Traditional potters are losing out, even on festive occasions

Traditional potters are losing out, even on festive occasions

MUNISH DHIMAN  17th Nov 2012

75-year old Zakhir Hussain vividly recalls the time when his father and him used to make earthen lamps and pots throughout the year, increasing production during the festive and summer seasons. A nostalgic Hussain says, "My father and forefathers would spin the wheel and would teach me to make pots out. Today, my kids are not at all interested in the business but just continuing the legacy. I've seen time changing and have learnt that people are gradually getting attracted towards designer stuff as everyone needs something that is ethnic yet stylish."   Due to time constraints, lack of manpower, and increased production at the same time, potters now have started using electronic spinning wheels instead of the manually operated ones used traditionally. Hussain adds, "We would spin the wheel the whole day to create flower pots, handis, and diyas. We stared using mechanised wheels a decade back as they are efficient and we can do more work with less fatigue." But demand and subsequently production has trickled down over the last few years. Hussain says "Where we used to produce about 1-1.5 lakh diyas on Diwali, we only make about 50, 000 now which I believe is because of various options available in the market." 62-year-old Guddi echoes the same view, "The demand for simple diyas is decreasing annually. The production of simple diyas four five years back was around 90,000-1 lakh during Diwali, whereas we are producing only 60-70, 000 diyas now. Dealers are purchasing fancy diyas from manufacturers in other states." These circumstances have necessitated a change in approach. She says "Most of the potters now have started using plastic or steel moulds for creating designer earthen lamps. This has increased labour hours but is a ray of hope for us to control the falling sales." Forced by decreasing sales, Raju opted out of his 40-year-old family business and opened a fruit shop two years ago. He shares a different view, "We started making glittering colourful diyas using moulds to attract customers. After putting in a lot of effort, what could have been worse than people still opting for machine made products? But what can one do? After all, the machine made ones are far better than the handmade fare. With loss in business and increasing credit, I finally had to venture into a new business." On the changing trends, Japneet, an artist and trainer, who owns 'Red Mug' ceramic and glass studio in Chandigarh, says, "For the consumer as well as for the designer, the range and availability which we find in our surroundings, pushes us towards a desire to explore new ideas. The trend is rapidly changing because of the eagerness towards new styles, colours, forms, and materials. The change in market availability is directly dependable on niche consumer demands." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/traditional-potters-are-losing-out-even-on-festive-occasions

Waste to Wonder: the quest to create heaven here on earth

Waste to Wonder: the quest to create heaven here on earth

Nek Chand Saini’s Rock Garden is a must-see for any tourist who visits Corbusier’s city. Munish Dhiman catches up with the man whose labour of love is live testimony to art’s ability to survive the inefficiencies — and disinterest — of the State.

MUNISH DHIMAN  17th Nov 2012

	Nek Chand Saini in the Rock Garden at Chandigarh | PHOTO: Tejinder Singh Bedi t seems, based on citable instances in history and time, that censoring of artistic production often led to resilient and defiant forms, unceremoniously occupying an immense space in the popular; Nek Chand Saini, synonymous with his vision of an idealised eternity, the Rock Garden at Chandigarh, is perhaps one of the referable Indian ones. In 1975, the Chandigarh authorities declared this unceasing work-in-progress, illegal. Popular opinion, support and visibility contributed towards saving this space from almost being demolished. Born in a small village called Gurdaspur, in the Shakargarh tehsil (now in Pakistan), of undivided Punjab, on December 15, 1924, Nek Chand and his family arrived in Chandigarh in 1947 amidst the blood-letting and carnage of Partition. It is remarkable, in particular, that this self-instructed artist developed his form, almost independently, and incognito, well outside the ambit of the State. He managed employment as a Road Inspector with the Public Works Department, in 1951, when Chandigarh was being fashioned in the hands of the famous modern urbanist architect Le Corbusier. In the early '40s Nek Chand would go around collecting bits and pieces on his Victorian bicycle from demolition sites and other places in and around Chandigarh. To begin with, he fashioned figures and statues out of the waste material he collected--broken ceramic sheets, plates, glass bangles, earthen ware, stones, electric tubes. His various escapades led him to a gorge in the forests around Sukhna Lake, where he started laying out the Rock Garden, 'illegally'. After a long, acrimonious contest with State Authorities, the park was registered as a legalised entity and declared open to the public in 1976. Today, the Rock Garden registers a staggering 4000-5000 visitors per day from across the globe.
	ek Chand says that he had no inborn liking for any genres of art as a child, though he would make houses with sand and clay, along with his siblings, and chums. He says "I saw varied divine manifestations in each stone, tree and everything that was created by the Almighty. I never nurtured a dream to create a garden, a la the Rock Garden. I wanted to create the imaginary 'Kingdom of God'. Perhaps that gut feel led to the creation of this fantasy Garden, sprawled over 40 acres of land. As bizarre it may sound, no lay plans or designs were followed to create this wonderland. Everything started taking shape, spontaneously." { A replica of the Rock Garden, named the Fantasy Garden, was inaugurated in Washington DC in 1985, an occasion at which, The Mayor of the Columbia District, declared October 5th to be the Nek Chand Saini Day. The State acknowledged his contribution with conferring the Padmashri in 1984; a postage stamp bearing an image of the Rock Garden was also released in 1983. The Rock Garden has three phases, which showcases Nek Chand's 'waste' pieces. Surreal images of human beings in the form of dancers, singers, labourers, women carrying pots on their heads, musicians with instruments; along with a fair deal of fauna, including peacocks, monkeys, tuskers, horses, camels, buffalos, deer, and ducks, are on display round the park. It also offers an aside of picturesque valleys, serenading waterfalls and a maze of sidewalks that leave visitors mesmerized. It also houses theatres and pavilions. A replica of the Rock Garden, named the Fantasy Garden, was inaugurated in Washington DC in 1985, an occasion at which, The Mayor of the Columbia District, declared October 5th to be the Nek Chand Saini Day. When asked how he felt about his success and fame, he said "It feels nice and soul-satisfying. When I see enthusiasts appreciating my work and share their experiences with me I feel immensely humbled. It is always good to see art-lovers from the foreign lands paying a visit to the Rock Garden." Nek Chand spends a lion's share of his time in the Rock Garden, interacts with people and shares his experiences and listens to their views. He is sometimes nostalgic about his maiden foreign holiday in Paris, where he was fortunate to share his work with other art-lovers. As mentioned earlier, The Rock Garden is a work-in-progress and continues to grow. About new plans, the spirited Chand says, "I wish every visitor experiences peace and tranquillity, away from the maddening din of the cities, in communion with nature during their visit. We are planning to change few pathways for the convenience of visitors. We have plans to convert it into a one-way track so that visitors don't have to route to phase-III for an exit." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/artbeat/waste-to-wonder-the-quest-to-create-heaven-here-on-earth

Festival Blues: Some stay away from home on Diwali

Festival Blues: Some stay away from home on Diwali

MUNISH DHIMAN  10th Nov 2012

Diwali fanfare in Chandigarh iwali or Deepawali is perhaps the cynosure of all Indian Hindu festivals; in the sense that it appears, with alterations in form of course, on all provincial, regional and communitarian calendars across the country. It is the festival of lights, deemed to harp in a year full of peace and prosperity; a time to get away from the schedule of a salaried middle class workday; also to display affluent excess. It is also round the corner. Fanfare and aplomb are widespread before and during Diwali; one could nowadays equate it with the very American 'Holidays'. Needless to say, it has its own market but what rises above is a shared idea of celebration; where one cuts the coat according to one's cloth, but still finds joy in doing so. However there remain those who are away from friends and family during this festive month, owing to employment, education or compulsion. We tried to find out more about their Diwalis. For the youth, Diwali has come to be like any other day, owing to the carnivalesque demeanour that each celebration takes on for them; for the Gen-next, each day spent in the company of friends and well-wishers is like big fat celebration, sans occasion. Some even believe that festivals have now been reduced to mere rituals and conventions, performed perfunctorily to flaunt pseudo-enthusiasm. Anu Kohli, a resident of Ludhiana, pursuing her Post Graduate Programme at the ISB, Mohali says, "Since I was schooled in a boarding, Diwali or any other festival for that matter holds no significance for me. Diwali in India is more like the New Year celebrations. This year, too, I won't be able to celebrate the festival with my parents back home owing to my hectic academic schedule". People from rural areas, separated from family and folks due to the obligatory migratory nature of their occupations, are the on receiving end of the Diwali blues. They opine that transport facilities be increased during the festival seasons, thereby enabling them spend time with their families without depleting their paltry financial resources. Raja Ram, who works as security guard with a private firm, says, "I have not been to my home to celebrate Diwali for last two years. It hardly makes any difference to them or to me. It becomes a tad bit difficult for a man with a meagre salary like me to meet the exorbitant travel expenses. And then I get double the wages if I attend duty on Diwali". He feels that the government should ply long-distance bus services on subsidized rates, if not free, at least for a day during the festival season. Bakul Kampani, a student, who hails from Delhi, has never celebrated Diwali without her family till now. This is her first Diwali with her college mates. She says, "I tried to book a ticket but due to unavailability on both the days and just one holiday to spare I had to drop the idea of going home and take part in the Diwali celebrations. But my friends here, who share the same fate, have helped boost my dampened spirit. After spending quality time, they have become almost family members. So, this year Diwali will be celebrated with a family, away from home." There has also been a steady move away from traditional festivals, and individuals de-prioritising family bonds. The Gen-Next with their flashy lifestyle, social networking sites, and better gadgets of communication don't place festivals high on their lists. Mehul Chawla, student in a Chandigarh business college minces no words, "I don't think that these festivals hold any relevance in today's fast moving world we all live in. I love to celebrate all the festivals along with my friends. I hold out that we enjoy more with them because of the absence of any inhibition, which is the very essence of a celebration." And then there is the Grand Dame of all socio-economic debunking, inflation. Skyrocketing prices of commodities make it difficult to share 'material' joy during festivals; sweets, decorations, and gifts are all slowly slipping away from the common man's reach. It is becoming difficult everyday to conceive of festivities at the residual intent of one's exchequer. But the spectre of not-enough will surely haunt festivals for times to come; perhaps it would desist when images of consumption which aspire the masses to spend more, in order to 'truly celebrate', cease circulation. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/festival-blues-some-stay-away-from-home-on-diwali

Mohali bears brunt of Test match

Mohali bears brunt of Test match

MUNISH DHIMAN  CHANDIGARH | 16th Mar 2013

The streets of Chandigarh have seen snarls during the Test. he India-Australia Test match may be of great importance for cricket enthusiasts who travel across the country to see Sachin, the 'God of Cricket' playing, but for the majority of residents of Mohali, Punjab, it is nothing but patience testing match. Samandeep Singh, owner of an eating joint in Phase 10 adjoining PCA stadium, said, "Not new though, but I believe most of the shop owners endure this problem. Our sale goes down by 60% as most of the customers prefer staying at home because of the barricaded roads. Even we waste a lot of our time while travelling, and without a pass, it becomes niggling." Toeing the same line, Namneet Kaur, a resident of phase 9 says, "We face a lot of problem while commuting when the cricket matches happen. De-touring is worst and causes a lot of inconvenience, especially during the exam days. Kids are not able to concentrate on their studies because of the high decibel noise that the spectators create." "I believe PCA has become more like an identity for us and I feel proud when matches happen here. If we can de-route because of tents raised for a function in our locality why can't we cooperate when an event of international stature happens at the stadium," feels Charanjit Singh who owns a chemist shop near the stadium. Excess of anything is bad, believes Charanjit, as he further adds, "We willingly cooperate for a one-day match and even T20s, but such prolonged five-day matches are definitely awful for business, residents and commuters." Echoing the same feelings Kuldeep Kaur, another neighboring resident says, "We are used to the commuting problem now but what really troubles us are the cricket enthusiasts who create ruckus. They keep littering and throwing leftovers in our garden facing the stadium wall. This is not acceptable, but at the end of the day, we are helpless, as we know nothing would change."It should be noted that residents and shopkeepers near the stadium are given vehicle passes for commuting with ease but practically, these passes never assure that 'ease'! http://www.sunday-guardian.com/sports/mohali-bears-brunt-of-test-match

Jimmy and Neha to fire-up Punjabi screens

Jimmy and Neha to fire-up Punjabi screens

MUNISH DHIMAN  16th Mar 2013

Jimmy Shergill | Photo: Vinay Kumar fter the huge success of Singh Vs Kaur, Director Navniat Singh is all set to hit the big screens in May this year, with his romantic flick Rangeelaystarring Jimmy Shergill and Neha Dhupia, who is debuting in the Punjabi film industry with this venture. Jimmy along with Navniat and others released a trailer of the movie in Chandigarh, recently. The movie is a joint effort of Eros International and Jimmy Shergill Productions. With most of the movies based on a typical rom-com genre and recasting stars, there's not much of diversity in Punjabi movies. "The dearth of fresh talent, we have no obvious 'choices'. The other major reason is that the audience doesn't accept a new face so easily, which restricts the chance of experimentation! I am quite optimistic that this experiment would come as a whiff of fresh air for the audience. The actors, who are doing pretty fine in the industry by putting their best foot forward to cater to the commercially viable cinema" says Singh on the present scenario of the Punjabi film industry. Jimmy Shergill said, "A lot of more movies with almost the same theme are under the wraps. But, I can say with a certain degree of optimism that this is a complete powerful love story, a wholesome package of emotions, romance, and earthy humour. I hope the audience would appreciate everyone's work." Besides Jimmy Shergill and Neha Dhupia in the lead, the star cast includes Jaswinder Bhalla, Binnu Singh, Rana Ranbir, and Angad Bedi, who is also debuting with the movie. With Singh's out-n-out entertainment hit flicks Tera Mera Ki Rishta and Mel Karade Rabba, he has established himself as one of the leading directors in the Punjabi film industry and has high hopes from Rangeelay, which hits the screens on May 16. Singh further adds, "Technically we are at par with any other film industry, which is an achievement in itself for a low-scale regional cinema. Despite stiff-necked competition, the space that Punjabi Cinema enjoys today in the hearts people is indeed unparalleled." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/jimmy-and-neha-to-fire-up-punjabi-screens

The A-Z of bridal grooming & make-up

The A-Z of bridal grooming & make-up

MUNISH DHIMAN  16th Mar 2013

Sharmita Bhinder (left) at Urbane Locks | Photo: T.S. Bedi ioneering into the beauty arena, in tandem with Chandigarh's first-ever Bridal Grooming Academy — 'Urbane Locks', the Unisex Salon launched its exclusive bridal studio and grooming academy in the city. A soft skills trainer, personality and grooming expert with over 15 years' of experience, Sharmita Bhinder, CEO, Urbane Locks, while interacting with Guardian20, says "The personal grooming course, spanning over three to seven days, will help working women to be ready for pre and post wedding grooming sessions. This course has been designed for the benefit of young working girls, as also the older ones to enhance their personality. Our focus is on enhancing their inner and outer beauty." With a team of 12 trained make-up artists the comprehensive short term course in bridal grooming will help the girls in the areas of hair and skin care, make up selection and beauty, maintenance of a family, personality development, sartorial selection, jewellery selection etc. The expert team at the studio will help and guide the trainees as to how to pursue pre and post bridal beauty and hair care. The studio houses a vast variety of products, inclusive of top national and international brands. Bhinder further adds, "A girl's life undergoes a sea change after her marriage and all through the transformation period she remains a silent observer to the happenings. We have a team of dedicated experts, including psychiatrists, spiritual healers, and meditation professionals who are available for counselling/advice, to clear doubts regarding marriage and other personal problems, offering myriads of suggestions with a neutral approach." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/the-a-z-of-bridal-grooming-a-make-up

Rotary Club felicitates women achievers

Rotary Club felicitates women achievers

MUNISH DHIMAN  16th Mar 2013

Vivek Gupta, President of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh with winners of ‘Hamari Beti Award he Rotary Club, Chandigarh, which is a part of the world's largest voluntary service organisation, the Rotary International, honoured eight girls and women from the city with the Rotary 'Hamari Beti' Award of Excellence for their outstanding contribution to the society. The Chief Guest, Justice Ritu Bahri, Panjab and Haryana High Court, handed out the awards. The awardees, included IRS officer Monica Bhatia who heads the global forum on transparency of OECD, the international chess champion sister duo — Tarini and Arunima Goyal, social workers Babbi Harbhajan Singh and Amarjit Kaur, the first woman base jumper and sky diver Archana Sardana, blood donation activist Supreet Dhiman, and Dr. Archana R. Singh who started a programme called Hamari Beti on radio relating to issues faced by women. Conceptualised two years back, this was the first edition of the awards function. "This year, the awardees were chosen for their exceptional achievements in various fields. The event received an overwhelming response and appreciation. Now on, we will organise this award ceremony annually", said Vivek Gupta, President of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh. Dr. Archana R. Singh, chairperson, School of Communication Studies, Panjab University, volunteered to start the 'Hamari Beti' program with a view to spreading the guiding message across all sections of the society, through a regular weekly programme in association with Rotary Club of Chandigarh. Amarjit Kaur, who has been has been engaged in cremating unclaimed bodies since 2000 was also awarded on the occasion for her great humanitarian act. Kaur says, "I hold out that if lives of individuals are precious, they should also be accorded dignity in death. They must receive the same amount of love and respect as they leave us for their heavenly abodes, even if their kin are not around to perform their last rites. I never looked back after cremating the first unclaimed body in the city." Since the year 1999, Babbi Harbhajan Singh has been devoting her life to the service of the children and their parents coming from the economically weaker backgrounds. Woman entrepreneur Supreet Dhiman, who is an ace trekking enthusiast, marathoner, and a regular blood donor, was awarded for organising blood donation camps, every three months. Archana Sardana, India's first civilian BASE jumper, skydiver, sea diver, mountaineer, was awarded for her contribution to creating awareness and supporting the eye donation movement to help the visually-impaired. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/rotary-club-felicitates-women-achievers

Young Dholi keeps Punjabiyat alive

Young Dholi keeps Punjabiyat alive

MUNISH DHIMAN  16th Mar 2013

Jahan Geet Singh | Photo: T. S. Bedi he looks like any other 14-year-old girl. But, her passion for drumming speaks volumes about her uniqueness and makes her stand apart. Jahan Geet Singh, India's youngest female Dhol player has caused a dent in patriarchal strongholds by raiding a hitherto male bastion. Her proficiency in drumming, coupled with hard work and an incredible passion for precision, has helped her gain recognition not only in India but also internationally. Being the youngest dhol player in the country, Jahan Geet has also the rare privilege of being the only Indian dhol player to have been featured in the Tom Tom Magazine (New York), the world's only magazine dedicated to female drummers. Singh says, "One of my cousins played the dhol at a gathering once. Everyone enjoyed the performance. I had a lot of fun and took an instant liking to the dhol. I have been learning since the age of 11." Keenly watching her interest in the instrument, her parents encouraged her to pursue her passion. They engaged a professional trainer, Kartar Singh of the NZCC (North Zone Cultural Centre), who helped her in becoming a prodigy. Ever since she has given more than 60 stage performances, including those at the university, zonal youth festival, state level cultural programmes and so on. She was invited to perform at the international 'Kapurthala Heritage Festival'. Her performances were aired on TV channels, including Doordarshan Jalandhar, Zee Punjabi, ETC, PTC, etc. When asked about why she chose to play the dhol, Singh says, "When I heard it being played the first time, I immensely enjoyed the beats and the way it sounded. Also a lot of Punjabi celebrations and music involves the dhol. I wanted to learn it myself and hence started practising." Jahan has represented Chandigarh in the much hyped reality show, India's Got Talent in the year 2012. But, after successfully clearing the state-level auditions, she could not make it to the Mumbai auditions because of her annual exams. "I had the option to participate in the shows later on but did not opt for it by choice. Right now my studies are priority and I am not taking any chances.  Whenever I get time and feel like it, I take out my dhol and play on," she says. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/young-dholi-keeps-punjabiyat-alive

Chandigarh’s new watering hole is all set to serve emerging tastes in ale

Chandigarh’s new watering hole is all set to serve emerging tastes in ale

MUNISH DHIMAN  9th Mar 2013

Pradeep Gidwani at The Pint Room -Panchkula Finding it difficult to catch up with an old pal or acquaintance over a glass of beer just because you don't like the existing bars in the city? Or because they are too loud and the dim lights make you feel low? Head to 'The Pint Room', a newly opened beer café at SCO 350, Sector 9, Panchkula. The café offers clients the widest variety and choice of ales and lagers available anywhere in the country and a unique beer drinking experience where consumers can pour their own ice cold beer directly from taps. Making fine beer as familiar and as accessible as favourite cup of coffee remains the aim of this place. Beer enthusiast and the man behind the launch of Carlsberg, Tuborg and Foster's in India Pardeep Gidwani, Coach and Founder, the Pint Room said, "My aim is to make The Pint Room the perfect place to meet, mingle and discover the intriguing beverage that even Noah made sure he could brew on the Ark-Beer!" Adding further about the uniqueness of the café and about the distinct interiors Gidwani said, "Unlike most other bars and pubs in the city, The Pint Room steers clear of very loud music, dim lighting and the nightclub vibe. It offers a relaxed meeting place where you can unwind with friends or colleagues after work or take a break between chores during the day. It is a casual meeting space over beer." Apart from wide range of beers available at the cafe, The Pint Room houses a huge collection of glasses. Each glass has a different technical feature which is used for different kind of beers. "Temperature plays an important role in the taste of beer and hence we have specialized glasses that keep the taste of the beer intact from bottle till you smell and sip it down," quips Gidwani. The café houses tap beers that include Weiss from Bavaria, Germany; classic lager from Belgium; Witbier from Belgium; Pilsener, North Rhine — Westphalia, Germany; bitter ale, burton upon Trent, England; and various brands from European Lagers, Bavarian Weissbier, Belgian Witbier, Lager from Down Under, Asian Lagers, Irish Stout and non alcoholic beer. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/chandigarhs-new-watering-hole-is-all-set-to-serve-emerging-tastes-in-ale

Sassy Veena to star in new Punjabi flick

Sassy Veena to star in new Punjabi flick

MUNISH DHIMAN  9th Mar 2013

(L-R) Inderjeet Nikku and Veena Malik. | Photo: T.S. Bedi The sensational, sexy, scandalous Pakistani actresses Veena Malik who lately hogged the headlines by surpassing Salman Khan's record of most number of kisses in one minute is all set to spell her magic on the silver screen with her movie Eh Dil Da Mamla with singer-actor Inderjeet Nikku. She was recently in Chandigarh with producer Angad Singh, Director Harpreet Matharoo and actor Inderjeet Nikku. Veena debuted in Punjabi cinema with the Sarabjit Cheema starrer Pind Di Kurhi but she is excited about the new venture with Nikku. The bold actress while interacting with the media said, "After my stint at the Bigg Boss I am actually very excited about all the ventures that are coming my way. I have always been attached to Punjab and my role, which is that of a Punjabi girl, attracted me and I wanted to do this." The movie is power packed with all the essentials of a complete entertainer. It has doses of drama and romance much associated with Punjabi movies, comedy! Veena is open to be a part of any reality show that comes her way though she holds out, "Noting is really real in a reality show! With cameras around you every single second, you just can't be 'real'." Her Hindi movies Zindagi 50 50 and Mumbai 125 kms (3D), will also hit the screens soon. Singer-turned-actor Nikku, who started his career in the music industry 17 years back recently tried his hands over acting and did a cameo in the Gippy Grewal and Mahi Gill starrer Carry on Jatta. Nikku is all set to take his newly found passion to the next level. Apart from Eh Dil Da Mamla, he is also shooting for Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya and Mere Yaar Kaminey. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/sassy-veena-to-star-in-new-punjabi-flick

Punjabi Film Awards steal a march for the third time

Punjabi Film Awards steal a march for the third time

MUNISH DHIMAN  9th Mar 2013

Rajiee Shinde presenting Momento to Sunny Deol | Photo: T.S. Bedi ll the stars from the Punjabi movie world congregated at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Mohali for one of the most colourful events of the Punjab Film Industry, the '3rd PTC Punjabi Film Awards'. The awards ceremony was also attended by celebrities from Bollywood. Bollywood stars included Jimmy Sheirgill, Rahul Dev, Himesh Reshammiya, Vindu Dara Singh and Sunny Deol. Deol attended the award function in a pure Punjab da puttar style. The glittering entertainment extravaganza also included Minissha Lamba, Claudia Ciesla of the Bigg Boss fame, the bold Mahi Gill, and the ravishing Raveena Tandon. Apart from the stars from Bollywood, the who's who of the Punjabi film industry included Monica Bedi, Neeru Bajwa, Satinder Satti, Divya Dutta, Gurdas Maan, Jazzy B, Roshan Prince, Geeta Zaildar, Diljit Dosanjh, comedian Kapil Sharma, Satinder Sartaj, Miss Pooja, Preeti Sapru, Gurpreet Ghuggi and the controversial Honey Singh etc. The audience relished live performances by various singers including Himesh Reshammiya, Honey Singh, and Alfaaz. Rajiee M Shinde, Director & CEO — PTC Punjabi, PTC News & PTC Chak De while speaking about the importance of the awards said, "The PTC Punjabi Film Awards are our tribute to the fast growing world of Punjabi films and we are particularly delighted that both, the PTC Network and these awards that we created, not only highlight the popularity of Punjabi cinema, but have also contributed to its strong growth." { The award function also became a promoting platform as various artists seized the opportunity and utilized the platform to promote their new ventures. The award function also became a promoting platform as various artists seized the opportunity and utilized the platform to promote their new ventures. Jimmy Shergill, along with Mahi Gill, singer-composer Jazzy B promoted their forthcoming film, Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. Singer-actor Miss Pooja, Tarun Khanna Sahil and star cast of Pooja Kiven Aa also used this platform to promote their upcoming movie whereas singer Satinder Sartaj used it to launch his latest album 'Afsane Sartaaj De'. Diljit Dosanjh's and Gippy Grewal's electrifying performances and Monica Bedi›s dance on old Punjabi film songs along with Roshan Prince and Geeta Zaildar entertained audiences. Apart from these, the audience also enjoyed Minissha Lamba's enthralling appearance, Claudia Ciesla's dance on a medley of popular item numbers including her signature song Balma. Throughout the event stand up comedian Kapil Sharma kept adding doses of laughter with his prompt punches, which is his forte. It should be noted that out of the total 28 awards Jatt & Juliet, Mirza - The Untold Story, and Carry On Jatta bagged 20 PTC Punjabi Film Awards. Interestingly, the best playback singing awards in both the categories were bagged by prominent Bollywood singers Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/punjabi-film-awards-steal-a-march-for-the-third-time

Youngsters crib about budget as phones, bikes get dearer

Youngsters crib about budget as phones, bikes get dearer

MUNISH DHIMAN  CHANDIGARH | 9th Mar 2013

ILLUSTRATION: RASHMI GUPTA | DEV KABIR MALIK DESIGN ong gone are the days when roti, kapda, and makaan constituted the basic necessities required for human survival. Today, these basic amenities clubbed with newer needs of communication, transportation, and entertainment, are vital for existence. The aftermath of the recent budget has proved to be rather devastating. Apart from the expectations of the common man, it has shattered the dreams of several youngsters who were eagerly waiting for the annual budget to carry something lucrative for them. With 6% duty on mobile phones against existing 1%; SUVs from 27% to 30%; imported motorcycles 75% from 60% at present; and also air conditioned restaurants that are brought under the service tax ambit, we speak to some youngsters from Chandigarh what they felt about the budget. Nitish Aggarwal, B.Com student at Panjab University says, "My father had promised to give me an imported bike in final year. After the budget and recent petrol price hike, he is a bit reluctant as apart from the price, the monthly expenditure too will escalate. Thanks to the FM, I am stuck with the diesel car now, which I am fed up of driving." Ritika Sharma, an engineering student said, "Undeniably this budget is not at all youngster friendly. For a businessman, a hike in the tax doesn't matter as it is directly passed on to the customer. Neither Government nor the businessman faces any problem, its people like us who face the real heat! With taxes imposed on AC restaurants it will become difficult for us to organise regular parties which a major recreation for students." "This year's budget has been disappointing on many fronts especially when it comes to luxury goods. Increasing excise duty on mobile phones priced over INR 2,000 by 5% is a bad move which will dent the growth of the Mobile Handset market to some measure. Another surprising and equally disappointing decision is to increase the import duty on cars from 75% to 100%. Potential SUV buyers have been severely hit in this budget and some of these decisions seem to be geared towards penalising the rich for just being that," adds Kartik Aggarwal, a management student at the Indian School of Business. On the contrary, for few, the annual budget merely holds any importance. For them, it's another price hike which is normal in daily routine and is adjustable to some extent. Rishabh, an animation student says, "I don't think the duty hike on mobile phones matter much. I feel 5% hike in mobile phone prices is nothing as compared to automobiles and motorcycles. I am planning to buy an Apple i5 which costs about 45,000 rupees. If I can afford 45,000, an increase of rupees 1500 or 2500 really doesn't matter to me." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/youngsters-crib-about-budget-as-phones-bikes-get-dearer