A Japanese park in Chandigarh

A Japanese park in Chandigarh

MUNISH DHIMAN  29th Nov 2014

Chandigarh has always been a hot spot for tourists. Be it the scenic beauty, the beautiful roundabouts, the architectural marvels or the remarkable Rock Garden, the city has always offered a bouquet of memories to visitors. Besides the existing tourist places, an awe-inspiring Japanese garden has been added to the city. The garden is spread over an area of 13 acres. AK Malhotra, GM, Tourism told Guardian20, "The beauty and distinctiveness of the garden is poised to attract a lot of tourists from adjoining states. The Japanese garden is one of a kind." Elaborating further about the garden, Chandigarh Mayor Harphool Chander Kalyan says, "To augment the beauty of the garden and to justify its name features including Japanese lanterns, Pagoda hut tower— it has a tiered structure, miniature styled hills, streams, artistic bridges, rocks and different other special features beautifully installed. And we will keep adding features to the garden." A variety of special flowers including Camellia Japonica, Cryptomaria Japonica have been planted at the Japanese garden. Various kinds of bamboos and trees like peach and plum will be an added attraction to the park. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/a-japanese-park-in-chandigarh

‘An army of bodyguards does not make you a real gangster’: Hard Kaur

‘An army of bodyguards does not make you a real gangster’: Hard Kaur

MUNISH DHIMAN  22nd Nov 2014

Taran Kaur aka Hard Kaur. The British-Indian rapper and singer Taran Kaur Dhillon, better known as Hard Kaur, recently shared secrets of her personal and professional life in a candid chat with Guardian20 during a short stopover in Chandigarh. You are a frequent visitor to the city. Is there a particular reason? Yes, I love visiting Punjab and Chandigarh for the simple reason that people here are genuine and good human beings. At least they don't fake like those in the glam world! This place is like a meditation center for me and that's another reason for coming here. From singing to composing music; tell us something about the changeover. Even though I've composed music for my tracks, everyone perceives me as a rapper composing only party songs. A couple of years ago I happened to meet Salman Khan, Sohail Khan and Atul Agnihotri, who asked me to compose a song for their upcoming movie Oh Teri and that was the turning point when people started recognizing me as a prolific composer. What is there on the cards for your fans and what are your expectations from Aashiq Mizaaj? I never talk beforehand about my upcoming projects as I believe it's a bad omen, but I've couple of songs with E. Nivas and Vashu Bhagnani. As for Aashiq Mizaaj, all I can say is that I've got a whole new team who has done pretty well. If you have to pick one of your favorite songs which one would it be? Move your Body, my maiden Bollywood song, is close to my heart and is as fresh as ever but Chaar Baj Gaye is my favourite because I enjoyed the freedom that was offered to me while doing that song. You have referred to 1984 as the year that changed your life in the Coke Studio performance with Bhanvari Devi. How did it change your life? 1984 was the year when my father was killed in the communal riots. "Man proposes and god disposes" goes the old adage. This is how I can define the life that I have lived so far. Are you scared of anything? No, I am not scared of anything. I don't even have an army of bodyguards around me. Do you know why? Because I am the real "gangster" who does not believe in showing off. Loads of bling, travelling in chauffeur-driven swanky SUVs or being surrounded by bodyguards doesn't make you a gangster. Nothing scares me and I know I can destroy anyone. But I always say that my mother is the real "Hard" Kaur, I am just a franchise. What gives you the strength to carry on and on? I love when my fans come to me and say "Don't change". When my mother hugs me and says "Never change", it gives me a lot of strength and enough food for thought. Any acting plans up your sleeve? No, acting is not my cup of tea. You need a lot of patience to be an actor. I am a restless person. I want to do something or the other every day whereas a major actor has one or two movies every year, which is too less work for me. What's your take on reality shows? I have understood the ground reality behind the 'reality shows'. I've been a part of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and I know how not to respond in order to avoid a controversy. I have been receiving offers from different reality shows, including Bigg Boss, but I try to concentrate more on music for now. Of late, reality shows have earned more brickbats than bouquets. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/an-army-of-bodyguards-does-not-make-you-a-real-gangster-hard-kaur

6th National Crafts Mela offers ‘Colours and Sounds of North India'

6th National Crafts Mela offers ‘Colours and Sounds of North India'

MUNISH DHIMAN  19th Nov 2014

Amidst a mosaic of captivating performances by artistes from across the region, the sixth edition of the annual Chandigarh National Crafts Mela went off to a colourful start at Kalagram, Chandigarh, here this Friday. Organised under the aegis of Chandigarh Administration and North Zone Cultural Centre, Union Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the scintillating performances offered an extravaganza of folk music and folk dances of north India. The 10-day-long national mela, which offers a sneak peek into the composite cultural heritage of the country, it has a lot more in store for the demanding city audience on each day. Each event has a specific theme to drive home, which remains the essence of this unique cultural mélange, so aptly presented by the artistes in myriad hues mirroring the fast-vanishing folk-lore and rich traditions of the country. This year's theme is 'Colours and Sounds of North India', that will see thousands of enthusiasts drawn from the far-flung areas of the region to be part of the rare cultural fare. Speaking about the mela, Dr. Rajinder Singh Gill, Director NZCC, Patiala, told Guardian20, "This platform, besides offering an opportunity for artists and craftsmen to showcase their talent, affords an opportunity for the art-loving audience to come and taste the cultural fragrance from various states of India set in a typical rural ambience." Designed on the Surajkund Crafts Mela model, the Chandigarh Craft Mela has made its presence felt in the art and culture scene by providing a platform to the talented artists of the country who exhibit their winsome creations before the art lovers here. Every year weavers, artists, painters, sculptors and craftsmen from all over the country participate in the event and showcase their inherent talent and craftsmanship. Besides showcasing the arts and crafts it also acts as a cultural platform where customs and traditions of various regions of India are showcased. "Food section here has always been a hotspot for the foodies, which is a unique feature of the Mela. This year we held an open auction for renting out the food stalls, just to ensure the quality, hygiene, service, besides the authentic aroma and varied culinary flavours of rich Indian cuisines for different parts of the country," Gill added. All the past editions of the Mela held here at Kalagram had been huge success and registered a huge footfall, with the art-lovers pouring in from across the city and the neighbouring states, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh, et al. The scene offers a typical rural metaphor. A spectrum of stalls put up here at the mela venue, the haunting folk-songs and dances, a rich musical fare and the engaging performances by folk artistes turns out to be a day to remember for those visiting. More than 250 folk artistes and dancers from the far-off areas are invited especially to add zing to the cultural extravaganza. Besides performances by the dance troupes and other performers participation of more than 140 master craftsmen and 150 artisans makes it a must visit rare cultural event. The Mela is on till November 23, 2014 at Kalagram, Manimajra, Chandigarh. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/6th-national-crafts-mela-offers-colours-and-sounds-of-north-india

Sightseeing on two wheels: From Columbia to India

Sightseeing on two wheels: From Columbia to India

MUNISH DHIMAN  11th Oct 2014

Cyclist Juan Jacob Ceron Velez from Columbia passion for cycling gradually turned into a missionary zeal to travel across the globe. The bicycle inspired 27-year-old Colombian Juan Jacob Ceron Velez enough to quit his job as a Qualitative Analyst in a reputed Columbian bank and pursue his passion. During his maiden visit to India, Juan chose Chandigarh to be one of his halts. He shared his experiences in a lively chat with Guardian 20. After pedalling his way through countries like Venezuela, Argentina, France, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Sweden, Norway, China, Chile, Cambodia, Thailand and Ecuador, Velez landed on Indian soil. During his two-week stay in India, he rode through some of the most tortuous terrains of the country, including those in snow-bound Leh-Ladakh, Khardung la, Mandi, Manali and Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, before participating in the 10th MTB Himalaya Bicycle Challenge, where he bagged fourth position in the championship. Though impressed by the composite cultural heritage of India, its traditions and spiritual beliefs, Velez has no good memories about the actual cycling. He rues, "I would never like to cycle on the roads in India, even if someone offers to pay me a fortune to do so! Road users here, especially the lorry drivers, are reckless and rowdy and they don't care two hoots for the cyclists. I have had the worst cycling experience in India. People are not passionate about cycling and hence pay scant respect to the cyclists." “I have come to realise that true happiness for me means pedalling a bicycle, meeting new people and visiting new places. It also feels good to know that people get inspired by me to lead a healthy life.  This is no ordinary bicycle that Velez rides. Priced at 5500 Euros, it is an 11-gear mean machine made of tough titanium and carbon fibre. Juan beams as he talks about his relationship with his bicycle that took years to blossom. "We comprehend each other's language of love. I can feel when it needs service, repair or replacement of a dead part. It feels the same way as I do. It never parted ways during my cycling ordeals through the godforsaken hilly tracks and terrains, rain or no rain. Puerile as it may sound, except for one or two countries, there is not even a single store in any country of the world where this machine can be repaired. What to talk of repairing, even mending of its tubeless tyres is a hard nut to crack here." Vele feels the people of India are always in a tearing hurry. He says, "During my stay here I met and interacted with a cross-section of people. Random interactions with them afforded me an opportunity to observe people more closely. They seemed to have developed a kind of habit to do it fast, be it eating, working, riding, driving and doing other chores. This undue haste has probably become a part and parcel of their life where they come to realise that life is synonymous with speed." Meeting new people infuses a powerful doze of fresh energy in him and pushes him to chart out new goals and accomplish them with a dogged determination and drive. While sharing his views on people of the country, he says, "India is one of those few countries where almost everyone respects tourists. At least I was lucky enough to have met the best ones during my journey. They try to help you despite the language barrier. In fact, they offer you the best they can. They are spiritually very enlightened souls and understand the value of human life and liberation of the soul." In 2013, Velez started his epic journey and has, since then, kept his promise to explore new places. After accomplishing this mission, he has plans to travel across the world on foot, besides launching a bicycle company. He concludes, "I have come to realise that true happiness for me means pedalling a bicycle, meeting new people and visiting new places. It also feels good to know that people get inspired by me to lead a healthy life. That's why I am keen on starting a company that will motivate people to visit places on bicycles and assist them in their journey so that they may enjoy a healthy and joyful ride of a lifetime." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/sightseeing-on-two-wheels-from-columbia-to-india

Chandigarh all set for third edition of literature festival

Chandigarh all set for third edition of literature festival

MUNISH DHIMAN  18th Oct 2014

Altaf Tyrewala and Mitul Dikshit (right) With the aim of putting Chandigarh on the national literary map, the four-day-long Chandigarh Literature Festival-2014 has been scheduled from 30 October to 2 November at the sprawling Chandigarh Club in Sector 1. The third edition of the literary festival has been conceptualised to attract book lovers as well as the who's who of the literary world. The four-day event will feature panel discussions, writing workshops, film screening, book- readings, musical soirees and several other activities. There are many attractions in this season, the first being a special panel discussion on 30 years of Operation Blue Star, a grim reminder of the days of militancy that had robbed Punjab of its well-being. Extracts from 14 books authored by Indian writers will be read out and critically analysed at the festival. Like previous years, film screenings will be among the most anticipated fixtures this time too; the number of films has been increased from three to four. Noted filmmakers & critics will be a part of the discussions in this edition. While interacting with Guardian20, Festival Director Altaf Tyrewala says, "I've always felt that literature is like a mirror that reflects our true images. These invisible images may be referred to as hallucinations as they originate from the written letters but paint a picture of society we live in." Echoing these sentiments, Mitul Dikshit, Chairman, Adab Foundation says, "The committee has strived hard to make all the previous literature festivals a huge success. With each edition we have tried to add something to make it unique and impressive. A power-packed performance by a Chandigarh-based theatre group (based on passages from some of the books discussed during the festival) will be an additonal attraction for the audience. Hopefully, it will turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the authors." The festival will lure not only literature-lovers but also movie buffs. Screening of films such as Dedh Ishqiya, Luck By Chance, Shahid and Passive Euthanasia will attract the youth. This step has been taken to portray the correlation between the two media: cinema and literature. The film screenings will be followed by thematic discussions between the critics and film-makers, including Raja Sen, Mayank Shekhar, Zoya Akhtar, Ajay Brahmatmaj, Hansal Mehta, Chetan Shah et al. "Most of the literature festivals attract authors and their fans but our focus would be on books," adds Altaf. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/bookbeat/chandigarh-all-set-for-third-edition-of-literature-festival

Survivors unite to stop acid attacks

Survivors unite to stop acid attacks

MUNISH DHIMAN  27th Sep 2014

(From left to right) Laxmi, Ritu and Rupa. ver imagined life without a face? Spare a thought for those faces which once looked upon the world and were deformed by people they trusted the most. Worse still, these people are left to fend for themselves and fight a lone battle through their life. Laxmi, Ritu and Rupa, acid attack survivors from diverse backgrounds, were in Chandigarh to launch the Grief Support Helpline, an initiative designed to offer emotional and moral support to those who have undergone horrific ordeals and have faced the trauma of rape and domestic violence. The trio has become a role model for thousands of people who had been targeted by their own kin and acquaintances. An acquaintance of Laxmi's attacked her in 2005, permanently disfiguring her face and rendering her a physical and emotional wreck. "My life turned a nightmare the day I was attacked," she said, holding back tears. "I was devastated to see even my bosom buddies avoiding me. I wanted to end my life when I saw my face in the mirror the first time after the disaster. If I am alive today, it is because of my parents, who came to my rescue and rekindled my desire to live. Their pep talks and moral support helped me regain enough strength and confidence to fight the trauma. I am back on track and am contributing to save the suffering souls like me, by helping them fight the trauma." Ritu, who was the victim of a similar sinister attack in 2012, broke down while narrating her story. Ritu's own cousin threw acid on her face. "It takes a lot of time for you to accept the ground reality that you have lost your face," she said. "And coming out of this trauma, though not impossible, was not so easy either. Meeting Laxmi and getting associated with the Stop Acid Attacks campaign gave me a new lease on life. I am pursuing my passion of designing cards — I may soon open a shop and support my family, besides helping survivors like me." Incredible as it may sound, there are no specialty government or corporate hospitals in the country to deal with cases of acid attacks. There are no counseling centers where survivors can share their grief and sorrow and seek the requisite information. There are no NGOs worth the name which can fight for the rights of those affected. They are left with no choice but to fend for themselves. The survivors have to undergo a surfeit of surgeries to get their faces back into shape, which costs a fortune in the absence of adequate financial support from the government. Laxmi, Ritu and Rupa had to undergo more than five surgeries each. One night back in 2008, Rupa was fast asleep when her step mother tip-toed to her bed under the cover of darkness and poured acid on her face. Rupa told us in a choked voice, "My step mother had no inkling my father had a daughter too, besides a son — my father had concealed this fact from her at the time of their marriage. I became the victim of her hatred and jealousy. Post this incident, my friends and other kids in the neighborhood would run away on seeing my acid-stricken face. I used to stir out of the house after covering my face. I was at a loss to know what exactly happened to me. Can you believe I didn't see my face in the mirror for three years after the incident? When I faced it for the first time, I fainted and fell down on the ground. Even after regaining consciousness, I could not convince myself that it was me." Today, these gritty young ladies are not only meeting the formidable challenge of their own lives but are also fighting for the rights of others of their ilk by extending a helping hand in winning over the social stigma and depression and learning to live life as a normal human being. Their initiative has worked wonders for these young minds behind the endeavour, in terms of reaching out to the victims of such happenings. It is encouraging to note that the women behind this life-saving effort have been rewarded. Laxmi's dedication and zeal has won her accolades worldwide. She bagged the coveted International Women of Courage Award and was felicitated by the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama for successfully leading the Stop Acid Attacks campaign. However, it is matter of grave concern that in our country acid is easily available in markets despite the punitive measures that the law-dispensing mechanism has put in place to check its open sale. Those caught flouting the rule go scot free every time they are nabbed. There is a need to check these grey areas through stringent laws and by accelerating the pace of the dispensation of justice. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/survivors-unite-to-stop-acid-attacks

Amputee Aditya Mehta cycles to the top of the world to help the differently-abled

Amputee Aditya Mehta cycles to the top of the world to help the differently-abled

MUNISH DHIMAN  6th Sep 2014

fter losing a leg in an accident nine years ago, Aditya Mehta never looked to anyone for sympathy or help. He conquered all the physical hurdles he faced, and became an inspiration for several like him. He is, after all, the first Indian amputee cyclist to have won two silver medals at the Asian Para Cycling Championships held last year. "Things may seem difficult," he tells Guardian20, "but with passion, perseverance and panache anything can be achieved. In fact, I am a firm believer in Martin Luther King Jr.'s immortal saying: 'If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward'. This keeps me moving despite the permanent hurdle." After bagging various accolades, Mehta took up another challenge for his life — a fundraising mission for other differently-abled athletes. Last year, he travelled from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, covering 36 cities over 3,800 kilometers in 36 days, to motivate people to donate liberally for the differently-abled, who lack the amenities necessary to give wings to their cherished dreams. Another fundraising mission was the most challenging of all: a bicycle ride from Manali to Khardong La, the world's highest motorable road, a distance of approximately 510, mostly uphill, kilometres. "Combating icy winds and the freezing weather conditions while pedalling on the world's highest motorable road (18,380 feet), with inadequate camping conditions, this was indeed the toughest of all expeditions I have undertaken so far," Mehta says. "Using an Indian toilet with one limb is a nightmare. It was during this expedition that I cried for the second time in my life, after my accident. It was indeed the experience of a lifetime for me, which will remain etched in my memory." Ask him about the challenges that he had to face during his journey to Khardong La, and he quickly responds, "I think the most challenging of all problems was pedalling on bumpy and weather-beaten roads, especially while going downhill where the road is strewn with stones. Due to high altitude, nose bleeds were a common feature but even the saddle sores, bruises and injuries were intense this time. The cuts were deeper and bleeding even more profuse, despite these problems my mission was more important for me." Mehta travelled 50 km a day on average and completed the journey in 10 days, but stayed at Khardong La until August 15 so that he could mark this achievement, national flag in his hand, to mark the 67th Independence Day. On being asked what his latest mission is, Mehta promptly shoots back: "The mission will always remain to help the differently-abled. This time, I drove down to help out three physically-challenged people who were passionate about sports and see their future as para-athletes." The expensive sports equipment, including artificial limbs specially designed for the athletes, he says, costs a few lakhs. "In the absence of the requisite financial aid being extended by the government or an NGO, nothing could be achieved. Hence, I made up my mind to do my bit to make them self-reliant to see their dreams come true." With a view to accomplishing his mission, Mehta persistently visits government officials for financial aid to start a national sports academy that could support such passionate sports enthusiasts. Aditya belongs to a well-to-do family that could easily afford him artificial limbs, which cost as much as Rs 7 lakh. But helping others like him gives him the needed strength, he says, to move on and draw the unique sense of satisfaction of being "able" to help someone despite being differently-abled himself. Aditya has plans to participate in the 2016 Paralympics and take up something even more challenging in the future. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/amputee-aditya-mehta-cycles-to-the-top-of-the-world-to-help-the-differently-abled

The fading charm of flying paper kites

The fading charm of flying paper kites

MUNISH DHIMAN  30th Aug 2014

Vinod Kumar Sharma at his shop in Burail id you know that the kite was invented around 5th-century BC? But then again, who really cares about it's origin? The Patang is more than mere a piece of paper, it has remained a symbol of freedom and celebration since its inception in India over 2,500 years ago. We vividly recall the prime minister of our country, Narendra Modi, taking part in a kite flying event where even the dabbang star, Salman Khan, showcased his kite flying skills. There is no denying that the future of kite flying in India is here to stay for generations to come. However, this cannot be said about Chandigarh. "In the past, thousands of kites would make a stupendous spectacle on the sky every year, especially on festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchmi, Lohri and the Independence Day which has drastically dwindled over the years," says Sanjay Jain, who has been selling kites in the city in sector-22 for more than 20 years now. He promptly adds, "We, being the wholesalers in kite-making industry, used to sell enough kites to make 1.5 to 2 lakh in a single season, which has nosedived to a mere 50 to 60 thousand now. We cannot do away with the age-old family trade. My father Dharamveer Jain kick started the kite making business 50 years ago, a legacy that we have been carrying forward. Though we have been doing our best to keep it going, the future seems unpredictable, given the fast vanishing number of keen kite clientele." There were times when the freedom celebrations especially the Independence Day and the Republic Day were incomplete without kite flying events, but, today, it seems the paper with a string is losing out its charm in the hi-tech world. 54-year old Vinod Kumar Sharma, another kite seller in Burail Village (Chandigarh) said, "I have been selling kites for the past 30 years and the prices of kites have increased more than 5 times in the last decade, whereas the sales have gone plummeted. In the fast-moving life people have gone frugal, considering kite flying to be a mere waste of money and time. Kids, too, are more curious in playing video games and hardly evince keenness in kite flying. Waise bhi sirf kagaz ke noto ka mol hai kagaz ki patang ka nahi (Afterall, the paper notes made of paper are valuable not the kites made of paper)." The kite that was available at paltry 50 paisa a decade ago is now priced at Rs 8 today, no shocker though, tomatoes and onions too have shot up to Rs 80 and 40 a Kg. Bhushan Gulati, another shop owner and kite seller in sector 45 said, "A decade ago, kite flying used to be a showcase of talent, strength and skills as youngsters would fly kites for hours together, but now they do not have time to spend on these simple pleasures. We used to sell kites throughout the year but with the dipping sales there were no option other than switching to another business." This is not just the case with Gulati only. There are many shopkeepers in the city who have either done away with selliing kites or have started selling other goods, or migrated off to other cities for better business prospects in the same line. Kite whole seller Sanjay Jain minces no words while interacting with Guardian 20, "Kites were easy to spot all over the sky some years back, especially on the Independence Day but it is passé now. Kite flying has never been a craze in the city but these special days were much colourful than what they are today. We had retailers coming in from all over the city to buy kites in bulk whereas now, there are a mere 10-15 kite sellers available in selected sectors, that too in the colonies. Parents too can't force their kids to fly kites against their demands of video games, play stations and xbox." The charm of kite flying is gradually fading, which is evident from the number of kites sold. Rakesh Rawat, another seller in Babu Dham Colony says, "Five years back, we would sell around 10,000 kites on the Independence Day, which has dropped to a few hundred. There may be reasons behind the dwindling sales, safety being the most common as there have been instances of kids falling off the rooftops while flying kites. Nowadays, people prefer stay glued to their TV sets at home, watching live coverage from Delhi and other cultural programmes on the eve of Independence Day." There were people who made their own kites and string years ago. Hemant Rana an, avid kite flyer told Guardian20, "I have been flying kites since I was a kid, and will make sure I continue the same till I grow old. I feel emotionally connected to it. I used to make my own kites earlier but today due to professional responsibilities I don't get the time for the same. Now, I buy kites and Manjaa to enjoy the Independence Day." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/the-fading-charm-of-flying-paper-kites

Pargat feels kabaddi has come a long way & is gaining momentum

Pargat feels kabaddi has come a long way & is gaining momentum

MUNISH DHIMAN  Chandigarh | 23rd Aug 2014

Pargat Singh ormer Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh is one of the finest defenders to have played the game. After displaying his prowess in the hockey arena he now aims to "revive" kabaddi, a sport that originated in India, in the capacity of the League Commissioner of World Kabaddi League (WKL) In a conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Pargat spoke about the intricacies of managing an international level league and his plans to boost the popularity of the sport. Q. Having been a professional hockey player what drew your attention towards Kabaddi ? A. I'm a sportsman. I encourage every Indian sport. Kabaddi is a very exciting, engrossing and strenuous sport. As a sports administrator I have made efforts to develop other games as well. Q. How will WKL be able to arouse the level interest and fan following desired? A. WKL follows the Circle style format, most popular form of the game. This league will feature the best players from across the globe providing full entertainment to the audience. Many countries are coming forward to adopt kabaddi. Various clubs and federations worldwide are backing us to promote the sport. Q. Can WKL help the sport in making its way to the Olympics any time soon? A. Our objective is not to get into the Olympics, but to popularise Kabaddi. Kabaddi is gradually gaining popularity and is being followed all over the world. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/sports/pargat-feels-kabaddi-has-come-a-long-way-a-is-gaining-momentum

Woman of many hats: Dolly Ahluwalia muses about an eventful career

Woman of many hats: Dolly Ahluwalia muses about an eventful career

Dolly Ahluwalia, a veteran costume designer for Bollywood, who won a National Award for her work in Bandit Queen, talks to Munish Dhiman about acting, cinema, theatre — she was a theatre artist for nine years — and the challenges of her latest designing project, Haider.

MUNISH DHIMAN  9th Aug 2014

	Dolly Ahluwalia cting might have added yet another National Award to her kitty (for assaying the role of Ayushmann Khurrana's doting mother in Vicky Donor), but it was costume designing that established Dolly Ahluwalia in Bollywood. In an exclusive interview with Guardian20, Dolly spoke at length about her acting, costume-designing and, to cap it all, her abiding passion for the stage. Born and brought up in Delhi, a career in theatre has never been a cherished dream for Ahluwalia. She takes it as something pre-destined. She recalls, "After I finished my intermediate, I had the following options: pursuing a career as air-hostess, studying hotel management or joining the National School of Drama (NSD). But I firmly stood my ground and decided to join NSD in 1976. After the interview was over, my dad expressed his keen desire to watch a play in the evening where Pankaj Kapoor was performing. After watching the play, I said to myself: 'I am made for the stage.'" For Ahluwalia, who started her Bollywood journey as a costume designer with Shekhar Kapur›s Bandit Queen in 1993 (the film bagged her a National Award), designing happened via a twist of fate. She says, "Our costume teacher, Roshan Alkazi, would give us tasks to churn out good costumes and I was good at creating the best of costumes, given the wherewithal. It was during those task-giving sessions that I realized costumes were an integral part of theatre and designing them was indeed a task most challenging. I got so inclined to designing that it became an abiding passion for me which remains the warp and woof of my psyche." After having worked on several characters and more than a dozen scripts, includingMidnight's Children, Omkara, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Ahluwalia's focus remains on giving life to a character through costumes. Ahluwalia says, "Hailing from a middle class family I learnt the value of time and money since my childhood days. This has helped me a lot both professionally and otherwise to conduct myself. I never handle several projects at one time as I have to do a lot of innovative work on costumes when a specific project in on the agenda. I believe in concentrating on one subject at a time and delivering my 100% to make it look life like." After working with seasoned actors like Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, Farhan Akthar and some of the top directors, Ahluwalia says that the most crucial part for a costume designer is to persuade an artist to buy your ideas. She promptly adds, "It is very important to receive a positive response from the team you are working with. Furthermore, it is indeed tough to make the stars to buy your ideas, to say the least, but I had been lucky on both counts."  { Sourcing locally can’t be summarily ruled out for giving a realistic look, but Ahluwalia believes in making most costumes herself. In Haider, too, she has recreated several stunning costumes.
	he goes on to clarify, "I derive my creativity from nature, including smell, sound, animals and objects." Ahluwalia's latest costume designing projects include Shahid Kapoor-starrer Haider, all set to hit big screen in October this year. Sharing her experience in the movie, she says, "Haider was a different kind of a challenge. This was a genre that I had never touched before and it made me nervous, in a sense. As per the (Shakespearean) theme on hand, the work on Kashmiri costumes became even more demanding. This project took me back to a bygone era; the Kashmir of the 1990s. A comprehensive study was essential to get a feel for the right kind of wardrobe for the cast." Sourcing costumes locally can't be summarily ruled out for giving a realistic look, but Ahluwalia believes in making most costumes herself. In Haider, too, she has recreated several stunning costumes. Besides her passion for designing, Ahluwalia admitted that she was wedded heart and soul to acting as well. After graduating from the NSD she worked at the division's preparatory company for 9 years and was a part of several plays. About her passion for acting, Dolly says, "Theatre is my first love. Designing just happened while performing serious theatre and that's it." And, on being asked if she had to choose between the 70 mm screen and the theatre, pat comes the reply: "Theatre, undoubtedly. It is my strength, my identity, my passion and, above all, a launch pad where I experimented and explored my talent." On being asked about the offers that poured in from different production houses, after her memorable role of a quintessential mummyji, she says. "I was pleasantly surprised that everyone approached me and offered me the role that I played in Vicky Donor. But I didn't want to be a stereotype. I am an actor who is keen on doing realistic cinema. I would be happy doing role of a mad woman walking naked on the streets, but doing one thing again and again is not my cup of tea." Dolly has several offers in hand but does not want to make a hasty decision. "I believe in realistic cinema and would prefer doing a role which is close to my heart, where I think I could deliver to the most demanding audience. The script has to touch something deep down inside me. If I am ready to give my best shot, my audience would receive it with the same intensity." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/artbeat/woman-of-many-hats-dolly-ahluwalia-muses-about-an-eventful-career