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Getting too real?
Has it got to do with the lady Rakhi Sawant and her jinx, which began as a kiss 'n' tell story (read Mika) or is there something wrong with the word 'reality TV'?
Or let's say the deadly combo makes quiet an uproar! The latest one to make news yet again involves the undisputed drama queen Rakhi Sawant (Oh ‘Jejus’ where are you!). The Jhansi police registered a case against her, her bodyguards and unnamed crew members of the show Rakhi Ka Insaaf' for abetting the suicide of a Jhansi resident, Laxman, who had appeared on the programme on October 23.
On another show Roadies, youngsters can put the word 'abuse' to shame. Is this the reality the audience wants to see? If only for a while Ambika Soni can spare some time to tune into these shows! So, is anybody talking about checks? Rannvijay, a contestant and also host for MTV Roadies, a show where hurling abuses is like erxchanging pleasentries, also feels the need to monitor whatever is being shown. Says Rannvijay, "Our idea is to see how the contestants react in pressure situations because of which we instigate them, to get the real out of them. However, after the auditions we sit with the contestants and counsel them on the same. We tell them that it is just a show, and we want them to be real." Currently shooting for Roadies 8, Rannvijay does not deny the fact that Roadies deals with youngsters with impressionable minds. "We esnure we talk to them at the end of the day, so that they have nothing in their heart and mind." If this is the case, why enter a show to get yourself insulted. That reminds us, Sambhavna Seth a participant of two reality shows, Bigg Boss 2 and Desi Girls, has something to say. "Whatever Rakhi Sawant says on Rakhi Ka Insaaf is not her language, this is something the TV Channel would have wanted her to say. I am not trying to save her, but I want to ask when the channel scrutinises everything, why did they let the objectionable words go unchecked?" Seth believes the reality shows have a totallty different reality to it. "Editing can make or break the image of any contestant on the show. The channel knows what to show, whom to highlight when, whom to pair with whom and all that." Ditto for Rupa Ganguly, a television actor who featured in Sach Ka Saamna. She opines that there is need to put a check on the reality series. "I cannot sit through these shows. It is the artistes' responsibility also. While appearing on a reality show they should know how to project themselves. Lastly, the audiences should also be careful about what they watch and how they can stop the kids from watching such shows." Agreed. Remote control is mighty powerful, but with technology growing every split second, and with kids watching 'whatever' on their handy mobile phones, who can stop them from watching Rakhi or Dolly Bindra hurling bundles of desi abuses on Bigg Boss Season 4? Adds Vindu Dara Singh, winner of Bigg Boss Season 3. "There should be a psychologist on all such reality shows. Most of the reality shows are a pick up from shows based abroad; they should have the devices to handle it as well. Don't the audiences know what is real and unreal, what to watch and what not?" jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Beyond borders
Salima was educated at the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, the Bath Academy of Art, UK, and the Rhode Island School of Design, USA. She was an active theatre artiste before she took to painting. At present, Salima is dean of the School of Visual Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore. In recent years, she has been working on developing cordial relations between India and Pakistan. Salima was in Amritsar for the seventh Indo-Pak Saanjh Festival. You are from a politically active family, did it influence your mindset? I was nine years old when my father Faiz Ahmed Faiz was imprisoned during Zia-ul Haq's regime. I still remember visiting him in jail. But, I never thought of entering active politics. Rather, I chose to devote my time for the uplift of the society as a whole. Drug peddling, human trafficking, poverty and hunger are blots on our society. Above all, human rights are being 'murdered' by the influential strata of our society. I am an active member of the South Asia Forum for Human Rights (SAFHR), which is an organisation based in Kathmandu. Its members represent SAARC countries and our aim is promote respect for universal human rights. I deplored the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan in 1998. Such huge resources should be used in producing more food, shelter for the homeless and providing education to all. How do you feel coming to Amritsar? I have a special connection with Amritsar as it is my father's birth place. Sadly, I couldn't locate the exact place where he spent his childhood because I had no address. He also taught in the Art College (now DAV college) here. I virtually see no difference between Amritsar and Lahore. People from both sides are identical in nature. The popular numbers of Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar are enjoyed with the same enthusiasm in Pakistan as they are here in India. I urge both the governments to lift the visa restrictions. How do you compare the talent available in both the countries? The talent in both India and Pakistan is immense. I have been to various exhibitions in England and New York, the top slots were mostly bagged by either an Indian artiste or a Pakistani. But art knows no bar, no nationality, language or caste. It is only politics that divides the people. Even 60 years after the Partition, we have not grown up. Many cultural functions are organised by both the countries, but the real change will only come if the basic mindset is transformed. How does the Pakistan government help in promoting artistes? Compared to India, the incentive for artistes is less in Pakistan. Nevertheless, I feel government patronage is not required to promote art. There are art lovers and councils at individual levels in every society. These endorse the cause of art whole-heartedly, mentoring and promoting the works of younger artistes.
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Child's play
Breezy hues, colourful vistas, playful characters and all things beautiful, that's how we spell childhood for you. While the world is one big playground for a child, in the rush and madness of everyday life we forget that there is a child in all of us. And this Children's Day we suggest you become a child with your child and visit certain places that would rekindle the joys of childhood. Doll up
Located in Sector 23, International Dolls Museum is one place that would make you and your darling smile. Opening on a grand note, it's a decorative door with dolls inscribed on it that welcomes you in. Housing splendid dolls and puppets gathered from all over the world the museum's purpose is not entertainment alone, but also educating children about the history of dolls right from the Harrapan period to the modern day Barbie doll. An educative yet entertaining trip, a visit to this 25-year-old set up will surely brighten your day with about 250 different kinds of dolls collected from countries like Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Russia and Korea. An entire section here has been devoted to brides and tribes of India. Play 'n' learn
Another interesting place that you can take your child to is The Children Traffic Park in sector 23-A. Spread over an area of 12 ˝ acres this place can be fun as the child can learn about the traffic rules and enjoy the open space. Covered in green there are flowers beds, plants, trees and roads constructed for training on road safety. A wonderful place to gain some traffic knowledge here you can also get literature on road safety. Rock 'n' roll
Although quite talked about and much known, we must say Nek Chand's Rock Garden in Sector 1 is a wonderful place to visit. While you must be wondering what would attract the children in Rock Garden we say, this is one place where you can educate your child about making use of waste material. The entire place is an artwork made from industrial and urban waste. It houses sculptures made of discarded waste materials like tiles, frames, forks, handle bars, metal wires, play marbles, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles etc. A visit to this place can be an enriching experience as the vistas of the garden are beautiful. Zoo-zoo
No, we are not talking about the Vodafone Zoo-Zoo but our very own animal kingdom-The Chhatbir zoo also known as Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. Seventeen kilometres away from the city, the zoo has as many as 950 animals and birds. You can arrange a picnic here with your children and educate them about various species of the animal kingdom. The zoo sprawls across 202 acres against a stunning green backdrop. Ride to fun
If you want your child to have some joy rides and thrills, take them to Fun City. Situated on Panchkula-Barwalla-Nadha Sahib Gurdwara road, this place is a combination of an amusement water park and a resort. Offering hydraulic rides for both children and adults, here you can also enjoy water rides and slides of different sizes. But remember you need a complete day to visit this place. Reader's digest
A book is a man's best friend, goes the famous adage, so this Children's Day gift your child a friend for life. Introduce your child to the habit of reading and believe us he'll thank you all his life. Though most of the libraries have a children's section (big or small), in our city British Library in Sector 9 and State Library in Sector 34 has a good number of books for children. And if you are wondering what age to start with, these libraries have books for children over the age of three and beyond. Toy zone
Take your sunshine or moonbeam to a toy shop for a 1,000 watt smile on his or her face. Buy a present and we are sure that would make your little prince or princess the happiest person in the world. And that would make a very happy Children's
Day! jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Snack it up!
Feeding your children is a complicated business nowadays, and hectic schedules may be blocking your objective of feeding your kids right. Michelle Obama's campaign of 'chefs move to school', leads us to believe that there is tremendous progress being made towards healthier school lunches. All are trying to figure out how to get better food on our kids' plates! Says dietician Lekha Mehndiratta, Grewal Eye Institute, Sector 8, "Children have faster metabolic rates and high energy needs, therefore snacks can effectively provide the extra nutrients kids require to play, learn and grow." The first thing that comes to mind when you think of a snack is something sweet, salty or crunchy! But as most of us have come to realise, snacking is not just about satisfying cravings, but also about remaining healthy. This is particularly true when it comes to children. But are packaged cookies, cakes and bars our only options? Have we forgotten how easy it is to reach for an apple or how quick it is to chop up a few vegetables? Says Anu Sharma, dietician at Abbott Company, "A healthy snack can be prepared in a jiffy and it requires no cooking expertise." Here are a few such dishes. Bird's nest
Ingredients:
Method: Take some boiled potatoes, add salt and make them into small balls. Stuff each ball with a little cottage cheese or tomato. Take lavish spread of crushed sevian in a plate and roll the stuffed potato ball in it. Deep fry till the outer covering turns golden brown, just like a bird's nest. Cut the ball into two halves and serve hot with sauce. Sesame fingers
Ingredients:
Method: Boil the potatoes, mash them and add salt. Take a bread finger and put some potato filling on it. Roll the finger in corn flour paste. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously. Fry till golden brown. Serve with mint chutney or sauce. Bread pizza
Ingredients:
Method: Take some thick malai. Add chopped capsicum, onion, tomato and grated cheese in it. Put salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add a generous amount of sooji to bind the paste. Place the paste on the triangle bread piece and saute both sides of the bread, alternatively, on a tava. A crispy pizza appears. Namakparas
Ingredients:
Method: Mix all the ingredients. Make stiff dough with water. Roll out the dough and cut into small rectangular pieces. Deep fry and serve hot! |
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Tarot TALK
ARIES: "The Queen of Cups" infuses trust and friendship. Home should be given priority. If you are planning a real estate transaction it will progress smoothly. Wednesday is favourable day to buy a vehicle. Tip of the week: Catch the financial opportunity that comes your way. Lucky colour: Jade.
TAURUS: "The King of Pentacles" blesses you with an inner flowering, so you would judge things better this week. Family members will be co-operative. Changes made on Monday would bring positive results. Tip: Have faith in yourself. Lucky colour: Peacock green. GEMINI: "The Empress" takes you towards the fast and the protected lane. Short trip is on the card. No need to worry on the health front. Neither borrow nor lend money. Tip: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky color: Earthy browns. CANCER: "The Temperance" inspires you. This is a week of wish fulfillment. Students will get a good news. Family life is blissful. Avoid land deals on Tuesday. Tip: See positive side of things. Lucky colour: Emerald green. LEO: "Five of Cups" takes you through a speculative situation. A slow week for businessmen. Manage your funds carefully. Health of your spouse or children will need attention on Wednesday. Tip: Do not take risks. Lucky colour: Bottle green. VIRGO: "The Nine of Pentacles" showers blessing on lovers. Beauty and ease are the theme for the week. A wish comes true on Tuesday. Keep distance from new acquaintances. Avoid roadside food on Saturday. Tip: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. LIBRA: The card "The Devil" reveals that you will be running late on everything you do. Nothing spectacular will take place. Watch your emotions on Tuesday. Students will have an easy week ahead. Watch your health this week. Tip: Lack of confidence or lack of caution is harmful for your growth. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. SCORPIO: "Nine Cups" full of light, lotus and blossom greets you as loving relationship flowers into a commitment. Travel is on cards. Businessmen should take a professional advice. Gastric trouble may worry you. Tip: Listen to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: White. SAGITTARIUS: "The Princess of Cups" infuses you with a youthful disposition, so you will be in a flirting mood this week. An outing with children brings a lot of pleasure. Cash is likely to roll in from unexpected sources. Women entrepreneurs should take care of business. Tip: Do not waste an opportunity. Lucky colour: Golden. CAPRICORN: "The Hanged Man" shows some decisive moments. Be realistic and do not jump to conclusions. A Taurean friend is helpful. Tip: Don't be bullied into accepting situations you don't like. Lucky colour: Pink AQUARIUS: "Knight of Swords" gives you a new vision but overindulgence will lead to trouble. Creative work will be important. Tuesday is good for academics. Sportsmen may face a tough week in playground. Tip: Be frank and state the truth. Lucky colour: Red. PISCES: The "Three of Pentacles" reveals family pressure and responsibility. Venus favours domestic bliss. Try to keep your business plans secret. Students pay attention to studies. Tip: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Brick Red. |
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In the second episode of Rakhi's Reality show, 24-year-old Lakshman Prasad Ahirwar was featured seeking solution to his troubled marriage. The case was that Lakshman had forced his wife to sleep with his uncle for money. Rakhi Sawant had termed him impotent while giving out her insaaf on the show and announced verdict in favour of his wife Vineeta. Rakhi called Lakshman napunsak and namard (impotent), which according to his family had hurt the young man and left him in depression, due to which he later committed suicide.
But is she the culprit 'really.' Much has been said, and written on the 'unreal' side of the reality shows. Star Plus reality TV show Sach Ka Saamna turned nightmare for a participant Asha, after she confessed in front of her husband Rajesh that one of their two children wasn't his. Not able to digest the bitter truth, he later took Asha to a nearby canal and slit her throat with a blade. Rajesh was about to push her into the canal, but villagers spotted them. 
The Radcliffe Line, which became the border between India and Pakistan on August 17, 1947, could hardly restrict the talent on either side from interacting. This is what Pakistan-based painter and artiste Salima Hashmi, daughter of noted poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz and British-born mother Alvs Faiz, strongly believes in.
