Avenue T Volume 2 Issue 19

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, September 20, 2014 | Volume 2, Issue 19

Foot loose

and fancy free

Contents

AvenueT inside...

5

Editor’s note

A family affair

Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Subtle sensations

Executive Editor

8

Shahriar Karim

Managing Editor

Jahangir Hyder

Magazine Editor

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

15 18

Asst Magazine Editor

Mahmood Hossain

Avenue T team

Khan N Moushumi N Anita Amreen Sabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum Sabiha Akond Rupa

Shwapno’s festive fashion

Discovering Spain

Contributors

Agony Aunt Tahsin Momin Adila Hoque Dina Sobhan Karthika Naïr

Photography

Sabiha Akond Rupa

Graphics

Alamgir Hossain Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialist

2 Tuned Feisty Flamenco 3 Try out Pumped up flats 4 Tech Mobile wars 5 Tires The pocket rocket 7 Tell Suffocated spouse 8 Ticket Sahar’s collection 9 Take Care Truth about shoes 10 TrIAL Room A diary of dance

12 Trending Colour me bright 13 Tailored A sleeve situation 14 TEmpt Double duty 15 Ticket Dreamy duds 16 TRAVELOGUE A Spanish story 18 Tantalise For the love of pizza 19 NEWS New sensation at Radisson Blu

Dear Reader, With the political situation heating up again, finding an escape from the everyday reality of Dhaka life becomes a little more necessary.

This week, we find ours in dance.

We start with a little Spanish flavour with the fire of Flamenco in Tuned. To help you put some pep into your dancing shoes, we have a shoe therapy tutorial in Try Out. In a very special edition of the Trial Room, we trace the journey of dance maestro Akram Khan’s new homecoming solo.

Taking centre stage in Trending, we have pret-a-porter looks inspired by the world of ballet.

As we look ahead to the festival season, we also have for you a double dose of Ticket, with some of the season’s most fashionable offerings.

And if all that isn’t escape enough, we’ll take you to Spain, in our Travelogue, and then Italy, with the tempting new reviews from Tantalise.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful week Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Magazine Editor, Avenue T

Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

Production

Masum Billah

Advertising

Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation

Masud Kabir Pavel

Contact us

avenuet@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com

10

Threading memories with Akram Khan

This week Float away in this beautiful lemon chiffon affair by Sahar Rahman. Flip to page 8 for more of her elegant, ethereal offerings.

Model: Tazkira Sattar Photo: Zia Uddin Wardrobe: Sahar Rahman Shoot coordinator: N Anita Amreen & Sabiha Akond Rupa

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2 | Tuned celeb buzz

The flavour of Flamenco | Tausif Sanzum

September 18-27

Having lost guitar maestro Paco de Lucia this year, it is a good moment to recall what flamenco means to Spaniards. Flamenco is not only a form of Spanish folk music and dance from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain, but a way of life and an element of deep cultural identity for many. It includes cante (singing), toque (guitar playing), baile (dance) and palmas (handclaps) and is often associated with the gypsy people of Spain. A number of famous flamenco artists are of this ethnicity.

In recent years flamenco has become popular all over the world and is taught in many countries. In Japan there are more flamenco academies than Spain. In 2010 UNESCO declared flamenco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Sabor de España – Taste of Spain Venue: The Westin Dhaka

September 20-22

Workshop on Explore Kurosawa Venue: Bangladesh National Museum

A lively tête-à-tête with the Spanish cultural group performing at the Spanish Food Festival of The Westin Dhaka: Can you tell us a little about your group and the performers?

The group is composed of two guitarists, a cantaora (singer) and a flamenco dancer. We are regular in the flamenco scenario in Spain.

Can you tell us about your programme this year? What have you got planned?

We are going to show the different sides to flamenco music through the guitar, vocals and dance.

Flamenco is a very spontaneous genre and it has a great deal of improvisation, which is also what makes it attractive.

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Did you get the chance to see any Bangladeshi dance forms?

No, we didn’t but it would be great to see them this time! Any invites?

Do you have any interesting experience which you would like to share from your last visit to Dhaka?

We met some very nice people.

However, it was during our visit to the Old Town of Dhaka that we

came across a palace and saw the bazaar and felt the real atmosphere of the city.

Is this a hard dance to learn?

Is there an “ideal” age to start learning?

Yes, it is and you need a lot of dedication and perseverance. The ideal age to start is when you are a child.

Try Out |

3

diy

Custom-made pair Sick and tired of the same old ballet flats you see all your friends wearing? Well, here’s a little something to light the green in their eyes

| Adila Hoque Ballet flats, even though they are pretty popular with the women in our country, are still not available in a wide range of designs and colours in the local stores. Follow these simple tricks to reuse your old ballet pumps and make them look nice and perfect.

You’ll need • • • • • •

Scissors Needle and thread Lace A pair of soft ballet flats Pearls Pencil

Directions 1. Cut a wide length of the fabric to wrap all over the top of your pumps 2. Make sure you fill the shoes with paper balls to maintain an even shape 3. Run a row of rough, small stitches for the fabric to wrap all around the shoe 4. Pin the lace on shoes starting centre back 5. Sew the edges properly 6. Trim down the fabric at the front and the back to favoured shape 7. Embellish with pearls if you want. We’d strongly recommend against it, though

Other than using lace, you can also use a satin ribbon, fold it into a bow and stick it to one frontal side of your ballet pump.

If bows are not your thing, and you want something a little funkier, apply a swirly line of hot glue to write the initials of your name and embellish with glitters. If you do not have a steady hand, use a pencil.

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4 | Tech troubleshooting | Mahmood Hossain

The more power, the more battery drains

gadgets

Big guns at the big show The mobile device giants go head to head yet again

| Mahmood Hossain In a way, it’s sad we’ve become so reliant on our smartphones.

Day-to-day use is a must, while the long hours stretch on. The worst of it, of course, is the battery life. We’re always fretting over if our smartphone can last a certain amount of time, unnecessarily having to carry our chargers around with us. No matter what phone you use, there are ways to save that battery for a little extra time. We’ve visited this issue before, but this one is for the phones with the upgraded specs and software.

Right before the beginning of autumn, the titans of the tech world release an onslaught of gadgets for the masses. This year is no different. While there hasn’t been a drastic turn in tech this time around, the future looks bright for each of the companies.

Here is what you can expect to be fiddling around with in the near future.

Apple

Display

Most people completely overlook this little bit. Your brightness level does not need to be at the highest setting or even half way. Phones have bigger, brighter screens now.

While it’s beautiful to look at, it takes a good chunk of your battery.

Unfortunately, batter technology hasn’t improved by any leaps and bounds over the past few years so we have to result in toning the brightness down on our displays.

Service

Turn your Wi-Fi on whenever possible. You may have your 3G data on but remember to use the right amount of it. 3G is faster, yes. But your phone is always searching for the best signal. This can drain the battery as well. Constantly searching for good service is more harmful than using Wi-Fi. When you’re not using the Internet on your device, turn your phone into Airplane mode. The same goes for your GPS and location based services.

Features

GPS, Bluetooth, NFC are all great features in a phone. Again, these can be turned off for better battery life. This is why new phones give you the option of putting those easy access buttons on your settings tray. Swiping the tray from the top down will provide you the option of turning on and off each of those features without having to go through your settings menu.

Share your troubleshooting problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

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Samsung The Korean brand took most by surprise with their new mobile device the Galaxy Edge. You can see for yourself why it has been an attention grabber. It’s a design many would have never expected, especially coming from a company like Samsung. From the native UI to the physical attributes, their designs haven’t been all that great. But they look to change things around with the new Edge and finally slapping on metal to their new Note 4 - a refined Note 3.

They are going all out, partnering up with Swarovski for the more fashionable fans. Not to mention their partnership with Oculus (3D device) as well. In other words, Samsung is throwing around money like an Arab prince competing in a thoroughbred competition.

Rest of the pack The release of the new iPhone 6 was possibly the most awaited gadget arrival of the year. The haters and fanboys alike have waited with much anticipation.

No secrets here, most of you are quite aware of their two versions, the iPhone 6 (4.7inch) and the iPhone 6 Plus (5.2-inch). Although the new Apple Watch (not the iWatch, surprisingly), took a bit of the attention away from the star of the show. Apple has taken the smartwatch market by surprise, leaving all the rest looking like toys. From different models to personalisation options, it seems they have reinvented the purpose of a wristwatch. While the Apple Watch don’t ship until early 2015, we can still focus on the performances of their flagship.

How it compares to the rest, we’ll get into later.

Heavy hitters like Sony and the trailing Nokia keep on swinging. Sony’s new flagship the Z3 carries on the tradition of beautiful design and better entertainment. There have been minor adjustments to their design but with significant new details.

Their focus this time around is on using the new Xperia for up to two days on a single charge. It is a battery life Sony fans have been wanting since the introduction of the original Z. The Lumia line continues to battle the best in the mid-range to premium stages with their main focus on the camera abilities. The new 830 is nearly identical to the 930 without the power inside. The intentions are to bring the premium specs of the elder siblings to a more affordable range.

More details will be released in the coming weeks, but until then we can pit the best with the best to see who comes up top. Keep your eye on this page for next week’s comparison of the new breed of smartphones.

Tires | wheels

5

Road rage

2013 Suzuki APV

No room for “foot” on those “paths”

Suzuki’s pocket-sized family offering that is as light on its feet as it is on the hip pocket

| Tausif Sanzum

| Tahsin Momin As the humble van grows increasingly more complicated and well equipped, it is good to know that at least one option exists that’ll do the job without breaking the bank. And that option is Suzuki’s APV; a no-frills family vehicle, featuring simple mechanicals, voluminous load capacity and a barebones interior, all intended to get the job done without a fuss.

Exterior

On the outside, the APV’s styling cues feature round and square forms that are balanced to produce a stylish yet functional outline that looks good in any setting. Primary design elements include a reassuring bonnet, an extended silhouette, and rear swing doors. A thick bumper and flared fenders highlight the road-handling ability of the APV. And due to its compact body, driving and parking in the hustle and bustle of the city can be done with ease. The APV is offered with only two colour choices, blue and maroon, which is why it stands out in the sea of bland colours, making it unique in its own rights.

Interior

The interior is a classic example of barebones basic. It greets both the driver and the passenger with sufficient room and excellent visibility, but very little elsewhere.

The non-adjustable steering wheel and thinly padded fabric seats make finding the right driving position quite difficult. While the combination of an intrusive wheel well and lack of driver’s side grab handle makes clambering a touch gymnastic. There is a massive flaw in the internal layout; drivers on a bit shorter side will find their shin striking the dashboard every time they release the clutch. But its eight person seating layout makes up for all its drawbacks.

Performance

The APV’s 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine pumps out 98HP and 107lb-ft of torque. Although it is adequate for city driving, it is definitely not enough when it comes to driving on a highway on full capacity. All that power is accompanied by a five-speed manual transmission that delivers the power to the rear wheels via a limited slipdifferential. However, Suzuki was a bit generous while fitting the brakes and suspension. It features ventilated disk

brakes and MacPherson strut and coil spring suspension, which definitely add to the driving aesthetics.

Available at : Uttara Motors Ltd. 102, Shahid Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1208, Phone: 8143372, 8144328, 8143713

Safety

The safety features on this minivan are limited to dual front air-bags and seatbelts for the front and backseat passengers. It comes with a completely reinforced body that is capable of withstanding major front and side impacts, giving the APV a NCAP safety rating of four-stars.

Despite its shortcomings, the Suzuki APV has its place in the rapidly increasing family vehicle segment. It is cheaper than all of its rivals; a reliable workhorse ideally suited to the inner-urban arena.

The APV is an easy-to-drive package that manages much from its scanty mechanicals.

AUTO CORRECT

How do I know if the fuel pump is going bad?

There are several warning signs that the fuel pump may go bad before it actually does. If you’ve noticed some of the following symptoms, it’s a good time to pay a visit to your mechanic and ensure everything is in good working order before something eventually goes wrong.

• You can’t hear your fuel pump engaging while starting the vehicle.

Fuel pumps generally make a whirring sound when they start.

• The engine shuts down whenever

the vehicle is putting out more effort, this can be a sign that the fuel pump can’t keep up with the need for additional gasoline.

• Your vehicle is accelerating at a slower rate than normal or that your speed drops occasionally while accelerating.

• The vehicle won’t start.

• Your vehicle sputters on the road.

This can occur if the fuel pump is not providing fuel at a consistent rate.

Most dictionaries describe the term ‘footpath’ as a piece of land intended to be used only by pedestrians and not any form of vehicle, a meaning completely lost in the Bangladeshi context.

A major portion of footpaths are taken over by hawkers selling everything ranging from hairpins, vegetables, newspapers, fish, popcorn to the most random things.

If you happen to walk on the roads of Mohammadpur and other areas, you may have come across people sitting on the roads and selling animal bones and such which are supposedly going to help you increase your perfomance in the bedroom. These are quite popular and attract large crowds surrounding the seller, making it impossible for anyone to walk on the footpath.

We all love our burgers from Hot Box, Munchies, Mad Chef and the other foot carts which have recently mushroomed on the roads of Dhaka. But while you munch away your burger sitting on the stools these food carts spread over on the footpath, you are indirectly blocking a path which is meant for a different purpose altogether.

You may find your way to cope with all these problems but how can one live with the fact that rickshaws, bicycles and motorbikes use these footpaths to escape from traffic jams? When you are walking on the footpath, a motorcycle honks from behind so that you move aside and allow it to pass and in case you protest instead of being sorry, they have the audacity to tell you off.

Who is to be blamed for the buses being parked on the footpaths at night, business flourishing on them or vehicles freely moving about on a space meant only for pedestrians?

The hawkers, the drivers or the authorities who accept bribes and do nothing about it?

Got a peeve to share about the state of the city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com, or post it on our Facebook wall.

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6 | Tell letters to Mars

Guilt ridden | Agony Aunt

Q

I just broke up with my girlfriend because I found out someone else I had feelings for harboured the same affection towards me. I know it wasn’t right to my girlfriend, but I thought it was only fair to her to let her go. She shouldn’t have to be with someone who is constantly thinking about another girl. Anyway, the problem with this situation is that I cannot ask the other girl out without feeling guilty about my ex, or without running the risk of losing her again.

I feel like if we were together, things would only get worse. I’m always happy when I’m around her, and I feel like the magic will be lost if we started taking things for granted - and I know we will.

What do I do?

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and see her clients

drama mama

Write us your problems and send them to agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com

Two’s a crowd | Dina Sobhan

Photo: Big Stock

I am a career woman. I had my first child four years ago. I couldn’t stop working because my husband is unemployed, nor does he help me with the household chores. I have been having trouble keeping everything together for years now. A few days ago, I realised I’m pregnant again.

I don’t think having a second child will be a good idea, however my gut tells me I shouldn’t go through with it. I haven’t consulted my husband regarding this matter because I’m confident he’ll be against the idea. What should I do now?

This is indeed a difficult decision, and one you cannot possibly make on your own. Seeing as you are married and your husband will be the father to your unborn child, he has to be consulted on the matter. Maybe this is a good time to address the real issues in your relationship, and gauge what his level of commitment is. It may be the catalyst to finally motivate him to get a job and start contributing to the family. With two children to take care of, you may now have to stay at home, which will give him the impetus to do his part. Of course, it may not have that affect at all. If your husband has been unwilling to contribute financially and otherwise to the household for four years or more, he may not be enthusiastic about a further addition to the family. If it becomes a serious point of contention, it becomes an issue of what you want versus what he wants. You may have to make a choice between your husband and your unborn child. This may be the turning point for you to decide if this is the environment you want to raise your children in, and the life you want for your family.

Dina Sobhan is a free-lance writer, a part-time counsellor and a full-time mom.

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Photo: Big Stock

A

Well you did the right thing to break up with your girlfriend. You seem rather confused about your feelings. Why feel guilty if you were honest? Of course your ex is suffering, but it is better for her to know that you do not feel excited about being with her. Better now, than an unfaithful husband later!

You give me the feeling, you would like to have your cake and eat it, but in my books, that’s not possible. Have the courage to choose between real love and quick excitement of a new relationship! For your girlfriend’s sake I hope you do not go back to her as you may have this sort of feelings in the future and you would make her very unhappy!

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19) This is the time when you need to avoid your personal life as much as possible. Devote all your time to work/study and you’ll be rewarded generously.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) Do not overbook your schedule and make sure you have plenty of time to get your work done. If you feel too many things are being fired at you at a time, take some time off and organise.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) If you’ve been feeling unwell, go see the doctor today. Get those pesky details taken care of asap.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) You have not been in touch with your feelings in a while and this is honestly a bad time to have your loved ones around you since it is clear that you want to be elsewhere.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) Your pent up rage could come out in horrid ways, easily hurting those around you, so make sure you put a lid on it.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) You have friends who need you most at this time and it is your duty to make sure you give them your undivided attention.

Horos

Tell |

7

letters to Venus

scope

| Avenue T desk

A

You say you have a full time job, you take care of your child alone and you are raising the household by yourself.

Despite being so independent, you still believe that you need this man in your life. He abuses you, humiliates you and treats you with utmost disrespect. The nature of his actions has led you to feel this way – helpless and lonesome. If he continues to treat you this way, not only are you walking towards ruins, you’re also jeapordising your kid’s healthy childhood. It’s time you take charge and really step up

Photo: Big Stock

Q

For the past three years, my husband has been working away from home, leaving both me and our child to fend for ourselves. I work full time, take care of our child, look after the household and I really do try my best. Although we’ve gotten used to the long commute to and from his office, the moment he comes home, I feel suffocated. He’s constantly being verbally abusive, picking faults, finding flaws in every little detail, picking on me about literally everything. On top of that he demands me to physically please him twice a day, as if it’s an emotionless chore that I need to complete. I feel like a worthless slave.

I’m tired of being unable to please him despite doing everything I can. I really don’t know what to do since leaving him is out of the question as he’s the father of our child. Any suggestion?

Ill-treated

for yourself. It’s better you consider a separation than allowing your child to grow in an abusive and toxic environment. It won’t be an easy decision to make, but this life you are currently living won’t be an easy one to accept either. At the end of the day, it’s your choice to make.

Write us your problems and send them to agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com

tact Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) Do not feign confidence today.

Make sure you are prepared for all your projects and do not let anything get in your way. You can do this.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) Consider the consequences if you’re about to tick someone off. Take responsibility for your actions and do not hurt anyone, even if they get in your way. This is not the week to mess with karma.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) This week try to give more time and consideration to your family.

If you find your family needs you to skip work and spend some time with them, do it.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Follow everything you’ve been avoiding on your to-do list.

Everything good will come to you when it’s time.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19) If you’ve been feeling tired, both physically and mentally, take a little time off work; however that does not mean you engage in more socialising. Make amends and apologise to your friends.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) Stay away from arguments and politics. Close your eyes to anything seemingly unfavourable. Do not make snappy decisions this week.

Mother goose It’s a lot of hard work than it appears to be

| Khan N Moushumi Being a momma is tough business.

They’re often believed to have superhuman powers – doing the household chores, feeding the kids, taking care of her man and more - as though they’re blazing with multiple pairs of hands at once. But we hardly stop and take a moment for all that they’ve given us starting from their undivided attention to crucial love life tips. Especially the ballet mommas who are so much more than they are given credit for. Here’s how she’s making your life a little more awesome than it already is.

Counting your calorie intake If she’s asking you to cut down on those greasy food and carbs, it’s because she wants you to be fit and look your best.

It’ll give you an instant ego boost when you turn those heads while you walk by, and who do you have to thank for that? Your awesome momma, homegirl!

Attention to detail She’s going to get obsessed about your table

manners, she’ll fix your teep even if it’s just a centimetre away from where it’s supposed to be but hey, she only wants her baby girl to be perfect.

Your ideal fashionista You can always count on her for a little 411 on what should go with your red pair of hot pants or how you should wear your hair to your cousin’s anniversary.

All that mollycoddling Don’t be tired of her showering you with love and attention. It’s a tough world out there, and if she’s pampering you even when you’re in your ripe age of 35, you should consider yourself blessed.

Love guru With a ballet momma looking over your shoulder, you can say adios to all your relationship worries. All you have to do is ask, and she’ll give her best advice straight up #nofilter. She’s been in your shoes; she knows the drill.

Photo: Big Stock

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8 | ticket

Neutral knockouts With her latest store opening, Sahar Rahman has once again wowed the fashion world with her stunning collection. Channelling some of the biggest trends – neutrals, colour blocking and haute couture designs, her label has taken a hold of this season. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store

| N Anita Amreen

Sahar Rahman in one of her own designs – a delicate beige chiffon number with pale blue rhinestones

These bedazzling beauties are the epitome of Sahar’s collection - subtle chiffon neutrals enhanced with a hint of metallic

These colour blocked casuals are the image of everlasting elegance

Another neutral that is brought alive with peachy florals and bright magenta piping

Address House 11/A, Road 68, Gulshan-2, Dhaka.

Phone: 01928111555

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Take care | health

Shoes that kill

Every time you purchase a new shoe or are going to put on an old favourite, quickly run by these questions to ensure that you’re not choosing the wrong pair.

| N Anita Amreen

Achilles tendinitis

Symptoms: Stiffness and pain along the Achilles tendon felt right after working out or in the morning.

Very common in women who work out a lot and wear high heels, Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon which is connected to our calf muscles and the heel bone. Since the tendon naturally shortens over the years, vigorous exercise and even walking can stress this joint. Treatments include rest, switching to low intensity exercise routines and icing the area for 20 minutes for quite a few times a day.

Ankle sprains

Symptoms: Swelling, severe pain, inability to put foot down.

At least 25,000 ankle sprains occur every year. When your foot twists, rolls, rotates or even stretches more than the normal range, it often leads to a tear in the ligament. This can occur due to anything from a run on the treadmill to tripping over an unseen object. Up to 40% of these sprains lead to chronic pain.

Ranging from level 1 to 3, you may be able to walk or hobble with a sprain or you may be completely

Are you wearing the wrong shoe? | N Anita Amreen

Ankle pain no more

As much as we love to obsess over shoes, we often forget the importance of our feet itself.

Consisting of 36 bones and 33 joints each, our feet withstand extreme arrays of pressure - from being pounded away in sky high stilettos to running a tough mile on the treadmill, our feet are our constant companion. Donning everything from too-tight ballet flats to constricted loafers, your feet are often forced to provide adequate support for your body under the pressure of an ill-fitted shoe. Before you know it, you’re left massaging the balls of your feet or nursing the sprain on your ankle. Read on to find out how to avoid, tackle and deal with the diseases that leave you limping away in pain:

9

bedridden. It’s recommended to follow the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Neuroma

Symptoms: A burning sensation between the balls of the foot or between the toes.

This occurs essentially when we wear shoes that are too tight making the forefoot and the toe bones squeeze together. The neuroma occurs when the nerve tissues around the long bones between our toes thicken. In this case, treatment is based on how critical your foot is. It’s advisable to choose more airy, flat shoes, take anti-inflammatory drugs, or even get cortisone injections to relieve the pain.

In some cases even surgery is required to shrink or remove the nerve.

Photo: Big Stock

Does the shoe fit right?

Every year get your feet checked before purchasing new shoes. Make sure the shoe fits your feet right instead of your feet trying to fit the shoe. Also, there should be a lot of space for your toes to comfortably wiggle a little. Any shoe that forces you to bunch up your toes is extremely hazardous and may lead to sprains.

Has your shoe worn out?

If you’ve overdone that pair of golden heels and it’s showing signs of wear and tear, it is time to say bye bye to your precious. If the shoe structure is not in perfect shape, it can lead to ankle sprains as well as heel pain.

Have you worn the right kind of shoe?

Every event demands a different kind of shoe. Whether it’s a beach side stroll or a quick zumba session at home – make sure your feet are properly prepared. Find activity-appropriate shoes to steer clear of injuries.

Are the heels uncomfortably high?

For everyday wear, it’s best to stick to heels that aren’t more than 2¼-inches long. The moment you begin strutting your stuff in heels higher than that, it creates immense pressure on the ball of your foot, often resulting in morton’s neuroma and several other diseases.

Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms: Pain in the bottom of the heel that feels much worse after long resting periods.

This occurs when a ligament that provides arch support is put under too much pressure, be it from weight gain, ill-fitted shoes or an increase in physical activity. To distress your feet, start with trying out stretches that help relax your calves and feet and if the pain persists, consult a specialist.

Photo: Big Stock

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10 | Trial room

A tale of thread Desh: Homecoming I British-Bangladeshi choreographer Akram Khan, one of the most celebrated figures in the world of dance, will see a dream come true this week. This week, Khan – also a household name in many parts of the planet since his performance in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics – returns to perform in Dhaka after a hiatus of 10 years. The piece is Desh, a semi-biographical solo that won a host of laurels, including the prestigious Olivier Award. Desh stages Akram’s evolving relationship with his father – through various stages: filial grief, teenage rebellion and incomprehension, the empathy of hindsight – as a mirror to his equation with his parents’ homeland, Bangladesh.

Although he is alone on stage, Khan worked for over a year with an international team of artists to create Desh: visual artist Tim Yip, composer Jocelyn Pook, lighting designer Michael Hulls, performance poet PolarBear, dramaturge Ruth Little. Here, poet Karthika Naïr, who was principal script and storywriter of the piece, shares moments from the creative journey.

Winterthur, June 2010: Yesterday, here at an exhibition of photographs from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the stories I had grown up with came alive – from another side of the mirror. One face with its defiant, young eyes haunts me. Noor Hossain. The 23-year-old activist killed during the Dhaka Blockade in 1987, shot dead by the policy for blazoning his beliefs on his chest and back. Free democracy.

Down with tyranny.

Paris, July 2010: Farooq Chaudhry, Akram Khan’s producer, just called.

He invited me to write the stories of Akram’s new solo. I look at Akram’s statement of intent and a list of initial key words. Some connect instantly, others ask me to stand in Akram’s shoes and feel the country within his skin.

London, September 2010: We meet, Akram and Farooq and I. I ask if we could call the piece Desh instead of Bangladesh. Desh contains an entire world of meaning — land, nation, region, home, all of which lead back to Bangladesh but will also connect to anyone who’s ever longed for home, whether Irish or Ugandan.

Dhaka, November 23, 2010: We must seem such an oddball contingent! Immigration took time to process all these passports and functions (four continents and about a dozen nationalities)!

We set out for Jessore, Khulna and Gopalgunj to catch the potters of Khulna at work, to join otterfishermen on a tributary of the Rupsha. Eeshita Azad of the British Council is there at each step, a

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, septe m b er 20, 2014

smiling fairy godmother who introduces us to extraordinary artists and gently reassures Akram during a critical moment of selfdoubt.

Khulna, November 27, 2010: During our first marathon meeting, Tim says, “Akram, go back to yourself, to your origins: find what is in your body. Each of the six words can take you to that self.” He is referring to the six words I suggested as possible leitmotifs for Desh: land, river, language, memory, cloth and Noor.

Dhanmondi, November 28, 2010: Today, Bangladesh just strode over, grabbed our hands and introduced itself as a highly political, resilient country: a Bangladesh the West seldom hears or talks about.

Photographer Shahidul Alam took us through the history of the country, sparing no gruesome detail of oppression but no act of resistance either.

Banani: We also saw indescribable beauty and inventiveness in the person of Ruby Ghuznavi, textile

conservationist and champion of weavers and dyers, who told us all about the rise and fall and rise of Bangladesh’s natural dyes, its weaving traditions. Colourless yarn comes to life in her courtyard: midnight blue, insolent green, auburn. This land is the largest repository of natural dyes in the world.

We all leave tomorrow. Scatter across the globe again.

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Trial room |

ading memories Desh: Homecoming II Kerala, January 2011: Ruth sent me a fascinating article on the lives of honey gatherers in mangrove forests. This triggers other memories, of stories from the Sundarban. There is now space in Desh for bees and tigers, for a young Akram who practises Jedi moves in his room and dreams of being a superhero to save his father from racial insults in the London of his childhood.

London, February 2011: We completed 17 days of workshops with Akram, Ruth, PolarBear (the performance poet), Jocelyn and a team of actors who played out our stories. There was writing, watching, learning (much!) and rewriting.

March 2011: The Desh production team made a 36-hour trip to Beijing to finalise the sets and costumes.

The simulation that Akram showed us of the sets is breathtaking and funnily reminiscent of the rough sketches Tim made in that small, windowless room in Jessore during our first meeting: a vivid, mutant dreamscape.

Paris, May 2011: Language is the motif I am working on now. Akram wants to bring language back into Desh. To capture the distress felt by exiled grandparents and parents at their children’s rejection of the things that they had fought for: in this case, Bangla. So I proposed a sequence where Akram will try to defuse his (fictional) niece’s resistance to Bangla by telling her a story set in the Sundarbans.

Photo: Eeshita Azad

London, October 2011: PolarBear and I are at Desh’s opening night at Sadler’s Wells. The piece has become so much more than the sum of its parts: magical and moving with a magisterial performance by Akram. We walk out, stunned; then suddenly, are submerged in a spate of voices — exuberant, joyous, tearful, nostalgic. Akram’s mother and father surround us, shining with pride and emotion. With them, relatives and friends, peers from the Bangladeshi community in London: a happy blur of introductions follows, with questions and comments and reminiscences. And they bless us, all of them: the veiled, determined lady doctor; the feisty, bejewelled

teacher; the teary-eyed aunt and the men-folk tagging behind, all fresh with their memories, triumphs and sorrows tumbling willy-nilly from the lockers they are placed in, for the sake of everyday.

Epilogue, September 2014: Desh will be staged in Dhaka. Akram has fulfilled the promise he made to his mother at the beginning of his career: that one day, he would make a piece that would speak about her homeland, of her people. He has: the solo the world has been talking of for three years now comes home.

Last year, one of the stories I wrote for Desh – set in the Sundarban,

starring Bonbibi and Dakkhin-Rai, a bee-goddess and a curious little boy – became a children’s book called The Honey Hunter, illustrated by a remarkable artist, Joëlle Jolivet. And this September, I learn that after appearing in English, French and German, perhaps, just perhaps, The Honey Hunter will also be published in Bangla. Joëlle and I have been invited to Hay Festival, Dhaka. It is a time for many homecomings, sweet and longawaited. We give thanks to Bonbibi.

Karthika Naïr

A version of this piece was originally published by Dance Gazette, UK

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12 | Trending Style Session

With Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Slipping into colour Black is a power colour. It goes with everything, creates the illusion of slimness, and looks super sophisticated. Small wonder that so many tend to play safe and wear it all the time, everywhere. And that’s when the wardrobe gets depressing. Worse, as mentioned last week, wearing all black all the time is actually harsh and unflattering for your skin if you’re past 35.

This week, we discuss how to take some baby steps and break out of that funk and add some colour into your wardrobe.

Dark temptation Yes, black pants are a wardrobe staple, but there’s no reason you can’t get the same, or sometimes better effect from navy blue, or aubergine, or a dark coffee brown.

They are just as versatile, and will work just as well at slimming down your butt, and will actually make you look less uptight, and more stylish.

Bag it Your everyday bag doesn’t have to be a neutral colour.

Go crazy and get something in a nice fiery red, or a deep orange, or even an elegant green, and forget about matching with your wardrobe. The trend for mismatched accessories has never been more timely.

Shady deals Ditto for sunglasses. Why force the Secret Service look on yourself when you could be having so much fun with a nice pair of fuschia Wayfarers, or some elegant tortoiseshell cateye sunglasses?

It’s a small change to make, but your face will love you for it.

Little Dress When thinking of that one go-to dress, forget the black, and pick any other colour.

White, yellow, blue, it doesn’t matter.

Just choose a great, figure flattering cut, and a solid monochrome, and you can wear it any number of ways, just as you would an LBD.

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fashion

Lose yourself to dance | Sabah Rahman Both ballet and ballerinas have always been a great source of inspiration for top designers. From Stella McCartney to Valentino, most of the big names have dabbled in this dance when it comes to clothing and accessories. That being said, most of us regular people may not have a chance to get our hands on those pricy pieces, but that shouldn’t stop us! Let’s get some inspiration of our own and put a modern twist to this timeless trend.

Leggings Here is the easiest one.

What woman doesn’t already have a couple of pairs in their closet. It’s kind of a staple, right?

And no, they don’t have to be baby pink. A lot of people always associate the ballet with hues of soft, powdery pinks. Think Black Swan. While black is always the safest option, it’s time to kick that thought out the door and try out the loud, patterned leggings that are on trend at the moment. Always remember the cardinal rule when it comes to tights: Wear a top that covers your bottom.

Bodysuits

These one-pieces may look hard to work with, but it’s actually a breeze.

They are available in short or long sleeves, sleeveless and even strapless.

Bodysuits look interesting paired with maxi skirts or palazzos. You can even pair them with high or low waisted pants, depending on how comfortable you are with your body.

Ballet flats The no brainer; ballet flats have come a long way in the last few years. While the basic ones that come in plain colours still work for everyday wear, venture out into the world of flats adorned in spikes, bedazzled with stones and funky prints (check out our Try Out section for pointers on how to revamp old, used flats). The list is endless. This is definitely where fashion meets comfort.

The tutu?

It’s absolutely OK to be a bit wild sometimes when it comes to playing around with fashion. We’re not going to tell you to wear the super short tutu that Avril Lavigne used to be so fond of or Sarah Jessica Parker’s one from Sex in The City. However, you could always pull off a longer layered skirt made of tulle or chiffon to really bring out your feminine side. You can get your skirt tailor-made in a colour of your choice.

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Tailored| his style

style session

Cut from a different cloth Q

with mahmood Hossain

Autumn’s here, which means it’s time to refresh your memory bank

| Mahmood Hossain The biggest plus sign about Bangladesh is that we have the ability to create anything from scratch if we have the right knowhow. We can get a suit made at 10% of the cost you would have to fork out abroad. A suit made from your tailors, that would normally cost you around Tk8,000-Tk12,000, can make you look like you’re walking around in a $2,000 designer suit.

Here are some rules to follow when you want the best and a few pointers on how to get suits made the right way.

You have to know exactly what you want. Once you’ve gotten the basics out of the way, making suits won’t be as difficult. It’s recommended you avoid off-therack suits and get them made at the tailors. But if that’s not an option, there are easy steps to take to know whether the product is worth buying. Shoulder pads should never droop over your shoulder, which otherwise would mean the suit jacket is too big. Little details like

Photo: Big Stock

these should never be overlooked.

Make sure you’ve gotten every detail covered.

Suits are mainly made of wool.

Well, at least that’s how it should be. Unfortunately, we live next door to Hades, so you won’t be blamed when opting for cotton and linen. However, keep in mind that each fabric presents a different tone regarding the colour. You

A

won’t get the same rich sheen you may find in a wool suit. It’s best to be wise to save the wool suits for the colder months of the year.

As mentioned before, bunch up the fabric with your hands to see if it comes back to its natural form without wrinkling. Do it a few times to get the right feel. This is a sign of quality, sturdy material is what you should aim for.

in fashion

A sartorial in-vest-ment The go-to layer for autumn

| Mahmood Hossain Recently, men have blurred the lines between casual and formal. Semiformal looks are more common, now that men have figured out how to mix the two classes. This season, make the waistcoat from your threepiece suit, the standout layer of the ensemble. We say suit because most likely, it’s tailored to perfection.

Remember, fit is everything.

The how

Waistcoats without the suit jackets are nothing new, but putting them together with your off-duty wardrobe will make you stand out from the rest. If you can get your hands on a waistcoat with more than four buttons, consider yourself a step ahead. When putting on this classy item, make sure the top and the bottom buttons are unfastened.

It’s about that totally relaxed look, no suit to be seen. However, if you have a four-button waistcoat, only keep the bottom button open. Not unless you’re David Gandy, who

doesn’t leave any of them unbuttoned.

The where

You should always avoid wearing short sleeve tops with the waistcoat. It’s simply unflattering and in all honesty, not too many men can pull it off and get away with it. This look goes best with long sleeve dress shirts and Henley shirts. While blazers and suit jackets are a classy touch, these can easily be substituted with cardigans and leather jackets. Casual trousers or dressy jeans are the perfect companions to the overall look. The great thing about the entire outfit is that you can sport both sneakers and laceups without fussing about which is appropriate to wear.

I have heard that wearing black on a sunny day is a bad idea. Is there some kind of rule against it?

There are no actual rules against it; it’s just common sense. The

reason you should avoid it is because black and other darker colours will draw the heat, whereas lighter colours will reflect the sunlight. You can wear black all you want, just as long as you are prepared to take on the heat. This is why spring/summer collections are loaded with colourful looks on the runway. It’s not just about the trend, it’s also for very practical reasons. If it’s absolutely necessary for you to wear black, for an event perhaps, then go for it. If you can help it, it’s recommended to opt for lighter colours. Remember, you have to feel comfortable first.

Q A

What’s a better style choice, buttoned up short sleeves or long sleeves rolled up?

Both actually work.

It all depends on the rest of the outfit actually. If you’re wearing trousers in casual or semiformal, you should choose for the sleeves to be rolled up. Short sleeve polo shirts work great with trousers as well. The short sleeve printed button-ups go better with jeans.

While it doesn’t take too much away in class, it’s just more aesthetically pleasing. And please stay away from Hawaiian shirts or any other prints that become too loud and an eyesore. It’s all fine and dandy if you’re on the beach in Maui, but keep those shirts locked away when you’re living in real-time.

Send in your style inquiries to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

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14 | Tempt Beauty session

With SABRINA FATMA AHMAD

Budget beauty | Sabah Rahman Strapped for cash and running low on beauty supplies? No sweat. It’s time to multitask, ladies!

1. Lipstick can be used as blush, but you probably already know that.

However, in a pinch, you can use nude shades as a cream eye-shadow.

2. Petroleum jelly can be used to tame those unruly eyebrows.

3. Matte foundation can double as concealer.

4. Ran out of shaving cream? Use hair conditioner for silky smooth legs.

5. Gentle shampoos can be used as a body wash. Do not, however, ever use shampoos formulated for dandruff on your body.

6. Used up all your hair serum? A tiny bit of lotion smoothed on dry hair can help tame a frizzy mane.

7. No dry shampoo?

No problem! Use a bit of corn-starch powder on your roots and give your hair a thorough brushing.

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hair

Bunheads | Sabah Rahman

You don’t have to be a ballerina to pull off a cute bun. They are super chic, cool in this muggy weather and pulling your hair away tightly can take a few years off your face (that never hurts). Let’s look at a few new twists on the good old bun and tell you how to go about achieving the results pictured: Photos: Sabiha Akond

The French braid bun This one adds a fun twist to your average bun. The details on your crown are what really make it pop.

1. Take about two inches from the front section of your hair, and comb it out.

2. Braid it loosely French style, making sure there is a little puff on top of your forehead. Secure the braid right before you hit the crown with a bobby pin.

3. Pull the rest of your hair up as you would normally do with a regular ponytail and wrap a hair

The messy bun

tie around it.

4. Depending on the thickness of your hair, if needed, you can use a hair doughnut. Don’t have one? Use a sock.

This one’s as easy as pie and can be your go-to look on those crappy days where you don’t want to make an effort but still look great.

1. To avoid making it look too neat, gather up your hair on top of your head with your hands, smoothing out strays as you go.

2. Make a high ponytail and start twisting it around the centre.

3. Take the edges and tuck them into the hair elastic.

4. Adjust as needed to make your bun fuller.

For the shorties Short hair, that is. Yes, you too can pull off a bun.

1. Pull all your hair into a high ponytail, leaving a section at the nape loose.

2. Take the hair from the nape, comb it neatly and pin it right under the hair tie.

This way, you avoid stray flyaways.

3. Coil the hair around that ponytail and voila!

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Ticket|

Shwapno Life’s exclusivity in elegance

For the upcoming festival seasion, Shwapno Life brings a whole new collection for their valued customers. This exclusive collection highlights the glorious past of Bengal from the Mughal era. Also one can easily find traces of “terracotta” in the texture and design. Designers at Shwapno Life celebrate the present as well as the days gone by, fusing old-school with contemporary in their clothing line this Eid. The elements of Durga Puja are also present in their Puja collection. It portrays the lifestyle of people living in the city, from regular trendy wear to exclusive party wear, using the techniques of block prints, screen prints, tie-dye, machine embroidery, computer embroidery, jamdani motifs, zardousi, and patch-work.

For the Eid-ul-Adha and Puja, designs have been inspired by geometric patterns, floral motifs and most importantly the essence of nature. Here’s a glimpse at their new scintillating line. Prices vary between Tk 840-10,000.

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16 | TRAVELOGUE

The Spanish affair The town is abuzz with the Spanish Food Festival being hosted at The Westin Dhaka from September 17 to 29. In a candid conversation with the deputy head of mission of Spain in Bangladesh, Patrick Sandoval Nichols we find out the A to Z of a vacation in Spain

| Tausif Sanzum

Being one of the largest countries in Europe, Spain has numerous tourist destinations. Can you pick any five hot spots which travellers cannot afford to miss when visiting the country?

Alhambra Palace

The historic city of Granada, with the Alhambra Palace and the Albaicin neighbourhood.

Madrid’s old town, chock full of great museums and gourmet tapas bars.

The noble coastal city of San Sebastian, in the Basque Country.

The medieval cities of Segovia, Toledo and Avila, in the plains of Castille.

The world-class beaches of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands.

Can you elaborate on what an ideal week in Barcelona would include for a tourist?

Day 1. In my opinion, one cannot visit the city without seeing some of Antoni Gaudi’s quirky architectural masterpieces, such as the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Battló or Park Güell, which cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world.

Day 2. The “Barri Gotic,” or Gothic Neighbourhood, boasts small alleyways, cobbled streets and medieval buildings as well as the best Picasso Museum in the world. On the opposite side of Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s main tourist drag, is the iconic immigrant neighbourhood of El Raval, which is a sociological must for any Bangladeshi. El Raval is also home to MACBA, Barcelona’s contemporary art museum.

Day 3. The “Eixample” is the 19th Century extension of the city.

Today it is Barcelona’s gourmet, shopping and boutique hotel district.

Day 4. The up-and-coming Born district, with great tapas and hopping night life, should not be missed. Just a short walk away, if the weather is good, one should eat a paella in any of the many outdoor restaurants of La Barceloneta.

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Casa Batlló (Interior)

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TRAVELOGUE| Day 5. Visit FC Barcelona’s Museum and watch Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Neymar play in the Camp Nou. If you manage to get tickets to a Barcelona-Real Madrid game, you will never forget the experience.

Day 6. Hop on the tram to the Tibidabo Amusement Park and enjoy the views over the city.

Day 7. Get out of the city and visit the neighbouring historic towns of Sitges or Girona.

Teide Volcano

Casas colgadas

What is the best time to visit?

Spain is great all year around, but the best months are April to June, September and October. July and August see millions of visitors arrive from around the globe and temperatures are high.

What local festivals would be of particular interest to a visitor to your country?

Spaniards are all about partying.

There are festivities in every Spanish town, no matter how small, at least once a year. Some of these festivities have become famous worldwide.

• • • • •

The Cadiz Carnaval The “Fallas” in Valencia The “Feria de Abril” in Seville “San Fermin,” or running of the bulls in Pamplona The “Tomatina” (tomato throwing festival) in Buñol, Valencia

While it is a known fact that Spain is famous for flamenco, bullfights and local festivals, not many know

San Fermin

that there are many areas which have been named cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Can you shed light on these places?

Did you know that Spain boasts the third highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites (44), after Italy (50) and China (47)? It would be impossible to describe the wonders of all 44 of these sites, which include cultural and natural sites as well as aspects of intangible cultural heritage, such as music, ancestral skills or crafts.

If I had to recommend a few, I would recommend: • The Monastery of El Escorial in Madrid, because it is close to my home town, in the beautiful mountains north of Madrid.

• Corboba’s historic city centre, which includes the Cordoba Mosque, one of Spain’s most impressive Moorish buildings and is home to the annual “Festival de los Patios,” in which bright flowers are set up to adorn the alleyways of the old town.

• The Roman ruins of Mérida, in Extremadura, which are some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Mediterranean.

• The city of Cuenca, with its “casas colgadas,” or hanging homes, which literally hang off the rocky cliffs.

• The eerie lunar landscape of the Teide Volcano, in Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Tomatina

Monastery of El Escorial

Mérida

“If you are looking for accommodation in buildings of historic value, the national network of Paradores (www.parador.es) is a good option. If you are looking for a boutique or rural hotel, we recommend Rusticae (www.rusticae.es) or Ruralka (www.ruralka.com)”

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18 | Tantalise review

From Roma with love Get ready to be caught up in the mad frenzy of Italian drama

| N Anita Amreen When you’re ready to endure a meal full of delicious remorse and decide to make that hungry call to Pizza Roma. From the quirky branding schemes, to the operators incredibly thick accented “Are you haangry? We can fix that!” You just know it’s time for pizza lovers to get excited about the sinfully delicious, authentic Italian pizzas about to be hand delivered to your very doorstep. Owned and operated

by Italians, every bite carries the torch of their motherland like no other.

As the clock ticks, the wait for your oven-fresh pizza will melt away like the drizzled mozzarella on a hot pan of Formaggi. Offering a wellrounded menu of Italian specials – they’ve got everything from the basic pepperoni to the more romantic Roman Holiday made with homemade tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes and crunchy spinach. Here’s some of the standouts from their menu, based on our recommendations.

choice. Sticking to simple staples such as rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and an elegantly thin crust, it is hard to find fault in this tomato rich dish. The sauce in particular, is what makes their margherita a palpable cut above – it’s unusually vibrant and full of flavour.

Lite Roman Holiday Tk600 (regular) Tk1,000 (large) Both as light and refreshing as the feel of new romance, the Roman Holiday is a pizza to fall in love with.

Made with crisp spinach, cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan this is a quickly digestible, gloriously vegetarian pizza. Despite the plain ingredients, the Roman Holiday sings with flavour.

Premium Mediterraneo Tk800 (regular) and Tk1,300 (large) No matter how many times you try this, it never loses any steam thanks to the tang of the sun dried tomatoes that’s balanced with the earthy flavour of spinach, swimming in a pool of melted feta and parmesan. Certainly comes in second after the four cheese pizzas in the Best of Pizza Roma’s list.

Boscaiola Tk750 (regular) Tk1,250 (large) The beauty of this pizza lies in the sauteed Shiitake mushrooms.

The pizza comes with a fine blistered bottom, topped with mush shiitake,

melted mozzarella and shreds of parsley. Simply put, it’s the perfect partnership of mushrooms and cheese, making it a quick, savoury Italian eat.

Boscaiola

Classico Quattro Formaggi Tk700 (regular) and Tk1,200 (large) Probably the absolute best on their menu, the four cheese pizza will never disappoint. Made with homemade tomato sauce, gorgonzola, mozzarella, shaved parmesan and feta, every bite will make you want to eat the entire thing with shameless abandon.

This pizza demands to be eased into, eaten with slow bites that torment you just as much as they excite.

Roman Holiday

Marharita Diavola

Diavola Tk600 (regular) and Tk1,000 (large) The devilish Diavola is a regular favourite and why should it not be? Spicy beef salami, melted mozzarella and their signature tomato sauce make for a lethal combination. The pepperoni pizza is delivered with a slight crisp, quality toppings and flavours that have real character, easily making it a favourite. Another honorary meaty mention is the meatball pizza that you may try as well.

Margherita priced at Tk550 (regular) and Tk900 (large) Their margherita pizza follows a very basic recipe but somehow stands out as a deservedly popular

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Meatball

Quattro

19

News|

Chef Antonio Gravagno, new executive chef at Radisson Blu Italian blood at the helm of Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel Dhaka Kitchen!

Antonio Gravagno was head hunted from Italy and flown in all the way from Europe to bring inspiration and his expertise to the already well established restaurant outlets of Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel Dhaka such as Sublime, Water Garden Brasserie,

Spice & Rice and ChitChat. He joins RBWGHD after having worked as a culinary and beverage consultant in Europe. Prior to this, he has been associated with luxury hotels such as Pearl Continental, Shang Ri LA Hotel, Movenpick Hotel and the like for an extensive period of time.

His work experience in countries like Malaysia, South Korea, Pakistan, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain

and other regions adds an Asian touch to his intrinsic European style, creating an innovative tang in the cuisine. Nothing says Italy like its food. Being brought up in this celebrated country of world famous dishes such as pizza and pasta, Antonio Gravagno possesses a natural flair for meticulous execution, spotlessness and an eye for detail.

“I am excited to have Chef Antonio join Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel Dhaka,” says General Manager Christoph Voegeli. “We look forward to working with him and take our already popular restaurants to the next level,” he concludes.

25% off at Apan Jewelers To celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with poise, Apan Jewelers offers a 25% discount on their diamond jewellery items. This offer will continue all throughout Eid-ul-Adha 2014. Seven of their outlets are located at: 31, 31-B, Baitul Mokkaram; B-2, 3 Mouchak Market; 2, 3, 4, Rifles Square, Dhanmondi; 47, Baitul Mokkaram; 65, Gulshan Avenue; B-1, DCC Market; 4/A, NR Complex, Uttara, Dhaka. Phone: 02-9552904, 01942948387.

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20 | news

“Stop Not Golpo Chalao, Film Banao”

The campus-based storytelling and filmmaking contest “Stop Not Golpo Chalao, Film Banao” was ceremonially launched at a press conference in Spectra Convention Center, Gulshan 1 on September 14.

The contest is being organised by Perfetti Van Melle Bangladesh Pvt Limited and manufacturers and marketers of the brand “Stop Not.” The three-month long contest will involve students of multiple private and public universities, who will craft stories and then develop short films from screenplays adapted from those stories. The main objective of the event is to create a platform for young Bangladeshis to showcase their talent of storytelling and filmmaking.

A total of 10 universities will be participating in the “Stop Not Golpo Chalao, Film Banao” contest. In the first part, that is the “Golpo Chalao” phase, the organisers will move from campus to campus and collect independent and interconnected stories from each university. In the second part, the “Film Banao” phase of the event, each of the collected 10 stories will be made into short films under the direction, acting and supervision of student teams from respective universities. Once all the 10 films are completed, they will be telecast on Channel i, and also be posted on social media for public viewing. Audio dramas or shruti natoks will also be adapted for radio listeners.

Eminent writer Anisul Hoque will be inspiring the young students at the events, young leading writer and social activist Ashif Entaaz Rabi will be the host at all the campus activities, and prominent film director Saraf Ahmed Zibon will provide technical assistance for filmmaking. As media partners, Channel-i and ABC Radio will be following and promoting activities of the project. Finally, the best film will be selected through public voting on Facebook and through SMS, as well as critical judgment by a jury panel of experts. The winner will be announced through a gala event in November.

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3rd Bangladesh Fashion Carnival 2014 FreeLancerz Branding & Communication Ltd is a branding, design and communication based organisation with a track record in the brand promotion, creation, management and delivery of highly successful marketing environments. With its official commencement and years of event experience, their design and management team boast specialist knowledge of national and international events, exhibitions, fairs, trade shows, sports media, property and retail. Starting from September 24 to 28, FreeLancerz Branding & Communication Ltd, in association with RedCarpet, is organising the “3rd Bangladesh Fashion Carnival 2014’’ - an exhibition on apparel, clothing and fashion products at Emmanuelle’s Banquet Hall, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Participants will include South and South East Asian brands.

United College of Aviation signed MoU with South Korean University United College of Aviation Science and Management (UCASM) recently signed a MoU with HANSEO University of Korea to facilitate specific collaborative programme in training, research and development activities as well as credit transfer, students exchange programme and other areas of mutual interest. Mohammad Ali, principal on behalf of UCASM and Kee Sun Ham, president of HANSEO University signed the agreement in Korea.

UCASM have five different departments supported by highly qualified, experienced and skilled faculty members. It’s providing specialised courses on aeronautical engineering and aviation management under BETEC Edexcel UK, CSE under National University and Hospitality Management under City & Guilds, UK.

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