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Warming up
This cricketer has the most modest opinion of himself. Mohammad Kaif rates himself as a 'completely' boring person, who has a close group of friends, who likes to meet people and these days is trying to take lessons in the art of talking. But we came back knowing another Kaif, post a 15-minute conversation. He is an introvert who can extend his conversation if you are ready to talk more than 'cricket', he can leave his lunch midway to pose and sign autographs; without a single crease on his forehead. This boy from Allahabad sure takes his stature seriously, without being pompous. "I was never a tech- savvy person, but now I am trying to catch up with technology," shares this Kings XI player. "I am learning to open up with people. I like to chat up with fans and try to live up to their expectations." Autographs, a great feeling to scribble your name on a paper or hand! (most teenage girls prefer to get an autograph on hands and arms) He smiles, (something that he should do more often) "It's okay, I have got used to it. I gave my first autograph in 2002." We know the rest of the story. And the female fan club? Says Kaif, "I didn't know I had female fan following as well." (Hey girls are you listening). "I make it a point to pose for pictures with my fans or give them autographs. Sometimes I am in a different state of mind, but I still try to be nice to everyone,”he says. Has Kaif ever approached anyone for an autograph? "You have a point here," he moves in his seat. "Let me think. Hmmm. No, never. I would like to take Amitabh Bachchan's autograph but." Because he has mentioned Amitabh's name, we assume he would be a movie buff too. And, we are right. "I watch flicks as and when I get time. The recent ones are Avataar and 3 Idiots. I am a huge Aamir fan," puts in the cricketer, who, when given an option comes up with 'business' as an alternate career for himself. "I started playing when I was very young, so I didn't have an option for an alternate career. Had I not been a cricketer, I would have been in Allahabad doing business. I respect all professions." Time for the final ball of the over. Like to work opposite any lady in Bollywood? "I have odd special appearances here and there, but films no, never. I am not cut for it. And, I am not answering 'favourite actor wala question'. You might construe it wrong." But when you are not interested in movies, you needn't think about favourite actor! Ah, a yorker. Howzzat Kaif?
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‘Live-in’ freedom
And in case you are struggling morally, socially and individually to find the answer, the Bench has one for you. "Living together is not a sin. It is not illegal and cannot be defined as 'criminal offence'." The example of Radha and Krishna settles the religious, mythological questions of credibility! Our legal torchbearers seem to be scoring good on the social reform chart, the glamour industry feels elated by the news (like it had any effect on them before); the moral police are aghast and the rebels impressed (for a change)! We try finding out the views of the common man, who still suffers from the decriminalisation of Article 377 hangover, on the subject. "I feel it is another bold decision taken by the highest judiciary in the country. I think it should have been done 25 years back. The decision represents India as a freethinking society where stereotypes should be broken. Now, people will be guilt-free while making choices about their life," says Arjun Kundu, an IT professional from Mohali. Another elated supporter is Anupama Gupta, working as a teacher in the city, "Why is everybody so fixed up on this subject? Its a personal thing and should not affect the overall moral count of the country." And they have an advice for the moral police as well. "Their focus should be to protest against rape, sexual harassment, eve-teasing and not on curtailing somebody's freedom. I think it is a positive move and one should not make a big deal out of it," feels Gaurav Chabra, director, Humlog. Aditya Sharma, a PR professional from the city, has another point to make. "Other than the personal sustainability of a live-in relationship and the commitment hassles involved, I believe it is not accepted because of the culture bend. It's like asking Irani women to go without burqa in their homeland." There are some who have mixed views. But the legal opinion is as clear as it gets, "There is no exclusive law that governs live-in relationship. The only remote legal angle to it is given by the Hindu Marriage Act, which again doesn't hold substance in this case. It is not contrary to IPC," shares Sanjive Peter, a practicing lawyer with the Punjab and Haryana High Court. But morally speaking, the difference comes, "There is a higher risk of emotional damage, relationship complications, danger of unwanted pregnancies, in case of live-ins," he adds. But then those who are opposing the decision, considering it as an easy way out from any kind of commitment, hear the deal. "If one has to walk out of a relationship, live-ins still are a better option than divorces," says Gaurav. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Colour of harmony
Years ago when Himachali artist Naresh Pandit borrowed techniques from the Pahari school of painting to capture contemporary themes, critics hailed it as a step in the right direction to popularise miniature art. The trend saw eminent artists like Vijay Chouhan from Ajmer and homegrown artist Viren Tanwar doing their bit to contribute for the cause. Viren's latest series on miniatures by the name Every Life Has a Story did Chandigarh proud at Vienna Essl Museum in Austria last year. But nothing had prepared us for this. that OP Taak, who is known as one of the last crusaders of Kangra school of art, too would follow suit. As for introduction, Taak, a 1957 batch of the College of Art student, now settled in Dharamsala, is an expert in the Kangra shaily chitrakala with 47 years of experience and more than 5,000 paintings. He was initiated into this particular genre by Gulabo Ram during the 1960s; the name to reckon with when it comes to Kangra miniatures. Coming to the changes that Taak is bringing into his latest series, it has more to do with themes rather than techniques. Based on religion, Taak, through his paintings, has taken upon himself to narrate stories from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Bible and Islamic history. "Kangra school of miniature has always been about Hindu deities. Having painted enough of Hindu mythology, I wanted to bring elements from other religions too," says Taak, who is in the city these days. The inspiration came from the Mughal paintings he used to admire as a child at his native village Wazirabagh (now in Pakistan), and also places he visited like the Jama Masjid in Delhi, churches in Goa and numerous Sikh shrines in Punjab. As a Kangra shaily loyalist, Taak is not deviating from his usual style either in size or style. The 29 frames on Sikhism and 28 on Christianity and a few half-painted ones on Islam still has the trade marks of Kangra paintings - side profile of the figures, the Dhauladhar mountain range for the background and detailing up to the borderline, and of course, colours made from natural sources. "Don't miss the titles because the title is one of the major elements when it comes to miniature paintings. Unlike the abstract artists who paint first and then tag it as 'untitled', we miniature artists first work on the title and then the storyline," Taak injects, making a dig at abstract art. The bitter tone comes from his experience of working with younger artists. "Painting miniatures is a tough job. One needs to sit continuously at least for eight to 10 hours daily. Younger generation is after quick fixes. Many budding artists show interest to learn the craft but after doing it for a while they shift gear, opting for abstract art," he explains. So, to keep the tradition alive or rather to make it more palatable for the younger generation, all this 73-year-old would do is introduce modern subjects like the fishermen community or contemporary Himachali culture to his frames. "With this religious series, I wanted to bring alive the concept of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Ishai… which I grew up listening to," he signs off; and we are left with the thought, what a befitting pilgrimage for a man who worshiped miniature art throughout his life! parbina@tribunemail.com
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Master strokes
The workshop is being inaugurated by Ashok Vajpeyi, a renowned poet, critic and chairman of the National Lalit Kala Akademi on March 28, at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10. The workshop will continue till April 1. This is a unique and rare opportunity for the participating young artists not only watch the maestro at work but also learn from him. He would be available to them and the visitors to share the pearls of his spontaneous flow of creative energy. — TNS
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Line of control
Have you ever thought of helping a child to explore his imagination, rediscover his dreams, vent out his emotions and channelise his energy constructively through what he wants to create; giving him the best start in life? Well! "Just let your child dabble with art." Art being the most natural and delightful expression helps a kid to explore his or her potential, providing each one of us with a key to a child's growth and development.Research on creativity documents that when children begin school, their level of creativity is evident and flourishing, but by the time they reach the fourth grade they become less playful and less ready to take risks and explore. This trend continues throughout school into adulthood. Therefore, it is utmost necessary for us to timely encourage children towards creative pursuits, training them towards aesthetic discovery. As so rightly stated by UNESCO, "The encouragement to be creative from an early age is one of the best guarantees of healthy growth, ensuring self-esteem and mutual respect, the most critical ingredients for building a culture of peace." It is time for us to realise that each work of art that a child produces, narrates a story about the child's physical, emotional and psychological life, helping him explore his memory and navigate into his world of dreams and fantasy. Art is considered to be one of the most effective medium to get to the inner being of children, in a way that language cannot do. Dabbling with color provides a child with a safe and conducive environment to express the most painful experiences with ease, using their sense modalities. Indulging in creative pursuits not only develops a sense of craftsmanship but also motivates a child to learn, by facilitating understanding and stimulating memory. Art being a natural vehicle for play instills in the child a spirit of collaboration and helps in developing perception, articulating a visionary perspective, building self confidence and fostering necessary values; generating self discipline. It refines a child's cognitive skills, enhances symbolic representation and spatial acuity leading to an acceleration in scholastic grades and overall academic achievement. Drawing and painting fosters divergent thinking and develops in them a sense of appreciation, patience, tolerance and the tact to manage emotions leading to a sound mind and a healthy body. Therefore, it is our foremost duty to encourage creativity by taking out time with a child's creation and showing respect towards his aesthetic ability.
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Last findings
In the most famous recreations of Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper, the size of the dishes and the meals served has grown by Bibilical proportions over the centuries, experts have claimed.The researchers from Cornell University in New York, who analysed more than 50 paintings of the most famous meal of all time, are of the opinion that over the centuries, the paintings have been a victim of "super-sizing". After a close scrutiny of the plates and their contents, the researchers concluded that the portions have ballooned by two- thirds in the past 1,000 years.While the meal sizes had grown by 69 per cent, plate sizes had risen by 66 per cent and that bread portions had increased by 23 per cent over the past 1,000 years, he said.
Suggesting that it is a case of art imitating life, Wansink said, "The increased serving sizes can help explain why people in the western world are getting fatter." A lot of people want to blame this on events of the last 20 years when, really, it's part of a much bigger trend," he said adding, "we think that as art imitates life, these changes have been reflected in paintings of history's most famous dinner."The Last Supper -- the meal Jesus took with his disciples before his betrayal and crucifixion -- is understood to be the origin of the ritual of Holy Communion.Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper, a mural in a church in Milan, is considered to be one of the greatest works of art. —
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Jazz it up
It's music! Emerges from the same seven rhythms, flows through the countries, across the continents, all the while assimilating, accumulating different influences. Like it did in the case of Amridan, a renowned group from Austria. The Austrian Cultural Forum, Federation of Film Societies and Chandigarh Film Society hold out the jazz concert invites. And in walk the jazz artistes, instruments in tow, and looks like they're just at home with African pieces as they are with Indian rhythms. The name Amridan? "We formed the band in 2002 and it basically is a mix of two things, Amrita that stands for elixir of life and dan, a Spanish word, meaning to give," Georg Gratzer, on the vocals, woodwinds, gets us started. He adds, "We play world music. It's like Latin raga meets tribal silence." No wonder, he leads his audience on a musical journey round the world through the four continents Asia, Australia, South America and Europe. And also the original musical styles from different countries - India, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Serbia…Just as the influences, the instruments too are from all over the world. Think Indian bansuri, Peruvian zampona, hulusi from China and so on. Shares Georg, "I keep changing, so coordination is not a problem. I play only one at a time." About the concert on Friday, "We'll be playing our own compositions plus some traditional pieces," they say. Since 2002, it's almost a decade of musical journey. Shares Georg, "We've been involved with different projects, playing at concerts, in short films, traveling all around." Currently, it's across India - Goa, Bhopal, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi. "I first came to India around two years ago and this is our third visit. But this time, we are touring several cities, and played at two places in Mumbai, in Blue Frog, it was very nice, it's an amazing disc, and at a private concert." Also part of the quartet is Hina Sarojini, the dancer from Singapore. She says, "I've learnt bharatnatyam, but since I've been working with different bands, my style has also changed." Her movements comprises Thai, Indian and Balinese elements. Part of the troupe, is Raul Sengupta, the percussionist, with India connect. Says Raul, "My father's family is from Kolkata, I learnt tabla in childhood but since I've lived in Europe for a long time now, I learnt to play various kinds of percussions." They don't know any Bollywood names but can rattle a string of Indian classical names, apart from the pervasive Pandit Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain. Thomas Mauerhofer has been into Indian music along with Kushal Das and Gundecha Brothers. Shares Georg, "It's very beautiful music, very old and great." Play on! manpriya@tribunemail.com To perform on March 26 at Plaza Sector 17.
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Sound wave
This common man's medium has grown into a glamorous entertainment industry and turned a simple radio announcer into a cool RJ! And look, who couldn't agree more. "More than the medium it's the voice-on-air that gets us hooked onto radio. And the script, the variation, modulations, voice over, dubbing, live programming…" and so goes on Anil Kak, a renowned voice artist of AIR, who shares the requirements, the essentials and the changes happening in the radio industry. The occasion was the launch of his book titled Essentials & Practices of Radio Management at the Press Club-27. The book, he says, "Will emphasise on the broader perspectives of the 'upcoming but little known' subject." "There is still a lot of confusion, even among most of the radio professionals, over the technicalities involved in the field. Studio is a practical training ground but it is important to have technically sound knowledge about the whole business," he adds. Speaking about the business involved, Kak, who belongs to the old school of radio announcers, says that the concept of RJ is glamorous, but as long as it lasts. "Pleasant, pleasing voice quality is not the only virtue to look for in radio. The diction and language has to be appealing too." Does that mean there is a mid way path between having an informal conversation or a strictly formal interaction by the RJs? "Sure. If you start comparing the then and now situation it will not be fair. Things that were accepted then are no longer valid now." He is joined by Vijay Vashist, a former AIR announcer, who unveiled the book, "We used to practice lines before going on air and sometimes discuss them days in advance to know how to say and in what way to speak. But today, everything is live and fast, which is not bad, just the training grounds are lacking." A reason why Kak opened his own training institute, Wings. Apart from his book, which is full of details about the radio industry, he shares his own secret: "I used to practice speaking in front of a mirror." nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Being a successful, wanted and popular cricketer is a tremendous job, we agree. But someone please tell the cricketers, being a 'dedicated' fan is an equally challenging job. We shift the focus on the scene of action - Hotel Mountview, where the players of Kings XI and Kolkata Knight Riders are enjoying their stay. At any point of the day, 10-15 fans (mind you, irrespective of age) hang around the lobby on one pretext or the other (Read - No outsider is allowed to hang around in the hotel, especially the lobby without any reason). This is the first hurdle, which the crazy and committed fans manage to successfully overcome. On an overdose of patience, these fans wait, wait and wait to catch the sight of the cricketers. The minute someone sees Sourav Ganguly come into the lobby, boys, girls, kids, aunties, uncles, pretty ladies, models form a security cover around him. Daada sure doesn't need real security! It is autograph singing time here. Sakshi Talwar, a class eleventh student from Delhi who is her for the match between Kings XI and Kolkata Knight Riders, is brimming with joy, showing Daada's autograph and picture to her cousins. "I came to Mountview in the morning because I was told I might see cricketers moving to and fro in the lobby and Café. I waited and waited, finally I have Sourav's autograph. I will be hanging around for a while more. I might see Yuvraj and Brett Lee. I am ready to station here for the rest of my life to see the two players." Didn't we say, being a fan is an equally demanding job? — Jasmine Singh
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Side Lanes
It is hard to believe that four years ago we left a Garden City called Bangalore to relocate to Chandigarh. The city we left behind had ancient trees, magnificent climate, and a cocooned life led by its elite. Its downside was overcrowding, unplanned construction, eye-smarting polluted air, pot-holed, narrow roads, garbage heaps, unruly traffic and a restless, floating population. For us, the language was another problem but gestures were used to promote greater understanding. After all another helping of sambar, steaming rice or a couple of idlis could wend their way onto a banana leaf without the help of words!
In 2004 we carried the essential kitchen, a few cushions, sheets, pillows and a suitcase each of clothes to be with Raoul as he joined Mallya Aditi International for his final school years. We invested in half-a-dozen mattresses to sleep and sit on. We were the support team as he put in his best to get into a university in the US. No one knew which university, as it was the next item on an unexplored agenda in the distant future. Whenever I was not cooking, ironing or scrubbing utensils, I taught English to a stream of extremely polite Koreans, and Oz shopped and vacuumed. Our young, free-spirited, fun- loving son realised what we had sacrificed to be with him. He morphed into a studying machine, capable of working into the wee hours of the morning. His room was a mosaic of post-its of different colours according to subjects and yet-to-do chores. When I cracked an ankle and still slept on the floor, spending agonising minutes trying to get up every morning, Raoul's determination to do well grew. Ultimately, delving through mountains of letters, prospectuses, forms and brochures, we homed in on St. Johns University, Queens, New York. Our son is graduating from there this summer. In 2006, our task completed, we bid Raoul farewell as he boarded a flight into the unknown. Most of his classmates were escorted into the new country by a parent or a relative. We could not afford the ticket so he had to go alone. He was sick and trembling with the idea of what lay before him. Even as he repacked and weighed his boxes for the umpteenth time, tears coursed down his babyish, hairless cheeks. As I held him, I said he did not have to go, but we would never be able to make the same effort again. He decided to go. Last week, we went to Bengaluru. As the name changed, so has the Garden City. There are six lane highways, as smooth as silk. Many of the roadside dividers and walls are covered with the most exquisite murals showing the heritage spots of Karnataka. They are not defaced by graffiti, as the citizens are now proud of their city. Massive pillars, holding up old bridges, have been painted with the auspicious blue and gold colours of ancient India. As we drove through, we had the distinct impression of going through Hastinapur or Dwarka as they existed thousands of years ago. Some crossroads are guarded by granite elephants. The long route to the airport is garlanded by a riot of colourful, fragrant flowers. Our grandson Dhruv says the airport is better than any international one he has seen. Time changes all. Our son has become a balanced young man on the threshold of a new and exciting life. Bengaluru is proof of what can be done in impossible situations, provided the will and the peoples' approval is guaranteed. |
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No negativity
In Patiala for the shooting of 'Yamla Pagla Deewana', Gurbachan is happy to be back to where he belongs. And the man who turns 60 tomorrow is gung-ho about the project. He shares a few things about the entertainment industry and his work. Gurbachan began his Bollywood journey as a duplicate, following which he became an assistant stunt director and later landed up with his first role. The rest, as they say, is history. Few of his memorable movies as action coordinator include Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Prem Rog and Dil Ka Heera. And as villain, he is known for his roles in Prof Pyarelal, Hum Paanch, Mr Natwarlal, Pukar, Qayamat et al. He has also done four Punjab flicks - 'Uchha Dar Babe Nank Da', Lambardarni, Kurbaani Jatt Di and Man Jeete Jag Jeet. In 'Yamla Pagla Deewana', Gurbachan plays the role of Anupam Kher's manager who looks after his illegal businesses. And why only negative roles? "Villains have always had a special place in Hindi cinema. All that matters for an artiste is a good role, rest is secondary," he smiles. He adds that the movie is fresh in its approach. "Sunny Deol plays a Sikh boy who is married to a white girl in Canada. Later, he returns to India to find his father and brother," he informs. While appreciating Dharmendra's indomitable spirit, Gurbachan says at the age of 75 he has more life than many youngsters. "He is a man who motivates. I have never seen a more closely knit family. Both Sunny and Bobby just adore their father." Any unforgettable moment "I got a chance to wear Dalip Kumar's clothes during a shoot once. Who would not want to be in the shoes of such a legend? I will cherish it forever," he signs off.
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If two persons, man and woman, want to stay together, what is the offence they are committing? Who can oppose them? These were the questions put forward by the Supreme Court panel looking into petitions filed by South Indian actress Khusboo, which sought annulment of 22 FIRs filed against her by Tamil activists for her alleged statement on live-in relationships, sex before marriage and virginity.
Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi is organising an Art Workshop with celebrated artist Jatin Das along with 10 upcoming artists from the city.
It comes with a morning cup of tea, stays with us while driving back home, helps us through the boring lectures; hours of waiting for our date to turn up and nagging sessions with our dear ones. FM Radio has been there all this while and wiling away hours has become easy ever since.
Over 500 movies in 40 long years…is what defines Gurbachan Singh, our 'dear' villain from Bollywood. Born and brought up in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Gurbachan, with time, has earned the appreciation of millions of movie buffs.