. You will find yourself more than capable of bringing your dreams into reality. Running and playing with your beloved or one who is extremely attractive will make you a star on Wednesday. Tip: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky color: Wine red. LIBRA: The priestess infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Be careful don't lose your temper even if you are provoked. Your love life will be smooth sailing and spending time with your partner will help you relax. Tip: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky color: Black. SCORPIO: The moon takes you through a difficult karmic situation. Watch your temper and do not let it overwhelm you. If the stress is too much, close your door and go it alone. Tip: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky color: White. SAGGITARIUS: You make an impact and shine like the star. A certain situation may be coming to a head. Be careful not to over-commit yourself. New opportunities are in the offing; keep your options open. Tip: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky color silver grey. CAPRICORN: You card the hierophant takes you through a variety of experience to learn from. Loved ones now need to improve the present and forget the past; be supportive. Tip: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky Color: Golden. AQUARIUS: You draw nine of cups, which put you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Don't make any sudden moves until you have all the information you need. Allow your heart to lead the way in personal relationships. Tip: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky color: Peach. PISCES: You are active, dynamic, swift and strong like the knight of wands. Drawing room needs creative touch. If connected with international trade you may face some trouble on Wednesday. Tip: Learn from past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky color: Green. |
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