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Note worthy
Indian classical music is spiritual, sublime and scientific in character. Classical music has many enriching cultural contexts," says Padmavibhushan Pandit Jasraj, doyen of the Mewati gharana of music.
"However, influences from the West had diluted the sanctity and quality, which was fortunately short-lived and now it has bounced back in its former glory," he adds. The classical vocal music wizard Pandit Jasraj is in the city on the invitation of Director Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs, Haryana and Haryana Kala Parishad for a concert at Tagore Theatre on Wednesday. We catch Pandit Jasraj at Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal's house and he gives us his take on the contemporary music scene. On music education in colleges, universities and under the guru-shishya parampara, he says that such formal education enables to choose one's calling and a guru must be revered as the supreme. "Instead of finding faults in a teacher or a guru, one must introspect himself. A student or disciple is too naïve to assess the competence of his teacher or guru. I was most fortunate to have the patronage of Pandit Vinay Chander Maudgalya, great musicologist and my godfather," he says with pride. Gharanas enforce a particular discipline and impart typical musical style as propounded by the gharana. As a guru, I am rejuvenated to see my disciples like Rattan Shanker, Durga Jasraj, Sanjeev Abhyankar, Neeraj Parikh, Sashank Subramaniyam, Hemang, Gargi Sidhant, Kala Ramnath , Tripati Mukerjee and Sadhna Sargam reigning well in Bollywood. On music-based reality shows, Pandit Jasraj holds optimistic view as these shows are bringing forward the latent talent and also propagating appreciation for classical music. "In fact, I too had planned a similar contest in classical genre but it could not take off as lekin chingari sulagh rahi hai," he laughs. Hailing from Hisar, raised in the family that holds allegiance to the Mewati gharana, Jasraj was initiated into music by his father guru Pandit Motiramji, a classical exponent. Later, he was groomed by elder brother Pandit Maniramji and from his spiritual guru Maharaja Jaywant Singhji Waghela. During the childhood, he was also greatly influenced by famous ghazal singer Begum Akhtar. Credited with dozens of classical albums and rightfully decorated with honours, he claims that the top musical gharanas and legends had come from the soil of Haryana and Punjab. Watch the maestro in a concert at Tagore Theatre on April 14. |
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Wealth of information
What does it take to be different? A crazy mind, what else! "Of course yes," Chew Hua Seng nods his head in approval. "It needs just one crazy person to think different, who can create an out of the world thing that sets the trend."
We agree. Ranchod Das Chanchar of 3 Idiots was that one unusual mind. And today, we met up with another one, who dares do be different. Chew Hua Seng, the name did not ring the bell in the first instance, but the information on him is exciting. The man in question is named the 12th richest person in Singapore by Forbes, and he is the founder chairman and CEO of Raffles Education Corporation Limited. In the city to talk about Raffles International (a) joint venture between RafflesEducationCorp Limited and Educomp Solutions Limited, Chew wants us to focus our attention on the institute and not on 'his wealth.' He laughs, "I see it as a blessing. At the same time, I also know nothing is permanent. I take it in my stride, and this is it. Also, I feel life gave me a chance. I utilised and today I have got another chance to provide the students with creative technical knowledge through Raffles Millennium International College in Chandigarh." We readily shift out attention to the college and its offerings. "From fashion designing, animation, jewellery designing and graphic designing, business programs, we provide all kinds of courses, puts in Chew. "The idea is to create creative entrepreneurs, who can be set up their own ventures and take their teachings to a much higher level. At Raffles Millennium we provide students with international faculties and professionals. They are placed in different international campuses to hone their skills." An advocate of 'make use of choices in life', Chew feels 'that we generally judge children on the basis of the grades in school. A student with average grade can do well in life? Nature gives us an ability to be diverse, so go grab it and make 'life' different'. |
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Act 2
What's with him now? An amazingly good repertoire of work, international standing in his field and all the money! Isn't this enough? So, what's making Bollywood singer Sukhwinder try his hands at acting too, making a debut with Kuchh Kariye, at this stage of his life and career! Okay, age is no bar to begin a new chapter in life. But, why the itch to be an actor?
"Let me explain," Sukhwinder the actor takes the stage. "I didn't want to be an actor, not even in my wildest dreams. I was signed to sing a song in this movie. After recording the track, I asked them to give me another song to record. It was while I was doing the playback for the second song, the filmmakers floated the idea of acting. I refused it. They insisted, narrated the script, and I finally said yes." What are his expectations as an actor? "I am satisfied with my career. Sukhwinder does not need to run around to prove himself. I got an opportunity and I grabbed it." Isn't this the same explanation every Punjabi singer making an acting debut generally gives? "These singers plan their entry into films. I hadn't planned my acting career. It just happened." More from Sukhwinder, the actor. "I took lessons in acting for two months," he smiles and adds, "At the same time, I wasn't too finicky about how I looked on screen, which profile was better. I was satisfied to see myself on screen. The best part about me as an actor is that you won't find any desperation on my part," shares the Jai Ho singer. Kuchh Kariye is based on the current socio-political scenario. Sukhiwnder plays the lead as Rishi, a simple and honest musician in love. "This is an action film with lots of romance thrown in," he says. Now, if you think Sukhwinder will be busy with the fight and dance sequences, he clears the stance. "I am busy with very little work. This funda applies to my singing and acting career as well. I will only be doing quality stuff." Does that mean new movie offers? "A known production house was impressed with my acting. I can't predict the fate of Kuchh Kariye, but I'll be doing another movie for sure," adds Sukhwinder. Has this message been conveyed to AR Rahman with whom he has been working since Dil Se? He smiles, and only smiles. As we don't get an answer, we probe some more. Has it something to do with the controversy? Sukhwinder was upset for not being invited by Rahman to perform at the Oscar ceremony. "I am really happy for Rahman. I always wanted him to win an international award. Yes, I wasn't happy the way the song was performed on stage and I told Rahman about it," shares Sukhwinder, the singer. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Exam ke side effects
Examinations…all you can do is just hate them! Didn't they always say, what cannot be cured must be endured? Come March or May, can examinations be behind?
Incredulous as it may sound, hard as it may be, but here's quizzing the students on one good thing about exams. Yeah exactly, good thing and about exams. Prep holiday nowhere figures in the list… The students themselves show us, the silver lining in the cloud. Here's what it looks like…"What I like about them is that somehow everybody just comes closer. Not just for the purpose of exchanging of notes, but it's like you are constantly trying to help each other with questions and studies," opines Shalini Kadyan from University Business School. She adds, "It's like you have an entirely different set of friends and you become more social." So, the responses come calling after the initial 'shock and recover' reaction. "What good? There's nothing good. What can be good about examination?" Laughs Navneet Sandhu, from UIAMS, "Apart from the academic and politically correct benefits, it helps us realise our potential, increases stamina, there are extra-curricular things like we as students come closer to each other." She elaborates, "We are making harried calls to each other around midnight, one in the morning and helping or consoling each other." Perhaps, she's referring to discussions on, syllabus left, syllabus covered, important questions, guess papers, evaluation techniques, rules of revision, and the last minute pearls of wisdom. Then there's an allusion to the impending holidays and from thereon the responses are unanimous. Shares Rishabh Bharadwaj from University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, "Yes, the long spell of holidays post examination is by far the biggest advantage." He adds, "Even when semesters are on or after we come out of the hall after giving a three hour paper, it's not like we don't have our quota of fun or hanging out. Even when exams are on, you don't have to be so regular and rigid." But for the holidays part, there's an echo. Says Navneet, "After papers are over, we get a license to do as we please. I'm already planning a party post examinations." Then there are things like not having to attend classes. Shrugs Kamaljot Singh, a B Com student, Government College, "There's a lot more flexibility as far as schedule is concerned. At least, we don't have to go and attend classes. There's an entirely different routine, for waking up, sleeping, meals etc and that in itself is a nice change." One more positive point is pampering by parents, getting everything in bed, meals in room…etc. If all this helped! The date sheet is still the same, but perhaps it's less formidable now. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Want a new job? Well, then forget the ads and join Facebook or a gym, as who you know matters more than what you know, says a new report. According to the report, networking is the key more than ever when it comes to landing your dream job.In fact, 80 per cent of jobs are now secured through networking, found job advice website careerplan4.me. The report suggests that conversation at the gym or the school gates are just as effective as poring over the vacancies columns or randomly sending out your CV."Yes, use the right recruitment agencies, yes, look at job ads, but understand the secrets of a job search and work them. Keep every avenue open," Tor MacLeod, the site's co-founder, said.The report suggests job hunters to get chatting with new and relevant people every day, be it online or face-to-face. — ANI
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On a musical journey
Puri in his collection on music has made sure that no painting looks like a portrait of a musician, "In fact, I have portrayed how playing and listening music is a constant process of understanding the music better. Music can never be mastered. It can only be improvised upon". In the painting, he has also shown how the body language and expression of a music lover changes with every raga and tune. In most of the works on music, mauve colour has been used, "It is as pleasing a colour to the eyes as soothing music is to ears." Puri has also equated elevation through music to that from meditation. In the painting, Meditating in Nature, two human figures are shown to have overlapping shadows. The one placed on the canvas on the left has brown colour around him, depicting the darkness of ignorance and on the right side, the human figure has a mix of bright yellow and mauve colour, signifying its salvation through knowledge. Puri has also painted a couple of works on changing nature of human beings. In the paintings titles, Balloon Seller and Festival of the masks, human figures have several masks on their faces, "It doesn't have a negative connotation though. I don't mean that it's immoral for a human being to have different personalities. It's human nature and is common with all of us." Nature is his another favourite muse. Though the artist hasn't shown his love for nature with the usual landscapes, he has made human figures with trees and birds around. At the same time, in some of his works, he has shown man overpowering the other beings around him. A painting has a man talking to birds depicting, "That man is acting the bird. He is playing the role of every organism. And fails to understand that every living being has a role to play." In the very next work, Taming of Horse, horses are depicted as playing in the hands of man, "Something, all human beings strive to do, rein in the aspirations," he adds. But fail the attempt each time! On till April 27 |
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Gold deal
Phulkari, Punjab Government Emporium witnessed plenty of footfalls on occasion on Baisakhi, courtesy the ongoing Gold Festival.
Set up by MMTC Limited, the exhibition attracted lots of customers men and women alike for their hallmarked coin collection. "We are one of the first in India to manufacture gold and silver medallions in 999 purity. The coins and bars are available starting from 0.5 gms to 1,000 gms in gold and from 10gms to 1,000 gms in silver to suit all pockets," says Love Sharma, senior manager. The coins stall witnessed perennial rush as people thronged to take one kg bars of gold and silver in their hands. "The coins are excellent option for gifting and investment and safest bet in today's uncertain market scene. The purity of any of our products is guaranteed. The coins can be exchanged for jewellery or cash at any of the Shuddhi stores," says Sharma. Shuddhi is a collaboration between MMTC and Gitanjali group that has set up a chain of retail stores for medallions, gold jewellery and Sanchi silverware. "We already have eight stores and have plans of opening 60 more across India in next three years," shares Sanjiv Batra, chairman and managing director, MMTC. Another of ambitious project by the limited is to take out UNESCO heritage coins with proposed pictures of Taj Mahal, Sanchi Stupa and Qutub Minar in partnership. Lightweight Goan jewellery in studded precious and semi precious stones was also received pretty well by city folks. "It's very unique. I have picked up a small ruby and emerald set," says Ranjana, a freelance writer and lecturer. Other thing up for grabs is silverware in beautiful filigree work. "Whosoever comes loves to have a look at this beautiful sword," says RK Malik, senior officer as he takes it out from equally
elegant myan. Sanchi offers a range of products to suit every pocket. "Our little time pieces, key chains, fruit bowls are really appreciated as gift items," he shared. The stall has holy scriptures Ram Charit Manas, Bhagwat Gita and Sunder Kand in beautiful silver engravings. "Though Chandigarh has plenty of such exhibitions but I have come check out this one for the trust that's offered by MMTC," says Mandakini Bhutani, a housewife from Mohali. The exhibition announces lucky draws winners of two silver medallions (10 gms each) each day. On at Phulkari-17 till April 15. |
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The Namesake
"I always knew I was going to be a singer but composing music is something I never dreamt of," she says, looking pretty in her short red dress. Thanks to some motivation from music maestro Shankar Mahadevan (he has composed two songs in the album), and Akriti decided to give composing a try, which still is considered as a male bastion in our industry. "This is my maiden attempt and was pretty nervous but I am glad that I took my chance to do it," she says. A Delhi-based Punjabi, Akriti says her family played a significant role in shaping up her career. "My first guru was my mum who taught me Hindustani Classical music and ever since they have been all support," she smiles. Akriti gave her first stage performance at the age of five and has never looked back. As part of music composr Anand Ji's (of Kalyan ji-Anadji duo) Little Stars troupe she toured the world. Winner at TVS Sa Re Ga, Akriti completed her school in flying colours before she took up singing as her career. "My father moved with me to Mumbai to give playback singing a try. And I was fortunate to get the first break pretty soon." As for reality music shows, she says, "I am myself product of one. I know the pressure is immense but then all the exposure, grooming it gets you is much larger than a few demerits it warrants." However, it depends on individuals how they put to use the learning, she quips. As for her current career profile in Bollwood, she has sung songs in upcoming flicks Life Ise Gale Laga Le, Pappu Can't dance Sala, Do Duni Char and It's My Life. "And this is what I want to do - to be the voice of the heroine." Though her video for the song, Mehramaa Ve, highlights her talent for acting, she has no plans to make it her career, "I have been singing for past 18 years and made a place for myself, which I am pretty happy about. I am looking forward to the feedback for the album and improve as a composer." As for Chandigarh, it's a city close to Akriti's heart for she gave her first concert here. "I also appreciate that Punjab is still the region where non-filmi music is listened. And, I am a Punjabi by heart. Of course, you will see when you listen to my album," she signs off. mona@tribunemail.com |
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Actor Vivek Oberoi, who is inundated by appreciation for his implausible stunts in Prince, is doubly happy to be able to make his parents happy by his performance and feel proud of him. "My parents are very happy. I think nothing can be bigger than parents' happiness," said Vivek. "We saw the trial together and then I went up to my dad (Suresh Oberoi). I was a bit nervous because he is my biggest critic and I have a huge respect for him, not just as a father but as an actor too. He hugged me, kissed my forehead and said 'I am so proud of you. Well done'," he added.Directed by debutant director Kookie Gulati, Prince narrates the story of a thief (Vivek) who wakes up one morning to realise he has lost his memory and that his life is at stake. Actors Nandana Sen, Aruna Shields and Neeru Bajwa play the female leads in the film. Vivek further mentioned, "He took me aside and said not to tell mom that those stunts were done by me and not any stuntmen, otherwise I would get a good beating from her."Vivek runs a school in Vrindavan, named Project Devi, for underprivileged girls who have been abandoned by their families and he is planning to make a special screening of Prince for them."I want to do a special screening for the children in Project Devi in Vrindavan. There are 1,200 children there but in Vrindavan there is no 1,200 seat theatre, so I will have to divide them into two shows. My 1,200 small angels are very excited to see the film with me," said Vivek.Asked if he believes that the blessings of those children have brought him success, he said, "Most definitely. If you do some good work, being true to your heart, the blessings you get for it are incomparable. More important than any thing else, that take you to another level, at least spiritually you are very happy by that." — IANS
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The bubbly actor who was recently reported to have tied the knot with 'good friend' Riteish Deshmukh, says that excellent communication skills, not perfect looks matter the most to her. "There could be good looking boys but when it comes to communication, that is what is very very important for me. I am not a hardcore person on looks, I think a decent looking guy would be great but substance matters for sure and someone who works for themselves," Genelia said.The Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa actor says that she would love to get married and start a family, but right now her career is her topmost priority."Right now I might as well work hard. That (marriage) is something I look forward to at some point of time in the future. I think every girl eventually looks forward to that," said Genelia.The 23-year-old who is shooting here for the Telugu film Orange says that she is looking for Mr Right in between her hectic schedule for both Bollywood and South Indian films."As of now, I am not in a relationship. Yes this won't break many hearts. I am looking. But there is hardly any time to rest. I love shooting, there is no complains really. I love doing what I am doing," said the actor. — PTI
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"Katrina was the only one approached for the film. The role in Tees Maar Khan was tailor-made for her hence casting of any other actress was out of question," Farah said."After meeting with Katrina we knew we found our female lead for Tees Maar Khan. She is so beautiful and talented with such great screen presence that she suited the role perfectly," she said."From among the established actresses in Bollywood the only one we considered and approached for the role was Katrina hence speculation over us considering other actresses should end," she said.Katrina often considered Bollywood's lucky mascot is set to work her magic on the box office this year with Prakash Jha's Rajneeti, Tees Maar Khan and Dostana 2. — PTI
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Paying the price
"On a good day, I see it like that, anyway. Like, there's always a price to pay right?" she added.
— IANS |
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Don't shake this off!
The 42-year-old who has two sons Brandon, 13, and Dylan, 11, with ex-husband Tommy Lee has been a vegan for the past 15 years and launched her namesake 'Non-Dairy Vanilla Coconut Pineapple' shake.The shake will be available at the Santa Monica Boulevard parlor of Millions of Milkshakes in Los Angeles.She didn't have to spend too much time dreaming up the ingredients, explaining, "It's what I make for my kids at home in Malibu." The actor was thrilled to learn that hers is the first all-vegan shake served up at Millions of Milkshakes, where Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, David Beckham and other celebrities all have signature menu treats."I did want to take a few minutes to prove that one can create a truly delicious treat without having to rely on any animal products in the process. It is going to be a Vegan Vanilla Coconut Pineapple shake! I'm thrilled to create the first vegan item on the menu," said Anderson.
— PTI |
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Class act
Shahid's role is different from the quintessential hero of his previous films. The 27-year-old actor is playing a music teacher in the movie. "Shahid is a very intelligent and versatile actor. In Paathshaala we will see a rare, very sensitive side of the actor. He is going to surprise everyone. He is very believable as a teacher," Ukey said. The director is also confident that since the movie deals with a very important issue, Shahid's presence will help it reach out to a wider audience. "The film has a very important message and taking a new face would have limited its appeal. But Shahid's presence will ensure that the movie reaches out to a wider audience. He fell in love with the script and immediately said yes," Ukey said. The film also stars Nana Patekar, Ayesha Takia, Sushant Singh and child actors Swini Khara, Dwij Yadav, Master Ali Haji, Avika Gor. "Nana and Shahid represent two point of views in the movie. Nana is very ambitious and he is ready to go to any extent to make his school the best," said Ukey. Presented by Eros International & Produced by choreographer-director Ahmad Khan's Paperdoll Entertainment, Paathshaala will hit theatres on April 16. The director, however, is not happy with the film being compared to Aamir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par, which tells a story of a dyslexic student. "We conceived the idea of Paathshaala even before TZP. The impression is wrong. Aamir's film dealt with a single child's problem but my film is about the entire education system and how it is affecting children at large. It is dealing with larger issues," he said. Ukey spent some two years to research the subject before meeting Ahmed Khan. The director has also collected a number of news clippings, which will feature in the movie. "Today's school are like five star hotels. It is no longer about education but commerce has become very important. We need a different approach to the whole education system. We need to bring a change and my film is just a small step in that direction," he added. An FTII product, Ukey has previous worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali as an Associate director for Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. He debuted as a director with multiple award-winning Marathi film Devaki. He has also directed animation film Hanuman. — PTI
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"I'm not a Hollywood star, someday maybe it's a work in progress. I play leads and I have had some success here and there. But I want to work, so how do you deal with wanting to work and not letting the ego of self get in the way of that? "You can trip yourself up by saying that you don't want to play something because it's a supporting role and you could end up with a whole lot of nothing," said Brosnan. — IANS
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An X-ray of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe is set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction.The X-ray of the star's chest was taken at a Florida hospital in 1954 when she was being treated for womb condition endometriosis. The X-ray, which shows the star's ribs as well as the outline of her famed cleavage, was printed with her married name DiMaggio, at the time she was going through a divorce from baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.The bizarre lot is one of many Monroe-linked items up for sale at a Las Vegas auction slated for June. The couch the star used during therapy sessions is also expected to sell.The sale by Julien's Auctions will take place on June 26 and 27 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. — PTI
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The commonality between visual and performing art forms that have been there ever since their existence is the high emotional quotient required by the artist. Every stroke of brush in a quality work has a thought behind it. Every slight modulation in voice while reciting a raga is for a reason as well. It is this interrelation between the two that artist MK Puri from Delhi has put on canvas. Titled Bandishain, the exhibition of his paintings on display at Art Folio-9 has 18 works. "Bandishain is a musical composition. I have attempted to depict these compositions," says Puri, which is very evident from his works. In the two paintings titled Morning Melody and Devotes, the artist has painted several shadows of a human figure. "Music elevates us. The shadows depict how our soul step by step elevates through various stages and purifies."
Akriti Kakar is already a celebrated name with Bollywood hits like Thaa Kar Ke, Marjaani Marjaani, Khuda Ya Khair to her credit. Taking a leap from singing to composing music, Akriti released her album Akriti that has seven songs all with a different flavour, in the city on Tuesday.
After announcing her single status, Genelia D'Souza became one of the most eligible bachelorettes in tinsel town and the actor knows exactly what she is looking for in Mr
Right.
In the wake of speculations that choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan had approached other well known actor for her upcoming film Tees Maar Khan opposite Akshay Kumar, Farah says that Katrina Kaif was her first and only
choice.
Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow believes her marriage irritates people. The 37-year-old who has five-year-old daughter Apple and four-year-old son Moses with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is convinced people think her life is too perfect, but she tries not to worry about it. "Look, just the mere fact that I like my guy and we have these two healthy children, and they were easy to conceive, that's already, 'Who do you think you are?'" she said.
Hollywood pin-up Pamela Anderson has got a new vegan shake named after her.The former Baywatch star is an active animal-rights activist and the sweet treat for which she provided the recipe does not use any animal
products.
Shahid Kapoor may seems young to play a teacher but director Milind Ukey says people will get to see a rare and sensitive side of the actor in the upcoming film Paathshaala, which deals with the Indian education system.
Bond star Pierce Brosnan doesn't want to think too highly of himself because he feels it will limit his options as an actor.