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Road to nowhere
Young rich kids, luxury car, high speed, racing for fun…so proud of the elite popular culture! Read again. Young rich kids, luxury car, high speed, rash racing…two dead. Not so proud of the elite culture now!
This isn't new nor is it an eye-opener; at least that's what is proved once again. The recent case of road rage by two teenage girls, driving in an inebriated condition, left two brothers dead, one of them a five-year-old. Soon, followed the drama, suspense, denial, the blink and miss, surrender and bail, and the underlying facts. Teenage, drunken driving, adrenaline rush, elite tags, and road kills. Questions are numerous, but answers elusive. Why is it that a city that loves its luxuries gradually falling prey to it? Why are our children getting out of control? We try to find out. "It's because we have the means, but lack in responsibility. In incidences like these, we blame the children for negligent attitude, but it's the parents who are lenient and in some cases quite indulgent towards their kids," says H S Mamik, chairman, Vivek High School-38 and president of the Independent Schools Association. "If the kids know that they'll be bailed of trouble easily because of their certain status, who will bother about being responsible?" he questions. It's a tough one. And given the fact that most of the cases reported have an educated, high class involved, are we even taking it seriously? "Looks like we are not. Youth is blinded by the fast lifestyle and our negligent attitude is making it worse. And when something happens, all we have is an easy escape for the accused. People on streets should not pay for anybody’s VIP status," say Yogesh Negi, a documentary-maker from the city. "The basic problem in such cases is that we set a wrong example by not treating everyone equal in the eyes of law," he adds. Negligence has become a part of our system, why act helpless, when you are the problem? The problem of the great Indian ego and its indulgences! And that's what Simmi Wariach, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis-Mohali agrees to, "Parents are hesitant to set rules for their children and the result is this reckless attitude. The increasingly indulgent behaviour is the problem of our society, especially in this part of the country. If you stop your kid from using a mobile or driving your car without permission, there is nothing wrong with it." She believes that developing a critical thinking amongst them might help. "You can't tell them to wriggle out of any situation without discussing the pros and cons. Give them time and not money," she adds. Law and order is the other side of the coin. "Such cases should be drawn to a conclusion. The police should come into line and the parents should also catch on this idea," says Mamik. Last but not the least - driving responsibly. "Our driving sensibilities remain the same, whether an illiterate or an elite. It's easy to drive a car, but responsibility comes with age. So, underage driving should not be encouraged," say Yogesh. So, the next time you plan to gift your son or darling daughter a swanky car on her birthday, think hard…real hard! nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Her stage
If being a celebrity means red carpet entries at international film festivals and making glamourous appearances at award functions, then Lillete Dubey is not one. For the actor, who belongs to theatre and then films, is yet to make a red carpet debut!
And the choice was a conscious one, like everything else in her life. 'Despite a number of my films winning at international film festivals, say Monsoon Wedding at Venice, I never went to attend any of the functions," she says. Reason? "I realised I am not just an actor but a wife, a mother and a daughter as well. I never could take out time for such things from my busy family life." Real juggler, Lillete is now trying hard to attend her first… with her movie Pankh being screened at a South-Asian Film Festival in New York. "Let's see if I make it. I start shooting for my next film, Delhi in a Day, in the first week of September in Delhi and have a season of plays lined up, as my theatre company completes 20 years, besides all other things,” says the actor. And Lillete is in Chandigarh with her play Love on the Brink. Her latest production is something totally different from her signature style. "It's a totally absurd, exaggerated satire on the concept of love. An adaptation of the 60's Tony award winning play Luv, it tries to explain what love actually is, of course, by going a little over the top," she says. Well, absurd humour is something not explored by the Indian theatre audience yet. "Exactly my point. We don't love to laugh on ourselves. It's not a slapstick comedy, but humour that has lots to say. Some got the idea and some liked it, as it was funny. Also, we are celebrating 20 years so I decided to have a blast.' She is planning a series of plays, all different to her genre, for the same. "The first one is my first Hindi play, reviving the classic Adhey Adhure and I'll be doing a strong lead role after a long time. Next is Girish Karnad's Dreams of Tipu Sultan and two musicals, one called Jaya and another that is inspired from the Mathura rape case." Her hands full with work, she doesn't mind if there's room for more. "As I get older, I realise there is so much more for me to do. So, I act greedy," says the lively actor. As for her other roles, say Bollywood, she isn't game for clichés. 'There is no space for women actors over a certain age, apart from the mother kind of roles. Theatre gives me my freedom and so I don't want to give it up ever." Though her daughter, Ira, seems to have found success with her first. "It was all her effort and her talent." No motherly advice then? "She knows her amma has her own things to do." Well, true. The reel doesn't appeal her, but she is happy with her real life. "I don't believe in packaging, I am what I am.' nehawalia@tribubemail.com |
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More than looks!
Shibani is now waiting for the release of children animation movie Ashoka, wherein she makes her debut as an actor. "I liked the script, the music was very promising, which is why I did the role." Bollywood here I come! "I am not inclined towards films as long I get to do roles that present me the way I am — a singer," shares Shibani, who plays a singer in yet another forthcoming film Happy Hours. “It is a conscious decision to do such movies," she smiles. What gives the singer-composer and now the actor happiness? "One, it is certainly not dependent on a particular time. Music definitely makes my day. Then comes in the company of friends, family and relatives," says Shibani. A good 'any day' can be a reason for happiness. No wonder 'collaborations' do so well. "This is the concept of the West where two singers get together to create something great. This holds true for Indian singers as well." Another western concept that has made an impact on the music scene is online music downloads. "As long as it reaches out to people. Cutting through Bollywood is not easy." jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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The Zenith collection has a Mughal feel to it with the dori and embroidery work; zardosi, aari, tikki and use of gota; and the Floral Symphony cashes in on the Parsi embroidery. While the Romantic Therapy is an ensemble of tunics, cocktail dresses, draped ghagra with corset blouse. And of the trends, aren't they always supposed to change and be changing? "This year the trend has changed a bit, like the kalis have given way to a little more straighter outfits. Of course, the kalis are there because its suits the Indian women who have a heavy figure, but they are a little more subtle. Even the ghagras are with corsets," she adds. As for colours, it isn't just the usual red, green, blue, and other primary palette. "Colours are more unusual and not the normal ones. For example, instead of red, it's wine red, it's chocolate brown, very unusual hues because people are getting more experimental now." Think coral pink, fuschia, old rose pink, teal…and the likes. Adds Swati, "I would describe my collection as very youthful, very stylish; the focus is on finish." — TNS
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The collection drives its name from the famous Bollywood film which inspired designer Asha Kamal Modi to recreate a range showcasing the folk jewellery of Rajasthan. It's a combination of the different types of workmanships that include kundan, meenakari and thewa with a contemporary twist. The range includes rakhdi (head ornament), tussi (necklace), baju bandh (armlet), adah (necklace worn by Rajputs), gokhrus (bracelets) and pajebs (anklets). More than 800 designs have been created for this collection and is priced between Rs 2,000 to Rs 75,000. — TNS
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Side Lanes The cups are in various hues - pink, green, blue, brown and black. They are thick, unbreakable and can withstand the rigours of constant coffee, tea and a dishwasher. The ones set aside for guests are of fine porcelain with a blue and white willow pattern. I flip both over. The legend says "Made in China." We all gather around the new I-Pad that flew in from Sydney on the morning courier. It can store photographs and music; offers Internet and phone facilities; displays global maps and minute by minute airline activity; it gives as-of-now weather updates and- glory be-has my latest book, to be down-loaded and read by all. The I-Pad has been designed by Apple, of USA and, you guessed it, is made in China! We visit Bunnings. The puppy has been playing havoc with wood chips spread over black, weed-killing plastic sheets around the slopes of the back garden. We buy several rolls of 4" wide, brown, plastic, lawn-edging. It just takes tools from China to drive it into the soil and stop the Aussie chips from falling. The solar powered fairy lights under bushes, near the gates, amongst the flowers, are all produced by our Communist neighbour. At night, we switch on an electric blanket against the Antarctic wind blowing outside. Immediately warmth cocoons us, and we drift into slumber peopled by a race with yellow skins and expressionless slit eyes. Even the bed under us has been made in China. It arrived in cardboard cartons that were disgorged in the driveway. It was up to the inmates of the house to assemble everything. The instructions are "velly, velly" lengthy and detailed. Not perfect English, but who cares as long as the costs are low. The leather recliners in the sitting room and the wall-to-wall carpeting on the floor underneath have the same Chinese stamp. I have developed an inferiority complex. While travelling on a tram in Melbourne, a young Chinese man puts his computer on the seat beside him. We are standing but he does not offer the empty space. When a compatriot steps on, wordlessly he removes the computer and she slides in. Not a word is exchanged but racial superiority is there for all to see. We buy some towels, bath mats, bed linen and kitchen towels. The label reads "Made in India!" Our spirits soar. The ubiquitous plastic bucket and mug in the loo are also from the home country. Pattu's masalas and the coir mat at the doorstep are from Kerala. Nanak's Rasmallais are available at the spice shop. Shan's biryani mix and basmati rice are from Pakistan. Fresh fish, meats, vegetables and fruit are all Australian and labelled as such. Why do I have a feeling of déjà vu when I draw the curtains, pull the wooden and plastic blinds or plant seedlings in an ornate tub? Of course silly! You saw the same stuff in the USA as well as the UK. Your son's logo-ed university jacket at New York is from the same source as your windcheater bought Down Under. I suffer an identity crisis for now I am part Chinese. The red star dominates the world. Maybe they even created Osama and his cohorts so that their arms sales would never go down. They have made the world their playground. Oops! The chair that is massaging my aching back is from China too. My inferiority complex is sustained and complete.
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Grandson of late Mukesh, Neil Nitin Mukesh, with his smashing, videshi looks, will yet again showcase his talent in Yash Raj Film's Lafangey Parinde, opposite Deepika Padukone. After remarkable performances in Johnny Gaddaar, Aa Dekhen Zara, New York and Jail, Neil Nitin Mukesh is all set to rock Bollywood with Lafangey Parinde. Lifestyle catches up with him. You play a ruffian, One Shot Nandu. How challenging was the role? Of all the four films I have done, playing Nandu has been the most challenging. It required concentration and good preparation. What was your initial reaction when you read the script of Lafangey Parinde? My first reaction was how could any director go into such detailing? How can Pradeep Sarkar keep on challenging himself? Each time he comes up with a unique subject. You have moved on to a big banners. Are you happy with it? Yes, I am happy that I have moved on to big banners. I have not been typecast so far. Lafangey Parinde is a sensible film. I feel the audience will like it. How would you rate Sarkar as a director? I always wanted to work with Pradeep Sarkar. One day I got a call from him and he praised my performances. Rest is, as they say, history. How do you feel on the
eve of I cannot stop smiling. I think it is a good film and we have all worked very hard. It is different. Do other actors inspire you? Any actor who is devoted to work and yet knows how to have fun off the sets inspires me. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I do not plan that far ahead. I only know I will be at the Filmcity tomorrow! But I hope that 10 years from now I will be content and successful. — Dharam Pal
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NEW RELEASES
Yash Raj Film's Lafange Parinde is directed by Pradeep Sarkar. Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone play lead characters in the film, which is prominently based in Mumbai. The entire film has been set in a Wadi (a middle-class housing society). Neil Nitin Mukesh plays a boxer, One Shot Nandu, who fights blindfolded and Deepika Padukone plays Pinky Palkar. She is blind and has an ambition to win a dance competition. Their lives clash in an unusual way and they become each other's support in life. Both Neil and Deepika have come up with super performances. KK Menon makes a special appearance. R. Anandh has composed melodious numbers for this film, which opens on Friday at theatres in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Zirakpur. — Dharam Pal
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Hi-voltage melodrama, which the judges and contestants 'showcase' on singing reality shows, has become a norm now. The next most repeated and debatable thing on these shows is the demand for a 'singer in a packaged format'. Remember choreographer-director Farah Khan mentoring the contestants of Indian Idol to develop oomph and style! Singer and composer Shibani Kashyap, in the city to attend the dealers' meet of the UB group at Hotel Taj on Thursday, votes in favour of a combination of looks and talent in a singer. "After all, a singer also needs to perform in front of a live audience. Looks first catch the eye of the audience, which justifies the need to groom oneself. Besides, this is how a singer makes his or her livelihood." The singer, however, doesn't deny the requirement of good vocal chords. "This is the prerequisite for any singer. How can I deny that?"
Come September and it's the official wedding season of India. In keeping with the spirit of the festive occasion, The Tatva-17 unveiled its collection by Delhi-based designer Swati Srivastava, ahead of the wedding season. "I unveiled three collections each comprising 10-15 outfits. The collections have been made keeping in mind the blend of traditional yet modern woman," she says.
Art Karat, a name synonymous with gorgeous silver jewellery and exceptional kundan craftsmanship, presents its latest collection Paheli.
Film: Lafange Parinde