The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

A complete task
Vasudha Gupta

It is the dream of every Punjabi writer that their book gets translated into English. The process of translating a book enables the reader to go far beyond the limitations of writing. Keeping this philosophy in mind, Navdeep Suri, Joint Secretary and Head of the Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, started his journey of translating Punjabi books.

In Chandigarh for the launch of his latest translated work, A Life Incomplete, originally Adh Khidiya Phool, by legendary Punjabi writer and his grandfather Nanak Singh, he fondly remembers the times spent with him. "I have been the black sheep in the family as I made no substantial contribution to my family's affinity to the field of publishing," he saysw. As the audience breaks into laughter, he adds another statement to further the mood. "So, I knew when I took over the task of translating, I had an inherent fear that my translation will be scrutinized with a hawk's eye."

Being his second translation work, Navdeep has learnt from the first, Pavitra Paapi, Saintly Sinner. "My greatest regret during the first one was that dad would come and tell me that he did not find the translated version anywhere," he says.

The process of translation is not as easy as it sounds. From making it readable in a new language to ascertaining that it does not digress from the original, translation is much more than just work. "It was a while back that I ran into the organisers of the Jaipur Literary Festival who wanted to know if I was working on something after Pavitra Paapi. I asked her if she would feature it and she consented," he says. So it has been the pressure of a deadline which really got him started. "I spoke to the publishers, who gave me the last date of when they would consider my manuscript," he adds. After that it has been the struggle of going back to the dictionary, references to the Gurbani and translating the rural and earthy idioms. "Even when you understand them, it is not easy to translate them for general reading," he says.

Though the era of 1920's, when the book was originally written, was enveloped in tragedy, it was Nanak Singh's sense of humour that got the grandson attracted to reading. "I grew up around bauji and his works," he gets nostalgic. Currently, trying to grapple with his next, Ik Mian Do Talwaran, he knows it is a tough journey ahead. Here is to the love of the mother tongue.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

success mantra
The perfect act
Mona

On stage: Kamal Tewari Photo: S Chandan When most people complained about the hardships that stopped them from achieving their goals, Kamal Tewari, a versatile artiste, not only chose a different aim but also continued to pursue it with unparalleled vigour. An actor, singer, writer and musician, Kamal Tewari is a well-known theatre personality and has also acted in television serials as well as films.

He was a dance and drama critic for three years before joining the Department of Cultural Affairs, Haryana, from where he retired as Additional Director. Presently chairperson of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, he has composed music for more than 60 theatre productions and has worked with leading theatre directors of India. Tewari dreams of making India the Cultural Capital of the world, "India has a richa cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. What we have is of immense value of the world." He has received many awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Haryana Kala Rattan, Haryana Gaurav Samman and Balraj Sahni Award. He shares with us excerpts from his successful journey.

Guiding light

If I have achieved something today, it is due to the grace of god and my parents as well as teachers, who not only identified my talent but also groomed me from the very beginning. Values, including discipline, have been instilled by my gurus, who have acted as friends, philosophers and guides in my life.

Total commitment

One needs to think long and hard before choosing one's career, but once in it, give nothing but your 100 per cent. It's total commitment to the chosen profession that paves the way for success. Life challenges us all, but to overcome them is our job.

Learning on

Opportunities come to everyone, but how much can one make use of them is important. No one is perfect. Being open to learning always is one characteristic of an achiever.

Team effort

I couldn't have done anything alone. Culture is ever-changing and many of us are working in different ways, in different parts of the country, to preserve and propagate its different forms. The essence, however, is the same. I took the baton from someone; someone else will take it from me, that journey is called life.

Big picture

Each one of us has a different purpose in the scheme of things. To be aware of the big picture and strive towards one's role is of paramount importance. Being at the top or the bottom of the hierarchy doesn't matter. Doing one's role perfectly in the 'leela' that makes this world is all that matters.

mona@tribunemail.com

	Master Chef Cake walk Nik Mittal Cinnamon walnut cake Ingredients Flour 3 cups Baking powder 2 teaspoon Cinnamon powder 2 teaspoon Salt ½ teaspoon Brown sugar 2 cups Butter 1 cup Eggs 4 Milk 1 cup Wanutes chopped ½ cup Almond chopped ½ cup Method: Beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Mix eggs one at a time add milk and than all the dry ingredients Mix chopped nuts Pout the batter in 10 inch cake pan bake at 350c for 60 min Serve warm with rich vanilla ice-cream. Nik’s advice: This is a really simple and nice recipe which can be altered by changing the nuts and spices. Also this can be served warm pour some nice brandy on the slice and serve with any ice-cream or custard. So be innovative and happy baking. (Mittal is a Chandigarh-based chef)
	Catfight and cricket Both Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are performing at the opening ceremony of an upcoming cricket event so expect fireworks and catfights! Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan, and international pop sensation Katy Perry are already performing at the opening ceremony in Chennai. Kareena is a last-minute added attraction because she is a big star and has had many hit songs over the last year such as Dildaara, Chammak Chhallo, Dil mera muft ka, etc. So the organisers wanted to include her. A source says, “Priyanka and Kareena were professional rivals and Kareena doesn’t care much about her female colleagues. They have tried to bury their seeming differences but there are cold vibes between them. Kareena also has an upper hand over Priyanka because of her friendship with both Salman and SRK. Priyanka and Salman do not get along and PC has been asked to stay away from SRK because of rumours of something brewing between them. They will try and outdo each other over costumes, length of performance, applause, songs, dance moves, etc. We can expect gossip from the event. It will just add to the glamour and hype of the opening ceremony. Priyanka will dance to the songs of Kaminey, Saat Khoon Maaf, Agneepath, and Don 2 while Kareena has a medley of songs from Ra.One, Bodyguard, and Agent Vinod.” Expect fireworks! We wonder if Katy Perry will get sidelined in all this Indian heroines’ tamasha! Acting too pricey According to the grapevine, Kareena Kapoor has been approached for an item number in Dabangg 2. But Kareena is acting pricey and has put forward a list of demands to producer-director Arbaaz Khan. Our source reveals, “Kareena wants to do something that hasn’t been done before. She has even told Arbaaz that the song shouldn’t even be promoted like an item number but as a part of the film. Other demands aside, she also wants the song to be part of a dream sequence.” We wonder what leading man Salman Khan has to say to Kareena’s wish-list?
	Throwing weight around Rujuta Diwekar’s second book, Women and the Weight Loss Tamasha has been a great success. The book features an introduction by Kareena Kapoor who religiously follows the diets that Rujuta custom designs for her. The results are for everyone to see as Kareena is slim, gorgeous, and glowing. Rujuta and Kareena share some tips about eating right. 1. Rujuta: I want to tell people to eat, please! People fear food and that is wrong. I have noticed that women are afraid of eating carbohydrates if they are dieting. To dispel this myth, I have included a box called “My name is Carbohydrates and I am not fattening.” 2.Rujuta: The issue that most women have today is that they do not think they are worthy enough to eat. The relationship that most women share with themselves is very poor. They always put themselves last and this has been going on for generations. We have seen that if there is leftover food, the mother will eat it as she prepared fresh food for her family, she will always eat last, after everybody has finished, and so on. That has to change. Women do not eat if they are alone and that is not right. 3.Rujuta: Stay simple and logical with food. Do not follow fads. We must shift the focus from losing weight to fulfilling our nutritional needs. 4.Kareena: I prefer being voluptuous and rounded to skinny. I know that I look and feel great and I am happy as long as I am slim. I am not somebody who follows trends. I eat and I look forward to my meals whether I am in India or abroad. Believe it or not, I have a glass of milk every night. 5.Kareena: Earlier, I used to be the sing-channa girl but now I eat makhanas during snack time. They are low in fat and high in calcium and protein. What I eat depends on my activity levels in a day. I eat everything in moderation. I get excited about my diet because it changes from place to place which makes it easy to follow. For instance, I ate a lot of hummus in Morocco while shooting for Agent Vinod and I eat festive sweets too, depending on the festival. I love thai curry and spaghetti and pizza preceded by salad.
	Leonardo’s punk moment Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio cringed in embarrassment when he recently watched his blockbuster film Titanic in 3D. Director James Cameron and DiCaprio’s co-star Kate Winslet stepped out in London for the premiere of the new 3D version of the film. DiCaprio never made it to the red carpet, but Cameron said his former leading man was left red-faced when he recently re-watched the film. “I wish Leo could be here but he’s shooting a film. It would have been great for Leo to be here, to be part of the celebrations. “I didn’t show him the whole film but I showed him 18 minutes of it a few months ago. It was a good reunion for us but great to watch his reaction. He couldn’t believe it. He said to me, ‘I’m such a young punk. Look at me.’ He was practically crawling under the seat. It was a good moment,” Cameron added. — PTI
	Thinking beyond self Orlando Bloom is taking his role as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador seriously and will front a campaign to improve education for poor children in Madagascar. The Hollywood star has partnered with actress Sienna Miller for the Boss Orange Education Campaign for UNICEF. Every purchase of the company’s limited edition fragrance, will fund a day of school for 50 disadvantaged children. “I feel very privileged to be working with Boss Orange and UNICEF on this partnership. Witnessing first-hand the difference it makes to the lives of children in Africa is truly humbling,” says Bloom. His wife Miranda Kerr has also shown her charitable side by signing up as a global ambassador for Earth Hour 2012, which encourages the public to switch off. — ANI
	Theron felt out of shape? Hollywood actress Charlize Theron has realised how unfit she was on the set of the upcoming Alien prequel Prometheus after she was made to run for hours wearing a space suit. The 36-year-old Oscar winning actress said she’d have given up her smoking habit and trained harder in the gym when director Ridley Scott put her in heavy astronaut gear and filmed her jogging. “I probably should have trained a little bit because I found myself in the middle of Iceland having to run with all this heavy gear on my back. “It was (supposed to be) one take of sexy running and then it was all ugly running —Ridley going, ‘Run! Run!’ was pretty much the ugly running,” she said. — PTI
	CHATTER BOX Exploring new shores Somewhere in his childhood Pankaj Tiwari, engineer-cum-model turned actor thought of working for Rajshri Productions. As days went ahead he landed in Mumbai and joined an acting school. Before entering the television industry he did several commercial advertisements. He debuted with Hats off Productions serial Shree. At present he is playing lead role in Rajshri Productions Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga, a beautiful love story of two people who have been raised in families with diverse backgrounds. He takes up a new challenge with his new show on Sahara One. Coming to work, it has been a year since your first show Shree launched. Has it been difficult to get another show? No. It is not difficult at all. I am choosey when it comes to saying yes to a new show. The fact that I am working with Kavita Barjatya and Sooraj Barjatya is a pleasure in itself. When I got a call I immediately went ahead with it. Are you very ambitious? I am ambitious but that does not mean that I will run after things. I believe that something really good is store for me with this show and I should wait for it. There is no hurry. You started your career as a model …? I always liked modeling. But in the past one year, I have been busy in grooming myself as an actor. You are shooting non-stop for Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Angan Hoga….? Yes. From the crack of dawn till mid-night there are only few days when I do not have an early call time. There are lots of location changes during shoots and that is why we practically end up shooting the entire day, evening and night! How is this show shaping up? Good. Very hectic! It is a beautiful family show with ghar-jamaai traditions. There is a lot of scope for me to show my best talent in it. I am living my character Aakash. The viewers would get to see a totally different Pankaj Tiwari in the show. Tell us about your character? Aakash is very responsible in life and takes good care of his relatives. When he gets hurt emotionally it takes a long time for him to forgive the other person and the reason he drifts apart. What do you think about the television industry? I think the television industry is a great place to groom acting skills. Once you are into it you can never leave it. It is fascinating and amazing. How was it working with Sudha Chandran and Shreya Jha? Sudha Chandran is very senior and Shreya Jha is a debutant in the indus-try. Working with both the actors are amazing experience. — Dharam Pal Brewing anger Buzz is that Eijaz Khan is discontent with his new show, Sony’s Shubh Vivaah. Being the main lead, he felt he would get prominence but sources claim he is upset with a few scenes and dialogues given to him. Rumours are he wants to quit the show. Exit plan: Eijaz Khan In troubled waters While Colors’ show Uttaran was busy cashing in on the hype built around the 18-year-old leap, there was a shock in store. The makers learnt that actor Yashdeep Nain had also signed producer Pearl Grey’s next show but had not discussed the same with the producers of Uttaran. This has created a problem as the makers are now planning to replace him as he has a contract with Grey’s show. Hoping for the best: Yashdeep Nain Turning a new leaf Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli has a new entry, Iqbal Khan, who will make way for new drama on the show. But producer Kavita Barjatya has also sacked the show’s director Rohit Dwivedi after complaints of his tantrums and foul language started getting talked about. Love drama In the upcoming episodes of Sony’s Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada Pammi (Delnaaz Irani) and Mona (Mona Singh) will doubt the former’s husband Suri (Buddhaditiya Mohanty) of having an affair with Anushka. But soon will learn that is not the case. Later Pammi and Suri will be suspicious of Pradeep (Pawan Shankar). A still from Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada Health issues Siddharth Shukla of Star Plus’ Luv U Zindagi had a knee injury as after an MRI, his ligament was found torn and he had to go in for surgery. He has recovered and has been on his feet up and running. He is now looking at work on TV again. No more smiles Just after four months on the new channel Life OK, Zindagi Kahe - Smile Please, which starred Kiran Karmarkar, Additi Gupta and Ali Asgar, will end. The show didn’t connect with the audience. Returning glory Varun Badola will soon return to TV as a flashy Thakur, Vikram Singh, in new show Phir Subah Hogi. The show focuses on a custom of the Bedia tribe in Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, where young girls are forced to serve rich Thakurs. Varun is already finding the role challenging. Ready for the next? For people who loved Agent Vinod, there is some great and for the ones who did not, some bad news! Agent Vinod will have a sequel and Saif and Sriram Raghavan are working on it. Of travel and tourism Salman Khan is playing a travel guide! Is it in a movie or in real life? We are not sure about that! He is currently shooting Dabangg 2 directed and produced by brother Arbaaz Khan. Tourist spot: Salman Khan Together they can Seems like Amy Jackson and Prateik are the real deal. They were spotted at a recent party for a magazine. Amy looks gorgeous in her pink gown. Two for joy: Amy Jackson with Prateik Back to square one Konkona Sen Sharma seems to have lost her baby weight and this is probably her first red carpet appearance in a long time! We think her saree is gorgeous and she looks great! She has become thin!
	ASTRO TURF P Khurrana ARIES: It is important that you use your time in a worthwhile manner. Chances of promotions and growths are strong. At the same time, keep your cool and exercise as much tact and restraint as possible. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Lucky number: 61 TAURUS: There would be some long overdue tasks, which would be completed successfully. So much of hectic activity could make you impatient, so be extra careful and do not skip important details. Tarot message: Seek advice but don’t feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Lucky number: 65 GEMINI: Many of you may not be feeling energetic today. Spending some time on your own will enable you to recharge and focus on tasks at hand. Financially, avoid speculations and invest only in safe plans. Tarot message: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter be aware. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 40 CANCER: This may be a demanding day for many of you, since family may not be welcome towards new relationships.It would be advisable to delay matters related to money or property. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Lucky number: 32 LEO: Decision making should be done today, since it will be a time when you will be quite realistic. You will be active and take on pending tasks. This would be a day where you would accomplish a lot at work. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 63 VIRGO: As far as relationships go, you may have to help someone out of a dire situation. Take care of your health. In order to prosper, certain financial decisions may have to be reworked and revised. Tarot message: Take your partner out to dinner and renew energy in the relationship. Lucky colour: Deep red. Lucky number: 44 LIBRA: Put your home and workplace in order. You will be able to achieve more in lesser time and this will increase your productivity. There may be social gatherings to attend that would put you in the limelight. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Forest green. Lucky number: 51 SCORPIO: Family matters would be fairly uneventful and some of you may have to help out a younger sibling. Those planning to start own businesses should draw on the support from friends and family. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves or personal decisions when angry or upset. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 46 SAGITTARIUS: Being a part of an exhibition, conference, meeting, will be vital for your growth. This is also, a day in which traveling and journeys would hold a lot of significance. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 55 CAPRICORN: Today, many of you will spend time in exploring and broadening your spiritualistic dimensions. This activity will enable you to plan for the future. Relationships would become stronger. Tarot message: Do try to be as charming as possible in all situations. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 39 AQUARIUS: Efforts of the past will bear fruit and bring rewards. Finances would gain from speculation. There may be changes in several aspects of your life putting stress on you. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 26 PISCES: Today, you will be focusing on dealing with pending tasks and official procedures. You would be mentally and physically agile and will be able to accomplish a lot. In relationships and financial dealings, trust your experience and your instincts. Tarot message: Take the life the way it comes. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 64
	THE YEAR AHEAD Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is March 29... Your birthday is ruled by number two and the moon. You are creative, smart, simple, trustworthy, generous and possess a sharp memory. You have excellent leadership qualities and you can easily handle any difficult situation. There is a humanistic or philanthropic approach to business circumstances in which you will achieve success. You may have good executive abilities, as you are the organiser and administrator. You are broad-minded, tolerant and generous, a compassionate person who can inspire others with imaginative ideas. There is a lot of drama in your personality and in the way you express yourself to others. You’ve got great instincts about family matters. A relative who has been acting strangely needs professional help. Try to soothe your impatience by creating a space where you can act as you wish. The stars are not totally positive for those who work for themselves. Unexpected hitches, which will slow down projects, may occur. You may have to hide out within the walls of your own castle until things calm down. Coming troubles may become too much for you to handle alone. Banking, bill paying, money handling, speaking too soon and being intimidated by emotions are likely ‘mistakes.’ Finish all projects relating to your personal or career choices. Focus on the future not the past. Fun gatherings and travel are likely. Your health might require your attention during June. Therefore you should take care of your health. Those of you, who had been suffering from general weakness and headaches, would find some. Mood: Optimistic. Compatible signs: Virgo, Capricorn. Lucky colours: Maroon and white. Lucky days: Monday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 4, 7, 18, 22, 45. Lucky gem: Opel, Moon Stone, Moti. Lucky flower: Bachelor Button. Suggestion on birthday: Visit religious place and offer a red chunni in a temple. Michael Winterbottom (March 29, 1961 in Blackburn, Lancashire) is a prolific British filmmaker who has directed sixteen films in the past thirteen years. He began his career working in British television before moving into features. Three of his movies, Welcome to Sarajevo, Wonderland and 24 Hour Party People, have been nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.