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Learn, the fun way
Life might be short, but the summer is long. Get a little dramatic, learn a craft, swing a little, cook in style, pick a language; there are a plethora of things to do apart from twiddling your thumbs. Before the blank afternoons and long days start staring in the face, let these activities and workshops play host this summer.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
Clowning glory Delhi-based Purple Mangoes claim to take the kids on a journey that enables one to look within. A process of finding our inner clown, a clown that is devoid of any masks, identities, walls that we build around us to protect ourselves from the outside world. The workshop process involves self-exploration and introspection through improvisations, body work, story-telling, conversations and a lot more. There’s painting workshop, grooming and etiquette classes; sculpture classes and puppet theatre, depending on what you opt for. From: May end to June end For: Children At: Art Portfolio, SCO 141—142, Sector 9C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh
Tiny tips Tiny Feet has planned a summer workshop for children with an array of refreshing activities. There’s a Peek-a-Boo summer fun for toddlers with activities like pretend play, water fun, toddler art and craft, games, music and dance, story-telling and more. Cooking Up sessions include story-telling, apart from a cooking session comprising lip-smacking recipes. Writer’s Wit includes a bouquet of creative activities such as writing musical stories, creating limericks, making word games and writing visual prompts. Little Picasso comprises a painting course while Let’s Make A Scene introduces the pre-teens to theatre. From: May 20 to June 29 For: The age group of two-years-old to nine-years-old, depending on the activity. At: House No 11, Sector 8A, Chandigarh.
Kids world Pitara For Kids is organising a workshop for children where not just the children, but the parents get to attend a couple of sessions as well. There are pottery classes, textile colouring, make-up classes for the parents, skincare and hair-styling for the children. Apart from the everyday dance classes, in one of the sessions, a pediatrician will be guiding the parents on immunity system of the kids. From: May 27 to June 15. For: The age group of three to 15. At: #77, Sector 8, Panchkula
Grooming time All those women who are looking forward to up their style quotient can head to the grooming workshop held by Tanvi KG of I Style Makeovers. Apart from the tips on skin and haircare, there’s dining etiquette, the art of make-up and also a personal shopping session after the make-up class. From: Starting June 15. For: Girls aged 15 and upwards. At: 304/8, Bollywood Heights, Sector 20, Panchkula
Under construction The Engine Room announces its summer workshop Kids Under Construction. The camp includes theatre, dance, fitness, music, a play and a gig. The classes are being held by theatre artist Vivek Rana, member, Manchtantra while the dance workshop is being looked after by Puneet Jewandah, a professionally trained dancer. From: May 27 to June 14. For: Children between the age group of four to 16. At: The Engine Room, SCO 62, 63, Sector8 C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh.
Rock & roll Looking forward to some fun with music and dance? The roller coaster summer workshop at Jaskshan’s Dance Dacha promises (as the name suggests) a roller-coaster ride with dance, theatre, public-speaking, adventure and much more. From: May 25 to June 18. For: Children between the age group of four to fifteen. At: Jaskshan’s Dance Dacha studio at The British School, Sector 44, Chandigarh.
Go bananas Go Bananas Kids Club is synonymous now with kids and summer activities. This summer they have on the agenda pool activities, field visits; apart from the staple music and dance, art and craft, and theatre. From: Three-week long camp starting May 25 For: Open for all age groups At: The Sanawar Montessorie School, Sector 11, Panchkula and Shemrock School, Sector 69, Mohali
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Together to distant lands
A rather pleasant Indian summer evening brought along a piquant flavour of wisdom through the personal experiences of the first travel writers in the country, Hugh and Colleen Gantzer. The couple recently bagged the National Tourism Award for excellence in publishing for their two books, The Alluring North and The Vibrant West, from the President of India at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Married for over 52 years, the much-in-love couple swears by the fact that they have never travelled without each other! And if their names mislead you into assuming that they are foreigners, well, stand informed that they are as much Indian as you and I!
As the Gantzer couple initiates an engaging banter while chasing the line of orientation of their book series, Intriguing India, Hugh says, “While penning down the Intriguing India book series, which includes four books, The Alluring North, The Vibrant West, The Historic South and The Colourful East, we went beyond the destinations to bring out the essence of India and its character. Each book comprises as many as 96 chapters. Every legend in India has a grain of truth that stems from a scientific understanding of that phenomenon.” While Hugh continues to spill out some interesting facts about the country, he details, “Chandni Chowk of Delhi really amazed us to a degree beyond expression,” he says and his wife, Colleen takes forth the conversation, “It was splendid indeed as we found out that everybody in the Paranthe Wali Gali belonged to the same family,” she smiles. They have been travelling together for more than forty years now and they do not use internet for information. “We prefer travelling alone,” says Colleen while adding, “Also we do not travel by brochures, both Hugh and I maintain travel diaries and for further research refer to over 20-odd encyclopaedias.” That brings us to wonder how the two assemble their notes to compile a book together; well the answer lies in every successful marriage...as Hugh shares, “well, we fight!” Well, the Gantzer couple surely seem to have come a long way from where they started writing fortnightly travel columns for various newspapers and magazines across India in the late 60s to documenting first travel films that were telecast on Doordarshan during the early 90s to now, when they have won the National award. “We are working on our new book about the Ashok Hotel, titled, the Capital Icon, because it is the only hotel in the world that has been conceived by the Prime Minister (Jawahar Lal Nehru) of a country to host the first UNESCO conference.” When asked to detail on their other accomplishments, Hugh laughs, “I’m in love with my wife for over 52 years...is that not an accomplishment!” amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Dress rehearsal
While fusing royalty and fashion, Priyanka Khosla, takes her fashion label a notch higher as she picks up a few shades from the summer sun and splashes them in her new golden collection that is especially designed for the May Queen 2013 contestants.
Known for her well-crafted, prêt a porte and Western couture that bears much resemblance to the vintage fashion that was typical of the 50s and 60s, Priyanka goes on to experiment with different shades of gold. "The May Queen contest has been organised by the DSOI. As many as 20 girls from the defence background will be participating in this event, where the ladies will support a saree in the first round and dresses in the second. The top five contestants will wear dresses and gowns from my Royal Golden Collection series." Considering that neon colours are much in trend these days, Priyanka defines her line of thought while choosing gold as
a colour. "I want the contestants to feel like queens and there was no other colour except gold that defines royalty, thus the choice." She has also experimented with both the colour and fabric to bring about much variation in her collection. "I have used a lot of laces because they make a woman look more feminine and the fabrics that I have used here are lycra, satin, velvet, fine nets and lace fabric. Also, I have introduced a lot of flowing gowns, peplum gowns, flute gowns, fitted peplum dresses and short dresses with flair in this collection." Priyanka's collection ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 and she has also introduced a lot of bows, trails and shimmer sequence to break the monotony of the dress series. "Peplum dresses are not advisable for those who are thigh heavy, but they will work really well for those who have a bulging stomach. Also, people who are overweight must go in for A-line and sheath dresses," she says.
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More on the plate!
From dinner plates, breakfast plates, coffee glasses, kettles and cups, napkins and table spreads, now everyday can be a new experience.
On the official launch of her brand at Flamme Bois, Sector 7 Chandigarh, Aparna Sharon Isadass displayed a collection of her work while appreciation poured in from across the city. "An Owl is also referred to as a wise and sensible bird that is awake at night; that's my schedule and Owwllee is what my family calls me. It all started when we used to plan weddings for customers in Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh; what I noticed were the drab looking plates and dead table décor lying between the embellished set-ups. Dining experience should be equally exciting, shouldn't it? "I am a big foodie myself; maybe that's why my attention was drawn to it. Just then I decided that it's time to inject life into the plates; I started making customised plates with the name of bride and groom on it. That was just the beginning." Fresh take
While the glasses are from Turkey, the plates are from France, the Indian plates are from Pondicherry and the furnace is in Jaipur; the stickers that she designs for the plates are prepared in Mumbai. "I simply do that to avoid the monotony and bring in something fresh that has never been experienced before." The set of breakfast plate is priced at Rs 200 for two and above. Innovative approach
After every 20 days she will introduce a new theme. @@n New vibrant colours such as purple, neons, green, pink, red, orange and grey.@@n Theme-based cutlery like London with the Big Ben; love and romance prints.
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What an idea!
Technology just keeps surprising us with all the fresh concepts, which spring up each new day. It's not a matter of choice anymore; rather it's a way to keep up with what's new. Talking about the booming mobile culture, with the demand for I-Phone along with the android fever that has caught up with Chandigarh folks, the best thing to do is make the most of it!
Ginny Chawla, the young entrepreneur and Owner of The Altius, Industrial Area, Phase II, Chandigarh, couldn't help but use his knowledge for bigger and better ideas. The latest one being an application called 'The Altius App', which encompasses the complete information of the hotel. While you know him through his store chain - Brands Bargain - which introduces the idea of anti-theft equipment in the city, his new endeavor is as fresh and unique. In the app Starting from the options to locate the hotel, navigate through it, check the lobby and rooms, the lounge; the application provides all the information and what's even more delightful is the 360 degree virtual tour with a 3D effect. "So now if you wish to book a room, check the lounge or even register as a guest for the lounge, 10 Downing Street, this application acts as a gateway. "Those who register become our gold members; they will exclusively receive timely offers and deals. Apart from that, they won't be paying cover charges till 11 pm at 10 Downing Street." Behind the scene Nishant Johar, Head of the IT company, Let us Handle it, says, "We have a powerful back-end for this application with the analytics to see who has registered, how many members are there in total, which mobile they are using. From the application we can send a message to all the users with just a click or to a particular member too in case of a birthday or anniversary. It took us one year to complete it, but the outcome is excellent." Perfect timings "With The Altius celebrating their first Anniversary on May 25, it's the best time to launch the app. Apart from that, for the special occasion we are also bringing DJ Nights by DJ Kilogram on May 22 and DJ Suketu on May 25," says Rohit Tuli, head of business development.
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STAR TRACK
India's prominence at the ongoing 66th Cannes Film Festival could be gauged not just by the star turn outs but also films getting rave reviews from major trade publications.
Dabba, Bombay Talkies, Monsoon Shootout, Ugly are films that have tried to make the global audience realise that contemporary Indian films have much more to offer than the regular song-and-dance-sequences and receive praise from international publications. Director Amit Kumar's Monsoon Shootout had a midnight screening at the ongoing 12-day fest. The film starring Nawazuddin Siddique and Tannishtha Chatterjee is set against the backdrop of corruption in the police force in Mumbai and has garnered positive reviews.
A publication praised the film as being 'a colourful Indian cops and gangsters tale that gets a successful makeover as an international art film.' "Though the idea of Dirty Harry meeting Sliding Doors may sound abstract, writer-director Amit Kumar pulls it off gracefully, without losing the sense of heightened drama that earned the film a Midnight Movie slot in Cannes," it said. Another publication said, "It's an entertaining popcorn-movie with a twist, for which commercial success is on the cards. There should be space for pictures like it in Cannes." Ritesh Batra's debut film Dabba (The Lunchbox) starring Irrfan Khan and Siddique, also received unanimous praise from critics. It was referred to as 'An indie Indian film with the crossover appeal of Monsoon Wedding.' "Ritesh Batra's debut is sure to be gobbled up by audience-friendly fests before heading into niche cinemas," it added. —
PTI
Life is good
Rishi Kapoor was the chocolate hero in his prime and now he is enjoying himself stretching himself as an actor and doing a variety of roles. He talks about his new lease of life in acting and his son Ranbir Kapoor.
Image change For a long time, I was not taken seriously as an actor. This question of the change came to my mind while doing Bol Radha Bol in which I had a double role and the negative character was more likable than the good one. But the negative role in Aneepath was quite different because the hero was not bad at all and my character was a butcher and a pimp. In Aurangzeb also, it was a different negative role because my character was ruthlessly ambitious and greedy. Work wise I am enjoying my work a lot more now. I have played different characters throughout my career from romantic to comic to negative. I have no image to worry about. I have fun with my looks, wigs and moustaches. For 25 years, I sang songs and now I am free to act the way I want. I owe this new lease of life to my fans and to myself. I am having fun and being taken seriously as an actor. Changing cinema Today's multiplex audiences are offering a challenge to cinema and are accepting a variety of cinema. Different scripts and formulas are being written. There are two schools of cinema now: the escapist and the relatable. Earlier, we did not have relatable cinema. It was just escapist entertainment which we could do on auto pilot. Cinema reflects the concerns of society now and society has changed a lot. Against tide My bad phase where I did not have much work did not last very long. I was always against the tide, I was the romantic hero in a sea of action heroes. I was never number one but always the saleable one. I was gaining weight and had turned 45 years old. My wife said I had become boring on screen. The Khans has just started coming in. So I took voluntary retirement. After three months, I directed Aa Ab Laut Chalen and then got back to acting with Raju Chacha and Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi. My career restarted in 2000. I now work 25 days a month and have had seven releases in seven months which even youngsters do not have. My most satisfying film has been Do Dooni Chaar because Habib Faisal had the balls to give me a lead role when I was a nobody. Gifted son Ranbir told his mom and me that he did not want to a play a romantic hero on a skateboard with a twisted cap like Mr Shah Rukh Khan had envisaged. He wanted to play his age and not play basketball and dance with 40 extras. He wanted to do something different. We were and are very proud of him and he has succeeded on his terms. People love him today because he has broken the mould and done such a variety of roles in such a short time. New lease: Rishi Kapoor
Leonardo showers praise on Big B
Amitabh Bachchan shared screen space with Hollywood star Leonardo Di'Caprio in his Hollywood debut The Great Gatsby and his co-stars who shared screen space with Amitabh is all praise for the actor.
Praising Big B, Hollywood star Leonardo said, "There couldn't be a gentler, wonderful individual to work with. And astoundingly talented. To come and play Meyer Wolfsheim in this movie and embody that roughness and a mystery, everything that comes out of his mouth is filled with so much more and so much presence. And then you see the camera cut and he's the perfect gentleman, just a joy to be around and a wonderful collaborator. He's a magnificent actor and I was honoured to work with him." Amitabh Bachchan's other co-star Tobey Maguire who played an observer and narrator Nick Carraway in the film speaks about his experience working with the megastar. It took him a while to "get over the feeling" that he was "in the presence of iconic royalty," Tobey told. "It was really an honour working with him. He is so great. He is so thoughtful. He's kind of regal in a sense but also so modest. And a very talented actor too. It was kind of an interesting, surprising way to go for that part and I couldn't imagine anybody else doing it," he said.
House hunting
Special entry
Football fun
Ranbir Kapoor has found himself a new football buddy and that is Jaaved Jaafri's son Meezan. The duo was recently spotted playing football near Jaaved's suburban residence. Ranbir plays with his neighbours and star friends in Bandra and makes a group to play with wherever he goes.
Character call...
Imran Khan and Akshay Kumar are now dubbing for Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2. Imran wore casual denims while Akshay wore a pathani suit. He is seen in pathanis throughout the movie and for a few years now, he wears the same clothes as his character even while dubbing to stay in character. |
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Promotional drive
Sachin re-enters Masterchef
It’s been a tough journey for Mumbai’s very own Sachin Naik in STAR Plus’ Masterchef Kitchen Ke Superstars. With great enthusiasm, Sachin, who had entered the top 12, lost out early on his chance to win the coveted title. However, the wild card entry proved lucky for Sachin. As he put his best chef cap on, Sachin stunned the taste buds of all the three judges by preparing a unique form of Raviolli.
“Sachin’s dish brought out the best flavours, he stood through the challenge and emerged the winner,” says Chef Kunal Kapoor, one of the judges on the show. Masterchef Kitchen Ke Superstar has been a great challenge for all the contestants. Will Sachin make it to the Top 5? Will he then give a tough competition to his co-participants? To watch the special Wild Card entry week, tune into Masterchef Kitchen Ke Superstar at 8:00 pm only on Star Plus.
Acting bug
Suhasi Dhami aka Sona in Aaj Ki Housewife Hai…Sab Janti Hai had participated with her husband Jaysheel in Nach Baliye and it seems he has caught the acting bug. He now wants to try his luck at acting.
Makeover time
Soon Prithvi of Junoon will have a new look. Aditya Redij who plays the rustic character in Yash Patnaik's show on Life OK will become modern with a new style and attitude. He will shed the dhoti-kurta look to a modern one. Apparently, the makers are planning to bring in major changes in the show.
Karan on a roll
Karan V Grover is eagerly awaiting reactions on his new show Punar Vivaah 2. He plays the lead and is trying to let go off his last flop show.
Tell us about your character My character is Raj who used to be an into theatre and is from a well-to-do family. But when the girl he loves Divya (Rubina Dilaik) leaves him, he’s in a shock. He gives up his passion and then his family gets him married to Sarita (Shristy Rode), which is not a happy marriage. The role has many layers and complexities, which is intriguing. So whose Punar Vivaah will it be? I will not be able to tell you about that right now, but I can promise it will be an interesting story. What did you think of Hum Aapke Inlaws ending so soon and not getting TRPs? Well, we try our best as actors. It was a good concept. I tried a new genre and had loads to learn. You will be taking the show forward. Were there any awkwardness between Gurmeet Choudhary and you? Not really. Gurmeet and I are friends; things are cool between us. After your last show on Zee, you are back on the channel? Yes it is a big deal to
be repeated by a channel to play the male lead, so I am honoured and humbled. I am glad and happy that they chose me for
this role.
Comic caper with Kapil!
Kapil Sharma is funny as hell. He is not only well-known on the stage, but off it as well with his videos being a rage online. And now, adding to the madness, the King of Comedy, Kapil, will be seen donning multiple avatars that of an actor, script-writer and producer in his first production debut.
Kapil, who promises to be wickedly funny, is all excited about bringing together new weapons in his arsenal of gags…he will serve you hilarious anecdotes squeezed in the form of his observations of people. Kapil will turn mundane nights into more entertaining ones with COLORS new show Comedy Nights with Kapil. The comedian will be seen simultaneously on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa as a host as well as an entertainer on Comedy Nights with Kapil. Known for his strong comic timing as well as his ability to find humour in any situation, Comedy Nights with Kapil will present a distinctive take on everyday life in a fresh manner. — HRM
Viewers first Channels are focusing on viewer engagement these days; Life Ok did a Clean Ganga Campaign with Mahadev, Sanskaar had a contest asking people to write stories about their loved ones living abroad and now, Madhubala will have a contest wherein RK will ask viewers to suggest what he should gift Madhu. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Are you really disappointed? Do not lose hope as your lucky break is just around the corner. Try to increase your knowledge in new areas. Health needs more care in the evening. TAURUS: Take criticism constructively and accept praise graciously. Make the most of this low-key day because there is plenty of work for tomorrow. Money problem is likely to come to the fore. Tarot message: Don't take hasty decisions. GEMINI: Your sentiments will strike the right note with your partners. Influential people will be contacted without too much trouble. When working alone, you will be at your best. CANCER: Arguments at home are likely to erupt. Career women will be in the limelight. Be a little more tactful and considerate. Your financial ideas should be examined more carefully. LEO: If you have been feeling house-bound, arrange an outing with your partner and have some fun. Refuse any new assignments. Loved ones will be supportive and encouraging. You will only get what you pay for. VIRGO: Show your love to close ones through practical action rather than empty promises. Family members will require your help. The day will end on a fairly optimistic note. LIBRA: If something is already on your calendar, postpone it for a later date. It’s the right time to impress your boss. You will be feeling competent to deal with work that requires creativity. SCORPIO: You are in a cheerful mood today. Decisions will involve an overseas journey. Older people need to take care of their health. Domestic bliss will be of high order. SAGITTARIUS: Do not spend lavishly. You will plan a profitable business trip. Those interested CAPRICORN: Household expenses and mortgage seem AQUARIUS: Property investments are possible. Keep a check on your finances to balance your accounts. You will neglect your health due to a busy schedule. Love life is interesting PISCES: Make the most of the day. Some of you have lost interest in career ambitions and arefeeling faded about future prospects. You will feel free from any pressure and stress. |
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