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Laughing all the
way to bank
In fact, he tells you that banking is as fertile a ground for thrillers as any other. No wonder it has been the subject of his several novels like The Bankster. Of course, few in India before him had tested this terrain. As he stepped on to it, he found a hit recipe that not only worked with his very first one If God Was A Banker that sold nearly three lakh copies, but he also continues to retain his Midas touch till date. Of course, in his most recent book Bankerupt he has stepped out of his comfort zone and entered the world of MIT Boston as well as talked about gun laws of the US. The book that is already topping the bestsellers list not only has him laughing all the way to the bank (Penguin is believed to have paid him the most handsome advance given to an Indian writer) but also once again reaffirms his faith that fiction is his calling. With the I Bought The Monk’s Ferrari he did move into non-fiction that sold a decent 70,000 copies but soon realised making non-fiction interesting wasn’t a cakewalk. And more importantly not his cup of tea! Sure fiction too stems from facts and experiences. Rather he prides himself on the fact that while his books do not offer any direct messages, these are loaded with a whole lot of information and the reader would certainly stand more knowledgeable if not enriched. The debate and the divide between popular writers and the literary tribe, he believes, “is rather juvenile. For ultimately all writers aspire to be read.” Given a choice he too would sell 50,000 copies more than win an award. “All a normal regular award” this winner of Economist Crossword Book Award says does “is that you can add to your resume an award winning author.” Indeed, a Booker Prize is a different ballgame altogether. At some point in his writing career that began somewhere in 2005 does he hope to win it? He is candid, “Let us be realistic.” Actually, it is this pragmatism that has taught him that jo dikhta hai woh bikta hai and visibility on bookshelves is more important. Hence, a book a year is a must. With a knowing smile he says, “Corporate thrillers were an unknown genre in India. Having created that space I am not about to vacate it for others to take over.” But IIM graduates (he too has an MBA degree from IIM Bangalore) are consistently occupying the best-selling authors’ space…Really what is it about them that makes them a cut above? He rationalises, “They are hungry for success, are more aggressive and have a better networking.” So, is there a method to writing a best-seller? He quips, “But one has to write a book first.” To aspiring authors out there he gives out simple advice, “Don’t plan the entire story. Have an idea just write it down. Remember in the darkness if you need to walk fifty steps and have a torch that will show you only five steps… go ahead. Make that first move.” Coming from a man who wrote his first book as one off thing and decided to move ahead only after it became a cult one and has since always hit the bull’s eye…do not dare to dismiss his words as empty rhetoric. nonika@tribunemail.com
Happy note
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Voice on
the move
Surjit Nongmeikapam, as a child loved to say stories — he does that today too but through his dance!
From Imphal, Surjit interested in dance, did his Bachelors in choreography from Natya Institute of Kathak & Choreography, Bengaluru. Post his studies, contemporary dance interested him and he took to experimenting. He has made several pieces, some solo, others collaborations and quite enjoying his journey. In Chandigarh with the solo One Voice, he plays two opposite forces — torturer and victim, love and hate, harshness and gentleness. “It’s like carrying two diverge people inside my body,” says Surjit. He works a lot on dance films, stories that have dance for their central theme. Realms was his first; shot in Manipuri landscape, it talks of a child’s play in nature. Black Pot celebrates the journey of typical black pot, which is made in Lungpi, a village in Manipur. “Supported by Japan Foundation, I worked on this with Japanese dancers. The only other country that makes such black pots is Mexico,” says Surjit. Underline is a project shot at Nizamuddin Railway Station; Surjit worked with a French filmmaker on this one. Surjit is not the one to sit in his comfort zone. “It’s a challenge to make something new that excites me.” When he watches different contemporary dancers, he picks on different levels of choreography. As for his works, he wants to know if his audience enjoyed it or not. “I want to know what my viewers feel; that is the key to evolving.” He is happy being an artiste; monetary concerns mean little to him. “My philosophy is to know how to enjoy with whatever you have even if it’s just Rs 10.” As for scope, he places it equal with any other profession like engineering or medicine. “If you are good at your job, there is no dearth of opportunities to explore,” he signs off. mona@tribunemail.com
Body
in the
city
It’s a challenge to make something new...I want to know what my viewers feel; that is the key to evolving...my philosophy is to know how to enjoy with whatever you have even if it’s just
Rs 10.
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Fighting spirit
Anil Panchal is on a mission. And that is to get Mayurbhanj Chhau an international recognition. Trained in this ancient martial art form, Anil incorporated its moves with that of contemporary dance forms and evolved a style that largely is born out of his experiences as a dancer.
Just Dots that he brought to Chandigarh as part of Contemporary Dance Festival is born out of these experience and that of life in general, love being one of them… "Love in itself is such a combination of feelings - happiness, sadness, despair, anxiety, frustration, jealousy — and bringing them on stage is Just Dots. Anil does solo and group ensemble performances. Accompanying him is Rashmi Gautam. Both are from Delhi and they have collaborated on couple of pieces and continue to work on more productions. Hope is one, and Kais aur Laila is their next major venture. "Mostly, I have devised productions around personal experiences. It's the first time that we have taken a story that of Kais aur Laila (Kais was the name before he was called Majnu)," says Anil. There are Sufi elements in terms of dress, style, while the story remains the same. "Contemporary dance is still pretty vague in India, there is hardly grammar ruling," says Anil who admits that not all viewers are able to connect with it. "While our dance finds favour with critics, some 30 per cent in the audience are able to relate to our style." Anil has worked with renowned choreographers like Navtej Johar, Justin McCarthy and Bharati Shivaji. He has taken his productions and workshops to different corners of India and abroad. "I want to take Kais and Laila to all major national and international festivals next," says Anil who wishes that audience ask about the moves and he's able to talk and take our traditional Chhau global!
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Red hot
There's a sense of déjà vu as you walk up the stairs of The Red Kitchen…
Save for the similar interiors, what was hitherto blue in the franchise The Great Kebab Factory, makes way for the red. "This was named The Red Kitchen as I was inspired by the famous R and D kitchen in Los Angeles," shares the person behind the venture Rajan Lal. The multi-cuisine restaurant claims to cater to everyone, even if you are accompanied by a large entourage. Shares Sandeep Mukherji, the general manager, "This kind of menu is not there in any restaurant in Chandigarh. We have continental, Mexican, oriental all under one roof." He adds, "Moreover, our international platter is highly recommended." There are starters from the wok sharing space with sandwiches and burgers in the same menu. There are Indian meals and there's also pasta. He adds, "Sometimes what happens is that the elders in the family want to stick to Indian food while the children like something experimental. We cater to everybody in the family." Those looking forward to enjoying the outside weather and morning meals in the sun, might be disappointed. He adds, "We don't encourage outside seating for hygiene purposes. There can be bugs and all." As for the interiors, the seating area is partially separated into a lounge area. The huge glass window almost makes up for an open kitchen and live counters. Those working behind the food take over. Shares Chef Sudipta, who's been in the field for over two decades, "What we will focus on is good raw materials and the natural flavours of the dish. Being a chef, it's my duty to keep the authenticity of the cuisine alive." He adds, "I have just arrived in the city and am too new to comment on people's tastes but I'll try and introduce them to authentic flavours. I've heard the Chinese and Italian that we already get in the city are very Indianised." Any takers? manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Meaty portion
Hotel Pride KC Hotel & Spa has always been known to host interesting theme festivals in the past. Keeping to this tradition, the hotel is now organising Lahori Food Festival at Chingaree Indian Specialty. One can experience mouth-watering kebabs prepared in seven different styles, roasted in the tandoor or on a singhri, shallow-fried in a tawa or a mahi tawa, deep-fried in a kadhai, steamed in pots or even grilled.
Besides our signature kebabs such as the galauti and the chapli kebab, the meal comprises dal, biryani, a selection of Indian breads and the best of seasonal vegetables and desserts. The Lahori special selections are hate da murg, Lahore ke tunde, Islamabadi tangri, balti chicken, Lahoro seekh, Lahori kukkad, keema Lahori, Lahoro chooza, yakhni pulao, and so on. For vegetarians, the chefs have introduced kebabs such as Anarkali ke kebab, Lahori chaman and lazzat-e -tikkiyan, bharwan aloo Lahori, and Lahori seekh choliyan and so on. — TNS
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Haute wheels
Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, has brought a unique driving experience program, the Audi sports car experience (ASE) 2013 to Chandigarh in Punjab. The one-of-its-kind drive event being held in Chandigarh from November 16 to 17. ASE is conducted exclusively with high performance sports cars, and gives enthusiasts an opportunity to understand, drive and experience the exceptionally engineered AudiR8, Audi TT andAudi S4.
While hosting the elite for ASE in Chandigarh, Deepak Jain, director, Audi Chandigarh, (Jaycee Automobiles Pvt. Ltd) said, "Opportunities to drive and receive training in a range of luxury sports cars are few and far between, and to have a programme such as the ASE in our city is a dream come true.”
—TNS
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Impression of an artist
Art is all about exploring one's expression of creativity and for Abhimanyu Pratap Singh, 22, who is presently pursuing his masters in Law at Punjab University, painting is a hobby that is propelled by passion.
At the Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16, Abhimanyu holds his second exhibition and this time around, most of his works border along the realms of impressionism that translates in the vivid depiction of landscapes and cityscapes.
Most of Abhimanyu's paintings look like the windows in the wall, each of which defines a new parameter of creativity. Abhimanyu uses acrylic on canvas and water colour on paper to paint his subjects, most of which are inspired by nature, including landscapes, grasslands, seascapes and flowers. "My parents keep travelling and these paintings are an interpretation of the pictures that they have shown me from their travel diaries to Europe and the Himalayas," says Abhimanyu, whose paintings showcase beautiful yachts of the west and his fascination for the boats is rather evident. Also, he paints the sceneries of the Alps and the elements that he uses are the trees, open pastures, rivers and the snow-clad mountains. What's even more fascinating is the way that he portrays the cityscapes, be it the lavish open cafes of Vienna or the Europian residential areas. "Art is a hobby and whenever I want to relax, I paint," says Abhimanyu, who is also a national level (air pistol) shooter. His works are priced within the range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 35,000. On till November 18. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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For children’s sake
Gulzar and Ranbir Kapoor come together for the 18th Golden Elephant A press conference on the largest children's film festival in India, the 18th International Children's Film Festival of India popularly known as The Golden Elephant, brought together two icons from different generations—legendary writer and filmmaker Gulzar and superstar Ranbir Kapoor. The inauguration press conference began with the signature animation video of film festival, the lyrics of the song were written by Gulzar himself and the music has been composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The trailers of Gopi Gawaaiya Baaja Bajjaiya from India and Dolfie Werewolfie from Germany were showcased. The movies in the international category are sourced primarily from the Cannes Film Festival market. During his address to the press Gulzar who has been associated with the Children's Film Society, India and the festival, started his film-making career with Kitaab, which was a children's movie. "I miss the times when we had dedicated shows for children at popular cinemas. We also need more television shows dedicated to children." He also spoke about working with gifted child actors in movies like Masoom and Kitaab. "Working with Master Raju during Kitaab was a challenge for the other actors. He would listen to the noise of sirens at night and make the same noises on set. He was spontaneous and the other actors had to match his spontaneity," he fondly recalled. The legendary poet is dedicated to the cause of entertainment for children. He added, "We request the media to promote the cause of the children's film festival. We want to take this from city-to-city and reach North- East India and make this an annual festival." Gulzar saab also said that Ranbir is like a child to him because he has known his grandfather and father. Ranbir believes that children are the toughest audience to please. He said, "Children as an audience are tough to please and they are the best critics. I have tried to make my maiden production venture Jagga Jassoos kid-friendly. I play an eighteen-year-old in the movie and we have tried to make the detective fun for children.
Lisa’s life
The beginning
India calling Soon, I decided to come to India. Here, I was flooded with offers from the best brands. I also did several fashion shows in Delhi and Mumbai which established my career as a model. I enjoy the energy and the backstage tension during a fashion show, it's thrilling. Today, most of my friends are from the fashion industry. But the one person who I consider my mentor, guide and teacher is designer Tarun Tahiliani. Beauty mantra Beauty comes from within. If I am emotionally disturbed, it eventually spoils my day and I end up looking all messed up. So, the key to looking good is to always be happy by not thinking about what the future holds for you. Besides that, if one takes control of himself/herself by eating right, sleeping for 7-8 hours and regularly working out, it will naturally show on the face. Fashion and trends I admire Kate Hudson, she is stylish, classy and effortless. She has the ability to make even a sophisticated suit look casual. My personal style is more on the lines of bohemian. Style for me should be expressive and not intimidating. It is very important to highlight your personality and not the brand or label you're wearing. As far as Bollywood is concerned, they are getting fashion-conscious but it still needs good styling. Filmy way The films that have released and the ones that will release soon have many memories attached to it, some people I know I will never work with again, come what may. It's all part of the learning curve. But there are those who make you push harder and give your best shot.
Meet Emraan’s new girl
Pakistani model and actor Humaima Malick, who shot to fame with her riveting performance in Bol, has been signed opposite Emraan Hashmi in Kunal Deshmukh's forthcoming Shaatir.
Karachi-based Malick becomes the first cross-border actress to snap up an A-grade film opposite a leading Bollywood star. She is currently shooting in Mumbai for a role that is meaty and will re-affirm her acting prowess, as was the case in her film with Shoaib Mansoor. Illaiyaraja's son is expected to debut as music composer with this film. What remains to be seen though is if serial kisser Hashmi will do the honours on this Pakistani import as well!
Sonu’s new addiction
Actor Sonu Sood, who is recently finished shooting for Farah Khan's upcoming Happy New Year in Dubai, is now addicted to video games. Thanks his co-star Shah Rukh Khan who taught him how to improve his gaming skills. SRK is a video game lover and likes to play with his Aryan whenever he has time.
Sonakshi does jhumur
Actress Sonakshi Sinha has learnt Bengali jhumur dance for upcoming Bullet Raja. She plays a Bong girl in the film and she has danced to a Bengali folk dance in the film. She will be seen in a conventional Bengali red-bordered saree along with big red bindi, gajra and alta on her hands.
Kaif & her Khan-daan
Actress Katrina Kaif, who has worked with all the three leading Khans of Bollywood, finds it very comfortable to work with Salman Khan as she started her career with her. Shah Rukh, on the other hand, makes her nervous. Nonetheless, she finds SRK fun!
Little wonder
Raju Hirani is known for making entertaining and socially relevant films such as Munnabhai MBBS and 3 Idiots. So, it comes as no surprise that his young son Vir who is only 14-years-old has made his directorial debut with Return Gift which is in the Little Directors' category at the 18th International Children's Film Festival of India.
The Little Director's category is an in-competition category which features short films made by children between the ages of six and sixteen. There are eleven other films in the same category. Vir has made this film along with his class and batch mates namely Gia Arora, Jashan Arora, Aviral Shukla and Arman Talkar. The children aged between 14 and 16 have taken charge of stills, location, scouting, production and assistant direction. Vir is the director, photographer, and editor of the movie. Vir says, Return Gift is inspired by a true story which depicts by grandmother's wisdom. My granny had narrated this incident to me and I vouched to portray it in the form of a film. The Golden Elephant has further encouraged me to make this sooner and better than planned." He further adds, "The only involvement of adults was in the cast. Children managed all the other arrangements including editing, photography, production, cinematography, location hunting, etc." Vir explains the story of the short film. He says, Return Gift revolves around a mother, her son and their maid who tend to their beloved garden. The son loves doing yoga and the mother loves her garden. Then an irritating neighbour comes along on the first floor who dumps her trash on the garden. The maid and son respond with rage much to the chagrin of the mother who responds with an unusual gift to the neighbour. Sometimes, silence speaks the loudest." Raju Hirani will be attending the screening of the movie at the festival as this is a proud moment for him. For a change, he will be known as Vir Hirani's father.
Nargis finds Katrina hot!
The Dhoom Machale song is finally out and actress Nargis Fakhri is all praise for Katrina Kaif's dance moves in the song. Nargis tweeted: "OMG! I love Katrina's dance moves, her outfits n she is looking SMOKIN hot!" Katrina reportedly took six weeks to perfect her moves for the song.
In the script
Noted lyricist Javed Akhtar, who penned the story and screenplay of son Farhan Akhtar's Lakshya in 2004, is thinking of turning a scriptwriter again after nearly nine years. Buzz is that he has already completed writing the film and is now looking for a director.
Horror show
We hear that actor Tusshar Kapoor is a big horror movie fan. He has a huge library of horror DVDs in his house and loves to watch them alone after midnight. Source informs that every time her sister Ekta Kapoor needs an advice on horror films, she turns to Tusshar.
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The foreign connection
The beautiful Dutch actress Sippora Zoutewelle makes her debut on television in Vipul D Shah’s light-hearted family show Firangi Bahu. Sippora, a regular visitor to India, loves India, its culture and food. She is the first foreigner to play a lead role in Sahara One's new show Firangi Bahu, which premièred on November 11. We catch up with her.
It was not easy for me in the beginning. This role required too much homework because of the language problem. Now I am learning Hindi and very soon you will see me delivering my dialogues. How will you define your character Camili Jonathan? Camili is a beautiful girl. She is soft-spoken, pretty and has blonde hair. She loves Indian culture and has immense knowledge about its history, literature and different religions. How was your experience of working in this show? It was a great experience. The shooting schedules are very hectic but I am working hard on the sets. I have never had as much fun as I am having now. I feel proud to be working with the team of Optimystix Entertainment Pvt Ltd and renowned artistes like Indira Krishnan, Rohit Bhardwaj and Hetal Puniwala. What can the viewers look forward to? The viewers will enjoy watching a foreigner adapt to a conservative Gujarati family. Her journey will also result in a lot of drama. What do say about the Indian culture? I love Indian culture that is why I am here and debuting in a serial. I love Indian cities, especially Jaipur. I am trying to know more about Indian culture. — Dharam Pal
What’s in a name!
Someone has truly said that dance brings couples closer and aligns them in the same beats. Last year, Neelu Weghla got her first 'I love you' in fifteen years of her marriage from her husband Arvind Kumar on the sets of Nach Baliye-5. This time, comedian Raju Shrivastav was in for a surprise that he hadn't received from his wife in the last twenty years.
Wondering what was it? Raju who has been married for twenty years has never heard his wife take his name. The couple that has two children, finally broke this first on the sets of Nach Baliye-6 when the judges made Shikha take Raju's name before everyone.
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The year ahead
You celebrate this birthday on Kartik Poornima and Guru Nanak Jayanti, which makes the entire year auspicious. You will be in good spirits despite a delicate situation. Someone you know will offer help, which would greatly improve your situation. In 2014, most things proceed as you desire. A brilliant time lies ahead with fantastic rewards. Employees can expect a progress in their career. Your financial position will be good. New career opportunities are in store. Some of you can have a slight health problem.
Positive colours: Dark blue, Dark grey, Purple, Cyan. Select days: Saturday, Wednesday and Friday. Favourable numbers: 8, 4, 5, 6. Gems recommended: Sapphire, Chalcedony and Emerald. Charity on birthday: Donate daliya, wheat or halwa to the poor.
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Astro turf
ARIES: You start the day on a philosophical note. Do not jump to conclusions in haste. It is not a good day for forming partnership. Ventures can fail when associates withdraw support. Savings can get used up. Tarot message: Accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Mauve.
Magic number: 25 TAURUS: Kids keep you busy. A few people will be making waves today. You will not be able to have things your own way. Marital difficulties can be eased through a mutual friend. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 44 GEMINI: Do what you
can to improve your relationship with your spouse. It is a sensitive day for joint financial affairs. Emotions must not be
allowed to rule your head. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30 CANCER: Money problem will continue to trouble. Keep calm even if people around you are losing their heads. Your parents need extra attention. Tackle children gently. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47 LEO: Students suffer from lack of activities. Start making the changes you keep talking about. An unsatisfactory relationship can come to an end bringing all the heartache of separation. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 51 VIRGO: The card "The Lovers" signifies that a friendly and helpful atmosphere surrounds you. People are likely to be drawn to you. nowYou can clash with a partner or friend over a difference of opinion. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Black. LIBRA: Your ambitions can be realised if you use your connections. Don't make a secret of your aims and they will manifest. A romance will reach a stage of moving in together. Be practical. Tarot message: Retain the fruits of your hardwork. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Magic number: 52 SCORPIO: Keep a clear mind today. You are in danger of blowing your budget if you don't practice restraint. Colleagues can sound knowledgeable, but in fact they only know half the picture. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 50 SAGITTARIUS: Give attention to little jobs today. Taxation matters will get adjourned. Check all information regarding legal matters. Do whatever you must to keep your mind peaceful. Do not speculate. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56 CAPRICORN: Gossip will bring you down and you might hear something you don't like. Your creative juices are flowing. Your popularity is on the rise and a leadership position can be offered to you. Tarot message: Frankness and ability to state the truth are your strong points. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33 AQUARIUS: Unstable influences suggest uncertainty. Be compassionate and try not to judge harshly. Take a moment to be grateful for those small things that make everyday life so full and rewarding. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Pink. PISCES: Any change made at work or in your job bring favourable results. Domestic wrangles are sorted out. Enemies are continuing behind your back. Do not take people on face value. Tarot message: Your own aims, ideas and opinions matter a lot. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30
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Gentle and amiable with exceptionally agreeable manners, it’s hard if not impossible to picture him as the author of the genre that delves into the murky world of desire, greed, frauds and murder. Add to it the fact that he is a banker and our intrigue grows further. But bestselling author Ravi Subramanian who has earned the epithet, “John Grisham of banking” puts our misgivings to rest and states simply, “Where there is money there will be sleaze.”
Though Ravi Subramanian agrees that there can’t be a please-all formula he takes his readers; feedback, especially negative response rather seriously. So it was at their insistence that he introduced more grey characters in his books and cut down erotica. Writing about believable credible people, like you and me, his thrillers always end on a happy note. No, not all characters are loveable beings, but as he summarises, “Whenever a person dies in my book readers are likely to sigh.”
In Chandigarh with his solo One Voice, dancer Surjit Nongmeikapam says challenges inspire him to bring out his best…
I wanted to be a yoga teacher at the age of 18. I was also studying psychology when a friend suggested that I take up modelling as it will help me pay my bills. So, I took up an assignment in Australia, I remember it was for a cream for stretch marks.
How did you go about preparing for this role of a firangi bahu?
You share your birthday with Rachel McAdams (November 17, 1978, London), who made her first screen appearance in The Famous Jett Jackson in 2001. She has starred in State of Play, The Time Traveller’s Wife, Sherlock Holmes' and Morning Glory, among others.