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In harmony
Forget controversies, the fire that her films inadvertently generate, Deepa Mehta in Chandigarh for the Chandigarh Literary Festival looks more than happy, self-assured and confident in her space. Unlike most Indians living in foreign lands, the acclaimed Oscar- nominated Indo-Canadian filmmaker doesn’t suffer from any identity crisis either. Rather she has beautifully amalgamated the best of both worlds and credits India for her passion and Canada for the freedom to do what she wants.
In India, her freedom to screen her films (Fire) as well as to shoot them (Water) has often been challenged. Today as she looks back over the storm that her films whip up, she says: “Over the years I have learnt to be cool about such things.” Initially she would get agitated by unnecessary fracas as well as rumours for, “one expects honesty and accuracy but now I understand everyone needs a hook to hang their stories.” Often her films have had the peg of literature. On the challenges involved in adapting literary pieces on larger-than-life-screen, well she mainly talks about the making of Midnight’s Children. No unlike Ang Lee who chewed over Life of Pi for years, she didn’t have to live with Salman Rushdie’s book for 10 years to be compelled to make a film on it. The iconic book has been a part of her growing up years. Of course, she initially toyed with making a film on another book of Rushdie. Till, the idea came like a flash: “Why not Midnight’s Children?” Of course, when two great minds come together the chances of clashes couldn’t be ruled out, “no two creative people are on the same page ever and there was a risk of losing friendship.” But she was very clear that Rushdie would write the screenplay for, “I wanted to leave it to his discretion as to which characters he wanted to keep and which ones to eliminate.” As the film garnered mixed response from critics, she quips, “But in India all my films do.” Well, most of her films also make it to big festivals around the world. How much does that matter? Once again she is circumspect, “Initially, when I was younger it did make a difference.” However, she does insist that cinema is not an isolated process. She adds, “I don’t make films to watch it on my mobile phone or in a living room. Film making experience becomes complete when audiences view it.” Does she feel Indian viewers have become more tolerant? She replies, “Well, the censor board certainly has.” On Indian cinema, however, she refuses to take a stand. Even though she gushes over films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye, Lunch Box and many others, she proclaims, “I am not an expert, I am a filmmaker.” And the filmmaker in her gets excited when she watches a Punjabi film like Qissa. Having already made Heaven on Earth in Punjabi, her much-talked-about Exclusion (Kamagata Maru) too will be in Punjabi. Based on a true story surrounding the voyage of a Japanese ship hired by people from Punjab, however for now the project has been put on hold for a couple of years. “The film,” she informs “requires huge logistics. So much has changed in Canada since then. The place where the ship landed is now full of skyscrapers.” While simultaneously she doesn’t work on too many projects yet there is one more that she will soon be making. Called Secret Daughters, it hovers around mother daughter relationship and adoption. Often her subjects are exceptionally powerful. Yet she asserts that treatment and subject can’t be viewed as separate entities locked in two different rooms and have to be married into one. Just as the Indian and Canadian merge in her being. So do the person and the maker...in sync are her convictions both personally and
professionally.
Unique selling point
As much is being made of the inroads made by Indian cinema in Canada, Deepa Mehta agrees that there is a buzz for sure. Not just in Canada but all over the West. But she attributes it to the huge presence of Indian Diaspora ready to shell out money for Indian movies. She is not sure whether Indian films are reaching out to mainstream audiences. However, she can see no reason why Indian cinema should change it’s USP to cater to world audiences. She quips, “What makes Indian cinema or French cinema or of any other country stand out is its unique sensibility which it must not lose.”
nonika@tribunemail.com
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Out of straightjacket
A critically acclaimed debut paves way for the best streets of B-town. If the feat is followed up with a star-studded thriller like No One Killed Jessica, that’s enough to be brandished as the box-office darling and motivation enough to not step out of the comfort zone. Perhaps, now there will be a conscious endeavour to continue with offbeat movies or experimental cinema as they like to call it.
“I don’t consider my films offbeat. In fact, any movie that does well is commercial enough. As a film maker, I try to be a little original and choose good subjects,” says Indian filmmaker and scriptwriter Raj Kumar Gupta, who dismisses any classifications, refuses to be typecast and redefines offbeat for us. In city for Chandigarh Literature Festival, he shares his journey so far and how filmmaking just happened to him. “There was no motivation to get into films. Filmmaking just happened. I wasn’t one of those boys in the class, who knew what they wanted to become when they grew up,” he laughs. It wasn’t until graduation that he discovered his love for writing. Screenplay writing paved way for bigger and better things. The journey that started as an associate director for films like Black Friday and No Smoking, further kick started with the critically acclaimed Aamir. “After I was ready with the first draft of Aamir, everybody loved the film but nobody was really willing to get into it. They wanted a star.” On Ghanchakkar
The recent project Ghanchakkar, released in June this year opened to mixed reviews. It was a small step towards cinema inching into mainstream. “It’s like whenever the story comes to your mind. With No One Killed Jessica, it was a real life incident, a story that could be told. With Ghanchakkar, when the new writer came to me, I liked it. We together worked on the script.” A film that he believes, “slightly contradicts the belief that audience is mature enough.” Bringing in the Punjabi touch and nuances came easy considering, “I studied in Delhi and had a lot of Punjabi friends. Moreover, Vidya Balan had done nothing like that before and I wanted to explore that side of her.” Upcoming projects
Coming up is a cinematic adaptation on Chetan Bhagat’s Revolution 2020, “one of the only books by the author that he has read and liked.” He adds, “Let me see which elements can be introduced and what all elements can be dispensed away with. Adapting a book to film can be tricky.” The fact that earlier books of the writer have been adapted to box office success, including the phenomenal Three Idiots, doesn’t weigh heavy on his mind. “There is always a responsibility to do justice to the book, but there is no comparative pressure.” No amount of nudging will make him take names of either the actors that he’d like to work with or the films he liked in the recent past. “If at all, I get time in future, I’d like to explore the Neerja Bhanot incident and research on it and consider doing something about it,” he winds up at that. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Glorious start
For those who claim, this is the golden period of Punjabi film industry, take out a minute and speak to filmmaker Navtej Sandhu. The honest movie maker from Amritsar is happy to see the footfall for the screening of his 30-minute film Nooran, based on Balwant Gargi's story Rabbo Marasan in Chandigarh.
However, he totally denies that Punjabi cinema is witnessing a golden period. "It is actually the downfall of Punjabi cinema. The audiences are already saying no to meaningless comedy. It is time to bring in something different in Punjabi cinema now," adds Navtej who comes back with stories of successful screening of Nooran in Toronto (International film festival of South Asia and Punjabi International film festival) on September 22. "Today also the film is being screened in Auckland and Melbourne. I am glad that this film is getting a great response." Navtej always had Balwant Gargi's story in mind, but he had to first work on the logistics. "I could not find a producer. So my friends and I did everything possible to release this film. We invested our own money. We are now doing free screenings all across the globe," shares the filmmaker who has taken directorial liberties in this film. "I haven't changed the story at all, only some things have been changed according to situations." Isn't this something new? Parallel cinema or art cinema in Punjab was unheard of. "The movement has already started, you will see more and more makers coming with short films or art films. Who wants to see the same redundant comedy? A film can survive without singers, as for my film the subject was important, I didn't need any stars." Sardar Sohi and Kul Sidhu play the lead roles in the film.
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Street smart
Sahil Jindal, a student of fashion merchandising at SIFT, is in love with his own style and that's what we believe is true fashion sense - the one that makes one feel at ease in one's own skin.
Your sense of style? I like to wear dark colours and will only go in for any trend that looks good on me and something that I can carry suitably. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories A coat in dark blue colour from Zara. Who would be your style icon? Hrithik Roshan and the members of The 'One Direction', an English music band. Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity? Rakhi Sawant. Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous Glamorous. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension Short-cropped hairstyles do not gel with me. Your take on accessories… I am a great fan of accessories and like wearing bracelets and chains. Brand crazy or street pick up? Brands are dependable, but again the suitability factor has to be there, which one can find in street pick up also. If given the choice, you would be liked to be dressed by which designer? Tarun Tahiliani, I admire him for his wedding concepts. What gives you a high on the confidence level? When my inner voice tells me that I am looking good and also, when my girl friend compliments me! -- As told to Poonam Bindra
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Fun with fiction
Fiction writer, translator, faculty member and editor; Prabhat Ranjan's introduction runs all things academic and literary. There is no regret of being associated with a language that does not rake in millions but only slight concern. "I would really like to translate Gabriel García Márquez's Love In The Times of Cholera but none of our publishers is rich enough to buy its rights and have it translated into Hindi," he shares while in conversation over two of his translations into Hindi; Vikram A Chandra's novel Srinagar Conspiracy and Anne Frank's Diary. There might not be any connecting thread between the two authors or the genre of their stories but that's how the publisher driven industry works. "They both were the decision of the publisher."
Having written a collection of short stories Janaki Pul, fiction it is for him. "I prefer translating fiction because I prefer writing fiction. I'll be writing only more and more novels and I write about small towns and their issues." That brings us to his book Bolero Class, to present which he makes an appearance at Chandigarh Literature Festival. "I like to write about small towns because in the process of change, small towns have been forgotten. This generation has had a lot of dreams and I like to bring forth those whose dreams have been shattered." As for translation, "The nuances of the language are the trickiest part to translate and one needs to know both the languages in question pretty well." Coming up is Mohsin Hamid's Moth Smoke as Jal Chuke Parvane Kayi and also a novel titled Badnaam Hasti Ke Kisse. "In some states of UP and Bihar there was a courtesan culture, which is now dying. A lot of them have left the profession. I am writing about some of them." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Chew on sadness
Renupreet Kaur
Are you depressed?
Depression is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms in a questionnaire test, the most common being the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression, or HRS for short. This contains questions about your mood, guilt feelings, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, physical problems, sex drive, and so on. Depending on your test score on these questions, you will be diagnosed with either "mild," "moderate," or "severe" depression Food and depression:
Feeling down or depressed can affect both your appetite and your daily routine. Some people don't feel like eating when they're depressed and are at risk of becoming underweight. Others find comfort in food and can put on excess weight. Antidepressants can also affect your appetite. It has been found that persons with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid), are more likely to be depressed. Further there is a direct link between mood and blood sugar balance. Suggestions:
Make changes gradually
Select two or three small changes and practice these until they are comfortable. This will assure long-term success in sticking with your plan and will allow your brain chemistry time to adjust to the new eating style, without throwing your brain's appetite- control chemicals into a tailspin. Regular exercise, effective coping skills, a strong social support system, and limiting or avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and medications that compound an emotional problem also are important considerations. Depression also can be a symptom of other problems, so always consult a physician if emotional problems persist or interfere with your quality of life and health. In the meantime, keep in mind that what you choose to sooth your hunger, also will be fueling your mood. Using a combination of high doses of fun, bright lights or nature exposure, the right kind of exercise and a nutritious diet,
you can help fight depression and optimize your mental performance.
Tips for eating a healthy diet:
(Renupreet is diet therapist and an obesity expert)
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A classic revisited
Renowned Bollywood screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar who wrote 1975 blockbuster Sholay and came together after a long time for the trailer launch of its 3D version, said that every character in the movie is "immortal". "Sholay is a masterpiece. It's a moment of nostalgia and sweetness to revisit things. I saw the film after more than 30 years and wish we could understand the magic that was created. Every character in Sholay is immortal. Sholay doesn't belong to us we belong to Sholay," Javed Akhtar said. He said that though every character in the movie was memorable, the iconic role of 'Gabbar Singh' was the one which everyone wanted to play. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar who wrote 1975 blockbuster came together after a long time for the trailer launch of its 3D version. Salim Khan said that there were differences of opinion between the two of them when they had scripted the movie. " Difference of opinion is good. We had to convince each other a lot," Khan said. Grandson of producer G P Sippy who produced the original movie, Sasha Sippy, expressed hopes that its 3D version would be well received by today's viewers. "We wanted to create a new experience and give value to audience. So we made it in 3D," said Sascha Sippy. However, Javed Akhtar said that the original Sholay is a "classic" and one of the best Indian films ever made, adding that such great films "cannot be made again". Hits & trial
Imran Khan says that he likes to make his own decisions regarding movies and learn from his own mistakes. He said he had taken Aamir Khan's advice to do Kidnap and after that he has never asked him again. He says that if he uses his uncle's advice all the time then his success won't be his
own.
Dreams unfulfilled
Director Punit Malhotra says he has always been a filmy person and wanted to become an actor initially. He will do a movie as an actor when he is not busy with direction and definitely with Karan Johar if he offers him a movie.
I don't aim at 100 crore club: John
Bollywood actor-turned-producer John Abraham says he prefers to produce quality movies rather than aim at the Rs 100 crore club. John, 40, produced films like Vicky Donor and self-starrer Madras Cafe. Both films were received well by the audience. "To me quality of a movie matters and not Rs 100 crore club," Abraham said. The Dostana star has been shooting his next home production Banana. Refusing to divulge much about the story line of the movie, he said the film is being directed by debutant Sajid Ali and would attract audience of all age group. Abraham, who is also starring in the film, said it is expected to hit theatres in December next year. —
PTI
Going strong
Independent flick BA Pass is still running in theatres in Mumbai and Pune and the film has completed hundred days and made more than 15 crore rupees.
Shifting focus
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Dsouza are endorsing a product together. Genelia is not doing movies. But being a wife and doing endorsements keeps her busy.
Amitabh Bachchan meets Robert De Niro
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who met Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro recently, said it was a joy and an honour to spend time with the Hollywood star. Bachchan, 71, was one of the speakers at the ongoing festival. De Niro attended Bachchan's session and later both acting legends met up. "A relaxed Robert De Niro of so many distinguished films and characters that he played in his illustrious career, and still continues to do so, simple and down to earth, accommodating and friendly... A joy and honor to meet him and spend some time with him privately...," Bachchan posted on his blog. Bachchan also mixed up with other celebrity speakers like Farhan Akhtar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Shekhar Kapur. "There are many from the fraternity that attended too and it is then that we spend time later in happy banter with local dear friends to laugh to discuss, to sing and listen to sonorous thoughts in poetry and verse of both languages...," Bachchan added. —
PTI
Congratulations & celebrations
Bollywood film Chennai Express, which recently had a world television premiere on TV, has emerged as the highest rated movie premiere ever on Indian television. Hosted by Punit Goenka (ZEEL - MD & CEO), the gala celebration had Shah Rukh Khan, Rohit Shetty, Deepika Padukone and over two hundred guests including leaders from Indian business, media and entertainment sectors in the party held in Mumbai. Having broken all box office collections at its theatrical release, the film created a new record for movie television premiere and became the biggest grosser in terms of ratings in the history of Indian Television. Shah Rukh Khan said, "Genuinely, a big thanks to everyone. It's very commendable the way Zee endorses a movie premiere. By God's grace our film has done very well. We haven't stopped celebrating but to cap it, this celebration is like a cherry on the cake and we feel fulfilled today." On the film's next premiere, Deepika Padukone said, "We hope to break even Zee TV's record of Chennai Express premiere." Viewers can board the Chennai Express again on November 23 at 9 PM.
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Back in business
Alisha Chinai was out of the loop for a while but is back now with the song Dil tu hi from Krrish 3. She talks about the song and the music industry and more. Made for me
It is important to marry the right singer to a song. The song was a high pitch number and I was apprehensive how it would sound. But all my fears were dispelled when I heard the final version; my voice was crisp and suited the song. More than me choosing the songs, I think it's the songs that choose me. I guess certain songs are made for me, for instance the Kajra Re number. While singing a song, I visualise the actress on whom the song will be
picturised. Reality shows
No doubt, reality shows are a good platform for youngsters to display their singing talent. Eventually they get their 15 minutes of fame. I was a part of one such show and simply loved the energy that the participants show. I would feel emotionally charged because you experience all the human emotions — anxiety, happiness, disappointments and more. Need for justice
It's disheartening when singers don't get their due credit. Background singers are the underdogs who are given the least importance and remuneration though they are the star of a song. I did my best to fight this cause but I realised that it's a futile battle. Only if singers are willing to stand for their rights then they can come together and demand justice. East & West
I am inspired by music from the East as well as the West. My dad is a classical singer and mom played the piano and also sang. I grew up listening to Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab besides being an ardent admirer of Lata
Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt and Noor Jehan. My western influences are Barbra Streisand and Beatles.
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Candid confessions
Sana Sheikh, who plays the role of young Lajjo in the show Gustakh Dil that is telecast on Life Ok, is thrilled with the response that the show received. She talks about her film offers and how her role in the show is different from her previous role in the show, Pratigya. How has the response to your show, Gustakh Dil, been so far? People are loving the story line that features a cute love triangle. I have received a very overwhelming response from people through internet and even when they meet me personally. The TRP of the show was 1.4 last week, which is fairly good. What interested you the most about the role? I loved the character of an 18-year-old village girl and speaking in her dialect was a huge challenge, but I took it on. Lajoo’s character is spunky and she is a complete mastikhor and that’s what I love about my role. Was not your role in your earlier show, Pratigya, also that of a village girl, who gets married? How is the role of Lajoo any different? Ganga of Pratigya was naïve, while Lajoo is innocent yet playful. Also, Ganga became greedy and later realised that she fell in love with a younger boy for no good. Both the roles have very different shades. How is it like to work with a newcomer, Nikhil? Though Nikhil is a fresher, he has done theatre, which makes him a trained actor. He works hard and prepares a lot for the scenes. Also, we improvise a lot and there is a friendly vibe on the sets, which is very important. Have you got any film offers? I keep getting them as casting agents approach me on Facebook too. After Singham and Table No. 21, I got an offer for Gustakh Dil, but I did not have much time. I will do something that does not require a lot of my time. So, I don’t mind a small role right now, but later I might try for something bigger.
The Bong connection
After essaying a role based on Ekta Kapoor in a television show, Pooja Gor will now be seen in the up and coming story of the show Yeh Hai Aashiqui that is telecast on Bindas. The story of the show will be based on the famous love story Charulata written by Rabindrath Nath Tagore. The story will also star Salil Acharya and Sehban Azmi.
New innings
Sargun Mehta, who recently replaced Sriti Jha as Ganga in Balika Vadhu, might now also be hosting a dance reality show, Boogie Woogie. Sources claim that she will co-host the show with the child actor, Amruta Mukherjee aka Pihu of Bade Acche Laggte Hain.
Having a gala time
To promote her new film, Rajjo, Kangana Ranaut reached the sets of Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali with her co-star, Paras Arora, where she was seen having much fun with the performers. Not only did she enjoy being a part of the show, but also acted and danced with Paras Arora, Krishna and Bharti.
Hosts on board
Child comedian, Saloni Daini will host the opening ceremony of the 18th Annual International Children’s Film Festival India at Hyderabad on November 14 and she will co-host the event with Darsheel Safary. Known for playing the role of Gangubai, Saloni is very excited about being a part of the two-hour long show.
Homesick without his wife
Apurva Agnihotri has no qualms about being called a hen-pecked husband. He admitted that he depends on his wife for everything and after she was evicted, he lost interest in Bigg Boss 7. He was homesick and is glad to be out of the show.
Some things that money can’t buy
On KBC to promote his film, Ram Leela Ranveer Singh expressed a desire to experience the ‘Hot Seat’. AB agreed to accommodate Ranveer but told him that he can’t play for money. While Ranveer replied that he did not want the money, he asked Bachchan for a coin as a Shagun. Amitabh signed a blank cheque and presented it to Ranveer as a token of appreciation.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Avoid getting into confrontations. Business people should plan meetings and important deals post lunch. The highlight of the day would be handling your finances and not letting them run out of control. TAURUS: There would be some changes at your workplace and these could have positive consequences for your career. Spending time with your spouse or partner in evening would strengthen your relationship. GEMINI: You should consciously stop expressing your emotions. Being candid and tactful would help you to talk about your feelings with the right person at the right time. CANCER: Today your thoughts will be dominated by your past, especially, your relationships with family or a situation at home. You may feel drained by the demands on your time and energy. LEO: The assignments at work will be more interesting than usual. However, some ambiguity about certain projects could lead to delays. Ensure that you understand everything before commencing work. VIRGO: Change is vital and you would need to change the way you think and how you react to situations. Even in personal relationships, let go of grudges and move forward. LIBRA: Be calm and balanced because your future growth will depend on your attitude. Change is the keyword for the day, so be as flexible and adaptive as you can, especially at work. SCORPIO: You may have to work hard at balancing personal and professional lives. At work, you would receive the appreciation of your co-workers but there may also, be a slight bit of jealousy and rivalry. SAGITTARIUS: Today you will be calm and content with your inner self. Money matters will be stable, though expenditure may be a little high. Keep an open mind at work and appreciate the ideas and views of co-workers. CAPRICORN: Your confidence and energy would be on a high today. By being expressive and dynamic, you would be able to influence people at work and win new friends. AQUARIUS: Most of you would be domineering, reckless and strong-willed at work and at home. This may lead to some difficulties in relationships and in achieving goals. Use your innate charm to win over people. PISCES: Though the beginning of the day may seem strenuous and emotionally exhausting, you would learn a great deal from it. You will be busy spending time with your family and loved ones today. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 10...
The number 10 under Scorpio sign indicates that you are on an eternal quest to get to the very heart of any matter. Sun bestows upon you several qualities, including intelligence, creativity, and reliability. You are highly focused and courageous. Healthwise, you may get stressed with minor tensions. Though you will earn a lot this year, it will not be enough to meet your monetary expectations. The Moon shines in your fate, encouraging you to dream about the perfect home and family. The Moon and Mercury blend well, aiding those who enjoy writing. Positive colours: Golden, red, brown and beige Select days: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Favourable numbers: 1 and 9 Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, pearl, ruby and red coral Charity on birthday: Offer water to Sun with red flowers or Gur. Donate wheat to the needy.
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Depression is characterised by feelings of worthlessness or guilt, poor concentration, loss of energy, fatigue, thoughts of suicide or preoccupation with death, loss or increase of appetite and weight, a disturbed sleep pattern, slowing down (both physically and mentally), agitation (restlessness or anxiety).
You share your birthday with Ashutosh Rana [November 10, 1964, Gadarwara]. He started his career with a TV serial Swabhimaan and gained popularity by the virtue of his acting skills in the film, Dushman, where he played a cold-blooded murderer and psychopath. Ashutosh’s number 10 in Scorpio sign makes him gentle and cruel. 2014 awaits him with a big award.