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Classical cut
There is no price for passion — this is one thing we have learnt for sure. Famous flautist Ronu Majumder recorded in studios all day long and woke up the nights for riyaaz, just to not let his guru down. Santoor maestro Satish Vyas climbed the corporate ladder during the day and single-mindedly followed his guru in the evenings. Both slept for just four hours a day for a number of years. Today, success has touched their feet and so has fame.
Pracheen Kala Kendra Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan invites top of the league artistes to Chandigarh. We catch up with some. Sweet tune If you have been moved by the beautiful sound of flute in Kuch na kaho (1942 A Love Story), well, you should know the man behind it — Ronu Majumder. This flautist has done extensive work with RD Burman. His touch with this rather simple instrument has moved people to tears, be it with Main thak gaya hoon mujhe sone do or Yaad aa rahi hai. Ronu has continued his work tirelessly and there is huge variety in his sizeable body of work. Recently, he has done an album aimed at kids, Music for Children, Timeless Tagore, which is his tribute to his roots. A child prodigy, Ronu has seen the times change, "I am happy that people have increasingly been receptive to the flute, but more want to listen than learn." True calling Born to classical singer CR Vyas, Satish Vyas took his own time to find his calling. As he spent hours in riyaaz on the santoor with his guru Shiv Kumar Sharma, he continued his studies and later a job in the corporate world. It was only when his guru asked him to perform in public that he resigned from the job. Twenty-five years on, Satish has continued to perform on stage and won many accolades. His energy is infectious and his personality exudes divinity, which this maestro associates with his instrument. "Santoor transports one to another world all together." No wonder the santoor's sound is melodious but tuning the hundred strings is no ordinary task, which is where patience and practice come in. "So limitless is the ocean of classical learning that if only I could rewind time, somehow I want to go back to my guru ji and learn more," is what Satish Vyas longs for, apart from bringing our classical arts into the mainstream. "Classical music should be part of our mainstream education. Organisations and artistes are coming together to touch as many lives as
possible." Taking a legacy forward Three generations of this illustrious table-playing family take to the stage together. Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan with his son Akram Khan and grandsons, Zargham Khan and Zuheb Ahmed, together bring to stage the rare-old bandish of Ajarada Gharana. Ask Hashmat Ali Khan on how it feels to play together and the old artiste breaks down, "It is a matter of immense happiness as well as pride." "Who will carry forward the legacy if not our children?" questions his son Akram Khan. The family is known for their lively performances. "Right from knowing and adapting to the music of artistes, you are always involved in music," he adds.
(Satish Vyas will be performing at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, on March 23 from 6: 30 pm onwards) mona@tribunemail.com
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Packing a punch
She is one of the few actresses whom you wouldn't find all dolled up and dancing around the trees. Of course, she dresses up stylishly (in fact the only one who does that in Punjab) and actress Surveen Chawla is more than a pretty face. A random chit-chat with this pretty woman throws open a totally different side to her — an actress, a designer and a thinker, Surveen Chawla is already winning hearts with her performance in Punjabi films. The next one to hit the theatres is Disco Singh opposite Diljit Dosanjh followed by a Bollywood film Hate Story 2.
Since Surveen has worked in both the mediums, she can, if not much, spot the differences between the two. "Punjabi cinema is any day commercial and you can't expect to see women-centric films anytime soon. In Bollywood, films are performance-oriented. There I don't feel like furniture, which I do in Punjabi films," she smiles softly. Presently shooting for an international project in Jaisalmer, Surveen doesn't say things for the heck of them. The woman knows what she is talking, "I don't care whether people see me as coming from television, Punjabi cinema or South, as long as I am doing my work well. If I am doing good work nothing to worry." Work and that too different as well as creative is what keeps Surveen busy! She recently launched her design label, BISU, which is all about exclusive hand-worked dupattas. "My mother and I have worked on this. There is no machine work on the dupattas. I have already showcased the work at an exhibition in Mumbai and now will be doing so at the Gurgaon Fashion Week in April," says this stylish actress. Surveen will soon be seen shining on the silver screen in Disco Singh, a situational comedy. "As I say, no matter what the medium, as an actor I am always concerned about whether I am getting scope to act. This movie is fun; it explores the comic side of me as well, which is nice. Working with director Anurag Singh and actor Diljit Dosanjh is fun. We all know the reach of Punjabi cinema is much bigger — it's a huge territory outside India as well," she signs off. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Future
Shock Facebook Paper is going to be your new mobile habit Nishtha Shukla Anand
The one thing that many of us haven't been able to pull ourselves out of is the morning newspaper habit! The comfort of reading a newspaper is that you know you've got it all right. While it is not the time to say adieu to your newspaper, there are now some interesting ways to get your news on the go. Almost every leading newspaper in the world now has its own mobile app so that readers can access their news in real time. Another interesting thing that happened in the online newspaper business was the development of a fascinating app called Flipboard. It gathers news from leading blogs and papers online, puts them together subject wise and makes it easy for you to flip through some very interesting stories. Many of us are still looking out for that perfect way to see stories just the way we like it. Steps in, Facebook! The masters of social media have something truly interesting here. The Facebook Paper is a mobile application available to users of the iOS currently. Not only does the newspaper allow you to flip through news from all parts of the world, it allows you to share the news. Sure, nothing so spectacular about it. That's their job, right? Wait until you hear the real story. Facebook allows you to do a lot more than that. You can also post your own story, blog or pictures and share it with people in your network. With so much that we can share on the paper app, it's going to be a fun new way to exchange thoughts, ideas and life. Facebook has just taken 'virality' many notches higher. It's only available to users in the US currently but I'm guessing India should be getting it soon. Our virtual social lives are going to get better, and more informed, might I say. (Anand is a technology expert)
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green
thumb Satish Narula
The insect, mango mealy bug, has become a dreaded name in the home gardens, parks and in the roadside plantation. The people are confused as to where from they suddenly appear and then escape. But it is important for one to know about their life-cycle to check them at the right time when they appear first; in December. You may object to it, as you never saw them in the garden at that time! Yes, you are partially right they were so tiny at that time with a colour so matching to the tree and plant stems that they invaded your garden unnoticed. As they cannot fly you never saw them during day or night and due to very slow movement they never existed for you. Now you may have another query as it is not only the mango tree that is infestedbut almost all the vegetation in the garden then why call it mango mealy bug? Respecting once again your genuine query, I must make it clear that it is only the name and not the nature of the insect. It is known to devour on more than 70 plant species and that is why you find them on hibiscus, crotons, Ficus species plants, alstonia, arjuna, sapota, litchi, guava, lemon etceteras. The insects that you see at this time are mostly the gravid females that are looking for a place to lay eggs. They are descending down the trees where they had gathered to feed on the sap to devitalise the trees. They are oriented to enter the soil near the trunk of the tree and lay eggs. The eggs hatch in the month of December and the tiny, less than a millimeter long insects start moving up the trees. It is at that time one should have intervened to stop their upward movement by applying PAU slippery band which is nothing but a 10 inch wide poly-thene sheet of 1000 gauge thickness that is wrapped once around the tree trunk about three feet above ground. Now when the insects are all around, they should be collected with brooms and also thrown down the walls and shaken off the hedges and small plants. They should then be collected and destroyed. In case of big trees sprinkle methyl parathion powder all around the main trunk. (Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist and landscapist)
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Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne Eggs, milk, bread and butter. These are simple basics to a simple breakfast. Most of us are happy to start the day with them. Most of us will certainly have them in our kitchen. Now if we choose to, we can glorify these simple ingredients to whip up a delightful French toast in less than 15 minutes. It's only bread, glorified but it makes for a great breakfast, warm, fragrant and comforting. Even better, it morphs into a superb dessert when you serve these delightful triangle with a different angle! Chop up a handful of strawberries and pour some thin cream or custard into a little jug. You know what I'm getting at? Now place two little triangles on every plate, pour some cream or custard over them and scatter some fruit over it. You will be astonished how delicious the combo will be. Use a loaf of bread that is 1-2 days old. It will not break up and disintegrate so easily. You may substitute the strawberries with any seasonal fruit. Honey too goes great guns for pouring over the toasts. Don't substitute the cinnamon powder with anything. It's an integral part of the delight!
French toast ala supreme
Method Note: Vanilla plays a major role in combating the eggy smell of the toasts. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Fusion food
Sagar Ratna, the well-known and reputed chain of restaurants offering authentic South Indian cuisine among others, has announced the introduction of fusion dosa. This fusion dosa includes four different types of dosas—hot garlic dosa, paneer butter masala dosa, spring roll dosa and chocolate dosa.
Company spokesperson Pradeep Guha, AVP operations for the franchise business, has stated on behalf of Muralikrishna, CEO of Sagar Ratna Restaurants "We believe in the three basic principles for Sagar Ratna - good food, great service and a clean ambience." —TNS
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star track
Actress Vidushi Mehra, who would soon be seen in upcoming film Fugly, is an MBA, former banker, a musician, theatre artiste, film actor and entrepreneur. She is also the wife of designer Nikhil Mehra of Shantanu and Nikhil fame.
A multi-faceted, dynamic performer who has performed in over 45 productions on stage, Vidushi talks about acting, her life and more... You were earlier working as an investment banker. What made you get into acting? I enjoyed my stint in the corporate world but was always inclined towards creative works, so when I had my children, it didn't make sense for me to continue with the hardcore banking career. I have done theatre. My love for theatre just made me give up my corporate career. Acting for me is survival, like how one needs oxygen to breathe. Whether it's the stage, film or any other medium, acting comes to me naturally and when I don't act, I feel restless. How did Fugly happen for you? I was the last actor to get cast in Fugly. It was like the role was only meant for me. Tanya, the costume stylist of No One Killed Jessica, my previous film, was also styling the actors for Fugly. She called me and the rest is history. I auditioned, Kabir liked me and I was cast the same day. The shoot happened literally two days later at India gate. Tell us about your role. I play a feisty journalist who would do anything for a story and speak the truth. In the world of journalism, I doubt that any journalist would disagree with what has been portrayed. It is cut throat, yet sensitive and righteous. Do you consult your husband Nikhil on films and does he seek your advice when it comes to fashion? Yes, always. Since, he belongs to yet another competitive industry like fashion. We have a lot of common ground. I value his advice and whenever I'm confused his clarity hits me like a lightening bolt. How do you manage a stress-free life? Things you do to relax. I do yoga every morning, that's my personal time. I do a lot of fun activities with my kids on the weekends. Weekends are only for my family and I wouldn't change that for anything. Being a mother, how do you manage your personal and professional life? I have an extremely supportive family with loving parents-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law. They understand my passion fully and have backed me 100 per cent always. Without them my acting would have only been left as a dream. They take wonderful care of my children.
Strictly speaking
Kajol, 39, is mother to Nysa and Yug with her husband Ajay Devgn. She talks about being a hands-on mother and the causes associated with children that she supports.
Strict mother I think I am very hands-on mother. I am very strict and my daughter keeps telling me 'you are too hard on me', and I keep telling her I have to be hard because if I am not hard, you will not learn the lessons that I want you to learn. I think it is really important to be that way. Bubbly babies They are bubbly and talkative. They are very confident children, so far they are good. As far as my personality is concerned, my daughter is temperamentally a lot like my husband but in some ways she is also like me. My son is too young so it is difficult to say whose qualities he has more mine or my husband. Promoting hygiene With Lifebuoy, I have been promoting this cause of hygiene since a year. If through this programme I can save the life of at least one child, I think it would be fabulous.
Katrina In Raees?
Katrina Kaif may get the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rahul Dholakia's film titled Raees. She has two films right now, Bang Bang and Jagga Jassoos.
Action and reaction
YRF actress Rhea Chakraborty was groped by a man at her building and she contacted the police and will get to the bottom of the matter. Way to go, girl!
I am very much alive: Sana
"I am very much alive and acting," laughs when quizzed on her alleged death news. Of course, the actor was not always laughing at the case of mistaken identity when her picture was used instead of the Pakistani actor Sana Khan who died in Hyderabad in an accident. Sana shares, "I was out with friends and my family and my friends started frantically calling for me. It took me a while to realise that it was my picture put up with the Pakistani actor's death news by a reputed website.”
A lusty start
Actress Pavitra Punia, who is best remembered for role in TV series Love U Zindagi, is all set to make her debut in Bollywood. She will star in a film titled Siddhartha— Love, Lust and Peace, which is being directed by debutant Mukul Mishra. Pavitra w ill be in the lust part of will be more like Chandramukhi of Devdas, who will be the lust queen of a region. "I wasn't sure about the role because it was a very challenging one. But I took it up," confirmed the actress.
When asked about TV, she stated, "I think I will take a two year break from TV as I am getting Bollywood offers. The same production house has offered me their next as lead opposite Pulkit Samrat (of Fukrey fame). Unfortunately I never made it big on TV. So I am going to try my luck here this time."
Surprise party
Rani Mukerji turned 36 on Friday and her beau Aditya Chopra gave her a special surprise party. Rani is an eternal optimist and continues to try to revive her career with YRF's Mardaani.
Moving on
Chitrangda Singh has moved on from Pehla Aap Janaab which was on the backburner and will now star in Dhruv, alongside actor Rahl Bhat. Sudhir Mishra will direct it.
Sunny in Bhopal
Sunny Leone went to Bhopal instead of Indore to promote Ragini MMS 2 as Indore has banned her entry.
Break free
Sunny Leone says that she wants to explore the actor within her. After Ragini MMS 2, she wants to take a break from the horror-sex genre and do some acting-oriented films.
Happy go lucky
Sonam Kapoor says that she is happy with the response that Bewakoofiyaan has received and there is nothing much she can do about the box office collections. Also, it is confirmed that she is dating businessman Sahir Berry.
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chatter box
More the merrier
An interesting star cast is set to join television show Lapataganj. The show will bring together a family that will entertain the viewers and the members of Lapataganj through their circus gimmicks as well as other tricks. Names such as Yogesh Tripathi, Pradeep Hasti and Sandeep Kaur have been roped-in as part of the show. While Yogesh will essay the character of Lovely Singh and adopt a UP accent, Pradeep will play the role of Bubbly Singh, who will communicate in Punjabi. The track will unfold such that the circus they set up will burn down, which will lead to them permanently settling in Lapataganj. Sandeep will play the wife of Lovely Singh.
Moving along
Rangrasiya on Colors is about to witness the exit of Tarun Khanna aka Thakur Tejawat. In the upcoming episodes, Rudra (Ashish Sharma), will manage to collect enough proof against Teja's (Tarun) wrongdoings and put him behind bars.
Negative lead
Actor Akhilendra Mishra, who is known for his role as the conniving Kroor Singh in popular series Chandrakanta, is now all set to play a negative role in Diya Aur Baati Hum. He is quite excited about the role.
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first-day-first show Ragini MMS 2
Directed by Bhushan Patel, Ragini MMS 2 is a Hindi horror 3D movie, produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The film features Sunny Leone, Parvin Dabbas and Sandhya Mridul. The film takes off where its prequel, Ragini MMS ended. It is based on a film-maker who plans to make a movie. Sunny plays the lead role, Ragini. The crew goes to shoot the film in the same house where when MMS Scandal took place, leading to further creepy and paranormal incidents. Sunny shines I liked the film, especially Sunny Leone and the way she has acted. This is quite a brave attempt by the director and it has definitely done complete justice to horror-sex film. All thanks to Sunny. Yuvraj Khosla, student Disappointing fare This film is a one-time watch. Though Sunny has acted really well in the film, I didn't quite like the plot and dialogues. So, in that case, I was quite disappointed with the film. However, I can totally say that this is a very different Bollywood horror film. Niharika Bhalla, private bank employee Time pass It's a so-so film, neither too engaging, nor too boring. I guess one can watch it for a good time pass. I like Sunny in the film though. Vikramjit Singh, agriculturist Gang of ghosts
Gang of Ghosts is a Hindi paranormal comedy film, produced by Venus Records and Tapes Pvt Ltd and Satish Kaushik Entertainment. Directed by Satish Kaushik, it is a remake of Bengali film Bhooter Bhabishyat. The film features Sharman Joshi, Mahie Gill, Anupam Kher and Jakie Shroff. It revolves around a haunted house that is being pulled down and being replaced by a swanky shopping mall. Apparently, the ghosts belong to different eras, reside in the same house and consider it their home. So, they decide to take the matter in their own hands. Bad choice I didn't like the film at all. It's not even a film that one can possibly watch even for a time pass. How I wish movie tickets were refundable for such films. Jasjeet Singh, student Not good enough Though the film has a distinct plot, there is nothing more to it other than that. Also, the film is a social satire, but it's not put across in the way that it should have. Ranjan Narula, student Need for speed Need for Speed is a Hollywood action film directed by Scott Waugh, written by George Gatins and John Gatins and produced by DreamWorks Pictures. It is an adaptation of the Need for Speed series of video games. It stars Aaron Paul as street racer Tobey Marshall, who sets off to race cross-country, as a way of avenging his friend's death. Action time It is an amazing film. I love the screenplay and plot. Everything about the film makes one want to cling on tight to their chairs and well, I am quite fond of action films, so this one was a visual delight. Harman Singh, freelance graphic designer Not to be missed If you like action films, please do not miss it. I like the effects of the film, the super machines and most importantly, the action. It is certainly worth a watch. Samar Singh, student —As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Astro turf
ARIES: Make sure you are doing your best. You can be in line for a promotion or recognition in the form of an award. Employment affairs are satisfactory. Seniors are in a cheerful mood.
Tarot message: Competition will push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Beige.
Magic number: 52.
TAURUS: Friction at the workplace can slow down production and frazzle everyone's nerves. Try to stay balanced and remember 'silence is golden'. You will have more time to see to the needs of others. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 25. GEMINI: Feeling of love and strong impulses come together in an exciting mix. Take it easy today. It will be pointless to attempt to force the pace. Deal with a
routine job. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky
colour: Orange. Magic number: 40. CANCER: You are unlikely to get very far if trying to put new plans into operation. An illness can mean having to take the day off work. Putting energy into your domestic life can give the lift you need now.
Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky
colour: Blonde. Magic number: 61. LEO: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place for the future. Bring a breath of fresh air into your life by rearranging your environment. Go shopping for some interesting artwork.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Brown. Magic number: 24. VIRGO: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss, but also feel an immediate sense of achievement. Make every effort to further your ambitions. Tarot message: A positive attitude heals old wounds.
Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 33. LIBRA: You can easily get bagged down in the daily grind. Problems of others will have to be attended. There is little you can do to advance your own affairs. This will be a difficult day for dealing with business partners. Tarot message: Remember the old saying - a penny saved is a penny earned". Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 62. SCORPIO: It will be a day of heavy spending. Patience and time are important to make progress. The advice of elders, professionals and people with greater experience than yours can make all the difference.
Tarot message: Plan your life better. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Magic number: 59. SAGITTARIUS: Excitement and happiness is on the cards today. An increasing income means
more luxuries of life to enjoy. Socialising and attending gala events can be costly.
Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 63. CAPRICORN: Make this a day of retreat and solo activity. Someone you meet today will give you a useful business tip. Go over accounts. It is best to stay at home during leisure time.
Tarot message: Be sure involving yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 57. AQUARIUS: Early part of the day is most exciting. Today should see many of the policies that you have been following bearing fruits. Do not allow friends or family to distract you during study hours.
Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 50. PISCES: Finances are in the spotlight today. Matters involving spending, saving and borrowing are all worth examining. Be sure to grasp an opportunity that comes your way today.
Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 41.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is March 22...
Number 4 and the planet Uranus reveal you are energetic, charming, peace loving, creative and active. You are always given a great deal of responsibility at work because people know they can depend on you. You will get satisfaction through involvement in spiritual activities. The year will make you feel good. You need to have patience at work. Finances will not be perfect. You can also suffer from ill-health due to anxiety. You'll receive unexpected praise and bring about huge changes in your day-to-day life, thanks to the favourable position of the Stars. 2014 will be an exceptional year for personal growth. It will also be a good year for business and financial management. This year will bring you fine companionship. A big contract will be signed after making slight change in terms. Positive colours: Dark blue, Dark grey. Select days: Saturday. Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat’s Eye, Tiger Stone Charity on birthday: Donate black grams, tea leaves, utensils, gas, coal, sarson oil in a religious place today.
You share your birthday with Reese Witherspoon (born March 22, 1976), an American actress and producer. Witherspoon landed her first feature role as the female lead in the film The Man in the Moon in 1991. For her role in 1999's Election, she earned a Golden Globe nomination.
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If you are reading this, I can most certainly say that you love technology. You're probably checking the phone for a message, a joke on WhatsApp or checking in to see who's said what on FB today. Technology has most certainly turned our life around. It's made life easier, engaging and more social.
Every year by the end of March or early April we get desperate calls about the appearance of thousands of insects of a single type in the garden, 'about a centimeter long and off white to brownish in colour'. They crawl on the ground occupying almost every nook and corner. They are all over the house, on plants, walls and invade the indoors too. They are not only repulsive to look at but leave a yellow stain on the floor when crushed under feet. The stains sustain. Only this year, the calls have already started pouring in. Like the unpredictable weather conditions, the insects have caught the gardeners off guard. This probably is the result of changing weather conditions.
6 slices bread, thickly cut
Seven months after its launch, Kehta Hai Dil Jee Le Zara, which marked the comeback of Sangeeta Ghosh, is ending. The channel has decided to pull the plug on it. The decision was made this week.
