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SCHOOL of thought
Certain incidents, people and associations leave a definite imprint. Notebooks bleeding in red colour; sleepless nights before the parent-teacher meeting, sincere efforts to hide the swollen knuckles under full sleeves shirt or cardigan, master strokes in the form of caricatures on the last page of the rough copy; playing darts with chalk, perfecting the art of sneaking, not to forget…learning to cook excuses, getting better with each week!
We bet there are loads of memories of school and college days that we would never be able to get over. Who wants to anyways? This Teachers' Day celebrities share their dreaded
yet memorable experiences with various teachers, excuses that they mastered with time, and how their lives took a U-turn because of that one teacher who made sure 'studies meant serious business." Diligent lad
— Arya Babbar, actor
I was a very obedient student in school. I never came up with any excuse to bunk classes. I remember my teacher, Mrs Sonia Chani, who taught me Social Science, English and History, and how much I was intimidated by her bindaas attitude. I would dread her because she would say anything to any student, and I didn't want to cut a sorry figure in front of the class. — Yami Gautam, actor Perfect lady
— Mandira Wirk, designer Principal's girl
— Esha Kopikar, actor Class apart
— Ranvijay, actor
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Oh that look!
There are two categories of celebrities, film stars to be precise - one who would run for any kind of publicity and the other who run away from any kind of publicity! The second one generally is the once-bitten-twice-shy kinds. Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor definitely falls in the second slot. We don't mind that, the chocolate-hero-turned-serious-actor has reasons to be 'play safe'.
Whether it is sordid tales of break-up or him being seen with other co-stars, whether it is the rough bookie look in Kaminey or a smart player in Badmaash Company, the actor inevitably has to be all over the place. And the latest - Shahid's new looks for the movie Mausam, where he sports a moustache. With Mausam, Shahid joins actors like Shah Rukh Khan (Paheli), Salman (Dabaang) and Akshay (Sangarsh) who had sported moustaches. We got the sneak of the first look as the actor walks out of the Chandigarh airport on Saturday, and makes a dash to Hotel Taj, a place where he normally stops to eat. And if you were to believe us, the actor looks delectable in a short moustache; white shirt and denims as he sits down to have a quiet siesta with the family. You cannot recognize him with one look for sure. And repeated looks, that looks tacky! We don't qualify to be paparazzis! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Tradition bound
Now this is something difficult to believe — a Punjabi singer ensures that tracks in his album has a folk touch to them! What about quintessential rap or the hip-hop beats or some form of contribution in terms of English lyrics to give it a global appeal?
"After being able to survive in the Punjabi music industry for 25 years without these add-ons, I don't think I need them now in my albums," comes from Malkit Singh, also known as the King of Bhangra. And just as we address him with the same honour as Punjabi music lovers usually do, he gladly adds to it, "I love to sing bhangra numbers that symbolise the rich tradition of Punjab." His last album, Billo Rani, which was a hit, also had three folk songs. And for music making a shift from the traditional to the western, he holds the budding singers responsible. "Adding a western touch to the songs is a prop for them to become successful. For those who have talent Punjabi music will suffice, but those who don't will resort to such means," says Malkit, who was in the city to perform at the live show organised by TVS Wego on Friday evening. Malkit feels that it's high time youngsters realise that everyone can't entertain people by singing. "It's not practical to learn singing because one can't ask for a voice replacement. One can become a musician by learning instruments, but how can one become a singer when one hasn't been gifted with a good voice." He rues the fact that youngsters in Punjab sell their land to produce their own albums. It's not just his music that makes Malkit a singer with a difference, it his also his approach. Unlike other successful and popular singers, he chose not to act in films. "I did act in Mehandi Shagna Di but soon realised that I want the public to know me as a singer rather than an actor. If god has blessed me with a good voice, I should utilise it well." And for his contribution, Malkit was awarded Member of British Empire at the Buckingham Palace. Notably, he is the only Asian artiste to be honoured with the title. Malkit, surprisingly, hasn't sung any Bollywood track, which he says happened unintentionally, "I can't ask for anything more after winning appreciation from Punjabi music lovers worldwide. I can't go and seek work from those in Bollywood. If something comes my way, I will readily accept it." Settled in England, he prefers to release his album there because it's easier. But for those settled in India who especially fly to England to release their albums, he says, "They are probably not confident of their work doing well in India. A good singer will release the album at the place where he is settled." Before we thought the interview was done, he makes another point, "I am not against western music being incorporated into Punjabi, but Punjabi folk music should not be ignored." Not to forget, he has also been a part of several crossover music projects! ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Creative line
Transforming their history lesson to a brilliant show, students of Raffles Millennium International opened their week-long exhibition on their campus in Sector 25. "Teaching history can be very boring, so I choose to take my students to a journey into the world of Le Baroque, an exquisite XVI and XVII era, that stands for fancy and flourish," says Omar Benitez, the mentor behind the show. And as an assignment, five students created dresses and walked the ramp in their creations to share their work with their faculty, family and friends. Dressed in elaborate blue gown, waving a flower, Harleen Kaur had many a sleepless nights before her dress got ready. "It's just the start of the session and we are already out with our very first collection. Its Benitez who inspired and pushed us to achieve all this," she shares, beaming with all the complements she received. "The feedback will be so helpful in improving my work," says Abhimanyu Vig, the only knight amongst the ladies dressed in embellished jacket, short trousers and slacks. "The idea is to take our students through the challenging journey that a designer undergoes," says KL Sim, director, Raffles. The challenge before students was not recreating history but adapting bygone trends to something that is contemporary. "Le Baroque was a fashion era rich in colour, texture and forms. Taking a cue from that our students have created something new," adds Sim. The students also created the look of a palace with ornate chandeliers, elaborate pillars and exquisite screens. "All this is made from paper and fabric," says Aanchal Sachdeva. (On till September 9)
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Melody in beats
Hailing from a reputed family from Lahore and originally named Abdul Sattar Khan, Ustad Tari Khan learnt the nuances of music from his father, vocalist, Ustad Mohammed Ali Khan. Later, under the tutelage of Ustad Shaukat Hussain Khan he learnt the tabla. In the city for a concert, Ustad Tari Khan shares notes Whom do you credit your success to? All artistes owe their success to the Almighty and their guru, as only hardwork cannot make an artiste win the hearts of people. An ideal guru awakens your dormant abilities, but God alone scripts your success. Do your disciples perform with you? Yes, the world over. I join them for composite cultural performances. My Birmingham-based disciple Prabhjyot Kaur will perform with me in the city here. My other disciples Simran, Jaskiran as well as Prabhjyot will share the stage with me and Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans in the UK next month. What is an artiste’s contribution in building peace? Artistes from Pakistan and India have been instrumental in bridging the gap of misunderstandings through the pious medium of music and arts. People back in Pakistan hail artistes like Rafi Saheb, Lata ji, Bhim Sen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Jagjit Singh and others. Likewise, Ustad Mehdi Hassan and Ghulam Ali are very popular here. But efforts must go on. Is classical music losing its sheen in Pakistan? Just a temporary phase, but Hindustani classical music is life and it supports all other genres. TV channels should relay good classical music so that its popularity grows. Tell us about your most memorable moment? My welcome at Batala in 2005 on the invitation of UK-based musicologist Amar Singh was really memorable. I was escorted to the stage in a decorated chariot with brass bands playing and fireworks around me. On seeing the videos, my wife even suspected that I had married a second time!
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n Café 17 is offering an exotic Brunch spread showcasing The World Cuisine, spiced up with a live band that shall play at the lobby atrium. n Dera the Panjabi restaurant shall serve Table d'hôte menu from the master chef's. n Black Lotus shall delight its guests with an exotic Chinese cuisine, whipped up by master chef Shee in the form of Table d'hôte menu for the day. — TNS
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Sunder Jewellers- 35 has on display a unique collection of diamond jewellery. The ongoing Diamond Utsav offers colour stone diamond jewellery at discount. Explore a variety of diamond jewellery wedding collection during all these three days. Diamonds suits everyone and every occasion because Diamonds are forever and for everyone. Available in the latest designs and in a range that would be affordable to any woman, who wants to own one, diamonds are a must check here. Cocktail and bridal sets made of uncut diamonds are the designer pieces. — TNS
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Remember Pooja Batra? The former Indian beauty queen and actress is Hollywood bound. She is making a comeback to showbiz with upcoming American sitcom Outsourced and also helping Indian actors find a foothold there with her casting company. Pooja, 36, who married orthopaedic surgeon Sonu Ahluwalia in 2003, is currently settled in Los Angeles and has been running her own casting agency - Glow Bell Inc. She will dazzle on screen after five years. Pooja has done over 21 movies like Virasat, Haseena Maan Jaayegi and Nayak - The Real Hero". "I am pursuing acting in America. I have booked a show there and I am hoping my character develops. It is called Outsourced. It is for NBC (channel); so I am keeping my fingers crossed," Pooja, who was last seen in 2005 in the historical epic Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story said. Set in a Mumbai call centre, Outsourced is an adaptation of a Josh Hamilton-Ayesha Dharker-starrer by the same name. The show has been picked up by NBC for its fall schedule. Directed by Ken Kwapis, it stars Ben Rappaport in the lead alongside others like Rizwan Manji, Sacha Dhawan, Rebecca Hazlewood, Parvesh Cheena, Anisha Nagarajan, Pippa Black and Diebdrich Bader. Probed about it, she said: "It is confirmed and it has been okayed, but right now they are developing the characters and shooting with the principal cast. Then they will focus on the others. "So whenever they are writing and developing the show - since it has to be character driven - hopefully I'll see more of me. But, yes, I am in the show," added Pooja who has still managed to retain her youthful looks. Majorly absent from the big screen after marriage, the 5'9" beauty was in the capital to burn the runaway at the recently concluded Van Heusen India Men's Week (VHIMW) for designer duo Rohit and Abhishek. Not many know that she is also spearheading the operations of LA Casting, a Hollywood casting agency in India, to provide opportunities to Indian talent to work in the West. "My company Glow Bell Inc is trying to set that (LA Casting shop) in India. In fact, I have been here and now because of LA Casting. I have been coming very often," she said. Pooja was also instrumental in bringing Hollywood actors Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards for Sajid Nadiadwala's last year release Kambakkht Ishq. So doesn't she miss Bollywood? "Yes I do. A lot," she said. Has it taken a backseat for now? "No, I am open to movies. I'd love to come back to Bollywood. I have been there (LA) for five years and it becomes really difficult when you are that far away. So something good has to come my way. Obviously, it hasn't, so I haven't done it," she said with her signature smile. And her ideal role would be? "Something that interests me, has a nice character draft and something that I want to do," said the actress, who has also pursued a course in filmmaking from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). — IANS
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Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham turned an artist on the sets of his new film Jhoota Hi Sahi. John's hidden talent came to the fore when director Abbas Tyrewala was briefing the actor on the nuances of his character. "He was doodling on a piece of paper while listening to Abbas. He started including the characteristics in his doodles that Abbas wanted him to keep in mind while playing out the character. The doodling went on to shape up a proper character, which he showed to Abbas. The filmmaker was quite thrilled with John's interpretation of the character. He instantly nick-named the sketch as Jhoota John," said a source. John admits that he had accidentally discovered a flair for sketches. "Abbas kept telling me that my character had nothing in common with the hot and sexy guys I played in the past. Sid (the name of the character) falls in the cute space — a fun-loving guy with lots of friends. And while forming a picture of him in my mind, I kept drawing it out on a paper. I think he's cuter than me," he quipped. There are now talks that the sketch might be launched as a comic series. The source said: "Yes, the idea is already being worked on". However, John says: "It's too early to talk about it." — IANS
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Actor Arjan Bajwa was so inspired by Salman Khan's gesture of donating blood that he decided to do the same for his birthday Sep 3. Arjan, who rose to limelight with Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion, kicked off his day by donating blood at a Mumbai hospital. He even delayed his shooting for Hema Malini's directorial venture Tell Me Oh Khuda for the special gesture. "I attend my friends' birthday parties which are very common but doing something for others is what I had always thought of and what better than donating blood? And when I saw Salman Bhai doing it for humanity, it gave me a boost and motivated me to start my birthday in a useful fashion," Arjan said. "I met Salman Bhai recently at IIFA this year and I am a big fan of him like many others in our film fraternity. He is a true icon," he added. — IANS
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Actor Pradyuman Singh, who shot to fame with the critically acclaimed film Tere Bin Laden, has urged audiences to stop piracy. Singh has shot for a special promo in which he is seen requesting the audiences to stop/avoid piracy. The new promo has been launched on all the websites and is an instant hit. The makers of the critically acclaimed film have also launched its DVD/VCD. "Since its launch, a lot of people have been buying the CDs and it's a hit amongst the audiences," said a source. Meanwhile, the actor has been getting a lot of offers from various production houses after acting in the film. "Pradyuman has his feet firmly planted on the ground and wants to work harder next time," said another source. — IANS
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Picks & piques
Karan could have at least held out for a better and more original script than the one that was turned into We are family. The moniker itself tells you that the Dharma team had run out of ideas else why stress on that fact otherwise? The original was a strongly emotive film with Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon doing the honors along with Ed Harris. The sparks between the two actresses was there to be seen and that was what made the whole experience enjoyable. In Malhotra's version everything appears stagey and planted. The script does not flow logically. The storyline is not suited to the Indian mindset and the attempt to portray a stepmom as loving and caring falls flat because it doesn't appear to be natural. In fact the characters are confused. Kajol plays the divorced wife who has got on with her life and is fully occupied with bringing up her children. Kareena plays steady to Arjun's fashion photographer persona. He wants to introduce her to the children but the kids are not encouraging and Kareena suddenly discovers she hates them. But she's also constantly trying to win their affection. When she is told by Arjun's character to stay away from them she walks out of the relationship in a huff. Arjun then moves in with Kajol on discovering she has cancer of the cervix. We don't see any interaction with Arjun and Kareena till Kajol brings her home supposedly to give her kids a family. We are supposed to look at it as the ultimate sacrifice of a mother for her children and a wife for her husband. But that appears ridiculous the way the story runs. Siddharth had to make everyone look good and so any negative trait in the characters had to be watered down. Arjun and Kajol are divorced because they fought a lot and not because they fell out of love. Arjun moves back in with Kajol because he loves and cares for her, but then where does that leave Kareena? She comes back into their lives because she understands that the man she loves needs to love his ex-wife too…And mind you we don't see any love between Arjun and Kareena after she moves in and while Kajol is alive. The same philosophy on love that Karan propounded with Kal Ho Na Ho and this film continues to be the same. It's fake and pretentious and definitely not anywhere close to reality. It's a blinkered vision, one that will never hold-up in the real world. Siddharth does a steady job at the helm. He lets run a metered, restrained narrative-one that squeezes out the drama even from sequences that had good potential to heighten the mood. The Kajol-Kareena meeting after the Kareena-Arjun rift had a lot of potential for high-drama. But the director chooses to blot out the dialogues from the scene and plant Kareena willingly back into the household. There's no conflict at all. And that proves to be the biggest deterrent in this film's enjoyability. The conflicts are never resolved they are just smoothed. The performances don't hold either. Kareena's role is sketchy and her performance appears clueless. Kajol tries valiantly to bring life to a wishy-washy character but the effect is labored. Arjun Rampal looks far more ill than Kajol in the film. In fact he is the one suffering form a terminal illness in the film. In comparison to this stereotypical and implausible version, Stepmom looks grand. |
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Tarot talk
TAURUS: "The Empress" takes you towards the fast and protective lane. Love and romance lead to promise and commitment. Be careful not to burn the candle at both ends, or there'll be heavy consequences to be paid. A Taurean person needs your support. Tip of the week: Don't be enthusiastic in finalising a particular deal. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. GEMINI: "Five of Cups" takes you through a difficult speculative situation. Emotional relationships are temporary as you come out of them. You gain from choices made on the spur of the moment. Long pending disputes will end amicably. Tip of the week: Avoid situation's that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Pink. CANCER: "The King of Pentacles" blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities. You have worked hard, grown spiritually in the past and built a sound foundation, which leads to success and good fortune. Tip of the week: It is no longer necessary to take risks. Lucky colour: Golden brown. LEO: "The Queen of Cups" infuses trust and friendship. A romantic and dreamy time gives you a break. You are right not to rush into things, but others will not wait forever. Things have been all work and no play and you have let things get out of balance recently. Tip of the week: Focus on your dream project. Lucky colour: Green VIRGO: The "Three of Pentacles" reveals family pressure and responsibility. Be careful, as you will be distracted and run into trouble if you don't pay attention to what you are doing. It is important to look after hair, nails and skin. Tip of the week: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. LIBRA: This week's scenario is highlighted by relationship and finances. Don't let a misunderstanding cause rot in a close relationship. Job satisfaction will increase if you decide to be more independent and entrepreneurial in everything you do. Tip of the week: Don't build into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Yellow. SCORPIO: "The Hanged Man" shows some decisive moments as well as surprises in store for you, particularly in relation to your personal plans. You can arrange travel on Sunday and Monday, as you seek out adventure and discovery. Tip of the week: Take one thing at a time instead of multi pronged attacks. Lucky colour: Saffron. SAGITTARIUS: "The Emperor" gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. You may find it hard to find companions who share your interests and ideas. Wednesday's scenario is highlighted by changes in your love-life. You must learn to practice and avoid flying off the handle until you know exactly what is happening. Tip of the week: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. CAPRICORN: "The Knight of Swords" instigates you to be active and clever. Don't waste time counting pennies this week. Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. A Scorpio person influences your decision and moves in a progressive direction. Your soul mate will be appreciative of your efforts. Tip of the week: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Crimson.
PISCES: "The Nine of Pentacles" showers blessing on lovers. Your destiny may well be handed to you and it may help you to make your dreams come true. Your ambitious nature may attract criticism; so be careful on Friday. Tip of the week: Take one thing at a time instead of multi pronged attacks. Lucky colour: Peach.
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Till I was eight years old, I would see teachers as some aliens or people from the other planet. I would plead my parents to take me away from the school because I thought my teachers would never be able to understand me. You can't fathom how the sight of teachers in school would scare me. In class seventh, a teacher, Mrs Menon, gave me 'diligent student' certificate and that's when I began to take myself seriously. I carry this diligent tag with me, in fact I deliver my best when at work because once my teacher found me hard working. I can never prove her wrong!
No excuses
My heart goes out to my teacher, who taught me piano and English. It is from her that I learnt to behave like a perfect lady. Thereafter, I met Rita ma'am who taught me at the Pearl Academy, she inculcated professionalism in work, and I carry the same with me till date. I was really scared of my Hindi and Sanskrit teachers. No matter how hard I tried, I could never come up, leave aside, get away with an excuse. Funny but nice, our teachers wouldn't allow us to talk to boys in adjoining school. They would always keep a strict watch on the girls. 
I had the privilege of being my principal, Mrs Barucha's, favourite student. I was a perpetual back-bencher, concocting excuses, sneaking behind my teachers back, but because I was in the good books of the principal I got away with all the tantrums. 
I wouldn't bunk classes, I was invariably out for extra-circular activities and sports. Whenever I would get into trouble with my class teacher, Mr Rajpal, sports head of the school, would bail me out of the situation. I used to fear my mathematics teacher Mrs Oze; she knew I was in her class, but she would never find me in class. I thank my teachers for whatever I am today!
Covering the moustache with his hands, Shahid was in no mood to be recognised. So, when we approached him to share a word or two on the hush-hush visit, he didn't disappoint us with the one-liner. "I am sorry I cannot say anything, I am on a personal visit. I am really sorry. I am not allowed to say anything," he looks at us smilingly. "I am sorry," he repeats lest he is bombarded with other set of tweaked questions. Of course, we respect privacy. Don't we? 
Well fitted corsets, flowing crinoline, fluffy farthingale, a bow here, a feather there and some flowers, ladies in all their glory walking down the ramp set amidst the palatial screens, pillars and chandeliers…well, we are at an exhibition set up by two-month old fashion design students!
Tabla exponent Ustad Tari Khan, credited with solo performances at the Royal Albert Hall, London, Kennedy Centre, Washington, Lincoln Centre, New York, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto, and many more venues across the world, has made a huge name for himself through sheer dedication and hard work. His performances at concerts of legends Mehdi Hasan Khan, Ghulam Ali and others have been widely appreciated.
Occasions are awaited to acknowledge the presence and guidance of those individuals who silhouette our cognitive, moralistic and virtuous core. And on a day that salutes the Teachers, Taj Chandigarh offers all teachers a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Dharma productions We are Family is the biggie of this week, but one can't figure out why Karan Johar green-lighted this project and that too for a new comer. Siddharth Malhotra's desi retread of Stepmom appears to be without any distinction at all. Except for the so-called A-list star cast, Kareena, Kajol and an upcoming Arjun Rampal there's nothing viable about the film.
ARIES:
"The Temperance" inspires you to climb new heights and actualise
creative ideas. A small sum spent now will allow you to make big profits
later. You have a tendency to be overly generous and forget that you have
a budget to respect. Tip of the week: Be positive; you can make
things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
AQUARIUS:
The card "The Devil" reveals that you will be running late on
everything you do. Domestic unrest can be avoided if you watch your steps.
Some career choices have to be made before an important opportunity passes
you by. Tip of the week: Trust your heart and intuition rather than
confusing yourself. Lucky colour: Silver grey.