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Generation bridge
Like mother, like daughter. There are chances that your 'aloo gobi' might taste like your mother's or your habit of correcting everyone, right from the husband to kids to the neighbourhood watchman, comes from your mother's genes! How often do you get to hear somebody say, "Stop behaving like your mother?
Well, to the list of recipes, responsibilities, resemblances and certain levels of niggling that we, dutiful daughters, share with our mothers… fashion just got added. Graduating from the days when as kids we dressed up with mom's 'dupatta' wrapped around as a sari to walking the ramp in designer wear, the mother-daughter duos are fashion's hottest new showstoppers. Hema Malini sizzled on ramp at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week with daughter Esha Deol; Sushmita Sen and daughter Renee are veterans of haute couture and when an inspiration was needed to reinvent her fashion line, Madonna found one in daughter Lourdes. And we have some examples from the city as well. Savita Bhatti, who recently walked the ramp for the first time with daughter Rabiya Bhatti for The Global Punjabi's 'Save the Girl Child' initiative, says she did the catwalk for her daughter's sake. "It was something different from what we usually do but both of us enjoyed our walk on ramp. She is my carbon copy, emotionally, behaviorally and otherwise as well. So, we were giggling, enjoying and very comfortable on ramp," says Bhatti. And did they try out some secret practice sessions at home? "No. We didn't try to act like models, with a pout and all that. We were just ourselves," she says. Their fashion funda is not sticking to any stereotypes. "We are very liberal when it comes to fashion. We don't limit ourselves to only brands but anything that is comfortable and reflects your personality." Savita who like to dress up (that comes as a part of being a woman), shares her collection of accessories with her daughter. "Whenever she has to dress up formally, she comes running to me asking for accessories and advice." To which her reply is, "Don't be artificial." Another mother-daughter duo bonding big time over fashion is Priyanka Khosla and Tisha Khosla. Both like experimenting and have distinct styles. "Tisha's style is very European, formal dressing, lots of bold colours and signature hair bands. I love my dhotis, long kurtis, flares and sometimes skinny jeans," says Priyanka, director INIFD. But here it's the daughter who has the upper hand in giving fashion advice. "Tisha encourages me to try out things. Being a youngster, I think she understands fashion and so is not afraid of experimentation." Well, for someone who is a die-hard Audrey Hepburn fan, fashion will always be an inspiration. Between them, 'oh, yeah, you look okay' doesn't work. Ask them who is more creative with their look and Tisha replies first, "We are equals but mom is more inventive. She is always willing to try out new things. We try and express ourselves through our clothes." And while doing so, some honest opinions are also expressed. "My elder daughter is very direct when it comes to giving an opinion about my dressing or style. Though only nine, she is very observant and tries to catch new trends," says Mohita, director, 612, Ivy League. Mohita influences her daughter's fashion sensibilities completely, "She loves to wear what I wear. Maybe with age she becomes more aware of her own sense of fashion." With all their honest and genuine opinions on each other, they are also ready for the flip side. "There are times when my daughter finds my look to be 'uncool' and then she decides my wardrobe. But that's because she knows best for me," shares Savita. Similarly, for Tisha her mother draws the line so that she doesn't go overboard with a certain look. nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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To a tee!
Somewhere in the corner of the heart, each one of us nurtures a desire to jump from a 10-storey building without crash landing, breeze through the traffic in a supersonic car or climb a building barefoot… somewhere each one of us would want to act like a superhero! And till the time, we wait for a 'genie' to fulfil our wish; we can make-do with the tees available at all 'Fcuk and French Connection' stores at Kapson Mall across India.
Inspired by Hollywood action film 'Kick Ass', tees, sweatshirts and other merchandise depict a combination of action and style. Tops in black and grey shine in 'Kick Ass' signature colours of jade and yellow. You can also pick t-shirts with movies cataphrases, logos and original comic book illustrations. With one of the tees from the collection, you can definitely feel like a superhero. Now that makes the movie merchandise popular. The answer comes from Arpan Sharma (15), trying out one of the 'Kick Ass' tees. "I read it is a story of an average teenager who is inspired by his favourite comic books and decides to become a real life superhero. The story is inspiring and when I heard about the merchandise I wanted to check out one hoping to see the characters on one of the t-shirts." Available for Rs 1,500, the merchandise says a lot about promotional strategy of movie-makers. Aamir Khan got tees with the prints of '3 Idiots'. Jazzy, wacky and colourful tees inspired by 'Wake Up Sid' flooded the market a few months back. Chips in Preeti Sharma, senior fashion consultant with French Connection, "Last year, we showcased tees inspired by Hollywood movie The Hulk, which again went down very well with youngsters." As for Preeti, "Youngsters find movie-inspired tees cool and different. Sometimes, they match with their style statement as well." jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Spending mega bucks on marketing prior to the film's release may be a norm in Bollywood, but children's films suffer because of lack of promotion, says Nandita Basu, chairperson of Children's Film Society of India (CFSI). "Today everything has become marketing oriented. To carry out marketing activities for children's films is not easy. We need to have sufficient budget for it. Finding distributors and exhibitors is another problem as they eye good returns on films," Das said. "We are not as luxurious as the commercial Bollywood films. To be in the same pond the need of the hour is that we need to be creative, enhance our marketing skills and increase our marketing budget," she said. CFSI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting which covers the entire gamut of children's films. "As we intend to have theatrical release of these movies, apart from urging the government to increase the funds, we are looking at options like Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) for raising funds, sponsorships, roping in TV channels to show the films and others," Nandita said. The government has this year provided an annual grant aid of Rs 4 crore to CFSI, CEO of CFSI and Director of General Films Division, Kuldeep Sinha said. — PTI
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He's played the role of Mughal ruler Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar, and now the Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is all set to play a Roman emperor in a new TV commercial. Directed by Indrajit Nattoji, the ad is for cookie brand Milano for which Hrithik is the brand ambassador. "Set against a background of 10,000 warriors, we are almost filming a Gladiator (movie) in 30 seconds... We'll be going the way of the Hollywood hit '300'... 20 extra warriors are going to multiply into 10,000 (and) putting Hrithik in an uber cool period, packaging in 30 seconds was a high," Nattoji said in a statement. "I was also influenced by his classical good looks reminiscent of a Greek god," added the director who admits Hrithik's regal bearing as a Mughal emperor in Jodhaa Akbar helped in determining his new avatar. The first phase of the ad has been shot in Mehboob Studios in Mumbai and the second phase that involves a war scene is scheduled to begin in Gran Sasso Campo, 150 km from Rome, around mid May. Hrithik's costume for ad has been designed by Sanjeev Mulchandani. The post-production of the ad will be done in Malaysia. —IANS
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Model-turned-actor Udita Goswami feels she has not got her due in Bollywood, which she is worthy of after doing quality work in films like Rokk and Paap. "I haven't got my due in Bollywood which I should have got till now. I have given films, done meaningful roles that not all actresses get. I feel the reason for my being on the backfoot could be that I don't believe in public relation (PR) practices, which have become a regular routine for any celebrity," Udita said. "But that is something that I can't do, there are certain things that I don't want to change about myself. I do my work with all honesty and there is no scope for short-cuts or cheating."The 26-year-old, whose latest movie Chase released last week, said she makes it a point not to repeat her roles but is still typed cast to a specific genre."I have been doing all kind of roles, but still I have been typed cast with this 'bold tag'. The only thing that I think I have not done is a happy romantic kind of film... romantic comedy. I know it is strange since most of the actresses have done something like that and not done the kind of films that I have done. I want to actually do something that is so common. I'm really looking forward to doing a happy romantic film now," she said.Udita started her career in modelling and then moved to acting in 2003 with her debut film Paap directed by Pooja Bhatt. After that she appeared in Zeher with Emraan Hashmi and Shamita Shetty.Udita said the choice of director is the most important for an actor to get his/her due credit."I look at a lot of things -- first, the script, then the setup that you are working in and then the most important thing, the director... you know, even if it is a very regular script, it is the director who makes all the difference in giving the same ghisaa pitaa (regular) story an interesting look."The actor said she is going back to college as she left her studies in between."I'm going to Los Angeles.. I'm enrolling myself to the New York academy. It's time I set my priorities right. I don't care if 80 per cent of our industry is not well read. I don't want to be one of them. "I agree that I started my career quite early but I don't want my kids to ever say that our mother is not even well educated. One can achieve what he wants but being educated is very important," she said.Udita's future projects include Sunny Deol's production The Man where she plays a role of a spy and Shabnam Kapoor's Hello India starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Namrata Shirodkar. — IANS
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Hollywood superstar Sylvester Stallone, who was set to reprise his iconic role in the fifth part of Rambo series, has decided not to make the movie.Stallone was to work on Rambo V: The Savage Hunt but the actor has changed his mind, saying the story had changed course, reported Empire magazine online."I think Rambo's pretty well done. I don't think there'll be any more. I'm about 99 per cent sure. I was going to do it. But for Rambo to go on another adventure might be, I think, misinterpreted as a mercenary gesture and not necessary. I don't want that to happen," he said."I'm very happy with the last Burmese episode, because I didn't pull any punches on it. I wanted it to be what civil war really is - rough. You can't candy coat it, and where do you go from there? So that's going to go," he added.However, the actor is not completely done with Rambo as he is currently working on a new director's cut of the fourth film that will add 12 minutes of footage, including a surprising outburst of loquaciousness for the mumbling man of action at the movie's beginning.The Rambo story may have ended but the 63-year-old star is ready to start a new franchise based on his upcoming film feature The Expendables.The movie is yet to release but the actor has already started working on a sequel."We are very serious... We're already working on an (Expendables) sequel," said Stallone. — PTI
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Troubled star Lindsay Lohan has vented her fury at her ex-girlfriend Samantha Ronson in an online rant, accusing the DJ of having her ejected from a Hollywood party last week.The Mean Girls star was attending a birthday bash thrown by rapper and music producer Timbaland at a Los Angeles night club last Wednesday, reported E! online.But the 24-year-old actress has alleged that her former lover contacted officials at the venue and had her removed from the party."I'm pretty sure that Samantha Ronson just threw a fit @ 33 years old... Asked me, after being here just for Timbaland's birthday, to leave even though she stayed over just 2 nights ago(sic)," Lohan wrote on Twitter. The actress also compared Ronson with her father Michael who has spoken openly in the media about the troubles in his daughter's life."Playing the innocent card, while chatting to (celebrity website) TMZ just like my ex-father, when all I've ever done is fall for a girl," Lohan wrote.However, a spokesperson for the club said Lohan left the venue and was not allowed back in as it was past the closing time."The club closes at 2am, however, we allow guests already inside to stay until 3am. Lindsay had left earlier and tried to come back past closing time, which is why she wasn't allowed in," the representative said. — PTI
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After trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, Hollywood actor Jessica Biel wants to test her physical limits once more by climbing the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.The 28-year-old star trekked to the top of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, in January and was joined by actor Emile Hirsch and members of the United Nation Foundation, to raise awareness and funds for the global water crisis.She has now set her sights on another dangerous climb, one of the Everest base camps in Nepal or Tibet."I'm thinking about trekking to Everest base camp. That's kind of the next goal," Biel said.Biel, who is dating singer Justin Timberlake, however admits she hasn't continued her pre-climb training."I'm not keeping up the same type of workout because it was a little different than what I normally do," she said. — PTI
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Creative best
I know Panjab University inside out’… is one thing every single pass-out from the University can proudly claim of. Forget about them or the ones presently studying there, even an outsider would know the University like the back of his or her hand! But when it is time to check out the dresses exhibited by the final-year B.Sc students at the University Institute Of Fashion Technology and Vocational Development, Panjab University, the years spent checking out every nook and corner of PU seemed like a waste. A small bylane near the State Bank Of India leads to the Publication Bureau, where situated in one corner is the Fashion Technology Department. The ambience, the students, everything is seemingly different from what we are used to seeing at other known fashion institutes in the city. However, the only one thing that stands the same is creativity and the expression of fashion! Whether it is recycled dresses made out of packets of Lays potato chips, bright coloured skirts in frills and fringes, a tee designed with buttons or a school uniform in new style, creativity finds its way in this lesser known department of the University. Each final-year B.Sc student exhibited five ensembles on Tuesday. Says Dr Prabhdip Brar, a senior faculty at the UIFT & VD department, “The students were required to research on a particular theme. The idea was to make them understand the good and bad aspects of their work. This is only possible if they expose their dresses to the likes and dislikes of people.” And the much-need exposure to the kids dealing with fashion is a necessity. Nods Prabhdip, “The students are in their learning stage where they want to showcase the best of their creative talent. But I don’t think this is the right time to criticize them for non-wearable clothes.” True. Ramp fashion is under scanner for the non-wearable, weird and strange clothes they exhibit. We wonder what prompts them to design dresses out of chips packets or buttons for that matter. “This is not fashion, we are trying to showcase our creativity. Its not that we cannot make simple clothes; this is a way to tell that we can use things scattered here and there,” says Vikas Duhan, whose collection ‘Street Movers’ draws inspiration from street fashion. “Streets are the best place to pick up fashion, in fact, the most wearable fashion can be found on the streets,” he adds. Pallavi Sobti, who exhibits her collection ‘Cow Girls’, is not worried about the issue of marketing after they complete the course. “I would want to teach in the same department, after clearing my UGC,” she smiles. After all, you need to return what you take from the fashion scene! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Let the kids talk!
In a move aimed at transforming the traditional rote system of learning to a more child-centric one, the Central Board of Secondary Education has issued fresh guidelines that would restrict teachers’ talk time (TTT) to 15 minutes in a 40-minute class, which would ensure that kids get a chance to interact better among themselves as well as with the teacher.
Latest theories on teaching and learning suggest that the ‘chalk-and-talk method’, though most prevalent, is not really benefiting children. The move has received a mixed reaction from educationists in the city. “Fresh guidelines by the board are in line with the new evaluation system that encourages children to learn things on their own,” says Sister Felicia, principal, St Annes-32. “Our teachers are experimenting with new activities in classes and have got tremendous response from students who were not doing all that well in academics earlier,” she adds. But there are others who have doubts. “Though the guidelines look great on paper, it is very challenging to put it in practice,” says Tarvinver Kaur, a science teacher at Mount Carmel-47. “The teachers as well as students are used to a particular teaching methodology and it will take some time before one adapts to something new. Activities as well as interaction is more suited to some subjects like languages, but it’s not possible for all subjects,” she offers. “I have my doubts whether 15-minute teachers’ talk time in a 40-minute class is possible,” says Ravi Lekhi, a Hindi teacher at DAV Senior Secondary School-8. “But yes, teacher-student interaction is a must, which we ensure by letting kids ask questions in between,” he adds. Having an interactive class twice a week is what Lekhi considers viable. “There is a lot of syllabus that teachers have to cover. However, if such activities are held twice a week it could make a positive difference,” he says. Big size of classes is another hindrance, especially in some government schools. “Although it’s important for kids to get a chance to put forward their views, its not really feasible in huge classes where sometimes the teacher-taught ratio is 1:60. Maintaining discipline is a big challenge that a teacher faces,” says Anujit Kaur, principal, Government Model School-16. Backs up Madhurima, who is teaching English for last 25 years in the same school. “It’s pretty hard to restrict teachers talk time though we ensure children’ participation through discussions,” she says. “A lot depends on the kind of crowd the school is dealing with,” says Amarip Dhaliwal, principal, Tribune Model School-29. “I do not think reducing teacher’s talk time is a good idea, although we encourage students to interact through a lot of activities outside class like monthly quiz contests, picture reading competitions etc,” she adds. Sharda Kaushik, director, Regional Institute of English-32, opines that it is possible to impart knowledge and pass on skills, but very difficult to change mindsets. “Most of the school teachers are the products of top-bottom approach that involves lots of ‘telling’,” says Kaushik. “However, research and theories suggest that its bottom-up approach that leads to constructive learning. An average teacher is just not tuned in to this idea,” she says. “Giving lectures is easier, but making students interact requires respecting learners as individuals, knowing their social backgrounds et al, which is very time-consuming,” adds Kaushik. One can impart knowledge, pass on the skills but the real challenge is changing mindsets. “It’s tough to overhaul the system, but not impossible. One has to keep trying. Technology today can certainly help change the traditional ‘chalk-and-talk’ method to a more interactive one,” she says. mona@tribunemail.com |
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Living and lovin’
it!
A typical impression that India has generated within the international community is that it is a colourful country with its yoga, Bollywood, spicy food and the Ganga! And Franziska Weller did exactly what was expected out of a ‘tourist’. Getting in touch with spirituality at Rudra Prayag and Ganga ghats in Rishikesh, trekking in Himalayas, learning yoga at a famous ashram in Maharashtra and visiting all major tourist spots across the country. But what separates her from others is that she has made India her second home. Settling down in a country she first visited 20 years ago, Weller may be a German national but she calls herself an Indian by heart. “I have lived for seven years in Mumbai, then shifted to New Delhi where I have been living for 13 years now. Being a foreigner, a trip to India means a good holiday but I wanted to understand and connect with the country more deeply,” she says. Following her husband, who is an official at the Max Mueller Bhavan, Franziska graduated from being a foreign diplomat’s wife to a German language teacher and a yoga instructor, something that has brought her to Chandigarh. “I conduct seminars on improving the spoken and written form of language, which has grown quite popular in India. We have had a 500 per cent increase in students who want to learn the language.” Attributing the popularity of the language to its similarity with Sanskrit, she says, “German has the same structure as that of Sanskrit. So, it’s easy to learn.’ Talking about her experience in India, she doesn’t know how to describe the difference between Delhi and Mumbai. “All I can say is that it is a very colourful country. I have been to South America, Africa and Europe but India is like a big bunch of flowers, different and colourful. As for her second love, yoga, she has explored that area with equal curiosity. “I have been attending various yoga schools, and I teach in Delhi. But it is only private sessions for friends. For me, yoga is a way of life and it was one of the reasons that brought me back to India.” And was Chandigarh a pleasant change? “It is peaceful, clean and fresh. I have never driven in my 20 years of stay in India, but in Chandigarh I can even drive a two-wheeler without fear.” One interesting fact Weller shares is: “If you are friends with one Indian, you get to be friends with 70 of his friends!” And she loves the fact that you always have someone to talk to: “I miss the people on streets when I am nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Escape route
Mothers are the sweetest gift from Gods to us. There is no way we can ever really thank our mother for all she does for us nevertheless we must make it a habit to keep reminding ourselves of the various sacrifices she made while raising us. Mothers’ Day is the best time to say in words how much you love and care for your mum. Travelchacha.com is also encouraging you this Mother’s Day to celebrate vacations with your mother. On this special occasion, gift your mother a lucrative Mother’s Day Escape tour packages by travelchacha.com.
Mother’s Day is May 9 while we have launched perfect gifts for this auspicious day come in all shapes and sizes. It includes three days/ two nights weekend gateways for Jaipur, Nanital, Manali, Mysore, Ranikhet, Shimla, Goa, Madhurai etc with up to 50 per cent discount for mothers in a family package. In addition, the package includes features like spa essentials gift basket, surprise gifts etc. We consider this month as “mother’s day Special” month, so this offer is available till the end of May. According to Sanjay bhasin, CEO of Travelchacha.com, “Mother’s day is an unusual day of recognizing mothers, motherhood, maternal bonds and all contributions she had through to make us stand in our life. This day is celebrated to admire all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships, they bear in bringing up us a child. We have also involved ourselves to celebrate mother’s day by facilitating heavy discount offers in variety of tour packages to mothers on this extraordinary day.”
—TNS |
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