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Chrys-sis management
Just when we though that the second day of the on-going Chrysanthemum show was going to be a crowd puller, the unusual happened. What we saw in the afternoon was a countable number of tourists, some curious and some awestruck visitors from outside Chandigarh, gang of friends spending quality afternoon hours, parents out with their toddlers as a part of weekend picnic and some old traditionalists who still mark their presence as part of their duty. If we had made an effort, we could have counted the exact numbers present. This may be the possible description of the crowd that actually had to be pulled out by the 23rd traditional show. Ask the organisers, if day-two has something new happening and they will satisfy you with, "No, nothing new." The babus in-charge of the event have made it clear. Lesser entries, weather playing spoil sport, swine flu scare, India-Sri Lanka T20 clash…the list of reasons for a damp show can be as long as you go on asking, but the popular opinion may be able to identify the real issue. "There is nothing new or special about the show. Every year, they have the same set up, it has become a mundane exercise," feels Raman Kalra, a city-based professional, seemingly disappointed. Why? "The Chrysanthemum show is all about flowers, but only flowers don't add to the excitement of holding a three-day affair every year. They should also add some fun element. They can play around with the theme of mix and match Chrysanthemum with other flowers or a presentation on creative things, one can do with the flowers, may be turning them into art," he adds. Well, considering the option, this can work positively to increase participation as well as interaction. Another suggestion comes from Preeti Goyal, a housewife from Panchkula who had come to the show with her kids. "There are no stalls, not much in the form of entertainment for everybody. As a flower show, it works well, but we have been watching the same for almost 23 years now?" The lady is right. But then there are other reasons that might have affected the event. "The two regular participants too have not entered the competition this year- the Housing Board and the PGI, as they already had a full bloom before the show. The event should be held in the first week of December, as large blooms happen in November and small blooms around the first week in December. The weather and these things do matter on the outcome of the show," says Virinder Sharma, who has been successfully displaying his collection from past 15 years at the show. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Sellers pride
'Never take no for an answer, knock at the door of the customer again and again, think about billions only then can you make millions, wear a smile that shouldn't leave you for a second.' Armed with a grilling and motivating session at the office, Navreet Singh Kang who looks after engineering sales and marketing for Everest Industries Limited with his passion and image of good-looking Harpreet Singh Bedi, a lanky Sikh of Rocket Singh ventures out in the field to come back with maximum business.
The driving force this time is Ranbir Kapoor. And if he, with his mediocre grades could be the salesman of the year, why couldn't he? Echo many salesman from the city and around who relate with Ranbir's character- The idealism in sales work, the professional ways of persuasion and negotiation, the fair competitiveness, the hurdles, the once-a-while used corrupt means and dividends of salesmanship. Offers Ranbir Singh Bhatti, branch manager sales with Reliance Life Insurance who could relate with every frame of the story save for melodrama. "It is popular thinking with people that those who have nothing better to do or couldn't do well in studies go for a 'sales job'. With Rocket Singh, I am sure people will look at sales people with respect." At the same time, Ranbir does not rule out the possibility that sales is quiet a 'at your doorstep' kind of job. "Sales, if you agree with me is quiet a tough work. People think one hundred times before shelling a single paisa from their pocket, and you have to be extremely patient and saccharine sweet in our approach." Umesh Sharma, sales officer with HDFC-35, Chandigarh on the other hand feels that his job sways between confidence and faith alternately. "I sell saving accounts, so you can well imagine the level of comfort and confidence that I have to generate in the customers. To gain trust, I have to be articulate, a good speaker, have faith in my company and myself first, believe in the product I am selling." Harpreet of Rocket Singh enters the work force full of idealism only to see that being shattered early. The Sales, which once he thought was his calling turns into a nightmare. Ranbir Bhatti doesn't have an iota of doubt on it. "Try selling a pen, knife or even a small life insurance policy to anyone? But, the most difficult thing is to develop trust." Even after hours of endless talking, persuasions do not necessarily give results. "We come back with zero business some days. Then there are days, we have rocking results. All said and done, to be a good salesman you need passion, zest, zeal, ideas, power of conviction, like Harpreet of Rocket Singh." jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Picks & Piques
The entire narrative is reality driven and there is enough logic to lend conviction to every step forward into the story. Two years after generating a huge wave of interest in the game of hockey with Chak De, Shimit Amin gets down to the business of salesmanship. Harpreet is the protagonist, an idealistic young man with strong values and little else. Fresh out of college armed with a BCom degree-a mere pass class, he sets out to charm the business world but he finds that it's not that easy out there for people who don't want to play the game. Rebuked by his Boss and ridiculed by the staff, he sets out to prove a point. But his naiveté brings him down once again and he is relegated to being a shop floor salesman until his former Boss gets back to him with a new proposition. Ranbir infuses his role with a blinding sincerity. He is like clay allowing himself to be moulded to the role in such a way that it's hard to separate Harpreet from Ranbir. He makes Rocket Singh so very appealing that you will find it difficult to take your eyes off the screen even for a minute. In fact Shimit Amin has managed to get great performances out of every single member of the cast. Prem Chopra gives a brilliantly restrained performance, Gauhar Khan and the rest form an ensemble that together lends great power to a narrative that believes in the power of good story-telling. All-in-all this film stands apart and is way above anything we have seen in quite a while. Miss it at your own peril!
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Fab deal
In case you don't have in your wardrobe something in the must colours of winter, black and red, there is still time to buy one. Fab India for the Independence Weekend promotion has brought in a collection in the best combination of winter colours for men and women. "One can get the red and black combination in different palettes and designs. Also the combination is available in cotton, silk, khadi and khadi silk," Nidhi Gill, senior merchandiser, Fab India, Chandigarh. From kurtas, tops, dupattas, shawls, tunics, pants, jackets to shirts, the special winter collection is available in the two colours. "The shawls, dupattas and stoles though have basic colours as red and black, there's a mix and match of other colours as well to give them a more vibrant look." Applique, soof, gudri and prints like ajrakh, dhar etc are the craft used on the collection. "It is not the usual check prints in red and black but the new designs that will suit sensibilities of all age groups." To match with the costume, a collection of jewellery in red and black is also available. "We have in here a whole range of earrings, neck pieces, bangles, bracelets to co-ordinate with the styling of the clothes." The jewellery is also available for men clothing. The collection will be available till December 13. — Ashima Sehajpal
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Matka chowk
Being poor and idealistic, like Guru Dutt in his movies, is no longer in vogue. In a city like ours, which seems to be flaunting wealth and urban prosperity, the voice of the "Have Nots" are rarely heard. We view most of the indigent migrants with utter suspicion and ascribe most of the crimes to them. We revel in our xenophobia and decry the mounting pressure of population, sometimes with little inkling that the rumbles we hear today emanate from the clouds that would sculpt the Chandigarh sky tomorrow.
Chandigarh, once a city founded and led by an elite group of architects, civil servants, academicians, artists and such others has changed its complexion rapidly in the last few years. The north south divide, which was a landmark in the early settlement, means little to the new crowd that has inundated the city. The city has seen a huge burgeoning of young and new professionals, many of whom come from far and wide - from Ferozepur, Pathankot and cities like Hamirpur in Himachal. They work in the new industries that have rapidly emerged in the city. You would find them now in the sector markets, Hot Millions and at the Sukhna lake. I have been a keen observer of the city. I thought this would be a good time to find out what the city represents to some of these 'new' residents. For the next few weeks, I will try to bring to you parts of my conversation with some of these people whose names have never appeared in print - in any news story, public circulars or guest lists. My first tete-e-tete was with Prahlad Kumar from Sarsa village in Bihar. He is a chai delivery boy - one of those innumerable kids you see running around with an aluminum kettle in hand, lugging steaming tea from one office building to the other. His natural glibness was highly impeded by his fear of speaking to any one in a 'chair.' He was smart enough to know that he couldn't proclaim his age to be less than 14. When asked his age, his ambivalence was remarkably similar to some of our political leaders when faced by real issues. His take on the city could be contained in a few sentences. z
The food here is definitely better. z
He likes the city, but has never seen anything beautiful. Never seen a lake here or
z flower garden, or a cricket stadium. z
He would not want to stay here. z He would prefer going back to his village. z
He likes living here because he lives with many people from his village. z
He has never tasted tandoori chicken. z
He does not wear a sweater because this city is not cold (added with a swagger). What does he think of Chandigarh? z
A good place to make money - in thousands. The best thing about Chandigarh z No answer. matkachowk@gmail.com |
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Tarot Talk
Aries: "The Queen of Cups" infuses trust and friendship. A romantic and dreamy time gives you a break. You are right not to rush into things, but others will not wait forever. Things have been all work and no play and you have let things get out of balance recently. Defend against clashes on Tuesday.
Tarot advice: Recite the Mantra for 108 times on Monday AUM RA RAHWE NAMEH: Taurus: The "Three of Pentacles" reveals family pressure and responsibility. Be careful, as you will be distracted and run into trouble if you don't pay attention to what you are doing. It is important to look after hair, nails, skin, etc. You feel moody and easily moved by whatever is happening in your environment. Tarot advice: Offer eatables to a poor. Tarot advice: Donate vegetables in temples. Cancer: "The Hanged Man" shows some decisive moments as well as surprises in store for you, particularly in relation to your personal plans. You can arrange travel on Sunday and Monday, as you seek out adventure and discovery. You should also pay attention to your motives; ensure they are positive. Tarot advice: Do not drink milk on Tuesday night. Leo: "The Princes of Cups" infuses you a youthful disposition so you will be flirtatious, but be careful not to ignore or hurt the one who counts most in your life. You may find it hard to find companions who share your interests and ideas. Wednesday's scenario is highlighted by changes in your love life. Tarot advice: Prayer to Maa Durga is apt. Virgo: "Nine Cups" full of light lotus blossoms and greet you as loving relationship flower with commitments. Don't waste time counting pennies this week. Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. A Scorpio person influences your decision and moves in a progressive direction. Tarot advice: Recite the Mantra for 108 times on Saturday. AUM SHAN SHANICHARAYE
NAMEH: Libra: The card "The Devil" reveals that you will be running late on everything you do. Domestic unrest can be avoided if you watch your steps. Some career choices have to be made before an important opportunity passes you by. The outside world may put some serious demands on your time and energy. Tarot advice: Avoid late night parties on Sunday. Scorpio: "The Nine of Pentacles" showers blessing on lovers. Your destiny may well be handed to you and it may help you to make your dreams come true. Your ambitious nature may sometimes attract criticism, so try to be careful on Friday. You have to watch out for cutting out the junk from your life. Tarot advice: Seek the blessings of elderly woman. Sagittarius: "The Temperance" inspires you to climb new heights and actualize creative ideas. A small sum spent now will allow you to make big profits later. You have a tendency to be overly generous and forget that you have a budget to respect. Be kind to people who depend on you. Tarot advice: Donate Sugar on Monday. Capricorn: "The Empress" takes you towards the fast and protective lane. Love and romance lead to promise and commitment. Be careful not to burn the candle at both ends, or there'll be heavy consequences to be paid. A Taurean person needs your support. Your sense of duty tells you that work and service to others must come first. Tarot advice: Give fodder to cow on Tuesday. Aquarius: "Five of Cups" takes you through a difficult speculative situation. Emotional relationships are temporary as you come out to them. You gain from choices made on the spur of the moment. Long pending disputes will end amicably. You may want to shut out the world. Take a few days to get your priorities straight. Tarot advice: Keep money plant in your bedroom. Pisces: "The King of Pentacles" blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities. You have worked hard, grown spiritually in the past and built a sound foundation, which leads to success and good fortune. An important project is likely to encounter hurdles. Be patient on Friday. Tarot
advice: Keep a small peace of green cloth in your pocket. |
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Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, this film is as close as you can get to a near perfect aesthetic in the wasteland that is Bollywood. Rocket Singh is a slice of life film and has been made in a very down-to-earth, sincere and extremely earnest manner. There are no superficial trimmings, the chiffon and lace (which we have come to expect from a Yashraj venture) are non-existent in the middle-class world of this lovable Punjabi Sikh munda, Harpreet Singh Bedi (Ranbir). Frankly Jaideep Sahni deserves all the praise he can get for creating such a fascinating inspirational tale about the power of idealism and how success can be earned from sincerity and perseverance.
Gemini: Though "Knight of Swords" gives you a new vision but overindulgence will lead to trouble. This week's scenario is highlighted by relationships and finances. Don't let a misunderstanding cause rot to set into a close relationship. Job satisfaction will increase if you will be more independent and entrepreneurial.