This isn’t a linear narrative….” quipped globetrotting and internationally acclaimed artist Jitish Kallat soon after his lecture-cum-slide-show organised by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi that began at the Government Museum auditorium in Sector 10. But then there is nothing linear about the young artist who in his short journey, has gone places. From multiple images to multiple mediums to multiple narratives, “if something can mean many things”, it automatically finds space in Kallat’s oeuvre. An oeuvre that is as exciting as it is unique, both in the choice of mediums and their representation. So one moment as in 365 Lives; 365 images of dented vehicles chronicle the tale of Mumbai, the city this Keralite was born and brought up in.

Without doubt, Mumbai and its teeming millions remain his fountainhead of inspiration. So his portraits have images of people “almost as if the city is sitting on the head of the people”. In any other city, he agrees that perhaps his imagery would have been different. “For though one doesn’t set out to document one’s city, one does engage with one’s neighbourhood.”

And yes, to some extent the Cry of the Gland, photographs of 108 pockets bulging out with things of necessity, couldn’t probably have happened anywhere else. Yet that is not to say that he is impervious to the influences of the rest of the country or even the world. Thus images of burnt vehicles so typical to Indian urbanscape metamorphose into skeletal-like vehicles in mammoth sizes made out of raisin. US Homeland Security’s colour coding of threat perception becomes his colour palette to finally freeze as Public Notice 3 on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, in which he has used the speech of Swami Vivekananda at World Parliament of Religions in a refracted spectrum of the same colours.

Past, present, histories interweave in his works as effortlessly as the fusion of mediums. Paintings, photographs, sculptures all melt and mould together to find a common meeting ground in his exhibitions like the one that he especially created for Haunch of Venison, London. He doesn’t think dovetailing one’s work to a museum space or specific sites presents any different kind of challenge. “When you encounter a particular space you can “see” your art work. But the test is — can you realise your vision with your labour?”

No artwork, however, he feels can be measured on the barometer of effort. Medium - painting, sculpture or photograph - too is incidental for “it’s the work that dictates the medium, not the other way around.” Having trained in painting at JJ School of Art, Mumbai, on his alma mater he says, “It prepares you for everything.” Of course, there are many lessons to be learnt from changing times of chaos and transformation from which culture and art emerge and of which he undeniably is a product. “Put a pen to a paper in a moving train and you will have a painting. Nothing will happen in a static train.” But at the end of the day - is an artist a storyteller or a chronicler of his times? “When I create my art I am thinking of stories but ultimately an artist is only pointing out at things and asking questions. And the only answers an artist can provide are by asking more questions.” As his works - be it Public Notice or Public Notice 2 (using bone shaped alphabets to recount Gandhi’s historic speech before Dandi march)—allude to the violent times we are witnessing, he says, “It is the stimuli from the world I live in.” Those who can only sense a certain despondency or melancholy in his works, and fail to see the play of the absurdity and hence the drama of life or the life-affirming forces, all he says is, “Every response is valid for it comes from a subjective individual vantage point.” About the response of the world where he has been exhibiting time and again at prestigious venues like Tate Modern, London, Martin Gorpius Bau, Berlin, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, Serpentine Gallery, London, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, etc, he says, “It’s not possible to summarise it or the place of Indian art on the global scene. We are all living under the robust historical canopy, though post 2,000 it is hard to situate Indian art within the framework of national logic or model.” To place Kallat’s art within known definitions of art would be defying the purpose of his art whose legitimate quest seems to be moving beyond and defining new frontiers.

nonikasingh1@rediffmail.com

The answer was simple. She would follow her heart, and it didn’t take her time to find out what it longed for—music, music and more music. Each time she moved a little away from the heart’s calling, it got her back with more zest and longing.

This time, singer, actor Vasundhara Das returns with a tribute to John Lennon. On the 30th anniversary of John Lennon, Ballantine’s partners with Mont Blanc to launch John Lennon limited edition writing instruments and roped in the singer to do the honours. You bet, Vasundhara jumped on the opportunity. “John Lennon, the musician, has a great impact on me. He is great musician for sure, but he also has the ability to say his mind, and pour everything in the songs,” she holds the pen to be photographed.

Pretty picture she makes, with the pen of course and also with passion—yes it hasn’t changed, it still but strums from music. “This is what I like doing the most, this is what makes my world. Off late, I have been performing with my band on different forms of music and at various places. In fact, I am glad to be playing with a band that can perform on Bollywood music one day and sing to John Lennon the other day,” she smiles.

A musician finally gives some stage to the actor. How about we telling you Vasundhara started her career with Kamal Hassan’s Hey Ram. Not to miss, (you certainly wouldn’t miss it) the song and dance in Moonsoon Wedding. “There comes a stage in life when one has to decide what would give satisfaction. I acted for a while, which was fun and eventually returned to myself. I am not closed to the idea of acting as long as I get to do something nice,” she says.

Any prizes for guessing we return to music? Sukhwinder Singh is his favourite Indian singer, and she loves to perform in a band. Band breaking left right and centre? “Well this again depends on the dedication with which one joins the band, the openness with how one sees things. Last but not the least, it also depends on the attitude with which one approaches something.”

Singing, singing and then someone asks her about writing songs. She sparkles at the query. “I don’t shut myself in a room. It is a natural process; something unexplainable just triggers it. John Lennon would write a song by evening, record it and the dics would be out too, with people listening to it. Writing songs is all about saying your heart, what one feels.” Vasundhara is doing a project called Speak Up, wherein she would pour into songs whatever she feels about. “Whatever bugs me or makes me happy will find place in these songs,” provides the singer who doesn’t mind rinsing her throat for Bollywood numbers.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Waity Katie' is finally marrying her Prince. To be the future queen, Kate Middleton has given up her career aspirations to be a merchandiser (she hoped to be a photographer too). Being a member of Wales' royal family will have its own set of duties and obligations in which pursuing an independent career might not be an option. And then being a photographer or a merchandiser is probably not that appropriate a career for a 'royal'.

Would city lasses give up their career to fulfill the 'family role'? Priyanka Bhatia, a B Tech student, gives an emphatic 'no' for an answer. "Women have as much right to have a career as men. I don't see how can my leaving a career for family would help." And, then, Priyanka is not ready to let go 25 years of hardwork that she and her parents have put in her education. "My education has taken time, money and effort of my whole family. I am not letting that go waste at any cost," says Priyanka. But then she is ready to make her future family see her point of view. "I can reason my case. I am sure that any rational family will come around," she says.

For the very same reason, Nikharika Rao wouldn't give her dream to make it 'big' in the world. "My parents have always given me the best in life. Treated me equal to my brother. When it comes to fulfilling their dream to have a successful career, why should I let it go?" she questions.

Just like Nikharika, today's women have their own aspirations, dreams and choices. "I don't see myself sitting at home," says Nikharika, a final-year architecture student who wants to pursue masters from the US and have a high paying job.

Having their own identity, free will and a say in family life, is what today's girl believes in. And, a career is a major part of it. "I have my life and certainly career is going to be a major part of it," says Nisha Sharma, a final-year mass communication student. "I believe in being independent. No sacrifices here," says this confident girl.

Isha Gulati, 19-year-old studying to be an engineer, is fiercely protective of her independence. She is ready to adapt provided others do that as well. "See as long as it comes to adjusting timings, locations or even profile of the job, probably I would make adjustments. But giving up is not an option," says Isha.

All in all, it seems career is one significant part of life, man or woman, notwithstanding. But in this rush of ambition are we undermining the importance of relationships? 'Sacrifice' is a term almost alien to us today. The repercussions - relationships have taken a back seat.

"That's true of any relationship today, why single out girls," questions Sheery Sabbarwal, professor, department of sociology, Panjab University. "Times are different. Today even parents are not making sacrifices like a few years back. In turn, children not taking care of their parents either," she says.

Girls today give a lot of importance to themselves as well as their career. "I agree that it's not a healthy trend for relationships. But then one needs to pay a price for everything. Since girls are ready to make adjustments, as long as men do in their turn, it seems out of place to judge them," says Sabbarwal.

And, then, being a 'future queen' is way different. Katie has her privileges that come with added responsibilities!

mona@tribunemail.com

I am 29 years old and bored with my life. It is strange that when most people are looking forward to making their life more exciting, I just feel like retiring and not doing anything. I have been working for five years now, but nothing seems to be of particular interest to me. I have qualified as an MBA but since I always enjoyed writing, I am bored working in an architect's firm for a long time. I also feel I should get married. On the other hand, it would be nice to have some time to my own self. I can go on a spiritual retreat, may be just stay in an ashram for some time and discover myself. It is a very confusing this state of mind. Can you guide me?

Anihita Pandit Shimla

Good grades do make you teachers' favourite whereas parents shower excessive love if you are their 'A' grader child. And now a new research has revealed that they also make students healthier adults. Studies have long shown that education is linked to better health showed that higher academic performance in high school plays a critical role in better health throughout life.

Pamela Herd, an associate professor of public affairs and sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, conducted the research along with colleagues.

"How well you do in school matters. We already know it matters for things like your work and your earnings, but this proves it also matters for your health," said Herd.

For those who are still in school, there's every reason to believe the link between academic performance and health exists for younger people, too, Herd said.

The conclusion relies on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a groundbreaking survey that has involved more than 10,000 graduates of Wisconsin's high school class of 1957 during the last 53 years.

UW-Madison researchers went back to the class members six times since they graduated, asking questions about work, life, family and now, as the class ages, health.

The report on academic performance and health looked at links between educational attainment, high school academic performance, personality and psychological characteristics, and late-life health among high school graduates.

The findings showed that the higher a study participant's high school rank was, the lower the probability that participant experienced worsening health between 1992 and 2003, when the class members neared retirement age.

Researchers are still working to learn more about why academic performance leads to better health outcomes.

Herd noted that she thought that conscientiousness would help explain the finding. Those who are more conscientious might both do better in school and also take better care of their health.

The study is published in the December issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. — ANI

Is it survival of the fittest or survival through the fittest? Apply this funda to Bollywood, and expect it to yield results. To put it in simple words, Bollywood is one place where one can go long riding on someone's shoulders or just holding hands that make or break the industry. (This is a universal law). How else can you explain Abhisekh's Bachchan's innings or for that matter Barbie girl Katrina Kaif's? Standing on the podium, a good-looking boy chooses to take up things differently.

Akshay Oberoi definitely wants to survive in this cut-throat competitive place, but without any crutches. The actor makes his debut with Suraj Barjatiya’s Is Life Mein and was promoting it in the city on Wednesday. Before we could get down to mapping the genealogy of the new kid on the block, whispering voices tell us he is 'phone call away' actor Vivek Oberoi's cousin.

Comes another one, we assume only to get a new perspective by the end of the conversation. "It might sound strange, but I haven't taken Vivek's advice on acting. He is a great actor, who has been in the industry for a long time. I want to make it in the industry on my own. You might call it immaturity, but this is the way I want to go about it. Create my own experiences, and follow my gut feeling," he clarifies in one go, lest we come up with more doubts. So, it is the gut feeling that has brought Akshay back to Mumbai doing what he likes the most? The glint in his eyes tell us he is coming up with something exhilarating. "There is no better place in this world than Bollywood. Being associated with it is a cool thing. Besides, every bit of me belongs here," says Akshay who moved abroad to learn the nuances of acting and theatre. "I did plays, loads of them, got training in acting, and then decided to return." Oh! That would have been a no big deal, with that surname 'Oberoi'! "What makes you think so," Akshay looks straight in the eye. "I had to struggle like anyone else who comes to Mumbai to be an actor. I would approach people for auditions. I met Rajshri people during the struggle. They auditioned me for the role, rest is a story."

We quickly move to the reel story called Is Life Mein, with which Akshay makes his debut along with Sandeepa . "I was enticed by the story with a fresh feel. The story is about following dreams, being passionate about it," he says. Coming back to where it started, does the tag Vivek's cousin haunt or sell? Akshay almost jumps from his seat. "None of the two. I don't tell people about my connection with Vivek because I want to be known and accepted as an individual. Suraj Barjatiya’s too believe in this. Having said this, I add Vivek is a good actor," he adds. For once you want to trust every word of what he says. Conviction and faith in your abilities means much more than having a Godfather!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Patience and Experience always pays and hard work never fails. This is the motto by which New Look Salon blends with Leaps & Bounds, an education academy, and announces its opening at Kharar. Brainchild of Sharmita Bhinder, personality and grooming coach, this venture aims to ensure that beauty and personality grooming are brought under one common roof at New Look.

It offers all the latest beauty groomings, including day spa, hair and beauty enhancement and treatment. "Total transformation of your beauty is what we aim at," says Bhinder. The venture targets not only the regular niche cliental but also the people from the vicinity of Chandigarh and offers unique opportunity to get the taste of ultimate luxury at budget prices.

The exclusivity of New Look ranges from hi-end products like O3, dermalogica, phytomer, and thalgo to renowned Indian brands. The beauticians spell magic on the beauty of the clients with specialised facials and treatments like Dead Sea minerals, sea bed minerals, wine chocolate volcanic ash etc. The imported original products like fresh chocolate, wine fruits ensure ultimate results for the patrons.

New Look is a one-stop shop for the brides and offers pre-bridal, bridal and trousseau under-one roof. It will be mentally relaxing for the bride to know that all is taken care of by the experts of the beauty industry. A special personality and grooming course offered for brides, including trousseau management, home care and personality development. — TNS

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp does not own a mobile phone because the actor does not like being "reachable all the time". The 47-year-old actor, known for playing quirky characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Madhatter, likes to keep a low profile and has banned mobile phones from his life.

Depp, who has two kids -- Lily, 11 and Jack, eight with French singer-and-actress Vanessa Paradis, however, likes to communicate through internet.

"We have Internet and stuff like that because I think that's the safest form, well, most interesting form of communication. "I just don't like phones, I just don't like them. Being reachable all the timem," Depp said.

"You'd have to know how to just buzz me on the internet or something," Depp said. — PTI