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Recesses of the mind
A mind of a thinker combined with the art of a story-teller…that’s Sudhir Kakar, easily one of India’s leading psychoanalysts who has time and again in his 17 books unpeeled layers of the human mind in an eminently readable as well as insightful fashion. Here he was in Chandigarh to decode the art of one the great minds that India has seen, none other than Rabindranath Tagore.
In a lecture, A Creative Melancholy: The Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore, organised by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi at the Government Museum auditorium, he theorised Tagore’s creative process as well as the genesis of his melancholy. Whatever one may say about art concealing the artist, the truth is it does reveal the person that the artist is. With these thoughts, Kakar dwelt on the paintings of Tagore and made the link between art and the artist lucidly visible. Quoting extensively from Tagore’s own writing, he unravelled the layers of his artworks, his relationship with his sister-in-law Kadambari, her suicide a few months after Tagore’s marriage and how he revisited the loss of his mother and sister-in-law in his later works when the face of both became one. Love and loss… the role of love Kakar feels can never be over exaggerated in psychoanalysis. As for sex he says, “Well it’s an expression of love.” Of course, it’s a pity that we are living in times when sex may not always be a manifestation of tender emotions. He explains the increasing sexual violence thus: “It’s because of the conflict in the Indian mind which has traditionally viewed women in terms of relationships, as against the Western notion of accepting her as a female.” Yes indeed, this writer of Indian Psyche certainly believes there is a thing called Indian psyche which has many commonalties determined by notions of hierarchy, myths and morality, once again very different from what the West believes. Indeed, westernisation has created a conflict and today most Indians are at crossroads, not knowing fully what is right and what is not. For a man who believes empathy is at the heart of mysticism, he has worked extensively in finding a correlation between mysticism and psychoanalysis. Often his work in this realm has come under criticism too but he shrugs it off with, “When you do something new, people do react.” Yes indeed, some critics responded coldly when he wrote his first novel The Ascetic of Desire too. What made him, an author of seminal works in non-fiction such as Inner World which has gone into 16th edition, move towards the world of fantasy? “See when writing non-fiction I was on a ground on which I knew I wouldn’t slip and was aware of the ceiling I could touch. In short there were few challenges.” In fact, he confesses that in his debut novel too he played safe and treaded the familiar ground as it was based on the life of Vatsyayana. Gradually, in novels like The Crimson Throne he found his feet and today he stands on a terra firma where there is no ceiling, glass or otherwise, as he soars high in a vast expanse. Having put finishing touches to a book on Tagore titled Young Tagore that talks of his life till the age of 23, he states that childhood and young years are the most defining moments in one’s life. So which incidents shaped him and compelled this Bachelor in mechanical engineering with a Masters degree in business economics to choose psychoanalysis as a vocation? He smiles and shoots off, “Oh, you want me to psychoanalyse myself.” Does he ever do it? You bet it’s not easy! Nevertheless, he has shared it all in his autobiography. More words will certainly flow. He, however, has no intention of working on any other visual artist. The reasoning might sound simple, “It’s a lot of hardwork,” but the truth probably is that the multitalented, multifaceted man listed among the world’s 25 major thinkers would not care to repeat himself. Ceaselessly challenging himself, he is forever in search of higher ceilings to go beyond. nonika@tribunemail.com
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Verse friendly
At any given time of the day, Rajbir Deswal is solving issues, but the moment a thought crosses his mind and heart, he captures it and gives it the form of poetry. “Rehguzar has 50 ghazals and nazms. I don’t know how to read or write Urdu; the book is in Devnagri and the facing page is in Urdu,” he shares. Rehguzar comes out naturally without any effort or brain-storming session. “Poetry is like clothing the words in a comprehensible manner; if allowed to flow without decorating it explicitly touches the heart,” adds the officer and poet who likes to read Iqbal, Faiz and Ghalib. “I have visited colleges, universities; interacted with students, addressed many youth forums and was surprised to see that they love to hear a word or two in Urdu after two hours of deliberation,” he says, as an after-thought. Rehguzar will definitely appeal to the young and raring-to-go generation, which doesn’t have much insight into the language but would love to know more of it. “This will give the generation a peep into the language, making it easy for them to understand it,” shares the writer. Listening to the songs, reading Urdu poets, Rajbir Deswal feels it is the thoughts that a writer or poet should be comfortable with first. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Copy that!
Getting hold of a fake Burberry is as easy as buying cold coffee. Counterfeit fashion is a billion dollar market. No wonder, the four-letter word starting with the sixth alphabet sends the creative directors in a flap! Till the likes of Roberto Cavalli see flattery in imitation, there are those that broaden the fine line between imitation and inspiration itself. It’s a fashion meets budget philosophy and fake is not the word they like to use.
Shares Pari Rajputana, who runs a city-based boutique, “So many times brides come up asking only for one of the Manish Malhotra creations, but they don’t want the exact replica; just an idea taken either in terms of colours or the fabric and then finally want something totally new. Would you call it piracy?” After all, fashion needs to have a trickle down effect and ideas a free-wheeling space. But it all originates from one of the big names in the fashion industry. Designers Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra find their way in almost every bride’s trousseau, at least in Chandigarh, and also remain the hot favourite or as many like to term, “the eternal favourite.”
She adds, “Manish Malhotra remains the most replicated designer in city boutiques or at least the most requested for replication. Sabyasachi is a close second.” Call him the creative fountainhead or reduce it down to commercialism, the B-town’s never been the same eversince he started designing for the stars and their red carpet events. As for the Bollywood movies, the shock-and-scare clothes that ruled the early nineties, relaxed a bit. “The surprising part is that Manish Malhotra remains a favourite among all age groups. Right from women who are 20-year-olds to 45-year-olds,” shares Sonal Manik, who runs Sanskriti and Lady Couture. She adds, “The fact that he enjoys immense popularity could also be because his designs are quite exclusive and most recognisable.” However, very many pin it down to adaptability. Nods Anu Sodhi from the The Talking Threads, “His popularity can also be attributed to the fact that he plays with colours a lot. His designs are also the easiest to replicate.” She adds, “Even if you look at his latest fashion show, it was all colours. However, everybody cannot copy; you need to have certain design sensibilities even for that. We tailor everything according to the taste of customers.” That’s where the space for in-house designing comes. “It’s not that there is no scope for our individuality and creativity. In fact, the clients also are not that rigid and don’t mind playing around a little. That’s when we tell them to trust the final product with us,” says Gunjan Nagpal from Aura. She laughs, “That’s where their rough demands come in the form of torn magazine pages or pen drives or pictures in the cellphone.” Who wants to spend lakhs on a creation whose shelf life is, probably, one wedding season? She adds, “They want something similar, not same. Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra are undoubtedly the first preference among city women. Sabyasachi is renowned for traditional-wear while Manish Malhotra is synonymous with Bollywood.” And Bollywood rules! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Fashion fiesta
Black Apparel India Limited unveiled its flagship store in Elante Mall, Chandigarh, where Gulshan Sharma, the Golmal-fame Bollywood actress and model, flaunted the exquisite range of apparels.
Working with innovative fabrics like linen, the store displays a wide range of elegant and unique collections for men, women and kids. The collection ranges from the cool and chic casuals like sweatshirts, shrugs, slacks and semi-casuals to extremely elegant range of formals. Black believes in providing a great shopping experience to customers both in terms of product spread and the ambience at its stores. — TNS
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Something fishy!
Vishvesh Khanna Who does not relish a well-made fish curry with rice? Fish being very 'easy to cook' is a nutritive option for many and according to cooking norms, the lesser cooked the better! So, here's a simple and quick-to-make homemade fish curry recipe.
Procedure
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The babies and some blues
However, Witherspoon, 37, reveals that her memory has deteriorated since she gave birth and she finds it difficult to remember simple tasks, reported a publication. "Ever since I had the baby, I can't remember anything. Serious, this child stole my brain. I'm losing friendships over forgetting to get back to people. But you can't keep up with everything. I've got a 13-year-old, a nine-year-old and a baby. It's like CNN ticker tape running through my mind at all times: 'Where is Ava? She's OK. Good. Where is Deacon? He's OK. Good. Where is Tennessee? Is he OK? Yes. Great. Back to Ava...' It doesn't stop." Witherspoon's comments have emerged a little over a week since she was arrested for disorderly conduct. She was held on April 19 after arguing with a traffic cop who had pulled over the car.
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When Aamir made Imran cry
The 1988 romantic drama was written and produced by Nasir Hussain and directed by his son Mansoor Khan. The film, starring Aamir Khan as Raj and Juhi Chawla as Rashmi, was a huge hit. "I did see the film 25 years back, but I don't remember much as I was small. I remember my mother telling me that when we were seeing the trailer show, I cried a lot as Aamir mamu was dying in the end and I had to be taken out," Imran said, during the special screening of the film. "I have some memories of being on the sets and being in the editing room," he said. Imran feels it is a big day for the family and also it's very special and emotional as the film completes 25 years. — PTI
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A star does not have to take off her clothes: Miley Cyrus
The 20-year-old also said that it was sad that people cannot separate the ideas of beauty and sex, reported a publication. "A star is someone who doesn't have to take her clothes off to be sexy because you naturally have star power. Sex does sell, but you have to find a way that's not just showing your body. I don't want to be a glorified model. They just walk on stage and it's all about their clothes - or lack of clothes," she said. Of the controversy surrounding her own Vanity Fair shoot, by Annie Leibovitz, when she was just 15, Cyrus added, "You can't even look at something that's just beautiful without immediately going to sex. That's sad." — PTI
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No chemistry
Mr Misfit: Farhan Khan
Mansi says, "My new venture combines my talent, both in music and acting. I will be collaborating with another talented singer, Jahnvi Srimankar as we are a perfect combination of modernity with tradition and so is our music. I am really excited about it." We also hear that the talented dancer, Shompa, will be seen in the video experimenting with a new technique called 'visual feedback'.
This epic show will premiere on May 6 and it will be telecast every Monday to Thursday at 9.00 pm only on ETV Marathi.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: "The Emperor" brings out your leadership qualities. Today your best approach is not to confront people but to go about your own tasks with great dedication.
Tarot message: Use your judgment wisely. TAURUS: The third eye of "Lord Shiva" instigates a major transformation. You have a renewed sense of enthusiasm in projects. It's a good day to spend some time with your friends. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. GEMINI: "The Moon" takes you through a difficult Karmic situation today. You must address important issues immediately. Faith will be your guiding principle. Tarot message: Try to make use of financial opportunities and act on it in time. CANCER: You draw "The Ace of Cups" which brings beauty, pleasure and happiness. Spontaneous suggestions for a relaxing rendezvous are worth accepting. Tarot message: It is the thought that counts and not the price tag. LEO: "The Lovers" inspire you to climb new heights and work on creative ideas. There are shakeups in relationships today; the challenge is to control them. Tarot message: Get a clear perspective before making decisions. VIRGO: You make an impact and shine like your card, "The Star". You will take the lead today. You are likely to work closely with children or pets. Distant news brings cheerfulness. Tarot message: Stay positive and focused. LIBRA: "The wheel of fortune" spins in some good fortune. A partner will bring in stability. Listen to practical advice. Take preventive measures like diet, exercise and rest to stabilise your health. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in new projects. SCORPIO: "The Priests" usher in a pure, exalted and gracious influence. You are in a confused situation where what you want to do does not agree with what you've been taught. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the day. SAGITTARIUS: "Nine Golden Cups" greet you with happiness. You're in a position to stir things up but be very careful and think it through. Love and romance add a special flavour. Tarot message: Your hardwork will be fruitful. CAPRICORN: "The Queen of Wands" allows you to achieve success. You can blend logic and intuition to come up with creative directions. You're adaptable to changing circumstances. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish difficult tasks. AQUARIUS: "The Queen of Swords" brings mental clarity and perspective in a chaotic situation. You work best with people who share a common vision. Focus on what you want. Tarot message: Take care of your personal interests. PISCES: "Three Wands" help you establish your business and expand in a new direction. Social event will be fun especially in the company of loved ones. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. |
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A feeling lurking in the deepest corner of the heart, a thought that couldn’t take a form, a moment flying unchained… if all this were to be given a form, a standing, a platform then the only way would be to put them in lines; establishing links (rhyme if possible) and let them flow in the poetry. Rajbir Deswal, commissioner of police of Ambala and Panchkula, fills the empty spaces with his recently released book on poetry — Rehguzar — published by Books For All. This isn’t for the first time that this officer, who can smoothly slide between his work and passion, has given words the form of poetry. His earlier books, Barishen Girti Rahin, My Own Khajuraho, Taaron Key Jungle, among others, has touched hearts, not forgetting the well-done notes from here and there!
Ingredients
Actress Reese Witherspoon says she has been struggling with memory loss since giving birth to her third child last year.
Last September, the Legally Blonde star and her husband Jim Toth became parents to Tennessee James, a sibling for Witherspoon's two children with Ryan Phillippe, 13-year-old Ava and nine-year-old Deacon.
Actor Imran Khan was in tears on seeing his uncle Aamir Khan die in the final scenes of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Imran played the role of young Raj (essayed by Aamir) in his grandfather's home production.
Singer Miley Cyrus has said that while she accepts that sex sells in Hollywood, she thinks people need to "find a way that's not all about showing your body".
Farhan Khan, who plays the role of Manav in Chhanchhan that is telecast on Sony TV, might soon be replaced. If sources are to be believed, his chemistry with the lead actor, Sanaya Irani, is not compelling and the makers are giving it a second thought. 
Towards a new beginning
In the spotlight
Embarking on a musical journey
Back with Mahabharat
All is well
KBC goes the Marathi way