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editorial INDIAN LINK PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR Harshad Pandharipande CONTRIBUTORS Puneet Anand, Nisha Joseph, Aneeta Menon, Kashif Harrison, Ritam Mitra, Aparna Ananthuni, Dhanya Samuel, Sanam Sharma, Vandana G, Preeti Jabbal ADVERTISING WA Sales Manager Ram Naidu 0435 581 571 National Sales Vivek Trivedi 02 9262 1766 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Beheshta Wasseh

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Confluence, or a trickle?

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

T

he dictionary defines ‘confluence’ as a “flowing together.” In a literal sense, it’s about rivers. But it’s more often used to talk about coming together of factors or ideas, or of cultures in a diverse city.

Nearly 12 months ago, writing about Confluence 1.0, I had concluded that though it was a journey well begun and the groundwork to engage the local Australian community had been laid, a vision for continuity had to be developed. The editorial then had emphasised that for India to develop its soft power in Australia, it had to build on what Confluence 1.0 had delivered, while understanding what it had failed to deliver.

One year on, Confluence 2.0 is here again, but rather than progressing on its strong achievements of last year, it seems to be actually going backwards.

In 2016, not only did the program have

strong diversity, but venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Federation Square were iconic centres for hosting the events. While these shows were well attended by Indian-Australians, they failed to attract mainstream Australians, missing out on the target audiences.

The language barriers played a role in this, as it seemed that turned off the average Australian culture vulture.

Poor marketing also accounted for lack of mainstream Australia attending Confluence 2016.

There is an appetite for traditional and contemporary things Indian to be shared with the local Australian audiences. Only recently, writer and orator Shashi Tharoor spoke to packed programs at Melbourne Writers Festival and at the Antidotes presentation at the Sydney Opera House. The annual Sydney Festival has hosted shows such as the Manganiyar Seduction and William Dalrymple’s Nine Lives to packed theatres over a number of nights. Tickets have sold out in record times for these shows.

Yet at Confluence 2017, for a major cultural and commercial hubs such as Sydney, there are just a couple of shows; Melbourne, three shows. Is that all India can offer to arguably the

top states of Australia? And what is being done to market these shows to non-Indians to achieve the vision of Confluence?

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has said that the culture of modern India is a complex blend of its historical traditions and influences from the effects of colonialism over centuries and current Western culture - both collaterally and dialectically. So, Confluence needs to draw from the vast repertoire of professional options available in the performing arts, drama, theatre, music, painting, literature, martial arts etc to ensure a deeper engagement with Australia and Australians.

The Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Ajay Gondane, has articulated his vision for Confluence to “celebrating vitality, credibility and the ‘soft power’ of India’s culture, as passed down from one generation to another through an organic and live process. It is a credible effort to offer, to the discerning and appreciative audience in Australia, from among the best creativity emerging in present-day India.”

Perhaps more needs to be done to achieve this vision in future years, otherwise the confluence will slow down to a trickle.

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YOUR SAY

RANVEERISMS!

MEET THE GIRL BEHIND THE HILARIOUS SHOPPING LIST!

Indian Link Radio anchor CHARUTA chatted with Era Golwalkar who created an organised (and funny!) veggie shopping list for her husband.

Era replied: Thanks for sharing!

Qismat Khan @qismatkhan13 tweeted: Hahaha! So sweet! All men wish to get smart wife like you! Great job.

Azmat Ali@Azmatalli tweeted: Our family enjoyed this story and your creative grocery list. Love from Pakistan.

Era replied: Thanks for your compliment. Am glad you liked it!

Marwati Suleiman@SuleimanMarwati tweeted: Good idea, must give the list to my hubby and kids too. Thanks for sharing Era. Iqbal@Iqbalvtr tweeted: Really interesting. Smart.

Vidhya@aleenavm tweeted: Good idea. I can use this too.

Vinny Carrizzo@DaVinman421 tweeted: I give her props! My wife sends me to the store with a list and I STILL have to call her at least 5 times to make sure I get the right stuff.

Barbara McKinney@rennibug8529 tweeted: I love this list! My ex would have still come home with the wrong stuff.

Rhythmicons@Synthoholics tweeted: My wife takes too long in produce.

It’s a running joke that she gets trapped there.

Ladymissmegan@gmail@ladymissmegan tweeted: Yes, this is awesome and useful. My fiancé says he used to cook pro, but brought home a shallot instead of garlic!?!

Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar was in Sydney and spoke to RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA about what’s new and what’s old in the world of cuisine and the role of social media in contemporary food Rajni Luthra @rajnil2 tweeted: What I learnt from @ranveerbrar Humility; gratitude; telling stories; doing what you love; loving what you do. queenbee@ashadeof_red tweeted: The best #Ranveerism fact is ‘A good quality khichdi with desi ghee.’ There’s an instant connection when you find you share the same love for comfort food - Khichdi Ranveer reposted our Instagram post: And evening with Indian Link and India Tourism Sydney Ranveer also discussed food and politics with NSW MP Julie Owens over idlis, dhoklas and chutney. Ranveer posted the pic of him and Julie Owens having idlis. Julie quoted and retweeted him Julie Owens MP@julieowensmp: What a pleasure that was. And now I know how to cook fluffier idlis.

Shivani Tiwari@sunandasuklas tweeted: Julie Owens is looking nice in sari.

DANDI MARCH IN SYDNEY

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, children re-enacted the Dandi March at UNSW in Sydney.

Rajni Luthra @rajnil2 tweeted: Wonderful reminder of a spirit that moved a nation.

CUTENESS OVERLOAD

MADE IN INDIA, BUILT FOR AUSTRALIA

The first train for Sydney’s $8.3 billion Metro Northwest metro line has arrived from India. They were assembled near Chennai.

Hitesh Patel wrote: Nice. Can’t wait for the ride.

KV Chaudhary wrote: Proudly ‘Make in India’ project.

Mukesh Dubey lamented: And the trains are getting derailed in India

SAY IT AGAIN OCTOBER

Our Facebook post about children performing at the Bhutanese community’s annual event in Melton, Victoria got a lot of likes. People couldn’t stop gushing over their cuteness.

Ayse Salih wrote: Super gorgeous!

Well done!

Usha Vazirani wrote: Wow, all the kids look awesome Jenny Collier-Cullinger wrote: Beautiful.

Deepti Alurkar wrote: Our 3-year-old champion!

Supriya Agnihotri wrote: Cutest kanha ever!

Ankit Dang wrote: So cute!

At least 1.5 to 2% of the GDP has been sacrificed and at least 1.5 million jobs have been lost India’s ex-finance minister P Chidambaram, talking about effects of note ban and GST during a lecture at AII

I’m absolutely appalled by what is happening, because the impact (of climate change) on the Great Barrier Reef is now documented India’s former environ minister Jairam Ramesh, on Adani’s Carmichael Coal Mine

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LESSONS FROM THE LAMB AD

COLOUR PENCILS ON BLACK PAPER!

We’re loving the work of young Indian contemporary artist Shashikant Dhotre Indian Australian@theaussieindian tweeted: What a talent! Have seen some of the pictures before and been gobsmacked. Truly blessed by God, @ shashidhotre! More power to your pen(cil)!!

Aneeta Menon wrote: These are incredible.

Thangamani Periasamy wrote: Excellent paintings Mahesh Berwal commented: Great talent!

Shweta Kaushal said: Amazing!

Roopa Mrudul wrote: Beautiful!

Katherine Tomlinson@Storyauthority tweeted: Vibrant!

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE wrote on how the community handled the infamous lamb ad featuring Ganesha eating meat.

Haniour Sampangiramaiah Subbar wrote: In the Hindu community, we have both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Both vegetarians and nonvegetarians worship not only Ganesha but all gods. In Hindu communities also, there was, or in some cases still is, the practice of offering of animals and birds to certain gods during festivities. Of course, the government banned such offerings. Any way, these kind of advertisements should be objected to under laws formed by the local governments to uphold the community feelings. Even in India, mutton stalls and liquor shops are named after some deities. Such naming should be banned by the local licensing authorities in India.

KV Naga Lakshmi wrote: I have different view: Hindus eat lamb. Lord is in a lamb advertisement, I don’t see the offence, or ‘religious sentiments being hurt’.

Krish Na had a different concern altogether: I’m actually more offended by the abuse of apostrophes in that Change.org petition. Cringeworthy!

NSW: A DIWALI SHOWDOWN

Get all lit up and show NSW MPs Jodie McKay and Julia Finn how you celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Aneeta Menon wrote: Love it.

Punita Udeshi Ganwani wrote: Wow! Love their spirit! That’s amazing how they’ve got involved in Diwali and how nicely they are dressed up.

INDIA V AUST: KULDEEP’S STUNNING HAT-TRICK

India’s Kuldeep Yadav created history when he became the third Indian bowler to pick up a hat-trick in one-day international cricket. India won the series against Australia.

Krish Na wrote: Pretty ordinary cricket by the Aussies after a good job with the ball. At this rate, they’ll be mentally decimated by the Ashes series. On the other hand, India is now looking like the invincible teams of Aussies in the nineties and the noughties.

Lakshmipathi Chockalingam wrote: Too early to put India in Windies and Aussies league of 80s and 90s respectively. They have to dominate in away series which both Windies and Aussies did comfortably.

Xdulkar-Sydney @xdulkar tweeted: Australia’s last 12 ODIs away from home - L L L L L L L NR NR L L L

WHERE IN INDIA?

Sachin Wakhare answered: Stunning! Not sure but guessing Andaman & Nicobar Islands?

Poonam Chauhan wrote: Beautiful!

Kunal Singh@Kunalsatrah tweeted: Assam? Maybe Arunachal Pradesh?

Surely some North-Eastern state (He was almost there!)

Answer: This is the Umngot River in Meghalaya, possibly India’s cleanest river.

Even 1,000 Gandhis cannot ‘clean India’ without support of 125 crore Indians Indian PM Modi, on Gandhi Oct 2 birth anniversary

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Poor decision-making under pressure, that’s what I put it down to. Something we need to improve on because it’s not good enough Aus captain Steve Smith, after 4-1 loss to India

#Adani is appalling Queensland, they cannot be trusted, Not on jobs, not on revenue, not on anything.

Van Badham, Guardian writer, reacting to Four Corners show on Adani mine

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cover story

Just shine It’s beginning to feel a lot like… Diwali. The festival theme is creeping in when we catch up with friends or ring the family back in India. To get into the mood full on, what else can we do but bring out the diyas! We ask our friends here to pick their favourite diyas

THE WARMTH OF FAMILY Gaurav Masand I’ve ‘upgraded’ from diyas to tealights ever since I moved to Oz! And while it may not be possible to have a favourite tealight, there can be such a thing as a special arrangement! Especially for me as a photographer.

My favourite Diwali light arrangement snapshot is the main image of this page, from as recently as last year. My parents came visiting from Bhavnagar Gujarat, their first visit down under, making it a very special Diwali for all of us. That’s Mum’s hand arranging the tealights.

10 OCTOBER 2017

COOL CANDLES Manan Luthra I like candles of different shapes. Mum gets my sister and I to pick our own candles for Diwali. When we were young, we used to bring out the number candles left over from our birthday cakes. They became our ‘special’ Diwali candles. Then we started buying our own cool candles.

Cupcake candle was always a favourite. We found animal candles, ice cream cone candles, watermelon candles and other fruit shaped ones, and car and truck candles.

One year we picked really cool thong candles. But Mum said she didn’t want chappal candles for Diwali.

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THE DIYA AS HERITAGE Sanam Sharma There are days that are all about tradition, and Diwali is one of them. In these times of fancy LED lights, there is a soothing romance about lighting up your home with those traditional earthen diyas that flicker long and slow through the jubilant Diwali night. Eight years ago, for our son Arjun’s first Diwali, my wife Jasdeep and I bought this old-style, rustic, handmade diya.

It has since remained the centre piece of our Diwali decorations each year. An important part of passing on our cultural heritage to our kids in this adopted homeland is for them to understand the folklore associated with these festive occasions, and diyas are therefore an inherent part of Diwali celebrations in our households. This particular diya holds a special place for us for it has marked every single Diwali for us, since Arjun was born.

This Diwali too, we shall wash it clean and fill it with sarson ka tel (mustard oil), dip a cotton wick deep into its sanctum, and let it sparkle our Diwali night.

LIGHT THAT DISPELS THE DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE Dhanya Samuel The nilavilakku always ignites the fondest of memories for me. It takes me back to my childhood and my annual holiday visits to Kerala. Quite contrary to popular belief, the nilavilakku is not just significant to the Hindu religion, but also extends its significance to other religions. A strong and vivid memory is the huge lamp that adorns one of our ancient churches, the oil and wicks constantly replenished to ensure that the lamp is always lit, signifying the victory of good over evil always. I remember my aunt telling me about offering oil as a donation to the church, a practice by most believers who visit the church which helps keep the lamp constantly lit. And we would always collect a little oil from the base of the lamp to bring back home, as it is considered to be holy. My belief in the ritual has waned over the years. But every time I light the nilavilakku in my home, it’s not just fond memories but also the belief that light is like knowledge which dispels the darkness of ignorance.

SL Haldankar’s Glow of Hope (1945-46)

THE MAGIC OF LIGHT Aparna Ananthuni I don’t do diyas, but I do have a favourite diya in a work of art. In this watercolour portrait of a young girl dressed in a salmon-pink sari and shielding a richly painted, lit diya from the wind, we see the quiet, secret magic of light. It gilds the golden blouse of the subject, casts a warm, friendly glow over her sari and face, and seems to have its own personality.

The portrait is highly skilled in its realism, and yet the direct gaze of the young girl (artist Haldankar’s third daughter Gita Uplekar, then aged just twelve) and the shadows blanketing the wall behind her, combine to create a sense of mystery and subtle happiness. ‘Glow of Hope’, finally, makes light both a beautiful and complicated thing.

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OCTOBER 2017 11

cover story HOPE AND LIGHT Chetana Ganatra Diwali symbolises hope, knowledge and the victory of light over darkness. Of the various rituals involved in the celebrations, the lighting of a terracotta oil lamp, or diya, is my favourite. The diya illuminates the whole house with its warm glow and is a delight to behold. On Diwali, every nook and corner of my house is lit with an oil-andcotton-wick diya - it brings a sense of enjoyment and celebration in my household. On one such fine occasion back in Mumbai 15 years ago, there was festivity in the air just before Diwali. For almost a week, I had been noticing a frail old lady, fondly called Aaji (grandmother), sitting in a dark and lonely corner of the local mall. Her handmade diyas were not exactly selling like hot cakes. But that didn’t sour the friendly smile with which she greeted passers-by. That she had not lost hope was endearing. When it was time for me to buy diyas, I decided to get them from Aaji rather than a fancy showroom. I didn’t need to light the diya for its light; I felt a glow inside when I bought it from Aaji and saw her face light up. The diya travelled with me across the ocean as a cherished possession.

Aaji’s undying optimism - that’s what it reminds me of today.

NEVER JUDGE A GIFT BY ITS WRAPPER Punita Udeshi I have a set of brass diyas that are very close to my heart. On our first trip back to India as husband and wife, Gopal and I visited Pune. It was Diwali. Gopal had been to university there, and rented a flat with a few other students. A retired couple, the Sardesais, were their neighbours and would invite them for meals from time to time. During our visit to Pune, they invited us newlyweds for dinner and showed us the fun side of their retired life. Uncle, a retired army officer and Aunty, a social worker, made the most of this stage of their life. As we took our leave, the Sardesais gave us warm blessings. To my utter bewilderment, Sardesai Aunty handed me a box of Bagpiper whisky. Times must have changed in India, I thought, if new brides are given alcohol instead of something traditional! Back home, I opened the pack - out came the parts to two beautiful brass diyas. I will never forget Aunty’s laugh when I described to her my (double) surprise, the next day. For 14 years since, the brass diyas have come out for Ganpati Pooja, Diwali and all other auspicious functions at our home. When it’s time to put them away, they are disassembled, and stored in the very same whisky box they came in! My diyas remind me of the gorgeous couple who gifted them to us - their blessings are always with us.

I was raised in Australia, but there were SL Haldankar’s Glow of Hope a few times that I was lucky enough (1945-46) to celebrate Diwali in Delhi with my grandparents. I remember buying diyas from the Blind Relief Association’s annual Diwali Mela. This Mela has become quite an institution in Delhi over the past 30 years. It all started with a simple effort to teach visually impaired people a skill - making earthenware diyas and wax candles - as a means of earning a living. Today, their beautiful, handmade candles see people lining up at the stalls, and subsequently selling out. Although they themselves cannot see, their effort to spread a little bit of light is inspiring. I encourage all to embrace the spirit of Diwali by buying charitable candles to light up their homes with. There are plenty of places that sell the most wonderful candles for a variety of charitable causes – women, children, and animals in need. My favourite diya is a charity candle.

12 OCTOBER 2017

Photo: Blind Relief Association

CANDLES WITH A CAUSE Tia Singh

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‘‘

During Deepavali, by lighting a myriad of lamps, every Hindu renews his prayers for an enlightened world

‘‘

Let there be light

festival

During the Hindu festival of Deepavali, the lamp has a profound meaning, full of symbolic overtones

BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

I

t’s that much-awaited time of the year, when Hindu homes come alive with festivities, reaching a crescendo with Deepavali.

Beyond the external trappings of fireworks and fanfare, Deepavali, as the name indicates, is a festival of lights. Why is Deepavali so important in the Hindu calendar, and even more fundamentally, why is the lighting of the lamp such an essential aspect of nitya karma (daily ritual)?

The day starts for a number of traditionalists with the lighting of the lamp, be it the conventional diya or its more contemporary avatars (including electric look-alikes). For many, it is a habit or a rigorously upheld custom; for others, it is a moment of reflection or even refreshing start to yet another day with all its ups and downs.

As with every other tradition in Hinduism, the lamp has a profound meaning, full of symbolic overtones.

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The following invocation contains a few answers: Asatoma sat gamaya Tamasoma jyotir gamaya Mrutyoma amritam gamaya (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) The verse is a prayer to lead mankind from illusion and ignorance to an understanding of truth, from darkness to light, and from fear and death to immortality. When this awareness dawns on man, he transcends his mere physical existence to perceive the Brahman or the Supreme Being.

During Deepavali, by lighting a myriad of lamps, every Hindu renews his prayers for an enlightened world.

Light, no doubt, is the basis of every civilization, ancient and modern, pagan and scientific. On a mundane level, it shows us the way to dispel darkness and carry on with our everyday life. On a symbolic level it banishes the inner darkness. By lighting the lamp, we hope to see clearly and strive for perfection both internal and external.

The diya (clay container) is believed to metaphorically represent vairaagya; the wick stands for concentration, and the matchstick symbolises tatva gnana or spiritual awareness. The oil used to fill the lamp represents inner purity and love. Only when

these four elements work in conjunction, can the lamp of wisdom be lit.

It is no less interesting to note that the flame of the lamp, no matter where it is located, is constantly directed upwards and thus also represents the path to wisdom, divinity and ultimately moksha or liberation.

Normally, the person who lights the lamp is the Griha Lakshmi or the woman of the house. She holds an important status for performing this daily ritual. With this simple act she starts the day, leading the way for other activities to follow.

Likewise in Hindu temples, the Garba graha (sanctum sanctorum) is small and dark, quite unlike the bright and lavish exterior. The deity is visible only when the aarti is performed. It probably denotes that man has to give up the external trappings and direct his mind inwards towards the garba griha of his heart, guided by the lamp of knowledge.

The camphor, which burns itself out in the process of lighting up represents our vasanas or desires. In doing so it gives forth the fragrance of love and service to mankind. During the aarti, we close our eyes, contemplate and bend down to look inwards at the Aatman within us. Self realisation comes with knowledge. The

jyoti denotes the Aatman (the self) and the aarti signifies that we (Aatma) are a part of God (ParamAatma) and we should always contemplate (Dhyaanam) on him.

Caught up in the worldly rat race, we often forget to stop and ponder over life’s broader significance. Possibly for this reason, the Hindu calendar is dotted with numerous but very meaningful festivals.

The legends of Narakasura, the dark demon ruler of Praagjyotisha Puram (land of darkness) and Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka reinforce these concepts of ignorance and knowledge. The ignorant is always re-born (Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam). God who is immortal is worshipped as Gnana Jyothi or Light of Wisdom. When Narakasura was killed, all those who suffered under him were overjoyed. Having led a life of darkness till then, both internally and externally, they celebrated the occasion by lighting lamps.

There is much significance in lighting lamps. The flame of one lamp can light an array of lamps. That one lamp symbolises the Paramjyothi (supreme effulgence). The others symbolise Jivana Jyothis (light in individual selves).

Year after year during Deepavali, we pray for the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

OCTOBER 2017 13

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WHAT’S ON FESTIVAL Swan Festival of Lights Fri 13 – Sun 15 Oct Celebrate Deepavali at the Swan Festival of Lights. Join the three-day extravaganza at Supreme Court Gardens. Details www.sfol.com.au Diwali Mela Sat 21 & Sun 22 Oct (3pm9pm) ISWA in collaboration with Indian Associations presents huge two-day Diwali Mela at Claremont Showgrounds. Attend this show with family and friends for art, painting competition, stage performances, food and market stalls plus spectacular fireworks at 8.30 pm. Details 1 800 004 792 or diwalimela@iswa-pertj.org Perth Basant Festival 2017 Sun 29 Oct (11am-10pm) So Change Inc and Indus Events present a family friendly multicultural event featuring rides, kids’ activities, kite flying, dance quest at Curtin University Stadium. Parking is free.

All proceeds go to FeedingAustralia. org. Details Muhammad Salman 0432 668 100, or visit www.basantfestival.com.au Karva Chauth Sat 7 Oct (2pm onwards) Nabha Productions presents Karwa Chauth celebrations at Platinum Blu, Wanneroo Road, Westminster. Major attractions to follow would be the

16 OCTOBER 2017

cultural dance, fashion show, gidha performances. Details Harpreet 0426 205 818.

Karva Chauth Sun 8 Oct (3pm till moon rise) Desi Entertainment presents Karva Chauth celebrations at Sicilian Club, Fortune Street, Balcatta. Vrat Pooja timings are 3.30- 4.30 pm sharp.

Fruits provided for pooja. Separate food arrangements for Pooja ladies and couples at moon rise. Various awards and titles to be won. Details Hardeep 0433 355 495.

CONFLUENCE Dr L Subramaniam Concert Sun 8 Oct (7pm) Dr L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti at Perth Concert Hall. Details www.

CONFLUENCEFO1.com Ansh By Nrityagram Tue 10 Oct (7pm) Globally acclaimed dance company Nrityagram Dance Ensemble will showcase the magic of Indian classical dance through virtuoso dance performance at Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre.

Details www.CONFLUENCEFO1.com STAGE Harbhajan Mann Sun 29 Oct (12 noon) Connect Migration Solutions presents Satrangi Peengh-The Tour: Harbhajan Mann Live, at Herb Graham Recreation Reserve, Mirrabooka. Details Aman

Jassar-0426 205 819 Alka Yagnik Live in Perth with Shravan Sun 8 Oct Showkraft Entertainment in association with Futuristiq Entertainment presents in Perth melody queen Alka Yagnik live in performance with Shravan of Nadeem-Shravan fame at Crown Theatre, Perth. Details www. alkayagniklive.com.au COMMUNITY Diwali Dinner &Dance Sun 15 Oct (from 4.30pm) Indian Club of WA presents Diwali dinner and dance at Platinum Blu Function Centre, Westminster. Bring friends and family for fun activities, performances by local artists, Live Dj, Bhangra, Gidha followed by a three course dinner included in ticket. Details Dalvir 0424 997 786.

CLUB DJ Event Thur 19 Oct (7pm onwards) It’s a Bollywood night event at The Laneway Lounge, 414A Murray St, Perth CBD. Details 0893 212 508.

DJ Shadow Fri 6 Oct Bombay Velvet Perth brings DJ Shadow Dubai to Perth for this year’s Diwali Party at Voyeur, Hay St, Subiaco. Details www. bombayvelvetperth.com Sidhu Moose Wala

Sun 15 Oct (8am-1am) House of Bhangra and Cabot Square presents Sidhu Moose Wala Live in Perth at Villa Night Club, 187 Stirling St, Perth.

Details Manjinder 0452 439 001.

CHARITY Bollywood Bonanza Sat 14 Oct (6.30pm onwards) WA Indian Doctors proudly present annual charity gala ball at Argyle Ballroom, Parmelia Hilton. Red carpet welcome and drink from 6.30-7pm.

Main event begins from 7pm onwards featuring Bollywood entertainment, DJ, dhol, prizes, three course dinner.

Details www.indiandoctorswa.org.au SEMINAR Leadership & Diversity in a Changing Market Wed 11 Oct (6.30pm onwards) presents Rashpal Bhatti, Vice President Marketing, BHP at The Atrium, St. George Terrace, speaking on the theme “First Generation of Leadership”.

Details yspn.eventbrite.com.au Compiled by PUNEET ANAND. To have your event listed, email media@indianlink.com.au

To have your event listed email media@indianlink.com.au

www.indianlink.com.au

newsmaker

The people’s MLA Yaz Mubarakai, the first Indian in WA parliament, takes his role as public rep very seriously

BY NISHA JOSEPH

L

ike a duck takes to water. That’s how easily Yaz Mubarakai has stepped into his new role in state parliament.

From addressing issues like traffic congestion, sustainable transport, concerns on employability and the war on waste, to catching up with local residents on a regular basis, the new member for Jandakot in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly has made sure he takes his position as people’s representative very seriously.

We see him regularly at inauguration ceremonies, public events and communitybased events. And he keeps in active touch with his electorate through social media. A recent Facebook post read, “Drop in to my office tomorrow between 11 am and 2 pm - the kettle will be on and a plate of biccies ready - I look forward to chatting with you about Jandakot!”

Talking to Indian Link, Yaz said, “I

‘‘

I don’t see sense in not reaching out to the community.

My office is always open to anyone who wants to talk

‘‘

don’t see sense in not reaching out to the community. My office is always open to anyone who wants to talk.”

It is clear that Yaz - Shahyaz Yezdi Mubarakai - is every bit a people’s person. A hard-core workaholic and an extrovert, his charismatic personality helps just as much as his strong family values.

His victory in Labor’s crushing win in Jandakot in March this year may have been unforeseen, but he has been working hard ever since. As the first Indian-Australian elected to Parliament, in the local Indian community, Shahyaz Yezdi Mubarakai has been winning admiration.

The 41-year-old is humble as he describes his journey. His family were chikoo (sapodilla) farmers in Maharashtra and he was a champion javelin thrower at school.

In 1997, a study opportunity (Masters in International Business) brought him to Perth, the city he claims he has grown to love. To fund his education, he worked graveyard shifts, juggling between jobs at Caltex and Woolworths, converting every challenge into an occasion to learn more.

“A new migrant is constantly challenged

INDIAN LINK

by unforeseeable circumstances,” Yaz noted.

“Personally, I set myself a ten-year goal very early on.”

This saw him prove himself as an entrepreneur, running the Success post office, Café Royal and Majestic India restaurant. He understands not only the challenges faced by migrants but also their desire to give back to their new home.

In this sense, Yaz is a shining example of his people, the Parsis. Migrants to India themselves, they went on to become some of the finest citizens of the country who helped advance their adopted land in every sphere - industry, science, education and entertainment.

Asked about the recent changes to immigration laws, employment rates and what the future holds for aspiring students here in Australia, Yaz agreed that much needs to be done. “Divesity of heritage is one of Australia’s biggest strengths. The country is open to empowering ethnic communities to live here and share their cultural vibes, with democratic values. However, there are aspects of the economy, like

unemployment, rates of inflation, average household incomes and budget deficits that have a guiding impact on immigration. The good news, however, is that this is not permanent and decisions would be modified as situations change.”

Yaz was able to gain a foothold into politics as a Councillor in the City of Cockburn from 2011 to 2015. But the journey has not been without its fair share of upheavals, criticisms and perhaps even ridicule. “I just dusted it off,” he said nonchalantly. “Never mingle with

discouraging people if you wish to succeed.”

He has clearly gained in confidence from where he took off, as well as in his determination to succeed.

“Yes this is all rooted in me wanting to prove myself, but I don’t see myself doing it alone,” he admitted. Naturally, Yaz is full of gratitude to his family.

He describes his wife as ‘a wonder woman, the oxygen of my life’. “Without her, I wouldn’t even be half the man I am now,” he affirms instantly.

Being dad to a nine- and a twelve-yearold, Yaz is able to empathize with the pressures of young families well.

“It’s been nearly 3 days since I’ve spoken to my kids,” he laughed. “They are asleep by the time I step inside the house. These are the perks I miss.”

But today, there are two more meetings and a gym session before he gets home.

Where does this energy come from?

“The key is to just do it,” he nailed it in his reply.

OCTOBER 2017 17

language

A linguist’s Diwa

lichya

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li N epa shub li hech ha M arath i Deepavali shub hakankshalu Te lugu

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a y i r O a h h c e h b u h s k e n a a r i l a v a p e e D du r U d a a b h i k n a r a a b k u n m o i l a l K i d d y i k a a i l h n a v s a n a p e a h e b D K u h u s l e a h g c a e b y r a a p h i s l a a v h a p b e u e h D s a d a b b a il h a v a p e e D

18 OCTOBER 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

Diwali

y p p i l a w

i l a ng e B a h s h c e b u Os

i t e re p ir l a b i a d n i p H e n i e e y D a a o n h m a b a k h Su b u h s i k i l a w i lu u T D a y h s a h b u h s a d a rb a p i l a v a p Dee

Dee

ri wa ar M sa ru ka da al ju hi ra li ind nS wa oo Di ay sa dh a m nw mil Ra oo l Ta m aj uka Ra ree zhth ya alva Di ali n pav

Diwali ni hardik shubechao Guj arati Deep avali aash Diw amsa a gal M li h De a u layala n ep zh m ath aw hat ali hM ka uba rn es rak ub Kas ho hm ka iri mn at ha kil As sa me se

INDIAN LINK

OCTOBER 2017 19

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Competition closes on 30 November 2017.

Visit westpac.com.au/litepay

Things you should know: Payments subject to applicable foreign exchange rates. Other fees and charges may apply. Payments must be made from a Westpac personal transaction or savings account, and will usually arrive within 2 Banking Days, but may take longer. Daily transfer limit of AUD 3,000. Euro transfers only in the European Union where the currency is the Euro. Pound refers only to British Pounds. Rupees refers only to Indian Rupees. Read the terms and conditions at westpac.com.au before deciding if the product is right for you. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233714. Promotion closes 11:59pm AEST on 30.11.17. Entry is open to residents of Australia. To enter: Make an International Payment using LitePay via Westpac Online Banking and Mobile Banking from a personal account. 4 Prizes of $5000 Flight Centre Gift Card. Entries will be allocated to a Draw as per each currency (Philippine Pesos / Indian Rupees / British Pounds / Euros) used. Draw at 10am on 15.12.17 at 15 Grosvenor Street, Neutral Bay. Winners notified and published in The Australian on 19.12.17. For full terms and conditions, visit westpac.com.au/litepay.

Promoter is Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. PERMITS: NSW LTPS/17/15619 SA T17/1236 ACT TP17/01306 © 2017 Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

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OCTOBER 2017 21

food

Sweet things in life With Diwali just round the corner, get inspiration from GAURAV MASAND as he rustles up these divine delicacies in his kitchen

Chikki Chikki/brittle can be made with sugar or jaggery or both. You could make this with peanuts, dry fruits, coconut, sesame seeds or bengal gram. The recipe presented here is simple and has readily available ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup peanuts (without skin) 1/2 cup jaggery 1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter 2-3 cardamoms powdered

Instructions

Pulse peanuts in a food processor very briefly, to get a roughly cut texture. You don’t want a powder.

Dry-roast peanuts in a heavybottomed pan, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Take off the heat when the nuts start to get brown spots.

In another heavy-bottomed pan, add ghee and jaggery until they start to melt.

Keep stirring on a medium flame until the jaggery turns a deep brown and begins to bubble slightly.

To test if the jaggery is ready, take a few drops of the hot jaggery in a spoon and drop it in a small bowl of cold water. If the jaggery turns brittle immediately, the jaggery mix is ready.

Add cardamom powder to it along with roasted peanuts and take it off the heat.

Pour the mix on to a greased plate/ baking sheet.

While it’s still hot and pliable, cover it with a baking sheet and roll it with a rolling pin so that it spreads evenly.

Make square (or any other shape) incisions with a sharp knife before it cools down completely.

Let it cool down completely, at least an hour, then break it into the pieces.

Store in a dry container.

Baklava Baklava is a Mediterranean sweet with Turkish roots. It has a rich filling of dry fruits, sweetened with honey or sugar, between filo pastry sheets. This recipe is a Persian ‘Pakhlava’, made with dry fruits and rose water. You will need filo pastry sheets which are readily available in the freezer section of any supermarket.

Ingredients

For filling 1/3 cup almonds, peeled 1 cup walnuts 2 tbsp rose petals 1 tsp cardamom powder 1/4 cup sugar

Khorak This is a traditional Sindhi recipe, made with whole wheat flour, dry fruits, ghee and poppy seeds (khus khus) during festivals, especially during Diwali.

Ingredients

¾ cup whole wheat flour ½ cup ghee ½ cup water ¾ cup jaggery ¼ cup dry fruits (cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins), chopped finely 2 tbsp poppy seeds 2 tbsp dessicated coconut 3-4 cardamom, seeds only

22 OCTOBER 2017

For covering/pastry 20 filo pastry sheets ½ cup melted butter For sugar syrup 1 cup sugar ½ cup water ¼ cup rose petals

Instructions

For the syrup In a saucepan, boil water. Stir in sugar until it dissolves and then add rose petals.

Keep aside.

For the filling In a food processor, pulse walnuts, almonds, rose petals and sugar for 1 minute.

For making baklava Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Grease a baking dish (18cm x 28cm and 3.5cm-deep) evenly with butter.

Lay 8 filo sheets in the baking dish one by one, brushing each sheet with butter.

Scatter half of the filling evenly over the buttered filo sheets.

Cover mixture with 6 filo sheets one by one, brushing each with butter.

Scatter the remaining filling over. Cover with 6 sheets one by one, each brushed with butter.

Brush the top with butter too.

Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Make incisions into baklava, with a sharp knife, in desired shapes. Traditionally, it’s diamond-shaped.

Bake at 180 deg C for 35-40 mins or until golden brown.

Pour rose petal syrup over the pieces. Let it cool.

Remove from baking dish.

Serve at room temperature.

Instructions

Heat water in a pan and add jaggery to it. Boil until it forms a sticky syrup.

Keep aside.

Heat ghee in a pan. Add flour and cook on medium flame, stirring continuously, until golden brown for 5-6 minutes.

Add all other ingredients, except the jaggery mix, to the flour. Mix well.

Add the jaggery syrup to the flour mixture.

Stir for 2 minutes on medium flame until jaggery syrup has been absorbed.

Spread the mix in a tray lined with baking paper or greased with ghee.

Garnish with extra dry fruit pieces.

Let this set for 2-3 hours and cut into required shapes.

Stored in a cool, dark place. Will keep for 1-2 weeks.

www.indianlink.com.au

Understanding Australia’s new broadband By replacing and upgrading parts of the existing phone and internet network, nbn is bringing more Australians access to fast and reliable broadband services.*

Most homes and businesses need to switch

You have a choice of speeds

and other issues.*For more information on how

As most existing landline phone and internet services will be disconnected, it’s important you switch affected services before your disconnection date.^ nbn will notify you by mail once you can switch to a new plan over the nbn™ access network. You’ll then have up to 18 months before existing services are disconnected.^

nbn offers three superfast wholesale speed tiers to providers ‑ 25Mbps, 50Mbps and 100Mbps.* There’s also 12Mbps, which is not considered superfast broadband.* Talk to your phone and internet provider about speed tiers available in your area, as well as the actual speeds you can expect to experience on your new plan (particularly during peak times like the evening).

your particular experience will be affected, speak

nbn is a wholesaler This means nbn does not sell to the public. nbn supplies phone and internet providers with wholesale services they combine with their own network services to deliver your new plan. So you’ll need to contact your preferred provider once you’re ready to switch.

to your provider.

Important information on device compatibility Safety‑critical devices like medical alarms, fire alarms, monitored security alarms and lift emergency phones, may not be compatible with your new plan at all times.† To help minimise a loss in your services, check with your device provider

Factors affecting your experience

that these will work on your new plan or whether

The nbn™ access network and your provider’s network are likely to slow down when more people are online at once. Maximum speeds will also vary based on your modem, Wi‑Fi

you’ll need to find an alternative solution. It’s also important you register safety‑critical devices with nbn by calling 1800 227 300 or visiting nbn.com.au/compatibility.

Contact a phone or internet provider *Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ broadband access network, depends on the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and some factors outside our control (like your equipment quality, software, signal quality, broadband plan and how your service provider designs its network). nbn is a provider of wholesale speeds to internet providers. nbn™ wholesale speed tiers available to your phone and internet provider vary depending on the access technology in your area. ^ Services offered to phone and internet providers over the nbn™ broadband access network will be replacing phone and internet services provided over most of the existing landline networks, including copper and the majority of HFC networks within the fixed line footprint. Services provided over existing fibre networks (including in‑building, health and education networks) and some special and business services may not be affected. To find out if your services will be affected, please contact your current phone or internet provider. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/ switchoff or call 1800 687 626.† The rollout of the nbn™ broadband access network will involve new technologies, and some existing devices (including many medical alarms, autodiallers and emergency call buttons) may not be compatible with these at all times. You should contact your device provider to find out if your alarm or other device will work when connected to the nbn™ broadband access network and what alternative solutions are available. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/compatibility. © 2017 nbn co ltd. ‘nbn’, ‘bring it on’, ‘Sky Muster’, ‘gen nbn’ and the Aurora device are trade marks of nbn co ltd | ABN 86 136 533 741.

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BWMNCO0578/250X358/CALD

OCTOBER 2017 23

stage

Sins of the father Puranic tale reminds us of the need for balance in our lives

S

hantaranga Theatre Group’s latest Kannada production Yayati was staged at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Perth recently to a sell-out audience. The mythical story is about a king named Yayati, who incurs the wrath of sage Shukracharya for his philandering ways. He deceives his wife Devayani, Shukracharya’s daughter, and takes on her maid Sharmishta as his mistress.

The angry sage curses him with premature old age. However, he leaves a glimmer of hope for the hapless king.

If he can find someone willing to take

24 OCTOBER 2017

‘‘

Shantaranga is our endeavour to bring peace and tranquility (shanta) through the strong and powerful waves (taranga) of theatre Sushanth Shantaram

‘‘

BY SAI NARAYAN

on the curse, Yayati can get his youth back.

But who would take on such a curse? The only person willing to sacrifice his youth for Yayati, is his own son Puru. Yayati clutches greedily at this straw offered to him.

While Puru suffers the agonies of old age, Yayati continues his pursuit of material pleasures. However, he soon realises the futility of his ways and returns his ill-gotten youth to its rightful owner Puru.

Though an ancient tale, the story has a thought provoking, contemporary relevance.

The audience was spellbound as they watched the story unfold. Every character was played to perfection as the amateur actors delivered a flawless performance. The stage lighting and background music subtly conjured up the ambience of a royal palace.

Director Sushanth Shantaram, who also played the role of Yayati, told Indian Link, “The main challenge was to convince every actor about the essence of the story so that

they could play their roles with confidence.

The actors rehearsed for many months giving freely of their time and energy!”

Sushanth’s wife Vinutha took on a vital role, assisting with direction, looking after costume design, background score and lighting.

Why was this particular play chosen?

Sushanth replied, “I chose this play as a tribute to my father. It was the first play that

he acted in, as Puru, and one that he often used to remember.”

Sharing an emotional moment from his life, Sushanth added, “When my father had a bypass surgery, I donated my blood for him. At the time, my father said that just as Puru gave his youth for his father, you have given your blood to me.”

Sushanth is also deeply influenced by famous playwright, actor and director Girish Karnad, whose debut play, by coincidence, happened to be Yayati.

Talking of his Perth-based theatre group’s vision, director Sushanth Shantaram said, “Shantaranga is our endeavour to bring peace and tranquility (shanta) through the strong and powerful waves (taranga) of theatre.”

On the back of last year’s successful Hindi debut production Raat - a taut thriller - Shantaranga has weaved its magic again with the Kannada production of Yayati, a mythological tale from ancient India.

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LET YOUR STYLE SHINE BRIGHT THIS DIWALI

Carousel - Ph: 9356 2707 // Riverton - Ph: 9354 1733 // Livingston - Ph: 9456 1100 Maddington - Ph: 9459 9599 // Mirrabooka - Ph: 9344 4344 // Ellenbrook - Ph: 9296 9400

*Complete pair is an optical frame and 1.49 single vision lenses. Other lens types are available for an additional fee. Not available with any other offer or discount, except a health fund rebate. Further T&Cs apply, see in-store for details. Ends 31/10/2017.

INDIAN LINK

OCTOBER 2017 25

MATRIMONIALS SEEKING GROOMS

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking Gujarati match, either in Australia or abroad, with good family values, for a well settled accountant. Australian citizen, 42, 5’8”, divorced with no children. Vegetarian and non-smoker. Respond with photo and biodata to WhatsApp/Viber 0421 504 058 or email gujiaust@gmail.com

Seeking alliance for my son, 32-year-old male, 6’, Haritasa gotram (Dhanishta 4th padam), Masters in Design from IIT Kanpur and MFDI & MEM from Sydney, working in QBE Sydney as UX Designer. Looking for a slim, Brahmin girl from Australia/NZ. Contact +919848994624 or vemramkri@ yahoo.com

Brother based in Sydney seeks suitable match for 39-year-old Mumbai-born, never married Gujarati girl. 5’4”, well cultured medium built, B.Com and working for international shipping company in Dubai. Hindu grooms please.

Contact on 0416475948 or komaldxb@gmail.com Seeking a professionally qualified, settled match for Sydney-based, never married Australian citizen. Hindu, Punjabi Khatri 44, 5’3” slim, fair, attractive girl. Postgraduate and working on a good position in government organisation.

Please send details with photo indsyd2016@gmail.com Suitable match for a soft spoken and intelligent IT professional 32-year-old girl.

Must be healthy, clean-looking and preferably Canberra-based. Pl SMS your interest to 0415948567.

Looking for a professional, well-educated, cosmopolitan, tall, Hindu groom (Australian resident or citizen) for a 32-year-old Telugu divorcee with no kids working in Bangalore IT MNC. Please contact on persephones84@gmail.com or 0417 17 0487 Seeking professionally qualified match for fair, slim, beautiful, family oriented Punjabi Khatri girl. 37/5’2”, well qualified, working as IT Business Analyst in Sydney. Innocent divorcee having 11-year-old daughter. Caste no bar. Send biodata and pics to matrimonial4alliance@gmail.com or call on 0413820305 Sister based in Sydney seeks suitable match for 38-year-old/5’5’’ nevermarried Punjabi Khatri girl. Doctor by profession, vegetarian. Settled in India, but fine to move overseas. Currently in Sydney on holidays. Caste no bar. Email guruji2111@gmail.com or call on 0449785957

A well-settled, clean-shaven 48-year-old (looks only 35) good looking, tall, slim. Senior manager with one of the four major Australian banks from a Jat Sikh family is seeking a lady with a view to marriage. Citizen of Australia and USA, good natured, sociable with a blend of Eastern and Western values.

Caste and age no bar. Respond to param69@gmail.com Seeking suitable match for Bengali boy, Australian citizen, 33 years old, 178cm, holding Masters degree, manager in a leading bank. Family wellsettled in Australia. Seeking well-educated Hindu girl, 25-31 years old.

Australian citizen or PR. Please respond to matrimozind@gmail.com.

Manglik, handsome, vegetarian, slim, Australian citizen Punjabi Mittal boy 28, 5’9”. Well qualified, doing last subject of CPA working full time (Melbourne). Seeking beautiful, slim, vegetarian, professional girl. Any upper Hindu caste send full biodata with snaps. Contact +919888389431, 0468343708.

Seeking professional bride for Hindu Punjabi, US Green Card holder and Australian citizen. 35/6’2”, Masters in Computer Science, Consulting Manager in Houston. Schooling and university studies from Australia. Email biodata with recent picture to mgahir@gmail.com Seeking a suitable bride for an Australian citizen Sikh boy, 42 years old (looks younger), 5’ 8½” with wheatish complexion. Whole family settled in Australia. Innocent divorcee after 1-month marriage. The girl should be 34-38 years old with family and cultural values. Caste/religion no bar. Please email biodata with recent full length photograph to pleasecommunica8@gmail.com

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OCTOBER 2017 27

WE’RE POWERING FORWARD MAKING ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE

As Australia’s energy system transitions, the Australian Government is making energy more affordable.

We’ve already secured agreements from retailers to offer consumers a better deal, and some households could save up to $1,500 per year on their power bills.

We’re also ensuring there is enough gas for Australians before it’s shipped offshore.

To find out more search ‘POWERING FORWARD’.

It’s actions like this today that are powering a more affordable energy future.

POWERING FORWARD

28 OCTOBER 2017

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entertainment

cineTALK

VARUN DHAWAN OUT-SALMANS THE ORIGINAL

JUDWAA 2

STARRING: Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Tapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher DIRECTOR: David Dhawan

HHHHH

Now this is a film that reminds us how enjoyable frivolity in cinema can be, if packaged and executed expertly.

When a 20-year-old film about identical twins caught up in endearing inanity is rebooted, we immediately get emotional about the old film which incidentally, was trashed on release. We even begin to treat Anu Malik’s pedestrian tunes in the original as classics.

There is news for all nostalgia addicts. Judwaa 2 is not only a more engaging ode to inanity than the original, but Varun Dhawan even manages to outdistance Salman Khan’s considerable energy level in the original.

What works bigtime for this remake

is its absolute honesty of intention.

David Dhawan wants to entertain as he has been doing for decades. There is no socio-cultural political agenda (bar a super-dumb reference to Trump), no attempt to induce gravity. The point is the pointlessness.

The prattle and the preening is all so frenetic, we get no time to think.

We just go with the flow. And glow with the sparkle that father-son Dhawan generate together.

Judwaa 2 is unwilling to let go even a stray moment of potential pleasure.

The film’s obstinacy to win us over with a feast of fatuousness breaks our defences down after a while. It is the kind of massy rabble-rouser that we don’t see in mainstream cinema any more. We either have “realistic” romcoms set in small towns or wannabe Hollywood spectacles which go nowhere with their egoistic ambitions.

Judwaa 2, never embarrassed about its aspirations, aims to be a lowbrow entertainer. Nothing more, nothing less. And it succeeds in being just that from the first frame to last. Everyone on screen has a blast. The mood of an ongoing party slithers down to the audience, infecting us with a giggly sense of beholding guilty pleasures.

The film is lavishly mounted.

Cinematographer Ayananka Bose shoots London with the lip-smacking relish of a tourist who has been there,

done it all. There is the comfort of the familiar about the presentation which is something quite the opposite of nostalgia. Speaking of which, I wish Salman’s cameo had been better written into the plot. It is disappointingly glib and lacking magic.

Holding the crunchy crisp saga of mistaken identities together is Varun.

He is so perky and on-the-ball, this film is bound to take his stardom many steps ahead. Without making a song and dance about it, he manages as an actor to connect both with the child within himself and the audience.

With two ladies more than willing to swoon over him, Varun has himself a whale of a time. While Tapsee Pannu brings a kind of sobriety even to the wackiest incidents, Jacqueline Fernandez’s giggly sexiness is becoming tiresome. A crash course in restraint is seriously recommended.

But everyone in the film quickly cottons on to the impetuous mood of the presentation.

So do we, actually. Don’t think about why and how the two Varuns end up where they do. There is a remarkable absence of apology about the David Dhawan kind of film. It exists for the sole purpose of providing mass entertainment. That Varun Dhawan proves to be such a chip off the old block is providential for David Dhawan.

Subhash K. Jha

A SIMPLE, REALISTIC EYE-OPENER NEWTON

STARRING: Rajkummar Rao, Anjali Patil, Pankaj Tripathi, Raghubir Yadav, Sanjay Mishra and Mukesh Prajapati DIRECTOR: Amit Masurkar

HHHHH

Low-concept and modestly-scaled films are always hard to sell, but authentic passion and a steady accumulation of detail, sets writers Amit Masurkar and Mayank Tiwari’s Newton apart.

Set against the backdrop of elections in the world’s largest democracy, Newton is an exemplary indie drama.

It is the portrait of an idealistic man surviving in a society that is corrupt by tradition and lethargy.

Wanting to make a difference in society and to standout, Nutan Kumar (Rajkummar Rao) who has completed his Masters in Physics, rechristens himself as Newton.

He is now working for the Indian government. During elections, despite being a standby, he is named the presiding officer of a booth situated deep in the jungles where 76 voters reside. The area is purported to be INDIAN LINK

infested with Maoists. How Newton deals with the administration and the security forces to conduct the elections there despite the constant threat of an ambush from the Naxalites, forms the crux of the tale.

Projected in a fair and balanced manner, Newton’s journey is truly an eye-opener. Initially, his gullibility is suspect, it borderlines to stupidity but Rajkummar Rao as Newton carries it with elan. You chuckle at his idiosyncrasies and conversations with his superiors and counterparts, especially when he attempts to conduct the elections by the book during the absurd circumstances.

But it is his sincerity that touches the right emotional chord. It throws open questions about the democratic procedures adopted in the area and its projection by the administration to the media and the world thereby.

Rao is aptly supported by Anjali Patil as his assistant during the election process.

As Malko Neetham, the teacher in a local school, she is a perfect balance to Rao’s naive beliefs. As a local, she gives an appropriate insight into the plight of the

oppressed tribals.

Raghubir Yadav and Pankaj Tripathi add some spark to the otherwise staid narrative. Yadav as Newton’s laid-back colleague, the near retiring Loknath is excellent. He keeps you entertained with his constant complaining of how he is forced to work under strenuous circumstances despite his diabetes and various health issues.

Tension brews with Pankaj Tripathi as Atma Singh, the leader of the platoon deployed to provide security for Newton and his team members. He is a natural with his patronising tone trying to

demoralise Newton. And, it is interesting to watch him become submissive every time he tries to get his way around.

Apart from the performances, the few things that stay with you after you leave the auditorium are the visuals and the background score. Swapnil S Sonawane’s cinematography captures the rustic set-up with flourish. Music

by Naren Chandavarkar and Benedict Taylor adds a subtle undertone to the sombre note of the narrative.

Overall, this simple, slice-of-life tale is interesting, engaging and educative.

Troy Ribeiro

OCTOBER 2017 29

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the BUZZ UP-TO-DATE NEWS ON WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD

ANUSHKA SHARMA

ANUSHKA SHARMA: DESIGNER

THE TOM ALTER WE DIDN’T KNOW

H

e was the most different American India has ever seen. Actor Tom Alter, who passed away on 29 September, was an actor but also a cricket fan, teacher and a shayari exponent. He was 67 when he lost the battle against skin cancer.

Here are some facts about him you might not know: * Born in 1950 in Mussourie, Tom Alter was the son of American missionary parents whose family moved to India from Ohio way back in 1916. * As a child, Alter would be made to read the Bible in Urdu by his father, a priest.

In later years, his love for the language inspired him to play such great Urdu literary figures as Ghalib, Sahir Ludhianvi and Bahadur Shah Zafar on stage. * He was drawn to Bollywood after seeing Rajesh Khanna in Aradhana. Inspired

by Khanna’s crazy stardom, he came to Mumbai to try his luck in acting. “I didn’t know who Rajesh Khanna was before Aradhana. But in just one week I saw that film at least thrice,” Alter had said in an interview. * He was also an avid cricket fan who did the first ever TV interview of Sachin Tendulkar, and also gave commentary in a one-day match India played in * He acted in Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Kumaoni, Marathi and Malayalam cinema. * He was the only actor who appeared as two key figures spanning a momentous near-century of the country’s history - portraying both Bahadur Shah Zafar and Lord Mountbatten. * He made his debut with Ramanand Sagar’s Charas (1976). * He was also among the handful of actors who played both tyrant colonial officers and figures from India’s freedom struggle. That’s right, he played Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Mahatma Gandhi. * His last TV show was Rishton Ka Chakravyuh, and on the big screen, he was last seen in Sargoshiyan. He also shot for a short film The Black Cat, in which he plays acclaimed author Ruskin Bond. * He also worked with late actor Peter O’Toole and Ben Kingsley. * He was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, in 2008.

30 OCTOBER 2017

From acting to producing films, spunky girl Anushka Sharma has now turned designer. She launched her new entrepreneurial venture this month, a clothing line called, what else, “Nush”.

“This is something I had been planning for the past one and a half years,” she revealed at the launch, adding with the honesty so typical of her, “I am excited but at the same time, I am extremely nervous.”

Anushka is well-known for her willingness to go out on a limb to get what she wants, whether it is modelling, acting, producing. She likes starting out with a clean slate. Perhaps that’s why her production firm is called Clean Slate Films.

“I’ve always done what I love. I love wearing good cloths, so I present my venture, something very special to me, my own clothing line,” she said.

Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and so many other celebrities now have their own fashion labels, that it is almost a rat race to announce your own line.

“I don’t see it is a rat-race as such; I think, the more the merrier!” the gutsy lady said. “It is a great thing that you have fashion available to you, like this.

More brands, more designs, more styles, more choice and if I can enable and add value to that, I think that is a great thing.”

Well, if all else fails…

ASHA PAREKH: 75, NICE GIRL

Asha Parekh, who turned 75 on October 2 and doesn’t feel her age at all, is happy to share her birthday with Mahatma Gandhi.

But there is the downside too.

“Every birthday of mine is a dry day.

So my friends never get to toast my health and wellbeing with a glass of wine...! Aah, never mind. I am happy to be alive, well, healthy and still not pushed into oblivion, as many of my colleagues are.”

Oblivion is far from Asha’s ambit of activity. In fact, 2017 has been a particularly eventful year for her.

“That’s right. My memoirs The Hit Girl came out. I was apprehensive that it may hurt some. But I was determined to tell the truth. Or else, no point in writing about your life.”

Asha boldly spoke about her relationship with filmmaker Nasir Hussain. Was there any negative impact on Nasir Saab’s family?

“None at all. I didn’t expect there would be. When I was so careful not to hurt his family during our relationship, why would I cause them any hurt now?

Nasir saab’s family has always been close to my heart. They all respect me.

In fact, (Nasir Hussain’s nephew) Aamir (Khan) is always very respectful and affectionate.”

On the downside, the year saw her dream project, her hospital for the poor, shut down.

“My hospital will now be turned into a 5-star health facility. That means the facilities will no longer be available to the poor and the underprivileged.

That’s why I ran this no-profit hospital, for the poor. Alas, the dream has ended.”

Ever the optimist, though, Asha is thankful for what life has given her.

“I am still around and healthy. I was called the ‘hit girl’ because of the success ratio of my films. It was God’s blessings.”

“It’s sad to lose friends at my age, though. Watching them go one by one is a very scary experience. I just wish when I go, I go without pain. And that people will remember me as a nice girl.”

RANCHI DIARIES

Could you do the Ranchi accent? Well, here’s how actor Taaha Shah did it. You see, he plays a street food vendor in an upcoming film called Ranchi Diaries, and spent a week there, watching the street banter and listening in closely, to get the dialect and mannerisms right.

As well, to nail the accent, he recorded his dialogues in director Sattwik Mohanty’s voice and heard them over a 100 times to get the accent right.

In his earlier films like Luv Ka The End, Gippi and Baar Baar Dekho, Taaha played urban characters. “My new character Pinku is a small-town rugged boy,” he said. “I am happy to have experimented in this film”.

The actor also revealed he got an amulet from a temple in Ranchi.

“I was at the shops one day and came across a boy who wore an amulet that caught my eye. He told me it was from a temple. I thought it would enhance Pinku’s look, so I went to the temple and got it,” he said.

The film, produced by actor Anupam Kher, is set to release on 13 October.

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ASHA PAREKH

CAPTION CONTEST

SAIF ALI KHAN

KRITI SANON

ANOTHER TOILET PREMKATHA

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra says the inspiration for his upcoming directorial Mere Pyare Prime Minister comes from Mahatma Gandhi, who was a warrior on sanitation issues.

Mehra spoke recently about the film and the issue of sanitation, which he has been helping to tackle since the last four years via his association with an NGO. “When it comes to cinema, it is entertainment first as that’s what brings the people in. Purpose has to be built into the cinema, along with the entertainment. My next film Mere Pyare Prime Minister is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Shot in Mumbai, our set is called Gandhinagar.”

He added, “Few people know that Mahatma Gandhi was a warrior on sanitation issues.”

Mehra has been associated with Yuva Unstoppable NGO, which has been working towards building toilets in slum areas and municipal schools.

BIOPIC ON JHULAN GOSWAMI

Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Jhulan Goswami revealed recently that a biopic will be made on her life. The working title is Chakdah Express, in homage to her hometown Jhulan, 34, will be the first female cricketer on whom a biopic will be

made. A biopic on former men’s team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been made while a docu-drama on batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar released earlier this year.

The biopic, to be made in Hindi, will be directed by Susanta Das. “We have seen MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar’s biopics. But this will be the first biopic set in women’s cricket,” Das said. “The focus will be her journey, the odds she overcame since she was 10. Hope it will inspire and motivate millions of youngsters. It’s about chasing your dream.”

What we want to know is, who plays Jhulan?

SAIF DISCOVERS HIS INNER CHEF

Saif Ali Khan meanwhile, went to a fivestar kitchen for his version of method acting.

Raja Krishna Menon, director of the upcoming film Chef has dished out details on actor Saif Ali Khan’s newfound cooking skills.

“When we started, Saif was very worried about my expectations from him in terms of being able to chop and cook like a masterchef. During the training that started with the basics and went all the way to plating Michelin star dishes, Saif began to really enjoy cooking,” Menon said in a statement.

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From cutting and chopping vegetables and kneading dough to actually rustling up dishes like pastas and rotzzas (the main food item sold on the food truck in the film), Saif has managed to do it all.

The actor trained for close to four hours everyday, over a period of a month, with Chef Himanshu and his team at the JW Marriott kitchen in Mumbai.

By the end of it, Saif was able to chop not 50 or 100 but 200 onions and garlics, every day.

“Cooking has now become a part of who he is today. Saif discovered his inner chef through this film. I was quite content to see his transformation from someone who has never cooked to that of a professional chef,” said Menon.

The film is slated to release on 6 October.

If all else fails, Saif….

Can you guess what KANGANA IS trying to say to her B-town, er, friends?

Send in your responses to media@indianlink.com.au and WIN A TICKET to a new Hindi film

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNING ENTRY

KRITI SANON: ENGINEER

No, no, this is not a new role. It is her actual calling.

The beautiful Kriti holds a BTech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. She was preparing for higher studies in the US when the film offers began to pour in.

She had already been modelling while at university.

“Yes, I got a pretty good score on my GMAT,” Kriti revealed, much to our surprise.

Well, if all else fails…

WHAT TWEETY BIRD TOLD US THIS WEEK

Match the following tweets to the celebs that made them.

Parineeti Chopra Priyanka Chopra, Twinkle Khanna

As two chubby nerds in bursting uniforms in Panchgani @karanjohar & I couldn’t have imagined being on the cover of Vogue together someday Hearing about the shooting in Las Vegas is devastating. When will this stop? Violence isnt the answer.

Condolences to the grieving and hurt What a memorable time in the spiritual heart of @Australia. Thank you #Uluru. @AusOutbackNT

What’s the chitchat between JUDI DENCH and ALI FAZAL here?

JUDI: Ali, maybe we should tell the world that we really are the reincarnations of Victoria and Abdul.

MEERA S ASHFIELD NSW Meera wins a ticket to Simran

OCTOBER 2017 31

backchat

ASK AUNTYJI Pre-marital counselling DEAR AUNTYJI

I met a wonderful man 18 months ago and we are getting married shortly.

Now Auntyji, I am surrounded by divorced people: two of my five cousins are divorced; two of my uncles have separated from their wives; three of my best friends are in the process of divorcing. I am desperate for this not to happen to us. I have done a lot of self-assessment and so am conscious of my behaviour and what triggers me.

I am determined to always treat my husband with respect. I will always show him affection and will be grateful for what he does. I will compliment him and be nice to his friends and family. I will not be quick to anger, and will always try to see his point of view, before I put mine forward. I will communicate with him in a productive manner so that we can resolve our arguments - when we have them. I will aim to give him my best self, and I’ll seek his support to ensure I remain a kind, loving and respectful wife. Is there anything else I should know?

What sage counsel can you offer me?

I will most definitely invite you to the wedding!

AUNTYJI SAYS

Well, my dearest gulab jamun, I am so proud of you! You sound like such a cultured, level-headed young lady. How I wish your peers could learn from you.

You have such a sensible head on your

?

The need to be more culturally sensitive shoulders that you couldn’t possibly go wrong. You have highlighted all the things that a loving, kind spouse does. If you have spent time analysing your behaviours and your thought patterns, then you can’t go wrong. If you continue to do this throughout your marriage, you will be sure to stay married. If I were to be so bold as to offer a suggestion to someone who already is a guru in this, it would be this. At the end of each day, ensure that there are at least three or four things that are left unsaid. The things that we don’t say are sometimes even more important than those things that spring forth from our muh. There will be many moments when you get angry or resentful. You will want to say things - which ultimately, a self-aware person like you will regret. So if you ensure you have the discipline to hold back on some things, and leave them unsaid, then you are way, way ahead in your quest. Keep in mind that we don’t want you to keep those things unsaid and have them simmer under the surface.

We want you to control your zubaan which is like toothpaste, once it leaves the tube you can’t put it back in. So, with this key strategy in mind, many blessings for your married life. Will there be rasgullahs at your wedding? I have a particular fondness for these!

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AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre you people! I felt VERY confronted when I saw my favourite bhagwan Ganesha so portrayed in the ad.

Selling a meat product? Ram, ram!

What an insult to my Indian-ness in this land far away from my Hindustan.

I almost tweeted-sheeted my anger, but then I held back for a moment and decided to think. So I got off my twitterbox and put my facebook back on the bookshelf, made myself a cup of garam chai and calmed down.

Ganesha came into my thoughts

and helped. The key question to ask ourselves here is, what would Lord Ganesha say about all this? I think he would be delighted that he got to make the Australians aware of the pantheon of gods he represents – the representation of our gods has been a long time coming. Second, Ganesha would say, he has so many obstacles to overcome in the world that he would not care about a meaningless little ad on Australian TV, in fact he would totally ignore it. Perhaps, you my dear little lamb chop, you need to go and find yourself a more meaningful issue over which to vent your spleen. Like Pawan bhai wrote in his editorial, how about we direct our passion and energies on more relevant issues like domestic violence or mental illness.

The Ganesha I pray to, will not like this constant whinging and need to be outraged; he is too large-hearted a god to be affronted by some ignorant ad maker who does not appreciate the depth of what Ganesha stands for. If my bhagwan was here, he would have said, “Get over it. And get over yourselves. Don’t be as boring and as bland as an overcooked seekh kebab.

Let’s go and do some real good and help those who need real help.” And as for the Indian government, seriously, they really do need to focus on more important and pressing domestic issues.

Do you have a question for Auntyji? Email info@indianlink.com.au

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FEES

DEAR AUNTYJI

Oh my goodness! Have you seen all the tamasha about the Meat and Livestock Australia advertisement about lamb and about our dear Lord Ganesha being portrayed as a meat eater? Auntyji, how outrageous! I have written to the MLA protesting this advertisement in the most vocal terms, because I believe the lamb ad is in poor taste and depicts Ganesha incorrectly. I am deeply offended. This is such a cheap gimmick and I don’t know what the ignorant and insensitive creatives were thinking. How could they come up with something so inaccurate, and did you see, even the Indian government has voiced its displeasure. As Hindus we should all stand united. We should all voice our disgust. What do you think, Auntyji, where do you stand on this important issue?

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TAROT

foretell OCT 2017 BY VANDANA

Lights twinkle in an October that is especially devoted to festivity, food and family. Diwali sheen magically rejuvenates homes, people and relationships as though in resonance with the freshness of Nature; the unfolding of many-hued flowers in Australia’s magnificent Spring serenade. May the festival of lights brighten and bring peace.

ARIES March 21 - April 19

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

CANCER June 21 - July 20

Your faith in yourself is unshakeable, Aries, as it ought to be with Mars in your driver’s seat! The High Priestess asks you to look for that which might not be clearly visible - a secret you must unfold. Might that be your lyrical side?

The Page of Cups urges you towards poetry, music and all things artistic as you are invited to balance intelligence with empathy. A visit to an art museum with young members of your family proves exciting!

Sunshine, you’re a blessing to be around this month! Lifting spirits, spreading cheer, lending a helping hand and a listening ear - you place others at the centre of your life’s sphere and you get back so much more. Love and harmony light up your family life!

It’s a vibrant time and even though the Knight of Discs niggles at your purse strings a wee bit, you take that in your stride for you know together-times are fleeting and most precious.

Mercurial wings lift you to great heights in the areas of communication, especially if writing and public speaking are your forté, Gemini. You may be invited to address a gathering to inspire young minds and you’ll be in your element. The Tower cautions you to do a bit of ground work as you may need a couple of aces up your sleeve.

Certainly, with your charm and a bit of humour thrown in, you’ll own the mic and the day!

Emotions rule you and yet, in the mire of the daily toil, you crabs are the least likely to spend time with yourselves.

With the Judgement card encouraging you to admit your own feelings to yourself, this is a priority now. Cancer, you must be gentle with yourself as you feel your thoughts. The Queen of Cups encourages you to open up to the possibilities there are for relationships and at work - for they hold a lot of promise!

LEO July 21 - Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

The Star with the Ace of Wands places you where the action is! Your imagination and inventive power propel you to make a foray into fresh avenues of business activity. Luck from above graces your intelligence and vivacious optimism, leading you to success. Like a benevolent ruler, you are mindful of those around you and your concern for others makes you well-loved. You’re a magnet for miracles, Leo! As you take a bow, keep the stardust on those regal shoulders!

The Fates smile on you this month, Virgo, as the Nine of Cups grants you a wish fulfillment. Whether your wish is related to family, home, career or recovery from illness - a long-held goal will be brought to full fruition. Hold your success in your heart, though, for all may not be as a first glance may reveal.

A toss up may reveal fair-weather friends that you need to tuck away. Rely on your instinct and savour time with soulmates.

Noble Libra, you balance your work and ideals for the greater good. You will be successful in realising your goals if you act after deliberation and weighing of the pros and cons. This may keep a few people around you guessing but so be it! The Magician card ensures you will not be swayed by lower energies.

The Three of Cups brings you love and understanding. When you see love shining in your partner’s eyes, you’ll feel you’ve come home.

The card of The World assures you of success! It lies just ahead. All the prework towards a presentation and the burnt oil of maddening midnights are about to bring you your heart’s desire.

If you feel you’re losing steam, take power naps, recoup and get back in there! The Two of Swords will neither let you give up nor give in to suggestions that are not at par with your ideas. Stay as you are, Scorpio - top notch you!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20

Oh, Sagittarius, you’ve been dreaming a solitary dream of finding your own way. You’re innocent of worldly ways just like The Fool is, but is it deliberate?

You feel you need this time to go within and explore; to discover where you view yourself a few years from now and then work out ways to get there. Rebuilding is always good with a dash of Sagittarian optimism. The Ace of Swords beckons you to go in the direction of your dreams.

Going somewhere, Capricorn? Your bags are packed and you’re on the ready says The Chariot! You’re enchanted by a mind-body-yoga kind of tour to a national park or remote spot that is appealing to you at several levels.

Perhaps you feel a calling to conduct a session where the spirit is refreshed.

The Page of Wands is definitely outdoors and sporty and loves to learn. Happy times with young people around a campfire are definitely your thing in October. Enjoy!

You’ve been in a charmed space of late, Aquarius, which may have spoilt you for choice, says The Lovers card. Perhaps you need to connect with the real world.

Art and aesthetics play a strong role in your life and you tend to gravitate towards the futuristic. The Two of Cups leads you on the persevering path so you come into contact with people who value your labour of love, be it prose, poetry or painting. Go for it, Aquarius!

You may welcome The Alchemist into your life as you work on small changes in your lifestyle - be it your diet or health routine or work hours. You will discover a new energy within yourself once you implement these changes.

And it’s catching! Those around you will feel this, too. The Four of Cups brings you an enhanced experience of satisfaction at both the home and workplace. There will be memorable fun times that will exhilarate your gentle Piscean spirit!

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OCTOBER 2017 33

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