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I am not an entertainer
If listening to him is a spiritual experience, meeting him is an equally elevating one. Padma Vibhushan recipient Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, whose name is synonymous with santoor, radiates spirituality in every pore of his being. Not surprising, he delights as much with the power of his music as with his wisdom.
In Chandigarh for a special concert organised by SPICMACAY(Society for promotion of classical music and culture amongst youth) to salute the Indian Army, he goes back in time to recall his association both with SPICMACAY, which he calls a movement, and the Indian Armed Forces for whom he has played time and again. And each time he considers it a privilege for "no one can pay off the debt we owe to them." In fact, the adulation of army men who often tell him how they turn to his music for solace he hails as an honour bigger than many awards. He is equally effusive about SPICMACAY and it pleases him no end when thanks to the organisation's efforts he can see young faces at classical concerts. Often he gets to interact with children at SPICMACAY concerts and their curiosity overwhelms him. He makes a fervent appeal to the corporate czars and the government to pitch in for the cause initiated by SPICMACAY. Rather he feels that if India has to regain its pride in culture and ensure that it throbs with full vitality, all such endeavours have to be supported with gusto and money. And then, he opines, India, which is a unique nation with a rich heritage, would become a beacon to the rest of the world. On the threat to culture by way of censorship and belligerent voices of intolerance, he says, "Such people are and will always remain in minority." And the world of classical music anyway, he avers, has no place for dissonance of any kind. He recalls examples such as that of Dhrupad singer Rahimuddin Khan Dagar, who was as well-versed with Sanskrit as music. He says with a hint of pride, "This is classical music, this is our tradition." At a personal level, music is not only religion for him but also stands for three words - peace, harmony and love. In fact, the man, who is almost boastful in his claim, "I am not an entertainer" has initiated a unique concept "Music Beyond Entertainment." As he traverses continents with this experiment, as he participates in festivals such as WOMAD he makes audiences in different parts of the world experience tranquillity through his music. The beauty of Indian classical music, he affirms, lies in its ability to take you within, to an expanse where time stands still. So can its notes fit into Bollywood? Well, first and foremost he is uncomfortable with the term Bollywood and prefers to call it Hindi film industry. He admits that it sure is 'doosri duniya' where commerce and entertainment reign. Yes, together with renowned flautist Hari Prasad Chaurasia, he has given melodious music to eight films seven out of which were directed by Yash Chopra. He quips, "Film music depends on the captain of the ship, which is the director. What is his vision essentially shapes the music." But he wouldn't like to fret and fume 'woh zamana aisa tha' and understands fully well that with so much money riding on films, commerce has to be the overriding concern. However, for him it has been the least of priorities. So much so that he doesn't charge a penny from his disciples. Accompanied by his Japanese disciple, while upholding the grand tradition of guru shishya parampara, Pandit Shiv Kumar reveals how over the years the methods of teaching within the traditional system have changed but not its spirit. On why is it that though he puts santoor on the classical map many decades ago, there are still not very many santoor players? He smiles and quizzes, "How many Vilayat Khans or Ravi Shankars have you come across? If an instrument (sitar) as old as theirs has produced few greats what do you expect from santoor which is an ancient instrument alright but new in the realm of classical music?" Besides, he reminds that the room at the top is rather small and can only accommodate a few. In short, greatness doesn't come in abundance and only once in a while walk musicians as great as Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, whose music touches even greater heights.
nonika@tribunemail.com
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With wine, it’s so fine
As we let the nip in the air wash away our summer blues, it's only essential we let the winter laze set in with a fine glass of vino! The myth that wine is a woman's drink has far been dished by sommeliers, in India and abroad. With Indian wine-makers exploring the impending growth of the industry in the country - thanks to the much-needed exposure due to availability of French, Australian, Spanish et al wines in the market - wine has slowly, but gladly, become an inevitable part of Sunday brunches and fine dinners.
Three cheers White wines: Made predominantly from green grapes, white wine grapes come in the varieties of: *n Chardonnay: The queen of white wine grapes, the Chardonnay is usually full, golden and velvety with hints of fruits, nuts, butter, oak; spice or vanilla and have medium to high acidity. *
Shenin Blanc: Generally light and fruity, this inexpensive table wine is grown widely in California and has higher than average acidity. Red wines: Produced from red or black grapes, the quality of the red wine depends not only on the quality of grapes, but also a lot of external factors such as the temperature and moisture of the land of the vineyard. *
Barbera: Quite acidic with full body and light tannins. It is commonly used as a blending wine. *
Brunello: A rare, expensive, fruity and bold Tuscan red wine. *
Cabernet Franc: Light to medium-bodied and sometimes made into a wine called Chinon. Rosé wines: Contrary to what the name suggests, the rosé is made out of different red wine grapes. Though it can be produced by three different processes, it is usually the by-product of the red wine or is an amalgamation of red and white wines. Sparkling wines: Sparkling white wines are produced all over the world, with just one common trait - the presence of bubbles or the fizzy appearance and taste. The bubbles are produced from the carbon dioxide that forms in the bottle during fermentation. Sip it right While the basic of tasting a wine remains constant across regions, to let your palate savour each sip as you roll your tongue with it we get an expert to tell you how to get started by choosing the right wine. Entrepreneur, wine connoisseur and member of Chandigarh Wine Club for the past 12 years, Pavan Khaitan says, "Wine now can be broadly divided into two categories — old-world and new-world. The old-world wine is from regions such as Europe, Italy, France etc and new-world wine is from the regions of California, Australia and even India, for that matter. Now, for someone who is new to wines, a label is your best friend. You can learn all you need to know about the wine you're purchasing from its label. Before stepping into the store, do your homework; read up on wines as much as possible. With old-world wines, you need to decipher the taste by the region of its production, which is spelt on the label. With new-world wines, the quality of the grapes is written clearly on the bottle. As you go through a few bottles, you'll learn that the aroma of the bottle's cork reveals a lot." Ask him the appropriate temperature for serving wine, giving a ball-park figure, he says, "White wine should be served at 5 to 12 degree (Celsius) and red wine at 15 to 18 degree (Celsius)." Though Khaitan suggests avoiding spicy food altogether to be able to enjoy the delicate undertones of the wine, if Indian food is your preference, he suggests full-bodied old-world red wines to go with full-on masala Indian food. "For white meat though, stick to white wines," he adds. somya@tribunemail.com
Pair up " Palak Paneer-Riesling: Being a sweet wine, it pairs well with all not-so-spicy, savoury dishes. " Samosa-Chablis: Almost all Chardonnay. " Tandoori chicken wings-Pinot Noir: Its light body with delicate aroma compliments the heavy flavours of the chicken wings. " Chicken Biryani-Sangiovese: The complex flavours make the biryani's chicken more succulent. " Garlic Naan-Pinot Blanc: A mutation of Pinot Gris, the citrus undertone of the wine complements the overwhelming garlic " Chana Masala-Rose: The sweet tones create a beautiful contrast against the whole masala. (Sources: www.basic-wine-knowledge.com; www.tandoorchef.com)
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A close call
The 31-year-old actress recalled that things were getting a little hazy and she was not sure if she could feel her toes after spending hours submerged in cold water, wearing a leaking space suit, said a publication. "I was feeling all sorts of weird flashes and things were getting a little hazy around the edges, and that's when I turned to our first (assistant director), and I said, 'Hey, I don't know that much about hypothermia, but what are the symptoms?" she said. "And I explained what was going on and he said, "Oh! Like, right now?" And I'm like, "Yeah!" And so then he went over to Chris (Nolan) and Chris was like, 'OK - let's roll, let's roll, let's roll right now!' And we were done shortly thereafter," she added. Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, also stars Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine. It is slated to release on October 29. — PTI
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Sweet smell of success
"She's got a real business, some design talent and some business acumen. She has built something real out of her own celebrity which is quite a contemporary story. She deserves to be celebrated," she said. Victoria - who has children Brooklyn, 15, Romeo, 12, Cruz, nine, and Harper, three, with husband David Beckham - launched her eponymous label in 2008 and opened her first stand-alone boutique in London last month. The magazine considered factors such as number of jobs created, overall estimated wealth and sales figures over a five-year period in compiling the list. Amit & Meeta Patel, founders of pharmaceutical group Auden Mckenzie, and Mahmud Kamani of Boohoo.com took second and third place in the list respectively. — PTI
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Parineeti unplugged!
Parineeti Chopra will be next seen in Kill/Dil, in which her character is glamorous. Here she talks about being single, dating rumours and much more.
It's not difficult but I do wish I had a boyfriend. Honestly, I miss having a love life. It is really frustrating not having someone to call up or just hug or be there for. It's sad. Otherwise, I like my independence. Link-up with Aditya Roy Kapur That is ridiculous! It doesn't bother me at all. Any film I do, they link me with the co-star. My co-stars are also used to it now. During Aashiqui 2, Aditya was linked with Shraddha (Kapoor). Now he's linked to me. It goes on. Sidharth (Malhotra) is linked with every co-star. Alia (Bhatt) too is linked with every co-star. We laugh at these stories. Everyone is dating everybody. Open discussion We did speak about it too. All of us, Alia, Shraddha and I have done intimate scenes with the boys. We are all linked with each other and nobody cares about it. Alia and I are supposed to be fighting, Sid and Varun are allegedly fighting, Arjun and Ranveer are fighting too. But when we sit together, we don't care about what's written. We know that half of the things are untrue. Rumours galore That happened with Maneesh (Sharma) and me. It's so funny that Maneesh is not even an actor. He gets pissed off nowadays. Maneesh and I would watch every film together. We'd also eat out. Now we have stopped that. Now I go to his house and eat. Or we eat at YRF. It's become so strange. I think twice about hanging out in public with him. The flipside Yes, the constant public and media scrutiny is a drawback of this profession. If I have to go out with Aditya, we think twice before stepping out like, 'Oh we can't go to Bandra because there will be photographers.' We both know the truth that we aren't seeing each other. But others get affected with the rumours. Our parents get affected. If he has a love life, then the girlfriend will get upset.
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Split wide open
Jennifer Lawrence and Coldplay rocker Chris Martin have reportedly ended their four-month old romance.
Lawrence began seeing Martin in late June, shortly after her split with X-Men co-star Nicholas Hoult, while Martin announced his separation from ex Gwyneth Paltrow after more than ten years of marriage in March. Lawrence, 24, was most recently seen with Martin, 37, when he performed with Kings of Leon at the Hollywood Bowl earlier this month. She was also in the audience when Martin took the stage in September at the iHeart Radio Music Festival. Earlier reports had surfaced that the couple had problems in their relationship. Even their split rumours have been doing the rounds for a couple of weeks now. Have they or have they not? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, the two are said to be taking some time apart from each other to figure things out. — PTI
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In black and white
Tiger Shroff, who rose to fame with his debut film Heropanti, prefers to style himself. He goes for shopping himself and his wardrobe largely comprises comfortable clothes. However, he also has a section of black and white shirts and t-shirts. The young lad prefers to dress in either of the two colours when he makes public appearances. If anyone has closely observed, Tiger is usually spotted in either of the two colours. He has an interesting collection of achromatic shades in his wardrobe.
Behind the sets of PK
Quirky is cool!
The on and off couple
Govinda’s going strong
Esha clears the air |
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In perfect sync
It all started with Preeti Nagarajan's dream — to have an all-girls gang living their three passions —singing, dancing and eating! And, so was born JugalBandiyan. Together for a couple of months, Preeti, Reshma Das and Shalu Mehra have been singing in and around Delhi, and aim to go pan- India pretty soon.
They sing Bollywood style, so if you want old new Hindi numbers spluttered with some Sufi and ghazals, well, they are the ones for you. They are all trained in music — Preeti is the daughter of known bhajan singer CK Nagrajan; Shalu, daughter of singers Ganesh and Vijayalakshmi and Reshma has trained under her Guru Pandit Baldevraj Verma. A Sufi lover, Reshma did try her luck in reality shows, did get past the auditions in a few but never tasted success. "In the hands of Paramjit Singh and his company Golden Melodies Pvt Ltd, we already have a platform that singers yearn to get through reality shows," says Preeti. Their favourite bands include Indian Ocean, Advaita, Destiny's Child and Mati Baani. Among singers it's Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle and Hariharan. Though they are just doing covers for now,
who knows they would sing their own compositions in the times to come, as the talks with music directors are already on. Proper Punjabi folk with a modern twist is what they have on their mind. Happy they are in their own space, "We have got a super response; beautiful girls singing beautifully has to be a hit," they echo! We agree that they sing decently well, going by a few lines they croon impromptu. mona@tribunemail.com
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Concerns of age
"Kuldip Sharma, the director of Tagore Theatre, who is also a theatre veteran, was rather keen that I direct the play Nat Samrat, which was originally written in Marathi," begins Mahendra. As Mahendra tells us about how Kuldip Sharma convinced him to direct the play, he also elaborates on his reason for choosing the play. "I get inspired by a good content or good text," he says. While it took as long as two months for Mahendra to finally shape up the play along with as many as sixteen actors, he says it was an extremely satisfying and fulfilling experience for him to have worked with Kuldip. As he elaborates on the plot of the film, he shares that it aims to give people some food for thought. "The idea of staging a play is not to give people some medicine or a concrete remedy. Most of the plays are only a reflection of the society and this one too aims at generation gap and the strength of an artist," he says. Kuldip will be seen playing the lead role in the play that delves into the emotional turmoil of an experienced theatre actor, who has been awarded with the Nat Samrat award, after his children abandon him when he is old. (The play will be performed on October 30 and 31, 2014, at the Tagore amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Dial luxury
So are you planning to buy the adorable Vertu? Nishtha Shukla Anand Owning the Vertu is a mark of absolute exclusivity and a preserve of the elite. However, manufacturers of the prohibitively expensive phones have introduced a 'somewhat' lower range of phones with the Vertu Aster. While the Vertu Ti comes at a price range of Rs. 6,00,000, Vertu Aster is that wee bit more affordable with a price hovering at Rs 4,00,000. The Vertu Aster is a wonderful phone to own because it comes with the high-end 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor along with a 4.7-inch 1080p display. The phone gets its elite look with a 5.1-inch 117 carat sapphire crystal cover. It also comprises a 13MP Hasselblad certified camera and 2.1MP front-facing snapper. Technologically, Aster is a more advanced phone compared to the Ti. However, would you buy a Vertu for its specs or price? Negative side Aster buyers will have their disadvantages though-in terms of the services. * To start with, this range of Vertu phones does not have a Black PVD titanium red gold mixed metal model. The lowest model also has only calf skin. If you want Ostrich Skin or Karung skin, there's a steeper price attached to those. * Secondly, the phones only come with six months of their 'Classic Concierge' service. For models like the VertuTi, buyers get a whole year of service. * Thirdly, Vertu Aster buyers will not get a dedicated agent. Now, that's not very kind! Are you planning to change your phone? Take a look at the Vertu Aster if you really do want an uber luxury phone at a good price. (Anand is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)
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Tweetie Pie
Uday Chopra Ja kar kahin kho jaaoon main Neend aye aur so jaaoon main Duniya mujhe dhoonde Magar mera nishaan koi Na ho - Don't worry, Uday. Nahi hai. Not looking for it either. Promise. Raveen Tandon Thank you all so very much for all the birthday wishes!! Wana thank all of you individually, just don't know where to start! Love you all - How about starting with a hit, Raveena? Bipasha Basu Many many days of no sleep! Tonight post the awards on my way back to Mumbai I plan to sleep peacefully! - We hope spirits of people who watched Creature 3D haunt you, Bips! Amrita Arora Happpy b'day my darling sis who btw is celebrating her 39th b'day b4 the predictions n assumptions abt her age start!!Be happy n sexy oways! - Way to go, gaining mileage on your sister's name, dear Amu . KRK Till date so many premiers have done in Dubai but I have never attended anyone of them. I am not #2RsCritic who does watch any film free. - Maybe because it takes more than #2Rs to enter (or be invited to) these premiers. — Compiled by Somya Abrol
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Don’t worry, be happy
Depression-induced dementia is more common than we think Simmi Waraich Are depression and drug or alcohol abuse interlinked? If a person gives up alcohol, why does he go back to it after some months or even years? — Mrs Singh, Chandigarh Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness, affecting about 15% of the population. About a third of people with depression may have drug or alcohol abuse or dependence. In drug and alcohol abuse, the dopaminergic neurons in the brain's reward area (ventral tegmental area) are stimulated.
Even if he gives it up for months, often even one drink can sensitise the neural circuits to want more and more. Thus, people usually are advised to quit completely. Some symptoms are common to both depression and addiction. The frontal cortex may be involved with disturbances of cognition (i.e. concentration, mental tasks), the hippocampus with feelings of suicidality, and the VTA and nucleus accumbens may mediate anhedonia (i.e. lack of pleasure) and decreased motivation. The fact is that addiction and depression seem to share common neural substrates. It is not necessary that all people will relapse after quitting. There are many factors. People with an interest in other activities, who get a meaning out of other things such as exercise, yoga, helping others in need, a passionate hobby et al are more likely to quit. People who join groups like Alcoholics Anonymous have also been seen to be more likely to quit. Can forgetfulness in dementia be reversed? — Col PS, Panchkula In some people, forgetfulness may be due to nutritional or vitamin deficiencies. Also, many emotional problems, such as recent stressful events, may cause a condition similar to dementia, but the actual cause is depression. In such cases, antidepressants and lifestyle changes help. Usually once Alzheimer's or other dementias start, they usually progress, but regular medicines such as cholinesterase inhibitors, if used in proper doses, can slow down memory loss and should be used regularly. Also a person who exercises regularly and stays active in household tasks, or plays games for memory and concentration, does better than those who don't. People with dementia should be kept up-to-date about the details of their lives, such as the time of the day, where they live and what is happening at home or in the world. Memory aids may help in the day-to-day living of patients in the earlier stages of dementia. Some families find that a big calendar, a list of daily plans, notes about simple safety measures and written directions describing how to use common household items are very useful aids. (Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist)
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More to come…
Actress Nalini Negi, who is playing the title role in Laut Aau Trisha, speaks about her life and career.
I had always wanted to do TV commercials. All my friends are actors and one day, one of them told me to audition for an advertisement. It worked and I got selected. I began working in the TV world and eventually got used to the work. What is your take on the casting couch in the television industry? No, I don't think so. In fact, there is a proper procedure for everything, right from casting to filming. I haven't come across anything like that. How have you planned your career? Currently, I am focusing on Laut Aao Trisha. I am also giving auditions for movies and commercials simultaneously. I would prefer doing a youthful film such as 'Yaariyaan' so that I get to play a role that suits my age. How do you maintain your svelte body? Well, I am naturally slim but I have a tendency to put on weight on my face. To keep that in control, I drink lukewarm water every day at bedtime and in the morning. I also go for a job at Jogger's park. I eat homemade goods and enjoy a protein rich meal once a week. Are you seeing someone? I hope to date a man. But for now, I am dating my work! Career is my top priority. You are a Delhiite. How are you adjusting in Mumbai? It was tough moving to Mumbai initially. It took some time for me to adjust to the ways of the city. Here, neither the infrastructure is good nor the traffic is easy going. Moreover, Mumbai is an expensive city for living. However, there are good things about it as well. There is no transport issue here and women feel safe. As compared to Delhi people, Mumbaikars are more liberal, reserved and simple.
A reality check for Soni
Show time
A new host
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Enjoy a quiet morning and get into an artistic project. A trip to the local market for the locally grown fresh produce might inspire you to eat nutrient-rich food. Let your imagination run free.
Tarot message: You could face minor difficulties at work but don't worry.
Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 33. TAURUS: Today you will find it hard to pin down people. Buying and selling is a salient feature. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. Tarot message: It is best to get a clear perspective and balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51. GEMINI: Your card "the Sword" signifies that enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job, it is the best way of boosting your reserves. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 34. CANCER: Concentrate on your career path and the business at hand. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple, albeit unexpected solution. Your popularity is an asset to
you. Tarot message: Accomplish tasks. Lucky colour: Rainbow pestles. Magic number: 39. LEO: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long range decisions. Money rolls after lunch. You will have to modify your plans. Friends' company stimulates you. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27. VIRGO: Hobbies will give you satisfaction. Discuss investment. Real estate matters may suffer. Confidence and self-esteem are on the rise. Business negotiations will give you a chance to shine. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45.
LIBRA: A day for romance. Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chance of success. A very friendly vibe makes it easy to approach subjects that might usually be avoided.
Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47. SCORPIO: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. A more comfortable lifestyle will result from a pay raise, boosting your confidence in the long run. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32. SAGITTARIUS: The day will become rather sensitive for marital relationship. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that would tire you physically. Appointments and meetings could fill up your day, making it necessary to keep your phone turned off. Tarot message: Use your judgments and be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29. CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. No need to put your hard earned money on stake. Be realistic in any business negotiation or plan, don't overlook the details and you will be successful. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42. AQUARIUS: Hopes fill your heart. A relaxed day for the senior citizens. Patience and hard work pays richly. Focus on leadership and inspiration. You can make new acquaintances and enjoy visiting new
places. Tarot message: Try to relax. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61. PISCES: Surprising events can lead to a major rethink on what you are doing with your life. Avoid alcohol and you will avoid doing anything stupid. Home renovations may need more money than you had planned for. Tarot message: Be sure to involve yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58
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Like father like son
But, if you're a new-drinker (like many of us), how do you know which complicated French or Spanish word to order, how well will it gel with your meal, whether or not you'd like that particular palate tingle, and most importantly, how to not look like a beginner doing it? Read on to put your worries to rest. 
Actress Anne Hathaway has revealed that she almost caught hypothermia after spending hours in cold water, while shooting a scene for her upcoming film Interstellar.
Singer turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham has been named Britain's most successful entrepreneur after seeing her fashion empire grow over the last five years. The 40-year-old singer-turned-fashion designer has topped the list of over 100 business people after her fashion empire's turnover rose from 1 million pound to a staggering 30 million pound in just five years, with her staff growing from three employees to 100, reported a website.
Girl alone 
With an aim to treat the audience of Chandigarh a cocktail of drama and art, the Samvaad Theatre Group, in association with the Ajnabi Rangkarmi, will stage a play titled Nat Samrat, which is a concoction of entertainment and evocation. In conversation with the director of the play, professor Mahendra Kumar, who has over 40 years of experience in theatre, the banter treads on the relevance and concept of the play.
Repeated activation leads to a feeling of well-being and if one does not get the drug, he or she craves for it. Eventually, with increased tolerance, the individual feels unwell most of the time and will use the drug to feel 'normal'. 
After studying journalism, how did the TV bug bit you?