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Close to life, closer to reality
With its ability to weave images in movement and sound, cinema equips art with intensity of motion, thereby increasing its impact. Served as the commercial product of modern times, cinema has received both, acceptance and appreciation. However, the independent cinema, which evolved from the Information Films of the colonial period, remains the poor cousin of mainstream cinema even today. At the ongoing Chandigarh Film Festival at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, we delve into the creative mind space of a couple of award-winning documentary and feature filmmakers, to surface a greater concern that restricts the popularity of independent cinema in India and a lot more.
Lens with a view
The power of pink
Jack of many trades
Linguistic vows
While Indranil Roy toys with the subject of adolescence and its complexities in his feature film Phoring, he insists that the character of any cinema reflects in its language. With his choice of language for the film being Bengali, he shares that he would rather make a film in the language that will best define it than dub it in any other language. "I don't think it's very dignified to dub a film, I would use subtitles instead and that is the liberty that independent cinema gives me. Also, it allows me to choose a subject like adolescence that is often treated like a fairy tale, but it is indeed very complex and significant," he shares.
Reality bites
While India continues to produce some of the finest and award-winning documentaries over these years, one is forced to question the possibility of funding and popularising them. Is it not possible for the Indian media to promote a film culture that truly liberates one's mind and enhance one's analytical abilities? "I wish the Ministry of Broadcasting finds a way to promote independent cinema because we need funds and budget to translate our ideas into films," says Sushant Mishra as he leaves us with some fodder for thought to prepare for yet another battle of freedom of expression. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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The storyteller of memories
Hectic work day, rusty car radio, filtering traffic, musty street lights, winding roads, and emotions— you, unruffled silence behind closed eyes and a voice on the radio that prods you to encounter simple emotions you've shrouded with a smile. Most of us know him as the voice behind Yaad Sheher. When you read his body of work, you realise you've been a fan of his longer than you've known. The man behind the voice, Neelesh Misra, thinks of his radio storytelling job as "a communicator's dream".
"My youngest consistent listener is five years old. Grandparents and grandchildren sit together and listen to my show. People tell me they leave their office late so they can listen to Yaad Sheher on the way home. People tell us they turn off their TVs to listen the radio. It's truly a communicator's dream—to be able to touch so many lives," says storyteller, writer, lyricist, journalist and photographer, Neelesh Misra. The radio show—on air on BIG 92.7 FM in 40 cities—was set out for listeners 30 years of age and above, back in 2010. "We never thought we'd get calls from college students or teenagers, telling us how our stories have impacted their lives. A young woman once called me up and said she was engaged to be married. After listening to a particular story on Yaad Sheher, she broke off that engagement. Now, she and her childhood sweetheart are back together. When we set out, though, we didn't think we'd have such a wide-spread impact. The show was a new concept. No one was doing storytelling on radio back then." Now, with a Mandali of 50 people from all over the country and the US, Misra is set to summon the fourth season of Yaad Sheher in September. Ask him if the pressure of having impacted so many lives brims over to his stories, and he says, "The constant battle is to remain innocent; to remain humble. The idea is to retain the simplicity of emotions. I'm often found telling my mandali to not show off!” Formerly a founding member of India's first writer band, Band Called Nine, Misra is also the co-founder and editor of his weekly rural newspaper, Gaon Connection. "I sold off my flat in Noida to start this newspaper. We flagged it off two years ago. Only yesterday (Friday), we won the Ramnath Goenka Award for Gaon Connection. To keep the paper up and running, I wrote the show Baawre for Life OK." Having done so much, Misra hasn't lost sight of the larger picture: "I can't look back. Yaad Sheher is the epicenter of my creativity. I've given up on a lot to continue doing this show. And, I can see myself narrating stories till old age." But, he doesn't forget to mention his biggest fear, "To be perceived as a voice over artiste." somya@tribunemail.com
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Smoke screen
The adverse effects of smoking on the skin are irreversible Dr Vikas Sharma
Delayed healing
Smokers, both active and passive, have a two to threefold higher risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. Some researchers have found a dose-response association of smoking and psoriasis. Exposure to smoke also appears to be more strongly associated with psoriasis among women than men. Exposure to smoke also delays wound healing, including skin injuries and surgical wounds. Premature ageing
Recent research has shown that the skin-ageing effects of active and passive smoking is due to increased production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen in the skin. Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin, which maintains skin firmness. The researchers noted that smokers' skin can get prematurely aged by 10 to 20 years and, although the damaging effects of cigarette smoke on the skin are irreversible, further deterioration can be avoided by staying away from smoke. Along with sun damage and hard living, nicotine can add years to your appearance. The effects of smoking in terms of ageing are significant. When we inhale just one puff of cigarette smoke, more than a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which then trigger an inflammatory response that circulates throughout the body. High risk
Face the facts
The risk level of skin disorders among non-smokers is higher if they spend many hours in an environment where cigarette smoke is widespread, such as a business where many employees or patrons are smoking throughout the day or a residential care facility where residents smoke freely. In 1985, the term 'smoker's face' was added to the medical dictionary. The characteristic features of a smoker's face, which tends to make people look older than they are, include:
Risk to children
Childhood exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke is associated with an increased risk of the development of atopic dermatitis. An increase in skin allergies and premature greying of hair has been associated with passive smoking in children. Smoking by either parent increases the risk of skin eczema in children. (Dr Vikas is a Chandigarh-based skin specialist)
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Shop till you drop, virtually!
More and more Indians are shopping online and looking for exclusive deals Nishtha Shukla Anand In February this year, Motorola came up with a new way to increase sales and generate marketing excitement. The Moto G smartphone was launched in India then, but it was not available in stores. Instead, the smartphone was available only online via Flipkart.com. The response was so spectacular that Motorola plans to work exclusively the online way to meet its customers' demands in one of the largest economies of the world. Their success is now being replicated by players such as Xiaomi, which are also only selling their smartphones through online e-commerce portals like Flipkart.com. Motorola India general Manager Amit Boni told PTI, "Many more people are now using e-commerce (to sell devices) and many more will come on board. We have the first mover advantage." Google had acquired the company in 2012 and Motorola stopped operating in India ever since. However, they are continuing operations here, which means they are excited about the Indian market. However, the interesting way in which Motorola is selling in Indian market gives the e-commerce companies a lot of hope. It's a clear indicator of changing mindsets in India. More and more Indians are shopping online and looking for exclusive deals. Not just technology, many other industries are now selling online and it has become a steady source of income for them. While clothing and accessories make up possibly the biggest chunk of shopping, electronics, books and pet products are also popular. (Anand is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)
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Flavours of Delhi
The chefs at Dilli 6 food festival at Park Plaza, Zirakpur, have recreated with authenticity the romance of old Delhi! The palak patta chaat of Sharma Chaat Bhandar along with four types of flavoured water; the kanji vada, Kasim's biryani, Shafiq's divine kheer are as good as what you'd get at Dilli- 6. The authenticity of the paranthas, the bedmi-aloo, the literally silken reshmi seekh kebab and the Purani Dilli biryani, minus the oozing ghee and artificial colour, are indeed a delight.
The effort that went into the enterprise is evident in the faithful reproduction of the original textures and flavours that define the cuisine of Old Delhi. Non-vegetarian starters are all from the Matia Mahal Street. Chicken fry, tandoori chicken and gurda kaleji on tawa are all waiting to be relished. — TNS
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Voight is a happy father-in-law
Actor Jon Voight is happy that now he can call Brad Pitt his son-in-law. Voight is happy about the wedding of his daughter Angelina Jolie to her partner of nine years and although he wasn't invited to the ceremony, which was held in Chateau Miraval, France, he can't wait to catch up with them soon. In an interview to ITV's Good Morning Britain, Voight said that he loves his son-in-law. "I'm very happy about it, I'm very happy that I can now legitimately call him my son-in-law, this wonderful fellow who I love." "...and that they're very happy and the kids must have had a wonderful time at the wedding because they all had their things to do. It must have been very beautiful, I'm very happy for them," he said. Jolie and Pitt married August 23 in front of just 22 guests and ensured their six children—Maddox, 13; Pax, 10; Zahara, 9; Shiloh, 8; and five-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox; all had roles in the wedding ceremony. Maddox and Pax walked their mother down the aisle, Zahara and Shiloh were flower girls, and twins Vivienne and Knox were ring bearers. — IANS
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What makes Tiger honest
After getting noticed for his stunts in his debut film Heropanti, actor Tiger Shroff is all set for more daredevilry in his second film. He talks about films and more. Being truthful
If people find me boring, so be it. But I would rather be true to myself and not let down my parents than live up to an image of someone who is hot and wild. That would be lying to myself. It's very important for me to be truthful in what I do. Disciplined life
My discipline extends to how I live my entire life. I like to wake up early in the morning and go through the day in a disciplined way. More than that, I like to keep my thoughts free of negativity and clear of ugliness. To me, that's real self discipline. Second step
I'd say the second film is as important, if not more important, than the first film. Yes, it has to work. Otherwise people would brand me a fluke or a one-film wonder. Worse, critics would say audiences went to see my first film because of my father. I wouldn't want to live in my father's
shadow. Bindaas dad
In many ways, my father is the opposite of me. He is, what's the word,
bindaas, oblivious to all forms of social restraint. He has agreed to listen to me finally but only because he needs to get into shape for his role of the boxer in the Hindi remake of Warrior. Idol worship
I look at Hrithik sir
(Hrithik Roshan) as my role model. When I see him on screen, I feel motivated. That's the kind of personality and performing ability I would like to develop. What's next
I am again teaming up with Sajid sir (producer
Nadiadwala) and Sabir sir (director Sabir Khan). This time we've to take the action further than
Heropanti.
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A dream date!
Actress Samiksha Bhatnagar, who is currently seen as Zubeida in Uttaran, is all set to debut in Madhur Bhandarkar's upcoming film Calender Girls. She will play an important role connected to one of the five stories. She would be seen as highly reputed and educated corporate woman.
When contacted, she says, "I have already started shooting for the film. Although I am not playing a calendar girl but my role is important and makes a difference to the story. My height is five feet six inches. In TV height doesn't matter but in Bollywood height makes a lot of difference. She also realised how a film's shoot is different from a television show's shoot. "One right role can make you get noticed. I am hoping it will open more avenues for me. To be launched in a Madhur Bhandarkar film is like a dream come true. He is an institution. He makes actors give their best," she adds.
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Rewards are enough for Kay Kay
Kay Key Menon has an impressive kitty of films this year, which are Raja Natwarlal, Haider and Bombay Velvet. He talks about movies and more. Rewards and awards
I had realised soon in my career that rewards are more important than awards, so you don't need awards. Whether you get an award or not doesn't matter. I have no attachment towards award functions and I don't go there. Award events are now just TV programmes. I respect civilian awards a lot - like Padma Shri, which doesn't have any sponsorship. At least that is good. Rest everything is a business. A life away from glamour
I have a life away from the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. I am not clued in to the new breed of actors in tinsel town. I live a different life. My life doesn't begin and end with the film industry. The film industry is a small part of my life. I do other things as well. I am not interested in what's happening there (in the industry). I concentrate on my work and if I'm not working, then I am into sports. I only try to do good work. If you ask me about the analysis of new actors, I won't even know who is coming and who is going. Movies of the year
I like doing my work quietly and I am very happy with the line-up of interesting movies that I have. Last year, I had ABCD which was a big hit and now it has a sequel too. I feel privileged to be part of Raja Natwarlal, Haider, and Bombay Velvet.
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Shraddha Kapoor turns a workaholic
Shraddha Kapoor has been managing her time and coping with a lot of activities these days. The young actress who had an injury while rehearsing for ABCD 2 couldn't dance for three weeks because of it. Now, that she has recovered more or less, she has been putting in extra hours to it. The film goes on floors in the end of August. It is a dance film so there is a constant prep for it. While she was rehearsing for 2-3 hours earlier, it has become six hours of practice now as she is covering up for all the time lost. A source informs, The Ek Villain actress also has her next release, Haider, coming closer which means her time is dedicated to promotions as well. She has also been removing some time for her brands and magazine commitments in the midst of all this. Shraddha has been juggling a lot of things these days but she loves every bit of it."
When contacted, Shraddha says, "I have resumed dance rehearsals after weeks. There is a lot to catch up on and I am giving it all that I can. Dance is liberating. Also, I have a release coming up soon, so promotions are on as well in full swing. Even though there are long hours, I am far from complaining because work just keeps me happy!
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Quality control
Smart, cute, funky, elegant and traditional—Alia Bhatt, who carries different looks with aplomb on and off screen, says an important beauty tip for the youth is to ensure the quality of the products they buy.
"Quality of any cosmetic product is extremely important. Good brands always make sure that they provide the best quality to their consumers. One should never compromise on quality especially when it comes to any skincare or make-up product," Alia said in a recent interview from Mumbai. Alia is particular about the products she uses, and she makes sure her bag always has at least five of her beauty essentials. What do they include? "Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm, perfume, cream, kohl and my hair brush," she said. Just last month, the 21-year-old kept busy one afternoon doling out tips on beauty trends via online instant messaging and video chat platform Google Hangout as part of her endorsement of make-up brand Maybelline New York. Alia, who is also the ambassador of hair care brand Garnier Fructis, is now also offering hairstyling tips to her fans through MTV's digital show "Philips MTV The Look", which offers a plethora of hair-do ideas to make people's locks look good. In the show, the Highway star will be seen sharing some of her favourite styles, tips and tricks to create interesting hairdos along with video jockeys Bani and Gaelyn on the web-based show. —
IANS
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Mary Kom is my guru dakshina: Priyanka
Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra hopes that her portrayal of M C Mary Kom in a biopic would prove to be a milestone in her film
career.
Priyanka, 32, says the film, which is based on the life and struggles of the renowned boxer, is her token of love to Kom on Teacher's Day as the film is releasing on September 5. "The portrayal of the character was challenging and this film can prove to be the milestone in my career. Since the film is releasing on Teacher's Day and as Mary Kom has taught me the nuances of boxing, I am dedicating it to Mary Kom as my guru
dakshina," said Priyanka.. The former Miss World did not approve of the film being referred to as a women-centric movie. "Mary Kom should be taken as a normal one", she said. On her preparations to play the Olympic bronze medal winner, Priyanka said that the training imparted to her to fit into the personality of a dedicated women like Kom was difficult. — PTI
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In the Lord’s name
The Ganpati Festival is on, television celebrities go down memory lane and share how the festive fervour is so enchanting…
Beyond religion In Mumbai, the celebration is different. I hail from Chandigarh where the celebrations are not so grand during Ganpati Festival. My fondest memory was the first year of Mumbai, where it was really surprising how people were all over the roads playing drums and celebrating. After that I became a fan of this festival because no matter what caste or religion you belong to, everyone is together at this time.
True devout This is the 25th year that saw Ganesha idol at our place. I wish everyone stays blessed and also seek God's grace for my own family. I have received many ganesha idols as gift; have 200 ganesha idols at my place!
Positive side It's actually a festival that brings people together. I love decorating Ganesha's shrine and making prasad. I am very fond of Ganpati festival ever since I have been in Mumbai. I like eating modaks too. The festivities make me feel very positive.
Friendly fervour Over the past few years that I have been in Mumbai, I have attended lot of Ganpati pujas at my friends’ place. Now this festival feels as important as Diwali. In our industry, the schedules are hectic, but during Ganpati Festival the fact that we can sing and be awake all night is always good fun. Most of my friends are professional Bollywood singers, so I never get an opportunity to sing when I am around them. It's only at Ganpati festival that I get to sing and they can't stop me. So it's a big high for me.
Enthusiastic note This was my fourth consecutive year that I celebrated with great pomp and show. Like always, this year too was eco-friendly Ganpati because I strongly support the cause and urge others to do the same. There's a saying that if you wish for something, don't be vocal about it; just keep it to yourself or else it might get jinxed. But definitely there's a common wish every year that may God bless my family, relatives and all my friends.
Chills & thrills
Star World Premiere HD brings to you the all-new season of Shonda Rhimes's legal thriller starring Viola Davis. The Creator Of Grey's Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes latest suspense-driven high-profile legal thriller, stars Academy and Golden Globe Award nominee Viola Davis in the lead role. Already making waves is the new drama series How To Get Away With Murder! Viola Davis portrays the lead role of Annalise Keating, a brilliant and mysterious criminal defense professor who becomes entangled in a murder plot. The show makes its debut in India on September 29.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is August 31...
You're filled with creative energy on this birthday, especially if you want to change situations for the better or make some radical alterations to an area of your life. This will be very exciting and you'll soon be looking around for other improvements that you can make. But don't get carried away and impose your ideas on others without consulting them first. Sagacity is your strong point. You have an analytical mind, which helps you approach a situation critically. You are gifted with the powers of discrimination. It is hard to deceive you since you can see through things. Positive colours: Dark blue, Dark grey. Select days: Saturday. Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat's Eye. Charity on birthday: Donate wheat to the needy.
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Astro turf
ARIES: The temptation to help out a friend with a financial loan should be discussed with your partner first. Today you will start letting go of negative patterns. TAURUS: Your partner supports you. Do not allow yourself to be talked into an erratic move. Avoid eating out. Working towards your goals will seem a little harder than usual. GEMINI: Do not try to rush jobs that require meticulous handling. Arguments can arise with your mate or partner. Finalise plans early as your mood is likely to turn to romance and fantasy. CANCER: You draw "The Emperor" so the day promises all comforts. Spare time for family and children. It will be much easier for you to meet LEO: An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Practice deep breathing and you can maintain your composure. A desire to retreat to the comfort of your own home can be overwhelming.
Tarot message: Accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 40. VIRGO: 'The Moon' indicates an emotional setback. Stick to what you know and understand. Money problem will prevail. Children: enjoy with your friends. Legal suits turn in your
favour. 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. 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. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47. SAGITTARIUS: 'The Nine of Cups' reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Drive carefully today. Arguments will arise with your spouse or partner over money.
Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride.
Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 65. CAPRICORN: 'Page of Pentacles' promises a progressive day. Health problems can be satisfactorily handled. Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition.
Tarot message: Emphasize 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.
Tarot message: Do not deal in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 45.
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Open to myriad options of experimentation, parallel cinema thrives on the basic right of freedom of speech and expression, without having to justify its subjects or to please people. It's direct, sharp and edgy, which is perhaps the most compelling virtue of its existence that draws filmmakers like Sushant Mishra, Indranil Roy Chaudhury, Nitasha Jain and Gurpal Singh towards it. "While most of us associate parallel or independent cinema with reality, the only constant conventional aspect of its character remains in its unconventionality. My film, Biswaprakash, which is based on the story of a young man in his early twenties constantly rebelling against the obscure traditional lifestyle of his family, is a fiction, but I can closely relate to the character," says Sushant Mishra, whose film, Biswaprakash, was awarded with the National award. While he chases the constant conflict of his subject in the film, he confesses that the story is not bereft of any autobiographical association. "I see myself in the film that I am making and that is imperative to create an impact," he shares.
Meanwhile, Nitasha Jain, who, like Sushant Mishra, Indranil and Gurpal, is a pass out from FTII, Pune credits her inspiration behind making Gulabi Gang, a documentary that was awarded with the national film award, to the sheer power of its subject. "It was not easy to ignore a population of 4,00,000 women from rural India revolting against atrocities towards women, with a special reference to the contradiction between the urban and rural, and despite the fact that they were uneducated," says Nishtha. While expressing her views on choosing independent cinema over mainstream cinema, Nishtha shares that it was the freedom of "creative expression" of independent cinema that influenced her choice.
You would probably remember him as one of the most adorable pranksters of the television series Chhupa Rustam, but Gurpal Singh's association with television came way after his romance with theatre and independent cinema. "I have made three documentary films, titled D for Documentary, Leaves on Fire and another one on moustaches," says Gurpal and leaves us amazed. One of the significant forces behind the festival, Gurpal shares his association as a co-executive producer with the documentary Six Strands, made by his neighbour and friend, Chaitnya Tamhane. "I consider this as one of the finest documentaries and it will also be featured at a film festival in Venice," he shares.
Exposure to smoke not only aggravates a lot of skin diseases, but also causes skin disorders and premature skin-ageing. The damaging effect of smoke on sensitive skin cells are a prominent feature among both the active smokers and the innocent passives. Passive smoking is the inhalation of smoke, called second-hand smoke (SHS), or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), by persons other than the intended 'active' smoker. It occurs when tobacco smoke permeates any environment, causing its inhalation by people within that environment.
You share your birthday with Richard Gere (August 31, 1949), who is an American actor. He began acting in the 1970s and went on to star in several hit films, including An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman, Primal Fear, Runaway Bride, Arbitrage, and Chicago, for which he won a Golden Globe Award.