It isn't easy to make the swinging, swaying, lot check in. The crowd that needs to be metaphorically dragged inside, without letting them sense they are being pulled in. It's a business of making people first take out time and then have a great time!

Welcome the blue collared Joey, the stiff neck executives and even the torn denim pocket money brigade. Going out is an experience and those on the other side in the industry are going all out to make everyone go out! Enter the freebies, discounts, music events, and special nights…revamping is just by the way, exercise. Antidote that metamorphosed to Crystal Lounge being a case in point. "We wanted to expand our reach. Initially we were just a disco, now it's a bar-cum-lounge. We've revamped the interiors, used a lot of crystal lighting," shares Sanjeev Varma, manager, Crystal Lounge. He adds, "There's not much of a craze of discothèques these days, people rather want to relax and have a good time."

While major revamping might not be a routine, there is every other attempt to appeal to as many people as possible. "We are coming up with the CEO night on Fridays and Thursdays, where all the top executives would be coming. This is to bring more and more corporate crowd. We'd be playing retro music for them, among other things," shares Mannika Singh, manager, public relations, Black Magic, DT Mall. Whoever had heard of, by now usual, foreigners and ladies night out? She adds, "We also hold the techno nights wherein we play techno music and no commercial Hindi, Punjabi or Bollywood numbers. Once in a month we also hold live music nights…we've been holding foreigners' nights but they are as it is pouring in."

Music undeniably forms the loud, live, underscored part of the package. Adds Sanjeev, "We don't hold special nights but we do a lot of events, we also play different music, not the regular kinds. On Wednesdays, there are drums and guitar nights. We also bring in DJs from outside — Delhi Bombay etc." Calling in the disc jockeys to give a taste of varied music, a trend that's become more of a tradition now? "Recently DJ Shay came from Israel and played. There are as many as two to four artistes coming in a month. We've had DJs from Switzerland, Pushkar, Delhi, Mumbai and so on," says Sameer from band Chakra Vu: who plays at Zinc Lounge. As for the music, that's not restricted to Bollywood, commercial, Punjabi tracks. "There's nothing fixed, there could be hip-hop on Monday, electronic the next day."

The decision to hold a night, give a discount, announce freebies, drinks on the house…is it all guided? Says Mannika, "We aren't really guided by what others are doing in the industry, but yes it's a well thought out decision after studying the market trends. We have our entire calendar planned in advance."

And there's no attempt to segment and target the categories. She adds, "We target everyone, from the youngsters to the executives, corporates, families… everyone. There are special discounts, such as for ladies it is 15 per cent." Chips in Sameer, "There's no conscious attempt to bring in just the youngsters. Everyone's a target, right from college-goers to middle executives to families."

The devil lies in the detail; any one link missing and you risk losing on an already switching loyalty. Adds Sameer, "I think people come looking for a combination of ambience, food, music, but any one of these lacking spoils the fun."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

It is yet another attempt against drug addiction. Anti-drugs day, message to the people, streetplay, long silence, final question…seen there, heard that. Nevertheless, efforts shouldn't cease.

And on Anti-Drug Day, ITFT in collaboration with workshop students staged a play Nashe Main Zindagi at Sector 17 plaza on Saturday. "We've tried depicting how drugs are affecting everyone in society. For instance, sportspersons are resorting to drugs. Whereas instead of enhancing their immune power it wreaks havoc with their lives," shares Chakresh, acting faculty, ITFT. He adds, "At times, students too take to drugs under extreme pressure of their parents' expectations. Substance abuse spoils the future of so many lives."

The play and the day are designed to say what has already been said the most and still needs to be said more. Says Chakresh, "There are two songs on the same theme as well, in the 12 people production."

Chips in Nitin Sharma, "There's no specific characterisation in the drama, there's an entire chain of people that keeps changing vastly." The 20-minute street theatre ends with the final question to the audience. Adds Nitin, "We show the options to the audience and leave the question open to them - What do they want?" 
— Manpriya Khurana

The northeastern part of our country has a rich legacy of art, and the ongoing 'North East Trade Expo 2010' offers a glimpse into it.

Artisans, weavers as well as artistes from Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are in the city along with their crafts and handlooms. The exhibition offers tradition wrap-arounds, Mekhela, chador and jackets from Nagaland. One can find 100 per cent cotton as well silk — Muga, Tussar and Nuni here. "We have some awesome suits and saris in fusion," says Dhiraj Thakuria, deputy general manager, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd.

The exhibition has impressive furniture on sale both in cane and bamboo. One can pick up complete living room sets, chairs, muras, jhulas as well as beautifully crafted partitions. Another highlight of the exhibition is knick-knacks in bamboo, cane and coconut shells — vases, wall hangings, fans, candle stands, bowls, trays, baskets and table mat sets. A must check out is bamboo jewellery that starts from a modest range of Rs 100.

(On at Kisan Bhavan-35 till July 4)

Film: Mr Singh Mrs Mehta

Cast: Prashant Narayan, Aruna Shields, Naved Aslam, Lucy Hassan

Director: Pravesh Bharadwaj

It's Ek Baar Phir all over again. Relationship tangles have ceased to be interesting especially when there's nothing new to tell. At least Vinod Pande's erstwhile film, released some 20 odd years ago, was heralded as the first film based on illicit relationships. This one lacks that distinction and severely lacks on several fronts.

The story is uninteresting for starters. There is no plot. Mr Singh (Naved Aslam) has an affair with Mrs Mehta (Lucy Hassan). His wife Meera (Aruna Shields) suspects and tries to investigate and in the process she ends up having an affair with Mr Mehta (Prashant Narayan).

Ashwin Mehta is a struggling artist while his wife is a successful executive. On the other side Mr Singh is a client servicing executive in an Ad agency while Meera, his wife is a homemaker who works part-time for a website www.behenji.com as an agony aunt.

Meera and Ashwin are shown as two lonesome souls who feel betrayed and eventually fall into each-others' arms. The characters are shown falling into situations without any strong motivation. There is not much depth of feeling involved in the decisions they make. Meera or Ashwin for that matter could well have confronted their respective spouses regarding their involvement but since their involvement with each other was preordained by the writer-director we have to suffer through a series of situations that appear farcical and meaningless.

The narrative is extremely slow and the acting is without any energy or passion. The cinematography shows us a side of London we have not seen before but it's not enough to generate interest. The rest of the technical credits are without distinction so there's not much to be expected from this travesty on relationships.

The film has plenty of nude sequences, which get the pixellated courtesy the censors so those looking for cheap thrills will have to think again.

johnsont307@gmail.com

Undeniably a prolific poet, celebrated academician and scholar, Dr Naresh has made a significant contribution in all genres of literature in various languages. Bestowed with nine state awards, Dr Naresh has also been honoured with IBC Cambridge Poet of the Millennium Award by Music World, UK, and by American Biographical Institute, USA. He has also been given Shiromani Sahitkar Award by Punjab and Balmukand Award by Haryana government.

Credited with authoring 67 books (one in English, 14 in Urdu, 33 in Hindi and 19 in Punjabi) his writings have been included in 48 anthologies in addition to over 1,000 articles, poems, short stories published in various journals and papers. A former professor and chairman of Bhai Vir Singh Chair for Modern Literature at Panjab University for 15 years, he has also been chairman of the Sahitya Academy, Chandigarh, for three years.

As a poet, Dr Naresh had represented India in various symposiums in Pakistan and the International Conference of Progressive Writers in UK. He shares notes on his latest book on the mysticism of Sultan Bahu and his Sufi poetry.

Q: What inspired you to explore the mystic thought of Sultan Bahu

A: Since ages, Sufi philosophy and thought has been influencing the life of people around the world. A Sufi saint is an enigma and to understand their deep mystic vision one has to transcend the intellectual concept and live with their spiritual experiences. I did not like the available translation of Punjabi Sufi poetry (from Persian to Gurmukhi script) when I presented Shah Husain's Sufi poetry in my book — Shah Hussain, Jiwan Te Rachna — to the readers of Punjabi four years ago. My latest offering Sultan Bahu Di Punjabi Kavita is aimed at explaining his Sufi thought in the right perspective, as it preaches universal brotherhood without contradicting Islamic theology.

Q: What is your perception of Sufi and significance of Sultan Bahu's poetry?

A: Sultan Bahu's poetry is certainly a fine piece of literature. A Sufi's soul is madly devoted to his preceptor, oblivious of social laws and religious bonds. Sultan Bahu (1628 - 1691) was a Muslim Sufi saint who founded the Sarwari Qadiri Sufi Order. He was a prolific writer who wrote more than 40 books. I have explained all the 200 couplets of Hazrat Bahu highlighting the spiritual meaning of each Siharfi. I have tried to help the reader understand the real meaning of Sufism. I have brought out the similarity of Sufi thought with the Indian Vedanta and the Indian Adhyatama-Sadhna.

Q: What is your take on the contemporary literary scene?

A: Our writers are good with short stories and we are improving in novel writing, especially in Punjabi. I feel creative Urdu poetry has lost continuity after the excellence of Mir Taki Mir and Majrooh Sultanpuri. There is a sharp decline now, though poets such as Nida Fazli Munnawar Rana, Ahmed Faraz and others are contributing a lot. Still the magic of poets like Sahir Ludhianvi is missing. Moreover, the main promoter of poetry, Bollywood, needs only lyrics like Tumko Mirchi Lagi Toh Mein Kya Karoon. 

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: The Queen of Wands allow you to achieve professional success with calm authority. Be sure that you do not transgress your budget. Mental & physical energy can be successfully combined on Tuesday. You should be in a good form. Be gentle with subordinates. Tip of the week: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Ebony.

TAURUS: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. You are ready to make new beginnings. Worry is likely due to child's health. Creative work must not be allowed to put you to additional expenses. Postpone signing important documents. Beloved brings security. Tip: Avoid the tendency to criticise or judge others too harshly. Lucky colour: Rust.

GEMINI: The karmic Wheel of fortune turns in your favour. An upswing in your earnings keeps you in high spirit. Family relationship can be restored to harmony. Influential people will be actively helpful in your affairs. Focus on exercise and yoga. Tip: You should pursue your goals without a thought for the disapproval. Lucky colour: Brown.

CANCER: You draw The Fool you feel free, unburdened and happy. Sit tight on your savings. You should not allow yourself to be guided by friends. Serious miscalculations are likely. Romance could be upsetting. Expect a guest on Wednesday. Tip: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Scarlet.

LEO: Knight of wands brings gracious and aesthetic influences in your life. Trust your feelings and look for the silver lining and hidden values. A solid appreciation brings rewards. Be cautions in your action and speech. Tip: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: black.

VIRGO: The King of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities inside and outside. Must push yourself harder. Use imagination to make your surroundings more pleasant and attractive. Romance may blossom at your place of employment. Tip: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: Red.

LIBRA: Your card The World reveals love and close relationships are important. A problem with an older relative can be sorted out. Romance wakes up and startles you into an understanding of your own emotional fabric. A Leo friend is supportive. Tip: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: White.

SCORPIO: You cope better when detached and light-hearted. The early part of the week is likely to be important. Life is a movement not a freeze. Period is not good for sports person. Chronic patients should consult the doctor. Tip: Over indulgence in food as well as alcohol may lead to health problems. Try to strike balance. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastel

SAGITTARIUS: Six of Swords bring mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situation. Rise of income continues. You will have to watch your emotions. Spare time should be devoted to creative activities. Be positive in approach. Excellent week for journeys. Tip: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Burgundy.