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Mark his words
While his disposition exudes the aura of wisdom propounded by experience, Mark Tully's captivating reserve and easy-going charm sets the mood for a smooth-yet-engaging banter. Though the contents of most of the conversation rode steadily on his close proximity with India's socio-political cultures and traditions, it danced attendance to Mark's perception of India, which was backed by his career in journalism. Having authored several books on India, Mark opens the conversation while talking about the trends that define an era of a country and the need to question those trends while underlining the significance of having an open mind. At the UT Guest House, while being a little concerned about his lecture at the ongoing sixth Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival, we catch up with Mark Tully, who was in Chandigarh on invitation by Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi.
"I recollect the time when being a socialist was an 'in thing' and anyone who was not a socialist was looked upon as being immoral," he says. "So, why weren't we questioning the socialist movement at that time and why are we not questioning the economies of developed nations, their expensive lifestyles, their use of energy resources their dependence on transport and consumerism," he questions and leaves us to ponder about the queries. A conversation, which opened on a rather intense note, took an interesting twist when Mark elaborated on his fascination with India, which he promptly corrects, "It's not fascination! I think it's more like belief in my destiny," he says. There was a sudden transition from retrospection to nostalgia, which reflected on his Mark's features and the look in his eyes was now placid and subtle. "When I got back to India in 1965, I was greeted by a warm smell of the food that the maalis were cooking, which transported me back to my childhood. And even though I quit working with BBC in 1994, I never thought of going back, because I feel like I was destined to be here," he shares. "However, India does have a tendency to frustrate you," he says, as if he were woken up from a dreamy state. "To me, the most frustrating thing about India is that it does not realise its potential," he says sharply. As he voices his grief over the existing flaws in the bureaucracy that dismiss the notion of democracy, he shares his views on journalism, which seems to have lost its sheen to the commercial setup. "I look at journalism with regret and I think as journalists we bugger ourselves with telling people what to do and what not to do. Also, I have been witnessing a severe disrespect for factual reporting as opposed to the coloured stories, and then of course, in the existing commercial set up, advertisers and readers take the shots on media," he says. An avid traveller, Mark also criticises another trend in journalism, where the reporters are asked to travel to places while listing an agenda, which leaves them with no avenue to explore. Currently busy with his weekly radio show, Something Understood, which is broadcasted on BBC, Mark also intends to write more books on India, "I am busy with my show, where we talk on subjects that we should not be silent about and being a radio man I don't pay much attention to television. However, I am trying to write a book on short stories, which I would like to call faction (taken from facts)," he shares. "As a writer who writes about India, I really admire RK Narayan's stories, which reflect a very realistic version of India and my partner's book titled Raag Darbari by Sri Lal Sukla," he signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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The ground beneath her feet
"Dance is my extension," says Purvadhanashree, considered as one of the most outstanding classical dancers of the younger generation. Accomplished in Bharatanatyam and Vilasini Natyam (a classical performing tradition practiced by the Telugu hereditary female dancer-singers who were associated with temples and royal courts), dance is akin to a spiritual journey for Purvadhanashree.
"For me, my dance is not just a lucrative career, it is the way I think, my attitude towards self and others. Life and dance are both continuous journeys in which one surrenders and wonders. And, this is the way to evolve," says Purvadhanashree. Born to a Bharatnatyam dancer, Purvadhanashree started learning dance when she was five. "Hast mudras to ABC ke sath hi seekh lee thi," she shares. While pursuing Bhartnatyam, she also started learning Vilasini Natyam from Padmabhushan Swapnasundari. The temple dance form has a few practitioners, and Purvadhanashree has taken it to the different parts of the world with her performances. It's a good time for classical dances, feels Purvadhanashree. "The younger generation is interested and equipped to know and learn more. Earlier, the only source of knowledge was through the guru, but internet has changed it all," she admits. Earning a living doesn't come easy to a classical dancer, but then there are other venues opening up too. "What you want from your dance defines your career." You can choose to be a performer, teacher or academician, for people are opening up to classical dance as a hobby. "Earlier, a guru would never take in a student for a year or two, but today they do, there is some learning at least." Earlier, artistes would refuse to do short pieces that do not bring out the true nature of a classical dance but today, they are ready to give 20- 30 minute pieces for corporate events. "By doing this, we are not in anyway devaluing our art; we are just offering a different package keeping in mind the present times." Purvadhanashree has also played her role in reintegrating Vilasini Natyam back to the temple. She has been annually performing at the 400- year- old Ranganathswamy temple in Rangbagh, Hyderabad. "The total synergy of dancing in a temple is different. I don't bother about the musicians sitting at the right place, makeup, whether the lighting is proper or not. It's pure devotion and at that time I feel like a link between people and God." Awards, honours have come her way, but Purvadhanashree is grounded, she gives the entire credit to her mother, "When I see Swapnasundari ji explaining me one line for hours, I feel as if I haven't learnt anything, there is so much more to do." mona@tribunemail.com
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Homi Adajania’s ‘casting’ conversation...
Deepika Padukone’s success I feel so happy for Deepika when I see how she keeps honing her craft. I know the massive effort she puts into every single role that she does. I genuinely feel there's so much talent there to exploit. I don't think that even Deepika knows where her full potential can reach. But she is very intelligent and focused and will keep pushing the boundaries. Ranveer Singh’s cameo Ranveer is a friend and always up for a laugh. There are few people who can really crack me up and when he doesn't try, he is one of them. He shot for just half a day but we kept laughing so much that he stayed on for ten days while we continued the shoot. Dimple Kapadia in all his films... I love that woman! She is game for anything and she has a heart of gold. I never knew that she had done a film called Bobby as a teenager. She scolded me while shooting for Fanny. She said, "I was known for a film called Bobby that made me into industry's darling and now you bring me back to Goa decades later and make me wear a huge prosthetic bottom and paunch and you've made me into a BOBBA!" She's hilarious! Arjun Kapoor as Savio Arjun and I go back to Being Cyrus days where he wanted to be an assistant director but couldn't for some reason or the other. He's a sensitive actor and I enjoyed his debut in Ishaqzaade. Arjun has done such a perfectly pitched and understated job in Finding Fanny and I'm very impressed with the way he is growing as an actor. On Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur They are brilliant actors with different approaches. Naseer is all soul. He is so experienced and knows exactly how to work it. There's no warming up in a scene. Naseer pretty much nails the first take and then we explore variations. This is the first time I worked with Pankaj and he blew me away. Pankaj is impressively consistent. You know, contrary to his serious image, he's actually a very shy guy. In spite of his regimented lifestyle, I find Pankaj totally non-judgmental and a great guy to hang out with.
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My ex-boyfriends are spineless: Kelly Brook
"Oh, I've wasted so much time with stupid boys and doing stupid things, there's been so much written about me, I thought it's about time I closed the door on all those chapters," Brook reasoned about writing her memoir Close Up. The model, who is now engaged to fitness fanatic David McIntosh, also said, "I've been so defined by those relationships and things that have happened, I wanted to put my point of view across. That way I can move on. I started to think all these men are absolutely spineless." — PTI
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Aamir en route to Rajya Sabha?
Actor Aamir Khan said that if he is offered a nomination to the Rajya Sabha, he will "think" about it. Asked whether he would like to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, like cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actress Rekha, Aamir said, "I won't comment on what they are doing. They are my friends. But if such opportunity arises, I will think whether I can contribute to society at that point of time in a better way or not. If that happens, I will be there everyday." The 49-year-old Dhoom 3 star was speaking at a programme organized by a group of publication. — PTI
When fame is a liability
All set to rock Lyrics say it all Salman’s honest reply… Of love, business and fitness A suitable replacement |
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A man of many words
There is nothing wrong with random words put together to make a point. It's just that when they don't rhyme, there is something amiss. The missing soul that comes to the fore all the more, when in conversation with a poet, a philosopher. The Indian Urdu poet Waseem Barelvi, generously peppers any discussion with couplets. Partly because couplets come easy and partly because they put across the point beautifully. "Poetry is not for conquering the world. Very few people become poets anyway. They do so not for the love of commerce but for the love of expressing their heart," he shares before an attentive audience, on an invitation by Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi as a part of the 6th Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival. His affair with words dates back to childhood. "I must have been 10 years old when I started to take interest in words and poetry."
The interest that further grew into love, even as his subjects changed along the way. Sometimes it was human nature, at other times it was the grief, still some other times, it was life's several ironies. "I have never sat down on the table with a regime and intention to write. My subjects have been as colourful as the life I've led. They are nothing but a reflection of life. That's why I believe poetry is as unpredictable as life itself," he explains. His themes that range from love, longing, happiness, ecstasy, deception, time et al. Come to think of it, it takes a lot to be poet or it takes nothing at all. "I believe one has to be a fakeer at heart to be able to become a poet. It calls for a certain level of sensitivity, passion and pain for the words to flow." So they say and so he confirmed. While it has never been discounted that Urdu language and poetry have not been among the celebrated disciplines lately, he, nevertheless, takes a positive stock of things. "Even I used to think that today's generation is not into poetry and Urdu. However, it is not true. The generation at present really wanted to attach themselves to good things. It is just that we never gave them enough opportunities and platforms." He adds, "Now, with the help of Internet, they are increasingly getting connected to languages and taking a keen interest." A recipient of Firak International Award and also known for his ghazals, he is currently working on two books on poetry. "They should be out soon and they are a collection of my works from the past eight to ten years." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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The lucky mascot
Poonam Bindra The winsome looking "motu" fellow is quite a favourable sight for residents living on the college road, Ludhiana. "Messi" as he is named after the famous footballer has the distinction of converting a strict "no pets family" to a "diehard pet loving domestic household" right from the seniors to the young ones. A chartered accountant and businesswoman Meera Gupta calls Messi as her third surrogate child for her two kids only come home for vacations. "Even when they are here they do not come running to us as affectionately as he does. When we bought him as a small Labrador he was just a bundle of black fur. As he grew so did our love for him," say Meera.
Three year old Messi, according to the family members, is a very sensitive dog as far as the emotional quotient is concerned. He is very fond of the grandma in the house and once she was hospitalised, he was inconsolable and the night prior to her departure from this world in the hospital, he spent the whole night in her room as if he had the premonition . Messi does not like his family members going out so whenever the suitcases are packed, it is a show of sheer annoyance and he blocks the staircase with this huge frame! True to the nature of his breed Messi is a very affectionate chap and is especially fond of his neighbourhood fellow canine "Google" who is also his walk partner and he loves to romp around with him on the grass. Very attentive to commands, Messi is quite happy with the vegetarian 'dal roti" offered to him. "Sometimes we do give him Royal Canine food but he is has no craze for it," quips Meera. Once the kids come home he has no time for anybody else for it is 'eat, sleep, and walk with them" The 'Guptas' are all surely enjoying with Messi and feel so very proud of their possession.
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Count your calories
Renupreet Kaur After you set up the goal for shedding off your extra pounds, you have to go in for a healthy and a balanced diet. Planning your meals wisely is the foremost and the most important step in your weight loss diet programme. You might have cut down your favourite food and have successfully reached near your weight loss goal but sudden binging can wreak havoc with your weight control and bring you back at the point from where you started.
Eating out Eating out is proving to be the main culprit for weight gain these days. After a hectic schedule for the week, weekends are often planned outside. This will not become a hurdle in your mission if you look out for such places that can offer you with healthy and nutritional choices. Healthy tempting salad preparations, low fat soups and other low caloric options in the menu card can help you out at this challenging moment. Otherwise, if possible, you may plan an outing or picnic where you can consume your homemade food. Treat day A well planned treat day can satisfy your temptation for outing. But while you are out on such treat, fried and calorie laden foods should stay away from your meals and grilled and steamed things should be part of your servings. When it is a treat day, a small amount of empty calories is okay, but most people eat far more than it is healthy. It is important to limit empty calories to the amount that fits your calorie and nutrient needs. Taste versus healthy Learn to balance your taste buds with healthy options laden with fresh fruits and green vegetables and avoid calorie dense foods. Cakes, cookies, pastries, donuts and ice creams contain both solid fat and added sugars which are enemies of your good health. You can tune your taste buds with healthy home made options like a home made hummus. It will be a healthy choice over a cheese dip with less calories. Rava idlies and rava dosas with a dash of spices with vegetable based sambhar can be a occasional treat. Tasty fruit based yoghurt can satisfy your sweet tooth. Carry on Although you may have sufficient knowledge to plan out your low calorie and healthy diet, yet you need to be fully motivated all the times throughout your journey to reach at your weight loss goal. For this, you need to consult a professional, who will not only guide you for planning your healthy and balanced diet but also keep on motivating you to achieve your goal. You should also try to make the topics relating to good health, part of your discussion with your companions so that you have a focused approach all the time through out your journey of shedding extra pounds. Keep these tips in mind and stay fit. (Renupreet Kaur is diet therapist and obesity expert) Manage your temptations You often get tempted on seeing your favourite food that are mostly high caloric and unhealthy. To tackle such situations, you should plan your daily intake strategically and stick to your daily intake timing schedule. This will certainly help you to stay away from unhealthy choices. Moreover, when you are on a weight losing mission, you should make it a point not to buy foods that can tempt you and distract you from achieving your goal.
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Be positive
Renee Singh Can you imagine waking up each morning energetically feeling supercharged and enthusiastic about life, prepared to handle any challenge and feeling the flow of happiness through your entire being? For an optimist this is a daily feeling. When you are inspired nothing really stands in your way, which is why most optimists are mostly successful in their lives. If you would like to see yourself as more positive, more hopeful and a happier person you have to start imagining that. You need to pursue your dreams with a reckless abandon, understanding the need to do so of course is extremely important as there are various benefits involved:
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Lower stress levels n
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Adaptability and flexibility in situations n
Healthier mind and body By opening your heart and mind you can most easily harness the powers of the universe and gain lasting feelings of peace and serenity. While the body's stress response is fairly universal the way stress impacts is uniquely individual to each and every individual. We all respond to stressful events in our own way, so even in terms of positive thinking we need to create our own positive magic. Positive people are happier people so try using some proven strategies to try and bring some positivity into your life and relationships: Smile often This simple act can simply change the way you feel despite how you feel. When you smile at somebody in return many times people smile back instinctively. Kind gesture Practice the loving kindness meditation. This practice has distinct advantages. It brings all the benefits of meditation and it also brings along with the benefits of increased compassion and connection to others. It begins with a focus on loving feelings towards self and branches from there. It helps you to develop and enhance feelings of gratitude for all the people in your life. It also helps you to develop greater feelings for those you may be struggling with. Gratitude journal Proven benefits of journaling are - improved health and greater resilience. Maintaining a journal has an extra layer of benefit. Write down three things you are grateful for and really savour the positive feelings that go through you. This process can really help in lifting depression and thereby relieve stress. No comparisons Many people fall prey to envy. Just learn to alter your comparisons and add some extra gratitude to mix. Combat envy with pride in whatever you are good at. Give
a hug It has been proven scientifically that hugs release chemicals that positively affect our health. Simply expressing gratitude through a hug helps you feel more connected. This quick experience translates into positive feelings on both sides. Learn always to see the brighter side of things. (Singh is a Chandigarh based
psychotherapist)
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Buddha to end on a high note
A pensive moment when all the disciples of his Sangha and people from various regions and sects gather around the Buddha, who had predicted the time of his mahaparinirvana, under the Sal trees being blessed by the beautiful Sal flowers, under which he chose to lie before closing his eyes. The last episode would be telecast on September 21. Producer BK Modi says, "It has been an overwhelming experience to make Buddha. The response has been fabulous. It was a beautiful journey. Buddhism is a way of life." What does Himanshu Soni feel about shooting this ultimate scene, "The experience while shooting for the mahaparinirvana was heart-touching. I felt like mahaparinirvana is taking place in reality. The show has a deep impact on my life as a person and as an actor. I am grateful to BK Modi and creative producer Ridhwana for giving me the opportunity to play the title role." Buddha gives his last sermon here to his disciples and finally takes the mahaparinirvana leaving the mortal world with his teachings for the ages to come. Buddha's teachings and his eightfold path are very much of relevance in today's world. His Holiness The Dalai Lama in his blessing to the Buddha team expressed how the Buddha was an ancient Indian thinker, philosopher, and an ancient India scientist, as he never imposed his teachings on his followers, but taught them to use reason and logic to examine and experiment with his teachings.
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New twist in the tale
Popular show Ek Veer Ki Ardaas…Veera will see an interesting twist in its upcoming episodes. As of now, viewers have seen Ranvi (Shivin Narang) struggling in Mumbai to fulfill his dreams of becoming a singer. He has now entered the second round of competition.
The upcoming episodes will telecast the problems he will face while performing. He will go through some injuries where a glass piece will get stuck in his foot. However, he will perform with all focus. Parallel to the track, the makers will roll out some development in the love story between Veera (Digangana Suryavanshi) and Baldev (Vishal Vashishtha) where the duo will go out on a date. However, things will get nasty when Veera would meet with an accident and will land in a hospital in a critical condition. She will request all family members not to inform Ranvi about the same. Will Ranvi will learn about Veera's accident?
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Double dose of drama
Popular show, Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, which recently completed 100 episodes, is all set to give its viewers a special treat. In upcoming episodes, the drama will double, as Chetan Hansraj enters the show.
Chetan, who is currently seen in Zee TV's Jodha Akbar, will play a negative character, but with a comic touch. He will play an impressionist
(behrupiya) who would hate Birbal (Vishal Kotiyan) and his character will create a lot of drama on the show.
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Tackling caste issues
Guess what? Actress Sara Khan is all set to mark her return on television. She will be seen in an episodic of Yeh Hai Aashiqui, on Disney Bindass. She will play Mahalakshm, a South Indian girl. Sara's character will fall in love with a Punjabi guy. The story would later focus on the caste issues faced by these love-birds.
Rolling in money
Coffee & conversation
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 15...
Venus is your primary income planet, along with the moon. Investment made will enhance your prosperity and financial security. Keep your financial statements, cheque book, ATM/credit/debit cards under lock and key and make sure never to discuss personal matters at work. Push problems off your mind and concentrate on improving your position both at home and amongst friends. Year is filled with joy and happiness with a lovely message. You would be full of good ideas and your choice of activities will bring you gains far beyond your expectations. You're not interested in doing work, yet responsibilities continue to be heaped on your plate. Do what is expected or you will create work for other members of your team. Positive colours: White, sea green, cream, light blue and rose Select days: Friday, Thursday and Tuesday Favourable numbers: 5, 6 Gems recommended: Diamond and Emerald Charity on birthday: Donate white clothes/school dress/white edible items to the needy or at a religious place.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Recognise your behavior and try to keep a check on your temper otherwise. Turn a blind eye to the unsavory suggestions of another and they will give up. A compulsion for romance can lead you astray.
Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing.
Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 25 TAURUS: Use this day to rest and recharge your batteries. Taking time out for yourself every now and then would be a good idea. While health would be stable, it is advisable to be cautious when driving. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 47 GEMINI: Be compassionate and considerate towards your partner and let them be open with you. A family member may need support. The presence of Venus would shower you with love, romance and passion. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Orange Magic Number: 36 CANCER: Health would be a matter of concern, especially, as the planets that are in your solar health house may create some problems. There may be a past conflict that could resurface. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Turquoise Magic number: 53 LEO: The day would focus on your adaptability to changing situations and also your own ability to change in various ways. Due to your new-found confidence, some people may not be too
happy. Tarot message: Share responsibility.
Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 64 VIRGO: With celebrations and get-togethers happening all around, your social life would be hectic and exciting. Singles would be looking for someone special to bond with. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 38
LIBRA: Business people may consider entering partnerships or joint ventures with like-minded individuals. Some of you would also contemplate painting or redecorating the house. This would also be a good day to travel. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic number: 27 SCORPIO: Some relationships would grow closer and more intimate. The focus of the day would be getting in touch with your true self and your own needs, as compared to those of others. Tarot message: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual place. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 42 SAGITTARIUS: The presence of the full moon in your own sign increases your sense of perception and intuition. As a result, you would be able to pick the vibes of others and respond accordingly. Tarot message: Don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Golden brown Magic number: 61 CAPRICORN: At work, avoid putting too much on your plate and postpone some things for the next day. Some of you may have to take a personal decision, which would bring about a change. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 40 AQUARIUS: Memories, romance, feelings and emotions would be the focus of the day and would have long-term influences on your relationships and friendships. It is important that you learn from the past. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky
colour: Pale yellow Magic number: 55 PISCES: Your competitive nature would help you stay ahead of others. Social activities would be highly encouraging. Transfer and promotion for some employees cannot be ruled out.
Tarot message: Push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Aqua Magic number: 59
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In city, on Sunday for Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival, Purvadhanashree, accompanied by her mother, opens up on her journey so far…
Finding Fanny has an impressive cast, comprising Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur. While Homi Adajania is the maverick director. Here he talks about the unique ensemble.
Model Kelly Brook, while calling her ex-boyfriends stupid, said that she wasted her time with them. Brook, 34, said she needed to move on from her past as she realised that all her former beaus were spineless, reported a publication.
Incidentally he was named by the younger Gupta, a staunch fan of foot ball, and Meera seriously tells us, "Whenever the matches of for the World Cup were on, my son would make him watch the match as a lucky mascot and he too would keep on looking at the screen which was too funny a sight." Always keen for drives, Messi needs no invitation and jumps into the car as soon as he comes to know that the family is going out for a drive, but the very sensible lab would never get near when he could sense that his masters are going for work. 
Therefore, it is very important to learn to make a right balance of calories while binging upon your favourite food. When you inculcate the habit of finding a way to balance these calorie-dense foods with better nutritional choices, you won't be as tempted to overindulge as you were earlier. If you are on a weight loss diet, plan your calories for the whole day. If you cut upon your calories substantially to achieve your goal, try to include healthy and nutritious choices in your daily intake so that you do not feel like eating the harmful ingredients. While shopping, you must inculcate the habit of reading the information slip on any item so as to know its various ingredients and their caloric value. The right choice at the time of shopping will be like half the job done.
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A greatly enriched life at all levels
The much acclaimed television series, Buddha, produced by BK Modi on Zee TV, will begin nearing the mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha this Sunday. The story, which started from Asit Muni's prediction, that the child born in the Shakya Vansha of Maharaja Shudhodhan shall become ascetic and one day rule the world, but not as a king, but the as the 'King of Kings', turns out to be true and Siddharth attains enlightenment at the age of 34, is called Gautam Buddha and benefits the world with his preaching 2,500 years ago.
You share your birthday with Neha Uberoi [September 15, 1985, Mumbai], who appeared in two Bollywood films, Dus Kahaniyaan and Woodstock Villa. Neha is also a member of the International Film and Television Club of the Asian Academy of Film & Television, Noida Film City. The number 6 and 2 representing Venus and Moon ensure a good career.