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An artist & a lady
It’s hard to say whether she is more beautiful or her art is. Stunningly attractive, interior architect and designer Raseel Gujral is the perfect ambassador and model of her bright funky and in-your-face work. Subtlety is certainly not one of her virtues and she makes no bones about being bold and bright. Or being a maximalist.
No wonder she best describes her work as, "it's me." And if that 'me' also includes being the daughter of renowned artist Satish Gujral so it be. In fact, she wears her illustrious surname up her sleeve and is totally unapologetic about who she is. Before we can move further to her new signature line Casa Paradox, she quips without batting an eyelid, "Aren't we all products of our background?" Only hers made her privy to matters of art and artist first hand. Her first childhood memory is certainly of sitting on a drum and watching her father paint passionately. Extremely proud of her celebrated father, especially his pioneering ability and versatility to move from one medium to another with effortless ease, she learnt many lessons from him. The DNA that she imbibed from him is perhaps the reason why she could branch out from designing homes into establishing her own interior decor line that among many things also includes furniture and graphic prints. But by no stretch of imagination is she his shadow. Nor does she, the niece of former Prime Minister I K Gujral, claims to have ever used her exalted status to seek clients. She is adamant, "Not even a single client of mine is from the social group I move in. I don't even carry my business card when I socialise." On the social level she might have kept her personal and professional lives separate, but when it comes to business the two merge seamlessly for her business partner is none other than her life partner Naveen Ansal. The husband-wife team certainly works well. Hubby dear, in-charge of administrative aspects, doesn't interfere in her creative decisions at all. But work invariably does land up home. Come to think of it, it's not work really but a stress-buster to which she religiously devotes two hours a day in her studio. Thinking and designing her art, a confluence of Indian and Western sensibilities, is something she enjoys thoroughly. Do people agree it is art...more pertinently has India woken up to this definition of art? She answers, "First, what is the yardstick of art? By that logic only art that is on canvas is pure art. For me this is everyday art, drama of daily life." Besides, she asserts, we must understand what India thinks is not the world view of art. So in Paris, where she recently exhibited, she not only got laudatory reviews but also buyers. Actually, her work has many takers in India too. Her clients are literally the who's who of the country. In Punjab too she has an avid following that includes many a political bigwigs. Soon, she intends to open shop in City Beautiful as well. And in case you are wondering, you bet her own home is only done up with her furniture. As for her clients who engage her for her design skills, one assumes she wouldn't force her dramatic art on them. But she proves us wrong, "Of course I do for I am the best." Jokes apart, between her signature and the clients' needs and personality, she does draw a line though often the two do fuse. After all celebrity clients come to Raseel for who and what she is… in short the woman who lives life Maharani-size! |
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On a high
When it comes to looks, Wamiqa Gabbi takes the cake, the bakery and the baker's son. And she talks about her upcoming Punjabi film, Ishq Brandy, which is a comedy film, she says, "Eversince I was born, I knew I would become an actor. As a child, my parents would take me to the theatres and that cultivated my interest in acting. When I first worked with Amit Prasher for my first Punjabi film, Tu Mera 22 Mai Tera 22, he was impressed with my acting skills and asked me to work in his second film too. Thus, the film, Ishq Brandy happened."
Wamiqa has been a theatre actor and she made her on-screen debut with a Bollywood film titled Sixteen. "The film that was released last year has received five nominations, including best story, best female actor (Isabelle), best ensemble cast, best debut director and best editing," says Wamiqa. "In Ishq Brandy, I am essaying the role of a chirpy Punjabi girl, who talks a lot and often drifts from the subject of conversation. It is an extremely funny film, which is an out and out entertainment. It does not really have any message to give," she says. Wamiqa expresses the urge to work in films which showcases her talent. "I do not want to become a superstar. My prime motive is to be recognised by the audience as a good actor. Also, I would really want to do serious roles and meaningful films," she says while adding, "For instance, I really liked Lunchbox, Shahid and even Shudh Desi Romance. I really wish I could play the role of Nimrit Kaur in Lunchbox." When quizzed on who she admires as an actor, Wamiqa says, "I admire Hrithik Roshan and Aishwariya Rai, but when it comes to acting, I like Parineeti Chopra and Ranveer Singh." Talking about her future plans, she says, "I am on a three-film contract with Param Hans Creations, who produced Sixteen, and am waiting for the release of my Punjabi film—Ishq Brandy, opposite Roshan Prince," she signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Fun quotient
The endearing characters of Mukundilal and Indumati have enjoyed immense popularity addressing each other with Ee ji and Oo jee, much in sync with the rustic feel on the popular television show Lapataganj. Such is the demand that the show was resumed again even after it went off air for a while!
"The show is even more popular now," says Rohitashv Gaur, who plays Mukundilal, in Ludhiana. "Earlier the series was based on the writings of Sharad Joshi, who targeted several social issues. Audiences with a literary bent of mind would watch the series then, but now the focus is more on humour than on satire. The TRPs have undoubtedly increased since it was started again," he adds Content that is slapstick has sure gained precedence over with a more literary one! "It is difficult to be very satirical and direct in this country, as some issues are very sensitive and one can face litigation. Our serial is doing well as we celebrate life of the ordinary people," he says.
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Little hero
Dressed up like a superhero, he crushes the enemy with his magic, fights the evil forces and flies to parilok…little Dev Joshi has earned a huge fan-following amongst kids as Balveer.
Dev has been on stage for a long time. All of 13, Dev has been facing the camera and acting for over a decade, doing advertisement films and plays since the age of three. Hailing from Ahmedabad, Dev acted in various Gujarati plays before he got an offer for advertisements at the age of seven. He has done various television shows, including Hanuman and Shani Dev, apart from many advertisements. To balance studies and acting, shares his mother Devangana, they have to go back to Ahmedabad every 10-15 days. "He attends school where teachers, the principal and students help him with notes. Besides, he studies on the sets and online," she adds.
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Art meets architecture
Anubhavsom, from West Bengal, who has done his bachelors and masters from Benaras Hindu University, came to Chandigarh in 2005 to work as graphic designer in a firm. He started working on his own soon after and now divides his time between Chandigarh and Delhi due to his work commitments. He worked on 406 paintings and graphics, combining the traits from Le Corbusier's paintings and buildings. "It was quite a daunting task to make sense out of someone else's vision. Ginger wherever opens its hotel, undertakes work and theme related to the city which is wonderful. I did research on Corbusier, going through his paintings and buildings," says Anubhavsom. And, what this painter liked the most about the master architect's works is, "He lets the thing be. If it was concrete or brick, it showed through." While the painter has worked on themes - goddesses, doors, utensils, and nature before, is next gearing up for another theme in which he plans to position the industrial and nature landscape side by side! mona@tribunemail.com
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A loser’s point of view
Often, when a fiction writer's imagination translates into words, which eventually takes the shape of a novel, a major chunk of his work reflects his real life experiences. So, when Pankaj Dubey, who launched his first novel-What a Loser (English) and Loser Kahin Ka (Hindi), in Chandigarh, talks about his book, he makes no qualms about his book being inspired from his life and the lives of his close ones.
"This is not an autobiographical novel per say, but about 17 per cent of its content is inspired from my life, while the remaining 83 per cent seeks inspiration from the lives of those who belong to my inner circle of friends," shares Pankaj, who worked as a journalist with various news channel, including BBC World Service. He served as a script supervisor in the film Ghanchakkar and has also made a couple of short films, titled Dance of Ganesha and Geelee-Wet Dreams, under his production banner, Sadak Chhaap Films. As he continues to talk about his book, he says, "Since they say that a book has the capacity to tamper with your originality, I didn't read books and that was my excuse for the same. This book, however, treads on the parameters of discovering one's identity. The story it set in the north campus of Delhi University and it revolves around the lives of students who hail from the cow-belt states of India, like Bihar and the difficulties that they face as they try to cope up with college, ragging and student politics." Meanwhile, he justifies the title saying that there is a loser in each one of us and the essence of one's existence lies in their mettle to overcome their shortcomings. "This book underlines the importance of failures and disappointments, which drag us down, with a subtle understanding, which is not really mentioned in a direct tone, to overcome those shortcomings," he says. When asked about the idea behind launching the book in two languages, which is English and Hindi, Pankaj replies, "Basically, I think in Hindi, but I negotiate in English, so that was purely for the commercial purposes. Also, I this book does not really have any liturgical relevance that caters to the rich heritage of literature. I write with the capacity in myself as a non-reader to make it an easy read for even those, who do not fancy reading." Pankaj's journey towards becoming a writer finds its roots in a rather romantic portion of his life's experience. "In school, I used to write love letters to girls. However, never did I find the courage to post those letters to them. They are now a part of my book," he laughs. Presently, Pankaj aims at developing the book into a screenplay, which he intends to direct as a film, under the same name. "Also, I am planning to write another book called-Loser in London," he signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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coming soon The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi is organising a slide presentation by Fakir S Aijazuddin, one of Pakistan's leading scholars and art-historians on February 6 at the auditorium of the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh. The title of his presentation is The Fakir Brothers at the Sikh Court of Lahore. Aijazuddin has written a book titled The Resourceful Fakirs and he would be talking about this book with a power point presentation. Eminent art historian Professor B N Goswamy would also speak on this occasion. Fakir Aijazuddin is one of Pakistan's leading scholars and art-historians whose specialty has been the history of the Punjab. He belongs to the famous Fakir family of Lahore which achieved considerable prominence during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The wise Maharaja used Fakir Azizuddin as his spokesperson on all matters relating to foreign affairs, employing him to conduct negotiations with his British neighbours in the East and the Afghans in the West. The level of confidence the Maharaja had in Azizuddin can be gauged from the fact that for almost 25 years - from 1810 to the death of the Maharaja in 1839 - there was no diplomatic negotiation or treaty that was concluded without Azizuddin's involvement. His services were as valuable to Ranjit Singh's successors - Maharajas Kharak Singh, Naunihal Singh and Sher Singh. Two other Fakir brothers who were an integral part of the Sikh Court of Lahore were Fakir Imamuddin (keeper of the Govindgarh Fort, Amritsar) and his younger brother Fakir Nuruddin (member of the Regency Council for Maharaja Duleep Singh). Fakir Aijazuddin has published a number of books on this period of Punjab history. The first was Pahari Paintings and Sikh Portraits in the Lahore Museum (1977), a catalogue of the miniature paintings collection in the Lahore Museum. The counterpart to it is in the Government Museum & Art Gallery, Chandigarh. — TNS
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CELEB POINT Divya Dutta
Sometimes it backfires. Like mom read tomatoes were for Rs 15 a dozen at a supermarket. She, along with the entourage of my bro, maid and the driver, went to buy the tomatoes. She kept telling my bro how in her times in Punjab the tomatoes she used to get sacks full for just Rs 2. Now, look at the changing times. But she was happy that she was going to defeat the rest by buying it for Rs 15 a kilo! The moment she reached the market she in her childlike excitement went choosing the ripest ones, pushing the other mere mortals trying to shop. My bro kept asking her to sit and he'd help her but the Rs 15 a kg excitement was just too much to handle. Literally, she overlooked the fact that she's an angina patient and felt a bit unwell. Bro got her home, called the ECG guy and gave her medicine and scolded her for not listening to him. And then gave her a bill of Rs1000. In jest, he said this for ECG and medicines and your tomatoes have cost us Rs 1000 rs. Well, she's okay now but as I write this she is reading her favourite page in the newspaper..... Best discounts available! What, my dear government, have you done to my dear mother? (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne Every cuisine offers us a rolled up delight of some sort or the other. We have our kathi rolls, the Chinese have their spring rolls, the Italians do them as cannelloni and the Mexicans call theirs enchiladas. Flavours vary hugely, as does the sauce or topping in each case. The human taste buds are constantly looking out for tantalizing ticklers to tease them! The enchilada with the tang of tomato sauce, the cheesy comfort of mozzarella and the spicy kick of cumin and cinnamon is designed to delight! The basic tortilla which envelopes the stuffing is like our good old chapatti, either cooked with plain flour or a mix of flour and corn atta. For readers who have missed the first Mexican column, I'm repeating the taco seasoning ingredients. Simply mix them and store in a jar. It will be a blessing to use for all things Mexican.
Enchiladas of corn and beans
Ingredients
Method
Note: Cooked meats of your choice can replace the corn and paneer but don't skip the essentially Mexican bean. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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star track Celebrities are under extra pressure to look good all the time. A few of them are genetically blessed to stay thin while others have worked very hard to shed the flab and look glamourous. Here are some stories of people who got thin Kareena Kapoor Khan She was always little plump and then Karan Johar made her lose weight for Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham. She piled up some weight again and got really thin for Tashan. She is responsible for the size zero craze in India. She looked her best in Jab We Met before Tashan released. Sonam Kapoor She was really thin as a teenager but gained weight when she went to Singapore to study and was quite a sight! Her mother Sunita started monitoring her diet and got her to exercise and now Sonam is slimmer than ever! Sonakshi Sinha She was obese and wanted to become a fashion designer before Salman Khan told her to lose weight and become an actress. Life has never been the same for Sonakshi since then. Her battle with weight continues but she is working very hard to stay slim. Arjun Kapoor He weighed more than a 100 kg and was happy being behind the cameras. Salman Khan suggested that he work out and become an actor. He was called Fubu because he wore that brand of extra-large clothes. Following Salman's advice, now Arjun is slim and trim. Alia Bhatt She was a plump teenager before Karan Johar made her lose the baby fat and put her in a bikini and all sorts of glamourous clothes in Student of The Year. She is a normal size now. Clearly, Karan Johar makes people thin!
Shahid looks brand new
The wait is finally over! The much-awaited look of Shahid Kapoor in Vishal Bhardwaj and Disney UTV's Haider is out. Shahid sports a neat buzz-cut in the movie that will see him play the desi Hamlet. After giving you the cult hit, Kaminey, the trio of Vishal Bhardwaj, Shahid Kapoor and Disney UTV brings you Haider that is set to release on September 12 this year. The movie which also stars Tabu, Shraddha Kapur and Kay Kay Menon is Vishal Bhardwaj’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Being currently shot in Kashmir, Haider is Vishal's last film of his trilogy based on William Shakespeare's tragedies. Commenting on the look, Shahid Kapoor says, "I believe in the script and have completely surrendered to Vishal sir's vision of my character and my look." Vishal Bhardwaj adds, "It’s commendable the dedication with which Shahid has bitten into his role and it’s every aspect. And he is doing complete justice to Haider.”
The erotic new poster of upcoming film Ragini MMS 2 is out! Starring actress Sunny Leone in skimpy pink bikini, the film seems like a one woman show entirely.
The film’s trailer was recently released with the poster. From the trailer it seems that film is going to be a brilliantly packed show of erotica. However, the poster has no thrills or fear factor though and doesn’t resonate the thrilling ambiance of the story. It is hands down, all along a Sunny Leone show!
Fan-tastic move
Deepika Padukone's friends and family are very proud of her because she walked the Red Carpet at an awards ceremony with a fan of hers and has been thanking her fans profusely. She also reads all the fan mail that she receives.
Gulfam to play aunty!
Actress Gulfam Khan, who has also worked in films like Mod, Ek Haseena Thi, Gayab and Talaash would be seen in Nagesh Kuknoor’s film Laxmi.
She is now doing a new film called The Legend of Michael Mishra with Boman Irani, Aditi Rao Hydri, Arshad Warsi and Kayoze Irani. She says, “It's a nice role of Aditi’s aunt who is hell bent on getting her married but against her wishes. My character is negative, but it's a nice, funny and spicy role to essay. I am playing a negative shade with comic antics. I am choosy about the kind of roles I do. Irrespective of the length, the role should make a difference to the film.”
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chatter box
After three months of non-stop dancing and entertaining the viewers, Rithvik-Asha took the golden trophy home on Nach Baliye 6. The couple that was pitted against three other strong contenders, Gurmeet-Debina, Vinod-Raksha and Ripu-Shivangi, won the finale with majority votes. They took home a cash price of Rs 35 lakh, along with a new Renault Duster and a trip to Australia. We catch up for more.
How are you feeling after winning the show? Rithvik: We had put in our best in every performance and had a clear goal of winning right from day one. However, the competition was very tough and it only pushed us to try harder with every episode. Needless to say, this would have not been possible without her support. Asha: We are feeling great and happy that our hardwork has paid off. Were you confident about winning? Rithvik: I wasn't thinking of winning at all. All I was thinking was that every week I had to give a great performance and live up to the love of the audience. Asha: We hoped and prayed that we should win, but we never had over-confidence. What's next? Rithvik: There are many things planned and worked out. Asha: I am looking forward to enjoying this victory and even the holiday package we won on the show. — HRM
Mika sells dreams
Colors new show Mission Sapne is getting a lot of traction. From Ronit Roy to Harbhajan Singh to Salman Khan, all have shot for it and recently singer Mika Singh too shot for the show in Delhi. He became a chaiwala and helped a tea stall owner; he even entertained the crowd with his songs.
Nothing comic
Comedian Sunil Grover has been trying to rope in many comic actors from various shows. Apparently Purbi Joshi and Rajiv Thakur were also on board, but soon news came that they were not doing the show. — HRM
Happy times
Manasi Salvi aka Avantika of Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara had quit the show as she was unhappy with the growth of her role. While she was serving her notice, during the fag end, the makers decided to give her something worthwhile to stay back. Now, she's happy staying back.
Master’s music
AR Rahman will be composing music for a television serial for the first time. He will do so for filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker's show titled Everest, which is about a young girl's dream and her fight to achieve it.
Not so scary
The season of Khatron Ke Khiladi 5 will not have the usual insect and bug eating round for the contestants. The host Rohit Shetty did not approve of it and insisted that such a stunt should not be there.
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Astro turf
ARIES: You will be under some stress this morning. Do not attempt to get new plans going. Work in seclusion from your own house is possible. Take the help of Gemini person.
Tarot message: Make investments in property. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.
TAURUS: An argument with your spouse is possible in the afternoon. You will have to watch your temper. Give a little more attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life now.
Tarot message: Over-optimism can lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 30. GEMINI: Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunities coming your way. No arguments with elders please. You will get what you expect. Your moods can be up and down.
Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 36. CANCER: Keep your spirits up by putting forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks and saving certificates you hold. Creativity shines. Students: enjoy cheerful moments on the campus.
Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 55. LEO: The card 'Two of cups' promises many opportunities on the financial front. If working on a commission basis, you will be able to increase your earnings. Old people will have a comfortable night. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32. VIRGO: It is a tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It will be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against an accident
while cooking. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 40.
LIBRA: A secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well. Today, your boss can promise a salary increase. This bodes well for your overall financial health.
Tarot message: Be creative if you want to retain grip over your business. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 52. SCORPIO: 'The queen of cups' opens the door for a new job offer. Do not become excitable. Avoid making partnership deals. Lovers: it is a good day for introducing your beloved to your parents.
Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 58. SAGITTARIUS: It is a fine day for starting something new. Businessmen: you can make a secret deal or alliance that can be very lucrative. A discussion behind closed doors can work out very well. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and prepare for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 42. CAPRICORN: Your card 'Ten of pentacles' reveals that your plans for saving are likely to meet with approval today. Be careful, as you are likely to jump the gun and live to regret your actions.
Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home needs care. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 26. AQUARIUS: New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not try to make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. The second half of the day favours social work.
Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 62. PISCES: Do not take snap decisions. Mutually held funds should not be disturbed without your consent. Be careful when it comes to lending money to a distant friend.
Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the work place. Lucky colour: Blue.
Magic number: 44.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is February 5...
As for physical and moral strength, you will have loads. You feel confident again. Your adventurous spirits will allow you to take risks and show people around you what you are capable of. There will be good understanding among members at home. At work, you will have to put more efforts to achieve your targets. There will be limited gains on the monetary front. Health will remain moderate. Influenced by Mercury, you are intelligent, unique, sensible, business-oriented, dignified, optimistic and charismatic. New business alliances and partnerships will help you earn financial stability. If you get a chance to travel abroad, take it. A change of scenery will do you a world of good. Positive colours: Green, Turquoise, Blue. Select days: Wednesday, Friday. Favourable numbers: 5, 6. Gems recommended: Emerald, Ruby. Charity on birthday: Donate green fodder to cows and copper utensils at a religious place today.
You share your birthday with Abhishek Bachchan (February 5, 1976, Mumbai), who is the son of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. He is married to Aishwarya Rai. He started his career with the movie Refugee. His daughter is likely to prove lucky for his career.
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Painting is Anubhavsom's calling! While he has worked through myriad themes, his latest has fetched him accolades from Chandigarh folks. His recent paintings and graphics find a proud place at Ginger, newly-opened hotel in Industrial Area. The theme—Works by the architect of the modern city, Le Corbusier.
The result, frames of Corbusier's paintings and buildings, side by side with a motif repeated in it. "Corbusier's tapestry at the High Court has had the strongest influence on my vision of him. It's more of graphics than a painting," says Anubhavsom. The artist is happy at the feedback. Colours like mud and black, or black and soft blue come together in Anubhavsom's works inspired from Corbusier. 
Do you know tomatoes in my house come for Rs 1,000 a kg? My mom bought it for that price! These past few years we have seen prices skyrocketing. Everyone seems to be affected. Financially of course, but also emotionally! My workaholic mom, who had her busiest stints in her government job as a doctor in Punjab, has taken up the job of the homemaker. Yes, she handles and manages everything skillfully. The house, the food, the things to buy, my guests... and of course the add ons...all my friends will call up and say, "Tell aunty to make kadi chawal please, I am coming." Mom just loves it! Punjabi woman to the core... she makes all delicacies, loves to treat friends in the best way to the extent if I have work meeting outside, she insists that I have it home so she can feed them aloo ki tikkis she's so famous for. All that is fine but in her quest for perfection, she's also become obsessive about saving money. Nothing wrong with that but my perfectionist mom wants to beat the government by using up all the possible sales and discounts. When she comes back from such shoppings, there's a victorious glow on her face, which says, 'see I beat them at their own game and got this for half price! That for me and my bro is very amusing. For her, it's the achievement of the day.
