STYLE UP YOUR ATTITUDE

Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity says Abhimam Sakarwar a student of Gyan Educational Group while sharing his fashion mantra with HT CITY.

Fashion is everything to do with the latest trend and culture. Following all the new I have brought 2 new jeans and 2 new one-fourths from Koutons and 2 new tee’s from Levis.

Along with the shopping there is another addition that is my haircut from Habibs which is giving me a new look.

For accessories I don’t buy a lot of stuff I just got 2 bracelets, a watch from Reebok and 2 new sunglasses.

I also purchased 2 new deodorants from Park Avenue and some new footwear like a sport shoe from Reebok and a canvas shoe are also the part of the list.

I even got a new multimedia phone from Nokia.Besides being stylish and fashionable by putting up a lot of accessories and clothing you also need to be stylish with your attitude. So learning a lot of SHAANPATTI from my seniors and friends is my mantra to style to make myself visible.

BE STYLISH YET AUSTERE

Fashion for me is everything around you. And because as time changes, so does fashion. Fashion for me is something stylish yet austere says Shruti Seth a student of Amity University while sharing her wardrobe secret with HT CITY.

As I am a student of fashion studies, so whatever it has got to be the best. So I have bought some new Tupe-tops from Westside, 2 new jeans from Pepe and a new mini skirt from Globus.

I even got 2 new footwears a new gladiators and a pencil heel from Mocchi.

I don’t buy a lot of stuff for make up, but a certain amount of things are sufficient for me. Like I have got a gloss, kajal from Lakme and a volume mascara from Revlon and 4 new deodorants from Dove and Archies.

I even got a new sunglass from Fasttrack and 5 new watches which are all from Titan. Some accessories like neckpieces, bracelets and studs are also the part of the list.

I even got a new haircut from Health Point; you can see the new fringes which are suiting to my face cut also. I have bought 20 new nail paints but all are in lighter shades like peach, pink, sky blue, golden, silver and lavender too.

For me brands are not a matter of compulsion. I go for choice rather than an obligation.

TRENDY AND STYLISH

Fashion should be trendy but not vulgar, you should follow fashion ethics but shouldn’t avoid decency says Pooja Phull a student of Modern Girls College of Professional Studies while sharing her fashion mantra with HT CITY.

So for my step up in my college, I have got variety of stuff to be hip and happening. I have bought 6 new jeans from Max and 2 from Pantaloons, 3 new capris and a jegging too from Levis which is really in these days.And 5 new tops too from Pantaloons, isn’t that really happening.I even got 3 new Kurtis and leggings from Sindh.

For accessories I got 2 new watches from Fasttrack and maxima, 3 wooden kadas ,2 anklets, 9 studs ,2 bracelets, a wallet ,some headbands and 2 new shades.Most attractive item are my new 35 pairs of Tic-tic clips.

Footwears that too jazzy is a basic necessary in these summers.So I have got 2 new chappals from Puma, a bellie from Mochhi and 2 flat-ons.

I don’t use a lot of cosmetics, but some things like kajal and lipgloss are necessary for me.I have even got 4 new deodorants from Axe.I even got 40 new nailpaints.

For me styling yourself is looking up to date and experimenting with the latest outfits and a

FULL ON CONFIDENCE

For an idea ever to be fashionable is ominous, since it must afterwards be always old-fashioned. Says Sumaiya Athar a student of Modern Girls College Of Professional Studies while sharing her wardrobe secret with HT CITY.

So I try and follow everything which is new and latest and do not even hesitate while following any new trend. For that I have purchased 4 new denims from Max and Levis and 2 new tees from Pantaloons, 2 capris and 3 Salwar suits too.

As I wear Indo-Western both so I even got 4 new Salwar suits and 2 new leggings and 2 new Kurtis from Biba.

For accessories I have purchased 2 new funky bracelets, some smart wooden and plastic bangles, 4 new studs, 1 anklet and some new earrings too. I even got a new glare. And most importantly I got around 10 new watches including branded and non-branded both.

I love to do makeup. So I got a lot of stuff on that regard. I bought a new eye shadow, some new eye liners all in bright colors, 3 new lip gloss, 2 new light shade lipsticks, 4 new deodorants and a little bit of kajal are the things that will add to my beauty. And last but not the least 6 new nail paints in all bright colors which are just amazing.

I even got some new footwear like stilettos, 1 canvas and 3 flats because flats are most comfortable to wear in colleges. I even got to learn some new lingo’s like Popat Mat Bana and Mamu Mat Bana (Don’t make me a fool).

Style Mantra- Attitude and Confidence are the two key points to be stylish.

WEAR A SMILE

Wearing trendy and funky clothes is good, but most important thing is to wear a smile says Parul Singh of Sardar Patel Post Graduate Institute of Dental & Medical Sciences while sharing her Fashion mantra with HT CITY.

Its not really important that you can look good by following the brands, you can also be good with simple and casual clothes pepped up with the right accessories.

But when you are in an atmosphere where you meet and greet 10 people you obviously have to style at your best.For that I have got 3 new skirts and 1 denim from Shoppers Stop, besides 7 new tees from Levis, Shoppers Stop and UCB.

I don’t really carry a lot of accessories so I have just got a belt and a watch from Fasttrack.I have also got a new shade from Vogue.

But yes I am fond of cosmetics,so I have got a lot of them.I have got some new eye shadows,some pinky glosses,kajal in almost every color like purple,green , blue,black,brown,mascara,20 new nailpaints and except this I truly believe that your make-up is incomplete if you don’t use a blush on, so I have arrangements for that too.

I think for a person to look , good or bad hairstyle plays a major role, so your hairstyle should match with your persona.For that I have got a new hairstyle from Loreal which is really complementing my face.

Acording to me style is when you have the right attitude and confidence.You should have such a personality that you can charm people easily.I always like to dress well.And most of the time I am appreciated for it.Everything which is new in the market it has to be owned by me.

GET ADDICTED, DON’T BECOME A SLAVE

The person who himself tries to go out of fashion himself becomes its slave , so I never go out of fashion says Anchit Thukral a student of Sardar Patel Post Graduate Institute of Dental & Medical Sciences while sharing his wardrobe secret with HT CITY.

So for the same purpose I have done a lot of shopping. I have got a new pair of jeans from Levis and 2 new shirts from UCB.

I have also got some accessories like a watch from Sossil and a belt from Shoppers Stop. I even got a new pair of shoes from Puma.

Also on the list is a perfume from Polo coz I believe that you should always smell good and can easily attract others attention. And yes the other bang on news a got new i-phone, Isn’t that awesome.

I also purchased a new pair of shades from Shoppers Stop which will protect my eyes from the sunlight. And most importantly I got a new hairstyle from Habibs, the spike look which is adding a lot more to my personality.

I feel anything which you feel is comfortable and can carry nicely make itself a fashion statement.

SHIFA-THE HEALING TOUCH

As part of the function marked to celebrate the arrival of Red Ribbon Express, Shifa the play on stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS was staged at the Sant Gadge Auditorium on Wednesday Evening.

The playwright and direction was given by Tripurari Sharma, music direction by Ravi Nagar, while the narration of the story was given by Jugal Kishore (Theatre Artist).

The theme of the play revolves around different people suffering from the stigma of being HIV+.All the instances shown in the story are taken from real life incidents. But by the end it also gives a message to fightback, a ray of hope.

Manorama who is an HIV+ person also came to witness the play. She said, “I always used to have a fear in mind that people connect an HIV+ person with one’s character. People from Varanasi HIV+ network helped me a lot to gain my strength back and fight this evil.

On the same occasion Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai a comic book produced by the children affected by HIV/AIDS brought out by Ummeed (Charitable Organization) run by Mrs.Usha Awasthi was also released.

Actors Harvinder, Manas, Gauri, Teekam Joshi and Gauri gained lot of appreciation for their performance.

Also present on the occasion were Adele Khudr(Unicef-State Director),Augustine Veliath(Communications Specialist-UNICEF),Shirin Abbas(RRE Media Support Provider),S.P.Goyal(UPSACS-Pd) and Kumudlata Srivastava.

Svelte Salve Returns

YOU HAVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The model, dancer and the actress famous for her roles in the movie Pyar mein Kabhi Kabhi and televisions shows like Lipstick, Kitty Party, Jhalak Dikhalaja-Seaon1 and Khatron Ke Khiladi Season-2 meet Shweta Salve in an exclusive interview with HT CITY who was in the city for the promotion of a brand.

Dressed in a white Anarkali suit her look reflected lot of Awadhi touch. While asking about the kind of transition she has faced in life, from a student to a model and then to an actress, Shweta says, “Well it’s wonderful, I agree that my growth has been slow and steady, but I am happy with it.”

It is said that an actor’s popularity is limited to his/her last appearance on Television, agreeing to this, she says “Yes It happens to a certain extent, but still it the actor who makes the difference for him/’’herself.”

Shweta also believes that a lot of sound sleep and spending lot of time with her dogs is what keeps her stress free.

When asking about her similarity to any of the roles which she has done in the past, Salve says, “Yes I was somehow to my role of Sunithi Verma in Lipstick, who was more of independent and always there for her family, which I believe are some of the qualities similar in us.”

Talking about Lucknow, she avers, “I have learnt Kathak from Lucknow Gharana when I was a kid, which I didn’t get to do completely, but yes inculcated a lot of grace in me, which I think is the most important thing for an actress.”

Asking about her participation in not so many shows in dance except Jhalak Dikhlaja, Shweta says, “Yes, I participated in only one show in dance, so that people could remember me, I don’t do more of television now-a-days, an doing more of live shows, as I believe face-to-face interaction works more effectively.”

Navratri Masti

Navratri- the festival of nine divine nights will start on Friday, the 8th of October and will continue for 9 days until Saturday, the 16th of October. Different people have different plans for this Navratri. Here are plans of some of the youngsters of Lucknow.

Fast and feast are an inevitable part of this festival. Anjali Tripathi, a management student asserts that she will keep her fast all the nine days and she has also learnt some new falahaari recipes for the same.

Rashi Prakash, a budding architect, shares that the mere mention of Navratri reminds her of variousfalahaari delicacies like sabutdana cutlets, kutu ke pakode, kutu ki poorie, lauki ki lauj and pepper-potato prepared by her mother. Since many restaurants like Classic Sweets, Ritz Continental, Moti Mahal also offer falahaari thals, she also plans to try them out.

There is a special reason to rejoice for all the young girls in Navratri due to the ritual of “Kanjak”.

 Ishita Agarwal, a 5^th class student chirps that she love the festival of Navratri due to the ritual of ‘Kanjak Devis’ which acts as a source of income for all young girls. “I spend the collected money on buying toy sword, bow and arrow, eatables and other items from Durga Puja mela in Aashiana colony.” She chips in.

There is also a tradition of playing ‘Dandiya’ during Navratri. “Dandiya night” or “Dandiya party” are gaining a lot of popularity among youngsters now a days.

Mohit Dixit, an aspiring actor, said enthusiastically that he has organized a ‘dandiya’ party at his own residence and invited all his friends and cousins for the same. He has also brought a special ‘dandiya’ outfit from Ahmedabad.

While Mohit is only concerned with masti associated with the festival, there are some who are devotional and are concerned about rituals.

Ayushi Singhal, a 2^nd year engineering student stated that she would sow barley seeds on the first day of this festival in a pot and water it for nine days at the end of which the seeds sprout. This pot is worshipped throughout the nine days. She said that this custom is known as ‘Khetri’ and is significant of prosperity and abundance.

Anchal Agarwal, a student of class XII believes that worshipping mother Goddess during these nine divine days is must. “I will visit the famous ‘Kali Ji’ temple of Chowk all the nine days” she declares.

Apart from fast, feast and ritual, Ramleela is also an important part of the Navaratri festival and is performed in many parts of the city. Fares are also organized at some places during Navratri, especially on the tenth day of navaratri festival.

Gauri Gupta, a high-school student stated that this year she has planned to watch Ram Leela, which is staged at Aishbagh Ram-Leela Ground every year.

She also loves to see the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnada and Kumbhkarna at the tenth day (Dussehra). “I will also visit the Aishbagh fare this year.” She announced excitedly.

Anubhuti Jain, a school teacher said that she will help her Aunt in putting a stall of handicraft items in Durga Puja mela in Aashiana Colony. “I also like to see the beautiful Durga pandal set over there and I will definitely watch and participate in the various cultural programs held over there.” She proclaims.

YOUNG AND FRESH

Young and fresh, the duo brothers belonging to two of the most respected families of the Banaras Gharana tradition of music, the brothers Rahul and Rohit Mishra, in a candid chat with HT CITY while their visit to Lucknow for a musical program.

The brothers displayed their flair for music at the early the age of 9 and 11 respectively, then too they think they are a bit late because their Guru PadmaBhushan Girija Devi started learning classical music at the early age of 5.

Many people of our age want to get instant popularity, but while learning classical music one needs a lot of patience, which we get to learn when they  opt for music and the Gharana of music with which we belong is more centric towards peace and patience, says Rahul.

Talking about the response of Lucknow’s audiences for classical music, Rohit says, “Lucknowites have a hatke, nawabi andaaz (different nawabi style) and rest we don’t want to make only Banaras or Lucknow proud of us but whole of our country.”

YOUNG AND FRESH

Young and fresh, the duo brothers belonging to two of the most respected families of the Banaras Gharana tradition of music, the brothers Rahul and Rohit Mishra, in a candid chat with HT CITY while their visit to Lucknow for a musical program.

The brothers displayed their flair for music at the early the age of 9 and 11 respectively, then too they think they are a bit late because their Guru PadmaBhushan Girija Devi started learning classical music at the early age of 5.

Many people of our age want to get instant popularity, but while learning classical music one needs a lot of patience, which we get to learn when they  opt for music and the Gharana of music with which we belong is more centric towards peace and patience, says Rahul.

Talking about the response of Lucknow’s audiences for classical music, Rohit says, “Lucknowites have a hatke, nawabi andaaz (different nawabi style) and rest we don’t want to make only Banaras or Lucknow proud of us but whole of our country.”

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

Soulful and expressive Ghazal singer Sakhawat Husain ‘Nishat’ was in the city to perform in an event. Here he gets a little chatty in an interview with HT CITY.

Nishat is the grandson of the first recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan of Rampur Seheswan gharana.

Asking if Ghazal songs are losing steam now-a-days? To which Nishat replies, “Taareekh apne aap Ko dauhrati hai (History repeats itself) and I am sure the era of Ghazal lovers will come back again.”

Ghazal is a form of singing which one listens in a relaxed and easy mood, but in today’s fast life nobody has the time to opt it as a career because it needs a lot of patience. This is the reason why there are fewer platforms for Ghazal singing, adds the singer.

Describing Lucknow as a culture city, Nishat says Lucknowites have an ear for Ghazal singing.Ghazal wahin suni jaati hai jahan nawabi basti hai(Ghazal is listened only where nawabi culture exists).

INNOVATION IS DOING NEW THINGS

“Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” Says Kumkum Dhar the famous Kathak dancer and lecturer also (Head of Department-Dance-Bhatkhande) in an interview with HT CITY.

Born in the family of an IAS in Nagpur, Kumkum used to love dancing since her childhood. She used to perform in marriages and parties, but then she was unaware of the work Kathak.

Kathak for me was accidental, due to my father’s transfers in various cities, and so was my arrival in Lucknow.At that point of time, my guruji Lachchu Maharaj was especially called from Mumbai to teach in Lucknow in Kathak Sansthan, says Kumkum.

She agrees that now-a-days people are opting more of western dance forms, but according to her people who also know classical dance forms, will stick only to it because it is stable.

She feels happy and proud to be the HOD of dance Bhatkhande.But she also agrees that when comes position also come responsibility along with that. And also we try to maintain the standards we have set.

Talking about Kathak as not a very glamorous field, Kumkum says, “It has no glamour as such, except the makeup we put in. It just needs hardwork.Also it needs a lot of experimentation and keeping the form intact, and that’s what I am still trying to do, she adds.”

MUSIC WAS BY CHANCE

It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all, says Ravi Nagar the famous theatre director famous for his music in the plays like Ek kisan ki kahani and the recently presented Shifa in an interview with HT CITY.

Our house is adjacent to Bhuiyan Devi Temple. As a child, I was fascinated by the music and dance recitals at the temple. Great masters like Shambhu Maharaj, Lachchu Maharaj, Gopi Krishna and Sitara Devi used to perform there during Holi.So, all these memories of my childhood attached me to music somehow.

Music came into my life just by a chance, ‘Tab yeh pata tha ki kuch karna hai, par yeh nahi maloom tha ki kya karna ha’. (At that time I was sure of one thing that I have to do something, but what to do, I didn’t know that) adds Nagar.

I am the only one in the field of music in my family. That too because my elder brother insisted me to learn music and finally got me admission in Bhatkhande, seeing my dedication towards music and I did my Visharad in music there.After which I went to Bombay to learn classical music from K.Mahavir of Jaipur Gharana, he says.

Nagar has scored music for the directors like Bhanu Bharti, RamGopal Bajaj, Tripurari Sharma, Jugal Kishore, Atamjit Singh, Urmil Kumar Thapliyal etc.

He is the recipient of Abhinav Kala Samman from the Madhya Pradesh Government for his score for ghazals written by Dushyan Kumar, he is also a serious reader of contemporary Hindi poetry. Some of his famous compositions include Nirala’s –Who Todti Pathar, Muktibodh’s-Main dekhta hoon Prithvi ke among a few others.

My journey up till now has been really beautiful, I got honor and recognition between the people who admire my creativity and that is what matters.

THEATRE IS MY PASSION

Innovation distinguishes clearly between a leader and a follower says Chitra Mohan, a well known stage director and actor of the city.

Chitra was born in Allahabad and did her graduation from there itself. After which she moved to Lucknow to pursue her post graduation from Lucknow University.

 Chitra Mohan did her diploma from BNA in 1985 and stood first in her batch. She did her internship at BNA and got appointed as Teacher in 'Classical and Modern Indian Drama' at BNA in 1986.

Reasoning her keen interest for theatres, she says, “It is my passion, because it is live interaction with your audience, there are no further retakes, or no rewind or fast forward like television.”

Chitra has acted in more than 40 plays and directed more than 50.Now she has become more choosey towards acting and has shifted her interest solely towards directing.

She has received National Youth award in 1994. She was also awarded as the Best Children's Director in the international children's festival held at Delhi.

Some of the popular classical plays directed by her include Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Urubhangam, Bhastrayi, Bhagwatajjukiyam, Court Marshall, Shanti Ras Barse, Khoobsurat Bala and Phir Sudhi Aayi Kabir Ki.

She has also raised a voice towards women empowerment with some of her plays like Hame Chahiye Pankh Salone and Ham Katputliyan Nahi Bijliyan Hai.

Soon she is going to design costumes for Darpan theatre festival next month.

HAVING A GOOD IDEA IS HAVING A LOT OF IDEAS

 

The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas says Sangam Bahuguna, the well known stage actor and director in an interview with HT CITY.

Born in Lucknow, Sangam used to perform in cultural activities and program during his college days. His brother used to score music for Sanket Theatre Group at that time. He used to take Sangam for the rehearsal sessions. This is where the journey of the actor started.

Currently, he runs a business of pesticides distributorship for solving his monetary needs. He is also qualified with a degree of MSW and LLB.Yeh Mera Junoon Hai Jo Mujhe Theatre Se Alag Nahi Hone Deta (It is my passion towards theatre, that it does not let me separate from it.)

The artist has acted in more than 80 plays and has directed more than 21 full length comedy dramas. The actor has contributed more than 35 years in the field of theatre.

The actor raises his strong point for ticketing issue for viewing the plays. So that it can help the amateur artists.

Some of his famous plays include Saiyan Bhaye Kotwal, Sab Gadbad Hai,Miss Aloowaliya and Dhong.All the plays he has directed are comedy ones. Because he believes that any message can be given easily through the means of comedy and laughter.

He has also acted in other regional languages like Ghadwali and Awadhi language except Hindi. The actor is the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Award in the year 2000 for acting.

Currently he is working as the General. Secretary of ManchKriti Theater Group and also the Joint Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Kalakar Association.

I SEE THINGS FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE

To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination says Urmil Kumar Thapliyal a veteran stage director of the city.

Thapliyal has been attached to the stage since 1964 when he migrated to Lucknow after the completion of his studies in Dehradun. .This is what made Thapliyal’s connection with Lucknow

Reasoning behind the theater to be still alive Thapliyal says, “The best part in theater is its live experience, it has no pauses and so is life, we believe in existence and theatre is set on beliefs.”

Justifying himself as a creative person, he says, “My creativity is my personality because a creative person looks at things with their own different perspective. In my words this is difference of interpretation of roles. What may be creative in my eyes, not necessarily would be creative in others view as such, he adds.”

Some of his famous works have been Harish Chander Ki Ladai, Shaheedon Ne Lau Jagai Jo, Prahalad and a few others.

Being the chief news reader in AIR for years, Thapliyal was always inclined towards his interest in theatres.

The director is a fond reader of contemporary literature. Right now, he is working for regional as well as dialectical theatres.The director currently writes weekly columns in daily newspapers like Samay Jharokha in Rashtriya Sahara, Saptaah Ki Nautanki in Hindustan and Nakkarkhana in Hindustan’s Friday Delhi Edition.

I EMPHASISE ON DRAMA THAN COMMERCIALISM

He is an actor, writer and director too, meet the versatile Makrand Deshpande who was in the city to promote his upcoming directorial movieShahrukh Bola Khoobsurat Hai Tu in an interview with HT CITY.

He has been seen in supporting various roles in films like Jungle, Sarfarosh, Swades, Makdee, Darna Zaroori Hai etc.

Speaking about the storyline of his new movie Makrand says, “The movie is no fantasy, because I want my viewers to see things which happen in real life and more importantly I’ve emphasized more on the dramatics than commercialism.”

Besides film, the actor has a great bend for theatres.He has directed over 19 full length plays and 12 short plays. Currently he is also busy with three new plays on the row, namely, Poha Gone Wrong, Ms. Beautiful and Joke.

Talking to HT CITY about his friendship with Shahrukh, he says, “We started our journey’s together in the sets of Circus, and later on we met again after years on the sets of Swades, this is what you call circle of life, when you meet the same people you worked with, this is the reason why he’ll always be special to me.”

His upcoming movie is called Dream man, where Kay Kay Menon is playing the role of dream man.

Describing Lucknow as a culture city, Deshpande avers, “Lucknow is a blend of art and culture and I can see the love the Lucknowites have for art and culture.”                

The actor has directed more than 5 films in Hindi and Marathi and his upcoming movie Shahrukh Bola Khoobsurat hai Tu is set to release on Nov, 19 2010 which will face competition from Guzaarish.

 GOOD WORK AUTOMATICALLY GAINS APPRECIATION

He believes that his entry into the field of theatres was a true
accident and merely a chance, meet Arun Trivedi, the multi talented
actor, director and stage craft designer in an interview with HT CITY.

Born on May 7th 1960, Arun did his graduation and post graduation from
the university of Lucknow, after which he did his diploma in dramatic
arts with specialization in stage craft and designing from Bhartendu
Academy of Dramatic Arts. He is a theatre person who has carved out a
niche for himself in the world of theatre.

Coming in theatres was a chance of heredity somehow because my father
used to love art and music. But in the course of my career I’ve always
opted for doing novel and unique things and always tried to find a
different angle and design for the stage.

The artist has acted ands directed in more than 20 plays, but still
his focus has always been on stage craft and light designing. Some of
his works include Marij Samvad, The first and the last, Scandal, Pagla
Ghoda and Aakhir Kab Tak.

He believes that internet and television do not pose any danger to
theatres instead it helps each other. According to him all these
mediums are interlinked with each other. And if our work is worth and
presentable it will automatically gain appreciation.

Arun has more than 29 years of experience in the field of
theatres.Currently he is teaching as a lecturer in stage craft in
Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts. He will soon be coordinating the
stage craft designing in Darpan’s theatre festival.

MEETHA KHAO, MEETHA BOLO

Born in a small district of Bulavathi in Bulandshehar, this actor has been really simple throughout his life, meet Jitendra Mittal in an interview with HT CITY.

He believes that theatre is the tool through which you can make lot of changes in the society.

When asked about whom he follows as an idol, Mittal says, “I don’t like to idolize or follow anyone but yes I had a great impression of person in my life, that is Raj Bisaria, being with him made my thinking broad, and that’s where I thank him.”

Jitendra loves to eat home made Makke Ki Roti and Sarso Ka Saag and loves to eat sweets too. He even has an ideology for this Meetha Khao, Meetha Bolo.

Mittal has written, directed and acted in more than 80 plays. Some of it includes the very famous Ssshh Century Buddha, Behtar Hai Maut, Hamara Koi Naam Nahi and Ek Bayaan.

I don’t go watch movies as such, but yes I like to watch some of the old films which may include Pakeejah, Umrao Jaan and Sholay.

Talking about his family’s support in his busy schedule while working for theatre, he replies, “My family has always known that theatre is of primary importance to me, and they have always cooperated with me through thick and thin.”

The artist has also played a role in Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Who Manzil To Nahi where he has played the role of the young Habib Tanveer.

Currently Mittal is working on the scripting of his next play called Namunkin Nahi which will be presented to the public within the next six months.

EVERY PERSON IS UNIQUE

I believe that every person has uniqueness, something that nobody else has because what might special in me not necessarily be special in the other person, says Punit Asthana, the veteran stage director in an interview with HT CITY.

Punit is a person with a belief in simple thinking and living, he even says Jyada Ki Nahi Zarurat Hamko, Thode Mein Guzara Ho Raha Hai.

Though Asthana was born in Dehradun, but he shifted to Lucknow in his early childhood because of his father’s health, where he completed his M.A in Ancient Indian History. He was the First Batch student of Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Punit has also worked in Shyam Benegal’s movie Junoon.Puneet has always dreamt of working in movies but because of his family’s circumstances and his responsibilities being the only son in the family he couldn’t fulfill his dream of becoming one.

Asthana is a fond lover of movies related to one’s day to day life, including Baghban, Anand and Khoobsurat which are all related to the problems of the common man.

He believes that her granddaughter Pavni is her ultimate stress buster, whenever I see her face a smile comes on to my face, he adds.

Talking about his father’s support in his initial stage in theatres, Punit says, “My father has been really supportive to me, because at that time nobody opted for theaters as a career.But, he allowed me to do so because he had a very broad thinking to see different perspectives.”

Asthana says he is a real good cook and can cook various types of dishes including Chinese, South Indian and Indian.

The artist has acted and directed in more than 150 plays. Some of which includes Sandhya Chaya, Antygony, Akela Jeev Sadashiv and Agni Aur Barkha.

He is the recipient of awards like Akansha Kala Ratna Samman, Rangyatra Samman, Brij Natya Samman, ManchKriti Samman, Bhartendu Natya Akadami Rajat Jayanti Samman and U.P.Sangeet Natak Akadami Samman.

He has been a lecturer, visiting faculty and even the director with Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts. Currently he is working with P.W.D as the senior assistant.

THEATRE IS REWARDING

The money is better in films and television. But in terms of acting, theatre is more rewarding, meet Krishna Bahadur Chandra, the well known stage director.

Born in Allahabad in 1930 Chandra was attached to theatres since his childhood. Because his father and grandfather all were linked with theatre, this is why his interest towards theatre grew more and more.

Chandra has not taken any formal training in the field of theatres.He believes that his father was his ultimate Guru who guided him the various skills of the stage.

Commenting on the overnight success received in today’s reality shows, Chandra says, “
I believe that is a dead art, such people are not stars in my eyes. What they do is not challenging, they have takes and retakes many times which we don’t do.”

To pass his free time Chandra goes to watch plays and read drama related books. The director is amongst the founder members of theatre groups like ManchKriti and Sanket.

The actor also had his expertise in film direction. He has assisted director Kedar Sharma for movies like Shokhiyan, Sapna and Nadaan.

The director who has more than 66 years of experience in theatres has done some very famous plays like Maati Jaagi Re,Vijayyatra,Andhera Ujala,Shak,,Hamidabai Ki Khothi and Daiyre which has had more than 2500 shows.

He is a big fan of the legendary actors Prithvi Raj Kapoor and Motilal and Baanware Nain his favorite movie.

Talking about his unfulfilled aspiration, “ Chandra says I was doing a play Ek Masiha Ki Maut, which was more techno-based, and was very unsuccessful because of power grid failure and which he couldn’t repeat too because the play had only one actor J.N.Chopra, who expired after some time.”

Commenting on the development of the city, Chandra says, “Lucknow could have been developed a little more if efforts would have been taken up in that way, even the tourism could have reached up to skies” he adds.

He is the recipient of awards like Shakuntalam Samman, Maharashta State Award and Sangeet Natak Academy Award.

THEATER IS ENDLESSLY FACINATING

The theater is so endlessly fascinating because it's so accidental.It's so much like life with various twists and turns in between says theatre actor and director SuryaMohan Kulshreshtha in an interview with HT CITY.

When asked to describe himself he says, I am trying to know what I am, I am incompetent in everything except theatres.

He is the first batch pass out from Bhartendu academy of Dramatic arts in Direction.Suryamohan loves to hear Sufi music a lot.Abida Parveen and Pathan-E-Khan are some of his favorite singers.

When asked about how he came into theatres, he says, “As children my and my other siblings used to dress up like the Gods in Janmashtami, and used to dramatize accordingly then we didn’t know what a play was. At that time it was an activity of fun, but somehow it inculcated the art of acting and direction in me.”

If a given what would he change in himself, to which he replies, I want to go back at the age of 20 and start things all over again.

The director is the fond reader of serious Hindi literature, drama related books and literary novels and works of Amritlal Nagar, Shrilal Shukl and Premchand.

He says he has no other passion except theatres because it includes everything whether its literature, painting, music, philosophy, psychology etc.Everything I do is related to theatres somehow.

SuryaMohan has directed more than 100 plays which include some of the very famous King Oedipus, Andha Yug, Ramleela, Dulaari bai, Ghost etc.He has experimented his work in languages like Sanskrit and Finis which is the language of Finland except Hindi.

He has staged his work in countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, United Stated of America, Canada and Pakistan.

He is has a great liking for lot of Iranian Cinema these days. He has a deep impression of some of the people including Habib Tanveer, Raj Bisaria and B.V.Karant.

The director has worked in films like Bhagvad Geeta and By Pass. He has also been a Production Controller and even did assistant direction in Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Woh Manzil to Nahi.

He is the recipient of awards like Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Honorary Diploma in Norway and Best Costume Designing Award in the International Festival in United States of America.

MY ACHIEVEMENTS ARE MY SUPPORT

My achievements are my moral support and the recognition I received
from the right kind of people is my strength says famous stage actor,
writer and director Lalit Singh Pokharia in an interview with HT CITY.

Born in the small city of Askot in Uttarakhand, Pokharia believes that
he inherited this art for theatres from his father because he has
contributed a lot for the expression oriented dramas in Kumaon.But
Lalit made theatres his passion at a very later stage.

He feels that meeting with Raj Bisaria was the turning point of his
life, because he showed him the way to think in broader perspectives.

The director loves to hear classical music. Whether its Pt.Jasraj’s
singing, Bismillah Khan’s Shehnaai or Ravi Shankar’s Sitar.

As a theatre artist he rates himself on no three in the rating of ten.
If not a theatre artist I could have been a doctor or a novelist, he
adds.

He has written more than 60 plays and directed more than 100.He has
acted in 400 shows of over 60 plays directed by Raj Bisaria, Bhanu
Bharti and B.M.Shah.

If given a chance if he wanted to find a measure to meet the
sacrifices made by his wife during the course of his work.

He believes that Swami Vivekanand is his source of inspiration. He
adds that is the reason why there is a social message and human value
behind every play of mine.

He has made very famous plays like Khatar Patar Ki Tappar, Pret
Shishu, Uttarayani, Ek Ghanta Sattais Minute and Chalo Kahin Aur
Chale.

In five words he states himself as someone very unsatisfactory,
restless, careless, have lots of weaknesses and unsuccessful in
following the principles and ideals.

He has been honored Senior Fellowship by Human Resource Development
Ministry, Govt.of India. He has scored some reputed awards like Mayur
Pankh Kala Nidhi Award, Bhartendu Natya Academy Rajat Jayanti Award,
Uttarayani Samman, Josh Samman, Acharya Narendra Dev Alankar-2010 etc.

At present he is founder-director and President of ‘Nisarg’ Srijan
Sansthan, Lucknow.Freelance theatre Teacher, Writer, director and
Actor.

NO SHORTCUTS FOR ME

My aim in life has been earning respect and recognition through efforts and not shortcuts says veteran stage director and script writer Vilayat Jafri in an interview with HT CITY.

Jafri was the one who started with landscape theaters a.k.a.light and sound program in the city in the early 70’s.

He is a person who never ran for commercial success, because for him critical acclaim is what matters more.

As I was born in Raebareli, my grandfather was the founder of Ramleela there. I used to play the character of Hanuman in my childhood, and this is where my journey for theater started.

Since his childhood he had a deep liking towards literature. The first book written by him was published when he was in 8^th standard, and its first edition was sold within the first six months.

Commenting on today’s Indian television serials, Jafri says, “They don’t portray what India is all about, the more they stretch the number of episodes the baseline and the concept gets vanished.”

Vilayat is very fond of home made Dal Chawal and Chutney. He loves to hear classical music and Ghulam Ali is his favorite singer.

His aim while scripting a copy for a play remains uniform because he tries to project emotional integration and unity in them. Some of his famous plays have been Ek Zama Do, Zehar Kaun Piye and Shatranj Ke Mohare in which he did his direction.

He believes that meeting with Habib Tanveer is what gave a new turn to his life.

Except scripting for plays he had also written script for television serials which includes Neem Ka Ped and Sher Shah Suri.

The writer is the recipient of Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Literary Award, Acharya Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi Award and has also been nominated for the Padamshree.

He shares a small advice for the upcoming theater artists, “Don’t go for shortcuts and try to use your full potential in whatever you do.”

I LIKE TO LIVE FOR OTHERS

I dream of making my living repertory for my theater group where we stay, eat and rehearse says Mridula Bharadwaj, veteran stage actor in an interview with HT CITY.

Since her childhood Mridula had an interest for learning dance. She learnt Bharatnatyam dance from Bhatkhande and did her Visharad in dance from the first batch there. Dance was her only aim at that time. Her arrival into theaters was a true accident, when she was asked to a role in a play called Apne Apne Rakshas and that is the point which she believes changed her life.

Besides, my family was a literature and culture oriented family that is another reason that I had lot of interest in music and arts.

Mridula believes that she is more efficient as theater artist rather than a person because, for an instance she can compromise in her personal life, but can not do the same for theaters, because her commitment towards theater is very strong.

One thing she wants to change in herself is her temper because she is very much short-tempered which according is not right for anyone.

Besides doing theater, Mridula is a lot into social work, and also works for women rights. She loves to live for others, she says.

She has acted in more than 100 plays and has also done costume designing for around 40 plays. Some of her famous work includes Aashad Ka Ek Din, DulaariBai, Vasansi Jirdani, Begum Aur Baaghi, Macbeth etc.

She also worked internationally in countries like Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Canada and Pakistan.

Mridula thinks the only contribution of celebrity artists in theaters is that they increase the number of audience.

Bharadwaj has also had a role in the film Kafan and had also done a television serial called Teen Varsh with Shekhar Suman.But she didn’t wanted to make it her full fledged career because she thinks that films and television can only give you money and glamour but the real satisfaction comes when you work in theaters, she adds.

Mridula loves to cook food, she can cook varieties in Chinese, Italian and Indian foods.Mridula is fond of listening to old melody songs. Currently she is working as the Secretary of Nepa Theater group.

THEATER KEEPS ME STRESS FREE

Theater and Literature are the things through which I keep myself stress free, says famous stage actor and director Raja Awasthi in an interview with HT CITY.

Since my childhood I had a deep interest in literature and language, which I learned thoroughly and was of great help to me at later stage.

Talking on the term innovation, Raja says, “A similar script done by four different directors will be different and so will be their interpretation.Even I try to experiment with my work sometimes, and bring out something which can be called new.

Recalling one of his memorable moment in theaters, Awasthi says, “Was doing a play in which I wore broad moustaches, and by mistake it slipped and got into my throat and we had to give an unexpected ending to the play.”

The actor has acted in some famous plays like Kafan, Charandas Chor, Khadiya Ka Ghera, Saiyan Bhaye Kotwal and Dangaa.He has also participated in the world Drama festival in Norway.

He believes that theater gives healthy entertainment to society and also provides creative thinking and vision.

Besides theaters the actor has played roles as well as been the language coach in movies like Lagaan, Swades, Khoon Baha Ganga Mein, Yatharth and Chand Ke Paar Chalo.

Talking about the benefits with today’s reality shows, he says, People are getting direct platforms, to participate and show their skills, through which they can move ahead in life, this is a true benefit for them.

The actor loves to eat vegetarian Indian food. He has done plays in Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit and Awadhi languages.

He is the recipient of awards like Kadambari Award, Manchkriti Award, DrishyaBharti Award and also the best director in All India Railways. He has worked in the RDSO as a Senior Section Engineer.

PROPER INGREDIENTS ARE REQUIRED

Theater is like a dish, where director plays the role of the chef and all that he require is proper ingredients to make a perfect one says expert stage actor and director Bimal Banerjee in an interview with HT CITY.

Born in the year 1941, in the Sitarampur city of West Bengal Bimal always wanted to be a vocal singer, because all her sisters and brothers were into the field of music. But they did not praise him much and then he thought of doing something different.

Reasoning behind the limited vision of our theater today, Banerjee says, “We are responsible for it, we don not have any tuning with our audience because now-a-days what we prepare is unprepared work and most importantly we need discipline and devotion and have to forget individuality and work in a team.”

The actor/director has worked for all kinds of scripts. But his personal favorite is humor based. He has acted in more than 100 plays and directed around 30 plays in Bengali and Hindi. He has also done more than 2300 radio plays for AIR (All India Radio.)

The actor loves to do fishing and kite flying in his free time. He loves to eat sour things. Recalling his childhood days, Banerjee says, “I remember I used to go to zoo and eat tamarind which I used to pick from the trees.”

Some of his famous plays include Avem Inderjit, Andha Yug, Aadhe Adhure, Aashad ka Ek Din and Hostel. He has also directed some serials like Shehar Chala Kasbe Ko and Saath Rang Sharad Ke Sang.

B.V.Karant, Vijay Tendulkar and Balraj Pandit are some of the people whom he loves to follow as his role model.

Talking about the commercialism in bollywood today, he says, that is a different field altogether and they work only for money. They don’t think what is good or bad for society they just think about filling their pockets” he adds.

THEATER NEEDS STRUGGLE AND PATIENCE

THEATER NEEDS STRUGGLE AND PATIENCE

For me direction is easier because if you have the right vision and co-ordination with your team, then work becomes a task of enjoyment says renowned stage actor and director Atamjit Singh in an interview with HT CITY.

The director who was born in Punjab, says I did a play for the first time when I was in college and we were doing Ram Leela.There was lack of girls at that time, because girls then did not participated in such activities. Being a Sikh I used to have long hair and thus I got the role of Seeta.

He said the status of theater is not only poor in Lucknow but the whole India as well. Because theater needs a lot of struggle and patience, which our youngsters don’t have and they want overnight success.

Besides doing theaters the artist has also been doing street plays for more than 20 years. Some of his famous street plays include Samrat Koi Nahi Desh Gosain, Paradheen Sapnehu Sukh Nahi and Aurat.

He defines himself as someone very fearful and unstable. Main Koi Kaam Tik Ke Nahi Kar Sakta (I can’t relax and do a task).

The actor dreams of establishing a community theater in every street and neighbourhood.He has acted in more than 80 plays and directed around 70.

He has even worked in movies like Amma, Chintoo Ji and Yatharth.He couldn’t make his career in films because he had to solve the monetary problems of the family.

The artist is a lover folk music, especially Punjabi. He is a hard core non-vegetarian and loves to eat and serve whatever he prepares.

Singh has also experimented a lot in the musical theater as well. Currently he is associated with Natya Kala Manch (Theater Group).He is soon going to do a play called Nayi Subah in Allahabad.

EVERYTHING REQUIRES TEAMWORK

EVERYTHING REQUIRES TEAMWORK

The best part in the drama is that you can’t do anything alone, everything you do requires teamwork and also nourishes the personality traits of an individual as well says Gopal Sinha veteran stage actor in an interview with HT CITY.

Sinha is the student of IIT-Roorkee.Reasoning behind his start into theaters, Sinha avers, “At IIT there we have to choose any art as a part of hobby, and I joined in the drama club, and we did many things at different level. I started getting recognized and that is the reason why my interest grew more into theaters.”

The actor has done more than 60 plays, some of which includes Arey Sharif Loag, Suraj Kahan Se Ugta Hai, Andher Yatra and a few others. Besides being an actor he has also done light designing for more than 100 plays.

The actor is a fond of reading novels. But there is no niche section; he reads whatever is in trend, but he is sure of one thing that he can’t live without reading.

He further adds, theater also helps manage your stress and psychological problems because he believes that any fine art eases your tension and if you do a task of creativity you will automatically gain that sense of satisfaction.

His family has been of great support to him. He believes that he exists in the stage just because of your family. But that does not mean that I have compromised on my personal or either my professional life.

The actor loves to travel a lot, and visit different places. He loves to eat home made Dal Roti, but rice is the compulsion in his every meal, he just can’t live without it, be it in any form.

The actor doesn’t idolize anyone but loves to opt the best traits from everyone. The actor is currently involved with ManchKriti Theater Group and is also the Chief Engineer with State Power Corporation.

GLAZED KITE STRINGS RISKING FEW MORE LIVES

 Glazed kite strings risking few more lives

Kites have been the means of one’s entertainment.But have you ever
heard a person gettng hurt with a kite’ s  strings.Hindustan Times
Caught up with such incidents happening in the city as well.

One such incident happened when Divya Khanna student of BBd College
was going to watch a movie with her friends in Fun Republic
Cinema,when suddenly a glazed kite string came and slashed her nose.

Hussain Ganj,Latouche Road,Chowk,Jiamau,Gomti River area and
Aurangabad are some of the major kite flying areas.

Similar incident happened when Chetna Dhuper resident of Alambagh was
driving near Purana Qila ,Cantt area when a kite string came and
scratched her neck,and also spread infection, the marks are still
visible, she adds.

The most harmful maanjas used these days are Kai ard Raatai manjaa
which are harmful for the skin that’s why kite flyers wear tapes or
bandages around their fingers.

Another  victim of this dreadful act is Varun who was driving through
Gomti Nagar when a kite string came and slashed his finger and
scratched his chest, he got more than 8 stitches on his finger.

Some of the major places of the kite and Manjaa selling business
includeHussain Ganj,Alambagh,Latouche Road and Chowk mandi –Akbari
gate.

Kite flying should be banned in the city.There are some other places
like Chennai where kite flying has been banned.Because such activities
like kite flying are done for entertainment and not harming others.