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Hug Your Boss Day Mona The cubicle walls have been pulled down and bosses have become more accessible to their employees. But are they ready to melt away the physical boundary as well and get hugged by them? Today is Hug You Boss Day! Yes, now we have days for everything, right from roses to chocolates; and everyone from daughters to neighbours. So, there has to be a day for the boss, probably the most contentious relationship one shares, next only to a mother-in-law! Now hug your boss? Yes, we duly celebrate Valentines Day aping the West, and all the days leading to it…Rose, Propose, Chocolate, Teddy, Promise, Hug and Kiss…phew. And we have already started acknowledging post Valentines Day too-Slap, Kick, Perfume Day, Flirting, Confession, Missing and Break Up Day… Yet, hugging one's boss… probably we are yet to walk up there, or have we already? We check out… Arpit Sharma, relationship manager with a private bank, scoffs at the idea. "Look, we work in highly competitive atmosphere. The work pressure is huge, and targets are unrealistic. It's only working with an iron fist that works. The boss too is under pressure from his superiors that gets duly passed on," says Arpit, adding, "But that's the case with most marketing sectors." Big corporates do try imbibing the best from the western managerial practices. Says an employee of Vodafone Punjab Circle, "An open office architecture facilitates healthier communication, breaking traditional boss-employee distinctions. One facet of Vodafone's work culture which our employees particularly appreciate is the fact that senior leaders remain accessible at all times." While there are loads of employee centric activities, team building exercises are bigger concerns in the corporates. The relaxed boss-employee relationship is found generally in smaller units. When Santabanta.com moved operations from Ludhiana to Chandigarh, the whole team came together. "We do have rather formal atmosphere and no physical touch beyond a handshake. But yes, there is strong social bonding," says Avdhesh Mehta, chief technical officer, who has been with the firm since its inception. JD Ghai, founder and CEO of the firm, believes in a happy work culture. "Work place should be more than just a money earning venture. With a drive to create something new everyday, I believe it's paramount to keep appreciating and motivating the team." These were the initial responses that we got. But, yes, we did find one place (sure there are many more) where hugging the boss is a reality already. Ritika Sarpal, an architect with Renu Khanna and Associates, hugged her boss when they bagged two more prestigious projects lately. "Our office environment is rather warm. If we work under pressure to meet sudden deadlines, we also celebrate our achievements and even birthdays together," says Ritika, who is looking forward to give an 'extra' big hug and a present too for her boss Renu Khanna. And, she is just reciprocating the gesture her boss showers the team with! mona@tribunemail.com
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Power of six
Young filmakers; films as short as six minutes, six themes... the outcome is bound to be a
sixer!
There is a world of a difference between dealing with young minds and delving into young minds. Difference of perspective, patience and a few other insightful traits that it takes to get the young and restless involved. "Children are not meant to be brushed aside. Even if my children want to make a film on trash, they can. I'll take them seriously, let them do it and happily so," shares Mumbai-based Shweta Parakh, from Purple People Labs, while surrounded by a bunch of overzealous screaming lot dressed in school uniforms. Creativity comes only a second close to initiative. A rule she adhered to before making a group of 26 school children troll the roads, work on sets, double up as actors, production managers, sound heads, script writers and everything else. Young Filmmakers Academy opened in association with St. Kabir Public School, Chandigarh presents six short stories of six minutes each. Handled from scratch by students from 6 to 18 years of age. Shades of life
The six short stories, titled The Best Super Hero, National Anthem, One Day in the Life of Krishna, Friendship, Beti and Niptara, touch upon subjects as varied. "They were trained to do everything on their own, even if it meant taking permission for shooting at various locations in the city." While the films deal with life issues, National Anthem came out of the initial thought process of where do we see the Tricolour in our daily lives? Do the saffron, green and white make a difference? "The best super hero explores as to the superpowers we need to make the city happy. What can be done to make the city happy?" Just when super powers from fire, earth, air and water did not hold strong, it is 'love'-the only super power that comes to rescue. "It is a reflection of what is going on in their minds. They have imagination and are not biased." A different perspective
As a corporate head of a youth-led media company, it has been years of handling active participation by young film-makers. "The subjects for films, which they floated, were regular. But their perspectives were very different. Usually they were positive perspectives," shares the Limca Book Of World Records holder at the age of 13, for being a part of the team that created India's first in-house television channel. Mix and match
While a majority of the students are from the associating school, there are a couple of students from Vivek High School. And as a part of the CSR initiative, the academy has also roped in students from Mauli Jagran Government School. The documentary Niptara is based on water problems of Mauli Jagran. Like always the problems have been the same but perspectives are different. That makes a world of a difference. To be screened at PVR, Elante Mall on August 24. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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A track to remember
IP Singh and members of his band, Faridkot, are upbeat about creating the anthem song for the Hindi version of the movie Expendables 3. They have set their aims high and are all eager for the response of the audience...
Maayajal, the Hindi version of Hollywood film Matrix, impressed IP Singh and he seized every opportunity to watch it. He has no qualms admitting that he likes seeing Hindi versions of English films and thoroughly enjoys them. So, when his band Faridkot won the contest of creating an anthem song for the Hindi version of the movie Expendables 3, it just seemed like some connect; Karmic or not, IP Singh wouldn't go this far! It is the moment that is making him and the members of his band, Raj, Nikhil and Sahil, happy and confident. Now, they just have to see their names roll out in the credit list on Friday, till then we catch up with the story so far with IP Singh, the man behind the Delhi-based band. So, this is it… accolades from all over? Did you know the track would take you this far? We didn't predict this; it's nice to see this happening now. We actually submitted the song towards the fag end of the contest. We got to know about the contest on July 22 and the last date for submission was July 25. I quickly sat down with Raj, with the side brief, which I had about the track, and we raked up something that had power and punch. How was the experience of making a track for the film so talked about? It was amazing. We saw the English trailer to just get a fair idea about what we actually wanted. We wanted the track to have lot of punch; we wanted to make it catchy and also relatable. Also, the track had to be an anthem. Our song, Mastaaney, fitted the bill. And of course, we were excited that we were composing music for a film that stars Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford. You had no inhibitions about making a track for the Hindi version of the film? I come from a simple background; I was exposed to western music only in college. I loved watching the Hindi version of Matrix, it was fun. Language is just a medium, as long as it sends the message, it is good. What comes next? As of now, I will be watching the Hindi version of Expendables 3. We have just released our second album Phir Se and we've already started working on the third one. We are looking forward to collaborating with a Pakistani artist on the roster of Universal Music.
Tuned in
jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Gold rush
Jacqueline turns showstopper for Anju Modi
Actress Jacqueline Fernandez turned up in a bridal lehenga as the showstopper for designer Anju Modi at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014. Jacqueline was dressed in a glittering lehenga, fully embroidered long sleeved choli and net dupatta, along with beautiful jewellery to complement her look. Anju's collection was a story of reincarnation called Manikarnika. Presented by Reliance Jewels, the designer revived the age old craft and ancient techniques. She presented lehengas, saris, net embroidered kurtas, skirts, cropped long sleeved jackets, floor length angarkhas and sherwanis with slim trousers. Adding to the show's glitter and glamour was the bridal jewellery by Reliance Jewels in a wide assortment of designs for sets, necklaces, earrings, bangles and rings. Actress Kriti Sanon of Heropanti fame glided down the ramp in a silver metallic mini skirt with a matching top. Figure hugging pants, pencil skirts, cutaway tees, micro minis, jumpsuits and jackets were a great addition to the female wardrobe. The men's wear was casual and comfortable with shirts, bermudas, sweaters, denim and jackets. — PTI
Till death do them part…
That Ranveer Singh plays Deepika Padukone's dead husband is known to all but no one had a picture of them together in the film. This unseen picture shows Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone headed for a Christian wedding as Gabo and Angie in Homi Adajania's next titled Finding Fanny. Deepika Padukone dressed in white bridal gown as a Christian bride, while Ranveer Singh as a groom, seems like they are ready for their wedding in a church minutes before he chokes and dies in the film. Ranveer has a fleeting cameo character, Gabo, which he did for free. Homi Adajania, director of Finding Fanny too had confirmed saying Ranveer did it for a laugh, but he was dead serious and his energy on the set was infectious. Finding Fanny is an off the wall, comical story about a bunch of oddballs who venture out to find Stefanie Fernandes (Fanny); in the process, they discover a strange sense of solace and love amongst each other, and end up seeing a point to their previously pointless lives. Finding Fanny will be releasing in theatres on September 12 Serious business for Kay Kay Actor Kay Kay Menon will be seen playing a rich NRI businessman in the upcoming film Raja Natwarlal. We hear that the actor made sure that he had the right attitude needed for this role. Ask Kay Kay about his role and he says, "I play a top notch businessman and it comes with its own privileges and threats. This is serious business. He is a rich, powerful and towering businessman and hence my director Kunal Deshmukh and I really worked hard on the vulnerabilities of the character. His persona is strong and his presence has to be felt onscreen." We hear that the actor has grown a mustache and changed his entire look for the film. Kay Kay is on a roll this year with three more films lined up, including Haider, Saat Uchaake and Bombay Velvet. Shandaar pairing
The last time, the father-son duo Pankaj Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, worked together was for the film Mausam. However, the veteran actor did not get an opportunity to share screen space with his talented son, considering that Pankaj was directing the film. But now Pankaj will soon be seen sharing screen space with Shahid in the upcoming film Shandaar but not as his on-screen father. Interestingly, Pankaj Kapoor will be seen essaying the role of female lead Alia Bhatt's father in the film. Alia will play Shahid's love interest in the film. Prior to this, Karan Johar and Govinda too were approached for a role in Shandaar but plans did not materialise. However, the rest of the details of Pankaj's character are currently being kept under wraps. Directed by Vikas Bahl, it is said to be India's first ever destination wedding film.
Emraan knows his art
Emraan Hashmi recently visited the Wadia Hospital for Children in Mumbai. He was here to grace an Art Camp organised by artist-muralist, Rouble Nagi. He showed off his artistic side when he did an impromptu free-hand drawing on Rouble Nagi's request at this art camp. His drawing showcased artistic excellence, and some confident art strokes, and vibrant splash of colours. The art work was liked a lot by Nagi and the kids. No to Ranveer Rumour has it that Katrina Kaif reportedly opted out of Bajirao Mastani as she didn't want to share screen space with Ranveer Singh who she considers as her junior. We wonder what Deepika Padukone has to say about this?
Trouble in paradise
It seems Shah Rukh Khan is in trouble again. A complaint has been filed against SRK by an NGO for the illegal construction near his house Mannat in Bandra. Following the complaint, BMC is going to conduct an inquiry.
Candle-blower
Actor Randeep Hooda, who turned 38 on August 20, had a small celebration at home. He celebrated his birthday with family and close friends in Mumbai. Hooda will be next seen in Ketan Mehta's drama film Rang Rasiya, which releases on October 23.
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On the right track
IP Singh and members of his band, Faridkot, are upbeat about creating the anthem song for the Hindi version of the movie Expendables 3. They have set their aims high and are all eager for the response of the audience...
Maayajal, the Hindi version of Hollywood film Matrix, impressed IP Singh; he has no qualms admitting that he likes seeing Hindi versions of English films. So, when his Delhi- band Faridkot won the contest of creating an anthem song for the Hindi version of the movie Expendables 3, it just seemed like some connect! It is the moment that is making him and the members of his band, Raj, Nikhil and Sahil, happy and confident. Now, they just have to see their names roll out in the credit list on Friday, till then we catch up with the story so far. Did you know the track would take you this far? We didn't predict this; it's nice to see this happening now. We actually submitted the song towards the fag end of the contest. We got to know about the contest on July 22 and the last date for submission was July 25. I quickly sat down with Raj, with the side brief, which I had about the track, and we raked up something that had power and punch. How was the experience of making a track for the film so talked about? It was amazing. We saw the English trailer to just get a fair idea about what we actually wanted. We wanted the track to have lot of punch; we wanted to make it catchy and also relatable. Also, the track had to be an anthem. Our song, Mastaaney, fitted the bill. And of course, we were excited that we were composing music for a film that stars Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford. You had no inhibitions about making a track for the Hindi version? I come from a simple background; I was exposed to western music only in college. I loved watching the Hindi version of Matrix, it was fun. Language is just a medium, as long as it sends the message, it is good. What comes next? We have just released our second album Phir Se and we've already started working on the third one. We are looking forward to collaborating with a Pakistani artist on the roster of Universal Music. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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it’s happening The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi is going to organise Chandigarh Dance Festival by Gopika Varma (Mohiniyattam), Shovana Narayan (Kathak) and Kavita Dwivedi (Oddisi).
As an outstanding performer, Guru Shovana Narayan's career, spanning well over four decades, has seen her mesmerizing audiences all over the world in several prestigious national and international festivals. Born and brought up in the family of the traditional art practioners, Kavita Dwibedi is the daughter and disciple of stalwart Odissi maestro Late Guru Hare Krishna Behera. She is known for her vision and superb abhinaya. — tns
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From streets to the platter
If an eating-out plan with family and friends is on your mind, Hotel Hometel has a Street Food Festival to offer. Right from Kolkata's puchka and egg roles to Maharashtrian vada pao, you can savour a lot here. Largely vegetarian, you can check out a variety of flavours at Hometel's terrace where the stalls lined up in a neat row offer a delectable spread. Thandai and ninbu pani usher one to the stalls where samosa and aloo tikki chaat vie for attention. Bhelpuri, vada pao (a must try) and dhahi ghujia chaat are here too. A unique item is the misal pao; sprouted black eye bean boiled and served with other veggies along with pao, a relatively nutritious cousin of pao bhaji. "Last year, we got a great response for such a street food festival. This year, we have changed the menu a bit, keeping in mind the guests' feedback," says Chef Bidesh Biswas. There is puchka from Chef's land Kolkata, which looks like our very own golgappa to the T but tastes different. Instead of aloo chana filling, it has boiled green chilly, chopped cucumber, sukhe matar and more. Egg rolls are hot favourites with varieties of paneer and chicken rolls to add variety. Dimsums duly register their presence here in both veg and non-veg varieties. There is kulfi for the sweet tooth. What's more, street food is part of the buffet served at Flavours, and the dessert option is large. All for Rs 650 plus taxes per person, the festival is on till August 31 from 7:30pm onwards.
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Three workshops on the three genres of classical dance will also be part of the event. Gopika Varma Started her Mohiniyattam traninig from the great guru Kalyani Kuttyamma. Presently, Gopika is running a Mohiniyattam Dance School named "Dasyam" in Chennai and Bengaluru, with a vision to promote and develop Mohiniattam dance outside
Kerala.