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Special Appearance

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Twinkle Khanna felicitates INIFD designers in Chandigarh and rates pyjama suits as a faux pas

For students of Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD) it was a special moment indeed as the institute’s chief mentor Twinkle Khanna along with Martyn Roberts, Director, Fashion Scout London formally felicitated them. The ceremony held at JW Marriott Chandigarh on Thursday saw the celebrity interior designer and writer do the honours.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

As many as 36 student designers from INIFD had showcased their collections on the ramp at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week for two consecutive seasons. Also present at the felicitation ceremony were INIFD mentors, Priyanka Khosla and Joseph Toronka (from INIFD London).

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Dressed in a crisp white shirt and a pair of denims, Khanna addressed the students and also checked out their ongoing interior design exhibition. “I am extremely happy to see the young fashion designers going places and while I know my furniture better than fashion, I am happy to do the honours today,” Khanna said in her trademark witty style.

Twinkle has recently stepped into the shoes of a producer with her first film, ‘Padman’ being made under her production banner, Mrs Funnybones Movies. The film is based on the life of Muruganatham Arunachalam and looks to dispel taboos around menstruation. She is also enjoying the success of her second book ‘The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad’ that revolves around strong feminist stories which have received rave reviews.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Given the fact that she was addressing fashion design students, we asked Khanna what she considers a fashion faux pas today. “I see relaxed fits like pyjama suits trending a lot. Stepping out in your night suit is a fashion faux pas for me,” said Khanna who is also the brand ambassador for L’Oréal Professional in India.

INIFD student designers will now showcase in September this year at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week for the third season. “We will also host a special ‘India themed day’ at Fashion Scout in this edition,” announced Martyn Roberts.

Down to Earth

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

As a run-up to Baisakhi, JW Marriott Chandigarh rolls out 'Mitti Di Khushboo' food festival

When someone mentions a food festival themed around ‘traditional’ Punjabi fare, most of us would assume saag-makki-ki-roti with dal makhani and butter chicken on the menu. That’s exactly what the team at JW Marriott Chandigarh led by executive chef Naveen Handa didn’t want to do. “The idea was to put forth meals that will remind you of home, using fresh and local ingredients and also dishes that were popular in different parts of Punjab,” explains the chef as we arrive at the ongoing food festival at the Cafe@JW.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

As a run-up to Baisakhi, the harvest festival, the hotel has rustled up ‘Mitti Di Khushboo’ food festival that promises to offer some familiar flavours and lesser known fare. The menu for the 10-day long festival has dishes handpicked from the three major regions of Punjab – Malwa, Majha and Doaba.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

As is the norm, you are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. Since it’s a cyclic menu, the drinks for the day will either be chhaas, mango lassi, sugarcane juice or sattu. We relished the lassi. Keeping with the theme of the festival, the cafe has been decked up in vibrant colours with Phulkari and a typical village setup. Even the servers have swapped uniforms for traditional clothing and to add to the theme, the meals are being served in clay pots.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

To add an element of uniqueness, the menu brings in dishes like Chana Dal Aur Methi, Gud Ka Parantha, Mutter Ke Paranthe, Patiala Chicken, Barni Ka Gosht, Masaledar Petha Haneri, Achari Zimikand, Ajwaini Arbi, to list a few.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

These dishes often missing from most restaurant menus have been cooked in a home style way. The Barni Ka Gosht has an unmistakable earthy flavour and the Achari Zimikand reminded us of our grandmother’s recipe. “These are recipes that are unique to Punjabi homes,” remarked chef Ashish as he plated up Ajwaini arbi.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Since Baisakhi celebrates the season’s harvest, the array of desserts is special too. There’s Mutter Ka Halwa, Khus Khus ka Halwa and one made from whole grain wheat. The latter is actually made from soaked wheat that has been ground and then sieved. “The milk that the grains leave is actually used to make this halwa. It is not only nutritious but also unusual in taste,” explains chef Handa.

So if you are looking to try lesser tried Punjabi fare, don’t miss this festival.

What: Mitti Di Khusboo food festival

Where: Cafe@JW at Hotel JW Marriott Chandigarh, Sector 35

When: The food festival is open only for dinner; on till April 16

Meal for one: Rs 1,699 per person (exclusive of taxes)

Stage is Set

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

The annual exhibition by INIFD's Academy of Interiors showcases different set designs with interesting themes created by students

When it comes to interesting interior themes and designs, INIFD’s annual exhibition is a much looked forward to show. Presented by students of the Academy of Interiors, the exhibition titled ‘INIFD STUDIO’ sees students work on different themes and recreate it all in different rooms on campus. In this edition, the focus is on set design for theatre and movies.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Drawing inspiration from different architecture and decor styles like Greek, Roman, Baroque, Egyptian, Gothic and Oriental, students have used number of techniques and material to recreate the same.
There’s ‘Greek Odyssey’ set which makes a dramatic start to the show and is characterised with its tall columns and arches. It is interesting to see the students dressed in Roman clothing.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

There’s also a ‘Venetian Piazza’ set which has been designed keeping in mind the feeling of walking through a Venetian street with its semi-circular arches, ornamented capitals, columns, heavy cornice, rose window etc. A relaxing sitting place has been is created with highly ornamented wall with architectural elements in the background.

The third studio is ‘Moroccan Raid’ which depicts a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden/courtyard as its key element. This comprises a room with low seating, courtyard extending to the garden, small rooms with a relaxed seating, stencil work on the walls and ceilings, and geometric patterns on the floor.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Next up is the ‘Strand of Nile’ studio which depicts the Egyptian architecture of ancient Egypt. This setting has been used to depict the life of one of the youngest and the most famous Pharaohs (King) of Egypt, Tutankhamun. Columns and piers covered with hieroglyphic and pictorial frescoes are things that will intrigue you here.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Showcasing the English royalty is ‘Regal Renaissance’ set which brings in windows, staircase, gold objects, furniture, metal works, and candlesticks along with mouldings, flat and patterned wooden ceilings. A theatrical living room set has been created here.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Also a part of the line-up is ‘Elegance in Flow’ set which recreates a ballroom, depicting the Baroque architecture. This is a style of architecture that is known for being exaggerated. To add an element of fun, students dressed in vintage clothing also take to the dance floor here. The various aspects of Baroque style that are done up in this area are motifs, frescos, cornices, mouldings, arches in vibrant colours.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

The ‘Oriental Palette’ set showcases the architectural styles and cultures of the eastern part of Asia i.e. Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand and other prominent Eastern societies. In this area, students have tried to recreate a serene ambience with a Japanese Pergola and a cherry blossom garden. A sitting area has been given in the Pergola to create a garden effect. The stone effect with three niches, paintings and bamboos have been used to create different walls effects.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Finally, Studio 8 is ‘Game Of Shadows’. This set design takes its inspiration from the romanticism of the Gothic Revival/ Neo-Gothic/ Gothic architecture. This set is designed around the concept of a fictional character Sherlock Holmes, the mastermind private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The scene is of his study cum parlour at his residence and a door leading up to his bedroom.

The exhibition is on from April 7 to 10; timings are from 12 noon to 7 pm.

Crowning Glory

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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Along with a fit body, it is equally important to have a sharp mind says Miss Commonwealth Asia Pacific 2016 winner Shweta Raj

The crown sits snug on her head but it’s her smile that shines brighter. “It’s been life changing experience for me,” admits Shweta Raj. Winner of the Miss Commonwealth Asia Pacific 2016 title, the leggy model and beauty pageant winner was in Chandigarh to formally inaugurate the annual exhibition by INIFD Academy of Interiors on Wednesday.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

The Pune-based model was crowned the winner in London in November last year. “Contestants from 55 countries competed for the title,” informs Shweta. Incidentally, the model admits she’s always dreamt of winning a beauty pageant. “I think some of us as little girls dream to become a Miss India or be crowned as a beauty queen. I was among those girls,” says Shweta who worked hard to achieve her goal.

“If you had met a few years back, I don’t think you would have enjoyed a conversation with me. I was an introvert and very shy,” admits the Miss Commonwealth winner. Hailing from an army background, Shweta tells us she pursued BBA and enrolled for modelling and personality development with her mentor Lovell Prabhu. “I also worked on bettering my fitness levels and my personality. I feel that apart from being fit, it is equally important to have a sharp mind,” she tells us.

rn
Photo By: Vikram Joy

“It’s easy to dress well and get a few ramp shows. But your personality, presence of mind, eloquence will take you forward,” adds the 22-year-old. Interestingly, she is now keen to help others like her in overcoming their inhibitions. “As a title winner, I can share my experiences. I want to learn about training the mind alongside my modelling career,” says Shweta who is also a trained actor. “I am open to both acting and modelling,” she adds.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Life has changed a lot since she won the title and Shweta admits she still can’t get over the feeling when she saw her face splashed across hoardings on her return in Pune. “I was the face for the Kingfisher Ultra Fashion Week in Pune and it was a dream come true,” says Shweta who is looking to shift to Mumbai soon to take her career forward.

In her spare time, she likes to do tarot card reading. And she has a word of advice for those like her trying to make a foray into modelling and beauty pageants. “It’s important to realise your strengths and weaknesses. But please don’t fake it,” she wraps up with a smile.

Shopping Special

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

Elante's nine-day long anniversary shopping extravaganza offers shoppers a chance to win a Hyundai Grand i10 car as bumper prize among other exciting prizes

Elante Mall is going all out for its fourth anniversary celebrations with a nine-day ‘Grand Anniversary Shopping Extravaganza’. Turning the shopping experience of visitors into a special affair, the shopping festival offers them a chance to win exciting prizes as they shop to their heart’s content.

During the nine-day extravaganza, customers who spend Rs 3,000 or more on shopping or dining at any of the outlets at Elante can register themselves for the raffle draw by producing the bills. The luckiest of them will take away the bumper prize, a Hyundai Grand i10 car, on the concluding day of the Elante anniversary celebrations on April 13.

With Elante’s fourth anniversary coinciding with Baisakhi, the mall is all set to celebrate the occasion in the true festive spirit from April 11 to 13 with an array of exciting activities, like display of Sikh martial art gatka, bhangra and giddha performances, flash mobs and a musical evening.

The mall will also hold a cake cutting ceremony and present the ‘Retailer Excellence Awards’ to acknowledge the contributions of its business partners on April 13. “These anniversary celebrations symbolise our grand success. We owe this success to our patrons and retailers, and this is a wonderful occasion to make them feel special,” remarked Anil Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer, Elante Mall.

The Bed Spread

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

Gippy Grewal's new 'family entertainer' – 'Manje Bistre' – to hit screens on April 14

You have to give it to the Punjabi film industry for coming up with the most unusual movie titles and now themes too. Come April 14, and ‘Manje Bistre’ (which means beds and bedding) is set to for a worldwide release. Distributed by White Hill Productions, the Punjabi film has been directed by Baljit Singh Deo and stars versatile actor Gippy Grewal in the lead role. The actor has also donned the writer-producer hat again.

To talk about the forthcoming film, the cast led by Gippy Grewal and Sonam Bajwa arrived at Cinepolis, Jagat Mall in Sector 17 on Tuesday morning. To live up to the theme of the film, a manji (cot) was laid out at the venue with Gippy Grewal dressed in a kurta-pyjama. Incidentally, Grewal’s debut production ‘Ardaas’ which released last year was a hit both with the audience and the critics too. “The story of ‘Manje Bistre’ revolves around a Punjabi wedding, with elements of romance and comedy. The film is a family entertainer and promises to make you laugh and enjoy. It will certainly make you feel good,” said Grewal.

Visibly excited about the launch was his leading lady, Sonam Bajwa, who remarked, “I am really excited about the film and eagerly awaiting its release. We cannot divulge much about the story at this juncture. All I can say at this point is that the entire team has made a great entertainer and a full ‘paisa vasool’ film.”

While Gippy’s ‘Ardaas’ sent a go-back-to-your-roots message to the audience, ‘Manje Bistre’, he tells us, is a movie which has equal elements of romance and entertainment. His co-producer agrees. “I feel Gippy is experimenting in Punjabi cinema to another level. He believes in giving the audience a “different” kind of Punjabi cinema and that is seen in his latest film as well,” said Jaggi Singh, who has acted in the film and also co-produced it.

Apart from an interesting storyline, the USP of ‘Manje Bistre’ is its music, put together by Jay K (Jassi Katyal). The title track of the movie has been sung by Nachhatar Gill. The song – Ja Vi Na – has been sung by Karamjit Anmol and penned by Kuldeep Kandiara. Another foot tapping song is ‘Dubai Wale Shaikh’ set to lyrics by Happy Raikoti and sung by Gippy Grewal and Nimrat Khaira.

“The music of the movie has got a good response. The trailer of the movie, which was recently released, has also created quite a buzz on both the digital media and the social circuit,” pointed out Grewal. The family drama also features actors Karamjit Anmol, Jaggi Singh, Gurpreet Ghuggi, BN Sharma, Rana Ranbir, Sardar Sohi, Sara Gurpal, Hobby Dhaliwal and Rana Jung. The dialogues have been penned by Rana Ranbir.

Reaching Out

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust launches a mobile app to enable anyone to nominate a deserving person for the Neerja Bhanot Award from anywhere in the world

Every year, the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust (NBPAT) invites nominations for the Neerja Bhanot awards. The annual awards were instituted in 1990 in the memory of the brave Senior Flight Purser, Neerja, who saved hundreds of lives while sacrificing her own during a Pan Am plane hijack at Karachi Airport in September 1986.

The awards are based on the two core values of Neerja: Do your duty, come what may and never tolerate injustice or compromise on self-respect. “The two awards consist of Rs 1.50 lakh each, a citation and a trophy. The first award is conferred on an Indian woman who, when faced with social injustice, overcomes the situation with guts and grit and then helps other women in social distress, while the second award is conferred on any airline cabin crew member, worldwide, who goes beyond the call of duty in a difficult situation,” informs Aneesh Bhanot, Neerja’s brother and Honorary General Secretary, NBPAT.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

This year, NBPAT has launched a unique mobile app  – Neerja Bhanot App – that will make it convenient for everyone to nominate a deserving person from anywhere across the globe. “We wanted to reach out to as many people as possible and these days the digital format is the best medium,” said Akhil Bhanot, Managing Trustee, NBPAT.

The Neerja App will be available on both Android and iOS platforms and can be downloaded and installed free from Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets and Apple App Store for Apple products. The App has details of Neerja, the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust, the earlier awardees, a picture gallery and a feedback section.“Anyone can nominate anybody and the Trust also accepts self-nominations. There is no nomination fee or any other sort of fees. Nominations are accepted throughout the year by the Trust. The Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust does not accept any donations either,” informs Aneesh.

The app was formally launched in Chandigarh by Maninder Singh, Chairman, Chandigarh Housing Board. Also present on the occasion was Air Marshal R S Bedi, Trustee, NBPAT and special invitees.

Joint Effort

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

Actors Binnu Dhillon and Ammy Virk turn producers; will collaborate on three films this year

Two ace actors of the Punjabi film industry have now turned producers. What’s more, they will collaborate to bring the best of writing, direction and distribution talents of the industry. Actors Ammy Virk and Binnu Dhillon have announced a three-film collaboration under their banners The Villager Studios and Naughty Men Productions, respectively.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

The announcement was made in Chandigarh on Monday. Both the actors, currently riding high on the success of their film ‘Bambukat’, also informed that they would be teaming up with award-winning director Pankaj Batra and writer Jass Grewal. The first of the three films will see Ammy and Binnu in the lead roles.  Another film to be produced by the duo will have Binnu Dhillon in the lead role and is written by Jass Grewal. The movie will be directed by Ksshitij Chaudhary who has previously made ‘Mr and Mrs 420’. The shooting of this film will start in April.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

The actors informed that the third film will see director Smeep Kang of ‘Carry on Jatta’ fame pair up with writer Naresh Kathuria. This film will also cast the two actors and will go on the floor in July this year.

Speaking about his foray as a producer, Ammy Virk, the man at the helm of The Villager Studios, remarked, “It is always exciting to venture into a new arena. We have a team of the best with us. I am looking forward to the projects.”

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Binnu Dhillon, who launched Naughty Men Productions and announced the three-film deal, said, “I had been waiting to enter into production for some time now. I am really excited about this association. With these wonderful directors and writers, the movies are going to be nothing short of super hits.”

Owner of Omjee Group, Munish Sahni, was also present at the event. “Omjee Group will distribute all the three films worldwide. We are delighted to have joined hands with Binnu Dhillon and Ammy Virk and these talented writers and directors,” said Sahni.

Ammy Virk and Binnu Dhillon’s alliance as producers will surely increase the entertainment quotient and will be a treat for the audience.

Of Passion & Poise

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

For over two decades, Suchitra Mitra, an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer, has dedicated her life to teaching and performing Bharatnatyam in the city

The first thing you notice about her is her endearing smile and expressive eyes. The poise and grace are instant giveaways that the lady we are meeting today is an accomplished dancer. It would be unfair to call her just a Bharatnatyam exponent. When it comes to this classical dance form and its promotion in Chandigarh, Suchitra Mitra is an institution in herself.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

For over two decades, the renowned dancer has dedicated herself to teaching Bharatnatyam in a city that is, of course, popular for Bhangra. Among classical dances, Kathak has found favour too. “I first came to Chandigarh on the invitation of the Pracheen Kala Kendra and realised soon enough that there was no one teaching Bharatnatyam formally. People were aware of Kathak but not of Bharatnatyam,” reminisces Mitra who was then settled in Kolkata.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

“I fell in love with Chandigarh and since I was looking to freelance as an artist and teacher, I shifted here in 1996,” informs the dancer who was a star pupil of Kalakshetra, Chennai. She was awarded the Indian Cultural Trust Scholarship under which she completed the four-year diploma course in Bharatanatyam in just three years with a First Class. At Kalakshetra, she received training from the legendary Rukmini Devi Arundale. She also received personal training from stalwarts such as Padma Bhushan Padma Subrahmanyam and Padma Bhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan. Prior to Kalakshetra, she had been the disciple of Guru Thankamuni Kutty and she has also received prolonged training in Kathakali from Guru Govindan Kutty.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Hailing from Assam, Mitra tells us that Manipuri was a popular dance form then but she was enamoured by the Bharatnatyam workshops that a visiting teacher would conduct for senior students in her school. “The fact that I couldn’t opt for it being a younger student, made me more curious about Bharatnatyam. I think I didn’t choose this dance form, it chose me,” Mitra smiles to say.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

Recognized as a Top Grade artist by Doordarshan, Suchitra is also a renowned artist of the Sangeet Natak Academy, Indian Council for Cultural Relations and North Zonal Cultural Centre. The prestigious Uday Shankar Award and the Shiromani Award are few of the many laurels bequeathed upon this artiste. In both 2011 and 2012, Suchitra was felicitated for her contribution to dance by the Chandigarh Administration. As a dancer she has performed across India and overseas in countries such as Japan, Korea, United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Nepal, Canada to name a few.

Photo By: Vikram Joy

“It hasn’t been easy to establish Bharatnatyam in the city as people aren’t exposed to the dance form. I still remember I had advertised for my workshops one summer and I got a call from someone who thought I was into arranging weddings (baraat),” quips the dancer. But that didn’t deter her spirit. “As an artiste, I like freedom and that is why I chose to work independently,” admits Mitra who has held innumerable workshops across schools and colleges.

Taking forward the guru-shishya parampara, many children and adults have trained under her. “I have always taught Bharatnatyam not with the aim that my student will go on to become a professional dancer or achieve a degree. For me it is beyond that. Each individual has own capability and talent,” admits Mitra.

She has choreographed grand stage performances – be it creative renditions of Rabindranath’s nritya-natyas to original full length works of art such as Ritu Ranga, Down the Valley of Seasons and Bhagavati Gange. Her most recent work was based on the story of Banda Singh Bahadur and that saw Mitra spend months learning the art of gatka. “It took me a lot of time to put it together. I had to do a lot of research. It was very well received and I gave it my all,” says Mitra who is planning her next teaching module these days.

She also feels that children should be exposed to art and culture so that they are able to appreciate it as adults. “Classical music or dance makes a person become sensitive to the environment and helps in shaping an overall personality,” sums up Mitra.

From Across the Border

By
Sanjeev Kochhar
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0

The PHD Chamber's annual Pakistan Show claims to be much bigger this edition.

It’s a not-to-be-missed shopping opportunity, especially for those who love across-the-border fare. The PHD Chamber's annual Pakistan Show claims to be much bigger this edition. Apart from the special products, one will also get to enjoy a Sufi night and Pakistani cuisine. Here’s the info:

What: South Asian Consumer Fair & Trade Show 2017
Where: Himachal Bhawan, Sector 28, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh
When: April 7 to 10
Time: 10 am to 9 pm

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