Other than engineering and medicine, no other career options ever existed; in fact, the two defined education from the beginning till the end. Then came along some suave-looking Indian gentlemen from off-shores - a Rolex on the wrist, an accent to go along with; turning cubicles in swanky state-of-the-art offices. These were the MBAites, redefining the economics of work. They raked in the moolah, while doctors and engineers tried various ways to upgrade their CVs. With no other choice left, realisation dawned. The doctors still went on operating, but the engineers shifted gears. And they shifted it so fast and quick that the combined admission test 2010 declares 10 applicants who have hit the bull's eye with 100 percentile.

All of them are engineers! The results have engineers in all top slots, with not a single non-engineering student managing to hit a perfect score. What would you want to call it, good-old-competition getting more competitive, number of doctors and engineers increasing at one per hour or the enticement of foreign tours as perks? Did their folks ever think that after years of engineering, their kids would be ready for another round of equations? Prabal Aggarwal, who completed his engineering from Thapar University, Patiala, and later went on to do an MBA from K.J Somaiya institute, looks at engineering students doing MBA as breaking of the glass wall. "This is simple, students who qualify in core engineering trades like mechanical, civil, computer still manage to get good placements, but the ones who fall behind have to do something else to add to their CV."

More than this, Prabal wants us to look at the teaching system closely. "Most engineering students lose interest in the subject after 1-2 years of nothing but theoretical classes. Contrary to experiments and practical knowhow, they are fed on books - a kind of knowledge that doesn't find usage anywhere. But management study promises good exposure and salary." Passing the buck is the easiest thing to do. Faults in teaching system, ask Aamir Khan…he is an encyclopedia on it! Competition, demands of the industry, overall business perspective…whatever the reasons, most engineering students are not keen on pursuing Mtech degree.

They would rather bell the CAT! Randeep Singh, head Global Sales, marketing and procurements, falls in same slot - engineering and MBA. However, he has a different take on it, "Engineering gives a basic flavour of technology and manufacturing sector, which is still incomplete and raw. But the moment they see the business aspect of the whole industry and feel its pulse, they are drawn to business management studies."

Not only this, companies also put engineers on the fastrack. Randeep cites a simple example."When I hire people (engineers), I ask them to judge whether they would fit in the job. I ask two questions more - one on arithmetical calculation and second on what exactly they understand by net profit. Now you know why engineers with business studies can score well," he smiles. So what if Aamir crictised Kareena's fiance in '3 idiots' for being a jerk engineer working in a bank, most can't escape this trend! Nods Chetan Sharma, final-year engineering student from Landran, "Mtech doesn't hold any value in India. Companies too hire engineers with an MBA degree; it has become mandatory. MBA degree gives a perspective on business, while engineering is just the technical knowledge. The combination of the two is deadly and much liked by all and sundry." jasmine@tribunemail.com

Depicting nature in all vibrancy, intensity and loaded with symbols is what 'Balgo: Contemporary Australian Art from the Balgo Hills', on at Government Museum and Art Gallery, offers. Twenty-five works, some acrylic on canvas/linen and others etchings on paper, present a riot of colours and energy. What's special is each of them carries a rich slice of Aborigine culture. 'Balgo' is a word in Australia that invokes colour and exuberance. "It's an art that is both ancient and contemporary; both spiritual and political," writes Jackie Dunn, senior curator, Artbank, the Australian Government's contemporary art rental initiative that along with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs brings this exhibition to the city.

Balgo community from northeast, western Australia, which is simply known as 'remote', started painting with acrylic on canvas, which was their traditional art form during 1990's. Their work had a huge impact on Australian as well as international art scene. "Not only is their work an outlet to the world, but also a connection to their ancestors," says Kathryn Deyell, first secretary, public affairs and culture, Australian High Commission. Myths and stories from ancestors find expression in depiction of nature that is not just elements - water, air or earth - but also linked to dreaming. 'Dreaming' in Australian terms refers to 'a time before time'.

"For the uninitiated, it is mythical stories of how the world, animals and ancestral heroes came into being; for the initiated (like Balgo artists) it has a spiritual dimension, revealing how Aborigine history can be understood as spatial rather than time-based," says Kathryn.

In these awe-inspiring frames, semi-circle may represent a windbreak or a hill, dots represent bush onions and small black circles stand for bush apples. This exhibition has some master artists, including Helicopter Tjungurrayi, and some young ones from the Balgo community. "The community really encourages young artistes because each of them stand for a rich, distinct culture," says Kathryn. The exhibition comes as an effort to promote better understanding between Indians and Australians. It also coincides with the opening of a trade centre to promote investment in the city. "A lot of Australia's cultural heritage is not exposed to India. This is one effort in that direction; we also like to surprise people," is how Kathryn puts it. On till January 23

The Deols are back in director Samir Karnik's comedy Yamla Pagla Deewana after Apne. Bobby Deol plays the lead with dad Dharamenda and brother Sunny Deol. With Yamla Pagla Deewana, he is all excited as this is his first film of 2011. The promos have already shown positive response. The audiences' verdict will affect Bobby's acting career. Lifestyle talks to Bobby about the film and more….

Are you emotional about Yamla Pagla Deewana?

Oh yes, Yamla Pagla Deewana is a very very special film. It was a great challenge for me to work with my father and it was a great moment for my father to work with his two sons after Apne.

What are your views?

I have full faith in this film. It is a perfect comedy. I think everyone will be able to identify with some or the other characters of Yamla Pagla Deewana. The viewers' reactions are good.

This film was shot in Punjab. How was the experience?

A major portion of the film hich has my dad and me playing conmen, was shot in different cities of Punjab. It was a good experience because every morning thousands of people would gather at the shooting spot to catch a glimpse of us. In Malerkotla, it was like a festival.

What is Yamla Pagla Deewana about?

It is the story of two conmen, me and my dad. But with brother Sunny Deol, a brawny and honest NRI landing at Banaras, confusion strikes. What follows is a roller-coaster ride of action.

What binds the three of you?

We are emotional about each other. We feel a lot for each other.

How was it working with Samir Karnik?

Karnik went out of his way to make everything easy for me. He is a perfectionist. As a director, he helped to bring out the best in me.

How would you rate yourself as an actor?

Well, I am improving with every film. When I watch myself on screen, I feel I am becoming a complete actor.

As a person?

As a person too I have changed. I have come to understand myself and cinema better. — Dharam Pal

Goldie Hawn's ex-husband Bill Hudson is planning to write a tell-all book about the veteran Hollywood star and their daughter, actor Kate Hudson.

Hawn married the singer in 1976 and they became parents to two children, actors Kate and Oliver Hudson, before divorcing in 1980.

The Almost Famous star was just 18 months old when her parents ended their marriage, and she was raised by Hawn's long-time boyfriend, Kurt Russell, as she was estranged from her real father.

Hudson has had little contact with his kids over the years, and he blames Hawn, 65, for limiting his access to the children.

The 61-year-old musician is now preparing to launch a new book, titled So You Are a Star, to lift the lid on his famous family relationships. Although he concedes the revelations are explosive, Hudson hopes the memoir will bring him closer to his kids. "(Kate and Goldie) have said things about me to the press that are untrue, that I abandoned my family. I tried to stay in contact with my children, but Goldie made it impossible.

"Kate has used the story of her being abandoned by me because she needed tragedy in her life. She grew up privileged in Hollywood with private planes. Nobody was going to sympathise unless she had some tragedy," said Hudson.

His agent Diane Nine added, "We are meeting with publishers next week. But the proposal is quite explosive. What he really wants is a relationship with his children and he hopes this will help." — PTI

More than a relic of Mughal era, Chandni Chowk is a heady mixture of history, modernity, tradition, chaos, commerce and, but of course, food. Built in 1650 AD as an accompaniment to the majestic Red Fort by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan, it is said that the moonlight reflecting off its main canal earned it the name Chandni Chowk.

And getting the flavours of Chandni Chowk to Chandigarh is the new multi-cuisine restaurant by the same name (Chandni Chowk) in Sector 22. Though no comparisons can be drawn with the variety of street food we get at Chandni Chowk, the menu of the restaurant here has sufficient variety to whet your appetite.

From Chinese to the much-loved variety of Italian cuisine, pizza, here you can also order South Indian, Indian and a variety of chaats, golgappas, burgers, pastas, cold ‘n’ grilled sandwiches as well as sizzlers. Although the menu is exhaustive and has a variety to choose from, the restaurant owners Sandeep Singh and Gagandeep Singh consider the spices and flavours their USP. “We are foodies and for the best flavours in food, one must visit Chandni Chowk. We have tried eating at various joints but none beats the taste of the food at Chandni Chowk. And considering the love people have for food here, we have opened this restaurant that replicates the taste of Chandni Chowk in Chandigarh.” So how are they going to bring in the same flavours? “Most of our chefs in the restaurant have come from Delhi, so they would be offering the same taste in food.”

A pure vegetarian restaurant, here one can tickle the taste buds with some typical Indian street-food dishes like Chaat Papri, Bharwa gol gappe, Mattar kulcha, Aloo chaat, Bread pokaro and yes, the omnipresent and much-loved snack, momo, as well as the American corns.

Also on offer are dosas, soups, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, a variety of Chinese dishes, paranthas, desserts, shakes and Indian specialities like paneer lababdar, dal makhani, kadi pakora, pindi channa and tandoori specialities like paneer tikka, corn malai kebab, stuffed mushroom and paneer seekh kebab.

Ask the owners about the diversity in menu and they chorus, “We picked the best of everything.” The restaurant indeed seems to be a good joint to pick up economical Indian street-food.

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Legendary Punjabi playwright Gursharan Singh inaugurated a 1500-seater auditorium of Gian Sagar Educational and Charitable Trust on Wednesday.

He was accompanied by his wife and daughter, who were also felicitated at the function that was attended by writers and artists from all over the region.

Dr Sukhwinder Singh, vice-chairman of the Trust, lauded Gursharan’s contribution to Punjabi literature. He said the genre of theatre developed by Gursharan is better known as rural theatre with modern sensibilities. Gursharan is already a recipient of many awards, including the Sangeet Natak Award in 1993, State Language Department Award in 1994 and the Kalidas Samman in 2004.

An actor’s director and a passionate playwright, Gursharan Singh is known for his moving works like ‘Maut dar Maut, Band Kamre, Toya, Maa, Mochi da putt’, and the famous ‘Chandni Chowk toh Sirhind tak’. From 1958 to the present day, Gursharan Singh has staged thought-provoking productions. He even started the Amritsar Kala Manch in 1970.

On the occasion, a play written by him `Nawan Janam’ was also staged.

The event may be scheduled for a week later, but the announcement came bang on time or a bit before time, to hype things up (or hip-hop things up)! To celebrate the sixth anniversary of the American Corner in Chandigarh, US Embassy brings to the city Havikoro, popular Houston-based group of street dancers known for their acrobatic, hip-hop, dance style.

For the uninitiated, the American Corner in Chandigarh is a partnership between the American Library, New Delhi, and the TS Central State Library. The American Corner provides American books, periodicals and videos apart from information about US history, government, society and values.

Back to Havikoro, all the artists grew up on the streets of Houston and now they represent their very country and culture. The group promotes positive life choices and clean living through dance and music. The performance in Chandigarh is the first of five stops on a national tour of India comprising Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. The events and celebrations are spread across the city at venues varying from the library to the lounge. “The celebrations comprise mainly three events. One is the two-and-a-half hour workshop to be taken by Havikoro, at the Lobby, in dancing and hip-hop on January 17. Next is the lecture demonstration at the American Corner in the culture of hip-hop and how it grew from the streets of America,” shares the cultural officer. The culmination happens with the actual display of beat box and break-dancing at the Bhargava Auditorium on January 19. She adds, “Those interested can register for free, prior to the workshop and we are probably looking for someone who has some dancing experiences.” News for those who believe in this free form of expression! — TNS

Words make love with one another…. — Andre Breton

Where? Where else but in the works of great masters like Henrik Ibsen, hailed as the father of modern drama and realism. The Norwegian playwright, who is considered one of the greatest since Shakespeare, has not only influenced all modern playwrights like Arthur Miller, but theatre persons across the world right down to the 21st century.

The recent times have seen renewed interest in Ibsen, thanks to the generous funding by Norwegian government. But even prior to the spate of Ibsen theatre festivals - even Chandigarh saw one in December last year—his plays have been widely staged in India. Of particular interest have been plays like A Doll's House, which theatre person and documentary maker G S Chani calls the first voice of feminism in theatre. Interestingly, Ibsen himself wrote in his notes on A Doll's House, "There are two kinds of conscience, one in man and another altogether different, in woman. They do not understand each other; but in practical life the woman is judged by man's law, as though she were not a woman but a man."

A scene from Little Eyolf

Yet another play Hedda Gabler explores the predicament of the modern woman. Thus, Ibsen's unique ability to capture emotions, love, betrayal and of course people is what makes his plays timeless. Indeed, most of his plays hover around relationships, often flawed at that. Quips Chani, "He did focus on human ties but through family; he was actually reflecting on the macro that is society at large." In fact, since he uncovered hidden, often forbidden, facets of relationship as well as immoralities he is considered much ahead of his times. Most of his plays are about realism, yet that is not to say that these are devoid of symbolism or deeper meaning. Irony was evident in his plays, in one-liners like," Take the life's lie away from the average man and straight away you take away his happiness." Not surprising, well-known theatre director Harish Bhatia, who is toying with the idea of directing Ibsen's play, observes, "The key to understanding him lies in reading between the lines and to grasp what is unsaid." Indeed, words maketh Ibsen and he chose words carefully. Verbose, he can 
be called.

Actually, eminent theatre personality Neelam Man Singh Chowdhry had to condense the 98-page Little Eyolf into 23 pages. Of course, beyond words there are visuals. On stage there are Ibsen's architectural symbols lending meaning to what some call the laboratory of nuclear family. Master of structured plays, the imagery is evident in plays like Peer Gynt. Little Eyolf, which he wrote in his later days and which Neelam chose to stage, has folklore. Of course, not as Punjabis would understand it. So when Neelam began reading Ibsen she couldn't relate to the Christian orthodoxy of the Norwegian setting, but as she read more she was fascinated by the realisation that much of Sigmund Freud's theory of sexuality, the libido, the Electra complex somewhere had a reference point in Ibsen's women characters.

As she made Little Eyolf her own and transposed it on a Punjabi setting, she says, "Nothing is easy or difficult yet the fact remains that you can't do Ibsen the way it was done 100 years ago." Agrees Sandip Chatterjee who directed Daschakra based on An Enemy of the People translated by Nemi Chandra Jain. He adds, "What Ibsen wrote more than a century ago holds relevant even today." Take his play Ghosts, Bhatia feels, "Just change the disease (from syphilis to AIDS) that the son is suffering from and you have the contemporary touch."

The beauty of Ibsen's writing, despite the obvious thread of realism lies in the many ways in which it can be interpreted. Moreso in India, where Bhatia thinks that there is a temptation to place it in the folk culture to which the director belongs. But if directors like Bansi Kaul (he adapted Peer Gynt as Gappu Gope Gopanggamdass) and Neelam, he asserts, can make it more colourful and exotic without diluting the essence of the narrative so be it. Laughs Chani, "Ibsen has often been misinterpreted too, yet the productions have been successful."

Does that mean Ibsen is everybody's cup of tea, something that people can relate easily to? Well, few can resist doing him but at the end of the day, Bhatia says, "All masters and greats, except perhaps Shakespeare whose appeal cuts across, are intellectual's delight." After all, Ibsen is credited with making the world realise that theatre is art not entertainment.

nonika@tribunemail.com

A hidden clue in Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa has led to the identification of the exact location of the landscape, which provides the background to the painting, an Italian art historian has claimed.Carla Glori said a three-arched bridge that appears over the left shoulder of the woman with the enigmatic smile is a reference to Bobbio, a village south of Piacenza, in northern Italy.

Glori's theory is based on the recent discovery by another art historian, Silvano Vinceti, of the numbers 7 and 2 concealed in the span of the stone bridge.She believes the numerals are a reference to 1472, the year in which a devastating flood destroyed Bobbio's bridge.Historical records show that the bridge, known as the Ponte Gobbo or Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge), was swept away when the Trebbia river burst its banks that year." Leonardo added the number 72 beneath the bridge to record the devastating flood of the river Trebbia and to allow it to be identified," said Glori, who sets out the theory in a new book,"The Leonardo Enigma.

Leonardo was born in the town of Vinci in Tuscany but travelled across Italy during his lifetime and worked in Venice, Rome and Bologna.The artist started painting the "Mona Lisa" in 1503 or 1504 in Florence, but did not finish it until years later, after he had moved to France to work under the patronage of King Francois I.Most art historians believe the background, which features valleys and mountains, is an idealised landscape drawn from the artist's imagination.The painting was kept in the Palace of Versailles until it was moved to the Louvre Museum in Paris, and remains the property of the French state.It is believed to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy Florentine silk merchant. — IANS