|
|
|
|
|
A lesson well learnt
The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth...wrote Dan Rather, American journalist. Indeed, teachers inspire and hold a place next to your parents if not before them. This Teacher’s Day, we ask some on what has been their most cherished and challenging moments along the way.
Holding a hand… The challenge Each child is a new challenge. The most testing thing while handling kids as small as just three years is to win their hearts. It takes expert handling as well as loads of patience to manage each kid. The high The bond that one forms over the days with the kids is a great high. Training the
mind... The high My very first demonstration lesson with teacher-trainers gave me a high. I was too raw, but with the help of my colleagues I presented a simple methodology. The challenge When about 27, I had to work with college lecturers on Functional English. There were lecturers with as much years of experience as my age. With just six years in the profession, I knew I had to work long and hard to gain acceptance. I prepared ahead, planned well and am proud today that my plans were lapped up. A
giving way… The challenge Like every teacher, I too had to deal with difficult students. One in particular would enter the class minutes after I would, smoke still blowing out of his mouth and head to the last bench. I managed to keep my cool despite continued provocation. One particular afternoon I called him to my cabin to say, ‘You are a fine writer. You will go way ahead if only you mend your ways’. He was a changed man. I bumped into him years later on a train and he introduced me to his wife saying, ‘I am what I am all because of this gentleman’. The high Being honoured for my teaching as well as freelance work by International Forum for Educational Research and Development in 1998 was a big high. The journey
beyond… Amit Sharma has had a long association with the Government College of Art-10, Chandigarh, where he teaches Art History. To join the same college as faculty, where he learnt everything, was a proud moment for him. The high I joined in 2007. The same year I took the BFA batch for their annual tour. I faced a few challenges that I managed to overcome. I re-lived my student days at the same time. The challenge The rapid strides in the IT sector have made a tremendous impact on pedagogy. Students have loads of exposure. It’s important to keep up to date and march ahead. Photos: Vicky Gharu &
Parvesh Chauhan
|
|
Guru cool!
Her flowing hair, the red sari and the sexy smile, the chemistry teacher of Main Hoon Na Sushmita Sen carried with her the oomph, which made every real-life teacher wonder — ‘Is this possible?’ In Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan gels his hair, slips into trendy and interesting formal-wear to teach his students lessons in life while Mohabbatein saw Shah Rukh Khan, with a cardigan carelessly dropped on his shoulders, engage the students in playing the violin. And not far behind was Shahid Kapoor winning over the little kids with his cool style in
Paathshala.
Bollywood has always portrayed teachers in a more or less glamourous avatar. Real-life students have prayed to see replicas in their class and teachers have wondered about the changing styles thrown on them. On Teacher’s Day, we ask real-life teachers whether they dress up as is portrayed in movies. Says Harpreet Kaur
Bachher, an English teacher with Sat Paul Mittal School in Ludhiana, “Teachers and their personal styles have definitely changed with time; they dress up smartly because they know that students look up to them as role models,” she
says. Bollywood portrayal of stylish, cool and trendy teachers is not an exaggeration. At least Mandeep
Chawla, an English teacher with Lawrence School, Mohali, doesn’t think so. “Of course, we have glamorous-looking teachers these days. When you know that students admire you as a guide and look up to, you want to set an example and dressing up stylishly creates an impression to some extent.”
Kuldeep Kaur Dhillon, a Punjabi teacher with DPS School, Chandigarh, acknowledges the fact that students these days have access to more information. “If a teacher is not smartly dressed how would he or she ask the students to wear neat and clean uniforms? Movies do go overboard with their portrayal of teachers, but that doesn’t take away the fact that with young teachers joining the profession, it has certainly become
stylish.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
Masters of the art
Pretty they sit — the teenie-weenie eight-year-olds staring back at you; open to any queries you may have. And just when you wonder whether they’ll utter any word, let alone answer any question, one of them grabs the microphone and dispels any misgivings. Currently, Om Chhetri and Jeet Das, runners-up of Zee TV’s DID Li’l Master, are on a thanksgiving tour in Chandigarh or perhaps on a promotion of five-week series Dance Ke Superkids, bringing together the little champions of both seasons. No matter how grown up they act and give the well-rehearsed speeches, the duo has everyone around baby-talk them!
Wonder moves: Om Chhetri He’ll talk about studies and he’ll talk about dance with equal ease if not with equal passion. Om Chhetri loves to sleep. “I can sleep anywhere. If I feel sleepy, I’ll sleep here also.” The Class III student hasn’t been to school ever since the auditions of the reality show and will join back only when he returns to Assam. “I discontinued it for the show, now I’m going to go back, get admission in another school and continue studies.” The wonder moves and miraculous steps that he performs on television are perhaps ingrained. “I was already into break-dancing; I auditioned and got selected,” he says. And the rest is history. There is a long list of his favourite actors - Hrithik Roshan, Rajnikant and Prabhu Deva. As of now, he’ll miss everything that has been a part of his life for three months now. “I’ll miss Mumbai a lot,” he repeats for the emphasis, “I’ll miss my team, the judges, a lot.” Meanwhile, “I’ll learn how to give expressions, dance better and come back again.” We are waiting! Calculating steps: Jeet Das Jeet Das has tasted all the adulation before, albeit at the regional level. “I was the winner of Dance Bangla Dance, though this time I stood fifth.” Not that the Class III student is complaining, but the show has brought big changes in the little one. “Earlier my mother used to do it, now we change our own costumes; they gave us very difficult levels of dancing also.” Apart from dancing he has many other hobbies. “I like to study, play and paint; I am also fond of bikes.” Believe it or not: “Maths is one of my favourite subjects.” He adds, “Katrina didi said I dance very well and Hrithik Roshan is my favourite.” Speaking of which, his favourites that is, “Ra.One and Toonpur Ka Superhero are my favourite films. I also watched Amazing Spiderman and Ferrari Ki Sawari recently.” They may falter with the speech, but not with the plans for the future. “We’ll go back, study, grow up and them come back to become a dancer or a choreographer,” they chorus. manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
||||||||
|
Taste of Delhi
Jasmine Singh Rakesyh Omprakash Mehra brought the real life and taste of old Delhi alive with his film Delhi 6. And, now it is Park Plaza’s all-day dinning restaurant Cinnamon that has brought the same flavours of Delhi, served them on the platter with their on-going food festival Delhi-6 Fiesta. If you get lost in the busy by-lanes of Chandani Chowk at Cinnamon, be assured there are different streets and roads that will help you find your way. Chaat papdi from Sita Ram Bazaar, famous paranthas from Paranthe Wali Gali, non-veg biryani, chicken and mutton curry coming all the way from Asaf Ali Road. The vegetarian dishes were available at Chawri Bazaar. The street food of Delhi laid down, whipped up in authentic tastes and flavours, in fact healthier than the real Delhi food. Too much food around can be confusing for the senses, but that’s what food festivals are meant for. Gagandeep Singh, general manager Park Plaza Chandigarh, looks at food festivals as a way of giving people a lot of eating options from a particular area or place. “Delhi 6 has everything that you had ever tasted on the streets of Delhi- biryani, chaat to paranthas.” It wouldn’t be surprising if you find yourself waiting outside the Parathe Wali Gali, being served with a soft parantha. The festival has the regular paneer, channey. Nearing to the Lal Qila, all kinds of desserts are on offer. It might take a while for your palate to adjust to the different flavours of kulfi, especially imli one. When in Delhi, you can always have options—phirni, gulab jamun, jalebi, fruit punch, it only gets sweeter. On till September 16.
|
||||||||
|
Pink Floyd once more
Vineet Mishra
Instructions Muddle mint, pineapple chunks, castor sugar and lime in a mixing glass. Add 100 Pipers and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Put the mixture into a tall glass, add crushed ice and top with cranberry juice. Garnish with lime wedge. About Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd was one of the most commercially successful and influential rock bands of all time. (Mishra is a Chandigarh- based cocktail jockey)
|
||||||||
Getting to know Kirti Kulhari
Kirti Kulhari made a mark in Shaitan and she will be seen in a number of movies such as Jal, Sooper Se Ooper and Rise of The Zombies. The pretty girl has also been seen in commercials lately. She talks about her fitness routine, food preferences, beauty regime and more. How do you stay fit? I work out about 4-5 times a week. That's when I am not shooting. During shoots it gets quite difficult to manage any workout in the gym so I stick to either yoga or a few exercises that I can do at home. I also swim whenever I can. I think diet plays the most important role in helping one stay fit. I am generally a healthy and small eater so going overboard doesn't really happen. But there are times I cut down on carbohydrates post 6 pm and stick to salads and soups. For me feeling and being fit is more important than just looking fit so I try and eat a balanced diet. What is your style quotient? Recently I wore blue jeans with a black top and I accessorised it with a lot of laakh bangles from Rajasthan and sparkling laakh earrings. I also paired a Fab India cotton sleeveless top (brown earthy tone) with linen ankle-tied pyjamas in a complimentary earthy colour. I teamed up the outfit with different shades of green laakh bangles with brown Punjabi juttis. What is your beauty regime? My daily skin care regime starts with an oil free cleanser, followed by a face wash and sunscreen. I apply a water based moisturiser if I feel the need. At night I cleanse and wash it again and always apply a night eye cream or a night cream all over the face depending on the condition of my skin. I remove my makeup with MAC oil. And all the products I use are water based because I have a oily skin. What does spirituality mean to you? What are your spiritual practices? For me, spirituality is being grateful to God for everything that he has given us. It also means knowing that everything happens for a reason and is in our best interest and thus being at peace with it and striving to be a better human being each day. Apart from reading spiritual books, the practices I follow are Reiki, meditation and yoga. Tell us about your food preferences. I am an absolute foodie. I love trying out various cuisines. With non-vegetarian food, I am not too experimental as I have a mental block. So I stick to chicken and fish. Continental and Italian are my favourite cuisines. I also enjoy South Indian food a lot. —HRM
The Charlie way
Ranbir Kapoor behaves like Charlie Chaplin in Barfi! And there are also shades of Raj Kapoor (who also acted like Charlie Chaplin). He went to New York and saw Chaplin-The Musical seven times in a row to prepare for his character. He has seen the play many times before and was inspired this time as well. He says that they have not tried to copy him at all.
Long lasting effort
We have heard many stories of Akshay turning his back on Joker at the last minute.
The latest is that he stopped promoting it because he wanted the sci-fi alien film to release after his home production Oh My God! released in September.
Shirish was in no mood to delay the release any further.
Over to the daughter
Sasha Agha joins the cast of YRF's Aurangzeb, directed by Atul Sabharwal and produced by Aditya Chopra. The shooting for the film began mid-August. She is Salma Agha's gorgeous daughter. Sasha will be playing a glamorous role in a striking new look in her debut film opposite Arjun Kapoor, who plays a double role in this intriguing drama. The film already boasts of a dynamic cast of Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and
Amrita Singh. The film is scheduled for an early 2013 release.
Kissing scene
She has self-admittedly tasted blood. The success of Jism 2, has whetted Pooja Bhatt, who has now developed an appetite for more directorial ventures.
Now Pooja is all set to direct two back-to-back films within the next 18 months. This is a first for this feisty actress-turned-director whose Jism and its sequels have broken new grounds in mainstream Bollywood. While Jism 3, is now in the planning stage, the director has now started working on her pet project Cabaret. “After having tasted blood with Jism 2, I don’t want to get off the filmmaking treadmill,” avers Pooja. Pooja goes on to add that she will start Jism 3 first as she’s committed to completing Jism 3 first and release it by the winter of 2013. But scripting for both Jism 3 and Cabaret has started simultaneously. Both will release in the next 18 months.” Jism 3 would have two hotties vying to attract eyeballs, Ram Gopal Varma’s muse Nathalia Kaur may be one of them. “Yes, there might be two girls in Jism 3. As for Nathalia, my dad (Mahesh Bhatt) really liked her pictures and suggested that I consider her for Jism 3. So we’re certainly looking at that option,” she admits. As for Cabaret, the lead would be very hard to find and Pooja is getting ready for an intense struggle. “Casting Cabaret is a tough one! I need a woman who is not only an amazing dancer but an intelligent actress as well,” she adds.
The guessing game
Salman Khan denied the reports that director Shirish Kunder was asked to leave his next film Kick. In fact, Shirish was the one to leave the project. “No, that's not true. Shirish left the film. He is working on something else. Ho gaya clear? Good! Challo bye. Take care guys n nice,” he tweeted. Now the movie’s producer Sajid Nadiadwala will step behind the camera for the first time. Kunder said that remakes didn’t interest him. “Sajid Nadiadwala will be directing Kick. He had originally envisioned the project and I feel he is the best person to bring it to life. I'll continue with my efforts to make original films and bring novel stories in a mainstream format. Remakes, for now, do not interest me. It is easy for me to do what everyone else is doing. But I'll always choose to attempt something new with every film,” he wrote. Meanwhile, his latest film Joker is reported to be one of the lowest box-office openers of this year.
|
||||||||
Post the leap…
The makers of Zee TV's Hitler Didi have hit the fast-forward button on the show. By taking an eight-year-leap, the show will see some interesting twists and turns as the lives of the protagonists take a 180 degree turn. The viewers have seen the protagonist, Indira (Rati Pandey) suffering from brain tumour. She ensures that her husband Rishi (Sumit Vats) gets married to her doctor Shweta. Eight years down the line and Hitler Didi's shoes have been filled in by a mini Hitler, Indu. At just eight years of age, Indu is a Hitler in her own way. She is extremely intelligent, sharp-tongued and brutally honest; often questioning everything and everyone. To play the role of Indu, the channel has cast the adorable Shruti Bisht, who was last seen in Zee TV's Chhoti Si Zindagi. In the meanwhile, viewers are introduced to a tough-as-nails lady inspector Zara Khan based out of Mumbai. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Indira, Zara is a tough encounter specialist. With her impeccable knack of nailing the bad guys, Zara makes even the most notorious goons shiver. Actress Rati Pandey is looking forward to donning a new avatar on the show. She says, "From the time the show was launched last year, I have enjoyed playing Indira to the hilt. Now with the character of Zara, I get to play a tough cop. the lifestyles led by Indira and Zara differ, what is similar about the two is their personality. Both of them are strong, upright women who have always fought for justice.
A party to remember
He ranks highest amongst the most loved actors on Indian television. But last week, there came a moment in his life when the charmer was charmed! Complimenting his immense popularity, thirty female fans of Ram Kapoor landed in Mumbai from all over the world, especially to celebrate his birthday last week. Obviously, the actor is on cloud nine! “It became a grand celebration and I simply loved the creative gifts they personally made and brought for me. We partied all night! It was an awesome and humbling experience for me,” he beamed. Ram followed up this rollicking bash with another very special one for his family and friends. And now it’s time again to get back to the grind of his shoots for Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and a few movie roles he does in Bollywood
This time — it’s a crime show
After opting out of Kuch Toh Log Kahenge on Sony, Mohnish Behl is back on the tube. He will be the new host of Life OK’s Savdhan India along with Sushant Singh. Mohnish replaces Gaurav Chopra, who is busy shooting for
Uttaran.
Out of the box
Star World has taken interesting initiatives to engage viewers beyond
the show. Besides changing the genre dynamics, the channel has also opted for an unconventional route to spread the word of Grey’s Anatomy. For the first time, the channel has tied up with the young singer Anushka Manchanda and produced an extraordinary music video. This video circles around the core theme of Grey’s Anatomy- Coming of Age. Lara Dutta too will promote the show.
A still from
Grey’s Anatomy
Retired hurt
Isha Sharvani injured her elbow while rehearsing with the international dancers on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5.
Her doctors have recommended her four weeks of rest. For now, it is confirmed that Isha
will not perform this week.
Out of the box
Star World has taken interesting initiatives to engage viewers beyond
the show. Besides changing the genre dynamics, the channel has also opted for an unconventional route to spread the word of Grey’s Anatomy. For the first time, the channel has tied up with the young singer Anushka Manchanda and produced an extraordinary music video. This video circles around the core theme of Grey’s Anatomy- Coming of Age. Lara Dutta too will promote the show.
|
||||||||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is September 5...
Promising news will fill you with happiness. It will make you hope for a promotion or some improvement in your career. You'll tend to isolate yourself and flee from your beloved; try to give explanation for this at least. Your impulsive nature may cause you serious health problems. Simply ignore those who approach you for temporary loans. Be careful not to pick-up an argument with someone you love. Conflicting issues if any should be solved amicably. Your gloomy life may give tension to your spouse. Get involved in jobs, which are of creative nature. Tax and insurance matters will need some attention. Number Five is the freedom lover, has an intellectual vibration. These people love variety and have the ability to adapt to most situations. Ruled by Mercury, you may be adaptable, freedom-loving, romantic, resourceful, witty, fun-loving, curious, flexible and accommodating. You'll be making the most out of your free time. You recognise that it’s important to have fun to improve productivity and concentration later on. You'll need a better attention span when a particular puzzle begins to bother you. You'll be able to get a new position or obtain a promotion. If you are self-employed, you will be fascinated and attracted by the possibility to set up short-term projects, which could help you better your career prospects. Do not allow people to waste your time. Pay your necessary dues. Health may pose some problems. Take care of spouse’s health. You definitely need to play right now without thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Mood: Serious. Prefer signs: Taurus, Aquarius. Positive colours: Yellow and pink. Lucky days: Saturday and Sunday. Favourable numbers: 1, 2, 34, 50, 64.
|
||||||||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: The Six of Wands bring a gracious and aesthetic influence in your life. You are likely to face several interruptions and disruptions, which will make it difficult for you to stay on schedule. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. TAURUS: You draw Two of Wands to invoke mental power and intelligence that helps achieve professional goals. In any celebration, do not become reckless. Tarot message: Get a clear perspective and balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Deep red GEMINI: You are awakened and energised by fiery Knight of Wands. Your creative abilities will be at their peak and your innovative ideas will gain recognition if you take care to present them properly. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27 CANCER: The Ace of Pentacles leads to actualization of personal and professional plans. You may be restless and could be contemplating making changes to your routine. You could lose your temper with loved ones. LEO: The Lovers inspire you with love and creativity today. If you have spent time finalising the details of your pet projects, now is the time to take the initiative and implement your plans. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden yellow Magic number: 46 VIRGO: You may be in an irritable mood and could react aggressively when faced with dissenting views. There could be tensions with loved ones. LIBRA: You draw The Ace of Wands, which puts you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Caring conversation and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky
colour: Sea green SCORPIO: The Priestess infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Networking and making an effort to seek out people with similar career interests could lead to new opportunities. SAGITTARIUS: The Wheel of Fortune spins in some good fortune and emotional abundance. Indecision about a particular situation may pre-occupy your thoughts. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. CAPRICORN: You card The Strength gives you self-esteem and a good feeling about yourself today. There could be tensions with family members. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions, as they could lead to a waste of time and money. AQUARIUS: Your card Judgment is reversed so be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be enthusiastic about developments at work. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: Bottle green PISCES: The Magician brings a day of change and mutation, whether you want it or not. You may be feeling irritable and can lose your temper very fast. Spending quiet time alone will help you relax. Tarot message: A useful tip can be put to profitable use. |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Handling small kids as they step out of their homes for the first time and enter the play-way is a huge responsibility. A decade into smoothly doing the same is Priscilla Salam at Kids R Kids-42, Chandigarh. 
Vandana Lunyal has been training teachers for more than two decades. Associate professor at the Regional Institute of English-32, Chandigarh, she has worked with teachers, exploring different methodologies in English language teaching.
‘Teaching has helped me become a good human being,’ says IM
Soni, who has three decades of teaching experience. Having retired as the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Panjab University, he insists that a teacher should essentially be a giver.
Amneet Kaur, a drawing teacher with Manav Mangal School, Chandigarh, has now seen reel-life teachers in real-life. “We want students to concentrate on studies rather than noting our style statements. So, whatever style we carry should be such that it doesn’t distract the kids.”
Michaelangelo Francis, fine arts and photography teacher St Johns and Nusrat
Dilawar, physical education teacher at DAV College-10 have kept the style quotient alive in their way. “Movies show teachers in a glamorous way, which is acceptable to some extent. In fact, as physical education teacher it is all comfort factor so, I dress up that way,” she smiles. Take it from
Michaelangelo, “I dress up in formals and also tell my students how they can be properly dressed in their uniform. If a teacher sets an example in being neatly dressed up, students will definitely follow suit.”
This cocktail Pink Floyd is dedicated to the band Pink Floyd.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra (September 5, 1956, Srinagar) is particularly known for producing the Munna Bhai films. Vidhu studied direction at the Film and Television Institute of India. Chopra has since then been involved with a number of critically acclaimed films including Parinda, 1942: A Love Story, Mission Kashmir, Parineeta and Eklavya. Being a Virgo, he has good flight of imagination and creativity.