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Independent thought
Bollywood uses the word to promote liberal cinema, the fashion industry to stand for experimental designs, youngsters to defend Public Display of Affection and dress codes in educational institutes… the word 'freedom' indeed has different connotations. On the 65th Independence Day, here are a few neither political nor moral instances of where the horizon of freedom can be expanded.
Freedom to dare & bare: Last year, it was the Dirty Picture that kicked-up a storm, this year it is Jism 2. "The film's posters and banners were burnt in a bid to save the heritage of India. Ironically, we promote the artworks of Khajuraho to boost tourism. We surely need freedom from hypocrisy," says Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt. Then there was Vicky Donor, where a sensitive issue was handled with a lot of sensitivity. For his film Gangs of Wasseypur, Anurag Kashyap was threatened by the coal mafia of Jharkhand. The director went ahead and premiered the movie at the Cannes Film Festival! Let cinema be for entertainment; there are bigger, better issues to create controversies. All these films fared decently at the box-office collection, underlining the growing popularity of experimental cinema. Freedom to eat Thank god for the little mercies; anorexics are looked down upon now. Dieting is out, healthy diet is in. The role models who guided youngsters to have a certain body type even look healthier and fuller, but freedom to eat encompasses more. "It is all about knowing the nutritional content of what's on the plate," says Dr Mansi Chatrath, dietician, Natural Health Care Clinic. Restaurants are coming up with healthy food options in the menu; a lot of these are also promoting live kitchen concepts wherein clients can get any dish customised. "It is freedom when people, instead of ordering fried stuff, opt for roasted or grilled food." Yet, there is scope for more; adulteration needs to be discouraged and healthy food encouraged. Freedom
to dress up Schools we understand, but colleges directing students to dress up in a certain way is beyond comprehension, especially when they are eligible to choose the Prime Minister of the country! Worse is that even teachers in some colleges have to adhere to a dress code. "Gradually it has changed; sarees are not a dress code anymore. The emphasis is laid more on how good a teacher is at her job," says Neena Dhawan, lecturer, MCM DAV Cellege. Slut walks held last year across the country encouraged freedom to dress up and follow fashion. Varun Bahl's collection at the couture week included creations in black, much against the popular belief that black and couture aren't the right combination. Manish Arora is always coming up with ultra-modern designs; freedom will be when fashionistas pick up and flaunt them. Freedom to be Why aren't we seeing more of same sex partners coming out in the open and talking about it? Only in the fashion industry people have the freedom to be who they are, rest it is all behind closed doors. Live-in relationships, however, are in a better position. Says Ashley Rebello, fashion stylist, "We have seen youngsters admit the same on reality shows; people in the glamour industry too talk about it if they are in a relationship." As for gay walks, he adds that it's time that participants walked with their masks off. Freedom to present art When artists are getting international recognition and their works are finding space at the museums around the world, they certainly shouldn't be given a list of do's and don'ts. Subodh Gupta claims his right to freedom (to contemporary art) each time he uses only utensils to make installations. Presenting art the right way is as important as making it in a different way. Neenu Vij, artist and owner of Kadamb Art, says, "Why should art be limited to the boundaries of a gallery? Let art enter public places like shopping malls, cafes, restaurants…it will increase the reach of art and win more appreciation." ashima@tribunemail.com
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Ode to patriotism
Glorious past Kamal Tewari, chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi, has not only plenty of patriotic films on his tips but also had a chance to act in one. The man who celebrates the day by saluting the tricolour and singing the National Anthem shares his take: "The struggle for freedom and the spirit of sacrifice are subjects that truly touch your soul. There have innumerable screen portrayals that have moved me right from Haqeeqat to Shaheed, which remains my favourite. The closest to me, however, is the Train to Pakistan. I got to act in the film as well. And, this was one film where no one had to use glycerine to shed tears." Chak De India For Jasraj Bhatti, Creative Head, Mad Arts Jaspal Bhatti Film School, the spirit in Chak De and Swadesh was incomparable. Busy giving final shape to his upcoming film Power Cut (he has acted in it, is its associate director, has also given its print design and is also editing it); he will be working on Wednesday as any other day. His favourite: "My favourite is the movie Chak De; it is such a telling film that merges the sporty spirit with a fine message of overcoming regionalism. Whatever be our differences, we are together to face any challenge. Another film that I really liked is Swadesh; it beautifully captures the feeling of giving back to your own country. Soul-stirring fare Senior gynaecologist Nirja Chawla would wear patriotism on her sleeve till some years back. Her clinic would play patriotic songs a week before and after the Independence Day. Not anymore. With time, she finds her true expression in remaining honest to her work, relationships and more. She talks about her favourite film on the theme: "My all-time favourite is Haqeeqat. Victory or happiness cannot touch one's soul as can sorrow. The movie is exquisitely crafted with soulful songs. Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaano Tan Saathiyon, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo as well as Hoke Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaya Hoga haunt you long after you have listened to them. We lose our hero and the fight; such deep anguish opens up one's soul. Also, the two old films on Bhagat Singh with Kamini Kaushal in them are my favourite as well. Chale chalo Manju Jaidka, professor, department of English, Panjab University, also writer and chairperson, Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, finds the finest portrayal in Lagaan: Winning freedom from foreign rule is not the only portrayal of patriotic spirit. It was very well portrayed in Lagaan. Simple stories put together are very inspiring. Not just the story, but also the songs and the dances are imbued in the spirit. Real India Rising actor from the city Ayushmann Khurrana cherishes the very thought of being free each day in a democracy. Proud of the freedom and sovereignty that India offers, he wishes the very same for everyone in the world. His pick: "My favourite is Rang De Basanti. There is no false glorification of the country, but a real portrayal with all its loopholes. Full of realism, it captures the passion that the youth display for their country." So, which one is your favourite? mona@tribunemail.com
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New Release
After Dabangg, Bodyguard and Ready audineces expect a lot from Salman Khan. Salman’s solo film this year is generating tremendous buzz, so we can expert another hit from him which releases on August
15.
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are paired together on screen after a long time. Ek Tha Tiger is a love story with a different look; it is a wholesome entertaining package. The film has an unusual setting. Set in the world of espionage, the film is about an agent who falls in love, following which things start going out of control for him, because agents can never let their hearts rule their minds. What sets Salman Khan apart in Ek Tha Tiger are the action scenes, his inimitable style of
dramatising, especially the love sequences. We are holding our breath for Ek Tha Tiger. — Dharam Pal
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Tiger on the prowl
When someone's penned the hit single Jadu Hai Nasha Hai and at the same time authored 173 Hours in Captivity; has a song to his credit from Agent
Vinod, then even a banner like Ek Tha Tiger doesn't need to be put in bold in the resume. As the author, journalist, radio storyteller and the scriptwriter, Neelesh Misra himself admits, "There's always lots happening," before listing half-a-dozen projects that "he would rather let the producers announce." There's a romantic story and another thriller in the pipeline; a song in Barfee and I, Me Aur Hum. As of now, he's happy to divulge the details of Ek Tha Tiger; a film that he's co-writing and giving lyrics for.
On Ek Tha Tiger That's where the journalistic background, experiencing the insurgency in Kashmir, travels to the Maoist regions, falls in place. "I met Kabir and was surprised when he wanted me to co-write the film." It's been six months of working and researching for the film, "We've stayed true to the script, it's not a frivolous movie; it is a very well-researched story." He adds, "Of course, I derived from a lot of my own experiences and ingrained a lot of nuances of Salman's own persona, but it's quite different from a Salman Khan film." In your face On the cards is another season of Yaadon Ka Idiot Box with Neelesh Misra on 92.7 Big FM, a show based on the concept of an imaginary city. "It was a path-breaking show and with it we are trying to bring back the purity of radio and the joy of story-telling." Speaking of which, he'd rather be referred to as the radio storyteller and not an RJ, a term that he's slightly uncomfortable with because 'I have never trained in radio; have been a journalist all my life'. As for the show, "I had shopkeepers in Nainital to listeners in Jalandhar calling me up for it." Despite a bag-full of projects, he's never been commercially driven. "It has to be something I should be proud to put my name against." He adds, "I don't write songs for a living, unfortunately. I wish I did. There have been times I have walked out of the projects because they wanted to tamper with the lyrics or make modifications." There are no regrets, but there are a lot of wishes. "I wish I had done all of Rockstar's songs. I wish I could write like
Irshaad, who's a dear friend of mine." The guy who grew up in Lucknow, "somehow never grew up on Western music." He makes no bones about it. "I feel out of place when people talk about Hollywood and Western music." Dead honest, is he? "In fact, you can even write that when I was growing up, I didn't take to Western music because I didn't understand their accent." That's Neelesh Misra for you.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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All praise for Sallu
Actress Preity Zinta who is all set to make a comeback with her home production Ishkq In Paris praised Salman Khan for helping her with the project.
The actress said Salman Khan was the only actor who was approached for the role. “No other hero in the industry was approached for Ishqk In Paris except Salman Khan and he is not only in it but he's helped me so much by always being there,” she said.
However, there are reports that when Preity went to meet Salman at YRF studios, he avoided meeting her as he was too busy with giving Ek Tha Tiger interviews. She defended him and said she didn’t want to show him the trailer in front of media. “First person to see the film Promo was
Salman. I didn't want to show it to him in front of the media so we saw it at home alone,” she added.
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Hair solutions
Aura Skin Clinic and MediSpa, a one-stop destination for all skin, nail and hair problems, has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art Trichology Studio. This is the first-of-its-kind centre in Tricity which offers all the facilities under one roof to deal with any problem related to hair, ranging from excessive body hair to abnormal hair fall to baldness.
Aura offers absolutely pain-free and fastest laser hair reduction using latest world class lasers for unwanted body hair, while for thinning hair or for excessive hair loss, it is introducing novel treatment modalities like stem-cell mesotherapy, anti-hair loss mesotherapy and laser comb. Aura also offers hair transplant. —TNS
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The show must go on…
“This is going to be a show that no one has ever seen…Punjabiyan de aan vakhri, shaan vakhri, te paan vakhri. This, you will witness when I walk down the ramp in designer Kapil and Monika Arora’s gorgeous dress,” says our very own big, loud Dolly Bindra. The designer-duo, who have recently showcased at Lakme Fashion Week, is ecstatic to have her as a showstopper at the upcoming Wedding Asia Show in Ludhiana on August 16. Their reasons: “She is a pretty Indian face and would be able to carry off our bridal design well.” Their rather rustic collection is in the hues of red, gold and black. “We have experimented with the traditional look to create wedding as well as pre-wedding dresses for today’s modern bride,” says Kapil who will bring along his prêt as well as couture collection to the show. Dolly, however, will don a rustic lehenga in blue with orange choli and green dupatta. Go ahead girl, the world is watching…
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We love you Sooraj!
Currently Sooraj of Diya Aur Baati Hum is participating in a cooking competition in Singapore where he has to cook a non vegetarian dish. Being a pure vegetarian, Sooraj chooses to walk out of the competition because he has been asked to cook a
non-veg dish.
However, Sandhya recommends that they should ask the audiences what their views are and therefore asks for a poll. So, Star Plus invited viewers' opinions through a poll. This is not a contest and there will be no winners. But the audiences still want to see their favourite character in the international competition and they are still voting for him.
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Rhythm In beat
Manveer, who is all set to release his debut Punjabi album before December, has a story of sorts to share. This young singer, who startled his parents when he expressed his desire to be a Punjabi singer, laughs remembering how he convinced his folks. “I come from a business family and my parents ignored my passion in music as one of the many things kids want to do. But when they saw me doing riyaaz on harmonium every day, they knew they had lost me to music!” Manveer would have released his album a long time back, but some not ‘very viable’ things didn’t let that happen. “Our music and film industry is growing with every new release. Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go as far as promoting aspiring singers is concerned,” says Manveer, who decided to open his own recording studio for the same reason. “I am not a trained singer, whatever I have learnt is by listening to singers like Gurdas Maan, and the newer ones like Honey Singh. But I realised soon after staying in Australia for four years that a lot of technology had entered the field of music as well,” adds this young singer, who has given music to five tracks in his own album. “Music production is a vast and important branch of the music industry and Punjabi singers are also moving towards newer techniques for creating music. Through Rhythm Craft Studios, I want to help upcoming singers who don’t have to run away to either Mumbai or Delhi for recording.” Manveer, who has worked on his album for almost a year, doesn’t want to be just about any other album or a one-hit wonder. “I have maintained a rhythm in all my songs, which have a touch of desi and angrezi beats,” adds Manveer, who feels that Punjabi music industry is welcoming new singers. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Songs of freedom
Manpriya Singh
It’s hard to picture patriotism minus audio visual aid. Can there be a country without the National Anthem? Imagine rustling up hard-core nationalist feelings and not playing Rang De Basanti Chola. There are songs that are as old as the Independence Day, then some we picked up and composed along the way. As we celebrate the 65th year of Independence, we do away with the music genres and replay all that is there on the subject of love for the country.
Hall of fame To begin with, classics will be classics. Lata Mangeshkar’s Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, still resonates in the ears or wherever there’s a patriotic atmosphere. Legend has it that India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru was moved to tears by the song. Need we say anything more about it? The song commemorates Indian soldiers who died during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Moving on, the little soldier asking everyone to join him in Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon, is perhaps, still endearing. Not that the list of heart rending songs can ever be complete especially with popular songs from the sixties like Aye Watan, Aye Watan, Tum Ko Meri Kasam from the movie Shaheed or Aye Mere Pyaare Watan from the film Kabuliwala. Moving on, yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar has so many of such songs to his credit that they can be classified into an altogether separate category. Then comes the best track from the recent past; from AR Rahman’s Maa Tujhe Salaam. A song that appealed to one and all was commercially successful and proved that patriotic songs need not be boring. Aamir Khan’s Rang De Basanti, further broke away from the clutches of stereotypical patriotic picture of khadi kurtas and Nehru topis. The audience gave a thumbs up and the various juries, their awards. Other songs like Baar Baar Haan from Lagaan and Chak De India from Chak De India are equally popular. Youngsters’ take These songs might never make it to our every day play lists but they serve the purpose nevertheless. Which school has celebrated its Independence Day without coming up with the updated list of the best? “I really like AR Rahman’s Maa Tujhe Salaam. It’s catchy and peppy. I remember back in school at Independence Day celebrations, there was a troupe that gave a breathtaking performance on this song,” recalls Ayesha Dhiman, a student of St. Xaviers High School. There’s no dearth of odes to Mother India, but very few strike a chord. Among those that are actually music to ears, AR Rahman’s yet another composition for Swades, spoke about an NRI, longing to get back to his land, stands tall. “I think Rang De Basanti in all its versions is quite catchy and something the youth can relate to,” opines Rupika Chawla, B Com student. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Skied tee shots
Jesse Grewal
The angle of approach is the vertical path the club head is following in its descent from the top of the back swing to the ball. A steep angle would be more vertical and creates an initial ball flight which is low but with a higher backspin rate which makes the ball rise up in the latter part of its flight. This makes it lose distance with a Driver. The ball is hit on the downswing and this leads to skied shots or an impact too high on the club face. The two main reasons for a steep angle of approach with a wood shot are an out-to-in swing path or a body position which could be ahead of the ball at impact. The former is called coming ‘over to top’ as the downswing come from over or above the desired swing plane. The two main reasons for this are a backswing which goes inside or below the plane which causes a reversal of the downswing path making it come from the outside or above the plane. This would be a natural re-route of the club when the backswing or takeaway goes inside or flat. The second reason is an early move or firing of the shoulders which throw the arms and club outside its correct plane. This is often referred to as ‘using force’. The first move from the top of the backswing is a turning action of the hips towards the target which keeps the shoulders passive and drops the club into the desired in to square to in path. The body position being ahead of the ball can be a static fault of a ball position at address not being forward enough or a forward lunging action of the body. The ball should be placed opposite the inside of the left heel (for right handed golfers) with the upper body inclined or tilted away from the target. If the downswing is initiated with the turning of the hips it keeps the upper body behind the ball creating a shallow and of approach and an impact with an upward path. This leads to longer tee shots which would land and have an optimum roll.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is August 15...
You are very lucky to be born on the Independence Day. Wednesday is Mercury's day, so you will enjoy keeping busy, especially if you are doing things that are enjoyable. It's a perfect day for taking charge of a group, as in making sure a social event runs smoothly. Your talent for bringing out the best in children, animals, and plants should be applauded. Unfortunately, too many people take these gifts for granted. You will team up with a romantic partner who knows what a gem you are. The 1 and 5 equaling 6, provide the sort of energy that makes you an excellent parent or teacher. Be an optimistic and look at the brighter side. Your confident expectations open the door for realisation. Sudden inflow of funds takes care of your bills and immediate expenses. Try harder and you will definitely be luckier. Efforts made to improve your looks and personality will turn out to your satisfaction. Some tensions due to legal matters are likely. Compatible signs: Gemini, Virgo Lucky colours: Burgundy & maroon Lucky Days: Your lucky days will be Monday and Thursday. Lucky Numbers: 6, 10, 12, 18, 32.
Her first Hindi film, Jeevan Mrityu with Dharmendra in 1970 went on to become a big hit including the song Jhilmil sitaron ka aangan hoga. Some of her notable movies are Sharmilee, Tapasya, Kabhie Kabhie ,Muqaddar Ka Sikander, Lawaaris, Karan Arjun and Border . She won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film Shubho Mahurat.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: You can achieve quite a lot once you get going. Never trust a stranger. Socially, you may have some problems with a loved one, but it would not be too serious. Do not let friends and family get in the way. Tarot message: Be creative to retain grip over your business.
Lucky colour: Fuchsia Lucky number: 60 TAURUS: Work will progress smoothly. You will be in the mood to socialise and meet new people. Your hectic schedule may leave you feeling tired; so make it a priority to rest and relax. An Aquarius person is attracted to you. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Violet Lucky number: 27 GEMINI: Be extra-careful if you are signing any papers as there could be more to the situation than meets the eye. There could be new career opportunities coming your way. Spending quality time with your partner will be a priority. Tarot message: Do not try to end all the deadlocks. Lucky colour: Metallic grey Lucky number: 39 CANCER: Health is good but you need to take frequent breaks and watch your diet.Monetary gains are indicated. Work will be hectic and you will have to juggle your schedule in order to meet all your commitments. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Deep red Lucky number: 40 LEO: If there are important meetings today, you need to be prepared as seniors and business associates will take note of your ability to handle last-minute changes. Your love life will be good. Don’t make financial decisions in haste. Tarot message: Do your duty on time. Lucky colour: Navy blue Lucky number: 61 VIRGO: You may be unable to make up your mind about an important decision; spend some time mulling over your options and don’t hesitate to discuss things with close associates as this will help you gain a better perspective. Tarot message: Avoid confrontation. Lucky colour: White Lucky number: 37
LIBRA: You feel exhausted and decide to take time off from your hectic schedule. Issues about money matters may be on your mind. Going out of your way to help colleagues or loved ones will earn you goodwill. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach Lucky number: 31 SCORPIO: You could be in a restless mood and may feel agitated about certain matters concerning your career or personal life. Don’t give in to uncertainties as this is a just a temporary phase. Work will progress smoothly. Tarot message: Do not delegate your tasks to anyone. Lucky colour: Saffron Lucky number: 29 SAGITTARIUS: Focus on health, diet and exercise. Business can be carried out successfully. Drive carefully. Defer a trip. A raise in interest can hit your bank balance hard. A family matter can be sorted out satisfactory. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and no one else. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Lucky number: 65 CAPRICORN: Avoid a Scorpio person who will drag you down with cautious advice. You will learn from practical experience. Certain tedious people seem to be telling you to do what you don't want to do. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Yellow Lucky number: 27 AQUARIUS: It's important not to let them get at you too much. Just knuckle down to doing what is true for you. Let today's influences bounce up your optimism. There is a good deal of success coming your way very soon. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Silver grey Lucky number: 42 PISCES: Just proceed slowly and cautiously, double-check everything. Don't let feelings of inadequacy hold you back; yoga & swimming are great for you. Too much will-power can sometimes make you push yourself past your limits. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions. Lucky colour: Brown Lucky number: 63
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Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaano Tan Saathiyon, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo in Rafi's voice is the undisputed, unofficial anthem of our country as are songs like Ma Tujhe Salaam, Chak De India, Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera or Chale Chalo...patriotism has been flavour of many a blockbusters on silver screen. As Chandigarh celebrates the Independence Day, we check out with city folks on what stirred their patriotic streak on screen.
Agreed, actors make great showstoppers. They have the looks, the body to carry on the beautiful ensembles and most of all, the attitude! But what we are going to witness in an upcoming wedding show sounds unreal… hear it from the horse’s mouth…
You have five seconds to list a place, an area or a sphere where technology hasn’t seeped in…right from getting up in the morning to retiring at the end of the day, technology travels like our second self. So, when an aspiring Punjabi singer Manveer Bajwa shows us his newly opened state-of-the-art recording studio Rhythm Crafts in Chandigarh, it is certainly not a revelation. What we topple over is the fact that more and more Punjabi singers, both aspiring and established, are coming up with recording studios that have just about every equipment one can imagine!
If you happen to hit a few skied tee shots with your woods during your round and pull some others, your swing would be coming down with a steep angle of approach. Marks of the ball on the top of the Driver’s head are tell-tale signs of players with a steep angle of approach.
Raakhee (August 15,1947 Ranaghat, West Bengal) popularly known as Raakhee Gulzar after her marriage with lyricist-director Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra) shares her great day with Independence Day. She won three Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award. She was nominated 16 times (eight times for Best Actress and eight for Best Supporting Actress).