Simply Punjabi
Jasmine Singh

Devotional notes
SD Sharma

The Indian music, especially the devotional genre, emanates celestial serenity to a devout listener and makes him absorb and forgetful of any pangs and anxieties of life," claims Hamsar Hayat, music maestro excelling in devotional and filmy music. In the city, to perform at the Sai temple, Hamsar is credited with forty-two devotional and other albums.

Representing a rich legacy of classical music of Ustad Munnavar and Ustad Muzaffar Khan of Delhi, who was the first musician decorated with the title of Sangeet Ratan way back in 1889, Hamsar grew amidst the drones of tanpura and taans of soulful gayaki. The musical family had the patronage of ruling royals. Hamsar had no other choice except making music as his calling and learnt classical music ghazal, dadra, thumri under his father Ustad Hayat Nizami, a famous qawwal of Delhi.

Hamsar Hayat rose to prominence after he performed Allah hu Allah… live in Deepa Mehta's film Fire and gave playback for Ishq hai kaisa darya.. for Shah Rukh Khan's film Main Hoon Na as also in Sanjay Khan's Tathastu for a song Nazad Allah Hu Ali.. He wishes to sing more, though a few films are in the offing but still more qawwalis need to be part of film music.

Disclosing about his transformation from a romantic ghazal and qawwali singer to a devout and ardent Sai follower he recalls of his tour to America on 1986 with his father for 52 performances. "During a concert one affluent desired to listen Sai bhajan and we performed only to experience a special pleasure and thereafter I loved to sing Sai devotional bhajans," says Hamsar Hayat.

"While in Pakistan in 1990, I shared the stage with great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan saheb and presented sufiana kalaams," he adds. Well read Hamsar claims that the Indian Sufi saints like Sarmad, Farid, Bullah Shah, Nazir too chose verses and music for ibadat like Hafiz, Rumi, Rabia and others from Iran or Turkey, the origin of Sufism.

A complete package
Neha Walia

When your profile reads a classical singer, music composer, lyricist, playwright and actor, you are categorised as an artiste. Some take it in their stride and try to bask in the glory their multitalented personality begets, while others (the number is dangerously less) make a conscious effort to keep a low profile and let the world decide how they want to perceive. In case of Shekhar Sen, he was quite sure how the world wanted to know him as. "I want my audience to accept me as the character I play on stage, as Kabeer, Tulsidas and Vivekanand and not Shekhar Sen."

Well, for someone who has done over 575 shows of mono act plays across the globe, variety doesn't come easy. "Single play acts are difficult as there is no scope for experimentation. And when you have one guy, acting, directing, composing, writing the play there is not much you can offer to the audience," shares the noted artiste who brings his play Goswami Tulsidas for Chandigarh Theatre Festival.

Making musical biographies of Indian scholars sure wasn't an easy call either. Limitations and failure, too much of a risk to take? "But then an artiste is known for his art, not the luxuries he can buy. I did have a limited audience but a loyal one. Even with my shows abroad, I was surprised to see the response for my musicals," he says.

Well, having a 3500-packed house for Goswami Tulsidas in New Jersey can be counted as an achievement. But then back home, he was a bit disappointed. "But that's justified. When you are in minority, you are more concerned about your culture. So, I always found good foreign audience," he avers.

Back home, he thinks the problem lies in packaging the play. "Just like the Braodway entertainment, we too need to tempt the audience and get them hooked to theatre by giving them a perfect package of entertainment." "Goswami Tulsidas," he says, "Has 52 song sequences in different ragas. So, you have music weaved in a story."

Even the inspiration for the play came while he attended an international conference on Ramyana in Houston. "There, two book translations on Ramcharitmanas were released. One in Portugese and the other in Chinese, which was an rthymic translation. The fact that a foreigner with no clue about our culture could represent Tulsidas internationally, prompted me to write," he says. And in Chandigarh, Shekhar will be staging the 111th show of Goswami Tulsidas.

With experimentation, Shekhar also believes in burning the bridges, "As it is important for an artiste to grow. If you know that there is an escape, you will never stretch your limits." And, so he let the music composer go when he turned a playwright and actor. His latest play is Saheb, based on a common man. "After playing these great characters, I wanted to bring out the extraordinary in an ordinary man." Artistes and their ways!

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Brides made

It was a classic example of clothes stealing the show from a show-stopper. Designer J.J. Valaya's couture line at the ongoing Pearl's Infrastructure Delhi Couture Week was so impressive that it even overshadowed the presence of Bollywood actor Kangna Ranaut.

Inspired by a fictional character Alika, the line had elegant saris, lehengas paired with sexy cholis and long jackets, short kurtas with skin-fit chudidars and achakans and angrakhas for men. The line was a treat to the eyes and showed designers effort in putting up a magnificent show together.

This Delhi-based designer had used a lot of hand-embroidery, digital printing, appliques and lazer cuttings on fabrics such as jersey, dupion, georgette and fine velvets.

Through this line, Valaya has introduced Alika jackets - a cross between a shirt and a jacket, it looks a bit like Indian traditional garment Sadri.

This line had everything a bride-to-be dreams of, so when Kangna, who was wearing a heavily embroidery lehenga hoped that Valaya designs her wedding trousseau - no one was surprised.

"The moment I wore this lehenga, I told JJ that you have to make my wedding dress. It is so beautiful, any bride's dream," Kangna said.

The stage for this show had a jungle like feel, with an artificial tree in the middle and a few artificial flowers in the backdrop. As the models started walking in pristine white line, the whole show area burst in applause. After whites, it was beige, then black and then heavily embroidered lehengas in various hues of fuschia, blue, beige, off-whites, and the line received great applause from the audience. — IANS

Another love story!

South Indian actor Trisha Krishnan has entered Bollywood following the trend of debuting with a leading man far older than her. In Khatta Meetha, she stars opposite 43-year-old Akshay Kumar. The age difference doesn't bother her. She is currently shooting a Tamil film opposite 55-plus Kamal Haasan. But for her second Hindi film, Trisha will be seen with 24-year-old Prateik Babbar.

"The second Hindi film is a love story with just me and the guy in central roles. It's a subject that can't go wrong. I've already done the Tamil version of this film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya. Now the same director, Gautham Menon, is remaking it in Hindi with Prateik and me," Trisha, 27, said. "I think we should be kick-starting it in August. I am excited because unlike Khatta Meetha, where I don't have a central part, this one has a central role for me."

"It was important for me to line up a second Hindi film before the first was released," she said. Speaking excitedly from Europe, where she is shooting with Kamal Haasan, Trisha said: "I've been away from home for almost 40 days. Though I've my mom with me I do miss home. But the shooting with Kamal sir and Maddy (Madhavan) is great fun. "Trisha confesses she had her lines in Hindi dubbed in her first film. When you tell her that Akshay said she spoke Hindi well, Trisha laughs it off. "Did he say that? I must thank him.

The truth is I was a bit nervous about doing my own lines in Hindi. I've done so many Telugu films. But I don't know the language at all. I know the grammar in Hindi but I can barely manage to speak it." "In Chennai no one talks in Hindi. I was a little worried about my Hindi since my character in Khatta Meetha is from a fluent Hindi-speaking belt. So both Priyan and I decided I wouldn't dub my own lines. But it's not a problem. I know I'll soon master it. It's simpler than the south Indian languages," the actor said. Trisha had got Hindi film offers earlier but didn't jump on to the Bollywood bandwagon until Priyadarshan's offer came along." I was so busy doing Tamil and Telugu films that I didn't get time to consider Hindi films although offers did come.

Also I wanted to do something that would give me a wide audience. I chose Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar... Their combination always works." Trisha is candid to admit she didn't have that much to do in Khatta Meetha. "It isn't a heroine-centric role. But I felt it would give me visibility. Look, I may be known in the south. But in Bollywood no one knows me... not yet. When I started in the south I did smaller parts with big heroes. That always worked for me. One needs to be a part of hit films specially at the start," she reasoned. Priyadarshan is Trisha's mentor. "He launched me in the south seven years ago. He had promised he'd launch me in the right vehicle. In five minutes I knew I wanted to do Khatta Meetha.I want to first make sure I establish myself in Hindi before I do more experimental roles. This is the trend I followed in the south as well."

On working with Akshay, she said: "In the Khatta Meetha unit Akshay was the only person I didn't know. And he wasn't just my co-star, he was also my producer. He was really sweet. Priyan and Akshay are by now like family to one another. They made sure I was comfortable. This was one of the most professional units I've worked with." Trisha is open to shifting base to Mumbai. "It would depend on the offers. I've always had relatives in Mumbai. I've also done a lot of ads in Mumbai. Though my family won't move out of Chennai, I am hardly in one city any way," she said. — IANS

Spice up
Season styles
Shahnaz Husain

Today's trend is a combination of functionality and fashion. Comfort is a factor that must be taken into consideration and this is more so during summer and Monsoons. You must feel comfortable in whatever you wear, so that you can carry yourself well, with confidence. If you keep fidgeting with your clothes, or have shoes that pinch, how can you feel or look confident?

Simplicity rules

Whatever fashion trends may be, the golden rule for hot and humid weather is simplicity. But, first things first. Your grooming begins with personal hygiene. It is best to wear cotton under garments in summer, because cool, porous materials help perspiration to escape and evaporate. Loose, light clothing is also much more appropriate and comfortable during summer. Cotton shields can be used under the arms to absorb sweat and protect clothing. Daily change of clothing is a must. In fact, in summer two changes of clothing help to avoid body odour.

For your clothes, simple lines and pastel, serene colours are suitable. Go for clean cuts, with minimum detail. Avoid frills and flounces. The idea is to feel and look cool. Colours can make a big difference. Blue jeans never go out of fashion, but try jeans, in other colours too, like greys, beige and white. Another 'cool' trick is to use two shades of the same colour, like two progressive shades of silver blue or powder pink, both good summer colours. During the day, subtle colours actually make you look cool, so go for grey, beige, ivory, lemon, leaf green or pista green and white, of course. Two-tones can look good, like two tones of grey, blue, green or browns. Try sunny yellow too. Neutral shades are easy to find accessories for, because you can match shoes and handbags easily.

Fabric(wise)

What about fabrics? Materials, like cotton, organza, chiffon, crepes, georgettes or lace look summery and feel comfortable. Try a flowing chiffon or georgette top for evening wear. Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they do not allow perspiration to evaporate. Flowing styles look and feel cool. Tight figure hugging dresses and tops should be avoided. Skirts can be most comfortable during summer. Large prints or bold abstract prints should be avoided too, as they detract from the cool look. Candy stripes and small baby checks in soft pastel shades, trimmed with lace, look attractive in hot weather. Try a top with a denim skirt or jeans, or kurta in small checks in light blue, light pink or light green. Trim the sleeves or at button-closing with white cotton lace and see how appealing and summery it can look. Geometric patterns look cooler. If you are in the mood for prints, go for the soft, subtle shades, which merge into one another. Flowery prints, with small flowers on a white, cream or pale background can look good for hot weather too.

Eclectic is in

There is no particular fashion image - you can follow traditional, western or even combine the two. You need some basic clothes, like a few pairs of pants, jeans or skirts. Worn with various kinds of tops, T-shirts or blouses give the entire outfit a different look. Accessories can also make the outfit look special. You can match colours, use contrasting colours, or use a theme, like traditional handlooms or prints. For example, try a traditional Rajasthani tie and dye top with your jeans or skirt for an ethnic touch. Traditional handlooms never go out of fashion. In crisp cottons or sheer fabrics, they can be ideal for summer. Ethnic fabrics can be translated into modern styles.

Where trimmings go, avoid bright gold or garish silver, even for a gala summer night. Avoid heavy work during summer. Trimmings with lace may be more appropriate. Churidar ensembles for the evening can look cooler when they are in one colour. With it wear a chiffon dupatta with light trimmings, or tiny sequins or crystal work to add a touch of glamour. Handbags are accessories no girl can do without. It can be used in a way to set off your clothes. Long cloth sling bags in bright shades can look good and brighten up your outfit. Try sling bags with mirror or beadwork for the evenings. Big bags are in. Bags are great accessories and there is so much to choose from, using cotton, jute, and leather. Add your own touch to it.

Jewel deal

Cut down on jewellery for hot days. Choose one striking accessory. Silver has a cooler look than gold. Light stone studded jewellery is very much in fashion. Avoid tight chokers around the neck. Long, loose dangling chains or beads are great for summer. Large hoop (ring) earrings are suitable accessories for young girls. Keep your hair simply styled and away from the face. Try to keep the nape of the neck free of hair. It will make you look and feel cool. If you have long hair, put it up with the help of a large hair clip, ribbon, or scrunchy, co-ordinating them with your clothes. In fact, a large number of hair styling aids are available nowadays. It is a question of keeping your eyes and mind open. Try to be a good observer and be creative.

Foot care

Pay special attention to your feet. After washing them well. Dry thoroughly and apply talcum powder. If you wear closed shoes, sprinkle some in the shoes too. In the hot season, slippers and open sandals are best, as they allow the perspiration to evaporate. However, open footwear attracts dirt and foot hygiene becomes all the more important. After a hot day, soak your feet in cold water, to which some salt has been added.

Go lemony

To add the last touch to your grooming, keep to light fragrances during summer, rather than heavy concentrated ones. A light cologne or toilet water may be enough. Floral or lemony fragrances are just right in summer. Cologne, after a shower, can be most refreshing.

Feast & festivity
Jasmine Singh

Stage-managed

Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones is looking to expand her career on stage with a one-woman play after making her Broadway debut in A Little Night Music. Zeta-Jones performed on the New York stage for the first time last month when she began previews for the musical revival with Angela Lansbury.

And the star admits she would love to be the centre of attention in her own solo show that she just has to come up with the perfect storyline first.

"One of my biggest dreams is to do a one-woman show, with dancing and singing. I just have to figure out the concept," Zeta-Jones said.

In the meantime, the actress wants to try starring in a more traditional performance.

"I want to do a straight play next," the actress added.

Zeta-Jones portrays role of Desiree in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music, which features hits like Send in the Clowns and Every Day a Little Death.

The Welsh actress started out as a star on London's West End and won an Oscar for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in movie musical Chicago. — PTI

Southern delights
Mona

Poompuhar is back again with its rich repertoire of authentic handicrafts from state of Tamilnadu. Artefacts in bronze, brass, stone, sandal wood and rose wood in day to day utility pieces like lamps, wall brackets, door handles, tableware, lamp shades as well as decorative items are on display at Panchayat Bhavan-18.

The high point of this exhibition is Tanjavur paintings in gold ornamentation. Mostly of a deity in represented in a symbolic stance, a painting generally depicts some narrative. Beautifully carved, huge (as much as 4X8), these paintings are in bright colours.

This exhibition also has attractive brass lamps - traditional pooja ones, branch lamps, hanging and Thoonda Vilaku - a unique dome shaped lamp that burns continuously for longer time with considerably less oil.

One can find a number of rare motifs in woodcarvings. Marble dust statues of various deities in bright colours are a must check out. One can find makhan stealing, bal gopal, Radha and Krishna in Rassleela and Lord Shiva in meditation.

The exhibition has seashells in their natural colours and tones as well as jewellery, key chains, mirrors and lampshades. Coconut shells and wood come together to make appealing pieces for decoration as well as daily use items.

More to check out beaded jewellery, bags and mobile cases in eclectic colours. Terracotta artefacts, marble dust pieces and woodcarvings not only in traditional motifs as well as Egyptian themes.

The exhibition also has silk and cotton saris, bedspreads, tableware and lace items. Beautiful shagun roll envelops for message as well cash remind one of bygone times as most of the other arts.

The exhibition offers a peep in the rich heritage of Tamilnadu. A worth visit for art lovers and if you are tempted to pick up there is a special discount of 10 per cent on handicrafts and 20 percent on handlooms.

Prices start from a modest Rs 65 to Rs five lakhs.

One can also place orders for wooden, silver and golden chariots, bells and temple items with the corporation.

On till August 2.

mona@tribunemail.com

BODY wise
In sickness and health
Sachin Kalra

On the infertile ground
Anuja Jaiswal

A major dilemma of today's fast-paced lifestyle is that it gives rise to health problems and diseases that are relatively unheard of. In this case, have you ever heard of endometriosis?

If not, then this will come as a surprise as endometriosis is a medical condition tormenting as many as 85 million women across the globe. This condition has a serious repercussion, which manifests itself when some women are unable to conceive, denying them the privilege of giving birth and having a complete family. It is a condition in which cells similar to the ones inside the uterus, start growing outside the uterus. The consequence is a sad one, but it must be remembered that the problem can be overcome if people act methodically.

"In India alone, endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. And if they are not able to conceive, they have to bear the social stigma attached to it," says, Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, consultant gynecologist, Bloom IVF Centre-Fortis, Mohali, analysing both the medical and social implications of the disease. Characterised by chronic pains, menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, nausea, vomiting and painful urination, the condition can even lead to chest pain in extreme cases. "The exact cause of endometriosis has not been identified so far. But it has been seen that women who are on contraceptive pills for long suffer from this problem. So, to some extent, it can be called a lifestyle problem," affirms Dr Pai. "Medicines or surgery can not only help in reducing the pain, but actually increase the chances of conceiving," asserts Dr Pai.

Most often, it is diagnosed between 25 and 35 years of age. In fact, one of the biggest problems regarding endometriosis is that the signs, especially in the early stages appear to be normal menstrual cycle problems. Naturally, it gets ignored by many women, who think the pain can be reduced by popping painkillers. Gradually, it affects her reproductive cycle too. Painful periods are the biggest symptom, but low back pain, painful bowel movements, fatigue are all symptoms of the disease.

Endometriosis and infertility

Thousands of urban women, mostly those who opt for delayed pregnancies are vulnerable. In fact, this is known to be an anti-pregnancy disease, primarily because the presence of Endometriosis involves tissues within the pelvis that affects the ovaries, all of which have a negative impact on ovulation, fertilisation of the egg or implantation of the embryo. Young patients with endometriosis, may require specialized treatment like invirto fertilization (test tube baby). If the patient is older and has had repeated surgeries, a total hysterectomy with ophorectomy (removing uterus and ovaries) is the final solution.

Treatment

Laparoscopy is still the most popular treatment for Endometriosis especially in cases of infertility where the implants may be excised or obliterated by laser treatment. However, the recurrence rate is high too. Hormonal treatments come with some side-effects such as water retention, irregular periods and loss of calcium.

Awareness

Strange but it's true that the best way to prevent endometriosis is to follow the biological clock and not delay pregnancy, says Dr Pai. The rigours of pregnancy, absence of periods during that time, breast feeding, etc prevents endometriosis . With late pregnancy, there is uninterrupted estrogens process which provides ground for endometrial implants to develop. Also, try to lead a healthy lifestyle and a stress free life as much as possible. There is no bigger preventive method than awareness. The next time you feel you have bad cramps don't pop a pill. Get tested instead.

anujaj@tribunemail.com

Yummy mummy