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talk Volume 1 | Issue 48 | July 11, 2013 | Rs 10
CRIME A smart gang behind ATM heists 6 SOUVENIR Talk sends one of the world’s last telegrams 9 HAUTE CUISINE A foodie takes a cleaver to the fad 18
STOP! THIS IS RISKY Women in Bangalore are rushing to doctors after their skin is badly damaged by beauticians who give chemical treatments only dermatologists are qualified to offer. An expose by MARIA LAVEENA 12-15
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Instructive articles on Bangalore ’s ‘elephant menace ’, and wildlife photography Last week, people in my neighbourhood were talking about the ‘elephant menace ’ in Bangalore. I am glad Talk put things in perspective with two articles, one by a photographer who candidly admitted he was carried away by the excitement of photographing the elephants, and another by your staff writer compiling advice on how to go about photographing wildlife. It was reported that 4,000 people gathered as if for a picnic, and then burst crackers and chased a herd of elephants. We then talk about the elephant ‘menace ’. In truth, we humans are the real menace. Suma Sindhur Bannerghatta Road Welcome error Thank you for your cover story on theatre livelihoods (Does theatre pay?, Issue 47). However, Vinod Ravindran ’s age was erroneously mentioned as 39, which is four-and-a-half years more than his actual.
He does feel this adds more dimension to his character though. Nimi Ravindran Whitefield Shobha is no saint Just because Shobha Karandlaje returned from a pilgrimage to Uttarakhand, should you do a big article (Open house with Shobha Karandlaje, Issue 47) on a corrupt politician? You say she lives in a small singleroom apartment. Should we believe it? MS Murthy Artist, Bangalore (She lives in a little house in a tiny by lane, whatever her reasons! — Ed) About my productivity Thank you for carrying an interview with me ( ‘Indian sci-fi is mediocre and derivative ’, Issue 47). The bit about people thinking I ’m an “organisation ” was rather funny! Wish your reporter Savie Karnel had asked me about my productivity —in fact, I work totally
team talk EDITORIAL
EXECUTIVE TEAM
SR Ramakrishna Editor Prashanth GN Senior Editor Sajai Jose Chief Copy Editor Savie Karnel Principal Correspondent Basu Megalkeri Principal Correspondent Prachi Sibal Senior Features Writer Sandra Fernandes and Maria Laveena Reporters and Copy Editors Anand Kumar K Chief of Design Shridhar G Kulkarni Graphic Designer Ramesh Hunsur Senior Photographer Vivek Arun Graphics Artist
Sumith Kombra Founder, CEO and Publisher Kishore Kumar N Head - Circulation Vinayadathan KV Area Manager - Trade Prabhavathi Executive Circulation Sowmya Kombra Asst Process Manager
Printed and published by Sumith Kombra on behalf of Shakthi Media Ventures India Pvt Ltd FF70, Gold Towers, Residency Road, Bangalore -560025 and printed at Lavanya Mudranalaya, Chamarajpet, Bangalore-560018. Editor: SR Ramakrishna. Editorial Office: FF70, Gold Towers, Residency Road, Bangalore 560025 Email: info@talkmag.in Phone: 08040926658. © All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. RNI No.: KARENG/2012/50146
alone, no assistants, associates, researchers, nothing. Do-It-Yourself is my motto and that ’s the main reason I ’m able to write so many books. Ashok Banker Mumbai
Theatre guru Alkazi ’s advice Thanks you for your cover story on theatre people. Ebrahim Alkazi is quoted as telling me “Do theatre at your own cost. ” I was actually referring to an incident narrated to me by someone I know, a theatre actor
much older. The story inspired me. After all, Alkazi is much older to me, and I would have to be in my 40s to have attended his workshops. Abhishek Majumdar by email Write to letters@talkmag.in
around town
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in PIC FOR REPRESENTATION
FALL GUY? Allah Baksh has been convicted on a theft charge; he claims he is innocent
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editor talk Criminals are getting smarter. The sophistication of the recent ATM heists has left the police stunned. Over 18 days, they have attempted six and pulled off two heists successfully. The frequency of the heists is unprecedented, and banks are alarmed. The gang behind the crimes —it yanks out cash machines and carts them away in an SUV —does use crowbars and such other old-school techniques, but smartly combines these with newer technology. It is possible they know enough about biometrics to be able to beat the investigators: in one case, the gang entered the ATM kiosk wearing masks with just one slit for the eye. The unnamed gang is planning the timing, logistics, and the getaway perfectly. All of which points not just to ‘welders and technicians with inside information, ’ as the police suspect, but also to white collar involvement. Has some brainy geek turned rogue? Prashanth GN finds out how the police are trying to crack the case of the missing ATMs.
Diary of the wife of a jailed man with no money for bail Nazeema gets to see Allah Baksh for the first time in four years, but only because he attempts suicide
SAVIE KARNEL
savie.karnel@talkmag.in
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n a rainy day last week, 26-year-old Nazeema returned home after finishing her work as a domestic help. She was counting her money to see if she could make breakfast the next day. In her family, cooking breakfast is a luxury. She usually buys a biscuit packet for Rs 2, and her four children share it, dipping the biscuits in water and eating them, and then drinking water before leaving for school. “They never complain. They sleep hungry but never ask any outsider for food,” she told Talk proudly. Her monthly expenses don’t leave her with any money to visit
her husband Syed Allah Baksh (30), road, getting drenched in the who has been in prison for four pouring rain. People around years. “It costs me about Rs 500 to helped me bring her home,” she visit him in Parappana Agrahara. It said. is just too much,” she said. She has With the shock came a glimto factor in the bus fare, the bribe mer of hope. She would meet her she pays the jail authorities, the husband for the first time in four food she buys for her husband, and years. “Though I wanted to rush to worry about the loss of pay for see him, I couldn’t. I had to look missing a day’s after his mother work. and also arrange ‘It takes Rs 500 The couple for meals for the have four children. children. I couldto visit him in Her youngest n’t take them prison; I can’t daughter was just along as it was afford it’ three months old pouring. I have to when the police spend more if they arrested Allah Baksh the last time. fall sick,” she explained. She is now four. The family has not seen Allah Baksh since. Looks like a mad man The morning after she heard of the suicide attempt, she went with Slit with a glass pane On a rainy Thursday (June 25), her 11-year-old daughter to see Nazeema received an unexpected Allah Baksh. The police were call from someone in the same jail guarding him, and he was in the as her husband. Allah Baksh had ICU. She saw him through the tried to commit suicide: he had slit peep window. He had changed. He his throat with a broken glass had grown frail, and looked pane. The jail authorities had unkempt. She says in Urdu her rushed him to Victoria Hospital. husband had become “deewana He was in the ICU, battling for life. jaisa” (like a mad man). Nazeema went home without “I was shocked. My motherin-law fell unconscious on the speaking to him. She was glad she
A doctor complained to reporter Maria Laveena that many young women who had undergone treatment at the beauty parlours were coming to him with burns and scars. It turns out beauty parlours recommend potentially dangerous chemical peels for certain skin problems. That set Maria off on an investigative story. She found some beauticians trespassing into medical territory, and offering treatments they clearly know little about. Read all about it in our cover package. From July 12, you can no longer send telegrams. Savie Karnel went to the BSNL office to send one last telegram as a souvenir. Her experience is amusing. The service enjoys greater credibility than email and the mobile when it comes to legal matters. (The army, government undertakings, and recovery agents find telegrams invaluable, and will miss it more than individual citizens, who rely on the mobile and the Internet). Happy reading! SR Ramakrishna ram@talkmag.in
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had not taken the younger children along. “It wouldn’t be nice if they saw their father in that condition,” she said. For the youngest, he is just an imagined figure. When Nazeema got home, the first thing she did was to pacify her mother-in-law. “I convinced her he was perfectly fine. She loves him a lot,” she said. Nazeema returned to see him again after two days, when he had been shifted out of the ICU. “I couldn’t speak much. The police were standing around. I just asked him how he was feeling and he said fine. I gave him milk to drink,” she said. Nazeema doesn’t remember the exact date of his arrest. He is accused of theft, but she doesn’t know what he is accused of stealing. He has been in jail three times. The first arrest was in 2003. A tinker, Allah Baksh had started driving an auto. After paying the rent for the auto and the fuel, he was left with Rs 300 a day. He gave his wife Rs 200. That night the police knocked on their doors at 3 am. “They said they suspected him in some case, and would release him if they found him innocent. My husband cried, saying he had done nothing wrong,” she recalled. Allah Baksh returned home only after three years. Their son, just a toddler when he was arrested, had started walking by
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said I was always indoors and didn’t know what he was up to,” she said.
‘Borrowing doesn ’t look good ’
HALFWAY HOUSE The prisoners’ ward at Victoria Hospital, where Allah Baksh is under treatment
then. Nazeema had borrowed Rs 10,000 said. from an acquaintance to pay for bail. The After he returned from jail, Allah couple then worked to repay the money in Baksh became alcoholic. He wouldn’t monthly instalments of Rs 3,000. return after work, and would loiter drunk on the streets. One day, the police picked him up again. He has been in jail since. Screaming brings some help Nazeema believes he is innocent. She Within a year Allah Baksh was arrested again. This time he was in jail for a year and knows him from the time she was 14, for a half. “I went to the police station and that’s when she married him. “Maybe screamed at them. One of the policemen drunks are the easiest suspects. I told the helped me find a lawyer and get my hus- police he couldn’t steal, and he brought band out for a bail amount of Rs 3,000,” she home only his hard-earned money. They
Two others arrested with Allah Baksh in the case have been released on bail. But Nazeema hasn’t been able to secure the bail money. Her self-respect stops her from seeking help. “People have helped me twice. I can’t go again and again and borrow money. Does it look good?” she asked. Her relatives live hand to mouth and she can’t seek help from them either. Doctors say Allah Baksh will be discharged in a week and sent back to prison. Nazeema doesn’t know when she will see him again. She has focused all her efforts towards raising and educating her children. “I have enrolled them in an English-medium school,” she said. One of her employers pays the children’s fees, while she works as a domestic help in return. The children know Allah Baksh is in jail, but when somebody asks, they say, “Abba has gone to work in a faroff place.” Every evening, the children pray, “May good sense prevail on our Abba. May he come home soon.”
political diary
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
RAMESH HUNSUR
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A good man’s story Revenue minister Srinivasa Prasad (64) is among the most respected politicians in the Siddaramaiah cabinet. He jumped into politics inspired by the ideals of Gandhi and Lohia. He shares a long friendship with Siddaramaiah, even when the two were on opposite sides of the fence. Srinivasa Prasad owes his portfolio to his rapport with the chief minister. Yet, in the last assembly session, he did not respond fittingly to any of the opposition ’s charges. Nor did he take part in any significant discussion. His silence is being seen as incompetence, and has embarrassed Siddaramaiah, but he hasn ’t said a word against him. Observers say that ’s because Srinivasa Prasad is unwell, and Siddaramaiah can ’t be harsh on him. Elected from Chamarajanagar, Srinivasa Prasad has served as an MP for five terms, and knows Delhi politics well. He was the minister of state for consumer affairs during the Vajpayee reign. He has now turned his attention to state politics, winning an assembly seat from Nanjangud. They say politics is no place for decent men. But this decent man needs to get cracking to prove the cynics wrong.
NEW PRIORITIES The success of Siddaramaiah’s ‘socialist’ policies will require some deft balancing of the state budget
Brace up for higher taxes Your vehicle and household purchases, not to speak of your partying, are all set to become more expensive as an otherwise benevolent government tries to balance its books for its first budget on July 12
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s soon as he took over, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced several schemes that are doing a world of good to his image, but are bad for his treasury.
producers. He is also giving away rice at a rupee a kilo, as promised in the manifesto. Health Minister UT Khader has simultaneously banned gutka (tobacco mixed with supari).
Replacing a squabbling, corrupt BJP government, the new Congress government has had a happy, trouble-free run so far. But many of its decisions are depleting the exchequer, and it is now time to take stock.
These decisions have won praise, but look at the balance sheet. The rice scheme costs the government Rs 4,500 crore a year. The loss in revenue from gutka is Rs 350 crore, while the milk subsidy costs Rs 700 crore.
Siddaramaiah has waived loans provided for the backward classes and hiked the subsidy for milk
So how is Siddaramaiah planning to make up for the deficit? He is likely to up vehicle tax and
commercial tax. He is also looking at generating more revenue from excise (liquor) and stamps and registration. And what does that mean to citizens? We pay more when we buy vehicles. We pay more when we party. We pay more on goods like fans and refrigerators. But then, Siddaramaiah would say, these are minor discomforts, and city slickers shouldn ’t complain if they have any social concern!
BASU MEGALKERI
Whose turn is it next?
Revanna, CM of Hassan HD Revanna, son of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, reigns supreme in Hassan district. His party, the JD(S), had hoped to form a coalition government and pitch for chief ministership, but with the Congress winning a majority, its dreams lie shattered. With brother HD Kumaraswamy as the chief HD Revanna minister (2006-07), Revanna was in charge of important portfolios, and held sway in his district. But strangely, even with a Congress government in power, he continues to exercise power over the district ’s police and bureaucracy. The two-month-old Congress government first deployed Minister for Co-operation Mahadeva Prasad as the minister in charge of the district. He did not go there. The next to be given charge was Public Works minister HC Mahadevappa. He didn ’t go there either, preferring to call the officials to his chambers in Vidhana Soudha.
Many in the Congress are waiting to enter the cabinet, but Siddaramaiah can accommodate only four more. He had shortlisted three names: DK Shivakumar, Roshan Baig, and Ramesh Kumar. That would immediately leave a bunch of leaders disgruntled. The high command has read the situation closely, and believes this is no time for dissidence as parliamentary elections are coming up in 2014. Siddaramaiah is now saying, “I wanted to expand the cabinet after the budget, but Delhi doesn ’t like the idea. ” That leaves at least half a dozen of his party leaders gritting their teeth!
Srinivasa Prasad
DK Shivakumar, Roshan Baig and Ramesh Kumar
That leaves the field open to Revanna, who calls the shots in his home district. Whether it is the BJP or the Congress in power, Revanna continues to go strong. Voters are truly puzzled. They can understand Revanna ’s control when his father and brother are in power. But how do you explain him giving instructions to the police and the bureaucracy even when his party is crushed?
crime wave
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Gang carting away ATMs knows a lot about technology They know how to blank cameras, use gas cutters, prise out cash machines, and cart the booty away without leaving a clue. In surveillance and logistics, they are out-thinking the police and the banks
PRASHANTH GN
prashanth.gn@talkmag.in
T
BUSTED A gas cutter was used to crack the Canara Bank ATM in Sanjay Nagar on June 8. The gang made away with Rs 12 lakh
he heists are quick and meticulously planned. In just 18 days, between June 8 and 26, six ATM heist attempts have been reported in Bangalore. Police have cracked three of them, but the other three heists have left them stumped. Banks have lost Rs 70-90 lakh in these incidents. No one has been hurt or killed in these heists. It could be a single gang of about 10 at work. Their technical finesse has taken the police by surprise. A key investigator told Talk the methods point to a gang “that works with precision.” “They know what tools to bring Banks outsource this part of the operto cut ATM machines, what cameras ation to private companies with highto disable, how to remove the ATMs security vehicles. physically, and how to cart them “He knew the exact location of away. They plan the techniques, the the cash. He had told them where the timing, the number cutting should begin of men to be and end,” the investi‘They plan deployed… everygator said. thing in great detail,” Ten days later, on everything in a senior police officer June 18, masked men great detail’ said. The gang comwalked into an SBI says an officer kiosk at Dwarakanagar prises welders who know how and where near Bagalur, on the to cut, and technicians who know outskirts of the city. They disabled how to unbolt heavy equipment. the camera and carried away the machine. The ATM had just been plonked on the floor, and not fasAn insider job On June 8, three men used a gas cut- tened with cement and concrete. “Look at three aspects: they ter to open a Canara Bank ATM in Sanjayanagar. Police cracked the case wore masks, they disabled the camwhen they zeroed in on an employee eras, and they took away the of the company entrusted with the machine, and not just the cash. This job of loading cash into the ATMs. means they had planned the opera-
he had attempted looting the ATM at Jnanabharati on June 20.
Four crowbars at a time On June 26, four masked men entered an ATM kiosk at Iblur, off Hosur Road, yanked the machine off the floor and carted it away. This incident is similar to the one on June 18. “They carry four crowbars and use them simultaneously. They know exactly how to remove the ATM from the floor. They are aware how much time it takes to yank out a machine,” the investigator said. Experienced in digging the cement flooring, the gang in both cases used an SUV which could easily hold the machine. Police suspect four men worked to get the machine off the ground, lift it, and load it into the SUV. The gang comprises members familiar with construction and welding. Police now plan a meeting with bank officials to prepare guidelines to prevent ATM thefts.They are suggesting two armed security guards at each ATM kiosk. But one loophole in such a strategy is that the guards know everything about the procedure of loading huge amounts of cash, and their firearms could in fact enable them to pull off crimes easily. The gang is still on the prowl, so the police and the banks will have to tion carefully,” the investigator said. get their act together quickly if they On June 20, a three-member are serious about putting an end to gang walked into a Union Bank of the smart looting spree. India ATM kiosk near the Jnanabharati campus and tried to pull How the out the ATM, but could not do so. In smart gang works this case, the machine was fixed to Identify a less frequented ATM the ground. The same day, four masked men went to an ATM on Ramachandrapura Main Road near Vidyaranyapura. The guard raised an alarm and the men fled. He could not identify them because of their masks. Masks have become integral to these heists. On June 24, a man was spotted in a Corporation Bank ATM near Goraguntepalya, Tumkur Road, trying to stick chewing gum on CCTV cameras in the kiosk. Two beat constables who saw him barged in and nabbed him. The man later confessed
Choose a lean hour for the heist Wear masks with just one eye slit Smash or blank out cameras Enter kiosk with a cutter and four crowbars Four men go in, four to six keep a watch outside Yank out ATM from the ground Load heavy cash machine into SUV Drive away, making and taking no calls
global icon
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
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Prayers go out for Mandela from writers, activists in India The 94-year-old South African antiapartheid hero, now ailing, is a source of hope and inspiration for poets and activists fighting injustice in our midst
Siddalingaiah
Mandela for that act. I had in an Indira Gandhi memorial lecture several years ago seen similarities—all three had overthrown orders of exploitation—although the lives of Gandhi and Mandela are parallels apart. Dalits find resonance in Lincoln’s act. They seek an overthrow of the caste order. The caste question, however, is immensely complex in relation to race though there are similarities at an experiential level. Which is worse is not easy to say.” Mandela’s act of forgiveness was so great that it produced guilt in the oppressor, says Ananthamurthy. “Mandela was able to make the whites see his point. He fought his battle within the moral frame. To be able to convert a whole race that looked down upon another race into looking into themselves is not easy to achieve. The West felt guilt that it had never allowed a non-white life to be a legitimate life with legitimate desires. The British deeply honoured him. What we can take from his life is how to pitch inequality on the moral plane— how to make it a moral question that will evoke reflection among the powerful. It is not easy but in our lifetime, the moral compass has shown results.”
UR Ananthamurthy
PRASHANTH GN
prashanth.gn@talkmag.in
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‘BLACK PIMPERNEL’ Photographer Eli Weinberg’s famous picture of Mandela in traditional garb, hiding from the police
elson Mandela is perhaps the most powerful rallying point for the exploited around the world. In critical health now, he has the entire world praying for his recovery. Talk spoke to well-known writers UR Ananthamurthy and Siddalingaiah on what they thought people here should take from Mandela’s life. Ananthamurthy, the Kannada novelist and short story writer shortlisted for a Booker earlier this year, was quick to say, “Who says he will die? Mandela’s spirit is immortal. Mandela is immortal.” “In our times,” says Ananthamurthy, “the greatest people are not Lenin, Mao or Stalin. They are cruel people. The great ones are Gandhi and Mandela.” His view: “People know Lenin, Mao and Stalin were cruel. Gandhi was not only a man who brought us freedom, but he also showed us a way to live life. Sometimes I think there would have been no Mandela without Gandhi, though each fights his own battle. Mandela took a lot from Gandhi, but that doesn’t take away anything from Mandela himself.”
He invited his jailor when he took oath as president What telling facet of Mandela’s and struggle similar to Mandela’s. life should people emulate? In They see race and caste as similar. Ananthamurthy’s words: “Mandela’s They invoke Mandela as their own. spirit of forgiveness. It is the ultimate Karnataka’s Dalit poets have written grace a man can have. He fought the on Mandela and his struggle, and the whites, defeated them, and forgave references are natural. When Talk reminded them. Is it possible to forgive in a life Ananthamurthy he that has been bitter had referred to and exploited? But ‘Forgiveness is Lincoln also as a great he made it possible. man along with Indians had picked the ultimate up something of grace a man can Gandhi and Mandela, he clarified: “Lincoln Mandela’s qualities, have,’ says URA was a good politician. but I regret to say we He did a few things are turning away from the land of Mandela to the land people everywhere in the world can emulate— one among which was the of Modi.” The Dalit movement in India abolition of slavery. Even if it was and Karnataka, says Ananthamurthy, politically beneficial to him, he did draws inspiration from Mandela. what was right—end slavery. I hon“Dalits see their life, social experience our him along with Gandhi and
Poet and Dalit ideologue Siddalingaiah told Talk Mandela had always been an inspiration to the Dalit movement in India and Karnataka. He explained: “We should learn from him his spirit of forgiveness. There is no sense of revenge in him after a life of humiliation by the whites. Anyone after 27 years of incarceration would have felt revenge, but he has not felt that way. It was astounding to hear Mandela invite his jailor when he took oath as President of South Africa. In power, he could have gone any length, but he only forgave and embraced. This is the biggest lesson and inspiration for the Dalit movement. It may take a longer time for the Dalit movement to forgive, but that is the path ahead. Mandela, his life, struggle and reconciliation should be the model for the
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
Mandela walked the talk. He is probably the only spiritual, moral and political leader in the league of Mahatma Gandhi in the world today. His capacity to move thousands of people comes out of a deep personal integrity and charisma that perhaps no other figure has. In the league of Mandela, which other person in current history can you think of?
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WE’RE WITH YOU Weinberg’s photo of from 1956 Johannesberg, when more than 150 political activists including Mandela were tried for treason
Milan Vohra Writer
Mandela reflects the virtue of selflessness. He struggled personally for an entire class of people and was able to articulate their concerns morally, spiritually and politically. Personal sacrifice for an entire people is an attribute almost impossible to find today. The other rare attribute is his ability not to hate or seek revenge against the oppressors. He did not and does not hate whites, but is opposed to the actions of some whites. He made the crucial distinction between colour and race and actions of a race and a class, instructive for movements across the world. You are opposed to the action of a person, not the person himself.
Dileep Ranjekar Educationist, Azim Premji Foundation
Mandela personifies the spirit of forgiveness. Today, we may not find people with his immense capacity to reconcile. He also personifies Gandhian non-violence and tolerance. India shares a very close emotional bond with Mandela and the movement he represents.
Vikram Sampath Writer and music archivist
from him, but was perhaps more LeftDalit movement.” Dalits, says Siddalingaiah, should leaning than Gandhi, feels Siddalingaiah. imbibe the liberal humanist approach of He explains: “He respected Gandhi and Mandela and shun all notions of revenge was influenced by him, but he seemed and retribution. “But when Dalits dig more open to the question of class struginto their history, anger and retribution gle, which brings him closer to the Left. are the first feelings they experience. I Dalits have respected Gandhi and underunderstand that. When Mandela has stood the importance of Gandhian overcome it. That’s what we should means, but the younger Dalits seem closer to Mandela—they see the need for learn.” Siddalingaiah, whose autobiography struggle and agitation like Mandela did. Ooru Keri is studied in universities across But Mandela was truly gracious in that India and abroad, says: “Dalits should he could sense insecurities, dilemmas embrace the exploited from all classes and anxieties among the powerful and he and castes as one. The weak among the understood the context from which the powerful did what they powerful castes are also did. This is what the Dalits. When Dalits ‘To have zest for younger Dalit movement take this generous view, has to take from the movement life after such Mandela—look at the becomes morally persubjugation is context from within suasive. When you very rare’ which the powerful are embrace all people, you coming, their structure raise the moral pitch. We need to turn the Dalit movement and concerns and where the power and into a moral movement like Mandela did exploitation is coming from. That makes the movement powerfully moral.” with race.” Between race and caste, Siddalingaiah feels globalisation has created more poor people in the urban Siddalingaiah feels caste is more cruel areas, while the villages are already full of and oppressive. “Caste and untouchabilithe socially and economically weak. The ty are worse than colour discrimination. Dalit movement has to bring both the A white may employ a black only as a urban and rural weak together in articu- cook, but he still lets him work within his precincts, but an upper caste man will lating exploitation in this era. Siddalingaiah, who served as a never allow a Dalit into the house, let member of the legislative council for two alone cook, and never to the sanctum terms, has read Mandela’s autobiography, sanctorum. Vivekananda has said India’s Walk to Freedom, and seen films on him. dharma lies in its kitchen vessels. That He has also seen him dance with his near does not happen with race. If you are black, you become a servant all right, but and dear ones on TV. “Mandela loves life. That’s why he you at least work in the close vicinity of can dance even after a life of burden. the supervisor. Blacks have managed to Anybody else would have cracked, bro- become great musicians, sportspeople, ken down and given up. Not Mandela. I poets and even educationists. Dalits, and want my friends to do the same. A man many sections of Indians for that matter, with zest for life after an experience of have never been able to match the blacks. Within the oppressive structure, there subjugation is not easy to come by.” Mandela loved Gandhi, took a lot seems some space for the blacks to rise,
but none for the Dalits, and the oppressed among the dominant sections.” Why is this so? “The answer lies in caste. Caste has subjugated the mind and personality in subtle and direct ways. Caste operates through the conscious, sub-conscious and the unconscious. Caste consciousness traps. Caste has trapped the mind and consciousness the way race hasn’t.” A telling example of this trap, Siddalingaiah, explains lies in the way Dalits handle themselves in urban India. “Many Dalits are forced to lie about their caste to get houses on rent. They lie they are upper caste and give themselves a different name to get a house. Once, when I went to a friend’s house, he told me not to speak words like Dalit and oppression loudly as the owner would overhear us and ask him to vacate. An entire class of Dalits has lied its way to the formation of a middle class to survive in urban India. You can imagine the anxiety and distress they suffer about their identity. With race, you cannot lie about your colour. The colour is there to be seen. Caste therefore is immensely more complex than race, though many experiences are similar. Our liberation can take many lessons from the way blacks liberated themselves to become great musicians and writers while remaining black.” Caste, in Siddalingaiah’s view, has stunted the Dalit mind in urban India. “The way race stunted the blacks, caste has stunted the Dalits. But the way blacks raised their consciousness, Dalits should, too.”
Candles for Mandela
South Africans are lighting candles and praying for Mandela ’s recovery. His 95th birthday falls on July 15.
goodbye telegram
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
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That was one of the commonest messages sent on India’s 163-year-old telegram service. As the telegraph shuts down, a look at what it meant to generations of pre-Internet Indians
FATHER SERIOUS START IMMEDIATELY SAVIE KARNEL
savie.karnel@talkmag.in
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n July 12, the world’s last commercial telegram will be sent. After 163 years since the first telegram was sent in India, the system will be stopped. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has decided the telegraph service is no longer viable as a business. For Indians, the announcement brings nostalgia, for the telegram was not just a messaging service. A postman bringing a telegram meant hearts beating faster, blood pressure soaring, and foreheads sweating. It usually brought good news like the birth of a child or the bagging of a job, or bad news like death and illness. Talk takes a look at the various roles the telegram played:
Like a phone call, but quicker Just 20 years ago, the telephone was a luxury only the reasonably rich could afford. Making an outstation (trunk) call meant shelling out a lot of money. A phone call never ends with, “Hello! I have reached safely.” The pleasantries mean extra money. It was here the telegram came to the rescue. For years it has done the job of carrying messages briefly. And jokes about the service abound: A telegram said, “REACHED SAFE GAVE BIRTH
you just sent a telegram saying a simple “CONGRATULATIONS”. (Yes, telegrams were always all caps!). The Posts and Telegraphs Department made it easy, giving numbers to common greetings. All you had to do was choose a number, and enter the mandatory address details, and the message was on its way. TO OLD LADY.” It actually meant to A telegram was treated with the say, “GAVE BERTH (bed on a same importance as a bouquet is train)....” treated with now. For those who wanted to escape the bother of travel and the clamour of the wedding Death messenger In pre-modern times, a death usually reception, it was an easy escape. meant someone in the family was assigned the task of going about from The original express greeting house to house with the bad news. Greeting cards were expensive, even We now use the mobile phone. This before the coming of Archies in India. has made things more difficult. You had to bear the cost of cards for Telling a woman about her husband’s the many relatives, and also pay the death, for instance, is not easy. postage. Plus, you had to prepare in Members of the bereaved family are advance, choosing the cards and postexpected to inform friends and rela- ing them days in advance so that they tives about the death. The telegram reached in time. Speedpost and courimade this simple for all. Just two ers did not exist, and when they were words, “Father started, they were expired” did the job, expensive, too. A Telegram meant telegram with a saving everybody the harrowing experience message like “ID hearts beating of talking about it MUBARAK” or faster, good or again. “MERRY CHRISTbad news We have the SMS MAS” came in now. Older people handy. Some would might find it discourteous, but they choose longer messages like “MY did not take the telegram as lightly. HEARTIEST HOLI GREETINGS TO The telegram was used so extensively YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.” The for the purpose of relaying bad news telegram could also be used for occathat it came to be associated with sions like Buddha Jayanti, for which death. In older Bollywood films, commercially produced greeting when a woman reads a telegram, she cards are not available. either faints or bursts into tears.
Bouquet, and escape route Before the advent of e-mail and ecommerce, a telegram was the perfect way to send greetings. In case of a wedding you were unable to attend,
Safe way to seek more leave
We know how dreadful it is to call the boss and ask for an extension of leave. It calls for hours of thought on what to say and how to say it, and courage to speak into the phone. Once the
words are uttered, you wait with bated breath for the boss’s response. With the telegram, you could simply request leave and assume it was granted. A message like “GRANDMOTHER SERIOUS STOP PRAY EXTEND LEAVE FOR FIFTEEN DAYS,” meant you didn’t have to rush back to work. The receipt of sending the telegram could be used as evidence, in case of any litigation. (Yes, there was a time when a sacking was fraught with risk for the employer!)
Medium to register protest Social activists have been using the telegram for decades. The telegram not only carries the message quickly, but also ensures that the addressee receives it. DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi is known to have made his followers send thousands of telegrams to the prime minister and president when he had to lodge a protest. The mayors of Hiroshima have a tradition of sending protest telegrams to the chief of countries that test nuclear weapons. The walls of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan are pasted with protest telegrams sent since 1968. Chennai-based social activist Traffic Ramaswamy sent a telegram to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when BSNL announced it was stopping the telegraph service. The protest telegram read: “I URGE YOU TO DROP THIS ANTI-PEOPLE ACTIVITY OF CLOSING THE TELEGRAM.”
An app long before Twitter A century and a half before Twitter introduced the 140-character limit, the telegram had instilled in people the habit of brevity. People sent the most important and serious messages in just a few characters.
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
A nostalgic hour at the telegraph office Determined to try out the telegram one last time before the service is shut down, Savie Karnel learns it is neither the antiquated tool most people imagine it to be nor the quick communication medium it ought to be
M
y only memory of the telegram was receiving one about 20 years ago. The message was scribbled with a blue pen on the white form. It was about something urgent, a message that had to be passed on quickly, which I have forgotten. Growing up with telephones, moving to email, instant messages, SMS, and smartphones, my idea of the telegram went something like this: The operator punches my handwritten message into a Morse code machine to make some dots and dashes. The message instantly reaches the recipient office, where the dots and dashes are decoded and handed along with the recipient’s address to a postman, who speeds off on his cycle to deliver the telegram. When news came that India is shutting down its 163-year-old telegram service, I wanted to try it out once before it was gone. I decided to send a telegram to our office with a message for all Talk readers, and went to the General Post Office to send it. And the surprises began there; for, this was not the place from where telegrams are sent. The post office directed me to the BSNL office next
ICONIC The telegraph machine which used Morse code to send messages was discontinued years ago in favour of web-based telegraph service
door, where amidst counters selling cell phone connections, 3G packs and data cards, one counter read 'Telegram.' The attendant asked me to fill a form, which looked daunting. He checked the number of words in the message and asked me to pay Rs 30. He then placed it on top of a small pile of other forms. “It will go,” he said. It was 3.45 pm. I called the office after half an hour, thinking the telegram had reached. Alas, it hadn't. I got there an hour and half later, and there was still no sign of it. I waited the whole evening, and nothing came!
How it works I had got it all wrong about the telegram. To begin with, they stopped using Morse code a long time ago. Senior telegraph master Krishnamurthy, who has been in the department for 32 years, has never used the Morse code. When he got
the job in 1980, he used an electronic teleprinter, and now uses an Internetbased telegraph service, which has been around for over a decade. He types in the message and other details into the computer and sends it to the recipient telegraph office. “We use codes,” he explains, showing us a telegram the office received from Basavanagudi. The code is KBGBV, where the first letter stands for the state (in this case, Karnataka), next two for the district (here, Bangalore) and last two for the telegraph office (Basavanagudi). The operator there downloads it from the inbox and prints it. Messenger boys come to the office to collect the telegrams three times in a day: at 8 am, 10 am and 3 pm. Telegrams booked after 3 pm are delivered the next day. The telegraph operators operate from 7 am to 8 pm. Any message however urgent will have to wait till morning.
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Who sends telegrams? While the slow pace of the telegram may make us opt for the phone and email, the service has had a steady clientele. Firoz Ahmed, Collections Manager at financial services firm Fullerton India, was shocked to hear telegrams would be stopped. Ahmed is a regular at the central telegraph office. Whenever he seizes the vehicle of a loan defaulter, he immediately comes here. “I send a telegram to the nearest police station informing them about our action and asking them not to register a complaint. The defaulters usually go to the station and file a complaint of theft,” he said. He doesn’t know what he will do after the telegram service is shut down. Krishnamurthy tells us the telegraph office sends about 200 such telegrams from financial companies every month. Then there are the regular bulk telegrams from the Legislators' House informing members of regulatory meetings, and the Karnataka Milk Federation, informing its memebers of meetings, interview calls and court stay orders. “Last month KSRTC alone sent 2,000 telegrams to its employees. The army regularly sends interview calls, and the Command Hospital informs relatives of soldiers who are seriously ill by telegram,” he says. After the announcement that telegrams would be stopped, many people are sending telegrams to themselves and to friends, just to keep them as souvenirs. Krishnamurthy has sent telegrams with messages like, "We are saddened. A page of history is being taken off."
Messenger boy ’s confessions Anand Kumar, who worked as a messenger for the telegraph department 12 years ago, remembers being paid one rupee for each telegram he delivered. His senior at work taught him a few tricks, starting with how to understand which telegrams were important (death, illness) and which were not (marriage). They would promptly deliver the former. “We knew we would not get caught. At the most the sender calls the couple and apologises he couldn't attend the wedding, and say he had sent a telegram. The newlyweds assume some relative has collected it,” he says. “During the wedding season, we would have breakfast at one choultry, and lunch at another. Those were good days.” Back at the office, the telegram I sent two days ago is yet to come. Now I can guess why.
cosmetic forgery
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
Quack chemical peels leave women with burns, scars and allergies PICS FOR REPRESENTATION
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It’s not legal for beauticians to do treatments like cosmetic peels, but many in the city freely do, sometimes with disastrous results
MARIA LAVEENA
maria.laveena@talkmag.in
W
ould you like a more youthful complexion? Why don’t you get rid of damaged skin? Wouldn’t you like a face free of acne? If your friendly neighbourhood beautician is doggedly asking you these questions, beware. Many high-end beauty salons are offering chemical peel treatments to treat common skin problems. Not only are beauticians not qualified to do so, but their treatments are also patently dangerous. Dermatologists (doctors qualified to treat skin ailments) say people are being deceived by chemical peel treatments. “They are totally unaware these treatments are illegal, and undergoing such treatments is extremely risky,” says Dr Sudheendra Ubalker, consultant dermatologist at Fortis hospital. Doctors treat many patients who come to them with complaints of burnt-out skin. Dr Anna Prasad of Columbia Asia Hospital says, “Beauticians are offering cosmetic peels and microdermabrasion treatment. This is absolutely illegal.” She gets three to four people every month, seeking help to remove scars and burns caused by the chemical peel treatment. “The beauticians do not buy the chemicals doctors do… they buy chemicals that are easy to use, and put the patient’s life at risk,” she explains. Dr Anna Prasad has seen patients develop secondary infections not easy to get rid of. While some problems caused by chemical peels can be treated, others are not. Beauticians use steroids liberally,
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
HIGH-RISK Chemical peels administered by untrained hands can result in unsightly skin tags, scars and patches
and the healing takes time. She remembers a young girl who had developed skin tags, scars and black patches after opting for a chemical peel. “She had severe allergies, and had developed permanent scars. I treated her for all her allergies and she is getting better,” she says. Dr Sudheendra Ubalker says patients rushing to dermatologists for solutions to problems created by beauticians is common today. “Patients don’t know how unqualified these beauticians are. They
blindly agree to chemical treatments,” he says.
Chemicals illegally procured Chemical peels and cosmetic fillers are not to be sold to anyone other than dermatologists and cosmetologists, who are medically qualified experts. “We don’t really know how these beauticians procure them. It is as if anyone can buy the most dangerous substances easily. Since there is no regulation, there are too many people doing too
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many things. The government should step need, sometimes with one doctor visiting 10 centres,” he reveals. in and block this,” he urges. Dr Balraj, who also runs a clinic in On an average, Fortis Hospital on Bannerghatta Road receives three patients Kalyan Nagar, says he receives about three with chemical peel problems every month. patients every month suffering from the Dr Ubalker says the patients are typically side-effects of chemical peels. Women who aged between 20 and the early 40s. “They underwent microdermabrasion and underundergo these treatments at high-end eye dermal roller treatments at beauty parbeauty parlours. There are different kinds lours are also consulting him. A 25-yearof chemical peels like superficial peels, old woman, who came to him a year ago medium depth peels, and deep peels. after undergoing a full depth melasma peel Sometimes, these peels cause long-term at a small beauty parlour, had developed severe pigmentation (darkening of skin) problems,” he says. Though there are different kinds of and acne scars. “It’s been over a year and peels available in the market, dermatolo- she is still undergoing treatment,” he says. Thank heavens, he jokes, gists say it’s the glycolic beauticians have at least peel that is the most popu‘It is as if left Botox and facial fillers lar. Dr Balraj, HCG to dermatologists. Hospitals, gets patients anyone can buy Dr Surinder DSA, who complain of allergies these substances who heads Cosmesis India, after undergoing the glyeasily’ rues the alarming rise of colic treatment. beauticians as quack surAt many beauty parlours in the city, ‘beauty therapists’ con- geons. “When women go for beauty treatduct the treatments, with dermatologists ment, the beauticians recommend a chemon call. That way, they manage to stay, ical peel and laser treatments. People get even if barely, on the side of the law. carried away by their stirring speeches, and “Parlours don’t have in-house dermatolo- are convinced beauty parlours are a cheapgists. They just hire doctors when there is a er alternative to a doctor’s clinic,” he says.
How do beauticians get hold of the stuff? Talk did a reality check and found many pharmacies refuse to sell the chemical peels across the counter. Bharani, who runs Bharani Medicals in KR Puram, says, “You won ’t find chemical peels here. ” How do beauticians get them, then? “It all happens behind closed doors. They have contacts with pharma companies who deliver the chemical peels secretly to them. ” A chemical peel is a concentrated acidic solution that helps exfoliate the outer layer of your skin, exposing the soft and supple skin underneath. Different types of peels are prescribed for different skin types. The most common ones are the glycolic acid peel, the lactic acid peel and the salicylic acid peel. A doctor recommends the right peel, depending on the problem and how the skin responds to the treatment.
Your guide to peels 1. Glycolic acid peel: This is the most commonly used peel in beauty parlours not only because it is easy to use, but also because it is considered one of the
lightest peels. It is used for obscuring acne marks and other dark spots. It deep-cleanses the pores and evens the skin tone. 2. Lactic acid peel: This peel is used to treat hyper pigmentation. It reduces light wrinkles and gives a healthy glow to your skin. This is considered a light peel too, and is used mostly on dry skin. 3. Salicylic acid peel: This is deeper than the first two. It is used mostly for oily and acne-prone skin. Patients with deep pores and scars are treated with this peel.
UNCHECKED Like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, an exfoliation method to remove dead skin cells, too is being performed illegally by city beauticians
who have very sensitive skin.
4. Mandelic acid peel: Considered a gentle peel with very little topical discomfort for the patients, it is said to be less irritating than the glycolic acid and lactic acid peels. It is mostly used on darker skin tones to exfoliate dead skin cells.
6. Jessner ’ ’ss peel: Recommended for people with acne-prone skin and a notso-sensitive skin. As it is made up of alcohol, it is stronger than salicylic and other acid peels. This peel solution is a combination of two or three acids. Thus, it takes a little longer for patients to recover.
5. Enzyme peel: Made of fruits, it exfoliates the surface of the skin without being harsh, like other chemicals. It is mostly used for people
7. TCA or Trichloroacetic peel: This medium-depth peel is used to treat acne marks and hyper pigmentation. It helps repair tanned skin, and reduces
acne scars, wrinkles, and skin tags. Many say that this is quite painful when compared to the other peels. 8. Phenol peel: This superficial peel is one of the strongest and is not used on dark skin. It helps in giving various results like reducing wrinkles, freckles, acne scars, and improving skin discoloration. As it is very strong, medicines are usually given post procedure. As a result, expect your skin to remain red for at least three months. Source: www.skinacea.com
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
FAV Glycolic is the most popular chemical peel
Even as Talk was interviewing Dr Surinder, 35-year-old Lavita (name changed), a HP employee, walked into his clinic at Eva Mall, Brigade Road. She looked pale and teary.
Tearful victim at clinic Lavita (name changed) had first visited a posh beauty parlour in Sadashivanagar three months ago for a weight loss treatment. When she went to pay her weight loss package fee of around Rs 15,000, she was asked if she’d like an IAL filler treatment (IAL treatment helps improve the hydration and elasticity of the skin), for a little extra. When she told them her age, they said her skin needed rejuvenation. They assured her their treatment would make her skin look younger. Dreaming of better facial features, and hoping to get rid of her double chin, she agreed and paid Rs 1.16 lakh for the treatment. She had to pay the amount in full before the treatment began. The IAL filler left her with a swelling under her right eye. The fillers on her face never disappeared, as the beauticians had promised. She had clogs on her skin. When Lavita consulted them, the beauticians tried to counsel her into believing the problems would disappear soon. But a month later, Lavita’s swelling and clogs showed no signs of reducing. That was when she decided to consult a dermatologist. An Internet check helped her find Cosmesis India. Shockingly, Lavita had no answer when the doctor there asked her what kind of filler they had injected her with.
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RAMESH HUNSUR
Dr Surinder says, “Only when we know the exact filler injected into the patient’s skin will we be able to treat her.” Minus this knowledge, the treatment becomes very difficult. He has asked Lavita to fetch the details from her beauticians. Lavita doesn’t know whether the treatments were performed by dermatologists or beauty therapists. “They said they had a dermatologist on board but I found out later there was only one doctor who travelled from Delhi to all branches in the country,” Lavita says. Sadly, she is not in a position to avoid or confront the quacks, despite her predicament, as Rs 60,000 is still stuck with them. “I have my body sessions with them. I know they are terrible but not going for the remaining sessions will mean losing my money,” she says. SKIN SPA Kaya is one of the few beauty clinics to have an in-house dermatologist
Up to the patients That is precisely the problem, says Dr Krupashankar of Manipal Hospital. He believes patients should be alert and proactive, and find out the qualifications of the doctor before undergoing any treatment. “You are putting your life at risk. First, ask the doctor to show his certificates. Whoever does surgeries and treatments should hold an MD degree as well as a Karnataka Medical Council Registration certificate,” he says. Consumer rights activist YG Muralidharan says, “I have heard of such illegal treatments in the city but no complaint has come to my notice. If I get concrete evidence, I will definitely bring it to the notice of the drugs controller.” Somashekar V, managing trustee of Grahak Shakthi, a consumer rights NGO, says he has come across many such cases in the recent past. Such illegal treatments fall under the Magic Remedies Act. “Facial treatments should be done only by dermatologists. Beauticians who do this should be banned. In fact, according to the Advertising Council of India, even advertising and claiming that you are successful in these treatments, without proof, is wrong,” he says. Why splurge your hard-earned money and put your life at risk by going to an untrained beautician? Instead, go to your nearest dermatologist and not just be in safe hands but save money too! FOX TOX American actress Megan Fox posted these pictures on her Facebook wall, revealing a Botox treatment gone wrong
When you ask for a chemical peel… Kaya Skin Clinic This luxurious beauty clinic with many branches offers all kinds of skin treatments, from age-control peels to skin resurfacing. Talk discovered that the clinic does have dermatologists round-theclock. All surgical procedures and facial treatments are performed by them alone. “We only take doctors who are certified by the Medical Council of India,” said Dr Rosanne Dalgado, dermatologist at Kaya. A chemical peel is not confined to one session and doctors say a client may require four or more sittings. The treatments are pricey when compared to the competition. A chemical peel costs between Rs 7,000 and Rs 13,000. The charges must be paid before the session begins.
VLCC
ments, but nowhere are chemical peels mentioned on it. In person, this reporter asked what they would recommend for acne-prone skin. “There are various kinds of treatments. We do chemical peels mostly and for your skin I would suggest the glycolic peel,” a woman at the parlour said. Price: Rs 1,200 a sitting. And the sittings could go up to five. Isn’t it illegal for beauty parlours to conduct these treatments? Her explanation: “There is a big difference between what the dermatologists do and what we do. They barely spend 10 minutes on these treatments. They probably give you an ice massage and pack you off. What we do is entirely different. We are trained to look into the skin deeply and perform these treatments methodically. Our results are far better than what you’ll get
When Talk called the Jayanagar outlet of VLCC slimming centre, they insisted the reporter go there in person, saying consultation was free. When pressed for solutions to an acne-prone skin, they explained, “There are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid and many more treatments. Please visit us and we will make sure you have beautiful skin.” They only have a visiting dermatologist. A chemical peel here can cost anywhere between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000.
Leading beauty parlour Pai Layout, KR Puram This huge beauty parlour in Pai Layout, NO QUICK FIX Cosmetic surgery is KR Puram, hands out a card with a variety expensive, a factor which many beauty of facials, manicure and pedicure treat- parlours use to sell patchy solutions
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
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The massage that became the soap
Shampoo SAVIE KARNEL
savie.karnel@talkmag.in
F
acials, fairness creams, conditioners and shampoos have become a part of our daily vocabulary. So much so, they seem to be as essential as milk and bread. The relentless promotion of these products makes the words seem as old as the English language itself. Have you ever wondered how the English came up with a word like shampoo? It may sound exotic, but shampoo’s roots are in the desi term champoo. It is yet another addition from Hindi to English, via the East India W Company. To know what champoo means shouldn’t be very difficult if you have watched oil and shampoo advertisements in the past. They represent Champoo as a child with sticky hair oil who gets ridiculed by peers. Ads promoting hair oil talk of champi, the act of massaging the head with oil, which is believed to nourish the hair and make it shiny The Talk and silky. column on
It is from champi that shampoo originates. The British in India saw the nawabs having an elaborate bath, which began with a rigorous full body massage called champi. The English called this massage shampoo. They then expanded the meaning to include all kinds of massages from other parts of the world too. The earliest record of shampoo can be seen in a 1698 work by Western travellers to China. They wrote: “A kind of Instrument, called, in China, a Champing Instrument. Its use is to be [rubbed] or [rolled] over the Muscular Flesh.” It was in the year 1762 that shampoo was first seen in print, where the writer says, “Had I not seen several China merchants shampooed before me, I should have been apprehensive of danger.” Here he is talking about the body massage with rubbing and kneading of the limbs and torso prevalent in India. Perhaps, when he saw the Chinese merchants undergoing the massage, he became less apprehensive. The credit of popularising the term shampoo goes to a Bihari surgeon and entrepreneur Sake Dean Mohamed, also known to be the first Indian writer in English. Mohamed’s father was employed with the East India Company. He died when Mohamed was 10, and the child was raised
K E Y
O R D S
word origins
I’M LOVING IT The massage Indians call ‘champi’ is at the root of ‘shampoo’
by a British army captain Godfrey Evan Baker. Mohamed later moved with Baker to England. In 1794, he published his travel book, The Travels of Dean Mohamet. He also started the first Indian restaurant in England called Hindoostanee Coffee House. His entrepreneurial skills were truly admirable, for he also introduced shampooing to England, which was again full body massage with a steam bath. It was the first commercial “shampooing” vapour masseur bath in England. Being also a doctor, Mohamed promoted the medical benefits of shampooing or Indian massages. In the book The Shampooing Surgeon and the Persian Prince: Two Indians in Early Nineteenth century
PEEL DEAL VLCC in Jayanagar works with a visiting dermatologist
from any doctor.” In addition, she said, beauticians today were well educated and knew how to offer these treatments. “In a comfy and posh salon like mine, you’ll only get authorised treatments,” she asserted. The beauty parlour is recognised by Shahnaz Hussain and Habib’s.
ments, their reply was a blunt ‘no’. Angel, who has been running the parlour for 10 years, said, “We are not supposed to do those treatments. So, our focus is only on what we know. I teach the same to my students as well.”
Hospitals
Columbia Asia, Fortis, Cosmesis and HCG Hospitals offer chemical peel treatments, This parlour only offers facials and haircuts. charging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,800 a sitWhen this reporter asked if they knew of any ting. Their fee is lower than what many beauty other parlour that offered chemical peel treat- parlours charge.
Chik Mik, Ulsoor
Britain, Kate Teltscher describes how Mohamed marketed the bath. He described the treatment in a local paper as “The Indian Medicated Vapour Bath (type of Turkish bath), a cure to many diseases and giving full relief when everything fails; particularly Rheumatic and paralytic, gout, stiff joints, old sprains and aches and pains in the joints.” The business was an instant success. Mohamed was appointed ‘shampooing surgeon’ to King George IV and William IV. By about 1860, the word became restricted to washing of hair and stopped referring to the massage and bath. When entrepreneurs invented a soap specially for the hair in the 19th century, they settled for shampoo, a word with exotic associations.
food path
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
On the tea trail
Chaipatty
If you are looking for some comfort food (read Maggi, momos, pakodas and more) along with some desi kullad chai, then this is the place to be. The interiors at these chain outlets are bright and have a very desi yet chic look to them. Low couches and stools help you put those tired and soggy feet up, quite literally.
That cup of golden cappuccino at the franchise cafe could work wonders on a rainy day, but then, it is passé. Sandra M Fernandes finds tea bars and tea lounges coming up all over town, brewing everything from exotic African tea to desi kullad chai. Go exploring, and choose your cuppa
Ginger Lime Tea: We didn ’t know it at the time, but this was one of the best teas we ’d have the evening we started doing our rounds. A blend of ginger and lemon brewed with black tea leaves, this one is for all the sniffles the season brings along. It is flavoured with honey, and we couldn ’t have enough of it.
Rs 55 Mint Tea: This one is as simple as
black tea being served with mint leaves. Hardly anything to write home about, this light concoction is best consumed after a heavy meal.
Rs 55
Chaaye Stall
Just six months old, Chaaye Stall has a rustic feel to it. You can spot the aluminum containers your milkman uses, rehashed here as seating options. Everything here is designed to remind you of a village setting. We decided to sit upstairs for want of better ventilation. The place serves tea and snacks like momos, noodles, sandwiches and more. RAMESH HUNSUR
Kullad Chai: Chaipatty ’s version has got to be best we ’ve tasted of this desi avatar of tea in town. A generous blend of spices like cardamom, clove and ginger brewed with the right amount of milk, this can do wonders to lift your mood on a rainy evening.
Rs 55 Jasmine Tea: This was again light
suggests, with the first sip you are flooded with a strong taste of spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon and ginger. The milk content was on the higher side (for our taste) and it was served piping hot. We loved how the spices complimented the weather.
Kashmiri Kahwa: Loaded with almonds, this aromatic tea is a show stealer. Japanese green tea, brewed perfectly to give you a mix of the warmth and aroma, this one leaves you feeling warm and cozy for long after. The almonds definitely add to
never know, a simple back tea can be the best comfort drink. Piping hot, there is nothing extraordinary about the brew and this one is for days when you can do without the milk.
Rs 45 Green Tea: Their simple yet
the experience.
Rs 120 for a pot Refreshment: As the name
healthy green tea works well with the snacks on offer. It is light and refreshing, and just the sort you wouldn ’t mind ordering again.
suggests, this aromatic blend infused with lemongrass, peppermint, marigold blossoms is known for its health benefits, mainly detoxification.
Rs 50 Sulaimani Chai: This classic
Sharon Tea House
blended with black tea.
serves more than 30 varieties of tea. Yes, that ’s right. And these include such exotic varieties like Strawberry Tea, all of it at down-toearth prices. While we skipped that one, here are the ones we tried, along with some nifty nippat (the south Indian version of a cracker).
tea with milk and swear by the medicinal properties of the Holy Basil, this tea is as tasty as it is beneficial.
Rs 9 Located in an Indiranagar by lane near 80 Ft Road, this small tea shop Tulsi Tea: For those who like their This is a non-tea blend and the combined aroma of the ingredients is instantly refreshing, just as promised.
Rs 115
We loved the ambience and the tea. Most teas come in carafes with a sand timer placed on your table, marking the time the tea will take to be brewed in front of you. The momos here, both steamed and fried are a must try. Also, they have scones for those who like their tea English-style.
The place offers a wide range of teas along with the usual short eats. The tea bar also has a multi cuisine spread, in case you are looking for a meal to follow up the tea session. Here, again, we were spoilt for choice as they offered a variety of tea, including some unusual ones. Teas from Sikkim, Bihar, Africa and Japan are among those they have on offer.
Goykura: A Japanese
strong aroma of greens that are infused in the brew. Light and refreshing, this one is for slow sips in between conversation.
Rs 105 Blooming Tea: As the
name suggest this has dried leaves handcrafted to bloom and contain jasmine. Once the dry leaves are dropped in hot water they bloom to create the effect of a flower in your cup, infusing flavours alongside. The mild brew with a hint of jasmine left us feeling warm and fulfilled.
spring season tea, this has a
Rs 110
Cha Bar
Dessert Tea: Intriguing as it may sound; this one turned out to be a bit too bitter for our liking. The tea has cassia, flavour of clove, ginger root, cardamom and cinnamon.
Rs 50 Black Hole in the Cup: You
Though the teas served to us were satisfactory, the temperature at which they were served was a let down. It was hardly hot enough for the goodness of the brew to be taken in.
One of the oldest tea lounges in the city, Infinitea has a calm and soft ambience but one littered with witty pop culture inspired paraphernalia, all driving home the importance of tea drinking. This is the sort of place for long conversation with friends on a wet evening, and, of course, some freshly brewed tea. We sampled some of their fabled Kashmiri Kahwa, paneer momos and an infusion they call Refreshment.
Tey Tea
Queen of Spice: As the name
in texture, much like the mint tea, except this one used green tea instead of black. Healthier than its black tea counterpart, with the lingering aroma of jasmine flowers, this is one warm and fragrant monsoon companion.
Rs 60
Infinitea
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Honey Tea: If you want a healthy option, then this is your best bet at Sharon. The tea oozes with honey
Rs 9 Elaichi Tea: A spicy mix of
tasted and are ready to go back for more. However, there is no seating cardamom, cinnamon and clove with space here and you are forced to the right proportion of milk, this is take the tea back to your cars or one tea recipe that you can rarely go bikes, not a great idea in the rains. wrong with. What had us impressed most were Rs 7 the prices---no tea here costs more than Rs 12. We loved the three teas that we
blend of lemon, mint and black tea comes garnished with black pepper here, which adds to the taste. It pairs well with the pakodas or noodles on offer, and the freshness of the mint and lemon compliment the spice.
Rs 45
Located in 1 MG Mall within Oxford book store (also at other branches of the wellknown bookstore), here you can have your tea and then stroll around the book store, almost therapeutic on those gloomy days. Cha Bar offers you the usual desi chai plus some exotic varieties, and at reasonable prices too.
Chai Hindustani: Blended with spices like cardamom, clove, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper, this tea, unlike what we had expected, was quite a letdown. The brew was average with no more than a mere hint of the spices listed on the menu. Rs 34 Herbal Tea: A light sweet
sensation envelops you as you sip this tea. A chamomile blend, this one is said to have health benefits, which makes up for the almost neutral taste.
Rs 80
Rs 70 Margarita: A tea margarita
sounded as interesting as anything served in a cup could and we had to try it out. We discovered that this is actually a rather unusual blend with green tea, orange and guava. Though the green tea was full with the invigorating flavour of orange, the promised guava seemed elusive.
Rs 80
pop trend
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Since when is food spelt f-a-d? And since when did it stop being what you cooked, ate, shared to become something you oohed and aahed and obsessed over? The TV-inspired haute cuisine epidemic makes this recovering foodie and avid cookery show watcher want to reach for the remote—or is that a meat cleaver?
F Deepa Bhasthi
Bangalore-based writer. She blogs at dbhasthi.blogspot. com
ull disclosure: I have a folder named ‘Food ’ on my laptop. It has some memories, which I shall not be apologetic about. Like the first chocolate cake I baked (a disaster, it reeked of baking soda), a drink with a naughty name I tried by a Goan beach, meals special for the people I shared them with, and such like. What it doesn ’t have are Instagrammed shots of this unpronounceable dish or that. I like my food fresh-looking and not like something Marie Antoinette threw away and someone auctioned centuries later. Now that it is done, I shall turn to the task at hand: dealing with that growing and irksome tribe of fanatics that goes by the name of ‘foodie. ’ Not that I have anything against food itself; I like it well enough to enjoy cooking and feeding people, apart from feasting on it myself. But food is food, right? A basic necessity, something you need to get by from one day to the next, that ’s what food was, when I was growing up. Sure, when you think of summer holidays and festivals, food
OBSESSED Indian cookery shows are all about aspiration, while those like Nigella Lawson’s (below) have been called ‘food porn’
has more to do with fun and nostalgia. Later, with city life, food became something you toiled over in a hole-in-the-wall kitchen, or if friends were around, something you bonded over. I loved each of these phases. I wrote a regular food column once, something I thoroughly enjoyed. Then, Masterchef happened. For a whole season, I religiously watched Masterchef Australia, every night. And some reruns. Yes, I am a recovered MA junkie, and now I ’m left with a bitter aftertaste in my mouth where the imagined flavour of cheesecake or penne arrabiatta used to be. For food isn ’t any longer something you eat, or even enjoy, but a source of obsession, something to be dressed up, like a posy of fake feathers on an anorexic model, painted on, put on a glass plate, photographed, and the photographs then edited to make the dish look better than it was, and shared on every social media platform, and then eaten, if not already cold or melted. Tiresome. But it would be unfair to blame just Masterchef for this explosion of food obsession, which seems to be about everything to do with food except the eating of it. No, this obsession with food
did not start with pressure tests and meal because they are not done invention tests and pink clothes that taking pictures yet, I want to shake them up. But no, you haven ’t eaten we know the judges and chefs on a meal if the proof isn ’t on social MA for. Somewhere along the way, and I hope to get to the bottom of it, media, right? food became the next top model. Only when you were done with Too many cooks and broths admiring it could you pick at it I miss those days of Doordarshan gingerly. when all you had was Chitrahaar, My friend, let ’s call her M, Rangoli and the 4 pm movie on lives abroad, in one of those MidSunday to keep track of. After all, eastern countries, I forget which. you didn ’t have to endure this shrill Good girl, good cook, (or subtle) known her for years. propaganda that says, Every papad Even a papad that “consume, consume, she makes goes up buy, buy, spend, my friend M on Facebook, makes goes up spend, waste, waste. ” stylishly heaped on a If you are not on Facebook plate, the watching TV, the background cleverly newspapers are blurred; you can do these things writing about it, your colleagues are these days even with mobile phone talking about it, and if you go cameras. The recipes go up as online... well, you better not go there status messages. is all I ’d say. There are a bunch of equally Television is the chief culprit: bored other girls who ooh and aah at if you don ’t come across some each picture and scream and whine wannabe tough guy grappling with and want-a-piece-of-it-right-now! I the meanest, weirdest food from don ’t know who told them that the around the planet, then you ’re sure whole world is interested in what to bump into some out-of-work their breakfast looks like or how they model prancing about with a put-on licked the sushi off the plate. But accent teaching you how to make boy, is it tiresome. salad and salmon in a manner that Every time I ’m in a restaurant guarantees you a similar waistline in and find that my own group or the two weeks. If not these, it ’s a cookpeople at the next table hold up a off between good looking men and
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festivities. But none of it explains this sudden upsurge of food obsession, an epidemic you cannot escape from.
women, preened and made up with cues as to when to gasp and when to shed a tear. Those things make for great TRPs, I ’m sure, nothing makes for great TV like watching other people embarrass themselves and insult each other. Reality television apart, you have hundreds of cookery shows, destination food shows, competitions, baking shows, food challenges, healthy cooking, dessert cooking, salad making, food appreciation and wine and cheese shows, in every language on every channel at all times of the day and midnight. Some are good, I grant them that. But you need some serious determination to sift through the chaff and get to the good stuff, which I ’m increasingly unable to summon.
The ladies that lunch
Not tonight, Nigella
Have you ever watched Nigella Lawson go through the motions in what is marketed as a cookery show? Cooking isn ’t her USP, fool be whoever expects that. When I asked a friend why he watched her show, he gave me that indulgent look you give simpletons and very slowly explained how no one really watched her show to copy down recipes. She has famously, and often, been criticised for peddling food porn. The manner in which she kneads store-bought dough before pouring in
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SAY CHEESE The shooting and Instagramming of food is the bane of the contemporary dinner table
thick dark chocolate that oozes from between her fingers flirts with camera angles and clever editing to look rather suggestive. That is the whole point. I won ’t be surprised if it turns out that the food stylist of her show makes more than Lawson, the latter being the most replaceable of its ingredients. When did food start getting talked about as much as sex at salons and
dinner parties? Or is food the sex for Indians, who find it safer in family circles to exalt the beauty of food and discuss every olive, every strand of saffron? The tradition in most cultures, ours included, is to bond over food, to make every meal special by sharing it with family and friends, to carry cultural ties ahead by tying another round of the thread with much-loved dishes, especially during
A lady with a Hermes bag and seven-inch heels, while at Sunday brunch with the designer kids and the rich husband, won ’t be caught dead eating anything as prosaic as the biriyani, even one that ’s fit for the nawabs. It has to be bland pasta in white dressing perhaps, coated first with glistening olive oil. Or some such. Tiresome, like I said. The sheer endurance of the phenomenon makes you wonder —these things called fads are meant to rise and fall quickly, are they not? So, when is food ’s turn coming? None too soon, I think. It is just food, people. The thing our cavemen ancestors scrounged for, that thing mothers forced us to swallow, and the same thing our grandmothers indulged us with. A basic necessity. Eat food hot. Don ’t wait till it is done with its photoshoot. Eat rasam and curd rice even if risotto and penne are in fashion. Sure, bright food paint and fancy Chinaware add to the charm. But food is food. Put it in your mouth where it is meant to go and get over your pretensions!
music matters
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
‘The sarangi is the closest to the human voice’
Nor can you get a degree in it, unlike with other instruments. Why is it increasingly rare to find sarangi accompanying Hindustani vocalists? Well, this question should be posed to those who don’t choose sarangi for accompaniment. Of course, it is their choice, but there are a few gharanas where the sarangi is a must as an accompaniment, and they do have it. Who do you rate as the greatest sarangi players in recent times? Many names come to my mind, which are well known for their own styles and who are responsible for giving sarangi the prestige it enjoys today. Ustad Bundu Khansahab, Ustad Shakoor Khansahab, Ustad Hamid Hussain Khansahab, Ustad Siddique Ahmed Khansahab, Ustad Zahid Hussain Khansahab, Pt Gopal Mishraji, Pt Hanuman Prasad Mishraji, Ustad Abdul Latif Khansahab, Ustad Sultan Khansahab, the living legends Pt Ram Narayanji and Ustad Sabir Khansahab, and last but not least, my father Ustad Ghulam Sabir Khansahab. They all belong to different gharanas and they are all kings of their styles. They are my idols and my inspiration.
Murad Ali represents the sixth generation of a family devoted to the lovely string instrument. Ahead of his Bangalore concert, he talks about why the sarangi should survive and thrive PRACHI SIBAL
prachi.sibal@talkmag.in
O
ne of the leading players of his generation, 37year-old Murad Ali comes from a family of sarangi players of the Moradabad Gharana. A sixth generation musician, he was trained in the instrument by his father and grandfather, both legendary players. He has performed at concerts across the globe and also composes music for his fusion band Soul Samvad. Murad Ali has also played with popular bands such as Euphoria, Indian Ocean and Bandish Project. Excerpts from an email interview: When did you start learning the sarangi? I’ve been fortunate enough to belong to the sixth generation of an unbroken chain in sarangi playing. I grew up hearing my grandfather, the late Ustad Siddique Ahmed Khansahab and my father Ustad Ghulam Sabir Khansahab, who are also my gurus, play this melodious instrument. I was introduced to it at the age of ten, but had started my musical training earlier. I first trained in vocals under my grandfather’s guidance because he insisted that it is necessary for a sarangi player.
NO SECOND FIDDLE Ali wants the sarangi to be recognised as a solo instrument in its own right
Did you ever feel weighed down by your musical lineage? Never. In fact my ancestral link to the instrument has always given me a positive energy to go further with what I have learnt from my grandfa-
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ther and my father. But yes, when you come from a family of great musicians, it is a big responsibility to live up to the heights they have reached.
of Indian classical music like Pt Ravi Shankarji, Ustad Rashid Khan ji, Smt Shubha Mudgalji and many such eminent artistes.
What is the nicest thing you have The sarangi is known to be a particularly difficult instrument. Did heard from a fan? What really touches my heart is when the challenges it posed discourage people in the audience come up to me you at any point? No matter what challenges I faced, I and say that the melody of my sarancould not even dream of giving up the gi sounds as if someone is singing. sarangi. In fact, I think challenges are This is a special compliment since the very important for a person to grow sarangi is considered to be the instrustronger and to prove yourself and to ment closest to the human voice. face the world. And today, despite being an established artist who per- How popular is the instrument with aspiring musicians? forms in different In the Mughal courts, streams, I still come ‘There has to the sarangi was played across a lot of chalonly for the courtesans, lenges, which I try to be music so for a long time peoface with dignity and around me all ple would not play it in joy. the time’ decent platforms. With time, things have Which has been your changed, and now the sarangi is given most memorable concert? By the grace of God and blessings of a special position in Indian and my gurus, all my concerts have been Western dance and music. Many peovery memorable, whether as a soloist ple are coming forward to learn or as an accompanying artist, in India sarangi and choose it as their profesor abroad. What I would like to do is sion. But one thing that hurts me is mention some very special names that, while there are so many schools who I have been blessed enough to and institutions for most instruperform with. Such legendary figures ments, there is none for the sarangi.
Besides classical, what genres of music do you listen to? Any favourites? I can’t survive without music whether it is on stage or in my room or anywhere else; there has to be music around me all the time. I love old Hindi film songs by Mohammed Rafisahab, Manna Da, Kishore Da, Hemant Da, Mukeshji, Lataji, Ashaji and others. Other genres I love are ghazals, geet, nazm, and any music with good lyrics, feeling, and, of course, melody. I also love reading poetry and composing music. In fact, I have composed music for several of my own albums and for my fusion band Soul Samvad. What are your plans for the Bangalore show? I will be playing traditional Khayal Andaaz ki Sarangi, thumri, dadra, one seasonal raga, and, of course, improvisations. How receptive is the Bangalore audience to classical music? I’ve always got a positive response. People here are well versed with classical art forms, and Karnataka as a state is rich in art and culture. Murad Ali performs on July 6 at Chowdiah Memorial Hall
back stage
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Tahatto's Romeo and Juliet takes off from the original text to create a hilarious version of the Shakesprean classic, with memorable performances and professionally produced music
When tragedy is the stuff of comedy PRACHI SIBAL
prachi.sibal@talkmag.in
T
PUPPET THEATRE In Tahatto’s version of Romeo & Juliet, four puppets enact the classic play in their own quirky way. (Right) Anshul Pathak as Panauti
his is the play that won Prashanth Nair of Bangalore-based theatre group Tahatto the Metro Plus Playwright’s Award last year. Romeo and Juliet - No Strings Attached premiered last weekend at Jagriti Theatre, and though it takes off from the famous tragedy, this one is an out- and-out comedy. The play opens with four string puppets, including one musician, tied up in a routine of staging Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet . Their strings fall away suddenly and they find themselves craving to go the world outside to live lives of freedom. But the musician in the lot, who goes by the name of Stringeri (Christopher Avinash), convinces the others to perform one last show of the play—for old times’ sake. The former puppets take to the performance they were forced to play along with impish glee, and what follows is a hilarious, cock-eyed take on the tragic
original. The puppets’ clown-like costumes and the concept of a play within a play may bring to mind Rajat Kapoor’s META winning Hamlet - The Clown Prince, but the similarity ends there. While Champak (Rijul Ray) is a convincing Romeo, Panauti (Anshul Pathak) and Nautanki (Shashank Purushotham) aren’t happy about the multiple characters they are set to play and constantly vie for Romeo’s role. Stringeri, part clown and part sutradhar, is the one who keeps the act together, lest his friends get carried away by their newfound freedom. The play follows a linear path just enough to keep in order the key events of the original: the street brawl between the Montague and Capulet soldiers, the Capulet ball and the famed balcony scene. However, these are interspersed with ordinary banter by the puppets and comical backstage situations that are hinted at, all of it peppered liberally with Bollywood and pop cul-
ture references from Sholay and scenes in the play, and also one of the DDLJ, all the way to the likes of few where you’re not laughing out Backstreet Boys and Coldplay. The loud. The stage and lighting design of rendition of Backstreet Boys’ I Want it the play seemed merely functional, That Way especially, left the house with no higher purpose than to keep audience attention where it belongs; reeling with laughter. While Tahatto’s version is defi- the lines. The play has the makings of a nitely not for the die-hard Romeo and Juliet fan, it’s possible to watch and complete entertainer, thanks to the strong performances enjoy the play even by the four male charwithout being Shakespeare’s acters. Juliet, though, acquainted with the is largely forgettable, original text, and classic lines are and one almost prefers this where the pop met with witty her hand puppet verculture references desi comebacks sion. Some of the best come handy. But, as moments of the play is typical in slapstick, the one-liners may bring in lie in the puppets’ idiosyncrasies— plenty of laughs, but hardly any stay Nautanki’s reluctant shift from the character of Friar Laurence to Nurse, with you. The script occasionally borrows Champak’s earnestness, Panauti’s its lines from the original—often touching proposal to Juliet and unexpectedly, the sudden contrast Stringeri’s devotion to the call of adding to the effect—but keeps the duty. While not exactly a musical, the focus on the stage lives of the puppets intact throughout. The classic lines characters do tend to break into song by Shakespeare are met with original and dance—they are just-liberated and witty desi comebacks by the puppets after all—with ease. Stringeri’s guitar renditions of both other characters. Juliet, who initially takes the Bollywood and pop melodies are form of a hand puppet, takes the form accurate and lively, it could well be of a flesh and blood girl (Kalyani the quality music produced by this Kumar) along the way, and does it in musician and composer (Avinash) time for her encounter with that take you back to a re-run. Champak/Romeo in the balcony scene. That, and the cleverly pro- Romeo and Juliet - No Strings Attached will be staged at Ranga Shankara duced starlit backdrop easily makes on August 27 and 28 this one of the most memorable
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Rewind The week that was Á Iraq killings: Attacks in Iraq killed 10 people Wednesday, the latest in a wave of bloodshed mostly targeting Shiite Muslims, that has left 119 dead in the past week, amid fears the country is slipping back into all-out war. Á Drone strike: At least 16 people were killed and five others wounded when an American drone strike hit a suspected Haqqani militant compound in a remote tribal region of northwestern Pakistan late Tuesday. Á Morsi out: Egypt's rmed forces chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi after a week of deadly clashes and mass protests calling for him to go after a year in office. Morsi is under detention. Á Food security: The UPA government passed the National Food Security Law by executive order on Wednesday while Parliament was in recess, in a Rs. 1.25 lakh crore programme to distribute cheap grains to around 70 per cent of the population. Á Ishrat encounter: The CBI has held that 19-year-old Ishrat Jahan and three others were killed in a "fake" encounter in 2004 and charge sheeted seven police officers in the case, saying it was a joint operation between Gujarat police and the Intelligence Bureau. Á Manipal rape: A week after the abduction and gang-rape of a medical student, the police cracked the case and arrested all three accused near Manipal on Thursday. One of the three had attempted suicide and was hospitalised. Á Highway landslide: Incessant rains triggered a major landslide on the GoaKarnataka border in the wee hours on Wednesday, disrupting traffic flow on the crucial Anmod Ghat that links the two states.
Number plates go hi-tech Karnataka ’s Transport Department is all set to introduce High Security Number Plates (HSNPs) in the state, which is expected to boost the authorities ’ capability for tackling vehicle theft and traffic violations. As defined by the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, an HSNP will have a Chromium hologram of the Ashoka Chakra, IND written in bold blue colour on the extreme left centre of the plate and the PCIN (permanent consecutive identification number) which will be laser-edged on it. The
form of sticker will be attached to the wind shield, which will contain the engine and chassis are indicated along with the name of registering authority. If tampered with, it self-destructs. Also called as High laser number will be Security Registration unique, and will contain Number, HSNPs have alpha-numeric already been introduced identification of both by Delhi, Chandigarh and testing agencies and the Ahmedabad. In manufacturers. The rear Banglaore, the registration plate will be Department is said to be fitted with a non-reusable in the final stages of snap lock to make it implementing HSNPs, tamper proof. A third though no official Chromium-based notification has been registration plate in the issued.
Mozilla’s open source smartphone Mozilla is best known for producing the open source Firefox web browser. PC World reports on the two new smartphones they have released that run on their Firefox operating system. Early details were unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February, where the new operating system generated serious buzz. ZTE and Alcatel provided the design for the first two phones to carry the new Firefox HTML open source OS, each sporting slim touchscreen designs. Both models
come standard with all of the normal smartphone amenities, including email, phone calls, text messaging, maps, camera, and naturally, web browsing with Firefox. Users can also download apps, although they may not get too far
on the internal memory, which does not exceed 512 MB. The Firefox OS is an open-source system, intended to compete with Android for developer attention, and the experience is reportedly similar to using an Android device.
A festival of literary translation The Tarjuma Festival of Translators aims to call attention to the far-reaching, yet often unseen art of translation. To be held on July 25 and 26 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, it will bring together leading translators, writers, scholars and publishers of translated work in a first-of-its-kind event. According to the organisers, Tarjuma is intended to “spark serious, scholarly, and artistic conversations on literary translation, ” and to encourage
translators and publishers to exchange ideas. Some of the best-known translators working today, including Arunava Sinha, Lakshmi Holmstrom, Arshia Sattar, Susheela Punitha and Namita Gokhale, will speak at the event. There will also be a host of translation-related panel discussions, seminars and book launches on the sidelines of the event. For more information and a detailed programme, log on to www.iitgn.ac.in/tarjuma/index.html.
Bollywood thought of Google Glass first! Deepanjana Pal writes on Firstpost.com about TP Sundaram's 1967 film, Chand Par Chadayee (Trip to Moon), and the many futuristic technologies it showcased, including a device similar to the Google Glass. A science fiction story set mainly in space, the film starred Dara Singh in the lead role as Astronaut Anand, who falls in love with the curiously named Shimoga, the princess of moon (played by G Ratna). She writes: “Most impressively, Trip to Moon preempted Google Glass. When Simi (a scheming moonling aristocrat) wants to talk to the king of Mars (the other half of the film ’s villainous duo) urgently, she calls him and he receives the call in a pair of dark glasses. A live image of Simi appears on one of the lenses and they chat in real time. So there you have it: a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display. And we thought of it in 1967, before Google ’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin were born. ”
Taking Gandhi to the land of Mao Bangalore International Centre has arranged a presentation on 'The Challenge and resultant insights of taking Gandhi into Mao ’s “Power grows out of the barrel of a gun ” country, ’ to be delivered by PA Nazareth, a former ambassador of India to Mexico, Guatemala and other Latin American countries. The talk will be held on July, and will be moderated by former foreign secrtary AP Venkateswaran. The talk will be held at Bangalore International Centre, TERI Complex, 4th main, 2nd cross, Domlur II stage.
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Forward
Learn organic, terrace farming The Bhoomi Network is holding a workshop on organic and terrace gardening on July 20, at the Prakriya School Campus, off Sarjapur Road. Aimed at “people who wish to take charge of their wellness and health, ” it seeks to ensure a healthier diet while reviving the traditional kitchen garden in urban areas. The workshop will help
participants understand the basic principles of gardening and then apply it to their own context---homes, apartments or terraces. It will focus on the practical aspects, so that participants get a firsthand experience with earth, soil, compost, nutrients on the field. It will also include components on pest and disease management.
The workshop will be conducted by terrace farming expert Rajesh Thakkar. The fee is Rs 1,200 per person (lunch and snack included), and seats are limited. To register, call Santhi on 9449853834 / 28441173. Registration closes by July 17. To learn more about the Bhoomi Netowrk, log on to www.bhoominetwork. org.
Whitefield walk This heritage walk is meant for all those who think Whitefield has nothing more to offer than IT towers, malls and apartments. On Sunday, July 7, conservation architect Krupa Rajangam will hold a walk through colonial era Whitefield to reveal one man's vision to create an Eurasian and Anglo-Indian Utopia in India.The walk will be followed by a screening of Whitefield Diaries, a set of short films on Whitefield created as an installment of the Neighbourhood Diaries project (www.neighbourhooddiaries.in) which narrates the neighbourhood's history and its rich store of anecdotes through the eyes of long-term residents. The walk is being held in aid of Karunashraya, the Cancer Hospice Trust in Marathahalli. There are only a limited number of seats, and the organisers suggest a minimum donation of Rs 200 per participant. Receipts will be issued by Karunashraya. For more details and to register for the walk, email krupa@saythu.com.
Fancy food, and how to pronounce it right If you pride yourself on being a foodie who likes to dine out at fancy restaurants, there ’s something you absolutely cannot afford to ignore: the right pronunciation of that exotic dish you ’ve been dying to try. And if there ’s one thing worse than that, it ’s when you ’ve heard of the dish, but don ’t know what it really is. This handy list will helps you solve both problems at one go: Chipotle: A smoky cream sauce that goes well with burgers, pizzas and hot dogs. How you say it: Chi-Poht-Ley Bánh mì: Vietnamese term for all kinds of bread. How you say it: Bahn Mee Pho: The Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped rice noodles, a few herbs, and meat. How you say it: Fau or say “fur ” without the “R ” Sriracha: A type of hot sauce, named after the coastal city of Si Racha in Eastern Thailand,
pastry made from deep-fried choux paste, a light dough which consists only of butter, water, flour, and eggs.
which goes well with seafood. How you say it: Shree-Ra-Cha Gnocchi: Thick, soft Italian dumplings that may be made from semolina, ordinary wheat flour, flour and egg, flour, egg, and cheese, potato, breadcrumbs, or similar ingredients.
How you say it: Ben-Yay Foie Gras: Foie gras; French for “fat liver ”, is a dish made of the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened.
How you say it: Nyawk-Kee
How you say it: Fwah Grah
Bruschetta: Bruschetta is an antipasto (starter) from Italy which consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Tortillas: A type of thin Mexican flatbread made from finely ground wheat flour.
How you say it: Broo-SKEH-Tah Prosciutto: Also called Parma ham, this is a dry-cured ham that is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked. How you say it: Proh-SHOO-Toe Quinoa: This favourite of the health-conscious is a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium), a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds which can be used instead of cereal. How you say it: Keen-Wah
Caipirinha: Brazil ’s national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane hard liquor), sugar and lime. How you say it: Kai-Pee-ReenYa Açai Berry: A small, round, black-purple berry of an Amazonian palm, this one ’s high on energy. How you say it: Ah-Sigh-Ee Filet or Fillet: A cut or slice of boneless meat or fish How you say it: Fill-Ay Beignet: French term for a
How you say it: Tohr-Tee-Yahs Fajitas: This Tex-Mex term refers to any dish that consists of grilled meat usually served as a taco on a flour or corn tortilla. How you say it: Fah-Hee-Tahs Quesadilla: A flour or corn tortilla filled with a savoury mixture containing cheese, other ingredients, and/or vegetables, then folded in half to form a half-moon shape. How you say it: Key-Suh-DeeUh
The week ahead  Snowden stuck: Fugitive NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden remains in the transit area of Moscow ’s Sheremetyevo airport, where he is awaiting responses to requests for asylum from at least 19 countries. Nearly ten countries, including India, have turned down his request.  Mandela critical: Even as Nelson Mandela fights for his life in a Pretoria hospital, his grandson Mandla Mandela has been charged with tampering with graves of other relatives.  CBI autonomy: The Centre has filed a 41-page affidavit in the Supreme Court spelling out steps to bring autonomy in the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation. It has already come under fire from critics for seeking to retain the agency ’s administrative control with the government.  US snooping: Concerned over reports that the Indian mission was being spied upon by American intelligence agencies, the external affairs ministry has announced that it will “take up the matter with the US authorities. ”  Bank branches: Banks aim to open more than 8,000 branches in the current financial year ending in March 2014, according to Finance Minister P Chidambaram.  Saffron content: The Karnataka Education Department will shortly review all textbooks from class 1 to 10 and remove content that causes enmity in society on the basis of religion and caste and disturbs communal harmony, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar has announced.  Badminton league: Real estate major BOP Group has bagged the Bangalore team, 'Banga Beats' in the just announced Indian Badminton League (IBL).
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‘I ’m happy to hear people wanted me to win Bigg Boss ’ Arun Sagar
Bigg Boss runner-up National award-winning art director and actor in the Kannada industry who came second in the recently concluded first season of the reality show Bigg Boss (ETV Kannada).
IshQ Bector Hip Hop artiste
Indo Canadian singer, songwriter and composer who has also worked in Bollywood, where he has written and sung music for movies like Pyaar ke Side Effects, Dhoom 2 and Allah ke Banday. IshQ has performed with wellknown international artistes such as Sean Paul. His latest release Saali Bitch, the single, was released online due to censor regulations. He recently performed live in Bangalore.
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Questions
Reactions, statements, accusations, complaints, or just straight talk—this is where you get them all
comments? I'm happy to hear that from the audience. But no one knows how voting takes place. Maybe Vijay really got more votes than me and won the show. Vijay is more than a friend and brother to me, and I'm extremely happy about his win. We were like a family in the Bigg Boss house and I think he really deserves it. I'm On social networking sites, viewers certainly not sad about losing the are commenting you are the real game to him. winner and you deserved the title more than Vijay Raghavendra. Your Do you think you lost because of
Did you think you would complete 98 days at Bigg Boss? Normally, I don't think hard when I do something. At Bigg Boss, though, I was getting worked up about everything. I never work intending to reach some destination, but my work takes me places. I believe that is what happened at Bigg Boss as well.
your closeness to actress Chandrika? No, definitely not. We spent time together and are just friends. Such statements might hurt her, and I don't want to hurt any women. Bigg Boss was not an election; people who liked us voted for us. I would like to say sorry if I have done anything wrong, but the truth is we always lived like a family inside the Big Boss house.
MARIA LAVEENA
‘In retrospect, Saali Bitch is a scary title! ’ Must music be genre-bound, and if that is the case, how would you describe your own style of music? I've been bouncing around between different genres, but I'm basically and urban musician. I don't think you have to just stick to one genre. You'll get bored of yourself even before people do. I'm not a trained musician, but I'm a studio geek. Experimenting and mixing genres is a great way to grow and expand your music. If you spend enough time in the laboratory, you're bound to come up with some good material, so I just work insanely hard. You have often faced the wrath of
censors, and were accused of being derogatory towards women, especially for your new single Saali Bitch. Is it the shock value that you're after? Derogatory? Me? No way, man, spread ishQ is what I say. Well, I wanted to name that album 'Sifar,' and in retrospect Saali Bitch is a scary title! The thing is, it started off as something of a private joke. Then somebody at Universal Music heard it, and they wanted to release it officially. That said, usually I don't censor my music, it depends on my mood. I can make a very bad song and just keep it to myself. I know I'm being compared to Yo Yo Honey Singh.
Despite the trouble he has faced due to his song lyrics, he's doing a great job. I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's about using everyday language in music … and that's what pop culture is about! What did you expect at your Bangalore show? Anything in particular that you were looking forward to? I have been to Bangalore a few times before, but not for shows, so I had no expectations at all. I was looking forward to seeing some crazy Tamil film posters on the streets, actually!
PRACHI SIBAL
OOKtalk
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
Indie bookstore
ROY VARGHESE
25
Interview
‘So many good books go unnoticed’ Lipika Bhusan, former marketing head at HarperCollins India speaks about her new venture aimed to help authors market themselves
L is for Lightroom The newest independent bookstore in town is a kiddies’ delight, and offers the right mix of the quirky and the dependable
PRACHI SIBAL
T
he city’s independent bookstores have a special place in the hearts of every book lover who has ever entered them. Lightroom Bookstore is the latest to make it to their ranks, albeit in the children’s books category. Situated in an obscure Frazer Town by lane, Lightroom has forayed into the otherwise non-existent category of bookstores stocking children’s books produced by Indian publishers, a majority of them based
in Bangalore and Chennai. They also have books by publishers abroad. The store is minimalist (without books spilling over in the racks), with attention paid to display, just how one would imagine a children’s bookstore to be. The walls are white with odd but colourful paper decorations on the ceiling and counters and shallow racks for displayed books. A large and bright overhead lamp in the centre of the room though, is what makes the store live up to its name. The bookstore seems to be owner Aashti Mudnani’s dream project, but means serious business. It has an exhaustive list of titles by publishers like Tulika, Tara Books and Pratham Books. Tulika’s bi-lingual books including several ‘Learn Hindi’ ones find a special corner all to themselves. There is also a fairly large collection of picture books by the acclaimed Chennai-based publisher Tara Books, including some titles rare to come by in bookshops, like Toys and Tales, a series of books published jointly with the National institute of Design,
Ahmedabad. City-based publishers Duckbill also find place on the shelves here with their books for children in different age categories. Their series of quirky ‘hOle’ books (literally books with a hole so they can be strung together) find special display. Besides the eye-catching variety, there are somewhat discreet shelves dedicated to the run-of-the mill Enid Blytons, Nancy Drews and Hardy Boys. Some find their place in the (unmarked) young adults’ section. We were surprised to find a clothes’ rack and a few other trinkets like cushion covers and gift boxes in what seemed like a nofuss bookstore. The burst of colours brought in by the collection, the city-based Grasshopper’s line of children’s clothing, adds some visual drama to this otherwise monochrome space. At the heart of it, Lightroom may be a cozy, well-stocked children’s bookstore, but it is well worth a visit for adults too. Lightroom Bookstore is located at 35, Wheeler Road Cross, Frazer Town
What’s the idea behind MarketMyBook? It was an idea I was toying with for a while. The purpose is to help an author with all aspects of marketing. I headed marketing at HarperCollins India for six years. Though we did the best we could, it was not always possible to make a writer’s book stand out in the crowd. It is also true that every writer’s book needs that exclusive attention. So many good books go unnosuccess of some writers who ticed. have done well with marketHow essential is marketing ing efforts, people are taking notice. All said and done, it in the book business now? In most other industries that is still important to tell a I have worked in, marketing good story. was a key area. In publishing though, it always came after How will first-time authors other things like editorial benefit from MMB? services. But, that is rapidly For first time writers, it changing. The industry is no won’t be just about PR. We longer made up of people assist them in every way, be who are in the love for it it sponsorships, promotionalone; there are also those al campaigns with bookwho want to make serious stores, online campaigns or money. Marketing is advertising. increasingly becoming the focus. Also, with the recent PRACHI SIBAL
In the news
Penguin merges with Random House
P
ublishing giants Penguin and Random House have formally announced their merger. The new company, Penguin Random House will be the world’s biggest publisher with control of more than 25 per cent of the global market. Their combined revenues last year
exceeded Rs 21,000 crore, and the the number of titles published every year stood at around 15,000. In the picture though, is a mischievous imagning of what the logo of the combined entity will look like, by Marco Leone, a New York-based product designer.
L I S T I NGS
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
theatre festival
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food goes in search of him. He lands in herdsman Razak's home in Pakistan. Razak offers to help him and leaves him safely on the other side of the border. July 5, 7.30 pm  The Jungle Book: We all grew up listening to the stories of Mowgli and Baloo in our childhood. This musical will take the kids into the land and life of Mowgli and his friends Baloo, Baagheera and Kaa, the python. July 6, 7. 30 pm  Kaga Speaks: A puppet show specially prepared for the kids, it is about the story of Keshav Lal. Directed and devised by Padmavathi Rao. July 7, 7.30 pm
 Weekend special: Children can watch their favourite stories come alive at the AHA! Theatre Festival for children at Ranga Shankara. The theatre festival, specially designed for children is known to feature famous children's stories in a play format.
 Heda Hoda (The Blind Camel): The film is about Sonu, who lives with his family in Kutch, Gujarat. One day when his father falls sick, Sonu and his sister Lakshmi volunteer to take the camels for grazing. As they take their food break, one camel drifts away and Sonu
 The Incredible Mullah Nasruddin: This is about a young school boy who had the ability to engage his classmates with his stories. So enraptured were they with the magic of his words that their school work always suffered. The teacher, a sage, put a spell on the young boy. Many years later the school boy grew up to become Mullah Nasruddin, his stories to this day have a compelling effect the world over. July 9 and 10, 7.30 pm Ranga Shankara, No.36/2, 8th Cross, 2nd Phase, JP Nagar 26493982
retail therapy  Monsoon friendly: This monsoon season style your wardrobe with Chrono Watch Company's waterproof watches. Available in different and bright colours, the watches have waterproof straps and dials. Available at www.chronowatchcompany.com  Shop till you drop: Make the best of the sale season as you shop at Pepe Jeans. As part of their 40 years celebrations, they offer a flat 40 per cent discount on a purchase of three garments.
music Available at all Pepe Jeans outlets
 Burger fest: Sink your teeth into a juicy burger at the Burger FestSecond Course. Choose from beef barbeque, lamb, tuna, cheese, pan fired salami, bacon grilled, deep fried sausages, chicken ham burgers and more. The Tuck Shop, 98/A, 17th B Main, 5th Block, Koramangala, till July 7 9742449767
Fudge outlets
 Mangolicious: Make the most of the mango season as you dig into Cream N Fudge's latest creation, Mango Madness, which has mango ice cream, mango slices, mango sauce, whipped cream and strawberry pie filling. Price: Rs 120. Available at all Cream N
 Celebrate American independence: Come celebrate with your friends the 4th of July like the Americans do. Try out their barbeque specialities along with some beer. Habanero, Ascendas Park Square Mall, Whitefield and 948, 12th Main, Next to ICICI Bank, Indiranagar
 Afghan flavours: Choose from a range of Afghan dishes like gosht karahi, murgh korma, sirka pyaz murgh, kabuli pulao, bouranee, baunjaun, bamiyeh, lubia korma, qorma-i-tarkari and more. Baluchi, The Lalit Ashok, Kumara Krupa High Grounds, till July 10 30527777
 Chill with froyo!: Ditch ice cream for something healthier. Choose from a range of flavours like green apple, diced chikoo, poppy chikki, mint and tamarind chutney and chopped dates. Pinkberry, 100 ft Road, Indiranagar  Drink up: Say cheers as you raise the glass with your friends. likethatonly introduces, I like Thursdays Only, where you can try out martinis like grape and goat cheese martini, watermelon and feta martini, zombie, cinova and more. likethatonly, #14, 31 A, Hagadur Road, Whitefield, every Thursday
Ananth Menon
Counterplot Theory
 Books for all: All bookworms take note as the Strand bookstore announces its mega stock clearance sale of up to 80 per cent. Choose from different categories of books like art, design, architecture, fashion design, fiction, literature, spirituality, management, self-help, reference, history, science and cookery. Wesley Tamil Church Hall, adjacent to Garuda Mall, Commissariat Road, July 11 onwards  Thrice the fun: Be prepared to watch the Naina Kundu Trio perform this Saturday. Watch Karan Joseph spin his magic on keyboards along with Andrew Kanga on drums and Naina Kundu on bass guitar. bFlat, 100 Feet Road, Above ING Bank, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, July 6, 8.30 pm 25278361  Jazz up your evenings: If you love jazz, then head out this weekend to watch Sharik Hassan perform live. He will be performing with Adam Larson on the saxophone, Raviv Markovitz on the double bass and Philippe Lemm on drums. bFlat, 100 Feet Road, Above
ING Bank, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, July 5, 8.30 pm 25278361 Â Metal in the house: All metal fans take note, as Thrash and Counterplot Theory will be performing this Sunday. Counterplot Theory is strongly influenced by bands like Megadeth, Lamb of God, Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Opeth, Porcupine Tree and more, whereas Thrash takes inspiration from bands like Metallica, Death, Kreator, Destruction and such. Trash mainly plays death trash or school trash while Counter Ploy Theory plays metal. It was formerly known as Forsaken. Sonido Musicals, Brigade
Road, July 7, 6 pm 9945211014
 Gaming turns fun: Listen to some live music as you take to bowling with your friends. This weekend witness two musical performances from Ananth Menon and Slain. Slain is a progressive rock band, and
Menon is a founder of The Galeej Gurus. Slain Performance - bluO, 26/1, 4th Floor, Orion Mall, Dr Rajkumar Road, Malleswaram, July 5, 7 pm Ananth Menon's performance - bluO, 2nd floor, Phoenix Market City, Maahadevpura, Whitefield Road, July 5, 7 pm
L I S T I NGS
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
theatre
bookish weekend
City Bang Bang and aggressive loner and tells Peter that he has been to the zoo. He somehow manages to drag Peter along and what follows next is a complete zoo story. Directed by Siddhanth KS, it has Sameer Kevin Roy and Kanchan Bhattacharyya in the cast. Alliance Francaise de Bangalore, Thimmaiah Road, Opposite UNI Building, Vasanthnagar, July 6 and 7, 5 pm and 8 pm 41231345
 City Bang Bang: This is a collection of short stories by playwright Gautam Raja that offer a relevant but fun look at city life. The evening will feature classics by the writer such as Damini The Damager and Pub Crawl. The production and the theatre foyer will also showcase illustrations by Paul Fernandes, the
famous cartoonist who chronicles life in Bangalore, especially from the 70s and 80s. Directed by Arundhati Raja, It has Vivek Madan, Rebecca Spurgeon, Lekha Naidu and Anirudh Acharya in the cast. Jagriti Theatre, Varthur Road, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield, July 5 and 6, 8 pm and July 7, 3 pm and 6
music festival
pm 41248298 Â The Zoo Story: The play is about a man named Peter, who is a publishing executive and is sitting comfortably and reading a book on his favourite bench in New York’s Central Park. While he is the kind who likes being alone, he meets Jerry. Jerry is an erratic
 Crisis of Civilisation- A Journey With Tagore: The play is high on emotions and shows the most difficult years that our country went through. It was a century of two world wars. The play portrays the journey of Rabindranath Tagore and his life. Written and enacted by Ranjon Ghosal, the play is directed by Jagdish
Raja. KH Kala Soudha, Ramanjaneya Temple Compound, Hanumanthanagar, July 6, 7.30 pm 759998222 Â Mooki: Mooki is based on Rabindranath Tagore’s story of a mute girl Subha. The play aims to explore the hierarchy created by language, and how it affects our freedom of expression. The males are always the dominant ones while women are always considered powerless. The play is based on the experiences of the performers themselves and focuses on how we have all endured discrimination based on gender and sexuality in silence. Directed by Veena Basavaraiah, it is performed by Abhishek Gopal, Akshay Gandhi, Purnima Kumar and others. Atta Galata, #134, KHB th Colony, 5 Block, Koramangala, July 6, 7.30 pm
 Book reading session: The author of Kite Strings, Blinkers Off, the recently launched My Brother’s Wedding and the soon to be released More than Just Biryani, Andaleeb Wajid will be in town this Saturday. She will be reading from My Brother’s Wedding and More than Just Biryani. Andaleeb has written for Good Housekeeping magazine and Open Sesame. Atta Galata, #134, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Kormangala, July 6, 6 pm  Donate a book: If the books on your book shelf are just gathering dust or you have been wanting to donate books for a cause now is your chance. Books on Toast is a book donation drive, where you can donate your books and the proceedings would go to a charitable organization. You can donate any genre of book here. Coffee On Canvas, 4th Main (lane from Maharaja Hotel towards Ejipura), Koramangala 4th Block, July 6 and 7
film Lootera
 Tamarind Live: This weekend watch Bangalore’s very own band Thermal and A Quarter perform along with fusion band Mystik Vibes at the Tamarind Live festival of music. The music festival aims at creating and promoting Indian music. Mystik Vibes plays fusion while Thermal And A Quarter plays rock and indie rock. Tamarind Tree, Avalahalli, Anjanapura Post Off Kanakpura Road, JP Nagar, July 6, 7 pm 9845082329
To get your event listed, write to us at listings@talkmag.in
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 Lootera Hindi Romance is back in the air with this film. It is the love story of Varun and Pakhi, whose families are against their relationship, and hence they decide to elope. They get married but soon their marriage hits a rough patch and they decide to separate. Five years later, they meet again and feel that the love is still there until Raveer finds out that his wife suffers from a rare disease and decides to save her. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, it has Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead. Q Cinemas, Whitefield- 10.10
am, 3.40 pm, 6.50, 9.30 Innovative Multiplex, Marathahalli- 4.30 pm, 10 Rex Theatre- 1.40 pm, 7.20 Vision Cinemas- 1.15 pm, 4, 9.45 Cauvery Theatre, Sankey Road- 6 pm, 9.30 Cinepolis, Bannerghatta Road- 1.10 pm Veeresh Cinemas- 7.15 pm, 10 Â The Lone Ranger English The film is about the coalition between a Native American and a cop. The Native American played by Johnny Depp and the cop played by Armie Hammer are two completely different individuals who join forces to shun out the corrupt.
Lucy Wilde and Silas Ramsbottom at the headquarters of the AntiVillain League. This society is dedicated to fighting crime on a global scale and now he becomes a part of it. The film is directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin while Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Benjamin Bratt have lent their voices. Q Cinemas, Whitefield- 10 am, 5.20 pm Cinepolis, Bannerghatta Road- 10 am CineMAX, Total Mall, Outer Ring Road10 pm Fame Lido, off MG Road- 4.30 pm, 9.40 Fame Forum
Value Mall, Whitefield 4.20 pm, 7 INOX, Mantri Mall, Malleswaram- 4.10 pm, 6.20 Â Chella Pilli Kannada This Kannada comedy movie is sure to tickle your funny bone. Former chief minister DV Sadanand Gowda makes a guest appearance. It is directed by Saikrishna Kudla and stars Vijay Raghvendra, Aishwarya Nag and Shobraj in the lead. Menaka- 10.30 am, 1.30 pm, 4.30, 7.30
Directed by Gore Verbinski; Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Armie Hammer , William Fichtner and Tom Wilkinson make up for the cast. Q Cinemas, Whitefield- 12.45 pm, 6.30 Innovative Multiplex, Marathahalli- 7.10 pm Vision Cinemas- 10.30 am, 4 pm, 7 Â Despicable Me 2 English Sequel to the 2010 release Despicable Me, this movie is about Gru who is no longer treated as a villain since the time he rescued his three foster daughters. His calm life suddenly takes a sharp turn when he is recruited by
Chella Pilli
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
28
Budo
Q&A Sensei Avinash Subramanyam helps you navigate the treacherous waters of the corporate world
Nasty colleague, lousy boss?
I
work in a corporate firm under a manager who is useless at his job. He harasses juniors and retains his position only because he is close to the management. How do we deal with him? Look at the larger picture. You’re not in the army where you can’t take leave or resign. Your company is just one in a million and you always have the option of switching jobs. Also know that your situation is not unique; this is the story in many other companies. Accept the nature of corporate life and find ways of dealing with it. Either make friends with your manager or develop a thick skin! See if you can change departments. Or share the big picture with your boss. Tell him sweetly he’s just another employee: why waste time getting worked up? Hint that you know he must be harassing others too. If you have friends in the HR department, let them know your problem. Try and resolve it at a personal level; if that doesn’t work, go official. If you really want to live pure and free, hand your company a letter saying you accept your manager’s resignation as your boss!
LAST RESORT Conflict with a colleague is advisable only if there’s something larger than your ego at stake
How can I ensure project delivery without being harsh on juniors or doing more than my share? A team always comprises people with varied capacities and you need to find harmony with all. It is best that you don’t shout and abuse— negativity will only affect you and your soul. It reduces the happiness in your life. If there are deliverables, tell your juniors about the consequences: if they don’t deliver, you will have to report to your boss. If a junior is not good but you can’t ask him to leave, encourage rather than scold him. The more you criticise, the worse he will get. Praise his good qualities; then strongly point out his weaknesses. Get the best out of him. At least something will get done and you won’t suffer from hypertension. Don’t find fault with everything. Patiently help people improve. Understand each one’s ability and be aware you can only do so much. In situations of conflict at work is it best to assert my opinion or should I let it go? Sometimes one works, sometimes the other. How do I know when to adopt which stance? You should first avoid getting into the conflict, except for the success of a project. Only when you are sure the other’s opinion is bad for the company should you make your point. But be 100 per cent certain your opinion is for the welfare of the company or an employee. If it is to satisfy your ego, don’t venture to give your opinion. It should never be, “I know better.” Always see if the other person is right.
How do I deal with a colleague who is always trying to put me down? Tell him both of you are merely small fish in a big pool. So why compete and put you down? It helps neither, or even the company, to grow. If he’s jealous about your project, then ask him to talk to the manager and take over. If your colleague is rude and uncouth, take it up with My ultimate goal is to have ‘inner peace’. How your boss. do I know which path is right for me—martial art, yoga? How do I deal with juniors who don’t perform?
Budo is a Japanese term, meaning ‘way of the warrior. ’ In a broad sense, it refers to the martial philosophy of being in a state of preparedness at all times. Modern budo, which Sensei Avinash Subramanyam practises, pursues no external enemy but only an internal enemy (the ego) that must be tamed and vanquished. If you want inner peace through training, you need to have a good body, and a calm mind. Your muscles shouldn’t get cramps when you sit to meditate. You need to train on various fronts to get fit enough to find inner peace. Any form—yoga, kalari, Chinese martial arts—is okay but see what you like and what suits you. How to find what works? Your mind, body, spirit and soul should feel comfortable on all fronts—philosophy, teacher, art form. It’s like going to different restaurants and finding out which you like the best in terms of ambience, taste, health. Can martial arts be taught to kids? Yes, to learn to love and protect; never for combat. It should be taught to help bring about focus, concentration and balance in life. It is to learn the instinct to fight in case of an emergency later in life. Budo seems difficult to follow. How do I practise it? For me it is simple; ‘normal’ life is complex. What attributes should a person possess to understand and live budo? Extraordinary love and extraordinary faith. Be completely non-judgmental of your teacher. You must love the person teaching you budo. You should implicitly trust because it might not be in your reasoning to understand it fully. Only extraordinary faith gets you extraordinary results. Transcribed by Radhika P Send your questions to Sensei at: seefarwellnessorg@yahoo.com
memoir
Sahib, biwi aur ghulam A farm labourer conspires with his lover to kill her husband and frame an old enemy
T
VIVEK ARUN
he village of Karadirampura is not far from Bangalore, located as it is near Ramnagara, off the Mysore highway. It was named so because the rocky terrain on its border was full of wild bears (the Kannada word for ‘bear’ is ‘karadi’). While Lingayats are a majority there, Vokkaligas and Dalits also live in the village in significant numbers. Like the rest of the state, this village also felt the heat of the land reforms propounded in the mid1970s by the then chief minister Devraj Urs. Labourers working for landlords started staking their claim on the land they tilled, and the landlords had to fend for themselves against the Land Ceiling Act. Since the joint family system prevailed in those days, many land-owning families tried to save their property by breaking up into nuclear families. Owners of small tracts bore the brunt of this sweeping social change. The new law offered no protection for those who owned just a couple of acres and had leased it out to their farm labourer-tenants. They were termed ‘absentee landlords’ and there was no provision in the law for them to retain their land. I still think this was a weak point in the 1974 Karnataka Land Reforms Act when compared to the one implemented by the West Bengal
government, which ensured that the rights of small land-holders were well protected. Kenchappa, the headman of Karadirampura, was one such small land holder. He had leased out his land to Eeraiah, a Dalit labourer. After the Land Reforms Act was passed, Eeraiah staked his claim over the land and filed a case. As the land’s title deed was in the name of Kenchappa’s cousins, the assistant commissioner quashed Eeriah’s petition and handed over the possession of the land to its legal owners. Eeraiah appealed against the order at the district court. Situated next to Kenchappa’s property was a farm belonging to Shankaraiah, a Lingayat. After losing his claim over Kenchappa’s land, Eeraiah started tilling Shankaraiah’s farm. And since Shankaraiah worked on the land along with Eeraiah, the farm started to prosper. One day, as Shankaraiah was busy deweeding his farm, he felt someone hugging him from behind. He sensed thick hair and sharp nails on the hands pressing down on him. Shankaraiah realised it was a bear and screamed. Using all his force, he managed to break free, but the bear managed to rip out his shoulder and throat muscles. As he collapsed, the bear attacked him again. Shankaraiah suffered injuries on his groin and both his legs were fractured by the time the villagers rushed there and saved him. Shankaraiah was treated in a hospital, but his hands and legs were permanently
disabled. As he could not work in the farm, he started a tea stall and his wife Mahadevamma took charge of the farm. Eeraiah was around to support her. Gradually, Mahadevamma and Eeraiah fell in love. Soon, the villagers came to know about the affair and the Lingayats unofficially cast out Shankaraiah’s family from their circles. Even Mahadevamma’s elder brother Mahadevappa stopped visiting her. Meanwhile, the enmity between Eeraiah and his erstwhile master Kenchappa grew, and quarrels frequently broke out. Shankaraiah started taunting Mahadevamma about her liaison with Eeraiah. She confided in Eeraiah, who came up with a plan to deal with both problems at one go. It was a Sunday. Mahadevamma took her husband to the farm. While they were on the way, Eeraiah showed up in their path, as if from nowhere. He held a sickle in his hand. He struck at Shankaraiah’s throat, killing him on the spot. Eeraiah fled. After ensuring that Eeraiah was completely out of sight, Mahadevamma started screaming, shouting the name of Kenchappa, who she blamed for her husband’s murder. The police arrested Kenchappa and some of his relatives. However, the circle inspector could sense Kenchappa was innocent. On hearing about Mahadevamma’s illicit relationship with Eeraiah, he searched her house. There he found a bloodstained sari. When asked about it, a nervous Mahadevamma said it was her menstrual
crime folio
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Fabled ranconteur and Bangalore ’s top-notch criminal lawyer brings you moving, sensational and bizarre stories from 40 years of his practice
CH HANUMANTHARAYA
blood. And that was the blunder she made. She could have got away by saying the stains were her husband’s blood, splashed on her as she was standing close to Shankaraiah when he was attacked. After Kenchappa’s relatives approached me, I visited the spot where the murder had taken place and spoke to the villagers and Mahadevamma’s brother. I did not bank on the single point that Kenchappa had not committed the murder, but decided to argue that Mahadevamma and Eeraiah had hatched the plot. I didn’t have to prove that they were the murderers, but just needed to pick them out as the probable culprits. I convinced Mahadevamma’s brother to be a witness. He testified that Mahadevamma was having an affair with Eeraiah. Based on my plea, the court called for a forensic test of the blood-stained sari. The other eye witnesses testified that Mahadevamma was screaming and calling people for help at the murder spot, but did not do anything to save Shankaraiah from death. Forensic test results showed the blood stains on Mahadevamma’s sari were indeed those of Shankaraiah, and not her own menstrual blood as she had claimed. The eyewitnesses and circumstantial evidence went strongly in favour of Kenchappa. The district sessions judge, Prasad Rao, discharged my client and others the police had taken into custody. Translated by BV Shivashankar
T I M E P A SS
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T I M E P A SS 1st Cross
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Talk ’s weekly crossword for Bangaloreans who know their way about town named after the founder of our beloved city (5,5) 18 To curb gambling the Government has shut down over a thousand ___ ____ in the city (4,5) 19 The number of months the Chief Minister has given the BBMP to find a permanent solution for the city's garbage problem (3) DOWN 2 He recently replaced BG Jyothiprakash Mirji as city police commissioner (8) 4 Romantic drama film directed by Uday Prakash (4,4)
Last week ’s solution Across: 1 Pourakarmikas, 4 Politicians, 6 ISRO, 9 Midnight, 10 Road works, 11 Hair, 12 Bagalur, 16 Wards, 18 Fortis, 19 Inox, 20 Manipal. ACROSS 1 Minister in charge of Women and child development in the Karnataka State Cabinet (8) 3 A fight over bland kebabs lead to a shootout in a bar in this area recently (7) 9 Party which called for a bandh on 24th June (4)
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
10 The High Court has pulled up the BBMP for the unhygienic conditions in this market (7,8) 13 Restaurant famous for it's lobsters on Airport Road (7) 15 Flyover which the government wants to widen (6) 16 Cosy pub on Cambridge Road (5) 17 Awards handed out by the BBMP,
Down: 2 Rice, 3 Shobha Karandlaje, 5 Lumbini, 7 Elephants, 8 Rahul Sharma, 13 Abhinay, 14 Lok Sabha, 15 Fifteen, 17 Anekal.
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Multiplex on Bannerghatta Road (7) Area in the news when a businessman recently hung himself (7) 7 The body of a kidnapped realtor was found in this village near Kolar (10) 8 Veteran Kannada actress who passed away recently (3,10) 11 The BBMP intends to train them to segregate waste (10) 12 A team of psychiatrists from this hospital are helping the survivors of the Uttarakhand floods cope with trauma (7) 14 Karnataka city just south of Goa (6)
Prof Good Sense I am a 23-year-old student. There is a girl in my class I like very much. We go to parties and films together and hang out in shopping malls. Last month, I proposed to her, but she rejected the idea outright and even avoided me for two weeks. We’re now back to being good friends and meet regularly. How do I let her know I'm interested in being more than just her friend? Venoo, Bangalore It's nice to know that you still believe going slow could help. You have been trying your best. At the moment, that's all you can do. There's no guarantee the girl will fall head-over-heels in love with you just because you spend so much time together. Perseverance usually pays, they say, I hope it does for you. Keep your mind open and prepare for the worst. Relationships work best when they are balanced. Best of luck. Prof M Sreedhara Murthy teaches psychology at NMKRV First Grade College. He is also a well-known photographer. Mail queries to prof@talkmag.in
talk|11 jul 2013|talkmag.in
The future of food and the end of the toilet
The man who predicted the social networked life
Rob Rhinehart, a 24-year-old US techie, is the brain behind a substance that he says could end world hunger, replace food as we know it altogether, and make toilets unnecessary. His idea is simple: source all the basic nutrients the body needs to survive (plus a little extras known to be beneficial) in their chemical form, and put them together in an easily consumable concoction. The result is a thick, odourless, beige liquid he’s dubbed Soylent. He claims to have survived on it for 30 days without any hitch. He’s now crowd-sourcing his project online, and has already raised about Rs 5 crore in a matter of weeks. Is it a hoax, or just another loony business idea? What creeps us out is the fact that it reminded us of a cult scifi movie from the 1970s. It’s set in a dystopian future, where an overcrowded planet survives on rations of a mass-manufactured processed food called... Soylent Green. The twist comes when the hero, played by Charlton Heston, discovers that the stuff is made from, well, human remains. Soylent, a sign of the times? We wonder.
The late British author JG Ballard, an astute social observer, foresaw the coming of social media and its impact way before the Internet was born. Here’s an excerpt from his 1977 Vogue article, dug up by Luke Lewis at Buzzfeed.com: All this, of course, will be mere electronic wallpaper, the background to the main programme in which each of us will be both star and
supporting player. Every one of our actions during the day, across the entire spectrum of life, will be instantly recorded on video-tape. In the evening, we will sit back and scan the rushes, selected by a computer trained to pick out only our best profiles, our wittiest dialogue, our most affecting expressions filmed through
Are you a cognac aficionado? Well, it is nothing to get all puffed up about. In fact, you’re at the lowest rung of cognac drinkers, going by this menu card from The Leela Palace, Bangalore, linked by Madhu Menon on Twitter. In the hotel’s estimate, your cherished aficionadoness is not worth more than 15 ml of their prized Louis XIII (see pic), priced at Rs 6,500. If you’re a ‘connoisseur,’ however, you’re slightly better off, and are eligible for a 30 ml swig that costs twice as
much. To sip a whole peg of it, you have to be a ‘genius’ (like the one who thought this up, we presume). But to have an entire bottle of the rarefied stuff (tag: Rs 2.4 lakh) you need to be a full-blown ‘maharaja’ (read mining magnate, real estate baron, IPL bookie...). Picture this: as you, Good Taste personified, get escorted outside after your 15 ml shot, blabbering incoherently about those “lovely notes of plum”, Money will still be talking.
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the kindest filters, and stitch these together into a heightened re-enactment of the day. Regardless of our place in the family pecking order, each of us within the privacy of our own rooms will be the star in a continually unfolding domestic saga, with parents, husbands, wives and children demoted to an appropriate supporting role . Right on the money, we thought.