If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him. — John F. Kennedy.

"No one really realises that once a young artist starts struggling, without motivation, the passion to perform reduces," shares Diwan Manna, chairman of the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi. The occasion where he shares his views is the annual feature of the Akademi, where scholarships are awarded to budding artists. The scholarship programme is a part of the effort being made by the Akademi to disseminate art and culture in the region.

The criteria for giving the scholarships are clear. "The committee sits together to shortlist the students, post which they are interviewed in detail about their interests and skills," Diwan says. It's after this grilling process that the students send across their works to the Akademi every three months. "It is on the basis of their creative talent that we decide the eligible candidates," he says. The scholarships are given in the names of celebrated artists from the region and sponsored by art enthusiasts of the region. "It is also our way of remembering and honouring artists from the region," Diwan says.

The works of these artists are regularly displayed in metros and published in catalogues, which are circulated nation-wide. "Since Chandigarh has a great following for art, it helps us provide a platform for the students and the followers of art to come together and create a knowledge pool for promoting art," Diwan shares.

The ten eligible candidates were required to pull out the names of the artists, whose scholarships were given and the sponsors' name. "It's just being fair," Diwan says. The significant feature this year is a scholarship in the name of Le Corbusier. "We are the first Akademi in the region to honour students in his name. Also, we have started a scholarship in Sohan Quadri's name. He was very closely associated with Chandigarh and constantly encouraged young artists," Diwan shares.

The scholarship-holders come from diverse backgrounds. Nayan M Kalita is one among them. Currently completing his Masters from the Government College for Arts in Graphics, he comes from Assam. Awarded the Le Corbusier scholarship, sponsored by Groz Beckert Asia Pvt Ltd., he has a rich and varied experience in lithography. "I hope to freelance and take my talent ahead," he shares.

Looking every inch of an artist is Gangdeep Kaur. She bagged the coveted Amrita Shergill scholarship, sponsored by the Key Foundations. Talking in pure Punjabi accent, she reveals her passion for sculpting. Sharing her thoughts on promoting her talent, she says, "Punjab has an amazing culture, which is dying out. All my efforts are constantly directed towards encouraging Punjabi art, whether it's the Punjabi jutti or the pakhi," she shares.

From Jammu comes Naresh Kumar. Deriving inspiration from Ramkinkar Baij, this sculptor has been reliving his childhood memories by creating pieces inspired out of the thinking of a child. "Since the instances are etched in my memory, they continue to urge me to perform better," he says. He was honoured the Rabindra Nath Tagore scholarship, which was sponsored by ABC papers.

Another doe-eyed painter, Seema pocketed the Dr Mulk Raj Anand award, sponsored by Micron instruments. Now, two years into the system, she has worked extensively with Dirty Hands - an Ahmedabad-based NGO. "The props created by us along with the NGO have been used for Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasanpur," she informs.

With such mammoth-sized efforts being made by art admirers, we hope the city flourishes on paper and colours!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Theatre is their passion, and, as Chandigarh hosts the Tagore Festival early next month, some 10 city-based theatre groups want to showcase their presentations on Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore's works.

Hailing the move as a step in the right direction, the theatre artistes gathered on Wednesday to meet the media and share their sentiments. "None of us are carwallas, but struggling to keep our passion for rangmanch alive," says Rajiv Mehta from Theatre Arts.

Raising doubts over the selection criteria, these theatre groups want not much, but their share of space under the sun. "We feel that in a 10-day festival some more groups can be adjusted," says Mohneesh Kalyal from Fool's Paradise group.

Theatre demands some support from society and administration, as money here is not much at initial stages. Tagore Theatre's festival due in early August is a step in that direction, but these groups fear that they would not be considered for it.

"It's tough to survive on limited means," says Ravi from Mask, which is due to stage a play on Bhagat Singh soon, outdoors. "Our posters are handmade not because we want to unleash creativity but because there is no funding. Nothing would have motivated us more than a chance to perform at the festival, this or subsequent ones," Ravi shares.

Kuldip Shrama, director, Tagore Theatre, however, says, "Tagore Festival is just the beginning. We have more plans." He intends to have all city-based groups perform at the theatre rotation-wise!

mona@tribunemail.com

passion umlimited: Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez

When the bar is set high, it's never easy to match up. Murder was a hit but the real winner was its music. So, when its much-awaited promos sequel hit the small screen, music was reviewed by the music lovers pretty seriously. The comparison between Kunal Ganjawala's, Bheege Honth and Harshit Saxena's Haal e dil started immediately. The music of the film from the Bhatt camp is so far, so good. Fans give their opinion on the latest hit track.

Chart topper

It's a typical Bhatt camp song. In fact, looks like the inspiration has been drawn from the past films, Jannat and Mahie. I expected a fresh tune like Bheege Honth was. Haal e dil, however, is pleasant to the ears. It's shot aesthetically. Since, Harshit has sung and composed the song; he has done full justice to the track. The romantic number will stay on the charts for quite sometime now. Wish the tune was a bit more fresh.

Ajay Mehta, a BPO employee.

Double success

It's a fabulous track, exactly what is expected from the sequel of Murder. The lyrics and the composition have a sensuous element, complementing the video of the song very well. What Kunal Ganjawala did in Bheege Honth, Harshit has repeated in Haal e dil. After a very long time, a perfect love song has hit the small screen. The video of the song is a big add on making it the most in demand track.

Rahul Verma, a PU student.

Nothing new

I am a little disappointed with the music of Murder 2. The first part's music was an instant hit with the masses but this one takes some time before getting registered with people. Haal e dil is an average track. Undeniably, it has influences of songs from other Bhatt camp movies. I think the high point of the song is its video, the chemistry between Jacqueline and Emraan is fantastic. The song is but any day better than the other so called romantic numbers that we see daily on music channels.

Navpreet Kaur, SD College student

(As told to Ashima Sehajpal)

My son is 16 years old. My husband remains very busy and is also very short tempered. My son has started using the Internet a lot and spends a lot of time on Facebook. He gets angry if I stop him and does not listen to me. I feel helpless. I have tried everything. Yet he does not listen. My elder son also uses the computer for his work so I cannot shut down the Internet for good.

Meena, Chandigarh.

The problem usually begins early when we do not set any limits for children. For example telling them which movie is not for them and which is not. Often as parents we say - "Oh, this movie is not for children" but we let them watch it anyway. Even in cinema halls where movies are for adults only, parents take children along. Similarly, other things like having a rule that dinner will be eaten on the dining table and not in front of the television. When we do not enforce these rules early on, sometimes it becomes a problem. And getting angry at the child will not help. Your husband also needs to spend time with him even if he is very busy and that time needs to be a relaxed family time otherwise your son will avoid it. Maybe you need to discuss it with your husband- do not be scared- what is the worst? He may not agree with you but if you still put your point across calmly, sometimes it leaves an impact. Involve other family members like relatives- call them over more- go to their house more. Or with neighbours or his friend's parents. Talk to your son after taking out time and asking him to sit with you to discuss issues. Set up a plan with him for how much he should use and what time should be spent in other activites. Discuss that at times it becomes difficult for all of us to follow what we plan- so the computer can be locked and only you should know the password. Open it with him in the other room. Set up rewards for following this and a small consequence- e.g.- the computer will be locked for the evening if he is not able to follow the plan.

The space may be something that is not in the hands of a gardener. But how to decorate a given space is the intelligence and exclusive prerogative of the gardener, the way he or she finds it fit. The garden may be extended from wall to wall, inside the house, one the wall or even in the sky.

With the advancement in the building and painting technology more and more gardeners are moving towards vertical gardening and wall basket culture. Earlier, this aspect got discouraged due to wetting of walls and water leakages. But now when certain water proofing agents and plastic paints are available, more and more gardeners are going in for this kind of planting that needs no extra space.

Using their imagination, gardeners are procuring all types of wall baskets. There are a few things that are to be kept in mind while making such baskets. First of all the soil material has to be very light. For this more of sand and shredded moss grass should be used besides one part each of manure and soil. More of the manure and moss gives the mixture light weight and bulk. The mixture is then properly 'packed' in net and even poly-film so as to check leakages.

No doubt such wall baskets are now being used to plant even seasonal, for perennial plants it is important to choose those species that need less of water. As the planting medium, that is the soil mixture has shreds of moss grass, it has more of moisture retention capacity. However, those plants are selected that are hardy and need less of moisture. The jade plant, also called sedum, asparagus, pilea, spider plant, trailing junipers (prostrate), even some of the haworthias, some of the orchids etc could be planted in such baskets.

Watering such baskets is important. These plants can be sprayed with hand sprayers that too occasionally. Watering them this way keeps the foliage shining, clean and healthy. The water trickling down in soil is sufficient to sustain the plants that are growing in the protected places. The metal baskets may show wear and tear besides losing paint. So keep them polished, especially when these have been located near the entrance.

(Narula is a senior horticulturist)

The concept of all-you-can-eat (buffet) is often credited to Swedish tradition of Smorgasbord, which means a sandwich table. Though the modern philosophy of a buffet is quite different from the original idea, which was designed to allow guests to sample few portions of food, the buffet we are acquainted with today is a sumptuous meal that can be gobbled till you are stuffed till your neck. And for our city that is high on food, daily buffets have become a part of the hotel menu.

Though the entire concept of buffet is quite tasteless, but Chandigarh seems to be taking it well since many restaurants have started the concept of daily buffet along with their Ala carte menu. Making buffet a daily affair is Tao in Sector 26, Chandigarh, which added a few more dishes to their Japanese, Thai and Mediterranean cuisine. Ask them the reason and Chef Lenam says, "People like to experiment with different food and in an Ala Carte menu you cannot taste various dishes, but in a buffet there is a variety to be tasted. People like the concept of our Sunday brunch and so on public demand we have started with our daily buffet which will have a five course meal, including salads, soups, starters, main course and a sweet dish."

Priced at Rs 399 inclusive of taxes the menu of the buffet will change on a daily basis.

For Chandigarh is taking the buffet trend well, to add to the knowledge the first modern buffet-style restaurant was most likely started in the earliest casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. The reason was simple the casino owners wanted to provide their customers with the maximum amount of food with the least amount of staff. Buffet appeared to be an ideal solution and it also kept the gamblers inside the building. Today also, Las Vegas casinos are very well-known for their elaborate buffet arrangements as they are for gambling or musical entertainment.

"Buffet-style dining has become very popular," says Souro Kiran, restaurant manager, Mainland China. He adds, "It becomes all the more popular when one serves ethnic dishes and we provide our customers with a variety of Chinese cuisine and our menu changes daily."

The daily buffet here is priced at Rs 375 plus taxes and child buffet is for Rs 262.

Well, diners at a buffet can control their own portion size and side dishes and this ability to self-select entrees and side dishes also makes buffet an ideal for eating out.

Anjum Chaudhary, a home maker from Sector 18, Chandigarh, says, "The ability to have a variety of things in one go, makes buffet my favourite. Nominal price too is a show stealer."

"The intention is to make the concept all the more palatable, delightful and yet easy on the pocket even for once-a-month eating out commoners," says Ashish Bali, executive chef, Hometel. No wonder, eating places across the city are fast adding new ingredients to the recipe for preparing buffets.

Sunglasses that change colours with the ease of a chameleon could become the hottest fashion accessory.

"This is the next big thing for transition lenses," says Greg Sotzing, professor of chemistry at the University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who designed them.

The typical material behind a transition lens is what is called a photo chromic film, or a sheet of polymers that change colour when sunlight hits them.

Sotzing's new technology does things slightly differently - his electrochromic lenses are controlled by an electric current passing through them when triggered by a stimulus like light, reports the Journal of Materials Chemistry.

"They're like double pane windows with a gap between them," explains Sotzing. — IANS

Hrithik Roshan is a perfectionist. His directors love his dedication to their films and the amount of thought and preparation he puts into different scenes. Duggu, as he is fondly called, has come a long way since his super-hit debut in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. He has only got better with each film. He has proven that even perfection can be improved. The versatile actor talks about Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and other projects.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

When Zoya told me about the film and the script, I knew that I would be a part of the film. She is one of the most talented directors from the new lot; she knows how to make films. The script is so young and fresh that I related to it very easily. It's something which I have not done so far. My last friendship-based film Mujhse Dosti Karoge had a romantic angle, but this film is about friendship between guys.

Chemistry with co-actors

I have made lovely friends while working in this film. I have known Farhan since a long time, and he is one of my best buddies. I have made a new friend now, and that's Abhay Deol. He is a super genius and very entertaining. He has given small-budget films a different look, and I loved all of them. Katrina and Kalki are as sweet as they look. During shooting, we had to do many stunts which, initially, the women were scared to do. Later on, we went diving every day, and it was super fun.

Trusting instincts

I am a simple and outgoing person, and I say yes or no to any script within 24 hours or even within 5 to 10 minutes. If I keep thinking, then that project doesn't happen, so I listen to my instincts and say yes or no at that time only. My instincts work for me. I believe that the script is the most important part of every film.

Agneepath remake

When Karan told me about the Agneepath remake, I felt I would not do it because it was a huge hit and one of the best actors, Amitabh Bachchan, has worked in it. I couldn't imagine myself doing the film. You still remember the action, the style Mr. Bachchan had in this film. I knew I wouldn't do the film, but I felt guilty because I had wasted the director's time. Once I met director Karan Malhotra, from the moment I started listening to his narration, I just went deeper into the script, and the moment he finished it, I said yes. Apart from the characters, he has changed everything in this film.

Holiday plans

Right now, I can't plan a holiday, as I am busy till October. I don't even have time to listen to a new script. When I am working, I don't waste dates, because if I don't work, there are more than hundred people who don't get their wages and many who lose money, so I make sure I work on the given dates. Once I am done with everything, I will go away somewhere where there is no noise. My last vacation was in Bora Bora, on top of the mountains. I love such places.

LOVE MATCH: Shahid Kapoor and Bipasha Basu

What's next?

Krrishh 2 is almost ready. Right now, I am shooting for Agneepath and promoting Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. - HRM

'Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who went into "shock and depression" after his ambitious project "Heroine" was indefinitely postponed following the announcement of lead actress Aishwarya Rai's pregnancy, has slammed reports that he has approached a new actress for the role.

"Speculations in the media of me approaching actresses for my film HEROINE are totally baseless!!!," Bhandarkar posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Last week, the filmmaker broke his silence about his film being put on the backburner, and shared the resentment as he felt the truth about Aishwarya's pregnancy was hidden from him. It was reported that Bhandarkar recently re-approached Kareena Kapoor, the original choice for Heroine, to do the film.

About the film's revival, he wrote: "Whether I will revive film HEROINE, will decide after consultations with UTV or a fresh film, will surely update u in near future!!!"

The story of Heroine takes a behind-the-scenes look at the life and times of a Bollywood superstar. — IANS

Bollywood actress Priyanka has kept her distance from item numbers and plans to continue doing so, even as rumours are swirling of her of agreeing to a saucy dance sequence for Tezz.

But the 28-year-old's spokesperson has denied that Priyanka has signed up for any item song.

"The rumours of Priyanka doing an item number in the film are baseless and unsubstantiated. She has not had discussions with anyone related to the film with regards to the same," says Priyanka.

The grapevine was abuzz that the Desi girl will dance to a Sajid-Wajid number in Priyadarshan's Tezz, starring Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and Kangna Ranaut. But it isn't true.

John has moved on too!

Tired with rumours of her breakup with beau Saif Ali Khan, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor set the records straight by saying all is well in her love life.

"There is nothing to clarify. It's (the rumours) not true at all. We are together," says Kareena.

When she was probed about her marriage, she didn't give a definite answer. "When we decide to get married, there will be an official announcement and everyone will know," said the 30-year-old. — IANS

It is the era of sequels and after the recent success of Murder 2, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has announced the sequel to the Emraan Hashmi-Sonal Chauhan starrer Jannat. Bhatt is not repeating the original cast from the 2008 film and has roped in Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri for Jannat 2.

Jannat 2: When dreams become nightmares. Starring Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri. Directed by Vishal Mahadkar. Writer: Upendra Sidhaye," Bhatt tweeted today. Khemu was last seen in Golmaal 3, while Amrita made her Bollywood debut with Aisha last year.

Beside the cast, Bhatt has replaced the director as well.

Kunal Deshmukh directed Jannat and reports suggested last year that he was working on a concept based on the match fixing scandal in Pakistan for the sequel. — PTI

Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who comes from a family of singers, has finally composed a song and says it is a tribute to his grandfather, the legendary singer Mukesh.

"Just got back from recording my first song composed and sung by me! Feels good have got papa's nod which felt great. 1 down 5 to go," Neil posted on Twitter. —IANS

Shaheer Sheikh aka the adorable Anant from Navya on Star Plus is multitalented. Besides being a good actor, he also excels at photography, cooking, horse riding and also plans to turn director soon. Read on to find out more from the actor himself.

How did your passion for photography start?

ARIES: A neighbour has some gossip to divulge. Health will give no worry to you. Property matters are highlighted. Personal relationship heats up. Avoid gambling or travel. Sportspersons: minor health problem irritates you.

Tarot Message: Watch your actions at work. Lucky colour: Sandy Brown

Magic number: 57

TAURUS: You could wake up with a headache. Do not fear bad luck. This is a fortunate day for married lovers. Working women: take proper care of your child's health. A re-union or welcome home party will be fun. Tarot Message: Don't let opposition faze you in difficult times. Lucky colour: Lime Green Magic number: 31  

GEMINI: Be true to your ideals and don't sell yourself for money. A secret arrangement comes to light. A good day for speculation. The person whose name starts with 'N' or 'R' gives you an excellent advice. Tarot Message: Allow a sick situation blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Olive

Magic number: 58

CANCER: The simple things in life will bring you joy today. Do not take on too much but enjoy working through your chores. A health issue could be worrying you now. Do not be rash today. Tarot Message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confuse yourself.

Lucky colour: Pale Green

Magic number: 46

LEO: A tough day, be alert, aware and dynamic. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Relationships can be a minefield with all sorts of emotions surfacing to colour the actual situation. Tarot Message: You need to act for yourself and for no one else. Lucky colour: Ivory Magic number: 36

VIRGO: You will have difficulty getting along with associates. A strong need to please might also make you vulnerable to the expectations of those close to you. Pleasant evening ahead for dealing with influential people. Tarot Message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lavender. Magic number: 55

LIBRA: The outcome of lawsuit might be postponed due to matters out of your hands, leaving you in a limbo. You should not hesitate to shop for a better deal. Teenagers: You will be at your charming best. Tarot Message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to compromise. Lucky colour: Sea Green

Magic number: 32

SCORPIO: If you don't expect the day to run smoothly prepare yourself. Not a day for property deals or legal proceedings. At workplace co-operation will result in more success. Pay attention to your own health. Tarot Message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 45

SAGITTARIUS: A friend may need your support and you may need to put off your engagement to help them through a period of heartache. Romance may contain some disturbing circumstances. No pain no gain. Short trip will be worth while. Tarot Message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 25

CAPRICORN: A day when spiritual affairs dominate. Take care of an intense relationship. You may receive good news regarding your career in the evening. Tarot Message: Don't get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a longer period of time.

Lucky colour: Orange

Magic number: 30

AQUARIUS: Those around you could affect you with their abstract or vague ideas about important issues. Keep your celebrations moderate. Love life is controversial. Do not put up with a headache, visit a doctor. Tarot Message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 63

PISCES: Park your vehicle carefully. Contractors will gain new contracts. Expect excellent news concerning finance. Not all advice is reliable. Cancel this evening's commitments for a good night's sleep. Tarot Message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink

Magic number: 27

Vicky Ahuja You share your birthday with Vicky Ahuja [ July 14] who started his career with film Pratha in 2002. He played the role of Raj Guru in Shaheed. He was seen in Gangster too where he did a small role of Usmaan. Life in a Metro portrayed him as boss. Paathshala was his latest contribution as character actor.