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When learning is fun
VK from the Khilona Group, Delhi, which makes the process of learning much more interactive, wonders how our education system has managed to neglect drama
for so long
As a kid, VK did not like school and the education system failed to hold his interest. A school dropout, he founded, along with other like-minded people, Khilona Group, Delhi, India's first professional theatre Company of Adults Performing for Children! Twenty five years on, his group has significantly contributed towards making education fun for children. VK cites three reasons for founding something so different, "Firstly, in our country there was no one doing such stuff. Secondly, reading on cards always 'Children below 12 not allowed' made us think of making a play that parents and kids could enjoy together. Lastly, we also felt that we will be able to survive for this was a field unexplored." Today, all three stand valid! Without any grants from the government, taking only professional actors, Khilona has not only survived on its own terms and been a success in its self-chosen vocation. "I still remember our first play The Golden Fish was so well accepted that the audience waited for more than an hour to know how we could make something like this." Khilona's plays don't take readymade scripts; they evolve their own while interacting with actors. "Each play of ours takes somewhere around three months." But then the plays have a long life. The Golden Fish has had almost 1,200 shows so far. Drama remains one tool that can bring a sea-change in the education system, but it is not explored to its full potential. "There is no emotion that you cannot stage," says VK. His extensive work with children has left him as enriched as the kids he has worked with. For one particular play in a Delhi school, children researched the whole history of India. The final production has history teachers in awe that their subject could be so lively." VK wonders how our education system has managed to neglect drama for so long! "Culturally, drama has been huge part of our tradition. Ramleela was essentially theatre for families and so have been many of the folk traditions." Today there are as many as 15 companies in India doing work on the lines of Khilona. VK would be sharing his expertise at a Children's Theatre Training Workshop from April 13 to April 20 in Chandigarh. VK and his wife Kiran Sharma would hold the workshop for facilitators/directors who work with children for a small fee of Rs 500. You too can witness Khilona's spectacle as Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi brings their play The Clowns's Cry for the Moon to Chandigarh. (On at Tagore Theatre-18 on Saturday at 7:00 pm)
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Draped to perfection An aesthetic sense is paramount for becoming a designer. Having worn sarees for a long time, Mandira felt it was time for her to bring out her own design collection of sarees. "My husband was very encouraging," she shares. Being on the other side, creating and designing, was a very satisfying experience, as it gave her a creative high. "It was great to be creating and being on the other side, rather than being a showstopper," she smiles. Mandira's association with sarees started when she started with cricket commentary. "The channel wanted me to dress in a saree, rather than a formal black suit to add a different colour to cricket commentary. I was passionate about cricket from the very beginning and luckily I got a chance of becoming a commentator," she adds. Talking about her television series Shanti, she says, "The character, a woman of substance, was inspiring. I would love to do such a role again, but unfortunately such a series is not being made on television these days," She adds that it was a great experience shooting for the television series 24 and she is ready for Season 2. "I would be next seen on television as a judge on comedy show titled Gangs of Hasseypur," says the actor. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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This Singh is almost there... Jasmine Singh Film: Disco Singh Ideally, there are only two ways to lead a happy life, one, improve your situations, and two (the most important one), lower your expectations. Anurag Singh directed Disco Singh somehow has to deal with the second choice. Since, Anurag has created a brand with Jatt & Juliet, it is expected that he will only rise with every next film. So, here comes his Disco Singh, starring his golden boy Diljit Dosanjh, Surveen Chawla, Manoj Pahwa, Upasna Singh, BN Sharma, Karamjit Anmol and Prem Chopra. Unlike the other two films, Jatt & Juliet and J&J 2, Disco Singh thrives on comedy that comes from situations. The film starts on a slow pace, in fact for the first 25-30 minutes, one spends in a 'mixed emotion state' —whether to laugh, wonder or feel uneasy. It is only after these minutes pass by that Disco Singh picks up the pace. Anurag Singh known for his characterisation has given every character a complete form. Barring the first initial hiccups, the director takes full charge of his subject and does justice to it. He doesn't leave any loose ends, though you know it could have been better. The dialogues and screenplay are in place, giving ample scope to laugh. The film has been shot in Delhi, which definitely makes it look different from other Punjabi films. The film has a lot to offer after the first half; in fact this is when you see a good deal of the actor Diljit Dosanjh, who is definitely the man of the moment. Diljit is always a delight to watch, armed with an amazing comic timing and an 'impish' charm, this actor has nailed every moment of the film. Diljit handles every scene effortlessly making it look real. All the other actors in the film, whether it is the pretty looking Surveen Chawla, her designer dresses or Manoj Pahwa in the don avatar or Upasna Singh running on the weighing machine sipping cola has done a fine job. Amidst all this, it is BN Sharma dressed as transvestite and behaving like one, hasn't been cashed on well. Some scenes in the film might feel a wee bit exaggerated; but the film towards the end makes you laugh. It has some lovely foot-tapping romantic songs. In the end, don't forget the two ways to be happy, it would help you enjoy this film at least.
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Gastronomic celebrations As Indians, we have an appetite for almost any kind of food, provided there is enough masala. But that does not mean that we lack in developing culinary perspectives. While Thailand celebrates the dawn of New Year with fun chalk-smearing rituals and philanthropic good-will hunting, JW Marriott Chandigarh commemorates the Thai New Year 'Songkran' in its own way, at Café@JW. To celebrate the occasion, the chefs at the hotel have organised a Thai Food Festival rolling out eclectic Thai delicacies over a lunch and dinner buffet. As Chef Pallav explains to us the choice of dishes in the menu, he stresses that the specifically authentic dishes have been pulled out from the menu because they taste way too floral for the Indian palette. "Chef Rungtiwa Sorle of Thailand has chosen the ingredients all by herself and has created the dishes that suitable to the Indian palette," he shares. The subtle flavours of lemon, galangal and tiny cane baskets for sticky rice strike a perfect balance with the chilli and garlic, a flavour that dominates most of the dishes. Rungtiwa Sorlae serves up an authentic innovative quick-fry for those who want to experiment beyond the tom yam soup as she places Thai tea and lemon grass herbal drink for a welcome drink. "This festival, Songkran is quite like Holi in India. We celebrate it with floral water, like jasmine and rose. The dishes in the festival the delicacies of especially this festival," shares Rungtiwa. The starters include chicken on bread and fried potato with Thai spice. Further, in the menu is steam fish wrapped in banana leaf, stir-fried shimeji mushroom and sugar snap peas in garlic sauce. The lunch menu is equally elaborate and includes dishes like mushroom golden live cup, stir fried pokchoy with shimeji mushroom, phad Thai noodles, khanom khrok for the sweet ending and much more. Also, the mango sticky rice and coconut custard made out of Thai Sabudana makes for a brillent desert. It's neither painfully sweet, nor dispassionately tasteless. The detailing to create different textures while experimenting with different ingredients, creates drama and makes the food taste refreshingly interesting. A lunch for two will cost around Rs 1,700 and dinner for Rs 2,200. The extensive Songkran menu is available every afternoon between 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and every night between 7.30pm to 11.30pm from April 12 till April 19. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Nice & easy
Bhoothnath Returns is a horror comedy film directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced jointly by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Ravi Chopra. A sequel to 2008 film Bhoothnath, the film features Amitabh Bachchan in a lead role followed by Boman Irani and Shah Rukh Khan in a supporting role. The film also has a cameo appearance of Ranbir Kapoor. The plot of the film is linked with its predecessor, Bhoothnath. When Bhoothnath enters the Bhoothworld, he is mocked and questioned about his abilities as a ghost as he was unsuccessful in scaring a child. In order to clear his name he goes back to earth where he tries his best to scare kids but only a village kid named, Akhrot, can see him and is not scared of him. As he is involved with Jamez Porto, a politician, he pursues Bhootnath to stand in the election against Jamez to change the system. Great show
I like the film. It's funny in parts, but it entertains throughout. Also, I am a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and I think he is totally brilliant in this film. This film will entertain the people from all ages. Udit Arora, student Amazing Amitabh
It's a nice film, but I didn't like the second half as much as the first half. What I liked the most about the film was its story and plot, but apart from that Amitabh ji was amazing. The film was not entirely funny, it had a serious message. So, one should definitely watch it at least once. Seema Vashisht, homemaker Not so perfect
I like the film, its story, dialogues and almost everything, but it's not a perfect film. Just a one-time watch, is what I'd suggest to people. It's a good film for kids though, they totally enjoyed it! Saundrya Sehgal, homemaker Disco Singh
Disco Singh is a Punjabi comedy film starring Diljit Dosanjh and Surveen Chawla. It portrays the journey of a Sikh dancer, featuring Diljit Dosanjh in the lead role and Surveen Chawla as the lead actress. It's different
It's a funny film. I like it and Daljit is anyway my favourite. I like the plot of the film, which is different from the other Punjabi films and the jokes too. Jaskaran Singh, Student Over the top
I like the film, but it goes quite over the top, which I think is a problem with most of the Punjabi films. But being Punjabis, we find a way to deal with that anyway. It's a quite a breather from the other Punjabi films that have been released recently. Varnika Sachedva, student —
As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Rhythm and ragas Avirbhav Verma sure knows how to strike a balance between the old and the new. He took up music 'seriously' after losing his father and made sure to continue the legacy. His work brings together young musicians that click with the youth! This trained tabla player mesmerises the young and old as he takes on to tabla tarang juggling 10 tablas at one go. Avirbhav started learning at the age of three and loves to work with children. "Not only they are brimming with energy but also full of ideas," says Avirbhav who gets going to present Avir's Musical Paradise. About twenty five in total, this tabla players has school children (from Delhi Public School, Chandigarh) along with young musicians, including his cousins Rishabh Seen and Surpriya Seen, who play sitar and santoor, respectively! The three from this family have collaborated on number of occasions and been performing individually too. "People think classical music is meant for the old. In my shows, I try to give the youth a flavour of it and steer them from towards our rich tradition," says Avirbhav. "Increasingly youth has been turning to classical arts," says 17 year old Rishabh who took on siatr following his father's footsteps and is also part of rock band Nirvaan. It isn't easy striking a balance between a job (Avirbhav teaches music at DPS) and being a performing artiste. But his passion for music makes him juggle the two effortlessly. He recently did a course in sound engineering from New Zealand, and is busy composing for albums. "I have recorded two. One is called A Night at Beach, a collaboration with my maternal uncles. The other, Journey of the Soul, is a solo tabla album"
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In a blissful state
A romantic number which is making waves in Bollywood music industry is a song Offo from the up and coming film 2 States feraturing Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor in the lead roles. While there are a million songs about love, which can make for a perfect choice if you want to serenade your lover, there's only a handful which have the capacity to define love. Cute as Alia and Arjun look with each other, it's hard to identify whether the song complements their chemistry or their chemistry complements the song. While we try to figure that out, we have Chandigarh folks talking about this song that is sung by Aditi Singh Sharma and Amitabh Bhattacharya. Musical delight
I like the song, especially the music and female vocals. Also, the video of the song is very interesting. I am looking forward to watch the movie too, considering that the songs of the film are so interesting. Kulbir Singh Dhillon, agriculturist Chemical reaction
It's a super cute song and I really like the video of the song, especially the chemistry that there is between Alia Bhatt and Arjun. I love the lyrics of the song. Ramya Kaul, web designer Peppy number
I think the song is cute and peppy. It has a very lovely vibe to it, especially the lyrics of the song, they only add to the sweetness of the song. According to me, it's the cutest romantic number of the year so far! Disha Arora, private bank employee -As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Less is more for Kangana
While stars go out of their way to promote their movies almost a month before the release, Kangana Ranaut seems to be treading a different path when it comes to promotion. After the success of Queen, one expected her to go full throttle with Revolver Rani. But surprisingly, there is absolutely no buzz or promotional activity for the movie. Even the trailer of the movie was launched without any fanfare on YouTube instead of the usually preferred route of launching it in a multiplex in full media glare. Even as the release date of the movie draws closer (April 25), one is yet to hear or see any big budget promotional activity for Revolver Rani with Kangana in tow. Ask Kangana and she says, "I think we have consciously decided not to promote it in a flashy manner. Even Queen, which was a small budget movie, was not promoted in a big manner. It was promoted on a small scale. I believe that it is not necessary to promote your movie eight weeks in advance. We will start the promotions about a week or two before the releases." Sporty hero: Shahid Kapoor loves learning new skills and he loves adventure. He is keen to go to North India and learn river rafting and its nuances. He has been reading up a lot on the exhaustive adventure sport. Dreaming big: Sonakshi Sinha says that she is happy working in Bollywood but if she gets an opportunity to work in Hollywood, she would love to work with Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Brad Pitt. She has dubbed for the Hindi version of Rio 2. Source of inspiration: Dawat-e-Ishq is about Hyderabadi cuisine and love! The film stars Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur and is directed by Habib Faisal. The director got inspiration from his wife's culture and language. She is from Hyderabad. The ‘ly’ fixation: Here are some funny movie titles—Fugly, produced by Akshay Kumar and starring newcomers, Ugly, directed by Anurag Kashyap and starring Siddhanth Kapoor, and Ungli, produced by Karan Johar starring Kangna Ranaut and Emraan Hashmi. Just a comment: Alia Bhatt had earlier said that she wanted to marry Ranbir Kapoor on Koffee with Karan but she clarified it while giving media interviews for 2 States. She said, "I was just having my fan girl moment on the show!” Much ado about a kiss: Arjun Kapoor says that the media is making a big deal of the kissing scenes in 2 States unnecessarily. He says that when he gives interviews, no matter what content they have, the media highlights the kissing part.
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Astro turf ARIES: It is important that you use your time in a worthwhile manner. Pointless arguments
and debates will only waste your time, therefore, do not engage in them. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Peacock-blue. Magic number: 61. TAURUS: Some long overdue tasks will be completed successfully. Socially, you will be quite occupied and meet new people. Hectic activity can make you somewhat impatient, so be extra-careful. Tarot message: Seek advice, but don't feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: .Lotus-pink. Magic number: 65. GEMINI: Many of you will
not feel energetic and upbeat today. Spend some time on your own, which will help you recharge your batteries and
focus on the tasks at hand. Tarot message: A shopping spree can upset your budget. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40. CANCER: This will be a demanding day for many of you, since family and friends will not be very open and welcoming towards new relationships that you
may have formed lately. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32. LEO: Decision-making and strategising should be done today, since it will be a time when you will be quite practical. You will be quite active and motivated to take on pending tasks. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63. VIRGO: Since the past few
days, you have been coming up with productive ideas; now is the time when most
of them can be put into practice. Take care of your health. Tarot message: Renew energy in a relationship. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 44.
LIBRA: You will be able to achieve much more in lesser time and this will increase your productivity as well as confidence. There will be social gatherings and celebrations to attend. Tarot message: Adopt a
diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 51. SCORPIO: Family matters will be fairly uneventful and some of you will have to help out a younger sibling or relative. Keep an
eye on your spending and ensure that you stick to your budget. Tarot message: Beware of
making rash moves. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 46. SAGITTARIUS: Being a part of an exhibition, conference, meeting etc will be vital for your growth and success. This is also a day in which travelling and journeys will hold a lot of significance, personally and professionally. Tarot message: Exciting opportunities lie ahead. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 55. CAPRICORN: Today many of you will spend time in exploring and broadening your spiritualistic as well as philosophical dimensions. This activity will enable you to plan for the future. Tarot message: Try to be as charming as possible
in all situations. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 39. AQUARIUS: Efforts of the past will bear fruit and bring rewards. Finances will gain from speculation and investments. Housewives can decide to redecorate their homes. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what
you can do for others. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 26. PISCES: Today you will be focusing on dealing with pending tasks and official procedures. You will be mentally and physically agile. In relationships and financial dealings, trust your experience. Tarot message: Take life as
it comes. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 64.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is April 12... The number 12 is highly creative, individualistic and unconventional. It represents the interests of the self versus those of the group. Jupiter, your ruling planet, will be favourable if you are contesting elections. This is a slow building year that requires releasing of your old concepts around status and worldly success. You've spent a considerable amount of energy over the past few years. Elderly people need to take care of their health. You will have problems hanging on to your money. You are likely to overspend or misplace your wallet - some losses due to carelessness are certain. Eventual problems will be transitory. Make good use of the knowledge you gain. Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Cream. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral, Ruby.
You share your birthday with Claire Catherine Danes (April 12, 1979), who is an American television, stage and film actress. She has appeared in roles as diverse as Angela Chase in My So-Called Life, as Juliet in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, as Kate Brewster in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, as Yvaine in Stardust and as Temple Grandin in the HBO TV film Temple
Grandin.
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Big moment delayed
Buzz is that Amitabh Bachchan's debut on television, which was announced by Sony TV, will be delayed. There has been speculation that his fictional series might air in June now. During the press conference of the announcement of the show, the details were kept under wraps and it was believed that the show would air in January 2014, but now it seems that it might be pushed to June and that it might air on a brand new channel. The untitled serial has been directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.
Time to move on
Rakesh Vashisht, who stepped into the role of Asad Ahmed Khan in Qubool Hai, will soon be quitting the show. He talks about his decision and more. How do you feel about quitting Qubool Hai? Basically, there has to be a closure to Asad and Zoya's love story and I knew the story would end this way. I like shows that are short and effective. I was happy working with producer Gul Khan and the whole team. Did you feel it was a mistake to take it up? No. I had just finished Nach Baliye when I got the offer and I always wanted to work with Gul. It was a good opportunity. Was it tough to fill in Karan Singh Grover's shoes? I am an actor and can play roles. It was a challenge. In fact, I fulfilled the needs. I played Asad in my own way and the response was great. After Nach Baliye, have you continued to dance? I am not much of a dancer and had done Nach Baliye only for my wife Riddhi. Moreover, I haven't had the time to do anything dance-wise. Unfortunately, my knee was hurt so we had to opt out of the show. What's next? Right now I want a long holiday. Immediately after NB we were planning one, but then I did
QH. I will be focusing on the painting exhibition, which will happen soon.
A historical affair
The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Game Of Thrones returns for its ten-episode fourth season on Sunday, April 13, at 9:00 pm, exclusively on HBO Defined. Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George RR Martin, the hit series is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summer and winter can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal. For viewers who have missed the previous seasons of this epic series, catch up with all day marathons of previous seasons only on HBO Defined.
Voice over
Mohit Raina, famous for his role as Lord Shiva in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, will now lend his voice for an adventure film. He will be rendering dialogues in Hindi for Tarzan 3D. He apparently saw the film, which will release in India on April 18, before giving the project a nod. Joining hands
Buzz is that Karan Singh Grover, who quit producer Gul Khan's hit TV show Qubool Hai recently, will now join hands with her to produce TV content and even a Punjabi film. Gul had another producer in her production company, but now as they have parted ways, Karan might be the
answer. Cut short
Nikunj Malik, who was last seen in Rahul Ka Swayamvar, is angry that her role in her debut film Revolver Rani has been edited badly. She plays Vir Das' wife and had shot many scenes, but was shocked to see that most of her scenes were chopped off. After the break
Nia Sharma, who was seen in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, will now return to television after a long gap. She will be part of a new TV show starring Ravi Dubey on Zee TV. It is apparently inspired from Madhuri Dixit's film Jamai Raja.
No contest!
Urvashi Dholakia was apparently going to contest elections this year. But as she was reportedly late in submitting her application, it was rejected. She was to replace Kamal R Khan and contest from North West constituency in
Mumbai.
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A wide smile, dimples on the sides of her chin, she speaks with candour, "Mandira has filled in the shoes of a designer." Launching her line of sarees, actor-anchor Mandira Bedi has tied up with Tara Jewellers to launch her collection Sarees by Mandira Bedi. "My collection is a reflection of my own self. It is not too heavy and embellished, as I believe that bling should come from jewellery," she says. 
Charity on birthday: Donate utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.