When it comes to visual art, space is to an artist what air is to those who breathe it – an utmost necessity.
A place to create, a place to express, a place to exhibit – these are the elements that help to keep artists and their art alive. In Guyana, the voice of art is all but ignored, due to the almost extinct interest of the public.
Much like the plight of the sculptors
along Main Street, Georgetown, support for visual art has moved from a thriving market to a niche driven mostly by the interest of foreigners.
Yet there are stakeholders who remain constant in their promotion of local art; who have over the years ceaselessly ensured that art remains at least in the subconscious – if not at the forefront –of the minds of Guyanese. The Guyana Women Artists’ Association (GWAA) is one such entity.
The 26-year-old organisation –which is perhaps the most active group in its faction – believes that once given the support, visual and all other types of art can once again become an active feature of Guyana’s culture.
Mukewegee II
President of the GWAA Akima McPherson
“Shattered Dreamz”
Horizon Arts Production (HAP) will be staging a brand new play “Shattered Dreamz” at the National Cultural Centre on April 19 and 20.
The play was written by Sheron Cadogan-Taylor, Director/Producer of HAP, who recently copped the Best Director Award at the conclusion of the National Drama Festival 2013.
for NCC in April
his mother (played by Nuriyyih Gerrard), but it was because of her naivety that her son was able to lead a double life.
Even when his father (played by Rene Chester) noticed the
She has, however, entrusted the direction of this play to Mariatha Causway, also known as “Jennifer Thomas”, Artistic Director of HAP.
“Shattered Dreamz” depicts the life of a young aspiring lawyer (played by Sean Thompson) who was led astray by someone he trusted (played by Johann David) much to the disappointment of his family.
The revelation totally crushes
thus becoming an enabler.
This spells bitter consequences, not only for the child/children, but for the parents also, who would have had high hopes and dreams for such child/children.
The play underscores the need for parents to be united in their approach to discipline because it is often times more effective, as opposed to a division in handling matters which is often noticed and pounced upon by children who are inclined to be rebellious.
changes in his son’s behaviour and became vocal about it, she refused to believe that her baby boy could be involved in anything that was bad.
The play highlights how easy it is for parents to become wrapped up in loving and spoiling their children that they become oblivious to behavioural patterns that send clear signals that their child/children might be heading down a wrong path,
Other members of the cast include Mark LukeEdwards, Leon Cummings, Clement Stanford, Max Massiah, Jennifer Langevine, Nelon Benjamin, Abigail Brower, Kim Fernandes, and Gregory Eastman.
Despite the serious messages the play seeks to deliver, the producers promise two evenings of entertainment for the entire family. Tickets cost $1500.
Veteran Bollywood actress Nanda passes away at 75
Yesteryear actress Nanda, best known for her stellar performances in films like 'Hum Dono' and 'Ittefaq', passed away on Tuesday following a massive heart attack, family sources said.
The 75-year-old actress died this morning at her Andheri residence here. "It is shocking as she did not have any history of illness," a relative of hers told PTI on condition of anonymity. Born to Marathi film actor-director Vinayak Damodar Karnataki, Nanda began her silver screen career early as a child artist with 'Jaggu' in the 50s.
Nanda's popularity as a child actress made her transition to major roles easier, and she literally grew up on film sets. But it was paternal uncle-filmmaker V Shantaram who gave Baby Nanda a big break by casting her in 1956 hit 'Toofan Aur Diya' in 1956. With the success of 'Toofan Aur Diya', Nanda did not look back and went on to establish herself in the Hindi film industry with hits like 'Jab Jab Phool Khile', 'Gumnaam', 'Teen Deviyan', 'The Train', 'Mandir', 'Angarey', 'Ram Laxman', 'Bandi', 'Ittefaq', 'Hum Dono', 'Prayashchit', 'Ahista Ahista',
'Prem Rog' and 'Mazdoor' among several others. She excelled most often as a supporting star but also found great acceptance and popularity as a lead heroine in later years.
Her identification with the title role of 'Choti Bahen' stuck in real life. She shared screen space with noted actors like Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Rajesh Khanna and Shashi Kapoor with whom she starred in eight films. Their pairing in 'Jab Jab Phool Khile' was a huge success and inspired 'Raja Hindustani'. It was for the first time that the actress played a westernised role.
Nanda was nominated for a Filmfare Award five times for her performance in Bhabhi (1957), Aanchal (1960), Ittefaq (1969), Ahista Ahista (1981) and Prem Rog (1982). She won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for 'Aanchal'. After a small role in Manoj Kumar's 1972 film 'Shor', Nanda reduced her work in films. Her other films such as 'Chhalia' and 'Naya Nasha' did not work. Nanda's last rites will be performed at 16:00h at the Oshiwari crematorium.
For the Love of...
President of GWAA Akima McPherson in an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment said that as it, the artists lack the requisite space to exhibit their work. Space is imperative so as to encourage what she described as “conversations” which promote healthy dialogue and exposure so artists get feedback from each other and the public. “We are not in a good place. We need Government and private sector support and we need Guyanese to take an interest in what we are doing,” she said. McPherson stated that while patronage is one necessity, however, the provision of spaces to create and to exhibit can prove way more beneficial for artists, as often “the spaces visual artists work in are limited in their situations – by that, I mean the size of space or general conduciveness to quiet work, and of course, the facilities,” she said.
Exposure is crucial for the artists’ growth and success but exhibitions are too costly for individuals to host on their own. While institutions like the National Art Gallery, Castellani House, Georgetown, provide such a space, access for artists is limited due to the packed schedule of annual events on its calendar. Despite the costliness of exhibitions, however, the GWAA has ensured that it has actively hosted same in the name of showcasing the talent of women artists even if this is done at a loss.
“Our member-artists need to see their work in dialogue with each other,” McPherson said, adding that it is thanks to the GWAA that she was first given the opportunity to showcase her own work; an opportunity which to date has helped her tremendously in her journey as an artist. “I was able to have that dialogue. I was also able to see my strengths and weaknesses from seeing people’s reac-
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tion to my work...” she said. On her own, this opportunity would not have been afford ed to her, and this is the problem, she said, many young artists face. This inability to be seen – and by ex tension, earn from their work- therefore makes it frustrating for the artists after they have invested so much time and effort in their work. “It is ex hausting being in the studio; it takes a lot out of me physically, emotionally and spiri tually. It takes a long time to arrive at work I want an audience to see. When I’m focused and working with a good rhythm, it can be weeks before I’m satisfied with the output. Then when I’m done where do I show the work?
The better question probably is, can I afford to show the work?” McPherson said, “Sadly, I don’t have the luxury of pursuing my art with the necessary focus because I must earn – patronage is not guaranteed – at the end of ‘earning’, there is little time or energy to be in the studio in the way I want. I’m not alone in this; many of our artists – male and female, known and little known –have the same dilemma because of the lack of support for visual art and artists.”
She also suggested that the private sector can pledge their support by providing artist residencies, which are spaces provided to artists, coupled with financial support, to facilitate their work for a prescribed period with the understanding of a quantifiable outcome. Should these things come to fruition, McPherson believes that there could very well be a returned appreciation for visual arts in Guyana, and that it could even attract the interest of a new audience; the younger
Meanwhile, efforts could also be plugged into the education system ensuring that art is not just a part of the syllabus as a subject which “passes time” but which should be used as a means of self-expression for students; a medium through which they can feel validated about themselves. “Art adds value to people’s lives in ways that cannot be fully measured... it is how you alleviate the day to days stresses of life through expression,” McPherson said.
The Guyana Women Artists’ Association was founded in 1987 and currently has a little more than two dozen active women artists affiliated with the organisation. The group emerged at a time when the works of women artists were barely seen in Guyana. In April 1988, the organisation hosted its first exhibition “Women Artists in Guyana – A Retrospective Exhibition of Sixty years (1928-1988)”. The event was held at the Umana Yana and showcased approximately 255 works among 55 exhibitors. Over the years, the group has remained consistent in its exhibition of the talent of female Guyanese artists in an aim to let their voices be heard and their talents be seen.
In Tandem III
Mark Luke Edwards
Abigail Brower
Sean Thompson
Ishara Dance Troupe rising to the occasion…
Shivanie Latchman has parlayed her love for songs and dance onto the local stage, leading a vibrant and outstanding Indian dance troupe, the Ishara Dance Troupe.
The Ishara Dance Troupe has been in existence since July 2009 and it has truly been a journey from then to now. When asked about her experiences as a leader, choreographer, dancer, and designer, Latchman said she would do it all again with a smile on her face.
“My experience working alongside those profession al, experienced and mes merising icons was truly an honour for me and my troupe. I must say it has not only put my troupe more on the map but it has opened my eyes wider as a choreographer, working with them closely on the two occasions – Music of the World Super Concert 2 –when Abha and Karan came to the very re-
Ishara has done events all across Guyana performing for audiences in different styles and has always managed to leave a good impression.
When questioned about the secret behind the successful dance troupe, Latchman replied “I believe that once we love what we do, then its image and perfection will be met”. Ishara has been heading up a path that’s been very exciting and full of experience.
From performing on the local stage with her own choreography, Latchman’s objective is to, at all times, create a storm on the international stage and working side by side with some of the most loved soap stars, Karan, Abha, Purvi, Arjune, etc.
Miss Guyana Universe donates to Dharmic humanitarian group
Miss Guyana Universe, Katherina Roshana continues to donate to various religious and humanitarian organisations as she wraps up her reigns as Miss Guyana Universe.
by members of their extended family.
She believes society must pitch in, since the Government of any country, cannot do it all. The effort must be collaborative.
cent concert.”
Latchman said that it has showed her that there is much more they can do as a group when it comes to music and dance.
She recalled when she performed at Music of the World 2, the video was sent to her a month in advance so that they could learn the routine and in turn teach her dancers, so by the time the stars would have arrived in Guyana, they were ready to hit the stage.
This time around, she said that it was last minute notice after Abha requested the same troupe she performed with the last time she performed in Guyana.
“I must say I am very proud of my troupe and how
it has grown because this time around, we worked on Bollywood Live with the Stars routine in four hours”. She said it was amazing how well all the routines were executed.
She added that Arjune took time out to work with her and her dancers based on the recommendation. This experience, she added, has given her more confidence to embark in bigger productions in the future as a troupe.
Ishara welcomes anyone who wishes to join the troupe and Latchman says always remember “everyone is a winner, and what makes you special is what you do with your passion and strength through effort, hard work and perseverance.”
Her most recent donation is a $100,000 contribution to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s children’s home that is being constructed in Corentyne, Berbice. Roshana, who also holds the title of Miss India Guyana, was happy to have learnt that the centre will serve not only Hindus but children of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.
Upon presenting the cheque, she explained that she lives to support worthwhile causes that will create goodwill and harmony in her country of birth.
She is most appreciative of the Dharmic Sabha’s vision of creating this humanitarian society to cater for the vulnerable in society, in particular the children who may not have parents, or who are abused
She expressed her respect for the ancient religion of Hinduism, which reads and emphasises that mankind is of one humanity, that the lower castes can become the higher and the higher can become the lower through appropriate works to the world and humanity.
Particularly, she observes the fact that the Bhavagad Gita teaches that the Karam Yog, that is the Service of Works, or to mankind is the greatest service and worship to God, the creator and sustainer of the Universe.
In addition, her humanitarian work took the streets of Georgetown, feeding the homeless and the less fortunate.
In her quest to serve disabled children and adults, Roshana devised numerous methods to provide comfort and peace to them.
She also donated a high powered public address system to a Mosque, and now she’s heard of the amazing children’s home and humanitarian centre being constructed in the Corentyne by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.
As an international ambassador of world peace, she is elated to learn that centres of religions constructs buildings and provides services that will care for peoples of all faiths. She says that there is much hope for mankind as a result of such positive works and thoughts.
Miss Guyana Universe promises soon to hand over an alarm system to a Christian institution, in respect to all religions.
She promises to continue to help by continuous periodic help financially or in kind to the institution. Katherina Roshana, who was sponsored by NEW GPC, under the Limacol brand, will in a few months hand over her title and everyone can say that she has represented the title well.
As the 24 contestants enter the various stages of the E-Networks singing competition, there is at least one person who was tasked with the responsibility in making them as comfortable as possible.
This person is no other than the hostess of the show, which is expected to be broadcast live as the competition winds down to the final stages.
No stranger to the stage is talent ed Zahrah Alli, the host of “Emerging Voices”. Ali is a senior dancer of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s dance group, Dharmic Nritya Sangh, and has been performing with them for the past 18 years.
Most of you might remember her for her starry portrayal of Jiya in Bollywood Dreams (A Naya Zamana dance production).
Academically accomplished with a Bachelor’s degree in International
Club Monaco will definitely come alive this Saturday evening as it hosts one of its most sensual events called “Menage A Trois”.
Music will be provided by the BOOM deejays Energy, Genius and Selector Andre. To add to the excitement will be the provocative body shots and more so, the three vixens along with the spongy bed.
There will also be special pricing on drinks which will see bottle specials all night long – buy one bottle, get the other at half price. Ladies will be admitted free before 23:00h. Admission to the event is easy. Sponsors Boom FM and Travellerz Sound. The Good Life is at Club Monaco this Saturday and remember what happens in Club Monaco stays in Club Monaco.
The sixth annual Wedding Expo will be hosted at the Roraima Duke Lodge; Kingston over the weekend which will create an environment for perspective brides and grooms to get an upper hand in planning their wedding.
The event will be hosted between March 28 and 30 and is expected to draw a massive crowd, especially with the fairytale wedding ceremony of the winning couple of the reality show “Race to the Altar”, Ryan Fletchman and Maria Prince.
other wedding fantasies as they were displayed on the lawns of the premises. There has always been an excellent display of wedding apparel, ranging from suits, wedding gowns, saris, and more im-
your tastes. Various samples of invitations will also be on display that will definitely bring back memories to those who have already tied the knot but will leave the younger couple in amusement.
pressively, an excellent line of African and Indian outfits.
Over the past years, patrons were wowed with the elaborate decoration and
At the event as well, there will be a wide selection of weddings cakes, not only to suit your pockets but also
Furniture, no problem! There will be a few on display that can be contracted through various agencies. So if someone is planning a wedding, then the place to be is at the Wedding Expo. The sponsors include Roraima Inn, Arrowpoint, Kings Jewellery World, Fly Jamaica, Hand In Hand Insurance Company, K&Y Party Rental, Guyana Times, Karen’s Cake, Bromeliad Make Up services, among others.
Packed week of activities planned for Bartica Regatta 2014
Guyana Times Entertainment
Top 10
It would appear as though we are no longer “Happy” but quite secretive this week as dancehall track “Nobody haffi know” climbed 10 places to the top of our charts this week. Also racing up the Guyana Times Entertainment Top 10 charts this week is Jumo Primo’s “Hit the Road”, jumping six places from number seven to number two.
A new song to the charts this week is American Authors “Best Day Of My Life” at number four.
Remember, persons can vote up to 10 times per track and can text the name of their favourite track to 592-654-7804 or 592-687–8893 to vote.
The voting process will conclude each Thursday at 15:00h so make sure you get your votes in before that time.
Kranium – Nobody ‘haffi’ Know’
Jumo Primo – Hit the Road
John Legend – All of me
American Authors – Best day of my life
Sam Smith – Money on my mind
Vanilla – Yada Yada
Kwesi “Ace” Edmondson – Still in the game
Drew Thoven featuring Randy Kirton and Atayjah – Loners lullaby
Pharell Williams – Happy
654- 7804 or 687-8893
It’s this time of the year again and Barticians are preparing for the most exciting event as the Bartica committee is finalising all arrangements for the successful hosting of Bartica Regatta 2014 which commences on April 14.
The seven-days event kicks off with the annual football tournament which commences on April 14 and will see eight teams competing with a chance to win the coveted title. Four of the teams are from Bartica and another four are being invited to participate in the competition.
The final is set for April 19 at the Bartica Community Centre ground followed by an after concert featuring the Heatwave Band and other local performers. Showtime is 19:00h.
On April 18, Christians
will be given a chance to be a part of the third annual Gospel Fest titled “The best is yet to come”. The concert will feature Barbados gospel artiste Hoszia Hinds; Kester D; Solid Youth; Anil Azeez and the E-Praise Band along with many others. The event is set for the
Bartica Community Centre ground and will commence at 19:00h. Tickets for the event cost $1000.
On Easter Sunday, all attention will be focused on the power boat racing during the day after which there will be the Annual Bartica Regatta Pageant slated for 20:00h
at the Bartica Community Centre ground. The pageant will see nine delegates from Bartica competing for the most talked about title.
The delegates are expected to be sashed on April 6 in Bartica. Admission to the pageant cost $2000.
The action continues on Monday with day two of the power racing which will be followed by a Regatta ‘wash down’ at the Golden beach resort. Admission to the power boat racing is $1000 for adults and $500 for children.
On the same day, there will be a children’s fun day at the Bartica Community Centre ground featuring several cartoon characters including, Dora, Diego and others. The Fun of Fun Children Party line of clothing will also be featured.
Sentencing of Vybz Kartel shifted to April 3
Dancehall superstar, Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer and his three coaccused found guilty of the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams will have to wait another week for sentencing after it was postponed on Thursday afternoon.
Kartel, alongside his three co-accused, Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre “Mad Suss” St John arrived at the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston late Thursday morning, with Kartel wearing a black shirt and navy blue pants.
They arrived to a much smaller crowd to the one that showed up on the day of Kartel’s conviction March 13, despite claims that fans of the deejay were set to stage a major protest outside the court, calling for a retrial.
As the court assembled, he wore a dark blue suit, blue shirt and tie, looking calm as he awaited his fate.
Despite accepting the jury’s guilty verdict, Kartel’s lawyer, Tom TavaresFinson says his client continues to maintain his innocence. Furthermore, when asked to make his final plea, Kartel opted not to beg for mercy in an effort to lighten the sentence.
Minutes later, however, Justice Lennox Campbell pushed back the sentencing to April 3 as to facilitate written submissions from defence lawyers regarding sentencing guidelines, according to Nationwide Radio.
Justice Campbell also said he would like to hear from a member of Williams’ family, though the Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn has said that may not be appropriate.
The family was put in protective custody immediately following the verdict, amid reports that a bounty was on the heads of members of Williams family.
Heatwaves dancers an d band member
Kester D Hoszia Hinds
NAirmala Delilah Narine is an actress, playwright, poet, and entrepreneur who holds a Degree in Business Management from the University of Guyana and a Diploma from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama.
Her passion for acting and writing has been poured into the Reactorz, a group whose members are talented actors and writers.
Her first experience performing on stage was in “Romeo & Juliet” at Bishops' High School during an inter-house competition. Her next role was as a boy in "Smile Orange".
In 2008, she participated in the Carifesta workshop where she “did training in acting and performed as a schoolgirl in “Moon On A Rainbow Shawl” at the National Cultural Centre”.
Also in 2010, she was a part of the movie “The Festival of Lights” while in 2011, she won the Best Supporting Actress Award for “New Beginnings” at the Theatre Guild Awards, followed by, in 2012, the Best Actress Award for “Virtue”.
As her career blossomed, she won a role in the movie, “A Jasmine For A Gardener” in 2012. In the same year, she wrote her first play “Imprisoned” and it placed third at the National Drama Festival Awards.
Her most unique on stage attribute would be her country accent, she says. “Since I don't write comedy, whenever I'm given a role – by one of our many talented writers in Guyana – I try my utmost to become the character and bring the emotions, expressions and characteristics attached to that character,” she added.
s we approach the Easter vacation, Hits and Jams Entertainment will be recruiting the best looking females who have the charm, stamina and beauty to represent Guyana in the upcoming Miss Jamzone International Pageant.
The pageant is slated for August at the National Cultural Centre.
Last year, Guyana’s delegate, Alicia Bess would have been selected from among a group of fantastic young ladies and repre-
sented Guyana well on the international stage. She was adjudged the first runner-up in the pageant with Trinidad and Tobago copping the title for the second year.
This year, the entertainment group has advertised earlier with the hope of stirring the interest of young ladies between the ages of 18 and 25 to walk the path that Bess has walked and even better. Since the hosting of the Jamzone International Pageant in Guyana, no
delegate has been successful in keeping the crown here.
This is an opportune time for Guyana to take the leading step with the aim of copping the coveted title and
more so, the purse of US$10,000.
Entry forms can be uplifted from the Hits and Jams Headquarters at Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.
Reigning International Chutney/Soca Monarch, Kris Persad will be performing live at Club Next on April 5. The Trinidadian, as usual, is expected to create the right atmosphere for a wonderful evening.
Chutney/soca lovers are advised to get that perfect outfit before the night so that it will not affect them as they get all groovy as the chutney king heats up the club.
The event is planned as part of the club’s ongoing entertainment drive which gives more choices to partyholics on weekends.
All in all, with his new tunes, such as “Runaway” and “Professor Feter” he is bound to satisfy his fans to the maximum. A few weeks ago, six-time chutney king, Rikki Jai had the club rocking as he performed for the first time.
Tickets for the event cost $2500 but more will be charged at the gate. There will also be limited VIP tickets. Tickets are available at Club Next and at the Princess Hotel front desk.
This play was staged a year later at The Theatre Guild of Guyana, but this time she played the lead role alongside Ron Robinson. In 2010, she became a member of The Theatre Guild of Guyana and thereafter performed in numerous plays and shows there, at the National Cultural Centre and all around the country.
Being a performer has opened a few doors for her such as modelling, multimedia voicing, and television ads. She writes and performs her own poetry, has done street theatre performances in many regions for Merundoi Incorporated, and played a character for their radio series drama last year.
Ranbir, Katrina to marry in 2015?
I’ll be performing in U.S. after a decade:
indi film superstar Hrithik Roshan will perform at the 15th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards taking place in Tampa Bay, Florida.
He is looking forward to the event as he will be performing in the U.S. after a decade.
“I have been part of many IIFAs where I have performed at different locales. IIFA was in fact my first international performance and something I have always treasured,” said the actor known for his excellent dancing moves.
“I will be performing in the
U.S. after a decade, so I am extremely excited to meet my fans there. I can assure you that this is going to be the best IIFA ever,” Hrithik Roshan told reporters on Thursday at the IIFA press conference.
His fans believe that when Hrithik dances, he dances as though no one is watching him. But the 40-year-old dismisses the praise by calling it “a myth”.
“Who says I dance like no one’s watching me? It’s a myth that people feel I dance like no one is watching me. All I can say is this year I will dance in a better way, with more energy,” he said.
Starting April 23, the event will be cohosted by Shahid Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar (India-forums.com)
Several Bollywood actors have at some point in their careers regretted their decision of not taking up a role offered to them first. In several cases, the film has gone on to become a massive hit, leaving them lamenting about their not so clever choice.
Remember how Juhi Chawla had refused to be part of the 1997 film “Dil To Pagal Hain” as she did not want to play second fiddle to Madhuri Dixit? Her replacement, Karisma Kapoor, went on to win accolades and awards. Juhi still remembers her not so clever choice of turning the role down.
Shah Rukh Khan: He refused the title role in Rajkumar Hirani’s “Munnabhai”. The role then went to Sanjay Dutt who was the original choice to play Jimmy Shergill’s role in the
film. The film gave Dutt’s career a whole new lease on life. After two Munnabhai MBBS films, when Rajkumar Hirani wanted to adapt Chetan Bhagat’s book Five Point Someone into a film, he again wanted SRK to play the character that later went to Aamir Khan. “3 Idiots” went on to be the biggest grosser in the history of Indian cinema. Aamir’s landmark films like “Lagaan” and “Rang De Basanti”, too, were initially offered to Khan.
Kangna Ranaut: It may be hard to imagine anyone else play sexy Silk with as much gusto as Vidya Balan did in “The Dirty Picture”. This is something which even the original choice Kangna Ranaut admits.
Salman Khan: He may call the shots today, but back in the day when he was still making a mark, he let go of “Baazigar,” which ultimately went to Shah Rukh Khan.
Ruks says to Jodha that “Now you understood that Jalal is only mine, his days and nights are mine only”, Jodha looks at her bed, Ruks also looks, Jalal is sleeping there, Ruks is embarrassed, Jodha smiles” (Desi-tashan.com)
His father sent romantic telegrams to his mother when they were courting. But Ranbir Kapoor is of a different mettle.
The star, whose commitment phobia is now stuff of folklore, has finally fallen in line, thanks to the ultimatum issued to him by Katrina. We can tell you, that the recent tiff between the goodlooking couple, would not have ended amicably, had it not been for the promise exacted by Kat –marry me or else... So here we are, looking at a probable wedding date in 2015, between the two most desirable stars in the country. And yes, mom Neetu is happy prepping for her son's big milestone.
Choices gone wrong:
B-Town stars
Later he was approached for “Chak De! India”, but it was SRK again who went on to do it.
Kareena Kapoor: Bebo has declined roles in some of the biggest blockbusters of Bollywood. Aishwarya Rai bagged the role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film which was turned down by Bebo, but some insist that Ash was the first choice for “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam”. Kal Ho
Na Ho: Kareena Kapoor was offered the film, but she did not do it over certain issues and Preity Zinta was roped in. Bebo also turned down films like “Black”, “Fashion”, “Chennai Express”, “Ram Leela” and “Queen”.
Kajol: Kareena Kapoor’s role in “3 Idiots” was first offered to Kajol who turned it down, as she was not too excited about what was told to her about her character.
Hrithik Roshan: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan were the original choices of film “Dil Chahta Hai”. When Hrithik and Abhishek Bachchan declined the role, Akshaye Khanna and Aamir Khan stepped in.
Twinkle: The role that
made Rani Mukerji a star overnight in “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” was rejected by Twinkle. Director Karan Johar only wanted Tina for the part, and had even named the character Tina. The role was also turned down by Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon.
Aamir Khan: Shah Rukh Khan bagged the role of a psychotic lover in movie “Darr” after Aamir Khan turned it down. Aamir was not happy with how the role had been developed.
Aishwarya Rai: The film “Raja Hindustani” reportedly was first offered to Ash, but
since she was not sure about the script and the way her role would turn out, she declined the offer. The role then went to Karisma Kapoor and it was one of the biggest hits of her career. (Santabanta.com)
Rushali and Sunanda start searching Naren on the streets. Ankita falls into a ditch and Naren helps her out. (Tellyupdates.com)
Raj tells Jiji that “whether Avni lives with me or not, she will always have a place in my heart”. Avni over-hears. Raj also sees this. (Desi-tashan.com)
KT orders Rachna to leave office right now. As she is going, KT sees the dress on the dummy and turns around. (Desi-tashan.com)
Why Harman is tightlipped on marriage plans with Bips?
Bactor Harman Baweja who is dating fellow star Bipasha Basu chose to keep mum on their engagement and wedding plans.
The buzz is that Harman and Bipasha will get engaged after the March 28 release of their film “Dishkiyaoon” and tie the knot by end of this year. However, the couple has always remained tightlipped about their future plans. “As it is rightfully said
these are mere reports...so what to say.
I will confirm it when it will happen,” Harman told reporters at an event. It was Harman who had earlier admitted that he was dating the dusky beauty and Bipasha too confirmed it a few days later through Twitter.
Bipasha was earlier in a relationship with actor John Abraham for nine years and Harman was dating actress Priyanka Chopra. (Santabanta.com)
Actress Sridevi will be launching the trailer of Amol Gupte’s film, “Hawaa Hawaai”. Since it was Sridevi who popularised the term Hawa Hawaai by featuring in a hit song of the same name from the film, “Mr India”, the makers felt that it was only apt to have Sridevi launch the film’s trailer and give her blessings to the project.
“Initially, there was buzz that the actress would be doing a special number in the film. However, that did not happen. But she has agreed to launch the film’s trailer,” a source said. (Santabanta.com)
ollywood
Seven to vie for Miss Fantastic pageant
Come April 11, seven talented young ladies from various educational institutions in Linden will be vying for the first ever Miss Fantastic title slated for the MacKenzie Sports Club ground, Linden.
The event is promoted by Divine Entertainment with an objective of promoting local talent and giving support where needed through charitable efforts.
As part of its policy, the group is mandated to execute a project benefiting schools or institutes, specifically students. After carrying out a survey, the entertainment group proved that there is great need for computers in schools, and as such, a team from the group organised an inter-school pageant with the aim of aiding.
The Miss Fantastic pageant was tasked with identifying a female student, preferably one not preparing to sit final examinations, to represent same.
During the period of preparing the delegates for Miss Fantastic, they will be trained and educated by some of the leading model coaches, designers, motivators and team builders in Guyana, with the aim of producing reputable ambassadors, not only for the school they represent, but to a greater extent
– Linden and Guyana as a whole. Aside from this, each delegate must select a platform and initiate a school/community project.
The winning delegate of Miss Fantastic will be crowned and will move on to be the teen representative for Divine Entertainment for a year. Aside from this, she will be awarded a laptop, gift certificates and a one-year study scholarship. The winning school will receive paid Internet access, desktop computers and text books. Runners-up schools will benefit from study hampers, inclusive of text books, stationary, tablets, etc.
However, this pageant will also be the stepping stone for the crowned queen to represent Linden, and to participate in other community/empowerment activities throughout the year.
Equally important is the opportunity for all the contestants to develop or enhance qualities of leadership, selfconfidence, self-esteem, poise, public speaking abilities and many other activities and skills.
The queen will be selected based on a number of judging criteria such as personality, poise and the ability to converse. The first segment will be a
photo shoot where the delegates will be asked to create attire from recycled materials such as tins, waste leather, straw and leaves, just to name a few.
In addition, each contestant will have five minutes with the judges where they will be asked impromptu questions and they will be asked to showcase a uniform that represents a sport that is of interest to the delegate – one that signifies team spirit, sportiness, athleticism, will power and fitness.
The seven delegates will also participate in the talent segment in the form of dance, poetry, song and others. The talent piece must be well choreographed, executed with precision, well-staged and win the favour of the judges and audience.
The well planned event will also see the seven beauties dressed in professional attire followed by the highly anticipated evening gown competition. The evening will end with the question and answer segment where the contestants will be judged based on articulation, diction, projection, accuracy and correctness. Apart from all the modelling, there will be live performances by Guyana’s own Jackie Hanover, Diana Chapman, Travis Bowen, Genesiz and others.
Meet three of the delegates for the inaugural inter-secondary school pageant – Miss Fantastic
Person of interest
This week, Guyana Times
Entertainment (BTE) went sniffing in the mining town of Linden to find our person of interest and we did not come up empty handed, in fact, we found last year’s Junior Calypso Monarch, 18-yearold musician, as she adamantly describes herself, Niossi Alsopp.
The former calypso queen of One Mile Wismar, told GTE that she is currently a Sixth Form student at Wismar Secondary School, but that does not stop her from living through her music.
She explained that after capturing last year’s crown, she has even been more resolute on becoming a musician. She maintains that she wants to pursue a career in medicine while being a musician, while noting “other jobs have retirement ages, but when you’re a musician, you can be a musician for life”.
Alsopp related that she came from a
family background that is rich in music and after being taught the theory of keyboard playing by her father, she went on to master the practical aspect of the art.
When questioned on her inspiration behind her musical career, the young lady explained that she attended a calypso competition in Linden and was inspired by Diana Chapman’s performance. She added that she was so inspired, she proceeded to take part in the forthcoming year’s junior competition and she placed first. She explained that she was very shy about her performance but nevertheless managed to deliver on her Bonny Alves written piece.
Alsopp added that although she did not attain a space at this year’s competition, she insists that she will be taking part in the competition while she still has the time, given her age.
Miss Guyana Universe 2011
Though her reign has ended, former Miss Guyana Universe 2011
Kara Lord says that she is still “making memories as a queen”. Like many other past queens, her stint in pageantry has catapulted her career, providing her with the skills, experience and motivation to pursue her career further. When she was crowned in 2011, Kara was a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana. Today, she now holds a full-time post at the institution under the School of Education and Humanities Faculty. Aside from that, Kara is also active in quite a few other projects. She currently hosts the fashion based television show “Trends” and acts as a judge in the television reality show “Guyana’s Next Top Model”.
“I have always had a strong passion towards not just being independent but owning my own business and have since embarked on the launch of my own advertising agency called Trends Advertising,” Kara disclosed.
Modelling is still a part of Kara’s life as well, but to a smaller degree: “I still dabble in both runway and still-shot photography but only for all the right designers,” she said. Otherwise, she admits that she often wishes that she could participate in other regional or international pageants but is not sure whether at the age of 26, she still falls within the age group to do so. Nevertheless, representing Guyana at the Miss Universe Pageant has still taught her priceless life lessons. “Being on the international stage has provided me with not only a wealth of knowledge, but experience, which compels me to have a deeper understanding of pageantry and a certain maturity about life,” she said.
But Kara expressed some disappointment with the standards of pageantry in Guyana, stating that while she has been a fan of the industry since she was a child, her impression of the glamour and the dazzle that the contestants and queens experience has been diminished after she was personally exposed in 2011. “There is more to be desired in the organisation and treatment of contestants and furthermore selected queens… In Guyana, it seems to only be a money making venture and words cannot express my disappointment,” she said. But Kara hopes that the upcoming Miss Guyana World Pageant, which has thus far promised to be an improvement from its previous years, delivers.
During her reign, Kara remembers most the feeling of responsibility and purpose experienced when she was tasked to speak at various forums on important social issues. “I was pleased to know that companies and organisations felt it appropriate to extend an invitation to the reigning Miss Guyana Universe of the time and some believed it even more appropriate that I should offer words on their varying agendas,” she said. “It gave me great pleasure to speak out against the issue of domestic violence, advocate for fair treatment of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and educating on health issues such as breast and cervical cancer.”
As every good queen does, Kara provided some worthwhile advice for aspiring pageant queens. “Being a beauty queen in Guyana is only as glamorous as you make it; if you’re looking for fame and fortune, I would advise that you look elsewhere,” she said. She advised that contestants instead focus on highlighting the beauty of their country, stating that it goes far beyond having “the right look”, but also the right attitude and being the best possible ambassador for one’s country. “It is not about pretending to care or smiling for the camera at an orphanage because it looks good. It is about caring and having the courage to share on issues that may be touchy; speaking out against social ills and reaching out with compassion to help your fellow man.” Kara advised that the international stage is not a “bed of roses” due to the intense rivalry of various countries. “I urge those with the desire to become beauty queens to be beautiful both inside and out; to take care of themselves physically and have outstanding moral fibre with strength to stand up to the competition.”
Kara’s good advice suggests that she would make an excellent pageant trainer, which she admits she is not opposed to.
Niossi Alsopp
Name: Maisha Khadijah Ibrahim Age: 18
Institution: Linden Technical Institute Ambition: Teacher Hobbies: Cycling, jogging and singing
Name: Malissa Lin Charles Age: 18
Institution: Linden School of Excellence Ambition: Medical Laboratory Technician Hobbies: Socialising, reading, playing cricket, singing and drama
Name: Shameka Ashaki Charles Age: 19
Institution: Institute of Distance and Continuing Education Ambition: Psychiatrist Hobbies: Playing table tennis, cricket
