What makes us ‘Guyanese’?
Have we lost our cultural identity?
When it comes to being ‘Guyanese’, many may say it refers to our unique cuisine; our diverse ethnic makeup; our accent or perhaps even the idiosyncrasies that we vow ‘no one else on earth possesses’.
For reference, one can simply recall the examples cited during the ‘You know you’re a Guyanese when…’ fad, which took the local social media network by storm some time ago). Regardless of response, no answer is ever the same and questions have come to centre on whether we have a defined culture at all; whether our tendency to borrow from western and other practices has erased what may have been deemed ‘Guyanese’ culture; or whether it is this cornucopia of practices which in itself contributes to our ‘Guyaneseness’.
With the Hindu Spring festival of Phagwah on the horizon, it is guaranteed that a part of our ‘Guyaneseness’ will shine luminously as thousands of people of various ethnicities join in the joyous celebration. The blurred lines of cultural practices that occasions such as Phagwah creates, leads President of the Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud, to opine that cultural identity is not at all lost: “People tend to say that Guyanese do not have a culture, but I strongly disagree. Every race, every culture brings something to the table. Guyana has a beautiful tapestry of diverse cultures and we just need to have more conversations among each other so that we can collectively showcase all that Guyana has to offer.”
Yet, Dr Persaud admits that within the multicultural Guyana, there are some groups that have maintained their cultures and traditions more than others, which is due in part to stronger linkages to their ancestral heritage. However, she does not believe that the lack on the part of other groups takes away from the cultural identity of Guyanese. She states though, that the cultural ties of each group just need to be strengthened which will lead to a stronger culture across the board.
Wpromoter says it’s a matter of OPINION
hen it comes to entertainment, many may argue what constitutes an “entertaining” event. Factors like cost, venue, audience and content interchangeably contribute to the type of support each event receives.
But what is certain is that each event will target a specific group in an aim to satisfy that group’s needs.
In Guyana, entertainment has been significantly transformed to include myriad types of shows and parties that have quickly become highly anticipated annual affairs. In addition to the countless celebrities that have graced Guyana’s shores and the various theme parties that we have grown to love and unwaveringly support, Guyanese have been introduced to the ‘Very (sometimes Very Very) Important Person’ experience – an undeniable plus for those who believe that entertainment should be enjoyed in style.
In a developing country where pov erty and other social ills remain para mount concerns however, many still question whether these dynamic forms of entertainment are neces sary: the celebrity shows, the fan cy themes, the VIP features –can we afford it all?
But Rawle Ferguson, cofounder of Hits and Jams Entertainment, one of Guyana’s premier entertain ment bodies, believes that it all comes down to a matter of choice. “Entertainment is a must for every human being. People get stressed regardless of their sta tus or spectrum of life, and so all these activities are tailored to certain sections of our coun try,” Rawle told Guyana Times Entertainment The promoter believes that to question or judge someone’s choice for sup porting a particular event would be unwarranted as individuals are responsible for setting their own priori ties and choosing whether or not to support that event, based on their own financial
Tand other capacities. “For us (Hits and Jams Entertainment), we want to engage everyone and bring them to a certain standard so we ensure that the people have the options to go to certain events, but it is left up to their personal decision whether they want to attend or not.”
Affordability
According to Ferguson, affordability is never a problem when it comes to HJ fuelled events as the company continually aims to host activities suited for “the common man”. “Without us, entertainment would be dull in Guyana. We ensure that we host events of a high standard that the regular man can still afford. We came from poverty ourselves, so we understand what it is to want to experience something of a high standard but were unable to because we couldn’t af-
This subsidised entertainment strategy has, according to Ferguson, allowed HJ to revolutionise entertainment in Guyana as they have been able to provide wide ranges of attraction which all Guyanese can experience regardless of class. “What we have done more than ever is have a closer connection with our people, tending to what they really need in terms of entertainment. We have a radio station which is up there with all the others in the country and when you look at the other promoters, you see that the standards have all been lifted. This is a direct influence of Hits and Jams because we have raised the standards tremendously.”
But with these raised standards, older generations
have still questioned the level of vulgarity featured in many of the entertainment activities being hosted, to which Rawle again said was a matter of choice. “I think if you’re 18 years and older, people have the opportunity to make their own decisions. Every man should choose their journey.” He argued that the older generations had their own level of what would be deemed “lawless”, citing songs and other media which have sent subliminal messages that may have been deemed ‘taboo’. He stated that ‘lawlessness’ may have been an accusation thrown at those persons by the generations before them as well, adding that this will always be a matter of opinion.
These arguments aside, Hits and Jams Entertainment continues to pave the way for entertainment in Guyana by continually reinventing itself in the local industry. Rawle hinted that a large project is in motion that will provide a permanent entertainment location for young people and families and may be unveiled before the end of the year.
Wooing Rihanna
Additionally, larger projects such as a Rihanna concert are currently in motion. “We have met with Rihanna and her management and we are working on getting her to come here within the next two years,” Rawle said, adding that the Grammy Award winning singer seems very interested in visiting Guyana where she has deep roots. Plans are also in motion to make the Jamzone Pageant larger than before by taking the pageant to the United States of America and Canada in order to recruit Guyanese contestants who live in those parts of the world. Rawle stated that the final leg of the pageant will be brought back home, bringing the focus on Guyana and opening up a range of tourist possibilities as a result.
Hits and Jams Entertainment is well aware of their success and influence and as a result, is willing to spread its wings in other areas to assist in the revival of other types of art. Rawle said that collaborations in the areas of fashion, poetry and art are all possible as there is no limit to the possibilities. “Anything in the world is possible if people come together and realise their goals and work towards it. Guyana can be far beyond the sky, stars and the moon if we coexist and work together. We need to support fresh new ideas in order to find what is good for us, and in this quest all we ask is that critics not be demanders, but advisers.”
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) will be hosting its annual Phagwah Mela “Rang Barse” at the Bath tarmac, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, on Monday.
Fun starts at 14:00h and will feature entertainment from the Dax New Generation Band along with top local singers and dancers to provide cultural entertainment for patrons. Slated to perform also are dance troupes from West Berbice and Enmore.
A variety of Indian foods and sweetmeats will be on sale. There will be strictly no alcoholic beverages allowed.
According to the IAC, over the years “Rang Barse” has attracted thousands and has become the biggest event in that part of the country. The event is supported by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).
GT&T will also be giving away T-shirts and powder to several lucky persons. Admission to the IAC’s “Rang Barse” Mela is free. The IAC is encouraging persons to come and be part of what is expected to be an afternoon of fun and frolic as they celebrate Phagwah with each other.
On behalf of its executive members and patrons, the IAC extends Phagwah greetings all to Hindu brother and sisters and Guyanese at large. Shub Holi!
he Enterprise Youth Development Group on Sunday collaborated with the Non Pariel Sevak Satsang Mandir to promote Phagwah celebration 2014. The event was aimed at fostering the development of youths and promoting the Indian culture via the hosting of a Mela.
The occasion was graced with the presence of Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry representative Gillian Frank, who lauded the youths and different organisations for putting together such an activity, which helps to promote the culture of Guyana, and at the same time, attract more avenues for young people to grow and showcase their talent. She encouraged them to keep up the great work.
Scores of persons graced the event as they were entertained by colourful dances, melodious singing, thoughtinvoking skits and informa-
tive poems. This was complemented by the scrumptious food on offer.
Dancers from Mon Repos, Stratsphey, Non Pariel and
Enterprise entertained the audience, while the talented Bunty Singh lent his melodious voice to the proceedings. Meanwhile, the
Enterprise Youth Development Group will be holding a Phagwah celebration on Phagwah day (Monday) and invites every-
one to come out to the event at the Enterprise Community Centre from 14:00h.
The Enterprise Youth Development Group and the
Non Pariel Sevack Santsang wish to thank everyone who supported last Sunday’s event and wish all Guyana Happy Holi.
Members of the Enterprise Youth Development Group during last Sunday’s programme
Guyanese are in for a treat of a life time next weekend when four well known Bollywood Soap stars will perform live on lo-
cal shores. The show is titled “Bollywood Live with the Stars” and is promoted by Christine and Popo Entertainment out of New York.
The international cast include Chhoti-bahu’s star, Radhika; Pavita Rishta’s most popular couple, Arjune and Purvi and for the second time round, Abha from
Guyana has been known to be rich in Indo-related practices and traditions, a feature which Dr Persaud said has been remarked on expressly by foreigners.
Award winning singer Sonu Nigam is one such foreigner who Dr Persaud boasted, positively remarked during a recent visit on how Guyanese have preserved certain Indian traditions.
Apart from the religious aspects, Dr Persaud said that great encouragement is constantly given to other races and cultures to participate in the Indian practices. She cited events such as the Diwali Motorcade in which various companies are invited to participate, as well as Phagwah where all races usually take part in the festivities as well. On the flip side, Dr Persaud assures that if and when other cultures become more active in their practices, the Indian community would in turn participate in those activities.
“We don’t see many of the other events happening to encourage participation. I think if they do more, we would definitely participate. One of the things I love about Guyana is how understanding of each other’s culture and religion… and that is something that people should admire,” she said.
Executive Member of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Eric Phillips
states, however, that before Guyana’s culture can be strengthened, there is one pertinent issue at hand: “We are still looking for our cultural identity. We are one people, one nation, one destiny with six different cultures, and each culture is still trying to understand itself, while at the same time trying to contribute to the national identity.” Phillips said that a typical example can be seen in the celebration of holidays where each holiday sees participation mostly by that particular group. While, like Dr Persaud, he states that other groups do join in the celebration, the numbers are minimal. Meanwhile, Phillips stated that the non-participating majority continues to view the holiday only with recreational significance, rather than seeking to celebrate the commonalities as a people.
“We have to set ground rules that will outline how we celebrate each holiday as an entire people. How do others celebrate it if they are not a part of the religion? These holidays are instead seen as party days to them rather than days of reflection, so that we can all have that interconnectivity.” He stated that it is now in the interest of those to whose culture the holidays belong, to help define for others what should be followed on those days, which will in turn help the
country to be culturally unified.
Both representatives’ views on cultural identity submerge into a single idea: Guyana has many cultures; these cultures are practiced, but the practices are either confined majorly to one group or are not observed enough. Dr Persaud believes that a greater effort must be made among young people to pay attention to the traditions that are being passed on by the previous generations.
Phillips believes that the effort starts at a higher level. “We need our cultural leaders to baseline for us and remind us what these traditions truly signify; we need standardisation of practices and education needs to bring us together to teach us about these practices.”
Efforts from the Education Ministry and the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry can play integral roles in the necessary standardisation of these practices so that Guyanese can have a holistic cultural model to emulate and pass on to future generations. Stories, poetry, music – all aspects have to tell a story of where we came from. But, as in all things, time is the only factor which can see such a process through, until then, what it truly means to be ‘Guyanese’ will continually be attempted to be defined.
The others, who are expected to share the same stage with the superstars are Anil Bheem and the Bheemerz Band out of Trinidad and Tobago, Chris Ramkellawan from Suriname, Christine and Madhu Moti from New York
and the Apache Warias from NY and Seeta Panday. The Ishara Dancers and the Sahara Dance Company are also expected to perform on the nights. With the combination of chutney and Filmi music, the three-day affair is expected to be scorching hot with high class performances. The emcee for the event is no other than television personality, Joel Ganshaam. The three days set aside are Friday, March 21, at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, West Coast Demerara; Saturday, March 22, at the Guyana National Stadium,
Providence, East Bank Demerara and Sunday, March 23 at the Port Mourant Centre ground, Corentyne, Berbice.
General admission costs $2500 in advance and $3000 at the gate while the VIP tickets cost $15,000 and the Luxury VIP cost $20,000. Ticket locations are Giftland OfficeMax, Georgetown; Aron and Andre Bacchus General Store, Metem-Mere-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; Basil and Sons Sports Bar, Rosignol, Berbice; Sky Lab, Whim, Corentyne, Berbice; Evil Eyes locations at Rose Hall, New Amsterdam and Georgetown; Chicken and Burger Delight at Vreed-enHoop and Diamond; Movie Planet, Skeldon, Berbice and KK Gas Station, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.
Dr Eric Phillips
President of the Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli.
Radhika
Abha
Purvi and Arjune
Vybz Kartel found guilty of murder
opular Jamaican Dancehall
DJ Vybz Kartel and three co-accused were found guilty of murder in the Home Circuit court today, Thursday, March 13.
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was charged jointly with fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell, also called Shawn Storm; Kahira Jones; Shane Williams; and André St John for the murder of Clive‘Lizard’ Williams .
Of the four co-accused only Williams was found not guilty. Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams was allegedly killed over a missing gun belonging to Kartel. Those found guilty are to return to court on March 27 for sentencing.
Events to observe Phagwah & Easter unveiled & Easter unveiled
BTollywood singing sensation, Jeffrey Iqbal who is one of the judges in the E-Networks Singing Competition says that he is honoured and felt blessed to be part of the event that will give Guyanese local talents an opportunity to be recognsied on the big stage.
Iqbal speaking with Guyana Times Entertainment on Saturday last after his electrifying performance at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Phagwah Mela and Bazaar reminisced that he started off as a contestant and knows how it feels to be nervous during an audition or participating in a competition.
As someone who had to be judged by others, he promised those who are participating in the competition that he will not be too strict, thus he will make the process as comfortable as possible, noting that he will be very supportive and yet serious taking into consideration, it is a national competition.
He advised the participants not to be afraid to try, reiterating that this is a great opportunity for locals to highlight their potential and make a name for themselves.
“Take it and put your best into it and see what happens”, he said.
He thinks that the competition is an amazing one, since there is no competition of this magnitude in the country presently and believes that it is a platform for the young people to elevate themselves in a positive light. The platform has been created for them to shine so that the world can see.
He encouraged those who feel that they have singing talents to grab the opportunity and turn it into reality.
As a judge and a former contestant in ZeeTv’s SA Re Ga Ma Pa singing competition, Iqbal posited that he has no expectation in the competition but intends to witness some keen rivalry with the aim of meeting the top.
he Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority are encouraging Guyanese and overseas based Guyanese to take advantage of the number of events that are planned to observe Phagwah and Easter celebrations, 2014.
One of the major activities during this time of year is the traditional kite flying throughout Guyana but there is also the Easter Rodeo in Lethem, Region Nine and most obviously, the Grand Phagwah celebrations across the country. There is also the unforgettable Pakaraima Safari.
While some Guyanese may prefer to stick to the religious aspect of the festivities; some are more intrigued by getting their groove on. Whatever the choice, an event is planned
with the religious and not so religious in mind.
Last Saturday evening, spring commenced with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Annual Phagwah Bazaar which will be followed by Inspired Inc’s Phagwah Mela on March 17. Then there is the Pakaraima Mountain Safari between April 12 and 20 and the Rupununi Rodeo on April 20 and 21. The annual Bartica Regatta is set to thrill again this year on April 19 and 20.
Additionally, there will be a grand three day concert titled “Bollywood Live” with the stars on March 21, at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, West Coast Demerara; on March 22 at Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara and March 23 at Port Mourant Community Centre
ground, Corentyne, Berbice.
All of the activities will culminate on Easter Monday with kite flying. One of the biggest events is planned for Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice.
However, in a bid to provide even more persons with the opportunity to experience Easter Rodeo, several tour companies are offering special packages from as low as $50,000.
Whatever the choice, regardless of the preference, one thing is guaranteed; Guyana is the destination of choice for the upcoming period and visitors and locals should be prepared to be swept up in the flurry of activities planned to commemorate the cherished occasions of Phagwah and Easter.
Link Show 30 is in its final run and would be at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on March 15 and 16, this holiday weekend.
After a four night run at Parc Rayne and five nights at The NCC, patrons would have their last opportunity to
see the 30th anniversary production. It must be noted that the auditorium front and rear areas are being used only to ensure that patrons are comfortable.
The nightly giveaways will continue with gifts from Lucky Dollar, gift voucher and shopping bags from Bounty
Supermarket, German’s Restaurant and Hurakabra River Resort.
Tickets are already on sale at Giftland OfficeMax, Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmins Trading and the National Cultural Centre for $2000 and $1500.
Even her name has a certain poetic influence to it. This week, Guyana Times Entertainment> (GTE) interviewed young poet LaToni Beaton.
The 25-year-old beauty told GTE that she grew up in East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme but subsequently moved to the East Coast of Demerara where she spent her more formidable years.
The poet explains that she is inspired by everyday occurrences. Albeit, she has not been awarded with any accolades from the poetic fraternity, Beaton notes that she is pursuing her goals as a poet. She contends that she is planning to release a slew of spoken word videos and an album in the near future.
LaToni explained that she started writing at the tender age of 16 and since then, she has not stopped. She added that besides from performing at Upscale Restaurant – the local poetry spot, she has graced stages in Barbados, performing at the Good Life Show. She related too that she represented her country at World Poetry Day in 2012.
“I believe it is man’s innate nature to create, creation starts in the mind, manifestation follows. My writing is a manifestation that was birthed from “thought” my thoughts; it is an overflow of my spirit which is my creative mind that
is acting to create without reservation the image that has presented itself” posited the young poetic stalwart.
She, however, noted that there is more need for the enforcement of copyright laws on the part of the Government. She noted too that with the enforcement of these laws, the poetic fraternity will blossom. LaToni added too that people in the arts will express themselves more, since persons are afraid to put their work out there only to have their intellectual property stolen.
Excerpt from the poem “My Pain Is My Preparation For My Destiny” Remember childhood Now the wind is in motion, trapping the scent of inferiority... Taunting me... Do you remember Rejection? Yes! I remember mother not wanting me. I am the middle of two, which makes it three, But somehow three would amount to two excluding me. I was the seed of another man whom she scorned, So I was treated differently. Rejected from the womb, And it could have been my tomb.
LaToni Andreisa Holanda Beaton
In less than two days, the Wales Community Centre Ground will come alive with the hosting of one of the biggest shows “Chutney Colour Fete” presented by Westsiderz Entertainment. The event is set for Phagwah eve.
Some of the biggest
names in the chutney industry are all set and ready, not only to take to the stage, but to engage their fans in the most colourful way.
Those expected to perform at the activity are reigning Guyanese Chutney Monarch Pooran Seeraj, Prince JP, Guyana
Telephone and Telegraph Bollywood Jingle winner Halima Khan, Aamir Khan, Steven Ramphal and Bunty Singh. Adding some excitement to the event will be members of the Ishara Dance Troupe led by Shivanie Latchman.
There will also be a
In our remodelled top 10, we will be featuring local and Caribbean tracks on our countdown. We will also be engaging the general public in the process of the songs making the top 10.
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 cast their votes. The voting process
• Jackie Hanover – Nakupenda
• Lil Red – Who We Are
will conclude each Thursday at 15:00h so make sure you get your votes in before that time.
This week, the songs were not given places; however, based on your votes, next week the tracks will be awarded spots on the chart.
Persons can also submit other tracks to the chart and they will be awarded spots based on the votes.
• Drew Thoven featuring Randy Kirton & Atayjah – Loners lullaby
• Kwasi “Ace” Edmundson – Still In The Game
• Jumo Primo – Hit The Road
• John Legend – All of Me
• Pharell Williams – Happy
• Sam Smith – Money On My Mind
• Beyonce featuring Jay Z & Kanye West – Drunk In Love (remix)
• Nicki Minaj – Lookin’
packed day of sport, including a cricket competition, which will see the winner carting off $100,000. This competition will commence in the morning, but later in the day, the domino competition will kick into gear.
Patrons will be given free powder and sweet -
meats upon entry into the ground.
But as the sun sets, the colourful lights on the stage will illuminate the ground and create the right atmosphere for a grand party session that will definitely have patrons getting their groove on.
Chutney sensations Prince JP and Bunty Singh will also be launching their new duet titled“Phagwah in GT”.
Tickets cost only $500 and are available at Sunil DVD Club, Wales; and Westiderz Entertainment at Vreed-en-Hoop junction.
&
The Indian heroine has slowly started rising in our films. And this year has been truly radical, says Sudhish Kamath, pointing to content and characters in movies such as “Dedh Ishqiya”, “Highway”, “Queen” and “Gulaab Gang”.
the significance of what this meant for Indian cinema. It was a huge step forward — a mainstream celebration of lesbian relationships — starring Madhuri Dixit, one of the best-known iconic actors of our time. Abhishek Chaubey,
for March 20 at L&L Restaurant
Divine Entertainment in collaboration with L&L Restaurant will be hosting its 10th monthly Poetry and Jazz Night on Thursday, March 20, at the restaurant.
Poetry and Jazz, or P&J as it is more commonly called, creates quite a buzz of sensation as the audience/support base continues to grow month after month.
The concept of P&J is an evening filled with jazz music, spoken word poetry, dinner and wine and has moved away from the ordinary club and street jam
Linden has grown accustomed to.
Manager of Divine Entertainment, Devin Sears stated: “Divine Entertainment is in the business of introducing alternative entertainment which will contribute to social awareness, development and balance which is needed in this transitioning community…”
The theme for P&J this month is “Addicted” and will feature Jermaine Figueira, a well-known spoken word poet from the mining town and Travis Bowen, a popular singer/professional
dancer based in Georgetown. Sears continued to say that “P&J aside from the open mic segment will introduce a new feature – Poetic Battle – where the last poet left standing will win a prize.”
P&J will be staged at L&L Restaurant, Green Heart Street, Linden. For reservations, patrons can call 669-7250, 444-2909 or 669-7250. The event is sponsored by DE, Linden Wireless Communications Net-work Inc Power FM, L&L Restaurant and Banks DIH Ltd.
Holiday Snacks presented the 2014 Mashramani Road March Queen Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts with her prizes at the Annual Mashramani Presentation ceremony held Friday last at the Umana Yana, Georgetown.
Vanilla won with her popular up-tempo song “Yada Yada” and received a cash prize of $300,000 as well as a trophy and a hamper.
The presentation was made by Michael Hohenkirk, Manager of Bermudez, a division of Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) with assistance from Chandanee TahalRamsaran, Marketing Coordinator and Dawn Dickson, Merchandiser.
Tahal-Ramsaran said that Holiday Snacks was extremely pleased to sponsor the Road March prize for 2014 and she extended congratulations to Vanilla for winning the crown.
“We approached the Mashramani Secretariat to be a sponsor for this year’s Mash activities and the Secretariat graciously accepted. Apart from sponsoring the Road March competition we also presented hampers to the top performers in the chutney, essay, calypso, steel pan and soca competitions, in addition to providing samples of Holiday Snacks at Mash Events Nationwide,” she added.
Hits and Jams Entertainment Boom FM will be celebrating its first anniversary in grand style at the National Park Arena on Sunday, March 16 with an award ceremony to honour local talent. Preparations are all underway for the event that is expected to draw a large audience.
One week after the nominations were unveiled, the local artistes have been campaigning for their fans to cast their votes in an effort for them to win in the various categories for which they were nominated.
There will be a number of prizes to be won in various categories. These include Best Groovy Soca; Best Power Soca; Best Collaboration; Best
Producer; Best Music Video and the Song of the Season. Apart for the soca songs and videos, the calypsonian will not be left out since there will also be an award for the Best Calypso. The young chutney singers will also be included as an award is set aside for the Best Chutney Song. There will also be an award for the best song writer.
Listeners and viewers can only vote for the songs and the music videos that are played on HJ TV and Boom FM. They can vote via social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Apart from the awards, there will be performances by the nominees including Jumo Primo, Adrian Dutchin, the Heatwave Band, Vanilla and others.
It’s quite a sorry story when you realise that not just films, even film theory and studies of myths are mostly about the hero’s journey.
Especially, Joseph Campbell’s definitive guide to myths, titled The Hero With A Thousand Faces, considered the Bible for aspiring screenwriters and storytellers, a book that went on to inspire many of the greatest storytellers. One that helped George Lucas write “Star Wars” and through which the Wachowski Brothers found “The Matrix”.
The rare criticism this celebrated book faced was that it was too caught up with its notion of the hero as male — one who had to meet his Goddess and make peace with his father — to be his own man and find himself, in the course of the journey. Of course, this doesn’t really apply to women.
And certainly not to Indian women, who fight battles of not just gender discrimination, but of caste, creed, religion and politics, against the system and within. They not only take on society and the world outside but also battle demons closer to home. And at home.
Over the last few years, the Indian heroine has slowly started rising in our films. While this new wave may have started off with exploitative films such as “The Dirty Picture and Heroine”, films that were just an excuse to unleash the male gaze, Gauri Shinde’s “English Vinglish” brought refreshing sensitivity to the screen with its true blue heroine — the Indian housewife who straddles two worlds and proves she can rule both — home turf and the foreign, alien one. There was also a half-baked idea in “Aiyaa” we could not appreciate, thanks to its packaging.
This year, however, has been truly radical. First, it was the brilliantly bold “Dedh Ishqiya” that dared to wink at the face of Section 377 by celebrating the lesbian subtext in the relationship between its twin heroines — who are capable of turning men from fools to tools of their empowerment. Given that this was the big twist towards the end, critics were forced to leave out
Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar had created a film that finally proved that you do not need to be a woman to make a film with beauty and sensitivity. Next came “Highway”, Imtiaz Ali’s sequel-in-spirit to “Rockstar”. The story of a girl raised to believe that the world outside is dangerous and full of thieves and that home is the safest place in the world. Again,
completely changed the mood with his light-hearted and spirited film about a small-town heroine. Never have we seen the quintessential average middleclass Indian girl this liberated. It works way better than “Highway” because it shows us how easy it really is to liberate and empower women onscreen. They don’t need to get kidnapped by a humane angry young man to find themselves. They just need to travel, see the world by themselves, without having to worry about a thing. Any father or mother can do this for their daughters. Any girl can go on such a trip if she sets her mind to it. It also showed us that such a journey didn’t necessarily mean losing your identity or getting a makeover. On the contrary, we begin to love the girl for who she really is. She finds herself halfway into the film but more importantly, the world finds her... and loves her for who she is. Here was a Hindi film that decided that its heroine did not need a hero in her life and stood its ground.
We are teased with the romantic possibilities — that she could find her soulmate in a girl who coincidentally shares her name with her fiancé, an Italian restaurateur who she finds extremely attractive, and three other male roommates — including one who seems to like her. The first one tells her not to change, she kisses the second
the twist in the tale debunked this big Indian myth. We live in a country where homes are more dangerous for women than the roads and the highways. Homes have this way of becoming prisons and “Highway” was this paradoxical tale about a girl who found freedom in bondage — when she is kidnapped and taken away from home. The girl strangely, quite inexplicably, likes this freedom and we later understand why. Director Imtiaz Ali made an intriguing choice to not sexualise the relationship between the captor and the hostage or even make it conventionally romantic. It was pure and platonic. They were more family to each other than family itself. They found more safety and freedom with each other, away from the ways of the world, far away from the claustrophobia of crowded homes, ritualistic routines and empty existence. While “Highway” was dark and headed towards a predictable destination with its Bollywood structure, last week’s release Vikas Bahl’s “Queen”
one for the fun of it, no strings or consequences attached, and doesn’t really contemplate a relationship with any of the three roommates. She goes to be with them at the rock show and as it’s time for them to leave, she bids them goodbye and stays back at the show. She is truly independent, detached, free of any baggage. The master of her fate, living the moment, without a care in the world. And we realise she has done this, without having to give up on family or friends. A silent triumph; one that speaks volumes of empowerment. Finally, when we see a film where the biggest battle a powerful woman fights is against another powerful woman, we even tend to forgive the flaws in its making. The shoddily crafted “Gulaab Gang” at least drew our attention to the critically acclaimed documentary Gulabi Gang and the story of women who decided that ‘Rod is God’ when it came to fighting their battles. It is not the Indian heroine but the Indian cinema that has come of age.
Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts
Adrian Dutchin
Jumo Primo
S Rajan MaheshJuhi Chawla and Madhuri Dixit in “Gulaab Gang”
A still from the movie “Dedh Ishqiya”
The Guyana Hindu
Dharmic Sabha invites all to its annual Holi Utsav which will be held at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Phagwah Day, March 17, from 15:00h to 19:00h.
A fun-filled and exciting celebration is planned. Enjoy non-stop live entertainment by the Caribbean Hotshots Band, Holi songs by Guyana’s top singers, dances by the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Chowtaal and Tassa.
Special features have been added to this year’s programme including countdowns and colour throws.
Delicious food and sweets will also be on sale and the major sponsor of the event, Digicel, will also be giving away powder. Admission is free and, as is the Sabha’s usual policy, no alcohol will be allowed.
In addition to Holi Utsav, the Sabha organised a number of activities for the festival. Last Saturday, the Phagwah Mela and Bazaar and Folk Dance Festival were successfully hosted at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Gerogetown.
Chowtaal Samelans have been held countrywide in all
The “Gangster” actor is all set to return to the film industry with “Welcome Back” and he seems to have left behind all his legal troubles
Shiney Ahuja is making a comeback into the Hindi film industry. He had almost gone out of everyone’s recollections because of his infamous court scene where his domestic help accused him of rape. The actor is all slated to return to acting with Anees Bazmi’s “Welcome Back”. If we recall Shiney was last seen in the horror film “Ghost” and it failed miserably at the box office. He was also arrested in June 2009 on the charges of rape, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation all of which were levelled against him by his maid. As a matter of fact, he did
Now that news has got us curious too. We will get the the answer to that one on the forthcoming episode of “Koffee With Karan”. For long, actress Rani Mukerji has been hounded by questions about her marriage and especially about rumours of her wedding with filmmaker Aditya Chopra. The latest curious case to join the bandwagon is her cousin and actress Kajol. During the rapid fire round on Karan Johar’s
of the Sabha’s Praants featuring scores of chowtaal groups from various Mandirs. The final Samelans will be held on Saturday, March 15 at the Canefield Mandir, East Berbice at 18:00h and Sunday, March 16 at the Bath Shri Krishna Mandir, West Berbice at 10:00h.
The Essequibo Praant will be hosting a Pre-Phagwah Mela on Saturday, March 15 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground at 13:00h.
Holika Dahan, the burning of the Holika, will take place on the eve of Phagwah; Sunday, March 16, at the Camptown
ground, Campbellville. Devotees will assemble at the Shri Krisha Mandir at 18:30h for Havan. Thereafter, the Dharmic Rama Krishna Chowtaal Gole will lead a procession to the Camptown ground. Special Satsangh will be held on Phagwah morning, Monday, March 17, at the Dharmic Rama Krishna Mandir at 08:00h with Pandit Jagmohan Persaud.
On Phagwah day, also, the East Bank Demerara Praant of the Sabha will be holding their Holi Utsav at the Diamond Market tarmac from 14:00h to 18:00h.
there, Jalal sees her and is pleasently surprised. Jodha looks at him shocked. (tellyupdates.com)
Naren and Ankita are sitting in the club and Sunny alone is dancing to the song “oh baby”. (tellyupdates.com)
Avni has to be a shadow of Arpita as requested by Bhavna, she prays “please God make me strong enough to face Ritz, Shastriji comes, suket tsays “the work I had given you must by between us two only”. (tellyupdates.com)
Gunjan, Nathulal and the gang gets ready. Gunjan hopes everything goes according to their plan. (tellyupdates.com)
spend five years behind bars for the same.
Talking to a leading daily, Shiney confirmed the news saying, “Yes, I am a part of “Welcome Back”. I got a call from Anees sir’s casting director and he briefed me about my role. It’s a comedy film and I come in the second half of the film. This role is different and I have not played (such a role) earlier.” Our khabroos have informed that he would be starting shooting for his scenes in Dubai soon.
“Welcome Back” is a sequel to the hit Akshay Kumar film “Welcome” and has an ensemble cast of Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and
Paresh Rawal. The cast and crew have already finished the first schedule and Shiney is quite eager to start the second schedule where he would begin his second innings in the Hindi film industry.
So is his family relieved that he is getting work? We wonder… He replies by saying, “I can’t tell you how happy my family is. In fact, they are relieved. I don’t know about a comeback, but I am grateful to God.” Even we are relieved because we were missing the dishy dude. We hope all his legal troubles are behind him and he can start afresh once again now. We hope he continues to give us hit films like “Gangster”, “Woh Lamhe” and “Bhool Bhulaiya” and gets welcomed back to the film industry with open arms. (Bollywood Life)
The leggy lass seems to be finding ways to spend quality time with her alleged boyfriend or is it ‘coz she’s insecure about something?
“Koffee With Karan”, the filmmaker asked Kajol to answer –“If you were to ask the following people one thing, what would you ask?”
When he took Rani’s name, she said: “When are you getting married, even I would like to know.”
Quick-witted Karan then immediately asked Kajol what she would like to ask Aditya Chopra. To that, she said: “Same question.” The “Koffee With Karan” episode featuring Kajol, will be aired Sunday. (Bollywood Life)
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh share a great rapport, we’ve seen it, but is it just friendship or love? Though the two have denied being romantically involved, the duo’s crackling chemistry at recent events and award functions was enough to spill the beans. Their relationship is growing strong with every passing day and there is no denying it. And now the leggy lass seems to be finding some bahanas to be around her alleged boyfriend or is she insecure about something? Wondering what are we talking about? Well, the story goes something like this.
Apparently, Deepika is so impressed with the script of Zoya Akhtar’s next movie, “Dil
Dhadakne Do” (tentative title), that she wants to be a part of the film, even if it’s a non-acting role. “I love the script so much that I am ready to work in any capacity on the film, including an assistant director (AD), but I don’t know if I can manage that,” the leggy lass was quoted by a daily. And here is the catch. “Dil Dhadakne Do” stars Dippy’s alleged significant other Ranveer and her best friend Priyanka Chopra. Now all of this makes us wonder why Dippy is so keen to be a part of this project given that she is occupied with multiple big projects like – Farah Khan’s “Happy New Year” with Shahrukh Khan, Homi Adajania’s “Finding Fanny Fernandes” with Arjun Kapoor and Shoojit Sircar’s “Piku” with Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan. Is Ms Padukone finding some bahanas to spend some time with Ranveer or does she want to keep an eye on him considering Ranveer’s exgirlfriend and “Band Baaja Baraat” co-star Anushka Sharma is also a part of the film? Not so long ago, Ranveer was singing praises for his exflame Anushka. What’s more, he even defended her at an event. Has this made the commitment-phobic Deepika insecure, we wonder! What do you think, peeps? (Bollywood Life)
Deepika Padukone
AsGuyana prepares to host the Miss World Guyana Pageant in May under new stewardship of Michelle Cole, Guyana Times Entertainment will be featuring individual delegates in the next three weeks.
Miss Guyana Universe 2004
Last week four delegates were featured and this week focus will be placed on Region Five, Denicia Atonette Williams; Region Six, Ayana Liteasha Whitehead; Region Seven, Kelly-Ann Shaneeza Latchman and Miss Region Eight, Gericia D’lel Abigail Francis.
Afreshman at the College of Staten Island NYC, Denicia’s ambition is to be happy and to also share that happiness with those around her.
Additionally, Denicia hopes to inspire every person she comes into contact with – be it physical or through the legacy she intends to leave behind – to become the best possible version of themselves.
This former high school Homecoming Princess believes that the culmination of beauty is more than just a pretty face. It is displaying the desirable qualities of one’s self; intelligence, integrity, morality, self-respect and being a positive role model that truly culminates beauty.
Driven by her determination and willpower to finish whatever it is that she puts her mind to, it is no surprise that she is a hopeful for this year’s Miss World Guyana crown and title... Girls, be on the lookout.
This 18-year-old aspiring pilot is a recent graduate of the North Georgetown Secondary School, where she successfully obtained her CXC/CSEC Certificate. She currently works in the Marketing Department at the Ainlim Industries and has in the past volunteered her time and services to the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project to aid in the strengthening of Guyana’s natural sea-defence, consequently mitigating the effects of climate change on coastal areas.
Kelly-Ann opined that the culmination of beauty entails promoting every element of beauty to its pinnacle and paramount to that, is sharing that beauty with the world regardless of perceived differences.
She is driven by her love for aircrafts and says that she relates well in social settings.
This former Miss Guyana Universe finalist and second runner up, has to date completed both her CXC/ CSEC and Cambridge A levels at the Seventh Day Adventist Academy and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College – St Lucia, respectively.
Ayana’s ambition is to be successful in all things and plans to pursue a career in law as well as to one day own an arts organisation and fashion company.
This 18-year-old says that it is her faith that keeps her going, not worrying about falling down but more so focused on the hill she must climb.
She opined that the culmination of beauty represents for her, a point of happiness and peace that illuminates even the darkest corners of the Earth, as she believes that beauty comes from within and shines outwards.
At 22, Gericia has successfully completed both her CXC/CSEC and A level studies at the Bishops’ High School and Nation’s University respectively.
Currently a student at the University of Guyana where she is pursuing a bachelors of Social Sciences degree in International Relations, she intends to use this knowledge to represent Guyana at any forum possible, hence her participation in the Miss World Guyana 2014 pageant.
She is driven by the simple fact of knowing that through her contributions, she can truly make a difference in the world and also shares the belief that reaching the pinnacle of beauty, not just in the physical but more importantly the emotional and intellectual aspects, is what defines the culmination of beauty.
In 2004 Odessa Phillips stole the show and was crowned Miss Guyana Universe but pageantry was no stranger to the then 21-year-old beauty. Odessa had already enjoyed a year long reign as Miss World Guyana 2002 after winning the crown at just 19 years old. With two titles to her name, Odessa was more than content and immediately decided to make what she describes as a ‘robust move’ in pursuing her career.
This move led her to New York, where she pursued two Masters of Law Degrees at the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law in Manhattan, with a focus on Corporate, Commercial and Securities Law. “This was quite an exciting adventure for me because I often get ecstatic about the formation of corporations, commercial transactions and the body of laws governing the issuance and selling of securities,” Odessa told Guyana Times Entertainment when we caught up with her. Her performance led to her receiving several offers to work with various law firms there and she has worked on several large cases since then. One particular case which remains memorable for Odessa was where she represented shareholders who were injured by a major securities company as a result of the 2008 economic crash. “The case was settled for US$79 million. I played an intricate part in building this case with attorneys. Just being fresh out of law school, I was so consumed with knowledge and ready to demonstrate my legal skills and all I had learnt. My career heightened after that.”
With all her success, Odessa still has plans of moving higher. She stated that she likes to explore her options as she believes the world has much to offer her. She is currently employed with the USAP Group – one of the fastest growing energy marketing companies in the U.S. “I work closely with the CEO James Uglow and COO Bryan Mangan. I spend my days with these visionaries, in one of the most exciting and expanding global energy markets shaping a culture of wealth. I have been shown how to use my talents, experiences and personality to impact the lives of people in other ways from my legal career. The industry is known as the Deregulation of Energy. This industry has been acclaimed by the wealthiest people of the world to be the future wealth. My goal is to become an owner within the USAP group. I am pleased that I have my feet in the door early,” She said.
Needless to say, pageantry is far out of Odessa’s thoughts, as her career, family and physical fitness and well-being have undoubtedly become her first priorities. However, Odessa still enjoys looking at pageants and though she has not actively played a part in pageantry since her own days, she admits that she still gives advice and talks to some of the contestants in Guyana from time to time.
Odessa’s stint in the local pageant scene may have very well contributed to where she is today, and the past queen admits that pageants can serve as spring boards for women’s careers. She added that she proudly includes her pageant history on her resume. “Here in the U.S., it’s very prestigious to be a former contestant at the Miss World and the Miss Universe beauty pageants. Most times you have an edge over other applicants for jobs. It engages in light and fun conversations in interviews and shows that you are more than what the employer was actually looking for,” she said. She opines that in today’s competitive world where many people are educated with several degrees, great personality and experience earned from pageantry helps to distinguish women in interviews.
She advises Guyanese women interested in entering pageants to take it seriously, pursue a sound education, travel, read books and enhance their personal skills as much as possible. She suggests that each delegate takes their true personality to the pageant so that they can influence the other contestants and make each step of the journey a fun experience.
“Beauty pageants teach women how to be the rose among thorns; how to be beautiful but strong; how to give off a tranquil whiff that soothes a room; how to use your attributes as a woman to create balance. An infamous man once told me ‘a nation can rise no higher than its women’. I truly believe that the role of women in society can boost the future generation.”