It feels good to hear about a Punjabi NRI moviemaker working on a subject that has nothing to do with Jat, Jatt Da Badla, or better still, NRIs!

Dev Mangat, the producer of under-production English movie Little Terrors, acknowledges there is more to Punjab and Punjabis than the same set of ideas, rehashed over and over again. Shooting in Fatehgarh Sahib, the cast and crew of Little Terrors is a good mix of Indian and international artists. Maninder Channa, another Punjabi living in Canada, has directed the movie. The movie stars Om Puri, Deep Dhillon, Darryl Dougherty, Harjot Thandi, Sher Gill, Taran David, Dilbar, Nirmal Rishi, Aamrik, Tejwant Mangat and Gurdas.

"The biggest challenge, once we were done with the script and how we would go about working on it, was which actors would suit the roles. We auditioned for kids in Canada and zeroed in on the ones that would justify the roles," says Mangat.

Little Terrors is inspired by a true story of what a Canadian family had to go through in Afghanistan. "It revolves around the American born sons of an Afghan couple, who having spent their initial years in the United States, travel to terrorist camps in Afghanistan to take training in fighting for the cause of jihad," adds Mangat.

Armaan Kabli from Canada plays the character of a 13-year-old boy who is trained by a terrorist outfit in the war-torn country. "I was a skeptical initially, but these boys have pulled up a great show," says the debutant producer.

With almost every Punjabi associated with movie- making, cashing Punjabi issues and capturing them in movies, what made them take up a topic that just does not qualify in the commercial category? Provides Mangat, "Little Terrors is scripted in English, will be dubbed in Hindi. We want to take the movie to global audiences. We also plan to show it at Toronto Film Festival and wherever we can. Punjabi film directors are doing a great job, dealing with issues relevant to the youth. However, we also need to expand our horizon and Little Terrors does just that."

Not to forget the amount of research that went into a topic like this. "We couldn't have done it without extensive planning and research. It is impossible to recreate a true incident, at the same time we have tried to justify the topic taking directorial liberty only where it is required," adds Mangat.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Punjabis love their food and a quick look across the eateries in the city only confirms it. With the nine-day navratras in full swing and many observing fasts, restaurants are making sure they dish out the best.

And this spread is not only limited to singhare ki puri and aloo ki sabji, sabudane vadas, kele ke pakode, badam lacha, khoya sweets, sabudana / swang uttapam, shakarkandi aur aloo ki chaat (crispy fried sweet potato and potato), seb ka halwa, Makhmali palak paneer and kaju potli — there is a range of snacks, meals and desserts to choose from.

Gopal Sweets-8 has added more variety to its meals. "While paneer, alu, keke ka pakodas do best in mornings, thali rules for lunch and dinner. Evenings are reserved for variety of fruit chaats," shares Ravinder Gopal. On her way to office to pick up some snacks, Meenakshi shares, "We have long working hours and I really cannot force myself to get up early and cook. Thankfully the city offers a lots for these fasting days."

Ten years in city, Sagar Ratna is out with its trademark thali (Rs 150) with singara aate ki puri, shamak rice, aloo zeera, aloo kaddu along with fruit salad, sabu dana papad and dahi and sabu dana kheer. "Just like every year, our navratra special has got a good response," says Sriniwas Bangera, general manager, Sagar Ratna-17. Sindhi Sweets are not only popular for the food fare but something else too. Priyanka Bajaj, who assists her father and takes care of the packaging stuff at Sindhis, reveals, "This jot has been burning for around 35 years now. Our regulars know about it and come to take blessings especially during navratras." Sindhi's Navratra Fast Special menu is extensive. While thali (Rs 130) provides the wholesome meal, there is kulfi, aloo tikki, aloo paneer chaat, fruit chaat and rabri as well.

"We let no other grains, onions or garlic come in contact with vrat food," says Priyanka. Since during the fast people are supposed to avoid grains except those meant for fast like singhara or kuttu or swang rice and no onion and garlic, restaurants make sure that they serve pure vrat food. Gopal Sweets too has done away with all onion, garlic for all these nine days.

Taj Chandigarh is also celebrating 'Nine Divine Nights' at Café. One can get special Navratra Vrat Thali (Rs 600 plus taxes) and a la carte special menu. Thali has traditional Indian delicacies, including Aloo aur sabudana tikki (potato and sago patties fried till perfection served with tamarind relish) vrat walla pakora (kuttu flour batter fried vegetable pakora served with tomato and tamarind relish) sabudana / swang uttapam, shakarkandi aur aloo ki chaat (crispy fried sweet potato and potato tossed with tamarind relish and Indian spices) and seb ka halwa (made with fresh grated apples) et al.

Well, if you want to feast during fasts, you have many options!

mona@tribunemail.com

A rich man's wife's possession…it's the glitter of gold that catches the eye. Fit for window-shopping, the soaring price of yellow metal has just left most women wanting for more!

Albeit the price of gold is a big deterrent, the festive season calls for buying something made of this precious metal (read Karva Chauth, Diwali, Bhai Duj etc etc) and there is no stopping the bride brigade for sure. But going by the global rise in gold prices, we wonder what are the jewellers doing to lure the customers!

"Kitty is one of the best options available these days to entice the customer. A dual game, it binds the customer to purchase and on the part of the seller, we earn some money," says a jeweller from Sector 17. Does kitty ensure people would pick only gold? "It's not necessary, but since they have paid the amount they are bound to pick up something or the other. And when the amount is more than Rs 20,000 people generally prefer to pick gold sets or heavy jewellery."

Says Anubhav Sarwahi, area sales manager, Tanishq, "Although we are not offering any direct discounts, we have come up with the queen of diamond contest. This contest is open to the customers who make purchases for more than Rs 15,000. The participants need to answer a simple question and for the winner we have a bumper prize of Rs 50 lakh. There are also prizes worth Rs four lakhs at the regional level, and 38 prizes each across all Tanishq boutiques varying from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh. A total of Rs five crore worth of diamond jewellery will be given away as prizes."

Well, that's for the offer, talking about the sale of gold and diamond jewellery, he says, "Tanishq's jewellery is an ode to the sensibilities of every Indian woman and we haven't seen a decrease in the sale despite the high rate. But yes, due to the rising price of gold the base is changing from 24 to 18 carat and various stones added."

Well, the price of gold is definitely skyrocketing and there is no denying the fact that one needs to find an alternate to this precious metal. Says Nishant Bansal, director, Arma says, "Thanks to the rising price of gold, people have turned to diamonds these days. In the past one year, we have seen a rise of 30 per cent in the sale of diamond jewellery."

Ask the ladies and they too agree that gold is really priced high. Malvika Lakhanpal, resident of Manimajra, says, "Diamond is a girl's best friend, and when you have an alternate in better designs and price equivalent to gold, why pick the yellow gold?"

It's an ongoing battle - those in favour perceive it as a mere 'pop a pill' act at the right time to get rid of unwanted pregnancy. And then there is a faction that worries about the serious socio-cultural implications if the medicines are made available over the counter.

The debate on the seldom discussed Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) pill was recently set after the advertisements inevitably caught attention, for the subject is new on Indian TV. The advertisements - a mother taking her daughter to a doctor who suggests pills to terminate pregnancy and a young lady who doesn't want a second child due to financial problems - reflect the real problems of people.

There is no denying the fact that MTP pills, as is claimed by medical practitioners, are the most convenient way of abortion there are apprehensions that the pills might be taken too casually. Dr Anju Huria, head of gynaecology, GMCH, Sector-32, feels the pills should not be advertised on TV as only half-baked information is being provided. "Unlike the West, do we have an assurance here that no chemist will sell the medicine to the patient without the doctor's prescription?" She cites examples of several such cases where women have developed complications after consuming these medicines. "The advertisements are trying to suggest the easier way out for terminating pregnancies. There are test kits available and now even the pills are being publicised. Women will take medicines if the test results are positive without even considering the repercussions," she warns.

MTP pills, if taken within seven weeks, can terminate a pregnancy but Dr Mangla Dogra, a city-based gynaecologist, fears that there might be complications. "There is always a risk of ectopic pregnancy, which can be tested only through an ultrasound. In that case, taking an MTP pill can be very risky." She informs that there have been instances where women have become anaemic due to blood loss.

The advertisement also shows the complete dosage of five tablets and how they have to be taken, which Dr Huria says is providing people with more than the required information. But banning the advertisements or setting conditions like a doctor's prescription is no solution either. It's not like when there were no ads, these medicines didn't sell! Navkiran Singh, a human rights activist and lawyer, is in favour of the pills being easily available. "More the restrictions you impose, more the youngsters will flout them. It's the right of every human being to be in a physical relationship at the right age. Reservations about the pill would mean you are taking away this right from them." He recommends that people should be educated on the subject instead.

There's another apprehension about the advertisement. Says Dr Swapna Mishra, Gynaecologist, Fortis, "Albeit it suggests that a doctor's recommendation is must, not everyone will abide by it. On majority of the analgesic medicines also, a physician's guidance is suggested but neither people nor chemists care about the instructions." She adds that at times women lose account of the time they have been pregnant for. "MTP pills in such cases can be life-threatening." Thus, the purpose of the pills should not be reduced to contraception.

Veena Kumari, a city-based lawyer and women rights activist, feels it's irresponsible advertising, as risks involved haven't been mentioned. "In fact, there should be a statuary warning issued as well." Nevertheless, she's also of the opinion that MTP pills are to the advantage of women. "It's always women who have to bear the brunt of the irresponsible behaviour of the partner. The pills are kind of an empowerment if available across the counter." It's certainly a winsome situation for women with only a few concerns!

ashima@tribunemail.com

The Commonwealth of Nations was set up by the British to foster a spirit of (false, in my opinion) autonomy amongst the dominions, who shared only one common factor – allegiance to the British crown.  In 1891, Reverend Ashley Cooper wrote in the Times the utility of a sporting competition to increase goodwill and understanding of the British Empire. And here we are in 2010 – hosting an international event whose motto is “Humanity – Equality and Destiny.” India’s destiny is in our own hands now. The media has had a field day with the misfortunes and the boo-boos as an American child would say. And most of us, common people were so turned off by the negativity attached to the Games, that we almost forgot about the young men and women who have worked hard to be participants in this Game. The Games are supposed to be a rallying point for the country – in fact, it is a perfect platform to showcase how far we have come from the condescending British overtures of readjustments in the Empire. The crescendo of fault-finding overshadowed the real questions so badly that we forgot what it was all about. It is an opportunity to find a place under the sun, especially for the young Indians who have not grown up (unlike us) on a rich diet of freedom struggle, untested self-determination and nationalistic songs.  

India is a delightful stage of the common man on the move. The Airtel advertisements of connecting the country speak volumes about a new India. Yesterday a raddiwalla approached us outside the office when he saw trucks being loaded. He wanted the raddi. When turned down, he insisted that we take down his cell phone number and call him at an opportune moment. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he had fished out a printed card with his credentials and maybe, an email address. 

I spoke to many carpenters, electricians and other constructions workers recently. The common thread of desire uniting all of them is that their children receive education and wrest a better future for themselves. 

The line between the Haves and the Have Nots are getting thinner much to the dismay of the die-hard Marxists. Their prediction that the ‘revolution’ would come when the common man has his back against the wall has been proved wrong. Rather, the growing economy has strengthened the wealth of the Common man. 

After the impressive opening ceremony and the medals that are pouring in, many cynics are peeking out from their hideouts. Have we really been able to prove that patriotism is a labour of love as well as an example of hard planning, hard work and hard-headed holding on to your own buck? 

matkachowk@gmail.com

Acclaimed Urdu poet Sahir Ludhinavi’s couplet, Duniyan ne tazarbato hawadish ki shaql mein jo kuchh mujhe diya hai lautaa raha hoon mein, stands true for the life experiences of Punjabi poet and editor Parminderjeet. At the release ceremony of his book Tan-Takia, organised by Kayanaat Arts at Punjab Kala Bhawan, he says, “Poetry is a sublime art and only the blessed souls, gifted with vision and flair for expression, can leave a mark in the realm.”

He adds, “I had always wanted to attain higher education. But after my book “Meri Marfat” was prescribed for MA (part II) syllabus of GNDU, I was satisfied. That also gave me an incentive to serve the language.”

Parminderjeet is nostalgic about the serene surroundings of Shivalik hills at Nangal, where he was brought up. “I used to marvel at the beauty of nature and attempted to capture it in my poetry, unmindful of grammar and poetic discipline. Appreciation followed in form of the prestigious Shiromani Punjabi Poet-2005 award,” he shares.

“But any poet or writer must not work for awards, since their creativity is the real award,” he adds. Having authored four books during a literary career spanning half a century, Parminderjeet has also worked for Punjabi magazine ‘Lo’ as its working editor. His association as editor of   ‘Akhhar’, launched in 1975, has also been appreciated.

On the contemporary Punjabi literary scene, he says many new writers are sculpting classics with a new vision. “The flood of book publications is a positive sign,” he says.

Earlier his book “Tan Takia” was released by acclaimed Urdu poet Ramendra Jakhu, who later recited his choicest ghazals. Dr Sukhdev Singh Sirsa and others read out papers, while poet Goberdhan Gabbi proposed the vote of thanks.

Its raining exhibitions and why not…the festival season is already here! Showcasing chic apparels, flowing fabrics, twinkling trinkets, shiny handbags, elegant footwear, along with home décor items, kid stuff and elegant artefacts; Rituals, designer vista exhibition at Hotel Taj, opened with a grand footfall on Saturday.

A paradise for women, you can pick anything from designer stuff to regular daily wear. The stalls of designer Vikram Phadnis and Neeta Lulla were a crowd-puller and here you could pick elegant, well-tailored, stylish kurtis, suits, saris and lehengas. And if you are looking for some heavy embroidered and embellished stuff in fabrics, this exhibition has collections from Purvi Doshi, Jas Lakhmna’s et al.

Looking for handbags? Try Urbana or Fidda. In vibrant hues, it was a riot of colours in this section. Talking trinkets, Sirjana, A jewels, S Mehra has some wonderful trinkets in traditional and contemporary designs. Silver and gold-based, check them out for some fab earrings, bangles etc. Apart from the fabric, kid stuff is another huge hit at the exhibition. From quilts to stuffed toys, pillows, towels, shoes, clothes, the exhibition has a stall of Maple that has some interesting stuff for children. Malti Jain from Maple says, “We have cot sets, children suitcases, baskets, bean bags, rugs etc for newborns as well as teenagers.”

That’s not all, there’s ample stuff for your home also. Pick decoration pieces, candles, bed linen, cushion covers, silver platters etc. Curio, a stall in the exhibition, has some wonderful vases in mosaic patterns, candles in pearl work, T-light holders, picture frames for your home.

Vindoo Dara Singh, son of veteran wrestler and actor Dara Singh is ready to take centrestage with 2D animation film Lava Kusa – The Warrior Twins. Vindoo has lent his voice to the character of Lord Hanuman in the film. Following his father’s footsteps (Dara Singh played the role of Hanuman in the hit television serial Ramayana), Vindoo Dara Singh talks to Lifestyle about performing the role of Hanuman in many films and how he enjoyed lending his voice to the character of Hanuman in this film.

How did you bag the project to do the voice-over for the film Lava Kusa: The Warrior Twins?

Our family is an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman. I have acted in several films as Hanuman. Dharmesh Tiwari who has scripted the dialogues found me the best choice.

What challenges did you face while doing the voice-over for the animation movie?

You cannot afford to go wrong with the lines and pauses between the lines in an animation film. You have to understand the character and then lip-sync the words accordingly.

Did you watch the serial Ramayana?

Yes, I have watched the Ramayana and I have acted in the role of Lord Hanuman in several films.

What is so special about this film?

The film has action, adventure and values. The quality of entertainment and expertise in animation is truly world-class. It will add an extra zing to the festival of Dasehra. — Dharam Pal

This festive season, Godrej Appliances announces the 'Har Din Lakhpati, Har Din Diwali Offer - a scratch card cash-back offer, which will grant 45 consumers a chance to win Rs one lakh everyday for 45 days, starting from October 1.

Apart from this grand prize, you can also win Rs 10,000, 1,000, 500 and 200, and a minimum assured gift of Rs 100 with every purchase.

Godrej Appliances also launches its revolutionary range of Eon Ergoz Washing Machines with 'Tilt Open Drum Technology' for consumer convenience. These washing machines are efficient, quick and trendy, designed to be perfectly in sync with urban lifestyle.

Says Kamal Nandi, vice-president, sales and marketing, Godrej Appliances, "The festive season contributes to a significant size of business in the durables and appliances industry. We have seen that many consumers postpone their purchase to Diwali in anticipation of good offers and value for money. With our 'Har Din Lakhpati, Har Din Diwali Offer', we would like to give our customers that 'extra' delight rather than leaving them just happy". — TNS

Rishabh Chaturvedi is all of 12; a Class VII student from Amritsar who loves to sing and play cricket, but coming Sunday he is vying for the title of Chote Ustaad, along with his Pakistani mate Farookh Ali Moon.

"All members of our family are inclined towards music, in fact, we rather sing to each other than talk." And under the able guidance of his father and guru, Rishabh has reached the grand finale of Chote Ustaad.

Terming the show as a great learning experience, Rishabh says he is very happy to be in the company of Sonu Nigam, who is one of the judges on the show. "I am so proud to be associated with the finest singer in country - Sonu Ji," shares this boy from Mumbai.

Little anxious about the finals (it's going to be live), Rishabh is seeking the support of his partner in Faislabad (Pakistan) Moon. "After spending so many months together, Moon is not only a great friend but like my younger brother," says Rishabh.

On the other hand, son of a ghazal singer, Moon, loves the attention he is getting in India. "I am here with my father. I am touched by the love we get here. Sonu Ji is my ideal," says this 11-year-old who wants to be bahut bahut bara singer.

Though a little anxious regarding the grand finale, Moon is confident. "Whenever anxious, I find the strength from within," shares this kid philosophically.

And he wants to come back again, "Jab bhi bulayanege, zaroor ayengen (whenever we get invited, we'll come)," says Moon. Another aim is to see India. "This time we were busy with recordings so did not get enough time to see around," he says.

Till then the duo is busy preparing for the big day!

mona@tribunemail.com

She is known for her risqué outfits and now fans of pop star Katy Perry too can wear her trademark fashions as she is launching her own line of clothes.

The California Gurls singer is currently in talks with fashion giant Steve Madden to design her own range, reported a publication online. Madden, the founder of his eponymous shoe range, has previously teamed with former child stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen to make their Olsenboye and Elizabeth and James clothing lines. Perry meanwhile is busy selecting her wedding dress, for her approaching nuptials with British comedian Rusell Brand.

The couple are planning to tie the knot in India later this month in a seven-day extravaganza, which will be a mix of Indian traditions and Hollywood glamour. — PTI

Hollywood beauty Lindsay Lohan who is currently in court-ordered rehab is being treated for her addiction to the social networking website Twitter.

The troubled actress who is staying at the Betty Ford Clinic in Los Angeles, had voluntarily entered into a substance abuse programme there, reported a publication online.

The 24-year-old is also trying to cut down her phone usage and the staff are now helping her to reduce the amount of time she spends on social networking websites.

"Lindsay is only allowed to use her phone for two hours a day, and only to keep in touch with family and close friends. Before, she would repeatedly and compulsively email her friends if she was ever in a situation where she felt lonely, and she would vent on Twitter," said a source in the rehab centre.

The policy has been implemented so Lohan can "concentrate on herself" during therapy. The actress is due in court on October 22 for a probation hearing, after she failed two drug tests last month. Lohan, who served 13 days of a 90-day jail term behind bars in July, returned to prison following the failed tests, but ended up spending just a matter of hours behind bars after posting USD 300,000 bail. — PTI

Pop star Lily Allen who recently launched her own label of vintage clothes, has received an unfavourable review from Hollywood fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker.

Parker, who became a fashion icon with her turn as Carrie Bradshaw on Sex And The City recently visited Allen's boutique but was not impressed, reported a publication online.

"Sarah went round the rails, signing autographs, but she didn't say anything about the vintage clothes. The friend she was with asked her when they got outside what she thought and Sarah replied, 'Very ordinary'," said a source at the store in London's Covent Garden.

The alleged snub may come as a blow for the pregnant singer, especially as Parker is a well-known collector of vintage clothing. After a front row stint at the London Fashion Week, the 45-year-old actress returned to the Big Apple and has been spending time with twins and seven-year-old son James. — PTI

It seems that Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai is tired of people addressing her by her nickname "Ash" and has requested them to call her by her full name.

"When I joined the industry, people initially used to say they have difficulty in pronouncing my name, so they started calling me 'Ash'. But now, it has been years and I guess, everyone can pronounce it properly," Aishwarya she said.

"So I would appreciate, if you people address me by my name - Aishwarya," she added.

The model-turned-actress walked the ramp for designer Manish Malhotra at the ongoing HDIL-India Couture Week and thanked her husband Abhishek for bringing the name issue in the forefront.

It is believed that Abhishek had recently requested some journalists to refer to her by her full name. — IANS

Three films hit the big screens this week. There’s Crook from the Bhatt family starring their lucky family member Emraan Hashmi, Do Duni Char hoping to resurrect the Neetu-Rishi magic and the 2D animation effort Lava –Kusa from the Ketan Mehta-Deepa Sahi run Maya animation. Of the three Do Duni Char is the best bet for a good time at the cinemas this week. Read on…