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