Classic thought
Ashima Batish

Having combined education with music, educationist Gursharan Singh is looking forward to the musical adaptation of Kim

A sitarist being fine with the idea of youngsters taking to the guitar, aspiring to become rock-stars or following Western music is rare. Surprisingly, thirty years of experience as an educationist weighs heavier on Gursharan Singh than 55 years of being a sitarist!

For him learning is important, the subjects can vary. Gursharan Singh, a sitarist, and as he introduces himself, "More importantly an educationist," doesn't mind students trying to internationalise their art. He then happily indulges in some introspection. "Something must be wrong with Indian classical music," says Gursharan, who was a Dean at the Doon School, Dehradun, for over 20 years.

He also keeps on making efforts to introduce children to classical music, which will also be seen in his latest work — musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's Noble prize-winning work Kim. And he plans to transport the audience 200 years back in time when the East India Company ruled India. "It's for the sake of literature that I picked up Kim. It focuses on the life of an English boy in India, who doesn't want to lead the life of a sahib, which was the ultimate ambition in those times."

That's the academic part of working on Kim with 500 students of Dikshant International School. The musical part involves a whole lot. The show will have all the music elements, ranging from thumri, kathak, qawaali, tarana, rhythm in blues, ballad…produced by students. "Only the background score is recorded. Thus, I have successfully combined education and music."

Kim, he adds, hasn't been ever performed in any school of India, except for one instance in 1982 at the Lawrence School, Sanawar. "Even then, it was about the spiritual quest of Tibetan Lama and Kim. I will also showcase the adventures of the boy when he takes up spy activities." While he is working on a century-old piece of literature, he hasn't felt the need to give it a contemporary touch. "That's not required. Kim is timeless and universal." He didn't find working with so many children difficult, instead, he says, adults could have made it a tad difficult. "They are more flexible, open to any number of improvisations. Patience levels of adults are pretty low."

Coming to why he prefers to be known as an educationist than a sitarist, "Not many people aspire to become the former. Who wants his child to become a teacher? Even if one does, it's only for the reason that it's a cushioned job. I prefer to be in the minority and teach the majority." The minority that empowers the majority!

(To be staged at the Indradhanush Auditorium at 5:30 pm on December 8)

ashima@tribunemail.com

A role to remember
Jasmine Singh

Actor Hemant Pandey of television comedy show Office Office fame loves to do the serious act. Precisely the reason why he is looking forward to his upcoming movie

As a section of people discuss various probabilities that can happen at the end of 2012, a man squatted on green grass, enjoying a balmy afternoon, looks around and confidently blurts out his career move. "My career will see a drastic change in 2016. I totally believe in astrology and I think I have already taken a step towards it." The man is Hemant Pandey, the Office Office actor who on the promotional tour of his upcoming film 2 Nights in Soul Valley bakes some interesting stories for us.

"I was 18 years of age when I left home in Uttarakand in order to do something. Delhi greeted me with open arms, I worked with an NGO that made puppets dance, joined NSD repertory," Hemant says in a casual manner. The first television serial with Tigmanshu Dhulia Hum Mumbai Nahi Jayengey, followed by many other projects, he slowly gained in experience. "I moved to Mumbai and started working. I could never differentiate between small and big roles. A role was a role for me," shares the actor conveniently, taking different routes to narrate his story.

Hemant has always done comic roles, however, he has always wanted to do some serious characters. "I wasn't taken seriously ever. I have been doing comic characters because I was offered those roles. It was only Devi, a television serial on Imagine, where I did a serious role," he adds.

Once again, Hemant does a serious kind of a role in 2 Nights in Soul Valley and you bet it wasn't easy for him! "I didn't laugh in the entire movie." His voice crackles and before we know he is laughing with full gusto. "As an actor, I want to experiment with roles, I want to try something different with my character," Hemant states.

His story comes to a dramatic halt for a while when he is asked about the contribution of theatre. All laughter lines clear, he brings in a tough expression that is going to sit on his face for a while. "I have worked with the best artistes of theatre and it has made me what I am today. Not only theatre artists, also people who watch theatre are much more sensitive, loyal and rooted than other actors or even kids who prefer video games over everything else," says Hemant, an important character in the long running TV show Office Office.

Theatre, we are still on this pit-stop. "I strongly believe that each one of us should at least watch one play in their lives. It will bring in a marked change in thinking." There is a slight problem with theatre but...he is quick to add, "I cannot be a show-off or take risks or do things that other non-theatre people can do. I can't sit still over a performance, till I get the feeling of I-have-given-my-best. If the money offered is more, I feel even more scared," says the actor, who likes to hit the mountains twice a month in a year, go on long walks, gaze at the stars, make his parents proud and, of course, act.

The real Hemant Pandey, however, comes face-to-face with the audiences in 2016!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

What a start!
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Grilled, barbecued, baked, non-greasy, easy-to-share portions and a lot of variety; starters are no longer the introduction to the main course, but have off-late become an avid competitor to the main course dishes. There are no prizes for guessing that the first course is slowly becoming the main course!

“It’s all about eating healthy and in measured quantity whether at home or at a restaurant that the trend of ordering just the starters is on the rise. So much is the demand for starters that at our restaurant Spice Route we have a set menu on starters,” says Chef Nitin Ranjan from Hotel Park Plaza-17. With 16 starters on offer, including six main course dishes and six desserts, this is a sure indication that people love to begin their meal in a grand style.

“Nobody bothers about the main course these days, it’s just the starters that have to be grand,” says Chef Vineet from Hotel Shivalik View-17. He adds, “Less oily and greasy food adds to the popularity of the appetizers. Plus there is a wide variety in starters, right from the baked to grilled, barbecued to lightly tossed and sautéed. Bruchettas, baked vegetables and barbequed chicken have become quite popular with people, but the all-time favourites are chicken tikka, tandoori chicken and grilled fish.”

Well, also being termed as hassle-free food, starters have moved on to the more grilled and baked variety and that’s what is attracting a lot of foodies.

“We have our terrace restaurant that serves most of the grilled items and since people like more of starters, this set menu of ours includes grilled salads like char grill pineapple salad with raw papaya and green chutney, smoke fish, dum ki galouti and grilled fruit skewers,” says Chef Ashish Bali from Hotel Hometel.

Success of Barbeque Nation in Chandigarh can also be attributed to unlimited starters they offer, which literally started a trend. “Starters definitely make a difference. We often hear patrons telling us that they could not reach the main course,” says Sushil, manager, Barbeque Nation-26.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Check newspaper and Internet to know what is happening in your area. You win over an enemy. Family life is charged with tension. A health crisis might strike. Tarot message: Follow the path that you think is right. Don’t follow others.

Lucky colour: Mauve.

Magic number: 49

TAURUS: Those who are more spiritually inclined will prefer solitude. Love life is passing through a rough phase. Businessmen have a tricky day. The married will buy a piece of jewellery for their spouse. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Your card favours good progress in your profession and business. Be wary of a situation where you might make a mistake in haste. Useful day for tackling household problems. Students: Light reading will keep you busy.

Tarot message: Do not let anyone take you for granted. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 25

CANCER: You card reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them with a generous gift. Fortune can smile on you from the least expected sources. Health problems can be satisfactorily treated.

Tarot message: Don’t be too certain. Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 38

LEO: Buy the right outfit for your sports or exercise programme. Dress properly to make a great impression on employers. Enjoy being noticed and acknowledged.

Tarot message: Do not blindly follow what others say. Think before you leap.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 29

VIRGO: Household tasks can be finished in record time. Speculation would be most unwise. No problem should arise in romance. Admirers will stick to models like bees ; but be careful. You will feel great with your renewed energy.

Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength. Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 60

LIBRA: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building up, especially if financial issues are weighing on your mind. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59

SCORPIO: Make extra efforts to conclude pending projects. Secrecy of plans will help you at the place of work. Property deals favoured till 2 pm. Do not aim for spectacular results. Concentrate on recovery of old dues. Tarot message: Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54

SAGITTARIUS: Caring conversations and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Health problem can be successfully handled. This is a good day for both buying and selling property. Stick to what you know. Tarot message: Unfinished business will lead to new problems.

Lucky colour: Grey.

Magic number: 39

CAPRICORN: Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret files and documents. Married will enjoy evening in a different way. Do not carry a lot of cash. If possible, get a dose of fresh air. A better day for travel. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 63

AQUARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family could reach a boiling point. It is important to be friends with everyone. Bright day for intellectuals, writers, advocates and astrologers. Tarot message: Don’t waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27

PISCES: If you are not okay about relationship, finance or career issues, take positive action rather than cribbing about it. The employed will have to work overtime. An important meeting or travel may have to be shelved. Keep a low profile. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks. Lucky colour: Camel. Magic number: 40

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 5...

Everything goes well if you avoid a project that threatens to cost you dearly. Be careful to wait for the proper moment to make that irreversible decision. Patience and consideration are better than rashness.

You've been having a great time, but you have to fulfill your responsibilities for others. Put your focus back on work. If you're dealing with a difficult project, keep pushing yourself to perfect it. You'll make some mistakes along the way, but these can always be fixed. Part of the problem is that this situation reminds you of a painful occurrence from the past. You're afraid of experiencing rejection all over again. The only way to overcome this fear is to get back on the horse again. You need to think things over quite a bit during the first half of the year - and you should make sure not to sign on with anything or anyone you are less than one hundred percent certain about. Your good, intuitive energy helps you, but it's still a slog.

With the stars looking kindly on you from above, 2013 will be fruitful. Extra cash and possible winnings are foreseen. If you have to undergo tiring tests, exams or interviews for a new job, don't be afraid. The stars forecast good news. Students will feel motivated to study for better grades. Dealing with in-laws and extended family members may require an extra dollop of patience. The expenditure will be more than your income. Some avenues of unnecessary spending are likely to open up. Therefore, you have to take necessary steps to rein in your expenditure. Friends may treat you like family. Have a 'meet and greet' before any 'big' event or milestone celebration in which you are included.

Mood: Emotional and vulnerable

Compatible signs: Taurus, Cancer

Lucky colours: Cherry red, Purple

Lucky days: Wednesday and Thursday.

Lucky numbers: 7, 12, 15, 45, 50

You share your birthday with Alex Kapp Horner (born Alexandra Kapp; December 5, 1969), who is an American actress. Her most notable role was as Lindsay on the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine. She began her career in Los Angeles as a member of The Groundlings comedy troupe. Some of her television credits include appearances on ER, Friends, Party of Five, JAG, Seinfeld, Will & Grace and the television movie A Mother's Prayer (1995) with Linda Hamilton.

Chatter box
Family ties

Star World’s new show Packed to the Rafters starts December 4 and is about a family. Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple is free! It's a chance for them to do what they want, when they want and on their own terms. However, less than 48 hours after Ben moves next door, all dreams of freedom come to an end when their three kids realise that being with their parents is a lot more comfortable than being out on their own, which causes them all to come flocking back.

Rumour has it...

Shell shocked: Eva Grover Buzz is that Ram Kapoor and Eva Grover had a brief fling but the actors who star in Bade Acche Lagte Hain refute the rumours. Ram said that the rumours are false, though Eva was initially shocked with the vicious rumours.

Shell shocked: Eva Grover

Win(e)some

If you thought wine is all about serious drinking and sophistication, then CNBC-TV18 will take viewers on an exciting and candid wine exploration with The Grape Escape. Renowned French sommelier Olivier Magny uncorks the mystery and apprehensions associated with wine, with his charming and inimitable panache.

Tour beautiful vineyards from Burgundy to Bordeaux and find out the mystifying facts on the genesis, variety, processes associated with some of the exceptional wines.  Get generous tips from the acclaimed wine connoisseur about the finer nuances associated with wine tasting. Appreciate your wine better as Olivier Magny will also share basic tips on how to choose the best wine and pair it perfectly with your delectable cuisine. Olivier also visits the wine cellars of the stars, exploring their favourite varieties.  Launched on August 25, International Inc. CNBC-TV18’s exciting new weekend programming band showcases the best documentaries from around the world on lifestyle, travel, food, money and business. Watch The Grape Escape, a 10 part series premiering on Saturday, December 1 at 9pm and Sunday, December 2 at 10pm.

The end

Jai Jag Janani Maa Durga - a new mythological show will soon be replacing Kairi Rishta Khatta Meetha on Colors. The show is a new venture from the makers of the epic shows like Ramayan, Alif Laila and Shri Krishna that still has an impression in the hearts and minds of the audiences. It will take over Kairi’s time slot adding a new flavour to the Colors prime time band and making way for fresh content on the slot starting December 17. The new mythological show will showcase Durga’s different avatars in various stages of her life through an interesting storyline.

Game plan

In the upcoming episodes of Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyara Pyara, Anuj and Sheela plan to malign Pankhuri’s parents. Avantika senses some problem with the letter. She tries to find out who wrote it. Aditya comes to meet Pankhuri at Deewan house with a gift.

Notes to each other

In Colors Madhubala, RK (Vivian Dsena) is worried about Madhu's (Drashti Dhami) health. RK will take care of her giving way to many romantic moments. Madhu, will later write him a love letter.

On a different plane

The music competition creates differences between Maanvi and Virat, also the judges’ promotional strategy and Karan’s intentions add fuel to the fire. Jeevika along with Viren plan and make Maanvi and Virat realise that the bond and the love they share is above all competitions. Will Virat Maanvi understand and prioritise their love above everything?

 

Second innings

Indian actresses are beautiful, talented (some of them), and they have it all. Yet, when it comes to marriage, not all have been very lucky and their husbands have been married before in some cases. We take a look at actresses who are not the first wives of their husbands. They hate playing the second wife in movies but have no qualms doing so in real life.

Vidya Balan

Believe it or not, Vidya Balan will be Siddharth Roy Kapoor's third wife when they tie the knot on December 14!  He is pampering her a lot and Vidya has finally found her SRK!

Sridevi

Sridevi and Boney Kapoor are not legally married because Mona Kapoor refused to divorce Boney. Sridevi was Mona's friend and Mona gave her a place to stay but she stole her husband in the bargain. Sridevi and Boney tied the knot later.

Shilpa Shetty

Businessman Raj Kundra was smitten by her when they met in London many years ago. Allegedly, he left his wife for her. The divorce was cleared before they got married. They have been happily married for a few years now and have a son now.

Raveena Tandon

Rumour has it that she drove a wedge between distributor Anil Thadani and his wife at the time. They got engaged in 2003 and married in 2004.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor KhanShe dated Saif Ali Khan for five years before they got married in 2012. She is his second wife. He was previously married to Amrita Singh and has two children with her. Apparently, his affair with Rosa Catallano broke up the marriage for good. He was wild even when he was married to Amrita and they got married after meeting only once and she is older than him. He is also a decade older than Kareena.

Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor Khan

Karisma Kapoor

She hastily got married to childhood and family friend Sanjay Kapur after her engagement with Abhishek Bachchan went kaput. He was previously married to designer Nandita Mahtani. They have two children and have been married for nearly a decade but are living separately and he has been linked with Priya Chatwal.

Rani Mukerji

When she marries Aditya Chopra in 2013 or 2014, she will be his second wife. He was married to interior designer Payal but they separated after eight years of marriage because Aditya was charmed by Rani. The Chopras have accepted Rani now as part of their family.

 

HEART talk
Work it out
Parvesh Rana

I am a 27-year-old working woman. I think I am falling for my boss. My fellow colleagues are discouraging me to say anything to him. Do you think this is unreasonable? — Simran, Mohali

There is nothing wrong with you; you can feel for anyone, your boss included. However, my advice is that try to keep such things out of workplace. This might affect your work at office.

I am 34, a frequent traveller and I love making friends. But my wife thinks that I am a philanderer. She keeps nagging me constantly. How do I explain to her?

— Saurabh, Panchkula

There is nothing wrong in travelling and making friends but you should also understand that you are married and you have some responsibilities towards your wife.

(Rana is a television anchor)

Danny Boyle upset with Shekhar Kapur?

It has been long since Shekhar Kapur announced his ambitious film Paani, starring Hrithik Roshan. But things are finally in place as Shekhar has found a producer in Aditya Chopra.

“Paani was written 15 years ago. But no one thought it would be such a big issue then,” Kapur wrote.

Rumours were also that Hollywood filmmaker Danny Boyle was interested in the project. But Kapur put an end to rumours by announcing Yash Raj Films as the producer.

Now, if the rumours were true, Boyle is naturally disappointed with the news. In fact, Kapur admitted that a known Hollywood producer is upset with him. “A big Hollywood producer complained to my agent 'problem with your client is he always has a strong individualistic vision of his own'. That’s bad?” he tweeted.

“I have always waited to do Paani with a producer that clearly saw my vision of the film, loved it, n added to it. Found that in Adi Chopra. To me a film must be larger than its story. Larger than its director. Larger than its actors. Larger even than its own vision. I always tried that an act of creativity is ultimately and an act of faith. It requires the same courage to leap in the unknown,” he added. As far as his other project Mr India 2 is concerned, Kapur updated: “I have a promise to keep to the kids of India. But only after Paani.”

Evelyn steals the show

Bollywood newbie Evelyn Sharma is fast turning into fashion industry’s favourite muse! After walking the ramp for the who's who of the designer world, Evelyn opened the show for ace designer Rocky S with a bang at the India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) on Candolim Beach in Goa this week.

Grapevine has it that the steaming Miss Paraguay 2012, Nicole Huber, was originally supposed to open the show, but Rocky S changed his mind last minute, when he saw the ravishing Evelyn walk into the event and asked her to open it instead. Evelyn makes heads turn on the red carpet and has also been seen in a few commercials.

Creating this much noise, the half-German half-Indian Evelyn will be seen in at least four upcoming movies next year. These start with Rohan Sippy’s Nautanki Saala with Vicky Donor star Ayushmann Khurrana and Delhi Belly fame Kunal Roy Kapur; followed by T-Series’ Yaariyaan, the directorial debut of Super Cassettes icon Bhushan Kumar’s wife Divya Kumar; and Manish Tiwary's Issaq opposite Prateik Babbar.

Evelyn will be seen in a opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Way to go gal!





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