The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	GYAN ZONE Classical moves Odissi dancer Kumkum Mohantay has jotted down the various mudras and moves of the traditional dance form in two volumes of her book Odissi Dance Path finder Amarjot Kaur It is not quite unusual to be at the Pracheen Kala Kendra and hear the sound of either tabla or sitar from even a distance. But, like one always tends to undermine the tendency of the unusual, there are times, when it leads you to a greater surprise of even greater significance. While we follow the sound of music, which leads us to Kumkum Mohantay, an eminent Odissi dancer, as she supervises the final rehearsal of her troupe, we stand acquainted to a woman with many talents. A retired IAS, Indian Postal Service, and a writer, Kumkum, 67, has been conferred with 'Nrutyangada Samman' for her lifetime contribution to Indian classical dance. She was in the city on Saturday to perform on the four-day of 44th Pracheen Kala Kendra Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan. "Dancing never really came easy to me. I had to fight for it," begins Kumkum, while adding, "My father never wanted me to take up dancing, especially professionally. So, he put forth a condition that I clear the competitive exams and only then would I be allowed to dance. It was when I was serving as a lecturer at the Subalaya College that I was invited to perform in Russia by ICCR." Kumkum remained in service as a civil servant for over 12 years, during which she continued to train in Odissi classical dance under the aegis of Pt. Kelucharan Mohapatra. "I consider my Guru to be the father of Odissi dance while Pt. Bhubaneswar Mishra, to be the mother of this dance form, who in 1965 composed raga Shankaravarna, on which the abhinaya Pallavi is based. However, Odissi dance has taken many elements not just from the Shastras alone, but also the tribal, folk and regional forms," she says. Though there is a moment in every movement and every pose narrates a story, Odissi dance lacked the academic precision and knowledge, which was rational and logical. While Kumkum's interest in the dance form grew with each passing day as she, with her guru, would create dance compositions at her house, she witnessed utter difficulty in recollecting those compositions the next day in the absence of any written data. "I felt that there had to be a proper method of teaching Odissi dance, with proper names for the mudras and precision of poses with reference to the positions and angles. I therefore compiled two books, titled Odissi Dance Path finder Vol. 1 and 2, which took me more than four years," she says. Kumkum informs that while she was compiling the books, she organised a seminar and video-taped it, wherein she asked some of the finest exponents of Odissi dances to elaborate on different methods of teaching Odissi dance. "I extracted as many as fourteen chapters from that seminar, which my Guru Ji and I improvised on in the presence of two other Pandits, who were well-versed with the Shastras. Also, the books do not contain a single photograph. I hired an artist to make sketches of the poses mentioned in the book, so that the sanctity of the dance remains, and the book remains generalised," she adds. Kumkum, who has named as many as 66 poses and 25 movements in her book shares that she is absolutely against the commercialisation of classical dance. "My father advised me to never take a single penny for the dance performance, lest the quality shall suffer," says she while recollecting how in the 60s and 70s, attending a cultural show was considered as a social status. "Also, I am trained in classical music, which I think is a quintessential for any kind of dance," she avers. Kumkum now runs a dance institution by the name of Geetagovinda as she, along with her two assistants, trains young girls in Odissi dance. amarjot@tribunemail.com
	Creative call Amarjot Kaur At the Sobha Singh Art Gallery in Punjab Kala Bhawan one was treated to an exquisitely vibrant palette of colours, which tendered us a perspective-one of a kind that lead us down the memory lane and straight to our childhood. Organised by the division of social Paediatrics at advanced Paediatrics centre, PGIMER, Vijay Kala Kendra and Build Healthy India Movement (NGO), the exhibition was titled Little Hands. Featuring the art works of students from Sacred Heart, Govt. Model High School, Snehalaya, juvenile homes and children in hospitals, the exhibition had a series of paintings with subjects related to nature, human portraits, portraits of Gods and Goddesses and even abstract. While the realistic portraits by Vandana, in oil on canvas exuded much diligence in technique and forms that she created, one could possible not fail to miss the soul of her paintings, which were dipped in honesty of expression, especially the ones on Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh and a portrait of Rabindra Nath Tagore. Also, the nature paintings and sketches by Ishita, were both unique and original in terms of ideation and execution. Meanwhile, Anandita, who takes a severe liking to animals and birds expressed a deep-felt compassion for a few endangered species, however, her artistic calibre found a flawless expression in an untitled painting of a hippie girl, which she says was a challenge to make since most of her classmates told her that she could not paint. "I'm so glad with the way this painting has turned out to be," she shares. Raneeta Thinganam's sketches too, were sharp and realistic. A special segment at the exhibition that catered to the likes of children below the age of 13 bore some beautiful paintings by the students of Shehalaya and those in the hospitals.
	Booked for life Life took rather unpleasant turn for corporate guy Chetan Mahajan that he has turned into a colourful book Manpriya Singh No case study in the history of B-school ever prepares you for a life in prison. It's a life that affects every inmate eventually; whether they choose to fall down like a house of cards of rise like a phoenix. Author Chetan Mahajan battled emotions ranging from fear, denial and frustration by playing ludo, chess, running a marathon and writing. "My first reaction was denial. I never thought I'd go to jail. That does not happen. Nobody thinks that." In Chandigarh, on an invitation by Chandigarh Literary Society, he shares some of the most overriding emotions behind the experience of having spent 30 days in Bokaro Jail. Employed with Everonn, a Chennai based IIT coaching chain and charged for company's delay in refunds, Mahajan was detained. The Bad Boys of Bokaro Jail is, as he likes to put, it, "is a completely factual account of what happened to him during the one month in prison and one day in police custody." From picking the best prison ward to befriending people who could get him a mobile phone access to training for his upcoming marathon, it's been time as well spent as was possible. "I started writing on day three itself, because before that I did not have a pen and a paper. It took me that much of time to arrange." Writing happened more out of an after effect of prison life rather than creative impulses. "To be honest, it was more out of boredom coupled with some faint hope that may be I can make something out of this experience." He adds, "There is no violence in the book, no drama because nothing of the sort happened to me. There is no climax either because I come out, that's the climax. But yes, the characters are colourful because that's how they were." There was not even taking any creative liberties while exposing the underbelly of an Indian prison. "It's pure fact. Sometimes, "fact can be stranger than fiction." Back home Currently based in Gurgaon, the former alumnus of University Business School, Panjab University, has just finished with a short session with the students. "I passed out in 93 and it is always a great feeling to be coming back to your school," shares also the former student of the prestigious Kellogg School of Management, USA. "There are so many angles to the book. First being the management angle where there are issues of ethics involved while managing a firm….There is also the socio economic angle where the set up shifts from a corporate urban life to the dark underbelly of India." The tag of a prison still invites awkward reactions. "I talk about it as matter of fact as possible. I thought one of the best ways to deal with it was to put it all out in a book," shares the CEO of HCL Learning Ltd. Film adaptation Jails lend themselves to celluloid drama more than any other subject. Cinematic adaptations, he shares, "are for somebody else to consider rather than me. I can fantasize about it. This book has been out only for four weeks now, so first the book has to be successful enough to be considered being turned into a film…. If asked to choose then I believe Irrfan Khan would be apt for playing the role." Till that happens. manpriya@tribunemail.com
	Score card Jasmine Singh Far and beyond the only thing that Salil Amrute, background music composer finds solace is in music. The notes and rhythms is what he virtually had to keep company. "I started training in music at the age of nine at Zakir Hussain Institute, where I spent six years and learnt tabla. Thereafter, I did a course in recording from Mumbai University and took piano lessons from Robert Korea," says Salil in Chandigarh for his work in upcoming projects. Salil has given background music in Punjabi films Mirza, Ishq Garrari and Ishq Brandy. And there is lot more in his Punjabi film music kitty, something that he thoroughly enjoys. "You will see my work in Desi Munde, Mundeyan Toh Bahke Rahen, Desi Mundey,Double Di Trouble, Rambo Ranjha, Yodha and Control Bhaji Control directed by Gaurav Singh. Punjabi films is a growing industry, which means it is also progressing in terms of music. Punjabi films were always rich in music, it is now that they are experimenting with it more. More and more Punjabi films are realising the impact background score creates," adds he. As for more low down on him, Salil has arranged and programmed music for various Bollywood Films like Singham, Aap ka Suroor, Dus Kahaniyan, Bol Bachchan and also for television serials like CID, Adaalat, Shapath, Ye Ishq Haye and Shivaji. "Music is something that offers a wide scope for experimentation. At the same time, the requirements for serials are different from films, and films are different from regional music. However, there is still a common thread called music," shares Salil. jasmine@tribunemail.com
	star track Jennifer Lopez battling bronchitis Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has been battling a bout of bronchitis. The 44-year-old pop superstar, during an interview with host Ellen DeGeneres, revealed that she had been secretly suffering with the lung condition, reported a website. "Especially when you have bronchitis like me right now. Sorry... I'm on the back end of it," she said. Her confession prompted DeGeneres to quip, "So glad I hugged you", before Lopez decided to tease the comedienne by cuddling up to her and jokingly wiping her hands on the presenter. — PTI Tougher times Abhay Deol is half broke because his production One by Two flopped. As a result, he has mortgaged one of his flats in the posh area of Juhu in suburban Mumbai. If he fails to repay the loan, the bank will seize his flat and auction it off. Shakira’s next Colombian pop star Shakira has recorded a second official World Cup song after the superhit Waka Waka South Africa anthem back in 2010. The 37-year-old star, dating Spain defender Gerard Pique, has penned La La La - a reworked version of new song Dare, for this summer's Brazil event, reported a publication. "It is an upbeat Brazilian track. The lyrics are personal and I have actually recorded a version for the World Cup," Shakira said. Even the singer's son Milan features in the track. "I was in the studio and Milan came in to hang out in the afternoon. I had him on my lap and he was listening and then when it came to the end of the song, he just went 'myah'," she said. After a five-year break, Shakira is back with a new, self-titled album. She says getting Rihanna for her lead single Can't Remember To Forget You was easy. "Rihanna is very sweet, very humble, very warm. She is not a diva at all. She was a treat, I feel humbled and very honoured to work with her," she said. — PTI
	Vikas Bahl on Queen Vikas Bahl is the man of the moment due to the universal success of Queen. The movie's business is just getting bigger and better. He talks about making the movie and his plans for the future. On the film What makes the film special is that people have connected with Rani's character. I've been getting messages saying the movie has given them a reason to introspect. People are also awestruck by the locales. I just wanted to make a fun film, which involved travelling. The art of directing I wouldn't have made the film had Kangana not agreed to play Rani. She is such an unpredictable actress and as a director, I wanted to be surprised. A lot of improvisation happened on the film. Not only Kangana but all the actors improvised. Once they're on the sets, I let them do what they feel like as it brings in a sense of realism into the film. Coming of age It was challenging but I was very clear that I was making a non-judgmental film. In the first half, Rani gets over the guy and in the second, she gets over herself. Her naive notions are shattered, one by one, and in the end when she hugs her ex-fiance, (played by Rajkummar Rao) who had dumped her on the eve of her marriage, there's no hatred, only gratitude! Comparisons galore It's a great film to be compared with but we shot Queen before English Vinglish. When you travel, you meet people from different ethnicities. My film is simply about meeting people and growing as a person. Next project I'm an easygoing person. I didn't plan to become a director. I can handle it. Shaandar is a fun film based on a destination wedding. An Indian family lands up in Europe for an exotic shaadi. I bounced off the idea to Shahid Kapoor who readily came on board. I'm still looking for a heroine.
	Deepika’s next is Kochidaiyaan After a row of back to back hits, Deepika Padukone will now be seen in Kochidaiyaan. In this film, the actress will be seen alongside South legend, Rajnikant for the very first time. There are a lot of reasons why an actor agrees to do a particular project. Deepika agreed to be a part of this film for emotional reasons. She says, "I felt it was a huge honour for me to share screen space with a legend like Rajnikant. I felt that it was a great opportunity for me to interact and discuss cinema with him. Saundarya (his daughter) was very kind too and she shot my scenes in just two days using a new technology." Also the Kochidaiyaan team felt that among the younger actresses, the beauty and performance level required for the film would be justified just by Deepika Padukone. Nine and counting Yaami Gautam has bagged her ninth brand endorsement. She is the global brand ambassador of a beauty range as well as of a footwear line. She endorses everything from cars to creams. How lucky and popular is she with the companies. Common factor The team of O Teri will host a special screening for the team of Fukrey. Pulkit Samrat is the common factor and there are similarities between the two movies, both of which are based in Delhi.
	When real inspires reel Atul Agnihotri's next film O Teri is reportedly based on the Common Wealth Games scam. O Teri is produced by Agnihotri and presented by Salman Khan. The movie centres around two journalists, Prantabh Pratap and Anand Ishvaram Devadutt Subramanium, doing regular stories, facing the pressures of life when a strange turn of event changes their lives. As per the grapevine, the character played by Anupam Kher is based on the character of Suresh Kalmadi. Kalmadi was the chairperson of the organising committee of Commonwealth Games in 2010. He was charged with cheating and causing a loss of more than Rs 90 crores to the exchequer. He was arrested later. Reports in the media hinted that there were quite a few similarities that could be drawn between the scam and the events in the film. There is a sequence in one of the promos of the film showing the collapse of a foot over-bridge. Incidentally, during CWG, a bridge had collapsed near the main venue too. Director Umesh Bist was even quoted in the media as saying, "The film is inspired by real life events but I would not like to reveal anything as of now." The film, which stars Pulkit Samrat and Bilal Amrohi, is a comedy. The move also features Sarah-Jane Dias, Sara Loren and Mandira Bedi. The music is composed by GJ Singh. It is slated to release on March 28. Ali grabs a big deal Ali Fazal of Fukrey has bagged a role in the Fast and the Furious 7. The shooting of the franchise was delayed due to Paul Walker's untimely death. Ali plays an Arab character that is fond of cars! Way to go, Ali! Power of promotion Ragini MMS 2 has got poor reviews but the movie had an opening of Rs 8 crore. Well, all thanks to Sunny Leone and her hit promotional songs! Meanwhile, Ankhon Dekhi has got good reviews while Lakshmi and Gang of Ghosts have got poor to average reviews.
	chatter box Taking the charge Sony Entertainment Television's crime based shows such as CID, Crime Patrol and Adaalat have all done well. Now the channel is all set to churn out another show on the same lines titled Encounter. As the name suggests, the show will be based on encounters that happened in the country and the background story behind each such case. To add some star value, the channel has roped in talented actor Manoj Bajpayee to host the episodes. Interestingly, the actor who impressed the world with his films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Pinjar, Zubeida and Rajneeti, started his acting career on TV with Doordarshan's Swabhimaan. He has shot for the promo and the show will go on air by the end of next month.
	Akbar asks for forgiveness One of the most important portions of Jodha-Akbar's love story will be aired on Zee TV's Jodha Akbar soon. This will happen when Akbar will accuse Jodha of having an affair with another man. In the upcoming episodes, Akbar (Rajat Tokas) will ask Jodha (Paridhi Sharma) to leave his kingdom on the pretext of doubting her having an affair with another man. While Jodha will leave the palace and stay in a jungle, Akbar will realise that his wife was only meeting her brother Sujamal, who he mistook for her lover. Soon after Jodha's exit, Akbar will realise that he has committed a mistake and will go out searching for her. We hear that he will finally locate Jodha and ask for forgiveness. This will get them even closer than before.
	When nothing really scares Explorer Steve Backshall returns on his mission to find the world's deadliest animals. In the new series Deadly 60 On A Mission, Steve and his crew go in search of the biggest, fastest, most venomous animals in his most experimental series ever. From lethal beauties to killer beasts, his journey takes him to some of the most hostile and remote places on Earth in order to determine the deadliest top 60. Starting April 1st, every night at 9 pm on Animal Planet, Deadly 60 On A Mission will give a dose of incredible adventure, high adrenaline and utterly hair raising encounters . Filmed at locations around the world from Sri Lanka to Nepal, Peru to Australia, the team is bringing to viewers unseen adventure. Swimming unprotected with wild alligators, paragliding alongside an Egyptian vulture, being lowered by helicopter into a crocodile nest in Australia, a close encounter with the most venomous snake on earth; this is a record breaking series with the planet's top predators. Each animal is assigned three killer facts and rated on the Deadly 60 scale as viewers are immersed in the quest for the world's most lethal predators. The specials allow viewers to see behind the scenes and find out just what it takes to be a part of the Deadly 60 team as they're on the hunt in the world's wildest places.
	Twists and turns In the show, Beintehaa that is telecast on Colors, Aaliya (Preetika Rao) has been on a hunt for the person who tried to hurt her husband, Zain (Harshad Arora), and we believe she will get to the core of the matter in the up and coming episodes. While Aaliya's sister, Aayat, had come down to Mumbai for modelling as Rocky convinced her to do so, but he used her as an escort. Luckily Zain reached the venue in time and saved Aayat, but he got hurt in return. Since then Aaliya has been trying to locate the ones who attacked Zain, unaware of the incident that took place with Aayat. Now, she will not only learn about the entire escort drama but also about Zain being aware of it. At the end of it all, she will make it a point to thank Zain for saving his sister and decide on sending Aayat back to Bhopal. Will this incident get Aaliya and Zain closer? Let's wait and watch.
	Host with a lot Sara Khan, who was also a part of the film Total Siyapaa, is busy these days. The lovely lady has bagged a travel show and has been travelling across India to shoot for the same. This travel show is all set to air on Epic Channel and is titled Kahi Suni - Myth and Legends of India. The actress has been shooting for three months now and has just a month long schedule left.
	Leading the cause At the end of the two episodes (Fighting Rape & Police), Star Plus' show, Satyamev Jayate has reached out to 21 crore Indians in the new season. As per TAM data for week 11, Satyamev Jayate's cumulative reach for the first two weeks now stands at 7 crore viewers. This when extrapolated to All India Universe, as per standard industry conversions, means that over 21 crore Indians have watched the show. The show recorded 6713 TVT in All India (All 4+, All India) and a HSM TVT of 5960. These are ratings of the second episode aired on Sunday morning 11 am across 7 channels. This season, Satyamev Jayate gave viewers a way to participate in driving change through various mechanisms like a missed call, sign online petitions or SMS responses as part of the Vote for Change initiative. The show has successfully garnered around '12.7 million - votes for change' from across the country. The show continues to be a rage on digital media with more than 280 million followers so far.
	Astro Turf P. Khurrana ARIES: Self-employed and business owners may feel like putting in a few hours to supervise property ventures. Conditions at home will be pleasant enough. Do not speculate. Health problems will not bother you. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and for no one else. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28 TAURUS: If there is work to be done and you feel like doing it, go right ahead. House work and chores can be handled efficiently. Romantic life will be fine for students. Tarot message: Focus on your goals and don't let temporary setbacks affect you. Lucky colour: Violet Magic number: 36 GEMINI: Today's the day to do something for your pleasure. Do all in your power to settle disputes. A close rapport may be developing between you and a colleague. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from younger colleagues. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 62 CANCER: Dreaming big is the first step towards success. Many of you have been working constantly at for giving an ambitious career path. Team work is the key note of the day. Do not walk about in a daze. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 56 LEO: The crowning fulfillment of gaining recognition may arrive soon. Stay focused on your job. Consult professional people for legal worries. Property matters should be attended to. Tarot message: Rather than worrying; put your efforts to achieve success. Lucky colour: Bottle green Magic number: 59 VIRGO: Get on with the job that is on the priority list. A secret love affair will bring you an added pleasure. Do not get involved in any land deal. Pedestrians in particular should watch out for careless drivers. Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks. Lucky colour: Rust Magic number: 44 LIBRA: The Page of Swords reveals a good time to tie all loose ends together and take care of precious details with absolute perfection. You are in for a mixed day. Lunar position highlights your service matters. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 49 SCORPIO: Searching a soul-mate? You will be able to make the right connection effortlessly with the added assistance of a dash of intuition and trust. All in all, an interesting and stimulating day. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confuse yourself. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 61 SAGITTARIUS: The door to profound knowledge may open through a wise acquaintance. Love blossoms at the workplace. If you want to impress someone important, you will find the right approach today. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take your advantage. Lucky colour: Brown Magic number: 31 CAPRICORN: This can be a day that starts calmly and uneventfully. Trusting people who have just appeared on the scene is a foolish move. Financial transactions are likely to be larger. Hidden assets maybe uncovered. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: Minding your business is a good choice. Live and let live is a good motto currently. If a task seems over-whelming break it down into smaller, simple steps. Businessmen will sign important deals in the evening. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work.Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 38 PISCES: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a certain deal could cause you anxiety. Love life will be quite intriguing. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 40
	The Year Ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is March 24... It will be a good year at the work front. The number 6 and the Venus, make you enthusiastic, loyal, charming, witty and helpful in nature. There would be financial progress. Personal life is good. Health will not be a concern at all. Your honesty won't be doubted by rumours that are coming around. Talk it through with the person that seems the most concerned about this matter. Good opportunities will present themselves and you are well aware of serious offers. Luck will be with you to help you find what you've been searching for. All the conditions will be perfect to make you emotional. Be careful of not letting yourself go, foolishly. Fear nothing, for this is a favorable moment. You can reach your goal slowly and with constancy. Along the way you'll meet important and influential people. If they deserve your trust, treasure their example and advice. Things are fine as far as family life goes. It is not an ideal year for money matters. You might remain busy at work. Health will remain normal. Positive colours: White, sea green, cream, light blue and rose Select days: Friday, Thursday & Tuesday Favourable numbers: 5,6 Gems recommended: Diamond & Emerald Charity on birthday: You may donate white eatables like bread flour etc. to needy. You share your birthday with Emraan Hashmi, (March 24, 1979, Mumbai) known as serial kisser in Bollywood, made his debut in 2003 with the film Footpath, which did not do well. He and his co-star Mallika Sherawat shot to fame with Murder. His number is 6, which denotes Venus, will always help him get romantic roles.