|
|
|
|
|
In quest of new frontiers
It's a film that has been creating a buzz in the international circles. Girish Malik's debut directorial venture was not only part of the competitive section at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival, but also selected in the Indian Panorama section at the International Film Festival of India, Goa. But hold your breath — Girish dubs his film a mass entertainer. We raise eyebrows and wonder aloud-is it a marketing strategy? He denies the aspersion and clarifies.
As the film is nearing its release this Friday, Girish is keen to clear cobwebs and the popular misconceptions about the kind of films that make it to the festival circuit. He reasons, "A festival film is often erroneously perceived as art house cinema made for and understood by only a select few. Actually, when I set out to make this film, festivals were furthest away from my mind." In fact, he is adamant that he would like to make films for masses and classes, ones that would appeal to ten out of ten members of the audience. He quips, "If my film doesn't reach out to even two persons I have a problem." So before you decide to skip this festival film, he promises "an action a minute, laughter a minute, emotion a minute" in short an entertainer of epic proportions. Sure the film is not a masala tamasha, rather comes laced with a pertinent message Jal nahi to kal nahi. Dealing with the all important environmental issue of water shortage, which is not a local but a global issue, indeed Girish could have chosen the documentary format. But this beautiful and poignant story by Rakesh Mishra whose screenplay Girish has co-written along with the writer, begged for a larger medium. Girish, a man of many mediums, actor of serials like Banegi Apni Baat, theatre person, classical dancer and musician thinks his journey has come a full circle with Jal. Cinema where he truly belongs, he agrees, is without doubt the most exciting and complete medium where you can realise all your dreams and stories and more importantly, reach out to wider audiences. Even as the film is slated to clash with David Dhawan's Main Tera Hero, Girish is not a worried man. He wishes Dhawan all the luck, "may it make many hundred crore and some of the spill over flow to us." Between critical acclaim and commercial success, he is not taking sides. A greedy man, he would ideally like to have both. Judging by the response the film has generated at the festival in Goa and at Environment and Wildlife Film Festival where ordinary people like gardeners cheered after the film's screening, his desire may not just be wishful thinking. And God forbid, even if it is, the critical acclaim has already opened doors for his other quirky twisted projects. First on the cards is Band of Maharajas about singers from Punjab. His first film might have been set in Gujarat, but this proud Punjabi boastfully proclaims that like all Punjabis he too possess the knack of swaying others "Dil mein utar jaane ka hunar aata hai humein." Will he be able to woo the cinegoers? He is ready for the acid test. nonika@tribunemail.com
Sound of music
Creative madness
Never mind that he comes from the family of Dev Anand and Shekhar Kapur. As a kid his mother kept him and his sister away from the filmy connection. He too did not care much even when Vijay Anand made an offer. But cinema was waiting to happen. As he moved back and forth between college and films; the turning point was My Brother Nikhil. Struck by the power of cinema he decided to stick on. Rock On cemented his commercial value. Yet as he remains part of 'hatke' films, two factors are at play. One he is constantly drawn towards such roles and secondly, directors approach him for meaningful cinema. He has no issues with pot-boilers provided these say and convey something at least. All praise for makers like Imtiaz Ali and Raju Hirani, he admits there is nothing in the offing with them as yet. But in the pipeline is a love story called Tere Aane Se directed by Agnidev Chatterjee and starring Rituparna Sengupta.
Good bad man
The eternal troublemaker of silver screen Yashpal Sharma wouldn't reveal whether his character in Jal once again comes in the shade of black. But in today's times when cinema has changed and audiences have come of age, he believes there are two ways of mesmerising viewers. "Offer them the staple vulgarity, senseless violence, double-meaning dialogues or purposeful entertainment such as Jal." Needless to say, he is happy to be part of films such as Jal, which are born out of passion and not mega-budgets.
|
|
Working wonders with words
Pursuing her post doctorate, Devika's book Growing Up has been on the Honour List of the International Board on Books for Young People (2002). "Anyone who loves to read would be interested in history. The two are every much connected for me," says the author of Swami Vivekananda - A Man with a Vision, Harsha Vardhana, The Merry Mischief of Gopal Bhand and The Wit of Tenali Ram. A gender historian, Delhi-girl Devika was a shy, introvert and insecure kid whose English teachers instilled confidence in her to write. A voracious reader, Devika tries to still shy away from writing but it is the publishers, Puffin, Scholastic and Children's Book Trust, which ensure that she does not. "I am a fast writer so once the window is set and I am able to deliver." There have been many favourite writers for this 'a book a day' girl, but amongst the current ones Devika likes The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and books by Ranjit Lal, closer home. While there is plenty to read for kids today, Devika rues that the parents are clueless. "We do have a wealth of literature, but with time we have to move beyond the Panchtantra or Mahabharta. Children today are interested in reading on current situations but parents are not that supportive of such writings, no wonder the new segment for young adults is fast picking up." mona@tribunemail.com
Different approach
In his years of working in the field of education, Sukhesh has realised that kids are the easiest to work with. "Only it is the big system that's killing creativity, systematically. Parents, teachers and policy-makers need to be sensitised on the value of letting kids be imaginative." What he does would have been nearly impossible some two decades back but with NCERT and CBSE opening up their syllabus to drama, more and more schools have given Sukhesh and his like the room to experiment in schools. "It is an open field and economically viable too, but there is so much more to be tapped." Yellowcat Theatre has worked in Delhi and schools outside; next Sukhesh is aiming at introducing theatre in government schools. "It's there that it is needed even more. And, we are also developing new performances for children that explore the connection between art and science." His style doesn't work with scripts, but with children (also adults) his thrust is on devising or creating together.
|
|
Art for art’s sake
Art touches upon all the fields that form a part of our everyday lives. It's a fact he grew up with. "I come from a culturally and creatively inclined family from Kerala, a family of carpenters," he takes to the stage, gives the backgrounder as to how art happened, at the same time, "thanking the audience for music," in the form of ringing mobiles. Having held several solo exhibitions, still the work takes precedence and not the artist! He speaks about only other artists to be able to shuttle between the fields of art, fashion, architecture and nature; starting from the pleats of Kathakali costumes to make-up in Mohiniattam performers - each demonstrating perfect examples of line, colour, form and textures. Ideas rule
Spare a thought
There is no discussion ever complete without the mention of Le Corbusier and his works. "I didn't prepare this talk especially for Chandigarh. I've been talking about him and his works all along." The architect whose city is a living proof of what good design can do. "There is still a lot of greenery one can find in Chandigarh, courtesy him, which is not the case with several other Indian cities." Then there are some recent, unfortunate developments. "Chandigarh Legislative Assembly, one of the perfect instances of Le Corbusier's design philosophy, has been in a sorry state of affairs. The air-conditioners and wiring have become a part of the building, which is pathetic. There must be a way to work out things and we must preserve our buildings." The local bodies could have done better and is the administration listening?
manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
|
Quite a change
However, back in the Punjabi film industry it is already coming with actresses deciding to be much more than props in the movie. One woman who is strongly believes in creating her own identity is Khushboo Grewal. You know her the Candy from Munde Uk De and actor Gurpreet Ghuggi's on screen wife! Khushboo who is shooting in Chandigarh for Aagaye Munde Uk De has ventured into singing now. She has sung a couple of tracks for Bollywood films, and is waiting for their release. She throws in her husky laughter. "With Binnu Dhillon now playing a woman in Mr and Mrs 420, I think women in the industry have to look for something more now." The funny take doesn't take away the seriousness of the issue. Women in Punjabi cinema are nothing more than props? "I totally agree," says the pretty girl with all sincerity, "filmmakers are not ready to take chance with women artists in the industry. They think only actors can make the audience laugh, however given a suitable chance, actresses can do the same. It would take a while for directors to understand the potential of actresses than mere song and dance or looking beautiful objects." One more change is noticeable here with Khushboo Grewal not playing Gurpreet Ghuggi's on screen wife in her upcoming film Aagaye Munde Uk De. "I am opposite Binnu Dhillon, so I don't know whether it is a good thing for the audience or not," she says smilingly. Khushboo will soon be seen in a Bollywood film 22 Yard directed by Mitali Gosh. And she is also excited about her character in a Punjabi film Paisa Pyar and Panga. "I play a headstrong character in the film, something that has not been attempted before. I play a businesswoman and how she goes through a transition. It is different, quite a change from what I have done earlier…" jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
|
Freedom of expression
The students of Government College of Art express their thoughts on canvas Amarjot Kaur
The paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations made by the students, border along the lines of novelty and originality in both, ideation and execution. But most of all, it's different. Perhaps that makes this exhibition unique, in a beautifully versatile way.
On till Sunday
|
|
|
A yogic recipe
Baba Ashwini, who has already authored several books, including The Ageless Dimension and Inner World, has now published another one, which includes all his sermons. As we speak with him about his book, the Sanatan Kyiya and Dhyan Foundation, he shares with us some profound secrets to a healthy life, which restricts all signs of aging. "Dying is a natural process, but aging is not and by ageing I mean, the depletion of all five human senses," begins Baba Ashwini as he adds, "With the kind of environment that we live in, everything comes with a medical bill, including the soap that you use or toothpaste or even the lipstick that one wears. They all contain carcinogens (cancer causing agents)." While we try to pacify our breaking hearts over those branded shades of coral and red in our make up kit, we are acquainted with a stark reality that is based purely on facts. "Your lipstick contains mineral oils, which are actually carcinogens, including lead that causes cancer. Also, if you intend to look younger, the first thing that one needs to focus on the thoughts that they are consuming and the frequency of the speed in which they run across your mind," he says. While furthering his point, he shares that since human body is made of limited energy and it's important to have good thoughts, as a first step towards anti-ageing because the more negative thoughts one consumes, the faster they age. Baba Ashwini has his construction business and he charges absolutely nothing from his followers, who refer to him as "the guiding light of Dhyan Foundation" which has centres in nearly 30 cities around India as well as in the US, UK and Germany. "I have compiled a book titled Thoughts for the Adept: Sermons by Yogi Ashwani, which has received much acclaim from the Vedic scholars as they are based on practicality, logic and there's much reason to it all." The book will be released on April 4 and Baba Aswini believes that people will benefit from the book. amarjot@tribunemail.com
Reverse the clock
Ashwani Baba details several processes with which they can reverse the signs of ageing.
|
|
|
Coming soon
With his art education at Fukuoka University of Japan and the Royal College of Art in London, he has exhibited his work at some of the most prestigious museums and art galleries, including, Alexia Goethe Gallery in London, Lyons Museum of Contemporary Art, France, MAXXI Museum in Rome, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, at Studio la Citta in Verona, Italy. Panda is known for creating images that are deceptively simple. Often, his works consist of light, linear drawings and melting or liquid shapes placed on the surface. At the same time, the works also reflect conflicts between ecology and development, nature and technology. Panda's works are often inspired by his immediate surroundings, Orissa, his native state, and his current home in chaotically urban New Delhi. For example, he mixes the traditional palm leaf drawings of Orissa with architectural motifs showing multinational enterprises and call centres from New Delhi. — TNS
|
|
|
Lost, but found
Two minutes down the conversation, this like-any-other youngster has suddenly taken you by surprise. Rishab Joshi, 23, one of the two-member band Lost Stories, begins to peel off the layers in music, not philosophically but pretty much logically. The terminology of 'advanced' music genres confuse him like anyone who knows the idea of any genre of music is to enjoy. Even though he along with his second member Prayag Mehta specialises in electro, big beat, progressive house…the genres still confuse. "So many terms can be confusing, they confuse me as well," he says, confident about every word he speaks. Rishab is performing at Blue Blazer, and of course is excited about it. He would be playing his genres of course, "When people come for my gig I want to give them something different, not something they have been hearing on the radio," he says holding on to that attitude on his voice and expressions. No, this one is not going to falter, for he knows exactly what he is doing. Music is something he has kept close company with. Unlike others of his age, he is totally focused. Behind the closed door, with no updates on Facebook, no nagging girlfriend reminding him of all his negative point, Rishab makes music, his type. "I am somehow waiting for the next in music, in EDM I progressive, I would like to see where it goes from here." A generation that relatively had it easy; Rishab doesn't deny that Youtube and accessible tutorials have made many a music producer. "Indeed we cannot rule out the western influence in music, music festivals pour in a lot of money…everything is apparently great, let's see the next level now." Lost Stories is the only Indian act to have their music supported by world's top 20 DJs such as Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren and others. "An international validation made people give Lost Stories a second look," he says. The conversation screeches to a halt, stopping at the band name. "Ah! Lost stories, it means nothing; I actually wanted people to ask me what it meant. You know a musician should have a mystery about himself, says Rishab. Do we know about Rishab yet?
|
|
|
Sip and swoon
The party, which was attended by approximately 30 people, who very closely reviewed the works on display while sipping their wine, also featured NP Razeshwarr painting a canvas placed on a steady easel. "I like painting Radha Krishna," he says while adding, "Probably because the subject explores the vibrant shades of love, romance and beauty. It allows me to experiment with my colour palette, where I can use sharper tones of colours like red, blue and golden." In all his paintings, Razeshwarr uses deep tones and subtle shades as he paints Radha and Krishna. He uses acrylic on canvas as a medium and his style details a special focus on the contemporary figurative, where he highlights the eyes and foreheads of his subjects. Meanwhile, Chaitali Mukherjee, who has used vibrant fiery orange and red hues, maintains a hearty dialogue with the connoisseurs. Also, Prakash K's work executes both the rhythm and lyric of sound and emotions. His composition is simple, yet appealing.
|
|
|
From the Mediterranean coast
This newly opened bistro at Sector 7, brainchild of three youngsters Pavit, Preet Inder and Manav, has a selection of Mediterranean food. With Gusto, Chef Manav, Chandigarh born and brought up boy, comes back home after serving in groups like Taj, Marriott and Kapperbari and working in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Goa. "Moroccan, Turkish and Spanish foods have so much similarity with our Indian palate. Right from our paranthas, chats, samosa to kebabs are Turkish in origin," says the Chef who has painstakingly put the elaborate menu in place keeping in mind flavours that are a hit with food lovers in the region. Tapas is a huge hit world over primarily for this is a finger food enjoyed best with wine. At Gusto you can experience that even more -salads, soups, pastas, risotto, paella, pizza and more. The 40 seat restaurant done in gold and neon colours is a maiden project by Chandni Pahwa and Kiranjit Sandhu. Starting with salads, watermelon and feta salad is a hit here as is smoked tomato cornet. Spanakopitas - spinach, raisin and almond filled rolls have a distinct flavour, the outer crunchy layering melts in the mouth. The main course is elaborate with zucchini tart, red wine braised lamb shanks, crumbed river sole being on the hit list. Right from sandwiches, pastas, risottos, not only is there a great variety but everything from breads to sauces are prepared in house. "We use all fresh ingredients, nothing preserved," says the Chef who has brought his four-member core team from Goa. While the flavours are dense, the taste of basil pesto and mushroom pasta lingers long after in your mouth, it's not heavy for there are no creams used here. The butter chicken lovers can try their interpretation of butter chicken. In desserts, churros take the cake. A treat for cinnamon lovers this Spanish version of donut is enjoyed best when dipped in chocolate and vanilla ice cream to keep company. Chef Manav, who is pastry expert, adds his signature touch in the dessert menu. A meal for two would be around Rs 1,500. One thing for sure, you will be spoilt for choice!
|
|
|
Truly Italian
Recently opened PizzaVito's Restaurant offers authentic Italian food prepared with high quality ingredients, dough made from a 40-year-old family recipe and homemade sauce from a decade-old family recipe using finest tomatoes. — TNS
|
|
|
In the mood for change?
Moods is a wide-ranging collection where the lustrous luxury of a stunning plain is enhanced by exquisite embroidery, chic suave, sophisticated and a subtle shadow coordinate. Decorate your home with Maspar's Arcane serenity that is available in subtle colours like wood smoke and steeple grey. An individual can have the complete collection like cushion covers, duvet covers, bed sheet, pillow covers, and curtains in both colours.—TNS
Price range: Rs 155 to 9,995
|
|
|
Party like Padamsee!
1Try to have a theme for a party; it makes things interesting. Also, it makes people want to look forward to your next party. Chalk out a budget beforehand to avoid any last-minute shockers. 2It is always a good idea to throw in a surprise act, preferably an entertainment element to liven things up. Wear a glamourous outfit keeping with the theme of your party to stay in the spotlight. 3Details like décor, floral arrangements, glassware, silverware and serving equipment should be looked into in advance. These minute details add to the overall experience. Use soft lighting to add to the ambience. 4Inform the neighbours that you are expecting guests. Also, make arrangements for their parking, if you can. At the party itself, introduce people to each other so nobody feels left out. 5Items on the food and wine list should be tested in advance, so you know what's being served. For the music, make a good playlist that combines different genres so everyone is happy and it keeps the party going.
Healthy habit
Shahid Kapoor revealed his new buzz-cut look as he stepped out for the screening of Ceylon at a preview theatre in suburban Mumbai. The film is directed by Santosh Sivan. Shahid was spotted eating health food out of a box in the interval. Such a good boy!
Dino finally has work
Dino Morea has been signed by Farah Khan to play the host of a dancing contest which will be the climax of Happy New Year. He is more than thrilled with this opportunity.
KJo launch pad for Jhanvi
Karan Johar is considering to launch Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's daughter Jhanvi Kapoor in an upcoming film. After meeting her a few times he is considering new faces opposite her.
|
|
|
Now Sallu to create Dhoom?
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan may have a big surprise up his sleeve as he may be donning the bad boy's cap for the fourth franchise of the blockbuster Dhoom series.
After breaking all records at the box-office, Aamir Khan's Dhoom 3 was definitely one of the highlights of 2013. Now the latest buzz is that Aamir's buddy Salman may be roped in to play the part of a villain in the fourth franchise. The antagonist in the Dhoom series has always garnered more attention than any other character. After playing a villain for the first time on screen, Aamir must have definitely inspired Sallu bhai to give it a shot too. Before Aamir, Hrithik Roshan and John Abraham had played the antagonists in the second and first Dhoom movies, respectively.
Professional stand
Harman Baweja and Shamita Shetty were dating a while ago and around that time Shilpa Shetty Kundra cast him in Dishkiyaaoon but they broke up long ago and Harman is now with Bipasha Basu. The changed equation did not affect the movie or their rapport.
|
|
|
Daddy cool
Alia shares a few intimate scenes, including a lip-lock sequence, with Arjun Kapoor in their next film 2 States. When asked if her father is comfortable with the intimate scenes she does on screen, Alia says, "Have you seen my father's films (as they are bold)? On screen I am not his daughter. I am an actor. I don't think he will have any problem." The film 2 States is based on Chetan Bhagat's novel of the same name. Alia plays Ananya Swaminathan, a south Indian, while Arjun plays a Punjabi. The story is about a boy meeting a girl and they both falling in love with each other and willing to marry, though their parents object to it. To a question if they are in love in real life as well, Arjun said, "Why do you think this way? Alia and I are friends, we had great time working together." Alia feels it was not right to say this. Both of them were present at a promotional event of the film. When asked what loves means to him, Arjun said, "For me love is companionship, just being yourself with the one you love, sharing comfort level. Love has no boundaries, love doesnt see caste or social strata, one cannot calculate and fall in love." Alia seconded his definition of love. The film is produced by Karan Johar and will release on April 18. — PTI
For friend’s sake
Waheeda Rehman cancelled the book launch of her authourised biography due to the passing of her dear friend Nanda earlier this week.
Nothing political
Aamir Khan is encouraging people to vote but he has made it clear to the Election Commission that he is not supporting or campaigning for any political party, even though many parties are using his name on Twitter and other social media.
|
|
|
Sona is not a political personality
Sonakshi Sinha turned to Twitter to squash rumours that she will be campaigning for her father Shatrughan Sinha who is contesting 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
The 26-old-actress, who is currently shooting for Amit Sharma's Tevar along with Gunday actor Arjun Kapoor, further said that her actor-turned-politician father does not need her to campaign for him. "I will not be campaigning for my father @Shatrughansinha as is being reported. Other than my professional commitments keeping me busy, He does not need me to, nor does he expect me to because as he said i am not a political personality. But when the time comes, i will definitely cast my vote as a responsible citizen :)," Sonakshi tweeted. Shatrughan Sinha is being accompanied by his wife Poonam and one of his sons Luv.
Annoying habit
Aamir Khan is annoyed that Anurag Kashyap is going all over the town crying about how annoyed he is with PeeKay competing with Bombay Velvet on December 25. Aamir made his displeasure known to producer Madhu Mantena at a party recently.
|
|
|
No dieting please!
All the 16 bachchas fed her chocolates one by one and Ileana, not wanting to disappoint the enthusiastic pack, couldn't say no to any of them. By the end of it, poor Ileana didn't realise how many bars of chocolates she had gobbled, but who is complaining as long as she burns it out in the gym and looks as gorgeous as she does.
|
|
|
Fan following
It was a very hilarious experience for CID cop Daya when he shot an episode in the chwals of Mumbai for the ongoing Mission Mumbai series. Recently, Daya and Abhijeet visited the chwals of Parel to shoot for an upcoming episode, which required them to be dressed as goondas. The shoot required Daya to be beaten by the villain.
A little birdie from the sets informed that during the shoot around 500 odd people had gathered to witness the sequence. Suddenly, in between the shot, a few children made their way through the crowd and charged towards the villain. Unaware of the shoot in progress, these little fans of Daya thought their hero was getting beaten up in real and came forward to help him. After some convincing by the crew, they understood the situation and were happy to know that their favourite hero is safe. Now that's some fan-following! Watch C.I.D, Friday and Saturday, at 10 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.
|
|
|
Astro Turf
ARIES: The temptation to help out a friend with a financial loan should be discussed with your partner first. Today you can become conscious of your projected fears and start letting go of negative patterns.
Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32.
TAURUS: Your boss or partner supports you. Do not allow yourself to be talked into an erratic move.
It is the right time to purchase something that adds to the value of your house.
Tarot message: Don't dismiss the advice of youngsters. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 52. GEMINI: Do not try to hurry jobs that require meticulous handling. Arguments can arise with your mate or partner. Day-dreaming can inspire creative ideas and you can become quite inventive on the job.
Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 64. CANCER: You draw 'The Emperor', so the day promises
all comforts. Spare time for family and children. It should be much easier for
you to meet challenges today. Tarot message: Set events into motion. Lucky
colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 53. LEO: An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Practice deep breathing and you can maintain your composure as
well as avoid a confrontation. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for
yourself and others. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40. VIRGO: The card 'The Moon' indicates an emotional setback. Stick to what you know and understand. Money problem
will still prevail. Children: enjoy with your friends. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61.
LIBRA: At work a colleague steers you in a new direction. Financial rewards can get delayed.
Love stars are behind the clouds. A small celebration at home is likely. Tarot message: Work can pose minor difficulties, but don't worry.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26. SCORPIO: Get cracking early. What you need now is energy.
You must push yourself harder. Be careful with money. This is not the right day
for writing official letters. Tarot message: Plan your life better to avoid delays.
Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47. SAGITTARIUS: Your card 'The Nine of Cups' reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Arguments can arise with your spouse or partner over money. Love life is exciting.
Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 65. CAPRICORN: Your card 'Page of Pentacles' promises a progressive day. Health problems can be satisfactorily attended to.
Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. AQUARIUS: Business is likely between you and your associates. Long term benefits can be
gained. Attempt to improve your health will be successful. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects
is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 62. PISCES: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. Those married or in love will find the day exciting. Students: success in competitive sports is assured. Neither borrow nor lend.
Tarot message: Do transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 45.
|
|
|
The Year Ahead
If your birthday is March 30...
The Sun Sign Aries, number 3 and the Planet Jupiter make you charming, ambitious, talented, helpful, dignified and methodical. You are efficient in your work and others have difficulties in keeping up with your pace. You enjoy excellent relationship with Leos and Sagittarians, but find it difficult to cope with Scorpio, Virgo, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn people. You can succeed in financial matters. However, carelessness can result in losses. Positive colours: Yellow, Cream, Sea green, Purple and Red. Select days: Thursday, Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral, Ruby. Charity on birthday: Donate wheat to the needy or at any religious place today.
You share your birthday with Nagesh Kukunoor (March 30, 1967, Hyderabad), who is filmmaker and screenwriter. He is known for movies such as Hyderabad and Iqbal. According to his stars, he will perform better in 2015.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Shot in the spectacular Rann of Kutch, the film's cinematography has already earned fulsome praise, being hailed as "a breathtakingly photographed tragedy of Shakespearean proportions." The debutant director, however, informs that it's not just the visuals but even the sound for which he did extensive research that is unique, making the visuals even more exotic. Interestingly, Sonu Nigam has turned a music director with this one. Apart from having percussionist Bickram Ghosh as co-composer, the music also has singers like Shubha Mudgal who has sung the title track on board.
What does it take to shoot for a film in sweltering heat with mercury rising up to 51 degrees? "Madness," pat comes the reply from none other than the good looking actor of Jal, Purab Kohli, who plays the lead role of water diviner in the film. Last seen in Shaadi Ke Side Effects, the actor of films like Rock On and My Brother Nikhil never intended to land up in tinsel town. 
She is one reluctant writer chased by publishers. After all she writes of invisible women in our history addressed to children, amongst others. History and children's literature may sound like two divergent fields, but not to Devika Rangachari.
Sukhesh Arora wanted to do something creative and life has taken him on an exciting journey. His company Yellowcat Theatre works in tandem with schools wherein drama becomes a link between different topics they are reading about in syllabus, life in school and outside. Always interested in theatre, Sukhesh worked in advertising, took a longish break (two years) teaching in Uganda, headed to England on Charles Wallace fellowship to learn more on theatre in education and physical theatre at Royal Holloway College. Back to Delhi, he has continued working in his field and established Yellowcat Theatre in 2005. 
Art has always made its presence felt outside the creative circles, art galleries and framed canvases. Art around us in our daily lives, unfortunately, has only been recognised and seldom celebrated; unless someone decides to shed light on some of the major art movements, evolution of art in architecture, contemporary artists and architects. Kerala-born and Mumbai-based artist and independent curator Bose Krishnamachari had a similar purpose in mind. On the invitation of Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, his slide show and audio visual presentation -Art, Architecture and Parallels- examines the fascinating overlap of art, architecture, design, fashion, nature and life. What better place than the city of Le Corbusier to put across the point in question? "The city I'd heard a lot about and especially the Rock Garden."
Moving on to John Knutch, who used over 2,50,000 houseflies to arrive at his abstract paintings. "That's again a perfect example of how ideas and processes become art." It's a free flow of work by artists, architects, fashion designers and how they together influence each other. Be it the Beijing National Stadium, inspired by a bird's nest to a Balenciaga outfit inspired by Guggenheim, or Alexander McQueen outfit inspired by Sydney Opera House. He slides over to a couple of Hindi idioms written in the language. "I'm not saying these phrases because I don't want to make you laugh." There are bus stops in Indonesia that are a living instance of the transformation that art and architecture can bring about in our daily lives. 
Change aayega aur hum laayengey...a morale boosting, confident building line that we are hearing one time too many these days. Whether the change is coming fast or late, we watch….
At the Government College of Art as we stand witness to the works of students exhibited at the SL Parasher Art Gallery, we are reminded of Friedrich Nietzsche's words, which read- the surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct them to hold in higher esteem, those who think alike than those who think differently.
While over 50 sculptures, each of which stood steadily placed on a wooden pedestal, there were a few which were cast in fibre glass, marble, wood carvings and even ceramics. However, what leaves us in utter awe are the applied art paintings by the students of fourth year, especially based on the theme of International Film Festivals, morphing and book jacket work, out of which the works by Akshita, Narinder Singh and Kuldeep are quite refreshing. Also, the paintings by Jeewanjot Mann, Jasmine Singh, Arvinder Kaur, Anuradha, Deepanshu, Gagan Sharma, Geetanjali and Sheha Jaswal, among many others explore the subject of nature, feminism, freedom and spirituality, but with a different dimension, which is experimental in both technique and medium. 
One of the most stereotypical notions about a baba or a guru would possibly lead us to imagine a man with long grey beard, in white or saffron cloths. However, Yogi Ashwini beats all stereotypes as he, dressed in a striped t-shirt and pants, greets us with a warm "hello". He wears a moustache and looks around 40, but when he shares that he is now planning to retire since he turned 50 this year, we are left speechless.
The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi is organising an audio-visual presentation by renowned artist Jagannath Panda.
He is no different from any other youngster making some noise at a coffee joint, no different from a youngster crashing a party as a stag, and certainly no different from a youngster bombarding his FB account with where-what-and-how I am doing information.
In many ways, the work of an artist is easy. There is very little that they stand to lose while expressing their thoughts, yet basking in the glory of attention that their talent fetches them in abundance. At the Art Lounge, Sector 34, where the works of four artists, Chaitali Mukherjee from Kolkata, MukeshSalvi from Rajasthan, NP Razeshwarr from Hyderabad and Prakash K from Maharashtra, stand exhibited, one witnesses a kind of culture that is more dear to the French-wine and cheese party. But then, wasn't the city designed by a French-Swiss architect, Le Corbusier? If we could take well to the city, wine and cheese is quite a cakewalk!
If you miss the tapas you experienced in Barcelona or paella at Valencia, Gusto is your 'go to' place!
PizzaVito Restaurant with an eye-catching interior has become a great attraction for lovers of Italian food.
Shazahn Padamsee has a huge family and circle of friends and she loves to doll up and live it up! She shares tips on about hosting memorable parties and more.
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt says she does not think her filmmaker father Mahesh Bhatt will have any objection to her doing intimate scenes on-screen.
Bollywood actor Ileana D'cruz, known for her svelte figure, is a fitness freak and eats in moderation to keep fit. But her diet regime went for a toss on the sets of DID L'il Masters as she was fed bars after bars of chocolates by the adorable little masters!