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Our men in BLACK What Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are to Hollywood, Shiv Singh is to City Beautiful. Baffling? Here's a clue. All three are Men in Black, literally. However, the difference is while the former two are known for saving the world from
alien invasions, our homegrown 'Man in Black' is an artist and sculptor and his unique identity was established much before the former duo hit the theatres. For those of us who made their entry in the art circle lately, Shiv Singh has always been an enigma, for his all-black attire, including the turban, as much as his creativity. And, we were in awe of his courage to be able to embrace the unique identity. But we were wrong. Wearing all black was a trend, heralded even before Shiv Singh came into the picture. And, the man who started it is back in town after a long career all over the world. He is Hardev Singh, an artist, who started this trend way back in 1962-64 when he first joined the Government College of Art as a faculty member. By his own admission, "I was young and restless and wanted to be different. So, I started wearing black, head to toe." What is more, he even started carrying a black cat to match his attire. As his life and career progressed, he got over what he now calls an 'eccentricity' but it was just the starting point of a cult, with Kartar Singh, Charanjit Singh Matharu and Shiv Singh becoming dedicated members. Hardev found a follower in Charanjit Singh Matharu. "He came to Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, where I had just joined. He was wearing black and looked great. I was young and desperate to have my own identity. Hardev's dress code played on my psyche and I too started wearing black. My boys thought I looked great too and it became my signature style," he recalls. Artist Kirpal Singh was another in the league who followed the trend for a while during the same time. But his inspiration came from Sufism; black bringing in the element of mysticism. Shiv Singh too admits that he owes his fondness for black and also orange (the colour he wears as fifty under his turban) to the place of his origin — Basi Gulam Hussain village near Hoshiarpur. "My village has 50 per cent Muslims and an equal number of Sikhs. I grew up in the company of Sufi saints who used to wear black cholas and one Mauni baba who wore orange all the time. Both the colours became part of my identity and by the time I was doing my five-year diploma course, my wardrobe consisted of clothes only in black and orange," he says. The dress code remained throughout his life. "I am the black man, not the black sheep," comes his black humour and we agree. Rather far from it, our 'Men in Black' brigade can give Tommy Lee and Will Smith a run for their money! parbina@tribunemail.com |
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Look who’s back Last minute touch ups at newly opened Look Unisex Saloon in Sector 17. Flower and candlelight arrangement, guests pouring in, Kerastase Paris haircare and skincare products being taken out from cartons and being neatly placed; bouncers queued up, a lot happening here and there. And then walks in a man, with a small bag (a pouch kind of thing) hanging from his shoulders, salt and pepper hair. But what catches the eye is the silence and calmness around him. He takes note of the detailing done at the Looks Saloon, and finally settles down for a chit-chat. Can't believe, he made hearts flutter with his looks and smile. You bet every girl (age no bar) was ready to give her Qurbani for the handsome man. Vinod Khanna, the style icon of the 70s, carried a style, razzmatazz and sophistication around. Today, when he is all set to play his fourth innings in Bollywood, we scrutinize him from head to toe. A little grey of the hair and an easy walk, and of course numerical increase in age, Vinod Khanna is still a charmer. "I never followed style, neither did I make a conscious effort to be stylish," says Vinod Khanna. "I did a lot of cycling, martial arts and boxing in my childhood. Otherwise, I did not take any special lessons in acting, neither did I pump iron at the gym." The actors today sure need to take some lessons. "But, I wouldn't deny. I like to use nice hair products, and probably a nice massage once in a while." It is all set after the sabbatical. The mind is at peace and is used only when Vinod Khanna wants to. "This is what meditation does to you. I have been practicing it for almost 35 years now. It energises me immediately and I rely on it for instant strength till date," shares the actor. The secret behind such a long inning! "I am all set for the fourth one. I am already working on two projects. One is Dabang and the other one is Tell Me O Khuda by Hema Malini. I think not many people in the industry know that I have come back. The word has spread and I am expected to do more work now. And, I am liking the roles I am doing," he smiles calmly. We wonder what makers the actor-politician return to movies again. "Money, he laughs, it is important for survival." He returns to the word 'politician'. "I don't see myself as a politician. I am a social worker who tried to do everything possible for my constituency. Besides, I also feel to do something for the people, you don't need to hold a position of power," adds Vinod Khanna. There still remains a desire for 'more'. "Not really. I am flowing with time, at ease. I did all kinds of roles, played a dacoit, and never stereotyped myself. I worked for the people, I did television, which I don't think has developed to an extent to put the actors at ease, and now I am back to acting," says the actor who sticks to a strict vegetarian diet of fruits and lots of veggies. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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A royal feast Well, then this is your chance to savour something authentic in a rich and traditional ambience, straight out of a chapter from the Mughal Era. The new dining restaurant in sector-35, Siona, is all set to shine with its authentic cuisines, relaxing ambience and splendid interiors. A tribute to the royal legacy of Mughal India, especially Avadh cuisine of Nawabs of Lucknow, Siona is like going back in time when eating was a luxury, a ceremony, savoured to the hilt. If saddle type seats in the bar area are reminiscent of a time when kings and their men would go down hunting on horse backs, the dining area with a seating capacity of 65 (approximately) transports you to a rich legacy. Soothing sound of piano in the background, hand-picked traditional items of décor, chefs dressed in black, candle lights on the tables, tales of the royal floating around; and not to forget the aromatic fragrance of those authentic spices, which probably you have heard of or read only in books, Siona truly offers it all. Mentions Rajvinder Singha, general manager operations, "The inspiration of Siona comes from the last Nawab of Lucknow, Wajid Ali Shah, who was an acclaimed connoisseur of the Mughal Era. We have brought down chefs of over 25 years experience from ITC Ltd and Taj group, who specialize in the authentic Lucknawi cuisines." So, everything authentic from Galouti kebabs, Kakori kebabs to Mewa-Mawe-Ki-Seekh figures on the menu. Its time to breeze through the menu, but chef Anjum Hasan, who has been roped in to supervise the authenticity of the dishes tell us, "If making food is an art, so is eating. So, when you sit down to eat make sure the clock stops there." Rajni Kakkar, the lady who has tastefully done the interiors of the place, hand-picking and compiling the theme of every single element, agrees. "Siona is about an experience, which is possible only if you invest your heart, soul and mind into it." Everything in place, we take considerable time to go through the menu. Succulent kebabs, delicate biryani and exotic Mughal recipes and that too nominally priced! The menu lays an array of choices. Lassi, Chach, Jal Jeera, Chana Shorwa, Subz Shorwa, Gulafee Surkh Paneer Tikka, Paneer Saufiana Tikka, Paneer Beerbali Tikka, Hara Bhara Kebab, Subz Galawati, Faldari Seekh, Achari Jheenga, Murg Afghani, Murgh Shahi Seekh, Tangri Lazeez, Mutton Kakori Seekh, Mutton Boti Kebab to Paneer Kurchan, Paneer Beerbali Pasanda, Gobhi Matter Ka Korma, Dal Siona, fish, choice of rice and rotis to desserts. Wholesome fine
treat! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Spa-cial treatment La Opulence, unisex salon supported by Wella professionals, a leading name in hair styling, professional beauty care and skin treatments, has launched a spa in Sector 15. The salon is specialsed in hair colouring, hair styles, treatments like dandruff, scalp purifying, nail art, massage and spa. Grace, unit head and beauty expert, La Opulence, said, "It is important to take care of skin and hair by experts to make them healthy and beautiful. La Opulence provide all kinds of skin treatments ie, acne, pigmentation, dark circles, wrinkles, open pores, oily and dry skin treatments with deep analysis of the skin types." The La Opulence is spread in over 3,000 square feet area in three floors. The ground floor houses hair styling and nail art facilities, while the second floor is dedicated for bridal makeover and facial. The spa is located on the second floor of the building. The facilities of massage, pedicure and manicure also available on the top floor, where wall paintings of Lord Buddha make the ambience peaceful and meditative. |
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The grey area
There's a characteristic enlargement of heads and features in each of his works. An exhibition of paintings, drawings and print-making by Kulpreet Singh, MA, fine arts student, Punjabi University, Patiala, aims to capture the complex thought process of the human mind, the chaos inside, the knots, and the doubts. He says, "They are all on or tangentially related top dreams, how there are a lot of flashbacks in our mind and when we get up there's nothing." The artist, through 44 canvases, all in hues of brown, black and whites, aims to achieve an alarming effect by enlarging or merging or mutilating figures. He says of his first solo exhibit, "I've just tried portraying evolution of forms. They are works in shadow." Perhaps, that explains the ample use of tortoise, fish, pigeon forms in the displays. "All of these took random time. Some of them could be completed in five minutes, while some took about five hours." One depicts a man lying on the cot, resting in sleep upside down; there's an odd expression of the eyes in another, yet another plainly follows the cycle of life signified through an oval. Yet another shows a lotus, beauty of nature with various forms all around. There's a vague human form in one and just hands. "In one of my works I've depicted a human being praying; above him a shadow lurking standing for deep-rooted fear and how a human mind prays only when in fear." He adds, "I hardly used any colour, for one they are distracting. Moreover, the brown stands for something down to earth, it's a muted tone and reminds that we should be rooted all the time."
— TNS (On till March 20 at Government Museum and Art Gallery - 10) |
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Start afresh Shagun Mehta It is amazing how many times I have been answering questions like this or very similar ones. It seems there is a bevy of selfish men around who are just complete emotional users. Please check yourself what you have get out of this relationship and see if the last ten years you have spent with him have been really worth the emotional price that you have paid and are still paying to him. It's time you face the hypocrisy of the situation. I don't think that any relationship that is built on deceit and lies can give you a semblance of total peace and happiness. I think you need to pull yourself out of this situation. He seems to have it all, while you seem to have the suffering. Make yourself strong within. Defy the emotional weakness within yourself and reach out to something better and stronger. Move on
I am a 34 years old women and suffering from anger and depression. My life has not been easy, ever since I remember a very angry mother who beat me up all the time raised me. I did not listen to her and I grew up feeling very resentful towards her. I got married to the first man who proposed to me thinking that if I ran away from her I would perhaps find love in a marriage but this did not happen. My husband was a very angry man and used to beat me a lot. I have one daughter but I left my husband's home and now I am back to my mother. Why is this happening to me? I feel angry with God and life. I was a beautiful girl but my sad and miserable life has left an indelible impression on me. Please tell me what to do. Nihau Ahluwalia As I seem to read in your letter, life as you perceive it seem to have been not so fair. So I would suggest that you stop lying back and waiting for life to happen. You have to suggest to the Universe how you want your life to be. For that you must have clarity of thought and perception and a clear goal in your mind. You see you are living a pattern. Until you don't work on your relationship with your mother you will continue to attract the same kind of situation again. Get rid of your anger and reach out with love. Value your self and raise your self-esteem. Only you can do it. Just forget the past, pray for guidance and move on with your life. Be yourself
I am 25 and the youngest of the four siblings. I am completely fed up with being treated as a kid. I have started feeling very self critical and anxious. I have noticed that I am becoming extremely intolerant and short tempered too. I react instantly to anything and anyone. I constantly get the feeling that I am being mistreated and feel very sorry for myself. My parents have always pampered me a lot yet I feel that I have lost out on a lot in life by being the youngest. I seem to feel a lot of anger towards my siblings unnecessarily. Is there anyway I could change my attitude and feel like a better person? Avtar Tohana Please do not make your life miserable unnecessarily. Having brothers and sisters is a blessing. Do not get into sibling rivalry. I know it hard to deal with when you are treated as a kid at your age but then remember you are identifying too much with your ego. Your ego is getting pampered by putting yourself in this martyr mould and enjoying the self-pity that you are going through. Please quieten the negative chattering of your ego and move out in life in a more positive and self-assured manner. You are unique and wonderful as a human being in your own right. Learn to get in touch with your inner self through some quiet moments of refection on your own. No need to be in competition with your brothers and sisters. |
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When was the last time your entire family (yes entire) sat together for a fine dining experience? Given the fact that an ordinary table at a restaurant looks more like an exhibition of cuisines. 
I am about 45 years and have been having this very steady relationship with a man in my work place for the last 10 years. We have been fairly settled in with each other. He is married and has children. I am not married. Until now I have been happy with this arrangement but suddenly for the past few months it has started to bother me. I wake up from bad dreams where I seem to be walking on alone beach crying. I have discussed it with my friend, he just laughed it off saying that this is really a mid life crisis situation. He reassured me of his love and said I have nothing to worry about and he will always there in my life. But I am not comfortable with myself. Please advice.