Veteran actor, comedian and producer Mehar Mittal had everyone in splits as some 150 elders gathered to celebrate World Elder’s Day. An effort on part of Ranbaxy Labs and Fortis Hospital to acknowledge elders and educate them on heart-related diseases, it was more than just a seminar as elders recited poetry, sang songs and shared their views at the Fortis Hospital, Mohali, on Friday.

Of course, the star of the gathering was Mehar Mittal, who regaled those present with his amli jokes. At 76, he has this perpetual smile on his face that he credits to spiritual leanings. “It’s been ages that I turned vegetarian. I toured around the world, faced difficulties on account of being vegetarian, yet, stuck to my resolve,” he shares.

He started practicing meditation some two years back and this is what he suggests, “See, diseases are part of old age. What I recommend is what I practice — exercise, meditate and take good care of yourself,” says Mittal.

Dr GS Kalra, cardiac expert, agreed on this one, “One needs to be careful about one’s health. Timely intervention can prevent damage to the heart and can save a life.”

In a tradition established a decade back by Ranbaxy Labs, some of the oldest members of the Senior Citizens Council were facilitated at the gathering. Says TL Easwar, vice-president, Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited, “We laud efforts put in by senior members of the society for building a better tomorrow.”

While some elders remembered the good old days, veteran of Punjabi cinema, Mittal was upbeat about today’s time. “Modernisation is something that we cannot stop. So instead of being critical of the society I retreat into my own world,” says Mittal. Quiz him about new Punjabi cinema and growing piracy, he says, “When almost everything around is adulterated, how can movies be left untouched.”

We just need to have stricter laws and implementation levels have to be higher, suggests the septuagenarian. “We have successfully established laws against female foeticide. A few years back every nook and corner had facilities for foeticide. I don’t say that it’s all over now, but it’s much better. Similarly, we need to have strict laws against piracy and implementation.”

Proud of his innings as an advocate and part of Punjabi cinema, Mittal shares, “I have done my bit. Now I concentrate on my health, both, physical and spiritual. And from my experiences I can say, Es dharti te hi rab hai (God exists in this very world).”

mona@tribunemail.com

Murli Prasad Sharma manages to transform Lucky, revives Janhavi's affection and resolves Simran's marriage… with a smile, flower and jaadu ki jhappi. Who wouldn't have laughed or cried in the rib-tickling movie, Laagey Raho Munna Bhai, wrapped in Gandhian ideology, distributing it in every scene, sometimes in a subtle manner, and at other times, right in your face?

Mahatma Gandhi reappears in front of Murli (Sanjay Dutt); we sit up, take notice and the reel Gandhi just makes all the sense. Hindi cinema did it again. Sending the message in an entertaining format. But is this it? Has Indian cinema been able to capture the true spirit of Gandhi, whether it is through movies like Laagey Raho Munna Bhai, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, The Making of Gandhi or with subtle mentions in movies like Saaransh, Water or Mangal Pandey. On Gandhi Jayanti we look back on movies that have tried to take note of the tallest icon and play it real.

Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt, who tried to give resonance to the spirit of Gandhi in his movie Saaransh, does feel it is not easy to emulate Gandhi on screen. "Gandhi and his teachings are like a huge ocean, with Saaransh I tried to take a small bucket out of the boundless spirit."

"It is difficult to live up to his ideology onscreen. We have tried to capture his essence, but I feel no Indian filmmaker has served him well," adds Bhatt.

But the movie Gandhi (1982) was a good portrayal of the life and times of the Father Of the Nation. For the shooting of the funeral scene, 3,00,000 extras appeared. Eleven crews shot over 20,000 feet of film, which was edited down to 125 seconds in the final release. Gandhi ended up winning eight out of 11 nominations at the Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design, won by Bhanu Athaiya.

Thereafter, Hindi cinema tried to conjure up the man in various ways. Naveen Bawa, TV and film artiste is of the opinion that there is a scope of doing a little better on this subject. "It is a vast subject, films like Laagey Raho Munna Bhai captured the ahimsa bit and shared it with the audiences in an entertaining format. This kind of treatment really won accolades." Naveen feels it is change in the treatment of the subject that will make the difference. "One, as a director I shouldn't forget that just about everybody has read about Gandhi. Now, if I want to make a movie on him I cannot bring in all the elements. I have to understand what are the principles that the youth still connect with, and then play on them while taking cinematic liberty."

The good thing about Bollywood is experimentation, whether it is culling out pages of history and giving them a larger than life treatment onscreen or rehashing mush and mystery in umpteen ways. And Gandhi is one character that often caught the fancy of many directors.

Shyam Benegal's The Making of the Mahatma (1996), saw Gandhi's journey from being a barrister to the Father of the Nation. Gandhi also played a pivotal role in Deepa Mehta's Water (2005) despite the hardly-there appearance. As the widow Shakuntala (Seema Biswas) sits among hundreds of devotees to hear Mahatma Gandhi speak, she is infused with the courage to do something to change child widow Chuiya's future. How those fleeting moments in the presence of Gandhi change her thinking, forms the crux of the film.

Jahnu Barua's interestingly titled film Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Maara (2005) saw Anupam Kher essay the role of Uttam Chaudhary, a retired lecturer suffering from Alzheimer's who is convinced that he has assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. There have been many movies that have featured Gandhi as a person or referred to his ideals such as Ketan Mehta's Sardar (Annu Kapoor), Jabbar Patel's Babasaheb Ambedkar (Mohan Gokhale), Veer Savarkar (Surendra Rajan), Kamal Hassan's Hey Ram (Naseeruddin Shah), Shobhayatra (Prithvi Sankhala), Lagaan and Mangal Pandey.

Punjabi film director Navneet Singh of Mel Kara De Rabba fame, who is working on his second project, Dharti, a political mystery drama, too shares that we cannot push down messages through cinema. "History is a favourite topic with film-makers, and directors have tried to deal with it in different ways. Likewise for Gandhi, the subject is vast, and there is scope to achieve lot more." He adds, "Who would come to the theatre to be preached? Entertainment and messages in right proportion can do the trick. The movies on Gandhi have managed to capture the man, but then again, there is always a scope to do more."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

The khadi story is not so mundane. A garment that was first created for self-reliance in 1920, khadi later became a symbol of revolution and resistance. Now a chic, green, ethos-friendly fabric, khadi is all but a hi-profile fashion statement! And on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, we track the journey of khadi from a garment of autonomy to a modish piece of clothing; that sure calls for a second glance.

Presenting khadi in a new look, Sumitra Mondal, tried to break the pre-conceived notions about the garment with his creation at the Lakme Fashion Week-2010.

The designer was quoted as saying, "My collection is all about khadi. It's all about India. For me, it's important to show who we are. Basically if you see, khadi is gifted by India to the world. Khadi is a very fantastic fabric. I wanted to break the concept that khadi is only for the politicians or older people. Khadi is for all ages and you can wear it in any season."

Believing the same, it was Param Thakur who changed the very look of khadi some three years back, with his store Khadi Plus in Sector-17 and 22. In a new avatar, the showroom houses trendy yet classic khadi garments. Ask Param hasn't khadi changed from a freedom fighter's identity fabric to a fashion garment and he says, "At one time it was scorned as a fabric for the farmer and the rural wearer. But today there is such an increasing demand for khadi that despite the million workers all over the country we are unable to meet the demands of the market. And yes, there is no denying the fact that it has become a fashionable piece of clothing. And I guess that is the requirement of the time."

Designers muse; talking about the high price of khadi he says, "Khadi is not just a fabric, it's an art and art is always expensive. It is a handwoven fabric and anything that requires manual labour would cost high."

Talking about the essence of the fabric, Poonam Thakur, wife of Param and a teacher at NIIFT, Mohali, says, "It was high time when we decided to revive the look of khadi. And I must say people love the way the garment now looks." Available at the store are not only khadi kurtis but also tops, capris, skirts, boxer shorts for men, straight pants etc.

Did you know that Pandit Nehru wove a wedding sari in salmon pink khadi for his daughter Indira while he was in jail? This sari is still worn by women of the Nehru-Gandhi family on their wedding day! Says Ritu Kochchar, director, corporate, INIFD-8, "Lots of people are promoting and experimenting with khadi these days, but we definitely have a connection with the fabric. There is deep sentiment attached to it as whenever one wears khadi, one feels so much Indian. Khadi is definitely high on demand and it is supposed to be an intellectual's fabric. Generally, it is associateed with writers, poets and painters and I guess that is one reason why the fabric is so much in demand."

Today, almost 90 years after, every village, big or small, has it own khadi institutions. And did you know there was a time when Gandhiji is believed to have threatened to wear a sack if he was not provided with a khadi dhoti!

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Popular with almost every age group, t-shirts came into being in the 19th century, but it was during the 1980’s that printed tees started getting popular. Devised as a marketing strategy by companies like Coco Cola and Walt Disney, the year 2000 saw inscribed tees coming into fashion.

Today a rage with young and the ‘not-so-young’, its brands like Tantra that promote tees that spell an attitude and make a statement. Recently launched in Sector 35, Tantra has come out with its autumn/ winter collection.

Encapsulating an attitude, the Tantra range has Barking Dog (t-shirts that spell cutting-edge ideas from around the world) to ‘line-maro’ tees (a range of classic one-liners to tickle your funny bone) available at the store.

“These are ‘pun intended’ tees that actually catch the nerve of the nation,” says Gurupreet Singh, promoter, Tantra, Chandigarh. Priced at Rs 349 onwards, these t-shirts are available for kids, teenagers, adults and even senior citizens. Says Gurupreet, “We have a t-shirt for kids that says, ‘Parents are hard to raise’ and for old folks we have sayings like ‘I’m too old to rock and roll, but too young to die’.

Sushmita Regmi, 15, a school student from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, is in the city to be part of a peace summit. She started from home with an image of India that she had seen on TV. Surprised, she shares, “I thought there would be food stalls lined across all the roads. There are few, but not on every street,” shares Sushmita. We talked to this girl, who wants to be a lawyer, on her impressions of the city.

First impressions

Different from what I expected, crowded with stalls lined up on streets. The city is pleasantly clean and green.

What brings you here?

I am part of International Youth Fest that has brought students from all across the world. I am going to dance with my friends - Sonia, Ria and Ruzee - on three songs — Makhmali cholo (I am beauty of the hill, don’t need dresses or ornaments to look pretty), Lagdacha mali rumailo (I love hills and villages of my country) and Saya thara baje (national tune created on 1,000 different pipes)

Highs and lows

It’s so great being in Chandigarh, which everybody says is the best city in India. It is certainly pollution free. Rock Garden is the high point of the city.

Contrasts & comparisons

I study at Hindu Vidyapeeth, Kathmandu. Our school is very similar to SD College here. Though the gods are same as here, our temples look different from the outside. They are pagoda style with three or five circles on the top.

For a city even more ‘beautiful’

The city is really beautiful, if it maintains its green cover for years to come, I guess it’s sorted!

Lady Gaga, known for her quirky style sense, has teamed-up with Georgio Armani to create her outlandish costumes. The Poker Face hitmaker has appeared in public in numerous bizarre creations, including a dress made from Muppets and a lobster hat." A huge company like Giorgio Armani has the duty to always be alert to trends and what appeals to young people. 

It helped to see how the world is through Lady Gaga, the way she uses Facebook and Twitter," Roberta Armani, the niece of fashion legend Giorgio and manager of the firm's VIP relations, said. "It wouldn't be possible to give Gaga a look from the collection because she wears pieces of art. It's theatrical. Gaga is so avant-garde and she is so timeless that they meet," she added. — ANI 

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is said to be a little out of touch with who the current stars of television are. Anderson, 43, was at PETA's 30th Anniversary where she was asked by event organisers to have her photograph taken with latecomer, Glee sensation Lea Michele.

"Why? Who is she? I don't even know who that is," Fox News quoted a confused Anderson as asking.

According to Nielsen ratings, Glee emerged last week as TV's top-rated series among adults 18-49, its second season premiere outperforming season one's opener by more than 60 per cent. — ANI

For those who want to eat healthy without compromising on the taste, Streamline, a low sugar jam is an option. Streamline, is already a market leader in the reduced sugar jam segment in UK. Recognizing the demand for products that cater to the increasingly health conscious Indian consumers, Scandic Food India Pvt. Ltd. has brought in its Streamline range of Jams and Marmalades. These jams have 30 per cent less sugar and more fruit than conventional jams. The variants launched are Strawberry, Mixed Fruit, Orange and Blackcurrant in attractive 340gm jars priced.

Speaking on the launch of the brand Ravi Chandra, head of sales and marketing - Scandic Food India Pvt. Ltd. Said, "We are focused on providing quality of international standards given our experience of catering to global markets. Streamline is the first offering that is healthy to consume and still does not compromise on taste. Scandic Food India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the Denmark based Good Food Group. Scandic Food has presence in 250 towns on a pan India basis in the categories of jams, sauces, dressings, juices, honey and specialties under the brand name of Sil and Streamline. —TNS

Cocoberry, India's first and premium frozen yogurt chain has introduced its delicious and healthy Parfait in a wide variety. The Parfait from Cocoberry consists of ingredient like Fruit, Granola and Yogurt and that result in having a non fat and healthier product with a richer flavor profile. The Parfait, which is served in transparent glass, looks colorful and tempting and can be a very good breakfast option. Cocoberry Parfait comes in five different varieties-Mango, Blueberry, Kiwi, Raspberry, and blackberry and in two sizes-small and large. The small size Parfait is available with a price tag of Rs 99 and the large one at price of Rs 169.

"This is yet another first of its kind and refreshing option from us. Parfait is extremely popular in the western countries and this is the first time we are introducing the same across our stores. I am sure, like all our earlier introductions, this is also going to be appreciated by our customers," commented Mr. GS Bhalla , mnaging drector, Cocoberry Retail Pvt.Ltd.

Cocoberry is India's first premium frozen yogurt chain. It offers a mouth watering palette of all natural fruit flavoured frozen yogurt. One can select from fresh fruit toppings like Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Dragon Fruit, Strawberries, Cocoberry, Pineapple, Pomegranate, and Kiwi or from a wide array of dry toppings like Mini Oreos, Almonds, Gummi Bears, Marshmallows, Captain Crunch, White and dark Choco-Chips, Snickers, and Dark Chocolate Sprinkles. Apart from frozen selections, Cocoberry has delicious and wholesome veg and non veg sandwiches in their menu. It also has added fruit purees in exotic toppings. One can choose from Peach, Mango, Banana, Mix Berries, Raspberry, Passion Fruit and Strawberry. Other than this Cocoberry will introduce Dark Chocolate Sauce, White chocolate Sauce and Caramel Sauce to relish the taste of yogurt with these delectable sauces. —TNS

So, the best is back? Or, let's just be subtle and say that it's comeback time for two of city's hot and happening eating joints! The Eating Mall at Aroma-22 now offers global flavours and Barbeque Nation-26 has re-opened again, much to the delight of the foodies. And that's not all, Black Magic, IT Park, is all set for a makeover! Here's a peek into their latest offerings.

Eat, 24X7

It is a place for anybody and everybody, from noon to midnight. In the heart of the city, things are better than before. Reworking on their food court concept and giving it a stylish makeover, Aroma's Eating Mall offers casual budget eating. Right from cake to bakery to desserts and Indian cuisine, it has the best of brands under one roof. "We are situated in the heart of Chandigarh and wanted to use our location to our advantage. We scouted for the best in business and have tried providing everything at one stop, increasing our merit as the oldest establishment of hospitality in city," says Man Mohan Singh, owner, Aroma-22.

Apart from the earlier brands, Café Coffee Day, Yo China and Sundarams, the new additions to the menu are Nik Bakers and Delhi-based dessert chain Cocoberry. "In addition, we are planning to add kebab and curry, and an Indian sweet shop to complete the menu," says Man Mohan. The space has also been stretched to accommodate the bakery section. Interiors are fresher and brighter, with a signature touch from each brand.

The basic idea behind the makeover was to give people a place with 24-hour service. A favourite with youngsters and couples, the new-look Eating Mall has now increased corporate and professional customers as well. "We are the most alive between 2-4 am, and here you can have a biryani or an ice-cream at four in the morning," adds Man Mohan. Well, nightlife being a priority with most eating joints, Man Mohan has a different definition on mind while re-designing, "Nightlife means the life at night and not just open bars, binge drinking and hard partying. We are trying to promote a food culture here, with families, friends and professionals."

Well, with so many options in hand now, we know where to go to satisfy those midnight hunger pangs!

Thrills & grills

How we missed those sizzling and smacking Chicken tangris and spicy potatoes at Barbeque Nation? Anyways, the sizzles are back as the joint re-opened this week. But while the look has changed, the menu remains the same. "We have refrained from experimenting with the food menu. We had a loyal client list, who loved what we served. So we stuck to the basics," says Pramod Kumar Mukati, business manager, Barbeque Nation-26. The interiors though have been given a finer finishing. Increasing the space, the seating sections have been fused in and stretched; the lighting is minimal, which gives it a lounge appeal. "Earlier we had rows in open space to accommodate a large group but now we have created four grill stations to specify the gathering and make it more casual," says Pramod. Well, for a fresh start Barbeque Nation will begin with the Barbeques of the World Food Festival in the coming days. Enjoy!

Magic begins

Completing a year and competing for more is Black Magic, IT Park. Among the most happening nightclubs of the city, Black Magic has now introduced a new menu and is ready for a makeover. "We have brought about some changes in the food and beverages menu, and are looking forward to a change in décor and ambience too," informs Mannika Singh, PR manager, Black Magic. Promising many new inventions in food and lounging, Black Magic will soon be donning a fresh look…completing the lounging, bar, pub and restaurant appeal.

It also offers to book your afternoons with its corporate lunch menu. The cuisine is Indian and Chinese. "In addition, we offer you a choice of one beverage so that you can cool off and stretch a little, and be right back in shape for work," adds Mannika. So, you can dig in and chill out during the welcome breaks from your work!

nehawalia@tribunemail.com