|
|
|
|
|
Down to earth
Here to take part in the International Institute of Fashion Technology’s (Mohali) annual fashion show - Lakshya 2010 - Shreya will be sharing the ramp with top-city based models including Sahiba Singh, Shipra Malik and Ekta. “It feels good to be back. As far as the show is concerned, I have seen the collections of students of IIFT and was impressed by their potential. I feel smaller collections have quality elements and are street-wear,” she says. Even her personal style statement is minus any brand freakiness. “I pick up a lot of dresses by young designers. It’s better than spending on a known designer label, as ten other people will be flaunting the same design. I prefer custom made designs.” Ready to pass on the crown of Miss India Earth, Shreya is busy planning her life right now, doing things she wanted to do. “Since I was a brand ambassador of my country, the responsibilities that had come with the crown took all my time and attention. It is time for me to evolve and make my base,” says the leggy beauty. But she still plans to contribute towards good causes. She is already associated with Greenpeace for over one year now, and working along with activist Bittu Sahgal, editor of the magazine ‘Sanctuary Asia’ and a wildlife activist. The latest on her concern list is water conservation and saving the tigers through the ‘Project Tiger’ campaign. “These issues are important because we are facing them right now, leave aside what happens in the future. It is not as if all the water is drying up, but we surely facing a shortage. We have come to a point where we can’t take chances. We have to be careful and cautious.” And according to her the best way to participate is, “By being present when these campaigns are launched. My popularity is a tool I can use to contribute my bit towards such causes.” She finds volunteers in the schools and colleges she visits as a part of her awareness campaign. “Educating them is the best possible way to get them involved.” Now, lest we forget that she is a beauty queen, what about Bollywood? Shreya has a satisfying reply here as well. “Movies are on my list and I am meeting people to look out for options. But till the time comes, I have to be patient,” a customised answer, just like her wardrobe. And following her seniors, who are now veterans in the profession, she too is learning dance and attending acting classes. “Although the fact that my mother is a trained Kathak dancer makes one of them easier for me to learn.” Anyways, movies can wait…once a model always a model. “I am looking forward to Lakme fashion Week and I’ll be seen in some commercials as well.” The combination of Bollywood and beauty queens is inevitable. At least, she has some issues beyond movies and fashion weeks as of now! nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
|
Another round of fashion and glamour will be witnessed at the DT City Mall, IT Park, when students of IIFT, Mohali, showcase their collections at the institute’s annual show — Lakshya 2010 — on Friday. As many as 70 designs will be displayed in a combined effort by 50 students, which will be based on themes like the monsoon, colour competition, ethno-paradise and much more. About the event, Kawaljeet Singh, director, IIFT, says, “We have the best of brands and the best from the fashion industry associated with the show. The show will not only promote these young designers but also introduce them to the world of fashion in the real sense.” As a first, fashion choreographer Kaushik Ghosh has turned the escalators of the mall into a ramp for the show. “I think malls are an ideal place to hold fashion shows as you are directly catching the eye of the actual shoppers who might want to buy your clothes. Chandigarh anyway has limited venues for getting creative on the ramp,” he said. To tap the potential buyers, there will be a counter to register orders as well. After the event, the next thing on Kanwaljeet’s agenda is the second edition of Chandigarh Fashion Week, which is due in October. “We had a successful first outing and we are open to suggestions for the next one,” he says. Anybody listening?
|
|
Face & Facets
Each frame reflects the same face but reveals a different facet. The person is one, while the persona infinite. Aleph, an exhibition of 30 self-portraits by young artist Navdeep Sandhu is true to its meaning — literally first and only tangentially narcissist.
"Aleph means the first, which this exhibition is in many ways. Apart from the fact that it's my first show and there's one person in each of the photographs, it's the first-of-its-kind show in conceptual and experimental photography," she introduces us to the subject. But when she's clicking, she's not a girl, only a human being sharing different emotions. "It's narcissist only to the extent that any person's diary is. People tell their story through words while I chose this medium." She adds, "I'm not trying to show somebody beautiful or pretty, it's about the core of the person." Casually placed on the floor, barring one or two, every canvas is diverse and thought-provoking. There is an entire sense of abandonment, the joys, the sorrows, the pathos…they are all extreme. "My works are about contrast, that's more in sync with my temperament also; the whites are extreme white, the blacks will be extreme blacks, you won't find much balance." In this web of black and white, the use of colours is minimal but meaningful. So there're pictures of a person in infinite contexts and contours, against a wall, along with rose, in myriad moods, pensive, hopeful, contemplating; yet another behind a shadow, one partly veiled, the other partly revealed. "Technically it was a challenge because I myself was the model, the photographer and the visualiser. Before clicking I'd decide how each frame would work and for one of the picture there were as many was eleven retakes." What marks them all is the sense of mystery, the use of props that form the focus of any photograph. "This is my favourite picture," she points to a one depicting a girl holding a shell in front of her face. "In this, I tried to show, you never know what a shell holds; there is a sense of enigma and mystery in it." Yet another shows two hands circling a candle flame, as if trying to hold onto the light. The play of light and shadow continues as does the experimental stint and what's on the cards is fashion photography. manpriya@tribunemail.com (On till May 16 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10) |
|
OBJET D’ ART
One may dismiss them as the licensed killers on highways, but one cannot ignore the fact that they make for a genre of art that is peculiar to this part of the world. We are talking about truck art or rather 'Trucklore', to coin a term for the man and the machine!
The ornate exterior, spiritual interior, funny one-liners and a lingo that is peculiar to truck drivers alone (unless you understand what they mean by a 300-km chai or 500-km chai), is a culture in itself. So, little wonder that trucks have always been and continue to inspire artistes and photographers alike. City-based photographer Diwan Manna and Delhi-based Pramod Pushkarna are two names that come to mind when one looks at trucks as a photographer's muse. Diwan had taken it up as a passing fancy while Pramod did an extensive series on the subject. "Truck is a lifestyle," says Diwan when we ask him about his indulgence. His fascination for trucks as an object goes beyond its bold and interesing shape. "Yes, I find those turi-ladden trucks interesting. But what hooked me to the truck culture is the fact that life is so different for a truck driver; life is always in the passing mode - objects, people, culture, landscape…their emotions. And, the face that stares at you from behind says it all," he explains. Pushkarna is totally into clicking trucks and all that it signifies. "When I am not shooting wars, I shoot trucks because at the highways they remind me of a battlefield," says Pushkarna, who is a photojournailist for a leading Delhi-based magazine. Pushkarna is doing a series called "War on the Road", which comprises the social and professional lifestyle of truck drivers in places like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pakistan. "I have interacted with a number of truck drivers and found them highly intellectual. It shows in the witty one-liners they write on the body of their truck. I have tried to capture their struggle, their emotional trauma, their social and sex life in a book," says Pushkarna. The latest one to join the club is Bheem Malhotra. Only his medium is different. Bheem in his trademark water colours has captured the truck with a touch of spirituality. His composition has a truck as the dominating form; a roadside temple of Hanuman and a couple of dogs. "A truck gives a certain characterstic to a place because of its bold form and colour. I used the truck because it gelled well with the rustic simplicity of the place," says Bheem. This particular painting is part of Bheem's ongoing exhibition at Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi. Bheem, in fact, is planning to develop this series further. A welcome thought considering that trucks are not just an integral part of our economy, but our folklore as well. Bheem's and Pushkarna's endeavour will certainly open one's eyes to the heritage called truck art. parbina@tribunemail.com |
|
creative zone
Most of his articles published in the Punjabi Tribune, which won him widespread admiration, have now been compiled in his latest book Uth Gaye Gwandon Yaar. The book, recently released by journalist Kuldip Nayar, is regarded as a treatise on the cultural heritage of undivided Punjab, and also documents details of the 'love legends' of Punjab with historical authenticity. Gharuan also visited Pakistan as many as 15 times and met people from all walks of life. Sharing his research on the legend of Heer-Ranjha, he says, Mai Izzat Bibi alias Mai Heer Syal and Sadiq Miyan Murad Baksh alias Sadeeq Ranjha were their real names that are inscribed on their graves." His inquisitive mind also led him to Gujrat village to where belongs the tale of Sohni-Mahiwal. Gharuan also discovered facts about the love pair of Balo-Mahiya, creators of Balo Mahia tappe. While Balo (Iqbal Bano) was a rich girl, Mahiya was a poor 'tonga' puller, but a passionate singer. "Balo died of TB while her daughter Sabiha later worked in over 50 films," claims Gharuan. Gharuan has also documented his findings on Mirza Sahiban. "The serenity at the 'mazaars' of Baba Baba Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah and other Sufi saints still rejuvenates me," he adds. Saluting the hospitality of people and artistes in both the Punjabs, Gharuan exhorts all peaceniks through a couplet by Hafeez Saharpuri, Aadmi se aadmi ka, darad paida keejiye/ Laut ker aayen phir se, dushmani ke subhoh-shaam." |
|
Side Lanes
Looking at the shoe waving louts who disgrace Parliament every day of their worthless lives, India wants the Sonias, Tharoors, Hemas, Mehboobas, Adityas, Manishes, Renukas, Sachins, Milinds, Shabanas, Priyas and Rahuls to add glamour, culture and grace to our government. Not only do they relieve the monotony of office, but their ideas are like a breath of fresh air. Be honest boys and girls! Would you rather sit in the park with a Mamta or Maya, or the delectable Sunanda? Would you rather be whistled at by hair-in-his-ears Lallu, portly Gadkari or Mullayam, or be appreciated by a harried Lalit? The choices are obvious. Without being judgemental, I mourn the loss of two larger-than-life people from the seats of government and sport. By their very presence they countered drabness, boorishness, cacophany, disorganisation, pettiness and stupidity in their fields. Both stood out like stars on a bare stage. Both lived life king-size and spoke from the heart. Together they conquered the world. Divided, they finished themselves. Unfortunately both played themselves into the hands of the lumpen, which cannot see others succeed. The green-eyed monster takes over and as we try to claw our way to the top, we crush the spirit of joy and living. Test cricket left me cold. It stretched over days while eleven men in white chased a small, red, leather ball all over a huge field. Then came Kerry Packer, who broke away from the monotonous mould. Stiff, upper-lip die-hards called "foul" but the joran had begun fermenting a very old institution. However, Packer was no match for our brilliant Lalit, who brought together the best players in the world with the most appreciative audience, at a time when a day's work was done and entertainment could be had on or off the field. The players are rich; they wear colourful clothing; the lumpen are off the streets; the tamaasha is good; the cheer-leaders are an eyeful; the matches are short and exciting. Revenue is pouring into the country. But the bubble has burst. The have-nots want a piece of the pie. Accusations are flying across the sub-continent. Defiance and destruction are in the air. That monster, the ED, is breathing fire. The Government, (God forbid!) is planning to take over the reins of the IPL. IPL- IV seems to be in its death throws. Without Lalit's brilliance and business acumen, we are going to retrograde into the wilderness. I hate to think that cricket is going to become dull-as-ditch-water again. And there will be no Tharoor to ogle at.
|
|
Combining comfort with style, the collection highlights a rich variety of patterns such as hand block prints, intricate chikankari from Lucknow, embroidered motifs of phoolpatti from Aligarh, and famous tangail and jamdani weaves from West Bengal. "The collection is a blend indigenous craft technique with contemporary designs in order to present aesthetic and affordable hand-crafted products using natural materials and fibres. The designs too have been blended to bring out a combined effect like Kota silk sari with benarasi border or hand painted kalamkari saris," says Nidhi Gill, store manager, Fabindia-9. Even for someone who is not into drapes, these saris are a perfect start, with their plain waves, subtle colours and simple motifs. "We just concluded a two-day exhibition of these saris and the clientele included grandmas to granddaughters. Apart from regular wearers, these saris were a hit with first-timers as well," she says. And if you are wondering whether this collector's item would come at a price, then don't worry. The range starts from Rs 450 and stretches to Rs 10,000. — TNS
|
|
The society started in the year 1999 with a aim to enhance marketing promotion and train artisans. According to Rajesh, president of the society, "Exhibitions and craft bazaar is the only way to bring craft people and customers together. The society has been organising exhibitions and craft bazaars across Bangalore, Bombay, Ludhiana, Chandigarh." Models walked the ramp in bright coloured clothes, flaunting with with elan. A touch of crafts was evident on the collection. Indeed, this is the best way to popularsie crafts, and a good way to market them as well. The show was well appreciated by all. Adds Rajesh, “we will keep organising such exhibitions in the near future.” — TNS
|
|
The masterpiece, currently owned by edge fund billionaire Steven A Cohen, shows Manet in a tailored jacket. Its previous owners include collector Auguste Pellerin in the early 1900s and Wall Street figure John Loeb, reports the Telegraph. Charles Moffett, Sotheby's executive vice president, described the painting as ''not only the greatest Manet portrait in private hands, but also one of the very greatest self-portraits in the entire canon of art history''. Also, Melanie Clore, co-chairman of Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art Department worldwide, added: ''At a time when there is such enormous demand for museum-quality paintings by the Impressionist masters, it is exciting to be able to bring this extremely rare painting to auction.'' The portrait will be auctioned at Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art sale in London on June 22. — ANI
|
|
Robin(g) the limelight
Ridley Scott’s modern take on the famous outlaw of Sherwood Robin Hood opened the 12-day run of the 63rd Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.
The epic drama, playing outside the competition, narrates the story of how the legend of Robin Hood began.
The British helmer, who is on bed rest after undergoing a knee surgery, missed the red carpet of the movie on the famous French Riviera, which was attended by film’s cast Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchette. And his screen writer, Brian Helgeland, have written a complex story to create the legend. The story begins when Robin Hood is ungraciously outlawed by the king of England, flush from a victory from the invading French forces that Robin Longstride helped win, the myth begins with him taking refuge in Sherwood Forest with his merry men and wife Marion. The film lends itself to sequels, though how Robin Longstride eventually became Robin Hood, whose stories of robbing the rich to pay the poor has inspired
generations, is not even myth. The plot has been put together with considerable care, though there are moments when the narrative appears a bit hotchpotch. King Richard the Lion Heart is returning to England from the Crusade with his unhappy and unpaid army when he is killed in a siege. Ultimately, it falls upon the army’s ace archer, Longstride, to carry the dead king’s crown home and the sword of a dying English nobleman to his blind old father in Nottingham. There Longstride meets the nobleman’s widow, Marion. Thereafter Robin Hood runs very much like a Bollywood movie with impersonations, blossoming of romance between Longstride and Marion, songs and dances, sword fights and the vanquishing of the arch villain by Longstride. However, unlike an average Bollywood work, the film is high on production values and performances. Beautifully shot and superbly edited, the movie scores on one more crucial area. Crowe rarely smiles, but is compelling as the man who would become Robin Hood while Blanchett as Marion is tempestuous and essays the part with suitable fire.
— PTI |
|
The New York Yankees player, who has been dating the Shrek star since meeting her at a Super Bowl party hosted by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in February wants to keeps things casual and doesn’t want to rush into things. “He doesn’t want what happened to him and Kate to happen between him and Cameron. Kate was at every New York game and even went to Alex’s game practice. Things got too clingy, too fast,” a source said. The 34-year-old sportsman split from Hudson last December and has kept his relationship with 37-year-old Diaz a low-key affair. “Cameron is not really into baseball, so she wouldn’t want to go to all the games. She’s private, too. She has her own career going and she’s not going to give that up for anyone. And, right now she’s booked solid, so it works for the two of them,” the source added. — PTI
|
|
Koffee break
Why did you take two and a half years to make your comeback? I was concentrating on my studies. And, meanwhile I did Horlicks and Pepsodent ads and heard a lot of scripts. So while I was at it, I continued with my other work. What inspired you to take up this role? First of all I liked the story. And I thought I could play the character quite well. I was very excited to play this role. It is a sweet, emotional family entertainer, which focuses on the life of the poor tea-pluckers in Assam. It also traces the relationship between the two children. How was it working with Priyadarshan and your other co-stars? It was nice to work with Atul Kulkarni, Ritupurana Sengupta and Ziyah Vastani. As for Priyadarshan, he is a very good director. He made me understand the culture, the living and environment of poor tea pluckers of Assam. And, he was very accessible and easy to talk to. What are your expectations from
the film? I have great expectations from the film. I got to do this great piece of work. Anything else is a bonus. What are your future plans? I am keen to work with the best in cinema worldwide. So, hopefully that should also happen. I have completed Walt Disney’s Zokkoman in which I play a super
hero. — Dharam Pal |
|
New REleases
Film: Bum Bum Bole
Producers: Percept Pictures and Sanjay Ghodawat group Director: Priyadarshan Star cast: Darsheel Safary, Ziyah Vastani, Atul Kulkarni, Ritupurna Sengupta Roughly adapted from Majid Majidi’s Iranian film, Children From Heaven!, Bum Bum Bole is directed by Priyadarshan who moved away from comedies and has come up with a sweet emotional film which focuses on the life of poor tea pluckers in Assam. After Taare Zameen Par, this is child artiste Darsheel Safary’s next film. Atul Kulkarni and Ritupurna Sengupta play important characters. The entire film is shot on a set created on a hilltop in Conoor. MG Sreekumar, Tapas Relia and Azaan Sami have composed the music. It opens on
Friday. — Dharam Pal |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
The last time she was here, global warming (read Copenhagen Summit) and Chandigarh Fashion Week was on her agenda. In Chandigarh again, Miss India Earth-2009, Shreya Kishore, has new issues and another ramp to walk on.
Born with a deeply sensitive mind, child prodigy Harnek grew up listening to stories of the plight of families of a particular community uprooted during the Partition in 1947. While being raised by his maternal parents at village Gharuan, he would often think of those who had to leave their native places for no fault of their's. Years later, Harnek Singh Gharuan emerged as a prolific Punjabi writer as well as a politician of repute.
For women of all ages, Shashi Twitter Tharoor is the quintessential lover. Boyishly youthful, with a soft flick of thick hair rakishly hanging over one eye (all of us would love to run gentle fingers through it so that it does not hurt his expressive orbs); a voice like warm honey brandy and that look of wide-eyed innocence which appeals to our motherly instincts. What more can the female fraternity ask for? I for one would love to swoon over this suave, urbane, global citizen. I have not read a single book he has written, but then who needs to if the man speaks for himself?
If you wish to drape yourself in elegance, exclusivity and ethnic charm, here's an option. Fabindia brings you hand-crafted saris, and a collection in a variety of craft techniques, fabrics and colours. The range extends from cotton, kota and silk blends such as Mangalgiri, Poona, Sooti to chanderi, which make for a perfect light summer wear.
This is an endavour to get craftsmen and customers together. A fashion show organised by Rashtriya Sanskriti Samaj Avom Sabhyata at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35, on the eve of inaugration of 'Fab of Indya' an exhibition-cum-sale starting May 14 to May23.
A self-portrait by Edouard Manet, the father of Impressionism, may raise as much as 30 million pounds at an auction. Self-Portrait With A Palette is one of the two existing works that Manet had painted of himself. The other is at the Bridgestone Museum of Art in Tokyo.
Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz has been banned by her lover Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez from watching his baseball games all like his ex Kate Hudson, as he wants to take things slowly with her.
Darsheel Safary, who played the dyslexic kid in Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par is back on the silver screen after two-and-a-half years in Priyadarshan’s Bumm Bumm Bole along with another child star Ziyah Vastani. Darsheel is ready to startle us with yet another power-packed performance in his keenly-awaited film Bumm Bumm Bole. The child actor who is touted as a true superstar of Bollywood talks to Lifestyle about the film based on the 1997 Iranian hit Children of Heaven.
What is Bumm Bumm Bole all about?