The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

CULTURE

New Release
‘Parineeta’ in 21st century

The creative film maker Vidhu Vinod Chopra is amongst the earliest to attempt flick, sensible films within the format of popular cinema. He is ready to take centrestage with his literary classic ‘Parineeta - The Married Woman’ after the blockbuster success of last year’s biggest release ‘Munnabhai MBBS’. Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic ‘Parineeta’, the film stars Sanjay Dutt in the lead role, the flick also features Saif Ali Khan, Raima Sen and debutant Vidya Balan. Gorgeous Diya Mirza also makes a special appearance in this film.

This one has been completed in 65-day start-to-finish shoot. The world of ‘Parineeta’ is the Kolkatta of the 60’s — a cauldron of cultural influences, political aspirations and contradictory influences. The film captures glimpses of this Kaleidoscope. It opens today at Batra, Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Mani Majra and Suraj, Panchkula.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra himself has co-written the screenplay this time with director Pardeep Sarkar who also makes his debut as director. Over 1,000 TV commercials, 15 music videos and a few feature film songs to his credit, Pradeep is all set to prove his worth with this classic film. This powerful love story resonates with eager audiences as much today as when it was first published in the early 20th century.

‘Parineeta’ has been shot beautifully in Darjeeling and Kolkatta. Rekha Nigam has handled the dialogues assignment. Swanand Kirkire has penned the lyrics for music director Shantanu Moitra. Vir Chopra and Raj Kumar Hirani (Director of Munnabhai MBBS) are creative producers.

A Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s production ‘Parineeta’ is a meticulous cinematic adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic novel ‘Parineeta’. Trade pundits has pinned high hops on this film. So get ready to watch the contemporary retelling of this engaging and timeless tale rich with human emotion and universal drama. — D.P.

LEISURE

She’s ‘kool’ about being sex symbol

Bollywood seems to be the ideal destination for charming actor Neha Dhupia. Braving the heat, a claustrophobic meeting room, pressing crowds and frantic police protection she sat down to answer a handful of not-so-original questions with élan. Dressed nattily in a blue spaghetti strap blouse and a chocolate brown skirt, Neha was in the city as a guest of honour at the inauguration of an electronics goods shop in Sector 8.

Evading the most obvious query on her selection of films like ‘Julie’ and ‘Sheesha’, she brushed off her ‘sex symbol’ status as water under the bridge. “I do not take too much baggage with me about my image. It was a phase in my career and that is all. I am trying my hand at different things.” So comedies and light films are her forte now that the success of “Kya Kool Hain Hum” is a foregone conclusion.

A self-confessed ‘control freak’ who hates anyone pressing on her time and space, she waxed eloquent about her job, the unconventionality of which appeals immensely to her. “I love the fact that I get to meet so many people, some good and some bad.”

With the crowds almost climbing atop the microwaves in a bid to catch her glimpse, Neha insists she has no time for relationships, breaking aspiring boyfriends’ hearts in the process! “The further you are away from relationships, the happier you are. I am not going to double time my work,” she tinkled.

Her list of forthcoming films reads well, a light comedy with director Priyadarshan, a social film with Harry Baweja and a Bengali film, all make her eyes light up. ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron’, the cult seventies dark comedy on the politicisation of life and the madcap caper ‘Andaaz Apna Apna’ with Aamir Khan and Salman Khan is what appeals to her funny bone.

As she makes her way around the shop, the energetic road show outside pulsates to the sound of her latest film. Indeed she is one ‘Kool’ crowd puller. TNS

Mamta Joshi casts a Sufiana spell
S.D. Sharma

The strains of Sufiana melodies from the legendary mystics weaved in delectable form by the young exponent, Mamta Joshi virtually captivated the audience at the Pracheen Kala Kendra auditorium today. Performing in the city for the first time to seek blessings of her mentors, the Kosers, Mamta attempted to established her credentials of a versatile artist with a promise. Gifted with a mellifluous voice and trained under the tutelage of Pandit Shanker Lal Mishra and Dr Arun Mishra, young Mamta who won a score of gold medals in academics and performing arts is now learning finer nuances of Sufiana gayaki’ from the invincible Wadali brothers. She had performed in Scotland and other venues in the UK under the aegis of Heritage in light and classical vocal music. Winner of the Ministry of Culture scholarship of Rs 50,000 she won a medal for her MA in classical dance as well. She opened up Sultan Bahu’s soulful qalaams ‘Ashaf Allah Chambe di butti...’ which was followed by Fida Batalvi’s ‘Doil Chandra Pukaare’. She, however, reverted to the melodious rendition of ‘Heer’ the slumbering love legend of Punjab which melted into another popular Sufi classic ‘Dama dam mast qalander’ but Mamta had her own style of presentation. Sham Mehta on flute, Mohammad Saleem on harmonium and Mehmood Khan accompanied her on tabla.

Earlier the young , impulsive and dedicated disciples of Guru Shobha Koser, too, had their share of rejoicing at celebration ceremony of the 100th monthly musical baithak. The dancers including Puru, Mahima, Ipshita, Sachika, Tanika, Shakti and Arushi presented the intricate patterns of Jaipur gharana kathak. The aamad, paran, kavits were later performed by Vedika and Sachika Khurana. The students displayed confidence while executing the fundamental syllables with nimble foot work under following the pedhant rendered by their mentor Shobha Koser with the well known musicologist, Suabhagya Vardhan providing imaginative vocal support. Balraj Singh played tabla.

‘Rustam-e-Hind’ launched

At line Punjabi cinema is emerging to be a trendsetter by producing films replete with innovative themes, unlike the conventional love stories woven in rustic ambience and supported with music-based on the otherwise popular Punjabi folklore. But with a view to promoting and propagating wrestling Sargam Audios today launched Punjabi film, ‘Rustam-e-Hind’, at a function held at the Chandigarh Press Club.

Sargam Audios led by Sarabjit Singh Beniwal has roped in the expertise of film makers like J.S. Cheema, executive producer of “Chann Pardesi”, “Waaris” and “Jee Aayan Nu”. The cast of the film includes Dr Surinder Sharma, who has given a new dimension to comedy in Punjabi films, Guggu Gill, Shivinder Mahal, Gurkirtan Chauhan B.N. Sharma, Bharat Bhushan Verma and a model, Ruchi.

However, the star attractions will be Hind Kesri and Arjuna awardee wrestler Jagdish Bhola, who has represented India at 45 international sports meets along with the shy but handsome Bharat Kesri title holder Parminder Doomchheri, both playing lead roles. Credited with many hit films, young maestro Santosh Kataria will score the music for the film. OC