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All work, no play
Logic precedes policy. While there's a regulation of fixed working hours in a day in the West, there's also a rationale and while the working days are fixed at five in a week, reasoning validates the rule. How else will people be able to perform better if they aren't given enough time to recuperate from the week-long work stress? If they aren't spared any time to spend with the family and personal life is reduced to mere terminology? Back home, with no such policy of fixed working hours or days, Indians have still been able to manage well (or probably the grapes are sour since there's no option). But the question is for how long will they be able to handle the stress? Sudhanshu Pandey, a TV anchor, shares his views on behalf of the TV fraternity, where every actor has to work for days together without a break. "We generally don't realise the pressure till our health succumbs to it. Our productivity at work depends on our personal lives, which again is directly proportional to the time we spend with our family." He feels that Indians being workaholics have been more successful abroad. "We can definitely work harder than Americans or Europeans." But acting is a different ball game altogether, where creativity is indispensable. Adds Sudhanshu, "With daily soaps, actors have no choice but to shoot continuously for several days. It's an unreal situation, where an actor is no better than a dialogue-delivering machine. There's hardly any difference between the way TV industry and the corporate sector functions." And indeed, the corporate sector is challenging. It's usually six days a week in every organisation and working hours are stretched as per the workload. Opines Rajneesh Vasudev, head, sales, Vodafone for Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, "Chances of Monday blues are less if you have a good weekend. A two-day break at the end of every week is rejuvenating." Just as there's a difference of working days, there's also of hours, which at times are in our favour. He shares a concern, "Abroad, nine to six means nine hours of continuous work. People don't demand tea breaks after every three hours and a separate lunch break in the afternoon. The total working hours will almost be the same." In a worse case scenario, even Sundays are not spared. The day is kept reserved for all the non-productive activities of an organisation. Says Abhay Dewan, branch manager in a private bank, "Sunday is reserved for meetings, reviews, telephonic conferences and other activities, which would consume at least two hours on a working day. Sometimes we aren't left with a single day to spend with our family." Long working hours add to the problem. "Productivity of an employee will drop if the working hours extend beyond nine. One doesn't get enough time to spend with the family and that affects the motivation levels," adds Abhay. If Pavan Choudhary, MD of a French MNC, and author of Triology of Wisdom, a series of self-help books, is to be believed, Indians should avail the opportunity of progressing by putting in the maximum efforts. "We can't compare our working system with France's way of working for 35 hours a week. There is a huge gap between the two economies." He adds that while people in the West work efficiently, we work intermittently, "We have hindrances like power cuts, traffic congestion, corruption etc, which does not let us be as productive as we can be. If in such a case we start working for less hours, we will be tagged as incompetent." However, he believes that working for as many hours on weekdays should be compensated with weekends off. And if still no help comes by, there are stress busters at work. "Don't office-goers have lunch together? Don't they chit-chat for a few minutes after completing a segment of work? We are extremely social by nature and that helps us overcome stress and tension," adds Choudhary. If this provides some solace! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Shoe-struck!
Designing the Zodiac shoes under the label Swatimodo Serendipity, ask her about it and she says, "These shoes are divided into two categories - Zodiac and Astrological. Zodiac are designed according to the universally accepted sun signs (like Virgo, Cancer, Pisces) while astrological shoes are customised according to person's date of birth (read 'janam patri')." A concept that would sure tickle the astrological crazy and numerology barmy Indians, wonderstruck we ask how does one know 'astrologically' what kind of shoes to wear? "We choose a colour, metal, even the kind of leather that would suit the person and then design the shoes," says Swati. We bet she must have a line of customers looking for shoes that can change their luck! And by the way, if you are also among the ones who'd like to wear a shoe according to your sun sign, be ready to shell out Rs 10,000 for a Zodiac shoe and a whopping Rs 50,000 for an astrological shoe! Talking about her designs, they are simple but have elaborate trimmings on them. From strings to metal and even embroidery, every piece is different from the other and can be customised according to a customer's choice. Colour is an added advantage in her collection, as you can choose from a variety of hues. Right from yellow to sky blue, the collection showcases some fine metallic hues. With just two-and-a-half years in the industry, our girl already has a flagship store in New York, Japan, Bangalore and New Delhi, and it was on crisp Thursday afternoon that she launched her fashion footwear label Swatimodo at Soh Koh store in Sector 26. Ask her why did she chose Chandigarh and she says, "People are experimental here and Punjab is a lucrative market for designers." Game to opening a store in Ludhiana as well; about footwear trends she says, "I don't follow any trends. Creativity is what I invest on." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Kajol, who will be seen with husband Ajay Devgn on screen after a gap of two years in the animation film Toonpur Ka Superhero, says the two cannot team up often because they hardly ever like the same script. "Ajay and I will always take years to be together on screen because we hardly ever agree on a script. We actually don't agree on most scripts," Kajol, 35, told in an interview. "What he thinks as workable is something that I find not working for me at all. So it's very rare that we actually come across something that we both agree on and we both would like to work on," she added. They tied the knot in 1999 after a few years of courtship and are known as one of the best couples in Bollywood. They created reel magic with Hulchul, Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha, Ishq and Dil Kya Kare. Their last outing together was Ajay's directorial debut U Me Aur Hum (2008), which was critically appreciated for its theme and performances but was a box-office dud. The actor says over the years she has become more comfortable working with Ajay, 41. "As the years go by, you get more comfortable and get used to the way the other person works; otherwise the process remains the same. It just becomes more of a team." Now once again they are set to create celluloid magic with the live action animation movie Toonpur Ka Superhero slated to hit the screens Dec 24. Directed by Kireet Khurana, the film has been produced by Krishika Lulla and Kumar Mangat Pathak. The film shows Ajay and Kajol playing humans who enter the world of cartoons. This is Kajol's first animation film and she asserts it was not a cakewalk. "It was very tough working on the film. We even had to re-shoot a few scenes. Dubbing and shooting was equally frustrating. You had to keep so many things in mind like timing and everything," she said. "There were a few action sequences too where I had to do action in front of a green space, so I was smiling, scowling, laughing - all in the wrong places! However, our action director Jack Gill was very good and very patient with us," she said. The actor dismissed rumours that the film was releasing after a delay. "It's releasing when we thought it would. Animation takes time. We shot in three-four months but then a lot more has to be done on each character. Karan Johar's animation film is still being made, Avatar took five years to make. Simply because you don't want to mess it up. There is so much on stake," she said. In the film Ajay is the superhero, but Kajol's favourite is Superman. "My superhero is the Superman. I loved him; I read all his comics," she announced. Finally, after two releases this year, the actor is planning to take time off. "I'm not working on any film right now. No plans as of now. It's very difficult handling two kids. I don't get time and I want to give all my time to them for some time now," she said. The couple have two children - seven-year-old daughter Nysa and Yug, who was born this year. — IANS
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Mallika to sizzle on small screen
Chak Dhoom Dhoom 2 is a team challenge which seeks to find the best group of dancers showcasing styles ranging from Cha Cha Cha, Bhangra, Hip Hop, Salsa, Ballet, Tango, Waltz, Jazz, Robotics, Locking Popping to the Lavni. "This time around, Chak Dhoom Dhoom is going to be all about team spirit. We are looking for the best group performers. After seeing the show prosper in India, with this season, we have set out to find new talent in places as far as US, UK and UAE," said Ashvini Yardi, programming head, Colors. Model-turned-anchor Pravesh Rana will continue to be the host for this season as well. — PTI
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Celebration of womanhood
Mirch is a celebration of womanhood. There are four stories in the movie and they are all about what happens when a women is caught red-handed with her lover and how she manages to wriggle out of the situation scot-free," Shukla in an interview . "But it doesn't show women in poor light. It is about if a woman has her wits, then she can salvage any situation. That is in essence the content of Mirch as well as the message. Women should go watch this film absolutely uninhibited and free. They will love it," he added. Produced by Big Pictures, Mirch revolves around a struggling filmmaker Maanav (Arunoday Singh) who weaves together four narratives, based on issues of women emancipation for his movie. "At a deeper level it is also about the gender equality in a relationship and at a much deeper level it is about how an artist finds his freedom in today's mercantile world... about the kind of situations a filmmaker faces today," said Shukla, who has stitched together stories from ancient, medieval and contemporary eras in the script. "The first story is from the Sanskrit classic, the Panchtantra and placed in ancient times. Then it travels in its various versions to the modern times. "The second story is placed in medieval times and inspired from the 14th century Italian classic, 'The Decameron' by (Giovanni) Boccaccio. The next is from an Italian fable set in contemporary times and the fourth and the connecting story has been written by me," he added. When Shukla decided to tell a women-centric story, he roped in the best peformers from Bollywood - Konkana Sen Sharma, Raima Sen, Shahana Goswami and Ila Arun. Supporting them in the cast will be Shreyas Talpade, Boman Irani and Prem Chopra. Having been to festivals in New York, New Jersey and the Mumbai Film Festival, Mirch will hit the screens after a much-delayed wait. "I wish it could have been released earlier but nevertheless, it's better late than never." Shukla has been an active script and dialogue writer over the last three decades with close to 25 films to his credit like Hum Paanch, Raat, Ram-Jaane and Virasat. He ventured into direction with Sameera in 1981 before winning laurels for his second outing Godmother that came in 1999 and fetched six National Awards. A gold medalist from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, his third directorial venture Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe came in 2002. Asked about the long intervals in wielding the megaphone, Shukla said: "I wish I were able to make more films... Hopefully, I'll roll out my next next year." Shukla is known for chosing women-oriented subjects, but says his next will be different. "I find the stories fascinating and these coincidentally focus on women. But my next script is not women-centric for that matter. It's about cast politics in Uttar Pradesh and about relationships. There is no title as of now and I haven't decided the casting yet, but it will have a prominent actor," added the director, who hopes the Godmother acclaim will 'obviously' draw footfalls for Mirch. —
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The occasional actor, who was caught on camera kissing the cricket legend, looked jaded and forlorn when she arrived at her West London home. Minutes later Grant, who lives around the corner, braved the rain to dash to her side. Hurley and Grant have remained close friends since their 'amicable' split in 2000 . Grant, who cheated on Hurley with prostitute Divine Brown in 1995, dined with Hurley and Warne last week. —ANI
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Depp’s many talents
Babybird front man Stephen Jones has written a song for Depp. The sing would be a part of the Sheffield band's next album. The 47-year-old star played guitar on the group's recent single Unlovable. He even directed the video of the song. — ANI |
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Pamela Anderson has graced the cover of Playboy for the 13th time. The former Baywatch babe graced the cover by channeling actor Anita Ekberg's famous scene in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita. In the scene, Ekberg's character cavorts half-naked in Rome's Trevi Fountain in a slinky black dress, similar to the one Anderson wears. Anderson made her debut in the men's glossy in 1989 and with the latest one; she has a record number of covers in the magazine's 57-year history. In October, Playboy head Hugh Hefner tweeted that Anderson was shooting the pictorial in the Mansion swimming pool in a tribute to the famous Italian film. — ANI
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For arts’ sake
In a bid to enhance the beauty of the otherwise panoramic ambience of the Kalagram complex, the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) has introduced a series of camps in painting and sculptures by well-known artists of the countries. As part of the 11th such camp, noted artists Vigyan Vrat and SM Shahid are in the city. Magic in stone Sculpting marvels out of raw and rigid stone pieces is sculptor Syed Mohammad Shahid Javed, associate professor at the Jamia Milia Islamia University in Delhi. The sculpture titled 'The pain (Peeda)', though figurative in nature, resonates the anguish and internal turmoil of the mind of a woman. Rightfully honoured and awarded, Jawed had held many solo shows of his works, besides participating in group shows. His works adorn prestigious galleries. "As the themes of my works are of socio-cultural relevance and close to human life, aspirations and anguish of common man, they have a mass appeal," he says. Jawed says the fascination for sculptures has grown and works of artists like Som Nath, Himmat Singh etc are sold at par with the best painting works. Brush with paint A prolific poet and artist of repute, Vigyan Vrat has 27 solo shows and 30 group participations in India and abroad to his credit. Recipient of UP Lalit Kala Award and Vatayan Samman in London, his works adorn many galleries and the Australian Embassy. One of his paintings was even bought by former President of India Dr APJ Kalam. "My painting works are a veritable mix of tradition and modernity. I take along the sensibility of a villager since I was born and brought up in village Tera near Meerut," he says. He adds, "My passion for painting and poetry was never approved by my parents. But I have made it my calling." How do the poet and painter in him go along? "These traits are, in fact, complimentary to each other. I have five anthologies of ghazals to my credit. One of my ghazal aur sunaao kaise ho tum has been sung by Jagjit Singh and also by Nishant Akshar." One can find reflections of his painting prowess in the just finished works 'Space and Vision K-01, K-02, K-03, respectively. Vigyan Vrat signs off with a couplet, Ek sach hai maut bhi, Woh Sikander hai toh hai/ Poojta hoon mein usse, Ab voh pathar hai toh hai…" |
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Composed in style
Ravi, legendary composer who cast a spell with his lilting tunes, released Emotions-3, a collection of instrumental music of Bollywood hits of the sixties and seventies on Thursday.The function was organised by the Patiala Kala Manch and was attended by music lovers as well as ardent Ravi fans. Eye specialist Dr Sukhdip S Boparai was also present on the occasion. Song selection for Emotions-3 has been made by Preet Mann, while music is by Neeraj-Neeta. Sound recording for the CD has been done by Rajnish and Ajay Midha. Ravi has become a legendary figure in the music world and cast a spell with a string of superhits, which continue to be all-time favourites even today. Ravi has given some truly memorable tracks like Tujhko Mera Pyar Pukare, Chalo Ek Baar, Aye Meri Zohra Jabeen, Jab Chali Thandi Hawa et al. Emotions-3 has some songs composed by Ravi as well, including the Baar Baar Dekho from China Town. He released his first album Emotions-1 in 2005, and followed it up with Emotions-2 in 2007. His third album Emotions-3 includes popular numbers like Baar Baar Dekho, Dum maro Dum, Ik hasina thi and Badan pe sitare.
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GREEN on top
With 250 potted plants on his roof, he says, "I bought top floor only because I wanted to build a terrace garden." While encouraging people to grow green plants and utilise the space they have, he says, "I have tried to incorporate all kind of plants in my terrace garden. Right from herbal to ornamental plants, I have potted vegetables, bonsais, flowers and even cactus in my terrace garden." The herbal plants at his rooftop include pudina, dal chini, lemon grass, organic green chilli, aloe vera, ashwagandha and more. He also has potted vegetables like cauliflower, brinjal, cabbage, spinach and even bitter gourd. "The city has so much open space, but people don't make use of what they have. With my initiative, I'm trying to start a new culture of green roofs." Having also developed some bonsais, he says, "I have a total of 15 bonsais but the best is my narangi (orange) bonsai that is blooming with table tennis ball size oranges." And he does all the work himself. "I am a passionate gardener and all the plants here are grown by me. I haven't purchased a single plant, but have plucked the roots and planted them in a pot." Ask him how do vegetable plants survive in a pot and he says, "I have customised pots according to the plants and have given enough depth for the roots to penetrate as well as plants to survive." Having received a state award for teaching in 2007, Manoj has also bagged the National Award for Teaching in 2008. "Whatever I do, I do with all my heart," he says. Also a painter, ask him when he gets the time to do so many things and he says, "Five to 6.30 am is the time for gardening, then I go to work and some evenings are free for painting." jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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With a 54 feet diameter and 32 feet height it could provide cover to around 200 people. A team of 20 people worked for 24 days to construct this award-winning umbrella and was unveiled on 14 August 2010. On this achievement Anisha Motwani, chief marketing officer, Max New York Life Insurance, said "We are delighted with this recognition. The largest umbrella in the world justifies Max New York Life's tagline line of Karo Zyaada Ka Iraada. It also signifies protection from uncertainties of weather; just like life insurance which provides protection from uncertainties of life. The new record has been set against the previous record of 53 ft 2 inches in diameter and 31 ft 6 inches height by Sun City Umbrella Ind. Ltd in Jin Jiang city, Fujian Province, China during October 2005. — TNS
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Side Lanes
Having travelled abroad a few times, I have made a list of things to carry. There are the usual clothes according to the country we visit. If it is winter, layers are the answer. Four layers seem to be the norm and each need not necessarily be warm. Each layer, whatever the material, retains body warmth and this means that there is a buffer created against the cold winds. A woollen scarf--the longer the better--keeps the neck snug. A floppy, knitted hat adds to the circle of warmth. A pair of easily washable, nylon leggings and long sleeved lycra vest, are essentials for they are light, take up no space at all and can be used as night suits.
The total number of ensembles required are three. One for the air-craft, one to be worn inside the home we visit and a dressy piece in case there is a party, which is a rare event in countries where the daily work load is heavy and servants extinct. A wind-cheater is essential in case it rains or snows, and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes accompanied by three pairs of socks, make life enjoyable. Each item mentioned is machine washable, tumble dried and does not require ironing. In summer, a couple of shorts, a skirt, a swimming costume and sandals seem the best option. No one is expected to dress formally. A light, nylon, chiffon sari is good enough for the occasional, formal eat out. Gifts are another requirement. Hosts are to be given a bottle of wine or a typically ethnic artifact. From experience, I have learned that our friends love cloth bags or jholas, sequined tablemats, cushion covers from Pallika Bazaar and hand painted pictures. The last is easy if you are an artist, or can collect the pen and ink palm leaf creations and Madhubani depictions from various fairs. Get them mounted on cartridge paper and place them at the base of the suitcase so that they do not wrinkle. Women friends love the bead necklaces made by tribesmen at various counters. The men enjoy our cotton shawls, ties and silk scarves. None of these gifts weigh much. As most airlines allow only 20kgs in the cargo and seven in hand, the above mentioned take up a bare six to seven kilos. If we stay with our countrymen, cashew nuts, masalas, banana and tapioca chips, and papads are greatly appreciated. I have known friends to carry 100 paranthas, to be deposited in the host's fridge and eaten at leisure. But, then these items are weighty and could be avoided. My most precious utility item is the ubiquitous, plastic mug, which we take for granted in our homes. No airline or home abroad, sports a mug. Without it, most of us feel as if the extension of a limb has been amputated. The Indian Railways recognises this need and even in a western style loo, has one chained to the wall. Made of stainless steel, it can be pinched, therefore its imprisonment. The domestic, plastic mug is a replacement for the ancient lota. That magnificent vessel measured milk, cooled tea, was used in ablutions and often dipped into a flowing stream or river for water. The mug takes up space in the suitcase, but it is the one item we cannot do without. The easiest solution is to carry it in your rucksack. "For tea?" asked the inspector with a bemused look on his face. "No! No!" I answered, sliding the precious piece into my bag. "We perform certain rituals with it!" As I walked through, he looked at the policewoman by his side, as if to say, "No accounting for these Indians!" |
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She's no Christian Louboutin, Jeffery Campbell, Brian Atwood or Sergio Rossi, who would rock your soles with their designs, but Swati Mehrotra, a footwear designer, has a concept of designing shoes according to Zodiac signs that would sure bring a nice mix of high and low in your shoe rack!
After her box-office disaster with Hiss, Bollywood actor Mallika Sherawat is now stepping down to the small screen to judge a dance reality show.The actor will be adding glamour to the second season of Chak Dhoom Dhoom, joining actor-comedian Javed Jaffrey and choreographer Terrence Lewis at the judges' panel. The show will mark Mallika's debut on television.
After his critically-acclaimed Godmother, National Award winning director Vinay Shukla is back to exploring women issues with Mirch. Throwing light on the sexual libido of the fairer sex, the outing, says the director, celebrates womanhood.
Indian tycoon Arun Nayar's estranged wife Elizabeth Hurley has been leaning on her cheating ex Hugh Grant for support since news of her marriage breakdown and fling with Shane
Warne.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp is set to sing for his favourite band's new album. 
Go green is the campaign that is ruling television as well as advertisement hoardings across the globe. And promoting a green world in his own little way is Manoj Kumar Sharda, lecturer at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 8. A teacher by profession but an artist by nature, Manoj is a passionate gardener who has turned his ten marla house roof in Sector 16 into a mini-terrace garden.
Max New York Life Insurance, announced that it has earned its place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The recognition was bestowed upon the company for creating the 'World's largest umbrella'. This record setting collapsible umbrella is almost as wide as the dome of Taj Mahal and as high as a three stories building.